Pharmacological Research - Natural Products最新文献

{"title":"Potential of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa extracts in the management of breast cancer: Phytochemical profiling and molecular docking studies","authors":"Nehal Rami ,&nbsp;Keyur Bhatt","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100218","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100218","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women and a leading cause of cancer-related fatalities worldwide. Addressing the ongoing challenges of drug resistance, alongside the need for effective, affordable prevention and treatment strategies, is essential for reducing its impact.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study evaluates the anticancer potential of <em>Aegle marmelos</em> (L.) Corrêa leaf extracts through in vitro assays and in silico molecular studies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Hexane, methanol, and aqueous extracts of <em>Aegle marmelos</em> (L.) Corrêa leaves were screened for phytochemical composition. Antioxidant potential was assessed using the DPPH assay, while anticancer activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. The most potent extract underwent GC-MS and LC-MS analyses to identify bioactive compounds. Selected phytochemicals were subjected to molecular docking studies against Human Estrogen Alpha receptor (PDB ID: 3ERT) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (PDB ID: 2J5F), followed by molecular dynamics simulations to assess complex stability. Toxicity predictions were conducted to evaluate the safety profile of lead compounds.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, and phytosterols. The methanol extract showed strong antioxidant activity (IC50:31.82 ± 0.46 µg/mL), while the hexane extract demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells (IC50:24.27 ± 2.39 µg/mL). GC-MS and LC-MS analyses identified 22 bioactive compounds, among which Caryophyllene oxide emerged as a promising therapeutic candidate due to its strong binding affinity for both Human Estrogen Alpha receptor (PDB ID: 3ERT) and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (PDB ID: 2J5F). Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed its stable interactions, and toxicity assessments indicated a favorable safety profile, reinforcing its potential for breast cancer treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings highlight the potential of <em>Aegle marmelos</em> (L.) Corrêa leaf extracts as a natural anticancer agent, with Caryophyllene oxide emerging as a promising lead compound due to its strong binding affinity, stability, and favorable safety profile. This study provides a foundation for further preclinical and clinical investigations to explore its therapeutic potential for breast cancer treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100218"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748477","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":"Exploration of marine macro algal-derived compounds as antiviral drugs: A review on the types, mechanisms of action, and challenges","authors":"Yuvaraj Dinakarkumar ,&nbsp;Gnanasekaran Ramakrishnan ,&nbsp;Janaki Ramaiah Mekala ,&nbsp;Mallu Maheshwara Reddy ,&nbsp;Rinish Mortin John ,&nbsp;Aishwarya Lakshmi Thasvanth Raj ,&nbsp;Sahiti Chamarthy","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100215","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100215","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The rise of viral diseases has prompted significant interest in marine natural products due to their diverse biological activities. Seaweeds, in particular, have emerged as abundant sources of bioactive compounds, including potent antiviral agents, alongside other therapeutic properties. This review aims to explore the bioactive compounds present in seaweeds and their efficacy against viruses. It also seeks to discuss these compounds' extraction and isolation methodologies, highlighting various techniques involved. Furthermore, it endeavors to address the challenges and opportunities in seaweed research, shaping the future of investigations in this area. This review analyses existing literature on the bioactive compounds derived from seaweeds and their antiviral properties. It evaluates extraction and isolation techniques employed in obtaining these compounds, providing insights into methodologies utilized in their study. Additionally, it analyzes challenges and opportunities in seaweed research, offering perspectives on future directions in the field. Seaweeds harbor a diverse array of bioactive compounds with significant potential in combating viral diseases. The exploration of these compounds and their antiviral efficacy provides valuable insights into novel therapeutic avenues. The field of seaweed research promises exciting opportunities for the development of new antiviral treatments and underscores the importance of continued exploration in this area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100215"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143739613","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 effects of co-administering the flavonoids quercetin and biochanin A on simvastatin toxicity in HepG2 cultures","authors":"Joshua Zechner ,&nbsp;Susan M. Britza ,&nbsp;Rachael Farrington ,&nbsp;Roger W. Byard ,&nbsp;Ian F. Musgrave","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100209","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aims</h3><div>Inhibition of hepatic organic anion transporter polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) or cytochrome 3A4 (CYP3A4) via pharmacokinetic interactions is known to increase the risk of simvastatin-induced myopathy. The flavonoids quercetin and biochanin A are known to inhibit both OATP1B1 and CYP3A4, however it is unknown whether co-administration of these flavonoids with simvastatin is likely to lead to myopathy. Thus, quercetin and biochanin A were co-administered with simvastatin to investigate whether hepatic absorption or metabolism was inhibited.</div></div><div><h3>Main methods</h3><div>The hepatic carcinoma cell line, HepG2 cells was used to model pharmacokinetic interactions. CYP3A4 activity in the HepG2 cultures was confirmed through rifampicin (40 µM) pre-treatment inducing paracetamol (20–50 mM) toxicity. OATP activity in HepG2 cultures was validated using the fluorescent probe pyranine (0–50 µM), followed by inhibition of specific pyranine uptake by the flavonoids quercetin and biochanin A and the drugs gemfibrozil and diltiazem. Toxicity screenings were performed using an MTT assay for simvastatin (20–50 µM) in the absence or presence of diltiazem, gemfibrozil, quercetin and biochanin A (40 µM).</div></div><div><h3>Key findings</h3><div>Quercetin and biochanin A (40 µM) inhibited specific pyranine uptake comparable to the known OATP inhibitor gemfibrozil (40 µM) (n = 4, P ≤ 0.05). 40 µM of gemfibrozil significantly reduced simvastatin toxicity at 20 µM (n = 4, P ≤ 0.05). Quercetin and diltiazem (40 µM) did not modulate simvastatin toxicity. Biochanin A at 40 µM significantly induced simvastatin toxicity at concentrations 20–50 µM (n = 4, P ≤ 0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Quercetin and biochanin A inhibited OATP, possibly implicating them in drug-drug interactions, but simvastatin toxicity in HepG2 cells was not attenuated as initially hypothesised. Biochanin A significantly synergistically increased simvastatin toxicity in HepG2 cultures, which warrants further studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100209"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748475","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":"Hydrophilic fraction of Selaginella convoluta (Arn.) Spring shoots extract: Chemical characterization and embryotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio)","authors":"Luiz Fernando Rodrigues de Souza ,&nbsp;Fernanda Priscila Santos Reginaldo ,&nbsp;João Luiz Bronzel Júnior ,&nbsp;Ana Carolina Luchiari ,&nbsp;Raquel Brandt Giordani","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100216","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100216","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As part of our ongoing efforts to better comprehend the species <em>Selaginella convolute</em> (Arn.) Spring, a desiccation-tolerant plant native to the semiarid Caatinga biome, this study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and safety of the hydrophilic fraction (SHF) derived from their shoots extract using the embryotoxicity test in an <em>in vivo</em> model. UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed an array of phenolic compounds, such as biflavonoids, selaginellins and hydroxycinnamic derivatives. Some, such as selaginpulvilin A and seladoeflavone, are being reported for the first time in <em>S. convoluta</em>. Embryos exposed to concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/ml of the SHF exhibited no signs of toxicity or teratogenicity to zebrafish embryos during the observation period. No mortality was observed among embryos exposed to any concentration of the SHF. However, continuous exposure at a concentration of 10 mg/ml resulted in mortality after 4 hours, with a survival rate below 50 % at 16 hours. The study confirmed the low toxic potential of the SHF during acute exposure and the absence of teratogenic effects across the tested concentrations. A hundred metabolites were detected and just 6.5 % could be annotated regarding online and in-house database. The intriguing chemo diversity of the SHF makes it a promising resource for discovering new chemical entities and developing novel drugs. Moreover, the fraction demonstrates a low toxic potential upon acute exposure <em>in vivo</em>, enhancing its potential for pharmaceutical applications which could drive a biomonitorated isolation to achieve an unequivocal structural assignment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100216"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143724419","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":"Biosynthesis of pectin and its vital role in the bioavailability of phytochemicals associated with therapeutic properties","authors":"Venkatesh Kumar R.,&nbsp;Devika Srivastava,&nbsp;Abhishek Verma,&nbsp;Akash Mishra","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100214","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100214","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pectin is a complex and multifunctional heteropolysaccharide that plays a significant role in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This review comprehensively explores the biosynthesis of pectin, highlighting its formation in plants and subsequent digestion in the form of fermentation, primarily through fermentation by the gut microbiome. Furthermore, the role of pectin in enhancing the bioavailability of plant-derived nutraceuticals is discussed, emphasizing its potential as a delivery vehicle for bioactive compounds. The paper also examines the wide-ranging biological activities of pectin, including its anticancer, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. By integrating current research, this review provides a holistic understanding of pectin's multifaceted roles in human health, positioning it as a promising functional food ingredient and therapeutic agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100214"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143760651","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 the antidiabetic potential of Ceiba pentandra bark powder: Chemical characterization and bioactivity of a new stigmastane","authors":"Jounda Nadège Nelly ,&nbsp;Nouga Bissoué Achille ,&nbsp;Assiéné Agamou Julien Armel ,&nbsp;Happi Nguefa Emmanuel","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100217","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100217","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ethnopharmacological relevance: The management of diabetic patients (DP) with conventional drugs is increasingly being replaced by plant extracts. Among these plants, the bark of <em>Ceiba pentandra</em> (CP) is known for its antidiabetic activities due to its bioactive compounds (BC), the chemical characteristics of which are not fully identified. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical and structural characteristics of the compounds isolated from CP bark powder extracts, as well as those exhibiting the best antidiabetic activity. The bark of CP was harvested and processed into powders. The structures of the chemical compounds isolated from the methanolic extracts of CP bark powder were determined, and the inhibitory activities against digestive enzymes (alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, beta-galactosidase) and antioxidant activities of the extracts and chemical compounds were evaluated. It was found that of the eight identified BC, seven are known and one, belonging to the stigmastane class (phytosterol), with a chemical structure corresponding to stigmastane-1,3,5-triol, is a new compound. This new compound, unlike the extracts of CP, exhibited a higher antihyperglycemic potential than others, including acarbose, and a higher antioxidant activity linked to iron-reducing power (FRAP) than vitamin C. The knowledge of the antidiabetic potential of stigmastane-1,3,5-triol is important in the use of CP bark powders for the management of blood glucose levels in diabetic patients and may contribute to the development of an improved traditional medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100217"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143760650","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":"Lutein abates doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity via modulation of Beclin-1/mTOR signaling pathway mediating inhibition of apoptosis, inflammation and oxidonitrergic stress","authors":"Jennifer Efe Jaiyeoba-Ojigho ,&nbsp;Jerome Ndudi Asiwe ,&nbsp;Blessing Zeinab Ovili-Odili ,&nbsp;Taniyohwo Mamerhi Enaohwo ,&nbsp;Lilian Ebele Chris-Ozoko ,&nbsp;Alexander Obidike Naiho ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Ikechukwu Okolie ,&nbsp;Blessing Ngozi Nwanneka ,&nbsp;Mercy Jesuovotekevwe Aghale ,&nbsp;David Osaze Isehrenhren ,&nbsp;Greatman Nelson Akotonou ,&nbsp;Annie Aiweruosuoghene Ogboru","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Doxorubicin (DOX) is a medication utilized in several solid tumor treatment. However, using it raises the possibility of serious dose-dependent injury to non-target organs such as the testis. Meanwhile, research has shown that the naturally occurring carotenoid lutein, has androgenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is unclear, though, if lutein can lessen the damage that doxorubicin causes on the testicles. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine how lutein ameliorated doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Animals were randomly assigned to four groups and treated with 10 ml, of saline, 15 mg/kg of doxorubicin, 40 mg/kg of lutein and DOX with lutein, respectively. Treatment waas done intraperitoneally for 28 days. Hormonal assay, androgenic enzyme quantification accompanied with antioxidant, apoptotic players, pro-inflammatory cytokine and autophagy mediator assays were done using UV/VIS spectrophotometry, ELISA and histological techniques.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that doxorubicin caused a dysfunctional pituitary-testicular hormonal axis accompanied with low sperm count and semen quality. Also, oxidative stress leading to activation of autophagy which was accompanied with inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis were all associated with doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity. However, treatment with lutein significantly abated these changes and restored normal testicular functions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Lutein abated doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity via modulation of Beclin-1/mTOR signaling pathway mediating inhibition of apoptosis, inflammation and oxidonitrergic stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100210"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681061","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":"Mechanism of antihypertensive and hypocholesterolemic effect of white lupine (Lupinus albus L.): A review","authors":"Kibur Hunie Tesfa ,&nbsp;Asrat Tadele Ewunetie ,&nbsp;Chernet Desalegn Gebeyehu","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100207","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100207","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lupine is a legume that is the main source of plant-derived protein in human nutrition. The high protein content of the lupine seed is a foundation of bioactive peptides. The biological actions of lupine protein and peptides include hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. <em>Lupinus albus L.</em> seeds induce vasorelaxation by stimulating the endothelial nitric oxide synthase-nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway and directly inhibiting voltage-dependent calcium channels. By acting on the renin-angiotensin system, blood pressure is regulated. And, peptides with this potential are called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides. Lupine protein hydrolysate induces complementary cholesterol-lowering effects by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase activity, the contact between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 and the low-density lipoprotein receptor. This dual influence controls both the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 and the low-density lipoprotein receptor signaling pathways. This facilitates hypocholesterolemic effects of lupine peptides and inhibits the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase leading to upregulation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor protein levels by activation of the sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 pathways. In this article, we attempt to address various health benefits that lupine brings and the mechanistic pathway by which lupine protein takes action.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100207"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681058","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":"Antiinflammatory efficacy of n-Hexadecanoic acid from a mangrove plant Excoecaria agallocha L. through in silico, in vitro and in vivo","authors":"Ramamoorthy Purushothaman,&nbsp;Ganapathy Vishnuram,&nbsp;Thirugnanasambandam Ramanathan","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100203","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100203","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The various parts of <em>Excoecaria agallocha L.</em> have been scientifically evaluated for their role in inflammatory reactions. This study aimed to validate the potent anti-inflammatory efficacy of n-Hexadecanoic acid (HDA) isolated from <em>Excoecaria agallocha</em> using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. GC-MS and NMR analyses were employed for compound identification, revealing 30 phytochemical constituents. Molecular docking studies demonstrated strong inhibitory interactions between HDA and key inflammatory mediators, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In vitro, assays confirmed a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory response, including protein denaturation, hypotonicity-induced hemolysis, and heat-induced hemolysis tests. Furthermore, in vivo evaluation using a carrageenan-induced Wistar rat model showed significant attenuation of paw edema in HDA-treated groups compared to the control. These findings collectively establish the potent anti-inflammatory properties of n-Hexadecanoic acid and its potential as a therapeutic candidate for inflammation-related disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100203"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681059","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":"Immunomodulatory effect of a polyherbal formulation (Febrojith) on CD4+/CD8+ T cells and associated inflammatory cytokines in experimental animal model","authors":"Svenia P. Jose ,&nbsp;S. Sheethal ,&nbsp;M. Ratheesh ,&nbsp;A. Sindhu ,&nbsp;S. Sandya ,&nbsp;Aditya Asish ,&nbsp;Sony Rajan","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100211","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2025.100211","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Herbal medicines have been in the mainstay of alternative system of medicine, effectively employed for thousands of years to modulate immune system functions. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory action of a polyherbal formulation febrojith (FB), on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed rats. For this study, rats were treated with 10 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide (Cy) orally for 30 days. Levamisole (Std) was used as the standard drug. The animals were divided into four groups: Group 1: Normal control (NC); Group 2: Cy treated; Group 3: Cy + Std (50 mg/kg bwt); Group 4: Cy + FB (100 mg/ kg bwt). The experimental duration was 30 days. The immunomodulatory effects of FB were evaluated by analyzing various parameters associated with humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The results showed that the FB treatment in immunosuppressed rats alleviated significant changes in organ index and haematological markers. Furthermore, FB treatment significantly balanced Th1 type cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2) and Th2 type cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) levels and thereby regulating and restoring immune functions. FB also enhanced the humoral immune response. Additionally, FB normalized antioxidant enzymes levels compared to the Cy treated group, thereby protecting the normal functioning and architecture of spleen and thymus. Flow cytometry analysis of T-cells subsets (CD 3+, CD4+ and CD 8+) revealed that FB treated group significantly improved the progression of immune cells compared to the Cy- treated group. Histopathological analysis further confirmed that FB treatment reversed Cy induced pathological alterations and protected immune organs. These findings demonstrate that FB can serve as an effective phytotherapeutic agent with potent immunomodulatory action.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100211"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681060","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}