Pharmacological Research - Natural Products最新文献

{"title":"Acalypha indica: A comprehensive review of its natural compounds, and traditional medicine applications in COVID-19 management","authors":"Soumya Ghosh ,&nbsp;Jovana Vunduk ,&nbsp;Norfaizah Mahmud ,&nbsp;Nur Ardiyana Rejab ,&nbsp;Nur Kusaira Khairul Ikram ,&nbsp;Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad Wan-Mohtar ,&nbsp;Swagata Ghosh ,&nbsp;Samar Sami AlKafaas ,&nbsp;Sundus Nsaif Al huchaimi ,&nbsp;Yusufjon Gafforov ,&nbsp;Helen Onyeaka","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100208","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100208","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Indian Copperleaf (<em>Acalypha indica</em>) is a medicinal plant known for its therapeutic potential and applications in disease treatment, including COVID-19. Its medicinal properties stem from bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which exhibit anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, wound-healing, and antioxidant effects. Recent studies have also highlighted its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties, suggesting its possible role in managing COVID-19 symptoms. This review explores the medicinal applications of <em>A</em>. <em>indica</em>, its potential in alleviating COVID-19 symptoms, and its limitations, particularly in the Malaysian healthcare setting. Research indicates that <em>A</em>. <em>indica</em> is effective in preventing microbial infections, modulating immune responses, and treating various ailments, especially when combined with other herbs, metals, and minerals. Since COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, traditional remedies such as <em>A</em>. <em>indica</em> tinctures may help relieve dry cough and lung congestion. Additionally, clinical trials involving <em>A</em>. <em>indica</em> powder have reported reductions in cough, throat pain, and sputum production. Although <em>A. indica</em> has not been proven to cure COVID-19, its antiviral and immune-modulating properties suggest it may aid in symptom relief and infection prevention. In regions where traditional medicine is widely used, <em>A</em>. <em>indica</em> could serve as a complementary treatment. However, further scientific validation through well-structured clinical trials is needed to confirm its efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action. Unlocking the full therapeutic potential of <em>A</em>. <em>indica</em> could contribute to the development of novel herbal treatments for respiratory and viral infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100208"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143715618","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":"Phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial efficacy of ethyl acetate extract-derived Fraction (FE1) from Ficus exasperata Vahl Leaf","authors":"Joy Cecilia Atawodi ,&nbsp;Jonathan Ilemona Achika ,&nbsp;Sunday Ene-Ojo Atawodi ,&nbsp;Rachael Gbekele-Oluwa Ayo","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100213","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100213","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The increasing prevalence of microbial resistance and oxidative stress-related diseases has driven the search for natural compounds with therapeutic potential. <em>Ficus exasperata</em> Vahl, commonly used in traditional medicine, is believed to possess bioactive properties worth investigating. This study aimed to identify the chemical constituents of <em>Ficus exasperata</em> leaf extract and evaluate its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, focusing on a key ethyl acetate-derived fraction (FE1). <em>Ficus exasperata</em> leaves were sequentially extracted using methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hexane. Fraction FE1, isolated from the methanolic extract, was characterized using UV, FT-IR, and GC-MS techniques. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging and ferric-ion-reducing power assays. Antimicrobial efficacy was tested against <em>Escherichia coli</em>, <em>Proteus mirabilis</em>, and <em>Candida tropicalis</em> using the agar well diffusion method. The UV and FT-IR analyses of FE1 identified hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, suggesting the presence of bioactive fatty acids. GC-MS confirmed hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid) as the major component, along with nonadecane and 2-pentadecanone. The FE1 exhibited moderate antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 87.623 ± 0.65 μg/mL) and strong antimicrobial effects, particularly against <em>E. coli</em> (35 mm), <em>P. mirabilis</em> (30 mm), and <em>C. tropicalis</em> (25 mm). The FE1 from <em>Ficus exasperata</em> shows significant antimicrobial and antioxidant potential, making it a promising candidate for novel therapeutic development. Further research should explore its mechanisms of action and possible applications in combination therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100213"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143680521","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":"Quercetin promises anticancer activity through PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway: A literature review","authors":"Ali Mohamod Wasaf Hasan ,&nbsp;Md. Sakib Al Hasan ,&nbsp;Md. Mizan ,&nbsp;Md. Shawon Miah ,&nbsp;Mohammed Burhan Uddin ,&nbsp;Emon Mia ,&nbsp;Noshin Tasnim Yana ,&nbsp;Md. Arif Hossain ,&nbsp;Muhammad Torequl Islam","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100206","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100206","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway plays a critical role in regulating cellular growth, proliferation, and survival, with its dysregulation being a hallmark of various cancers. Quercetin (QUR), a natural flavonoid, exhibits significant anticancer activity by modulating this pathway. This review examines the anticancer potential of QUR through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, emphasizing its mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, toxicological profile, clinical relevance, and therapeutic applications. A systematic search of databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, was conducted. <em>In vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> studies across multiple cancer models were analyzed. QUR inhibits PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling across cancers, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, brain, and colon. In breast cancer (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231), QUR reduced Akt/mTOR activity at 0.5–100 µM concentrations and 50 mg/kg doses <em>in vivo</em>. Prostate cancer models (LNCaP, PC-3) showed suppression at 200 µM, with efficacy <em>in vivo</em> at 75–200 mg/kg. Pancreatic (MIA PaCa-2), colon (HT-29), and brain cancer (U87) models exhibited similar effects. Despite its promising anticancer effects, QUR’s toxicological profile reveals dose-dependent hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and potential drug interactions due to cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibition. Clinical evidence suggests QUR possesses antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective benefits, but its limited bioavailability and safety concerns necessitate further pharmacokinetic optimization. Future research should focus on clinical trials, combination therapies, and advanced delivery systems to enhance therapeutic efficacy while mitigating toxicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100206"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643256","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":"Modulation of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant status and inflammatory mediator levels in alloxan-induced diabetic male wistar rats by (Ipomoea batatas) sweet potatoes","authors":"Ojichukwuka Ebere Chijioke-Agu,&nbsp;Chinedum Uche Emelike","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100205","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100205","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that throws off the equilibrium between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants. To better understand how sweet potato-incorporated feed affects fasting blood glucose levels, antioxidant activity, and the protective benefits of Ipomoea batatas against alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats, this study was conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Sweet potatoes were analyzed for phytochemicals, proximate compositions, and mineral components. Analysis of the vitamin and amino acid profiles was carried out using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in accordance with normal procedures. Twenty male rats were randomly selected and divided into four groups. Alloxan was injected intraperitoneally into ten rats at a fasting state, which formed groups B and D (Diabetic control group and Test group), and the remaining ten rats were non-diabetic groups A and C (Non-diabetic control and Test group). The fasting blood glucose levels were measured on days 1, 7 and 14 of the experiment. The rats were sacrificed, and samples were obtained for oxidative stress markers, antioxidant status and inflammatory mediator levels analysis following standard methods.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings indicated the presence of vitamin B (cobalamin, biotin, and pantothenic acid), vitamin D (ergosterol, ergocalciferol), and vitamin A (β-carotene, lycopene, retinal, and γ-carotene). The amino acid profile showed the presence of glutamic acid, lysine, tryptophan, glycine, leucine, threonine and cysteine. According to the study, group D had significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels than the control groups, but group B had significantly higher levels than group A (p &gt; 0.05). Oxidative stress activity showed a significant decrease (p &gt; 0.05) in all groups for glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The consumption of sweet potatoes has been proven to have anti-diabetic properties and to be therapeutically effective in mellitus and other health issues associated with managing diabetes antioxidant activity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143680522","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":"Comparative analysis of in vitro antioxidant and wound healing activities of Indian paalai plant extracts and investigation of their phytochemical profile by GC-MS","authors":"Sathiyan Niranjana ,&nbsp;Anantha Udupa Prarthana ,&nbsp;Aiswarya Ganapathisankarakrishnan ,&nbsp;Dhakshinamoorthy Sundaramurthi ,&nbsp;Vellingiri Vadivel","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100202","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100202","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wound healing refers to the natural physiological process comprising four overlapping phases through which the body restores damaged tissues following an injury. One of the factors that affect wound healing is oxidative stress caused by excessive release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Conventional wound care often includes the use of antibiotics and antiseptics. However, they do not act specifically against oxidative stress and also pose a significant risk for allergies and irritations, highlighting the necessity for alternative treatment approaches. Phytomedicines, such as <em>vetpaalai thailam</em> derived from <em>Wrightia tinctoria</em> leaves, offer promising alternatives for wound healing in Indian system of medicine. While <em>vetpaalai</em> has been traditionally used for this purpose, other plants with similar nomenclature in local Tamil language, including <em>Alstonia scholaris</em> (<em>Ezhilaipaalai</em>), <em>Argyreia nervosa</em> (<em>Kadarpaalai</em>), <em>Aristolochia bracteolata</em> (<em>Aadutheendapaalai</em>), <em>Holarrhena pubescens</em> (<em>Kudasapaalai</em>) and <em>Manilkara hexandra</em> (<em>Ulakaipaalai</em>), remain unexplored in this regard. Therefore, in this project the antioxidant and wound healing activities of various <em>paalai</em> plants were assessed through <em>in vitro</em> assays. The ROS scavenging activity, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation properties of <em>paalai</em> plant extracts were compared to understand their wound healing potential. Extracts of <em>paalai</em> plants demonstrated better antioxidant activity compared to their respective oils in each sample. Among extracts, <em>M. hexandra</em> recorded superior antioxidant activity, demonstrated cytotoxic effects on cells and did not promote scratch closure, suggesting limitations in its potential for wound healing applications. Alternatively, <em>A. nervosa</em> and <em>A. scholaris</em> extracts exhibited better antioxidant activity, enhanced scratch (wound) closure, and demonstrated safety, indicating their potential wound healing efficacy. Among the investigated <em>paalai</em> plants, extracts of <em>A. nervosa</em> and <em>A. scholaris</em> were found to possess promising activity to reduce the oxidative stress and promote cell migration and proliferation based on <em>in vitro</em> wound healing studies. Additional research is necessary to investigate their precise mechanisms and development of potential commercial products for wound healing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100202"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643255","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":"Biofabrication of iron and silver nanoparticles using Desmodium triflorum and their antimicrobial activity in vitro","authors":"V.K. Linima,&nbsp;R. Ragunathan,&nbsp;Jesteena Johney","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100204","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100204","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Nanotechnology stands as one of the most effectual and influential domains in contemporary materials science. Environmentally friendly methods have emerged as a noteworthy advancement compared to conventional techniques, providing a more dependable and economical means of synthesizing metal nanoparticles.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, leaves extract of <em>Desmodium triflorum</em> was utilized as the medium for the synthesis of iron and silver nanoparticles. A comprehensive suite of analyses was performed, including phytochemical screening, thin-layer chromatography, antioxidant activity assessment, and GC-MS analysis. The nanoparticles were synthesized employing established methodologies such as UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Subsequently, the antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles was assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The GC-MS analysis of the leaves extract revealed the antioxidant potential of phytoconstituents responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, which showed notable peaks at 358 nm for iron nanoparticles and 446 nm for silver nanoparticles. The biological moieties involved in the synthesis were confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The crystallinity of the materials was verified by X-ray Diffraction analysis, and the morphology of the nanomaterials was examined through Scanning Electron Microscopy. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy studies indicated that the iron nanoparticles consisted of 38.08 % iron and 61.92 % oxygen, while the silver nanoparticles contained 40.38 % silver and 59.62 % oxygen. Transmission Electron Microscopy micrographs revealed spherical shapes for the iron nanoparticles and a combination of spherical and round shapes for the silver nanoparticles, with an average size of approximately 50 nm. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of the synthesized iron and silver nanoparticles were evaluated, including the determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration.</div><div>The antimicrobial activity results demonstrated potent bactericidal effects against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, with inhibition zones of 5 ± 0.061 mm and 7 ± 0.019 mm for the iron and silver nanoparticles, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings suggest that iron and silver nanoparticles synthesized using <em>Desmodium triflorum</em> leaves extract hold promising potential for applications in the medical field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100204"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643254","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 role of traditional Chinese medicine in addressing the challenges of Clostridial gas gangrene: A multifaceted approach","authors":"Pavithra Bharathy ,&nbsp;Punniyakoti V. Thanikachalam","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100198","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100198","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a promising alternative approach for managing gas gangrene caused by Clostridium species. Gas gangrene is a severe, rapidly progressing soft tissue infection, characterized by extensive necrosis, gas formation, and systemic toxicity. Conventional treatment involves antibiotics, surgical debridement, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy; however, challenges such as antibiotic resistance and incomplete tissue regeneration persist. TCM compounds exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against Clostridium species by targeting bacterial replication, toxin production, and virulence factors. Berberine, baicalin, and emodin disrupt bacterial cell membranes, inhibit enzyme activity, and reduce toxin synthesis. TCM also addresses the pathogenic effects of alpha and theta toxins, which are key drivers of tissue destruction in gas gangrene. Compounds, such as epigallocatechin gallate and baicalin, neutralize these toxins, preventing cell lysis and vascular damage. Furthermore, TCM exerts anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by regulating cytokine production and macrophage polarization to limit excessive inflammation and support bacterial clearance. Polysaccharides from <em>Astragalus membranaceus</em> and <em>Ganoderma lucidum</em> enhance phagocytosis and modulate T-cell responses, whereas flavonoids, such as luteolin, reduce oxidative stress. TCM also promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration through compounds, such as asiaticoside and salvianolic acid B, which stimulate angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast proliferation. These multifaceted mechanisms position TCM as a valuable adjunct or alternative to conventional antibiotics in addressing bacterial elimination, toxin neutralization, inflammation control, and tissue repair in gas gangrene management. Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical efficacy and safety of TCM in treating gas gangrene, and to develop standardized formulations for integration into modern medical practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100198"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143643197","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":"Significance of Indian hematinic herbal beverages, and future perspectives","authors":"Devi Datt Joshi ,&nbsp;Lokesh Deb ,&nbsp;Bharat G. Somkuwar ,&nbsp;Virendra Singh Rana","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100178","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100178","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Traditional herbal beverages have been used as medicine around the world to reduce oxidative stress. The chemical composition of these herbs depends on geographic and climatic factors, giving them unique healing properties. The Indian sub-continent has a rich variety of medicinal plants and has been using herbal beverages to treat various ailments for centuries. With advancements in bio-molecular knowledge, these beverages are gaining popularity. The current study aimed to collect scattered information on the therapeutic ingredients of Indian traditional hematinic herbal beverages, understand their mechanism of action, and identify knowledge gaps for future research.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed literature from 1980 to March 2024 on Indian traditional herbal beverages known for their hematinic properties. We used various relevant keywords to search computerized databases and manually examined cross-references to select research papers published in English.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The research on 15 Indian traditional herbal hematinic beverages shows that most of them are non-fermented tisanes. They are made by collecting, bleaching, and wilting tender leaves, buds, fruits, flowers, stems, and roots. Although these beverages have been used successfully for centuries, there is still a knowledge gap regarding their mechanism of action.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to a high-pressure society that requires extended alertness, resulting in metabolic disorders such as iron deficiency anemia. Traditional herbal practices have been effective in treating these disorders with minimal side effects compared to allopathic medicines. Research data on these beverages with GI tags may provide evidence for the development of evidence-based food, leading to the creation of modern green medicine and globally available anti-anemic beverages.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143629390","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":"Exploring natural plant compounds against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: An analytical and computational approach for drug discovery","authors":"Neelanjan Chowdhury,&nbsp;Suraj Sakharam Kutre,&nbsp;Pethakamsetti Mounika Sai,&nbsp;Satheesh Kumar Nanjappan","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100191","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100191","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The COVID-19 pandemic's unexpected outbreak devastated the global population on all fronts produced by SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus that the human immune system had never encountered. Expert opinion nearly instantly agreed that a mass immunization program would be the most efficient means of combating the epidemic by artificially boosting immunity. Nevertheless, it took over a year for the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved. Definite treatment to manage COVID-19 is still a challenge. Aspirational eyes are being focused on phytoconstituents to eliminate the COVID-19 pandemic. The review's insights include a diverse natural product that appears to be significantly acting on potential host-based and virus-based targets. Lycorene, berberine, cannabidiol, baicalein, punicalagin, mangiferin, and silymarin are some compounds that are being used to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. The first barrier is broken by spike proteins at the membrane with ACE 2 and TMPRSS 2 receptors, where these targets are specifically inhibited by emodin and bromhexine, respectively. <em>Solanum trilobatum</em> L., <em>Alnus japonica, Angelica keiskei</em> (Miq.) Koidz.<em>,</em> and <em>Glycyrrhiza spp</em>. are a few plants that act on CLpro and PLpro proteinases. Helicase, part of RTC, can be blocked by scutellarein, isolated from <em>Scutellaria baicalensis</em> Georgi. Besides synthetic drugs, we must also consciously concentrate on the medicinal values of plant-based resources to defeat any pandemic situation. The review here anchors distinct analytical tools used in diagnosis. Techniques like Mass spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance fill up the potential loopholes in conventional RT-PCR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100191"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143578473","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":"Traditional herbal medicines as a preventive strategy for prediabetes and metabolic syndrome – A comprehensive review","authors":"Sathya Karunakaran ,&nbsp;Harini Priya Anbu ,&nbsp;Keerthana Vijayakumar ,&nbsp;Sangamithra Senthilkumar ,&nbsp;Yuvaraj Dinakarkumar","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100199","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100199","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prediabetes and metabolic syndrome are turning out to be two of the biggest threats to global health, mainly due to bad lifestyle choices and poor diet. Prediabetes is a stage with respect to an individual when blood glucose levels are high and it tends to progress in a silent fashion to more serious health conditions. However, metabolic syndrome represents a cluster of risk factors shown to elevate the risks of diseases associated with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Herbal remedies, often used with lifestyle changes, have been relatively successful in controlling blood glucose levels, with improvements in metabolic health and reduction in inflammation. Relevant literatures have been retrieved from scientific databases like Scopus, Science Direct, Springer Link, Wiley, Google Scholar, Elsevier and Web of Science. The data collection was carried out using specific keywords like Herbal remedies, Impaired glucose tolerance, Insulin resistance, Metabolic disorders, Signaling pathways, Alternative medicine. This review will discuss the promise of herbal medicine in the prevention and management of prediabetes and metabolic syndrome, engage on the pathophysiology of the disorders, highlight the best herbs that have produced beneficial effects in studies and mention the challenges limiting the pervasive adoption of herbal interventions. Finally, this paper will outline future directions to push for further research, standardization and integration of herbal remedies into mainstream healthcare practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"6 ","pages":"Article 100199"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143592494","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}