Pharmaceutical Biology最新文献

{"title":"The effect of provenance and species on the chemical composition of <i>Epilobium</i> herbal tea.","authors":"Olha Mykhailenko, Banaz Jalil, Kateryna Uminska, Liudas Ivanauskas, Zigmantas Gudžinskas, Michael Heinrich","doi":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2672676","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2672676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Commercial herbal teas marketed as <i>Epilobium</i> herb are widely consumed in Europe for prostate-related and anti-inflammatory effects. However, they are often sold under generic names without clear species differentiation or quality specifications, raising concerns about chemical consistency and therapeutic equivalence.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the chemical equivalence of commercial <i>Epilobium</i> products and refine the framework for quality marker selection by integrating pharmacological relevance with structural assessment.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Sixteen commercial tea samples labeled as <i>E. angustifolium, E. parviflorum, E. hirsutum</i>, from eight European countries were analyzed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and validated by HPLC-DAD. Candidate markers were prioritized using the Herbal Chemical Marker Ranking System (Herb MaRS) and further assessed <i>via</i> Pan-Assay Interference Compounds (PAINS) structural filters.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant qualitative and quantitative heterogeneity was observed across all samples, including those labeled as the same species. Oenothein B was the dominant compound but exhibited high variability (7.9-48.7 mg/g DW; CV >50%) and was significantly higher in <i>E. hirsutum</i> (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Flavonol glycosides (e.g., hyperoside, isoquercitrin) also varied substantially. Although species identity influenced phenolic profiles, overlapping concentration ranges indicated a lack of chemical equivalence among products. Geographic origin contributed additional but secondary variability.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Oenothein B, hyperoside, and isoquercitrin were identified as priority quality markers based on abundance and analytical suitability. Structural reassessment demonstrated that pharmacological ranking alone may be misleading for polyphenol-rich matrices due to redox-related interference.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Commercial <i>Epilobium</i> teas differ chemically and are not interchangeable. A structure-informed approach is essential for reliable quality assessment and for aligning commercial products with pharmacopeial standards.</p>","PeriodicalId":19942,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutical Biology","volume":"64 1","pages":"783-806"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13185070/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147974223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fermented <i>Moringa oleifera</i> leaves and <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> mixtures ameliorate cognitive deficits in scopolamine-induced dementia rats by enhancing brain antioxidant and cholinergic functions.","authors":"Ye Muhamad Aprizal, Mohd Izwan Mohamad Yusof, Norashirene Mohamad Jamil, Yuliadi Zamroni, Noor Syaffinaz Noor Mohamad Zin, Nur Saffa Aini Emran Yusli, Nur Fatin Farhana Zapri, Nurdiana Samsulrizal","doi":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2613838","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2613838","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong><i>Moringa oleifera</i> Lam. (Moringaceae) and <i>Ganoderma lucidum</i> (Curtis) P. Karst. (Ganodermataceae) are two natural resources with established neuroprotective properties. However, whether their combination is safe and has neuroprotective effects against dementia remains unexplored.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, toxicity profile, and neuroprotective activity of fermented <i>M. oleifera</i> and <i>G. lucidum</i> mixture (FMG) in scopolamine-induced dementia model rats.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>FMG was produced by fermentation with <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>. A state of cognitive impairment was induced in rats <i>via</i> daily intraperitoneal administration of scopolamine (4 mg/kg) for 28 days. Following a two-week treatment period, cognitive function was assessed using the Y-maze. Postmortem analyses included biochemical assays to measure brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress markers, and histological examination of the hippocampus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>LC-MS analysis revealed a rich phytochemical profile. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was 200 mg/kg/day, while the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) was 600 mg/kg/day. Treatment at the 200 mg/kg dose significantly reversed memory deficits, restoring spontaneous alternation from 29.1% in scopolamine-treated rats to 82.6% (<i>p</i> < 0.05). This behavioral recovery was correlated with a significant reduction in brain AChE activity, a normalization of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) levels, and the restoration of hippocampal neuronal architecture.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>The restorative effects of FMG are mediated by a dual mechanism involving the enhancement of central cholinergic and antioxidant systems. These results suggest that FMG possesses neuroprotective and antioxidant properties and could be a promising candidate for the management of cognitive deficits.</p>","PeriodicalId":19942,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutical Biology","volume":"64 1","pages":"234-255"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12829421/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146019289","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative analysis of <i>in vitro</i> immunomodulatory potential of four <i>Gentiana</i> species.","authors":"Sara Milijanovic, Anastasija Malesevic, Aleksandra Popov Aleksandrov, Stanislava Stanojevic, Snezana Jaric, Dijana Krstic-Milosevic, Ivana Mirkov, Dina Tucovic","doi":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2639061","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2639061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Among <i>Gentiana</i> species present in the Balkan Peninsula, eight are used in traditional medicine mainly for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, but other applications have also been recorded, including improving the immune system and health maintenance.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the immunomodulatory potential of methanol extracts obtained from the aerial parts of <i>Gentiana asclepiadea</i>, <i>G. utriculosa</i>, <i>G. cruciata</i>, and <i>G. dinarica</i>.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Following phytochemical analysis of <i>Gentiana</i> extracts by HPLC, splenocytes isolated from Wistar rats were stimulated with the extracts in culture for 48 h, and changes in cell viability and function (nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cytokine production) were examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the examined extracts, <i>G. asclepiadea</i> was the most toxic to immune cells (IC₂₀ = 146 μg/ml), followed by <i>G. dinarica</i> (IC₂₀ = 331 μg/ml), <i>G. utriculosa</i> (IC₂₀ = 467 μg/ml), and <i>G. cruciata</i> (IC₂₀ = 705 μg/ml). <i>G. asclepiadea</i> and <i>G. cruciata</i> extracts both suppressed (2 μg/ml) and stimulated (10 and 50 μg/ml) interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, while <i>G. cruciata</i> extract additionally suppressed interleukin (IL)-10 but stimulated the IL-17 response. Extracts obtained from <i>G. utriculosa</i> and <i>G. dinarica</i> suppressed MPO (all examined doses), IL-6 (10 and 50 μg/ml), IL-17 (2 μg/ml), and IFN-γ (50 μg/ml).</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>All examined <i>Gentiana</i> species extracts have the potential to modulate immune system function, which may be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":19942,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutical Biology","volume":"64 1","pages":"435-450"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12973847/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147377808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rarely reported cases of hepatotoxicity associated with turmeric- and curcuminoid-containing dietary supplements: a comprehensive review by USP.","authors":"Nadeem Akhtar, Joanne Barnes, Paula Gardiner, Bill J Gurley, Richard Ko, Igor Koturbash, Deval Patel, Richard B van Breemen, Amy L Roe","doi":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2693375","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2693375","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Dietary Supplement Admission Evaluation and Labeling Expert Committee (DSAEL EC) routinely monitors safety‑related literature for dietary ingredients covered by USP monographs. Following multiple reports of hepatotoxicity associated with turmeric- or curcuminoid-containing products, the DSAEL EC conducted a comprehensive evaluation.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the safety of turmeric and curcuminoids and determine whether cautionary labeling should be added to the USP monographs for these ingredients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following USP Guidelines, the DSAEL EC reviewed safety and toxicological information.</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>Hepatotoxicity has been observed with high-dose turmeric rhizome powder or extract in a few rodent toxicology studies. Numerous clinical trials involving turmeric- or curcuminoid-containing supplements have not reported organ toxicity or serious adverse events. Published case reports of clinically apparent liver injury often involve concomitant medications or supplements. Reported hepatotoxicity typically occurs after 1 to 4 months of use and generally resolves upon discontinuation; cases of acute liver failure have been reported albeit rarely. Proposed mechanisms include idiosyncratic, immune-mediated injury, and emerging evidence suggests possible genetic susceptibility.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The USP DSAEL EC recommends adding the following cautionary statement to its turmeric and curcuminoids monographs: <i>Liver problems have been reported very rarely in people taking supplements containing turmeric and/or curcuminoids. Consult your health-care practitioner before using this product if you have a history of liver problems. Stop using this product if you develop symptoms such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), and seek medical advice.</i></p>","PeriodicalId":19942,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutical Biology","volume":"64 1","pages":"866-901"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13312837/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148339649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Harnessing nature: a systematic exploration of <i>in vitro</i> antileishmanial and antihuman African trypanosomal properties in traditional medicinal plants and their active principles.","authors":"Qamar Uddin Ahmed, Nur Adlina Mat Nasir, Taslima Begum, A B M Helal Uddin, Humaira Parveen, Mona O Albalawi, Muhammad Muzaffar Ali Khan Khattak, Syed Najmul Hejaz Azmi, Murni Nazira Sarian, Adelya Desi Kurniawati, Zainul Amiruddin Zakaria","doi":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2635206","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2635206","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Current treatments for leishmaniasis and Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) are constrained by toxicity, high costs, and the growing threat of parasite resistance. In this context, natural products have emerged as promising alternatives, offering the potential for safer and more cost‑effective therapeutic interventions.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This review assesses the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of medicinal plants, underscoring their significance in addressing parasitic diseases and identifying promising candidates for future drug discovery and development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted for literature published between 2003 and 2023. Studies were considered eligible if they reported <i>in vitro</i> activities of extracts or compounds against <i>Leishmania</i> spp. or <i>Trypanosoma brucei</i> with IC₅₀ < 10 µg/mL. Data included plant species, extraction methods, parasite strains, active compound(s), cytotoxicity profiles, and traditional uses. The quality of each study was evaluated based on the reproducibility of experimental procedures.</p><p><strong>Results and conclusions: </strong>A total of fifty eligible articles were included. 217 plants demonstrated potent activity (IC₅。 < 10 µg/mL) against <i>Leishmania</i> spp. and/or <i>T. brucei</i>. Among these, 41 species had documented traditional use in the treatment of leishmaniasis or HAT, whereas 76 were traditionally employed for unrelated ailments yet exhibited scientific evidence of antiparasitic efficacy. Notably, 67 species were active against both parasites, 120 displayed selective antitrypanosomal, and 30 showed selective antileishmanial activities. Exemplary candidates include <i>Achillea ptarmica</i> L. (pellitorine), <i>Allium sativum</i> L. (allicin, ajoene), <i>Strychnos spinosa</i> Lam. (triterpenoids), <i>Tridax procumbens</i> L. (oxylipin), and <i>Marrubium incanum</i> Desr. (salvigenin). More studies should define mechanisms and <i>in vivo</i> efficacy.<b>Systematic review registration:</b> Not registered.</p>","PeriodicalId":19942,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutical Biology","volume":"64 1","pages":"398-413"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12961707/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147348802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative cardioprotective effects of Kuanxiong Aerosol and its individual components in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction.","authors":"Kai Qian, Xiao-Jing Fan, Xiao-Kang Peng, Ye-Feng Chen, Meng-Meng Xu, Jin-Ting Zhang, Yang-Yang Zhu, Tao Yang, Yuan-Hang Zheng, Yu Tang, Yi Luo","doi":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2626099","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2626099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA), composed of volatile oils from sandalwood (<i>Santalum album L.</i>), galangal (<i>Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma</i>), asarum (<i>Asari Radix</i>), pepper (<i>Piper longum L.</i>), and borneol, is used to treat cardiovascular conditions. However, its scientific basis and the contribution of its individual components remain poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>We investigated the chemical composition, dose-dependent efficacy, and cardioprotective effects of KXA and its individual components in a rat acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>KXA and its components were characterized using GC-MS. AMI was induced in rats by left anterior descending (LAD) ligation. Animals were pretreated with low-dose (120 µL/kg) or high-dose (200 µL/kg) KXA, its individual components (120 µL/kg), or isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN; 5 mg/kg). Cardioprotective effects were assessed <i>via</i> electrocardiography, TTC staining, histopathology, hemodynamics, and serum cardiac biomarkers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Low-dose KXA provided significant cardioprotection, improving ST-segment elevation, infarct size, histopathology, hemodynamic, and biochemical markers, with efficacy comparable or more pronounced to ISMN. In contrast, high-dose KXA was less effective. Sandalwood and asarum oils were the primary anti-ischemic agents, while galangal oil, pepper oil, and borneol provided complementary anti-fibrotic and hemodynamic support. However, individual components or high doses exhibited limited efficacy and potential adverse effects.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>KXA's cardioprotection stems from the synergistic action of its components targeting ischemia, fibrosis, inflammation, and cardiac dysfunction. This study provides evidence supporting the cardioprotective potential of low-dose, multi-component KXA, indicating that such balanced formulations may offer broader benefits than high-dose or single-agent approaches. Further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and refine the formulation for clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19942,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutical Biology","volume":"64 1","pages":"295-311"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12912229/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146202456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Qigui didang decoction alleviates renal injury in a diabetic kidney disease model with metabolic memory features: association with ferroptosis and the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway.","authors":"Yusen Wu, Lifei Fan, Hongyi You, Yuhui Lu, Min Lin","doi":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2648168","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2648168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the renoprotective effects of QGDD in a DKD model exhibiting metabolic memory features and to explore its potential mechanism involving the regulation of ferroptosis <i>via</i> the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A DKD rat model was induced using streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were assigned to the Blank Control Group (C), Model Group (M), Metformin group (Met), and low-, medium-, and high-dose QGDD groups (QGDD-L/M/H). Intervention effects were assessed by monitoring body weight, fasting blood glucose, renal function markers (24-UTP, BUN, Scr, Cys-C, β2-MG), renal histopathology (HE/Masson staining), oxidative stress markers (Fe²⁺, MDA, GSH, SOD), cell death indicators (TUNEL, ROS), and expression of genes and proteins associated with the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway (RT-qPCR, Western blot).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All QGDD dose groups decreased 24-hour urinary protein excretion and serum levels of BUN, Scr, Cys-C, and β2-MG. The medium-dose QGDD group notably reduced renal Fe²⁺ and MDA levels, increased GSH and SOD activity, and inhibited ROS accumulation and cellular apoptosis. QGDD activated the SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway, significantly upregulating the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4, while suppressing the accumulation of AGEs and Ferritin.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>QGDD mitigated the persistent elevation of AGEs, a hallmark of metabolic memory in DKD by activating the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis-associated lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Its multi-target synergistic effects provide a solid experimental foundation for the use of Chinese herbal formulations in treating DKD. The medium-dose group demonstrated optimal therapeutic efficacy, emphasizing the significance of dose optimization.</p>","PeriodicalId":19942,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutical Biology","volume":"64 1","pages":"536-555"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13015086/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147504589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CB001 bioactive compounds mitigate intestinal immune dysregulation induced by simulated microgravity and radiation via B cells modulation.","authors":"Jinfeng Liu, Zhijie Bai, Yang Dong, Yuxin Wang, Jiamiao Li, Ningning Wang, Xizheng Wang, Jie Guo, Wei Zhou, Yue Gao, Xiaoying Wang","doi":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2675166","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2675166","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gastrointestinal discomfort is a prevalent issue during spaceflight, yet targeted therapeutic strategies remain elusive. Existing research largely relies on single-factor modeling, limiting a comprehensive understanding of the underlying pathologies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We established a composite mouse model combining simulated microgravity (hindlimb unloading) and low-dose radiation (Cobalt-60) to evaluate intestinal injury and the therapeutic potential of CB001. Mechanisms were investigated through histological analysis, in vitro co-culture assays, and flow cytometry assessment of B-cell dynamics and IgA/IgG secretion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The dual-factor model more effectively simulated spaceflight-induced injuries than single-factor models, showing significant intestinal inflammation and homeostasis disruption. Mechanistically, dual factors promoted CCR7⁺ B cells migration into the intestine by upregulating CXCR4 expression, subsequently enhancing leukocyte activation. CB001 treatment mitigated these intestinal perturbations by restoring tight junction proteins, suppressing excessive B-cell migration, and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, in vitro assays confirmed that CB001 directly enhanced B-cell viability and augmented IgA/IgG secretion, thereby promoting mucosal repair.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CB001 is a promising candidate for mitigating spaceflight-induced intestinal dysfunction, as identified using a novel dual-factor mouse model. These data shed light on strategies for screening protective medicines to safeguard astronaut health during space missions.</p>","PeriodicalId":19942,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutical Biology","volume":"64 1","pages":"807-820"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13228171/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148144180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protective effects of icariin in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: mechanistic basis, post-ischemic protection and translational limitations.","authors":"Xuefei Wang, Zongliang Yu, Xiaoya Li, Lanqing Hu, Changxin Sun, Yajie Wang, Liang Li, Min Wu, Longtao Liu","doi":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2740872","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2740872","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Icariin (ICA), a prenylated flavonol glycoside from Epimedii Folium, has been investigated in experimental models relevant to atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and ischemic tissue injury.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This review evaluates experimental evidence on ICA in atherosclerotic plaque biology, post-myocardial infarction remodeling, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and cerebral ischemic injury.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>PubMed and the Web of Science Core Collection were searched from database inception to 19 August 2026, and studies were selected using predefined eligibility criteria. Targeted searches also covered pharmacokinetics, metabolism, toxicology, botanical source, quality control, formulation, and delivery.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In atherosclerosis models, ICA reduced endothelial inflammatory activation, macrophage lipid uptake, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration, and lesion burden. Several mechanistic links were tested using pharmacological or genetic perturbation. <i>In vivo</i> studies primarily characterized lesion burden and circulating lipids, with less direct assessment of plaque composition and stability. Post-myocardial infarction and ischemic injury studies reported reductions in fibrosis and ischemic tissue injury, together with reduced mitochondrial injury and changes in inflammatory signaling, apoptosis, and ferroptosis-related processes. Functional improvement was also reported in several models. Few studies measured parent ICA or metabolite concentrations in plaque, myocardium, or brain in the same experiments in which pathological outcomes were assessed.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Future studies should quantify parent ICA and active metabolites in diseased tissues while assessing plaque composition and stability in the same experiments, so that vascular effects can be related to measured <i>in vivo</i> exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":19942,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutical Biology","volume":"64 1","pages":"1066-1086"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13656681/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149149701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zexie decoction alleviates hyperlipidemia through modulation of the PPAR signaling pathway and lysophospholipid metabolism.","authors":"Sen Li, Zhao-Quan Wen, Pan Yan","doi":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2687990","DOIUrl":"10.1080/13880209.2026.2687990","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Context: </strong>Zexie Decoction (ZXD) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription that has long been used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. However, its material basis and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This research aims to explore the effective compounds and lipid-lowering mechanism of ZXD in the treatment of hyperlipidemia by integrating serum pharmacochemistry, network pharmacology and targeted lipidomics.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia mouse model was established for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of ZXD. The absorbed components of ZXD in serum were identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). Network pharmacology analysis based on <i>in vivo</i> absorbed components was subsequently performed to construct molecular networks and predict potential mechanisms. Furthermore, targeted lipidomics was employed to characterize lysophospholipid metabolic changes associated with ZXD treatment for hyperlipidemia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pharmacodynamic evaluation demonstrated that ZXD exerted significant lipid-lowering effects on hyperlipidemic mice. Serum pharmacochemistry analysis identified twelve absorbed constituents, including 3 prototype compounds and 9 metabolites. Network pharmacology analysis demonstrated that ZXD primarily modulated lipid metabolism-associated pathways, particularly the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway and the lipid and atherosclerosis pathways. Molecular docking further revealed strong binding affinities between the major bioactive compounds of ZXD and key targets PPARA and PPARG. In addition, targeted lipidomics identified 36 lysophospholipid biomarkers associated with ZXD-mediated amelioration of hyperlipidemia.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>Integrated analysis indicates that ZXD alleviates hyperlipidemia in association with modulation of the PPAR signaling pathway and lysophospholipid metabolism, highlighting a potential lysophospholipid-PPAR regulatory mechanism.</p>","PeriodicalId":19942,"journal":{"name":"Pharmaceutical Biology","volume":"64 1","pages":"848-865"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2026-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13270863/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148252744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}