{"title":"Self-Medication With Herbal Remedies During Pregnancy: Practices, Reasons, and Adverse Effects.","authors":"Mandana Sayadi Mank-Halati, Maryam Janatolmakan, Shahab Rezaeian, Sahar Omidi, Alireza Khatony","doi":"10.1155/sci5/1784792","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/1784792","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite limited knowledge about the benefits and adverse effects of herbal remedies during pregnancy, self-medication with these substances among pregnant women is increasing. The lack of precise data on the prevalence and reasons for this phenomenon poses a significant challenge to designing and implementing effective interventions to reduce it. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication with herbal remedies among pregnant women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 166 pregnant women visiting health centers affiliated with primary healthcare facilities in Kermanshah, western Iran, were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated researcher-designed questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 18. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All 166 pregnant women with a mean age of 32.6 ± 5.1 years in this study reported using herbal remedies during pregnancy. The most common herbs consumed were fenugreek (89.8%), mint (71.1%), and cardamom (60.2%). The primary reasons for consumption were nausea and vomiting (12.7%), preventing neonatal jaundice (9%), and respiratory problems (6.6%). Despite this, 30.7% of women reported experiencing side effects such as abdominal pain (10.8%), headache (10.2%), and insomnia (3.6%) after consuming herbal remedies. Participants rated the effectiveness of herbal remedies as moderate (57.8%) and high (27.1%). However, only 30.7% were moderately satisfied and 28.9% were slightly dissatisfied with self-medication with herbal remedies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this study indicate a high prevalence of self-medication with herbal remedies during pregnancy. Given the serious risks associated with the unsupervised use of these substances, including miscarriage and macrosomia, interventional measures to raise awareness among pregnant women about the dangers of self-medicating with herbal remedies for both mother and fetus are essential. Utilizing mass media to disseminate this information is particularly crucial. Furthermore, conducting clinical trials to investigate the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies during pregnancy is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"1784792"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13358800/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148437782","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}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-07-08eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/9869575
{"title":"Correction to \"Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Iningai Aboriginal Medicinal Plants From Central Queensland, Australia\".","authors":"","doi":"10.1155/sci5/9869575","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/9869575","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/sci5/5727253.].</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9869575"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343364/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148412771","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}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-06-30eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/6124916
Nawfal Hasan Siam, Najibah Nasrin, Sharmily Saiyara, Hridoy Saha, Debashis Paul Deb, Johirul Islam
{"title":"Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals as Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease: An Integrative Review of Preclinical and Clinical Evidence.","authors":"Nawfal Hasan Siam, Najibah Nasrin, Sharmily Saiyara, Hridoy Saha, Debashis Paul Deb, Johirul Islam","doi":"10.1155/sci5/6124916","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/6124916","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by <i>β-amyloid</i> deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier disruption, collectively leading to widespread cortical and subcortical atrophy. Current FDA-approved pharmacotherapies, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, provide only modest symptomatic relief and fail to halt disease progression, underscoring the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Growing evidence highlights medicinal plants and their bioactive phytoconstituents as promising candidates for AD prevention and treatment because of their multitarget mechanisms, favorable safety profiles, and long history of traditional use. This review synthesizes extensive in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies demonstrating the neuroprotective potential of plant extracts and isolated compounds that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiamyloidogenic, anti-tau, cholinesterase-inhibitory, and synaptic-modulating effects. Key medicinal species, including <i>Abelmoschus esculentus, Brassica oleracea, Cannabis sativa, Citrus reticulata, Lantana camara, Launaea taraxacifolia, Lawsonia inermis, Marrubium vulgare, Markhamia lutea, Persicaria minor, Pithecellobium dulce, Salvia aristata, Trigonella foenum-graecum</i>, and <i>Withania somnifera,</i> show significant cognitive and neuroprotective benefits in experimental AD models. Phytochemicals such as sulforaphane, nobiletin, trigonelline, diosgenin, verbascoside, withaferin A, and withanolides strongly modulate the amyloid, tau, oxidative, and inflammatory pathways. Clinical trials further support the therapeutic potential of several plant-derived interventions for mild cognitive impairment and AD-related dementia. Collectively, these findings highlight medicinal plants and their active constituents as compelling complementary or translational strategies for AD management, warranting further mechanistic and clinical validation. This review aims to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds in preventing and managing AD by summarizing evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6124916"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13316133/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148362384","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}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-06-29eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/9532686
Netsanet Tena, Bizuayehu Desta
{"title":"From Cultivation to Commerce: A Comprehensive Review of the Ecology, Chemistry, Production, Sustainability, and Market Prospects of an Ethiopian Herb Korarima (<i>Aframomum corrorima</i>).","authors":"Netsanet Tena, Bizuayehu Desta","doi":"10.1155/sci5/9532686","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/9532686","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Korarima <i>(Aframomum corrorima)</i> is a perennial aromatic herb native to Ethiopia, widely valued for its culinary, medicinal, and cultural importance. It naturally grows under shaded forest ecosystems; however, deforestation and habitat degradation have led to a significant decline in its wild populations. Despite its economic importance, consolidated information on its production systems, ecology, chemical properties, and market potential remains limited. This review systematically synthesizes existing knowledge on korarima by focusing on four key areas: its ecological requirements and distribution, agronomic and production practices, chemical composition and quality attributes, and its economic importance, including household income contribution, trade potential, and value chain characteristics. In addition, the review highlights major production and utilization constraints such as genetic erosion, limited agronomic technologies, and weak market development. The paper also outlines future prospects for sustainable production, conservation, and improved utilization of korarima as a high-value Ethiopian spice, emphasizing its role in biodiversity conservation and rural livelihood enhancement.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9532686"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13312891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148353395","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":"Herbal Formula IM-B Possesses Antioxidant Activities and Reduces Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Macrophages.","authors":"Nuttikarn Nokkaew, Ngamrayu Ngamdokmai, Kittikun Viwatpinyo, Pipob Suwanchaikasem, Woraanong Prugsakij, Parnthep Pourpongpan, Sakan Warinhomhoun","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8315942","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8315942","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IM-B is a herbal formula comprising extracts derived from four medicinal herbs previously reported to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the bioactive compounds of IM-B extract, as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were explored. Chemical compounds in IM-B extract were identified through phytochemical analysis using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. Fifteen compounds comprising naringenin 5-methyl ether, alpinetin, pinocembrin, 2',4',6'-trihydroxydihydrochalcone, demethoxycurcumin, curcumin, alpinetin methyl ether, caffeic acid, myrcene, bisdemethoxycurcumin, geraniol, pinostrobin, pinostrobin chalcone, cannabidiol, and astaxanthin were analyzed. Based on the total phenolic (106.20 ± 3.11 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (94.65 ± 2.65 mg QE/g extract) contents of the IM-B extract, we consider it a good source of these secondary metabolites. Its antioxidant activities were 4.03 ± 0.63 μg/mL, 9.11 ± 0.57 μg/mL, and 126.84 ± 0.30 mg FeSO<sub>4</sub>/g extract based on 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, respectively. Analyses of the association of IM-B extract with nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2, and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-<i>α</i> [TNF-<i>α</i>] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) revealed that IM-B extract significantly inhibits the LPS-stimulated proinflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. These findings support the potential effectiveness of IM-B as an herbal supplement in health promotion.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8315942"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13305134/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148346281","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}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-06-09eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/3431270
Felix Wambua Muema, Catherine M Miller, Lionel Hebbard, Phurpa Wangchuk
{"title":"Current Therapeutic Strategies, Recent Advances and the Emerging Potential of Natural Products in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.","authors":"Felix Wambua Muema, Catherine M Miller, Lionel Hebbard, Phurpa Wangchuk","doi":"10.1155/sci5/3431270","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/3431270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75%-85% of all primary liver cancers and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in diagnosis and systemic therapies, the clinical management of HCC is hindered by limited therapeutic efficacy, drug resistance, systemic toxicity and high recurrence rates. Consequently, there is a pressing need for alternative and complementary treatment strategies. Natural products, particularly plant-derived phytochemicals, have long been valued for their diverse pharmacological activities and represent a promising source of novel anticancer agents. This review critically examines current HCC treatment modalities and their limitations, while highlighting the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals based on preclinical and clinical evidence, with emphasis on their molecular mechanisms of action. Furthermore, recent advances in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are discussed as a potential way to overcome key translational barriers associated with phytochemicals, including poor bioavailability, limited tumour selectivity and suboptimal pharmacokinetics. The integration of phytochemistry with nanomedicine offers a powerful strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce systemic toxicity and improve clinical translation. We identify apoptosis induction, suppression of PI3K/Akt, MAPK, STAT3, NF-κB and HIF-1 signalling, and modulation of oxidative stress and metastasis as the dominant anti-HCC mechanisms of major phytochemicals. In addition, we highlight nanotechnology-based delivery systems as a key translational strategy to improve solubility, tumour selectivity and therapeutic performance of these compounds. Collectively, this review underscores the promise of plant-derived compounds, either alone or in combination with existing therapies, as the next generation of HCC therapeutics.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3431270"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13248111/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148219449","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}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-06-03eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/4994729
Brenda Serrão de Freitas, Gabriel Dos Anjos Guimarães, Gustavo Frigi Perotti, Beatriz Rocha de Moraes, Rômulo Augusto Ando, Gustavo Yomar Hattori, Bruno Sampaio Sant'Anna
{"title":"Microplastic Contamination in Salted Dried Beef.","authors":"Brenda Serrão de Freitas, Gabriel Dos Anjos Guimarães, Gustavo Frigi Perotti, Beatriz Rocha de Moraes, Rômulo Augusto Ando, Gustavo Yomar Hattori, Bruno Sampaio Sant'Anna","doi":"10.1155/sci5/4994729","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/4994729","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plastic pollution is considered a major environmental challenge, and microplastics may pose risks to ecosystems and human health. This study investigated the presence of microplastics in salted dried beef sold in two cities in the Central Amazon, Brazil. Six brands, three sold in Itacoatiara and three sold in Parintins, were analyzed using density separation, organic matter digestion, stereomicroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. All the samples showed contamination by microplastics, totaling 141 particles. In the brands from Itacoatiara, 55 particles were identified, with an average size of 1.85 ± 1.48 mm, while in the brands from Parintins, 86 particles were found, with an average size of 1.30 ± 1.17 mm. Elongated blue fibers were the most frequent in both locations. Chemical analysis identified four types of polymers: polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, and polypropylene, which are mainly associated with urban sources. In this first study to demonstrate the contamination of salted dried beef by microplastics, the results reveal weaknesses in sanitary control processes and food safety, indicating potential risks to consumer health. This scenario reinforces the need to include microplastics as a parameter in sanitary surveillance programs and public food safety policies in the Central Amazon.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4994729"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239238/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148199941","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}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-05-31eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/8328535
Sulusi Prabawati, Siti Mariana Widayanti, Anna Sulistyaningrum, Setyadjit Setyadjit, Abdullah Bin Arif, Christina Winarti, Irpan Badrul Jamal, S Joni Munarso, Waryat Waryat, Agus Budiyanto, Risfaheri Risfaheri
{"title":"Physiology, Nutrition, and Postharvest Technology on Shallots (<i>Allium cepa</i> L. <i>aggregatum</i>): A Review.","authors":"Sulusi Prabawati, Siti Mariana Widayanti, Anna Sulistyaningrum, Setyadjit Setyadjit, Abdullah Bin Arif, Christina Winarti, Irpan Badrul Jamal, S Joni Munarso, Waryat Waryat, Agus Budiyanto, Risfaheri Risfaheri","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8328535","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8328535","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Shallots (<i>Allium cepa</i> L. <i>aggregatum</i>) are an important horticultural commodity with high economic value and a strategic role in food security and the culinary industry, particularly in Southeast and South Asia. Shallots are a key ingredient in many dishes and are valued for their bioactive compounds, including flavonoids such as quercetin, organosulfur compounds, and natural antioxidants. These compounds contribute to various health benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Shallots are classified as nonclimacteric plants, meaning they do not continue to ripen after harvest. Tropical shallot varieties grown in lowland regions typically reach maturity around 60 days after planting, characterized by stems that are 60%-80% weakened. However, after harvest, physiological changes such as respiration and transpiration can reduce their quality. Because shallots are highly perishable particularly during peak production seasons when storage capacity is limited, effective postharvest handling practices such as curing, drying, and proper storage are essential. These methods help prevent decay, reduce losses, and extend the shelf life and availability of fresh shallots.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8328535"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239027/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148199883","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}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-05-30eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/8589143
Bilge Bilgin Fıçıcılar, Koray Korkmaz
{"title":"Valorization of <i>Rapana venosa</i> Viscera Through Enzymatic Production of Protein Hydrolysates.","authors":"Bilge Bilgin Fıçıcılar, Koray Korkmaz","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8589143","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8589143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The veined rapa whelk (<i>Rapana venosa</i>) is an invasive marine gastropod with commercial value, particularly in the Black Sea region. During processing, its viscera are typically discarded as waste. This study aimed to valorize the viscera by producing protein hydrolysates through enzymatic hydrolysis and lyophilization. Proximate analysis showed that the viscera contained 22.61% protein, 2.87% fat, and 2.95% ash. The hydrolysates were analyzed for amino acids using LC-MS/MS and minerals via ICP-MS. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine were the most abundant amino acids, with essential amino acids accounting for 52.4% of the total. The mineral profile revealed high levels of magnesium, calcium, and iron, along with elevated concentrations of copper and cadmium. Fatty acid analysis identified 24 components, with saturated fatty acids (SFAs) being the most abundant group, followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Major fatty acids included palmitic acid (C16:0, 13.69%), oleic acid (C18:1n-9, 3.21%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 4.56%), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 8.15%). EPA and DHA together made up 12.71% of total fatty acids, highlighting the nutritional potential of the viscera. These findings support the potential use of <i>Rapana venosa</i> viscera hydrolysates in nutraceutical and functional food applications, although further investigation into heavy metal content is required.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8589143"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239541/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148199966","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}
ScientificaPub Date : 2026-05-30eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1155/sci5/3677216
Abebaw Hailu Fikire, Elena Viktorovna Korchagina
{"title":"Efficiency and Sustainability in Food Supply Chains: A Systematic Analysis.","authors":"Abebaw Hailu Fikire, Elena Viktorovna Korchagina","doi":"10.1155/sci5/3677216","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/3677216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The inefficiency of food supply chain is a critical challenge of the global food system. Improving the efficiency and sustainability of food supply chain is essential to ensure food security and poverty reduction. The purpose of this study is to define efficiency and sustainability from the context of food supply chains and develop a conceptual framework illustrating the relationship among factors that influence efficiency and sustainability of food supply chain. The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines through encompassing 44 research articles published between 2020 and 2024 in Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals. The study revealed that distribution of annual publications has increased with some fluctuation over the reviewed period; Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute was the leading publisher in the field of food supply chain. The first authors from United Kingdom and Italy were the most active principal investigators in conducting scientific research articles in the field of efficiency and sustainability of food supply chain. The findings of this research provide practical significance in clearly pointing to the directions for further study for other scholars to open new research areas, solve existing problems, and create new approaches. This review contributes to academic knowledge, policymaking, and practical implications aimed at building more efficient and sustainable food supply chains worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3677216"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239221/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148199944","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}