Pharmacological Research - Natural Products最新文献

{"title":"Harnessing Egyptian medicinal plants for diabetes management: A focus on type 2 diabetes mellitus","authors":"Menna M. Aboelkhier ,&nbsp;Nada Esmael ,&nbsp;Aya H. Badr ,&nbsp;Ahmed T. Noufal ,&nbsp;Nahed Mohammed Abd Elazim ,&nbsp;Shimaa Abo elfotoh Habash ,&nbsp;Berlanty A. Zayed ,&nbsp;Ahmed M. Talaia ,&nbsp;Heba Bedair","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100394","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100394","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, primarily due to insulin resistance or inadequate insulin secretion. Persistent hyperglycemia is associated with serious complications, making effective management essential. Recent research has highlighted the potential of phytochemicals derived from Egyptian medicinal plants in modulating blood glucose levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity. However, the specific efficacy of compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, and quercetin from these plants remains underexplored. This review aims to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of Egyptian flora through both preclinical and clinical studies, with a focus on promising species that warrant further investigation. A comprehensive literature search up to July 2025 was conducted, examining the effects of phytochemical-rich plants such as <em>Balanites aegyptiaca</em> (Zygophyllaceae), <em>Acacia nilotica</em> (Fabaceae), <em>Zea mays</em> L. (Poaceae), <em>Rumex vesicarius</em> L. (Polygonaceae), and <em>Ajuga iva</em> (Lamiaceae) on glycemic control, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and organ safety. Among 256 identified species, bioactive compounds including flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic acids, charantin, and saponins were prevalent in widely distributed plants like <em>Centaurea alexandrina</em>, <em>Caralluma europaea</em>, <em>Calotropis procera</em>, and <em>Rhus coriaria</em>, found across deserts, oases, and coastal regions. Animal model studies have demonstrated these plants’ ability to reduce oxidative stress and improve pancreatic function. Clinical trials further confirmed their efficacy, showing significant reductions in blood glucose, BMI, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, HbA1c, and liver enzymes, alongside improved HDL levels compared to placebo groups. Clinical trials further confirmed their efficacy, showing significant reductions in blood glucose, BMI, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, HbA1c, and liver enzymes, alongside improved HDL levels compared to placebo groups. In conclusion, Egyptian medicinal plants offer promising therapeutic potential for T2DM management by targeting key metabolic pathways. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests that small RNA therapeutics—such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs)—may complement phytochemical-based treatments by modulating gene expression involved in insulin signaling, inflammation, and glucose homeostasis. Integrating these molecular tools with plant-derived therapies could open new avenues for precision medicine in diabetes care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100394"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222207","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":"Unraveling the therapeutic potential of Tephrosia linearis: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic activity, and molecular docking approaches","authors":"Moses Opio ,&nbsp;Kenedy Kiyimba ,&nbsp;Catherine Nabitandikwa ,&nbsp;Richard Maseruka ,&nbsp;Tony Lukwago Wotoyitidde ,&nbsp;Moses Andima ,&nbsp;Mercy Chebijira ,&nbsp;Sharon Tracy Edeya ,&nbsp;Alice Nabatanzi ,&nbsp;Yahaya Gavamukulya ,&nbsp;Dan Kibuule ,&nbsp;Paul Waako ,&nbsp;Richard Oriko Owor ,&nbsp;Samuel Baker Obakiro","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100389","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100389","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis affect over 300 million people globally. The current treatment mainly involves the use of Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which possess several adverse drug reactions that are sometimes life threatening. This has prompted many patients to gain interest in plant-based remedies. <em>Tephrosia linearis</em> (Willd.) Pers (Fabaceae) is widely used in Uganda to manage symptoms of inflammation. However, there was a paucity of information concerning its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and acute toxicity effects of ethanolic extracts from the aerial parts of <em>Tephrosia linearis</em> in Wistar albino rats.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Plant samples were collected from Katakwi District, Eastern Uganda and extracted using 70 % ethanol. Quantitative phytochemical analysis was conducted using UV/Vis spectroscopy. Acute toxicity was assessed using Lorke’s method, while analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated through Complete Freud’s Adjuvant-induced arthritis model. Three doses of <em>T. linearis</em> (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) were compared with a control group receiving 20 mg/kg of diclofenac. Three marker compounds were assessed using <em>in silico</em> modeling to predict their pharmacokinetic properties, organ toxicity, and binding energy against selected protein targets involved in inflammation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The ethanolic extract contained significant concentrations of flavonoids (82.9 ± 0.1 mg/g), tannins (140.2 ± 0.9 mg/g), alkaloids (93.4 ± 1.0 mg/g), and triterpenoids (76.1 ± 1.5 mg/g). No toxic effects were observed at doses below 2000 mg/kg, with an estimated LD50 of 2692 mg/kg. The extract exhibited a non-dose dependent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities that were significantly lower than that of diclofenac (p &lt; 0.05). Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities for apigenin, luteolin, and velutin with COX2, PLA2, and TNFα.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study supports <em>T. linearis</em> as a safe herbal remedy for managing inflammation, suggesting further optimization through active ingredient isolation for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100389"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222206","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":"The influence of dichloromethane fraction of Phyllanthus amarus leaf ethanol extract on some cytokines, antioxidant and apoptotic biomarkers in Swiss albino mice treated with 1–2 dimethylhydrazine","authors":"F.O. Omoregie,&nbsp;O.M. Olude","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100392","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100392","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Phyllanthus amarus</em> is traditionally used for various diseases and ailments. Earlier literatures indicated the potency of this plant in ameliorating hepatitis, malarial, diabetes and inflammation. This research focused on the influence of Dichloromethane fraction (DCM) of <em>Phyllanthus amarus</em> leaf ethanol extract on some cytokines, antioxidant and apoptotic biomarkers in mice induced with colon carcinoma. Twenty-five mice with weight 21–25 g were utilized in a 90-day study (12 weeks). The animals were randomly divided into 5 groups: Group 1(Control) group 2(20 mg/kg DMH + 250 mg/kg DCM fraction of <em>P</em>. <em>amarus</em>), group 3(20 mg/kg DMH + 350 mg/kg DCM fraction of <em>P</em>.<em>amarus</em>), group 4(20 mg/kg DMH + 450 mg/kg DCM fraction of <em>P</em>.<em>amarus</em>) and group 5 (20 mg/kg DMH). They were given feed and clean water <em>ad</em>-<em>libitum</em> and lighting (12-hour light/dark cycle). I, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) was administered orally for eight weeks (3 times a week). The extract was administered for 28 days (once daily) with the aid of a gavage immediately after colon cancer induction. Colon cancer was evaluated by the formation of aberrant crypt foci in the colon of DMH treated mice. The results for antioxidant parameters showed decrease in the activity of SOD in group 2 and 5. The activity of CAT in control was significantly different from groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 at <em>P &lt; 0</em>.<em>05</em>. Invariably, 450 mg/kg DCM fraction was able to increase the activity of CAT close to that of the control group. MDA level was not significantly altered across all plant treated groups except DMH treated. No significant difference was observed in GSH and GPx activity across all groups. On cytokine activity; when compared to control, IL-6 concentration was not significantly altered for plant treated groups but DMH treated. While IL-10 activity was significantly different in groups 2 and 5 at <em>P &lt; 0</em>.<em>05</em>. For TNF-α concentration, there was no significant difference within the control and plant treated groups except 450 mg/kg DCM fraction and DMH treated groups. No significant difference was observed in TP-53 across all the groups, DMH treated had the least concentration. For Cas-3 and 9 activity, control was significantly different from DMH treated and 250 mg/kg DCM fraction. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentration of control was significant different from DMH treated. The investigation thus emphasized that DCM fraction of <em>P</em>.<em>amarus</em> influenced cytokines as well as apoptotic biomarkers against 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine induced colon carcinoma in mice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100392"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222294","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":"Assessment of subacute toxicity, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the ethanolic extract from Croton blanchetianus Baill. leaves","authors":"Anderson Felipe Soares de Freitas,&nbsp;Ramona Widmer,&nbsp;Matheus Ferreira do Nascimento,&nbsp;Wêndeo Kennedy Costa,&nbsp;Patrícia Maria Guedes Paiva,&nbsp;Maria Tereza dos Santos Correia,&nbsp;Suéllen Pedrosa da Silva,&nbsp;Thâmarah de Albuquerque Lima,&nbsp;Alisson Macário de Oliveira,&nbsp;Thiago Henrique Napoleão","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100395","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100395","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A previous study demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of <em>Croton blanchetianus</em> Baill. leaves did not show acute toxicity in mice when administered orally. The present study aimed to evaluate the subacute toxicity of this extract via oral administration in mice over 2 or 4 weeks. Additionally, the extract was assessed for its anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities. Daily oral administration of the ethanolic extract of <em>C. blanchetianus</em> leaves for 2 and 4 weeks at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg did not result in mortality or induce significant behavioral changes in male and female mice. An increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase levels was observed in the 500 and 1000 mg/kg treatments over both 2 and 4 weeks. Histological analysis showed no changes in the liver and spleen but a reduction in the Bowman’s space of renal glomeruli was observed in the 1000 mg/kg treatment. The extract exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, reducing paw edema volume by 34.07 %, 39.72 %, and 58.27 % at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively. The extract at 200 mg/kg also showed antipyretic activity in a fever model induced by <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em>. In conclusion, the extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, encouraging further studies on this plant; however, the results indicate the need for caution regarding dosage and prolonged use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100395"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222204","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":"Elucidating the potential of phytochemicals in targeting various signalling pathways of oral cancer: Current update on their clinical translational potential","authors":"Abin V. Geevarghese ,&nbsp;Hariprasad Ranganathan","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100388","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100388","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oral cancer is a global health concern, which has strong connection with various etiological factors which include tobacco, alcohol, betel quid use, human papillomavirus infection, and genetic/epigenetic alterations. Current treatment approaches, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, often suffer various draw backs due to limited efficacy and resistance, underscoring the need for safer, more effective alternatives. Novel phytochemical such as curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, isothiocyanates, and lycopene have emerged as promising candidates for the management of oral squamous cell carcinoma due to their multitargeted molecular actions and low toxicity. Lycopene, a carotenoid present abundantly in tomatoes,which has been proven to inhibit epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and induce apoptosis in Oral Squamoous cell carcinoma via suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, while also upregulating the E-cadherin expression and reducing the oxidative DNA damage. Similarly, isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane, phenethyl isothiocyanate) which modulate the activities of p53, Bax/Bcl-2, caspases and histone deacetylases activity which lead to apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of metastasis. These compounds also influence critical pathways mainly NF-κB, MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin, thereby decereasing the proliferation, angiogenesis, and invasion of cancer.Although the promising results in various preclinical studies various challenges include poor solubility, low bioavailability, and limited targeted delivery systems downregulate their therapeutic potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100388"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222292","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":"L-amino acid oxidases from snake venom: A review of their anticancer mechanisms and translational potential","authors":"Abin V. Geevarghese ,&nbsp;Hariprasad Ranganathan ,&nbsp;R. Vishvanathan ,&nbsp;P. Roshan Benjamin","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100391","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100391","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) is primarily a flavoprotein that has been identified in the crude venom of various snake species worldwide and has gained significant attention in the biotechnology and pharmacology fields for its potential in developing novel anticancer agents. The primary pharmacological mechanism of L-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) involves the oxidative deamination of L-amino acids, resulting in the production of α-keto acids, with the release of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide as byproducts in the reaction. The generation of Hydrogen peroxide plays a major role in inducing oxidative stress, which leads to cancer cell death. L-amino acid oxidases (LAAO), which include ACTX-8 and ACTX-6, have been shown to produce anticancer activity through pharmacological mechanisms that include DNA fragmentation. This review highlights the various aspects of L-amino acid oxidase by critically analyzing their structural and enzymatic characteristics, and evaluates their anticancer potential with a special focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100391"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222203","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":"An overview of the anticancer activity of astaxanthin and the associated cellular and molecular mechanisms","authors":"Hoda Mojir-Forushani ,&nbsp;Elaheh Karimzadeh-Soureshjani ,&nbsp;Farab Pourhasan ,&nbsp;Alireza Amouzandeh-nobaveh","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100390","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100390","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>A lipophilic, reddish pigment derived from microorganisms and marine organisms, astaxanthin (ASX) exhibits substantial antioxidant activities. ASX is utilized in various forms, serving as a food colorant, antioxidant, and pharmaceutical ingredient.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The current narrative review summarized the beneficial effects of astaxanthin on health. All studies, including in vitro, in vivo, systematic reviews, from years 2000–2025, were evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Research supports its preventive and therapeutic effects on cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), inflammation, diabetes and nervous system, which can largely be ascribed to its inherent properties of anti-inflammation and antioxidant capabilities. Preclinical investigations, have demonstrated that ASX exerts its anti-tumorigenic effects. ASX acts through mechanisms related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial targeting. Additionally, ASX enhances the susceptibility of cancerous cells to chemotherapeutic agents while mitigating side effects. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated its ability to inhibit tumor progression, enhance apoptotic pathways, modulate gene expression associated with cellular viability and death, prevent damage to DNA, and subsequently induce cell cycle arrest in various cancerous models. Promising results in cancer treatment, along with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, underscore its potential as an adjuvant therapy to enhance the effectiveness of various cancer treatments in the future.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>ASX demonstrates significant potential in impeding proliferation, motility, and also invasion of cancer cells, while enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents through multiple mechanisms. Utilizing innovative nanotechnology, a range of delivery vehicles, notably solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), have been engineered to encapsulate ASX, thereby enhancing its stability and bioavailability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100390"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222293","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":"LC-MS investigation of neurotransmitter modulation in Alzheimer’s disease: Protective role of ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa","authors":"Mamatha Gavisiddaiah ,&nbsp;Somashekar M. Metri ,&nbsp;Santhepete Nanjundaiah Manjula ,&nbsp;Kenganora Mruthunjaya ,&nbsp;Shankar Thapa","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100383","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100383","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by significant alterations in neurotransmitter levels, leading to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. This study investigates the potential protective role of <em>Nigella sativa</em> ethanolic extract in modulating neurotransmitters in an AD-induced animal model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The phytochemical profiling of <em>N. sativa</em> extract was conducted through GC-MS/LC-MS analysis. LC-MS analysis of brain homogenates revealed that neurotransmitter levels, including acetylcholine (ACh), serotonin (5-HT), L-glutamic acid, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), were significantly reduced in the disease control (DC) group compared to the normal (N) group.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We identified main phytoconstituents of <em>N. sativa</em> extract. Major components identified included thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol, and α-hederin. Treatment with <em>N. sativa</em> extract demonstrated a dose-dependent restoration of neurotransmitter levels, with the high-dose group (NS2, 400 mg/kg) showing a more substantial effect than the low-dose group (NS1, 200 mg/kg). PCA analysis confirmed distinct clustering of groups, indicating metabolic alterations due to AD and restoration upon treatment. Statistical analysis confirmed significant improvements (<em>p &lt; 0.05</em>) in neurotransmitter levels in treatment groups.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings suggest that <em>N. sativa</em> may offer neuroprotective benefits in AD by modulating neurotransmitter homeostasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100383"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159974","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":"Antioxidant, cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing properties Carissa carandas L. against lung carcinoma cells: Insights from leaf, young & ripe fruit extracts","authors":"Payal Sargara ,&nbsp;M. Nataraj ,&nbsp;Ramalingam B. Subramanian ,&nbsp;Anjali B. Thakkar","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100385","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100385","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for effective therapeutic agents. Although <em>Carissa carandas</em> L. has demonstrated diverse biological activities, comparative evaluations of its cytotoxic potential across different plant parts against lung carcinoma are limited. This study comprehensively assessed the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and apoptosis-inducing properties of <em>C. carandas</em> extracts derived from leaves (CCL), young fruits (CCF-Y), and ripe fruits (CCF-R) on A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Qualitative phytochemical profiling, cell viability assays, migration inhibition, apoptosis detection, and gene expression analyses were performed. Leaf extract (CCL) exhibited the highest total phenolic content (98.65 ± 0.03 mg/g GAE) and superior antioxidant activity (IC₅₀: 2.34 ± 0.28 μg/mL), correlating with potent cytotoxic effects (IC₅₀: 11.77 ± 3.08 μg/mL), surpassing those of fruit extracts. All extracts significantly inhibited cancer cell migration and induced apoptosis through enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial membrane potential disruption. Gene expression analysis of CCL-treated cells revealed marked upregulation of apoptotic markers, including caspase-9, caspase-3, and caspase-8, indicating activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways. HRLCMS revealed the presence of various phytochemicals in CCL extract. These results highlight the potential of <em>C. carandas</em>, particularly its leaf extract, as a valuable natural source of cytotoxic agents against lung carcinoma. Future investigations to identify and characterize the responsible bioactive phytochemicals are warranted to facilitate development of novel therapeutic compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100385"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159979","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":"Unveiling the anti-cancer potential of Melissa officinalis","authors":"Komal Thapa ,&nbsp;Neha Kanojia ,&nbsp;Heena Khan ,&nbsp;Jatin Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100384","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The anticancer potential of Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) is evaluated in this paper, with particular attention paid to the phytochemicals luteolin, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid that are responsible for the plant's cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and anti-proliferative qualities.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>A thorough literature search was carried out using keywords associated with Melissa officinalis (MO) and cancer in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to evaluate studies published in English between 2010 and 2024. A total of 120 full-texts were evaluated out of the 350 records that were collected, and 85 studies were included. The experimental design, cancer models, phytochemicals examined, and molecular mechanisms of action of the chosen research were all examined.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results from both in vitro and in vivo models show that MO suppresses the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways, causes cell cycle arrest, lowers oxidative stress, and induces apoptosis (via Bax, Bcl-2, and caspases). Prostate (PC-3), colorectal (HT-29), and breast (MCF-7) cancer cells showed significant cytotoxicity, indicating that it may be used as an adjuvant in cancer treatment while additional clinical research is conducted. The anticancer potential of MO has been discussed in this review, with special emphasis on phytoconstituents such as luteolin, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid that give the plant its cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, and anti-proliferative properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100384"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159976","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}