Cletus Anes Ukwubile, Ademola Clement Famurewa, Salihu Njidda, Roland Nnaemeka Okoro, Saifullahi Umar, Henry Nettey, Yusuf Babagana, Sumaila Mejida
{"title":"Lantana camara–derived phytochemical delivery via chitosan nanoparticles suppresses IL-6–driven JAK/STAT3 signaling and androgen-independent prostate cancer progression","authors":"Cletus Anes Ukwubile, Ademola Clement Famurewa, Salihu Njidda, Roland Nnaemeka Okoro, Saifullahi Umar, Henry Nettey, Yusuf Babagana, Sumaila Mejida","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100870","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100870","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity, underscoring the need for efficient and targeted therapeutic strategies. This study elucidated the mechanistic basis and in vivo performance of Lantana camara phytochemicals delivered via chitosan nanoparticles (LC-CSNPs) and evaluated their anticancer efficacy. LC-CSNPs were successfully formulated with a mean particle size of 165–190 nm, narrow polydispersity (PDI < 0.30), positive zeta potential (+28 to +32 mV), and high drug-entrapment efficiency (78.6 ± 3.4%). <em>In vitro</em> release studies demonstrated sustained phytochemical release (∼72% over 48 h), best described by the Higuchi (R² = 0.984) and Korsmeyer–Peppas (R² = 0.976, n = 0.48) models, indicating diffusion-controlled kinetics. LC-CSNPs exhibited significantly enhanced cytotoxicity against PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells, with IC₅₀ values of 8.2 ± 0.9 µg/mL and 10.6 ± 1.1 µg/mL, respectively, compared with the free phytochemical (22.4 ± 2.3 µg/mL and 26.8 ± 2.7 µg/mL). High selectivity indices (SI = 3.4–4.1) relative to RWPE-1 normal prostate epithelial cells were observed. Mechanistically, LC-CSNPs markedly suppressed IL-6-induced JAK/STAT3 signaling, reducing p-JAK1, p-JAK2, and p-STAT3 levels by 55–70%, while inhibiting epithelial–mesenchymal transition and immune evasion markers (vimentin, Snail, and PD-L1) and restoring E-cadherin expression. In PC-3 xenograft mice, LC-CSNPs reduced tumor volume by 62.8% (low dose) and 78.4% (high dose) without significant changes in body weight or serum toxicity markers. Biodistribution analysis confirmed preferential tumor accumulation (∼3.6-fold higher tumor-to-liver ratio) and prolonged systemic circulation. This study provides strong preclinical evidence supporting LC-CSNPs as a safe and enhanced nanotherapeutic platform for prostate cancer management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100870"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148951387","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}
Oluwasayo Esther Ogunjinmi, Olayombo Margaret Banwo, Basheet Tobiloba Fayoyin, Anthony Feranmi Ogunsola, Olayiwola Olusola John
{"title":"A comparative study of antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and sensory properties of orange peels as a fortifier in skimmed milk- and cashew-based yogurt","authors":"Oluwasayo Esther Ogunjinmi, Olayombo Margaret Banwo, Basheet Tobiloba Fayoyin, Anthony Feranmi Ogunsola, Olayiwola Olusola John","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100873","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100873","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global rise in demand for functional foods has driven interest in the development of plant-based products enriched with natural bioactive compounds. Orange peels are rich in flavonoids and other phenolic compounds that possess potent antioxidant activity. Incorporating them into yogurt can enhance the overall antioxidant capacity of the final product, which is linked to combating oxidative stress and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Hence, this study investigated skimmed milk- and cashew-based yogurts enriched with orange peel extract (1%) and evaluated their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and sensory properties. Orange peel extract was obtained through maceration in ethanol, analysis of its phytochemical constituents using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity was assessed with the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical method, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using brine shrimp lethality assay, with all analyses done in triplicate. GC-MS revealed 27 compounds, with 9-Octadecenoic acid (<em>Z</em>)-methyl ester as the main component. Cashew-based yogurt enriched with orange peel extract demonstrated higher antioxidant (IC<sub>50</sub> = 679.22 ± 5.36 µg/mL) and cytotoxicity (LC<sub>50</sub> = 309.44 ± 0.00 µg/mL) compared to skimmed milk based yogurt (IC<sub>50</sub> = 1213.14 ± 1.55 µg/mL; LC<sub>50</sub> = 701.17 ± 0.00 µg/mL). Sensory evaluations indicated that while both yogurt types were generally acceptable, cashew-based yogurt ranked lower in palatability. The sensory parameters such as taste, flavor, mouthfeel, and consistency were slightly similar between both fortified yogurts enriched with orange peel extract; hence, no significant differences were observed. However, significant differences in color and appearance (p < 0.05) were observed. The fortified cashew-based yogurt exhibited potential antioxidant and cytotoxic properties and fair consumer preference.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100873"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148951388","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":"Synergistic immune modulation through poly-herbal formulations integrated with novel drug delivery technologies","authors":"Nupoor Lokhande, Lekha Salsekar, Govind Gupta, Abhilasha Dwivedi, Swati Pandey, Ashish Dutta","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100868","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100868","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Immune-related disorders, including autoimmune diseases, allergic conditions, recurrent infections, and chronic inflammatory states, are increasing globally and require effective immune regulation. Although conventional immunomodulatory therapies are widely used, their long-term use is often associated with adverse effects, high costs, and limited accessibility. The need for safer and accessible therapeutic approaches has increased interest in medicinal plants. However, challenges related to bioavailability, stability, and clinical translation highlight the importance of advanced drug delivery systems.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This review evaluates the immunomodulatory potential of medicinal plants and the role of advanced drug delivery systems in improving their therapeutic application. It highlights current challenges and emerging approaches for developing standardized and clinically relevant herbal immunomodulatory therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A literature search was performed using Google Scholar, PubMed, and other databases. Studies (2012–2025) were reviewed to identify immunomodulatory medicinal plants, their mechanisms, and pharmacokinetic limitations, using evidence from <em>in-vitro, in-vivo</em>, and clinical studies.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Medicinal plants such as <em>Withania somnifera</em>, <em>Tinospora cordifolia</em>, and <em>Curcuma longa</em> show notable immunomodulatory effects by regulating cytokine production and immune cell activity. However, most plant-derived bioactives suffer from poor solubility, instability, and low bioavailability. Novel delivery systems, including phytosomes, liposomes, nanoemulsions, and nanoparticles, enhance their stability, absorption, and targeted immune action. Polyherbal formulations may further provide synergistic effects by acting on multiple immune pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This review integrates evidence from in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical studies to summarize the immunomodulatory potential of medicinal plants in managing immune-related disorders. Despite promising results, clinical translation of herbal bioactives and polyherbal formulations is limited by raw material variability, lack of standardization, stability issues, regulatory challenges, and insufficient clinical evidence. Further studies are required to optimize their combination with advanced drug delivery systems and ensure long-term safety, reproducibility, and scalability. Overcoming these challenges through quality control, standardized manufacturing, and robust clinical trials is essential for successful therapeutic application.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100868"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148958318","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}
Krupa Thankam George, Ademola C. Famurewa, PV Anuranjana, Fathima Beegum, K.P. Divya, Anna Mathew, Abhinav Kanwal, Gollapalle Lakshminarayanashastry Viswanatha, Sreedhara Ranganath K. Pai, Krishnadas Nandakumar
{"title":"Moringa oleifera Lam. in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: A review of preclinical evidence","authors":"Krupa Thankam George, Ademola C. Famurewa, PV Anuranjana, Fathima Beegum, K.P. Divya, Anna Mathew, Abhinav Kanwal, Gollapalle Lakshminarayanashastry Viswanatha, Sreedhara Ranganath K. Pai, Krishnadas Nandakumar","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100864","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100864","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective anthracycline chemotherapeutic agent whose clinical application is limited by cumulative, dose-dependent cardiotoxicity driven by oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory signaling, and apoptosis. Although several natural products have been investigated for cardioprotection, a focused synthesis of evidence regarding <em>Moringa oleifera</em> Lam. in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity is lacking.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To systematically appraise and narratively synthesize preclinical in vivo evidence evaluating the cardioprotective effects of <em>M. oleifera</em> in experimental models of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to November 2025. We included preclinical in vivo animal studies assessing M. oleifera preparations in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity models. We extracted data on plant preparation, dosing regimens, experimental design, and cardiotoxicity-related biochemical and histopathological outcomes. We qualitatively assessed risk of bias using the SYRCLE tool.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ten in vivo animal studies met the predefined inclusion criteria. Across models, <em>M. oleifera</em> administration attenuated doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, as evidenced by restored endogenous antioxidant defenses, reduced lipid peroxidation, modulated inflammatory mediators, and improved myocardial histopathology. These effects correspond to established oxidative and apoptotic pathways implicated in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. We identified no additional eligible in vitro studies or clinical trials. Methodological reporting was frequently incomplete, with several SYRCLE domains rated as unclear risk of bias.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Current in vivo evidence suggests that <em>M. oleifera</em> exhibits mechanistically plausible cardioprotective effects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. However, heterogeneity and limitations in reporting quality warrant cautious interpretation and highlight the need for rigorously designed translational and clinical investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100864"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148958317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Curzerene and curzerenone: two furanosesquiterpenoids of interest for cancer treatment and beyond","authors":"Christian Bailly","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100872","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100872","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The two related sesquiterpenes curzerene and curzerenone have been found in many plants, notably in the rhizomes of <em>Curcuma</em> species and other Asian medicinal plants and essential oils. These two natural products, present in several traditional Chinese medicines, belong to a family of furanosesquiterpenoids which includes the less stable analogues furanodiene and furanodienone. Synthetic processes have been described to obtain curzere(no)ne and analogues such as <em>epi</em>- and pyro-curzerenone. An overview of the chemistry and pharmacology of these natural products is reported here. Curzere(no)ne display antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They have shown modest but significant activities against distinct viruses, bacteria, and certain parasites, as well as insecticidal properties. They showed an interest also to limit hyperlipidemia and neuroinflammation. But the most promising point refers to their anticancer activities. Curzerenone combines three complementary properties: (i) inhibition of cancer cell survival and proliferation, (ii) reduction of tumor cell migration and invasion, (iii) promotion of T cell activation and proliferation, notably via a down-regulation of the PD-L1 checkpoint. These properties translate into a capacity of curzerenone to reduce markedly tumor growth in vivo. These considerations shall encourage the development of more potent and safer curzerenone derivatives. Small molecules capable of suppressing immune evasion of tumors are actively searched. Curzerenone represents an interesting scaffold, chemically accessible, to design novel regulators of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint. The review highlights the interest for these two natural products in oncology and beyond.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100872"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148958319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ethnobotanical knowledge and bioinformatics validation of medicinal plants in Kimvuenga Commune, Northern Angola","authors":"Monizi Mawunu , Butoto Imani wa Rusaati , Dorcas Tlhapi , Ntsoaki Malebo , Thea Lautenschläger , Luyindula Ndiku , Kitete Mulongo , Colette Ashande Masengo , Lukoki Luyeye , Koto–Te-Nyiwa Ngbolua","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100778","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100778","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>For millennia, plants have been indispensable for human societies, serving as the cornerstone of traditional medicine. In Kimvuenga commune of northern Angola, medicinal plants are essential for primary healthcare and cultural identity. However, despite their widespread use, the ethnobotanical knowledge tied to these species has received little scientific attention, risking the erosion of valuable traditional practices. This study was intended to document and examine the diversity of medicinal plants utilized by rural populations in Kimvuenga.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Research was conducted from January to March 2024, using semi-structured interviews and field observations. A total of 159 respondents (81 females and 78 males) were surveyed. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices—including Relative Frequency of Citation, Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Family Importance Value—were applied to assess cultural significance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 75 medicinal plant taxa were identified. The most frequently cited species included <em>Persea americana</em>, <em>Carica papaya</em>, <em>Elaeis guineensis</em>, and <em>Dysphania ambrosioides</em>. Leaves represented the dominant plant part used, decoction was the most common preparation method, and oral administration was the preferred route. The highest ICF values were recorded for reproductive disorders, malaria and fever, and nervous system diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Kimvuenga exhibits remarkable ethnobotanical diversity. Conservation and rigorous scientific validation are vital to protect this heritage and promote the integration of phytomedicines into Universal Health Coverage, providing affordable, sustainable, and culturally grounded healthcare alternatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100778"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184125","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}
R. Thiagu , D. Yuvaraj , B. Prakash , G. Abirami , K. Ashok Kumar , M. Jayanthi , P. Senthilkumar , Kumar Krishnan , M. Suganthi
{"title":"From taxonomy to therapeutics: Integrating DNA barcoding and antimicrobial screening of marine brown algae against shrimp pathogens","authors":"R. Thiagu , D. Yuvaraj , B. Prakash , G. Abirami , K. Ashok Kumar , M. Jayanthi , P. Senthilkumar , Kumar Krishnan , M. Suganthi","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100788","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100788","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To critically integrate current evidence on the therapeutic potential of marine brown algae against aquaculture shrimp pathogens, with particular emphasis on the contribution of DNA barcoding to improve species identification and strengthening antimicrobial investigations.</div></div><div><h3>Significance of review</h3><div>The rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in shrimp aquaculture has intensified the need for environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional antimicrobial agents. Marine brown algae are recognized as a rich source of structurally diverse bioactive metabolites, many of which have demonstrated antimicrobial activity. The integration of DNA barcoding with bioactivity screening improves taxonomic accuracy and enhances the reliability and reproducibility of bioprospecting efforts aimed at aquaculture disease management.</div></div><div><h3>Key findings</h3><div>Significant progress has been made in the molecular identification of brown algae, with the combined use of rbcL and ITS markers achieving a reported species resolution of > 90%. Antimicrobial screening studies identified brown algal species exhibiting inhibitory effects against major shrimp pathogens. Among these, species belonging to the genera <em>Sargassum</em> and <em>Turbinaria</em> were most frequently reported to demonstrate comparatively stronger pathogen suppression. Collectively, the findings highlight the important role of accurate taxonomic validation in enhancing the consistency and interpretability of antimicrobial screening results, emphasizing the complementary relationship between molecular barcoding and pharmacological evaluation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The integration of DNA barcoding and antimicrobial screening offers an integrated framework for advancing the discovery of marine-derived therapeutic candidates for shrimp aquaculture. Future research should focus on mechanistic studies, methodological standardization and validation through controlled in vivo aquaculture trials to enable practical deployment in aquaculture systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100788"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148184188","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":"Impact of Different Classes Of Ocular Anti-Hypotensive Therapies In The Management Of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma At The Ophthalmology Service Of Cocody University Hospital","authors":"Kakou Augustine, Doumbia Assita, Kra Alla Siméon, Kouassi Francois Xavier, Kamagaté Mamadou","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100693","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100693"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148565327","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}