South African Journal of Botany最新文献

{"title":"The effect of selenium in biomass accumulation, stress tolerance and metabolite production in the callus cultures of Oldenlandia umbellata L. under different light regimes","authors":"L.V. Aswanilal ,&nbsp;Antony Tom ,&nbsp;E.A. Siril","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study focuses on the effect of a Selenium (Se) salt, sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃; 0, 2.5, 5, or 7 µM) with 2.5 µM Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) on callus growth and anthraquinone (AQ) production in <em>Oldenlandia umbellata</em>, under light (50 µmolm⁻²s⁻¹ 16 h/8 h dark) and dark (24 h) conditions. The highest fresh weight was obtained in 5 µM sodium selenite-treated dark and light-raised callus. Dry weight followed a similar pattern. Total AQ production was higher in 5 µM treated callus, incubated in light. AQ production from dark incubated, sodium selenite treated callus was lower than the control, showing the influence of incubation conditions and the altered role of Se under light regimes. HPLC quantification of alizarin type AQ recorded the highest content in 7 and 5 µM treated light-raised callus. Alizarin content in dark-raised control was higher than treatment. Proline content was higher in controls from both culture conditions, whereas Se treated, light or dark incubated callus showed lower levels, indicating the stress-protective role of Se. Antioxidant enzyme levels of dark incubated treated callus were two-fold higher, indicating the antioxidant profile enhancing role of Se. Se promoted callus growth, enhanced antioxidant profile to cope against stress, and under favourable conditions increased AQ production. The callus cultures are the source of valuable compounds, and an increase in their biomass can increase metabolite production. The study was successful in exploring the potential of sodium selenite as a growth promoter in callus cultures, which can be extended to cell cultures of other important plant species for metabolite production. In addition, sodium selenite can be used to enhance AQ production in suspension, hairy root, adventitious root cultures and bioreactor based culture systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 124-132"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Network pharmacology and animal experiments reveal the mechanism of action of hydroxysafflower yellow a against liver fibrosis","authors":"Qing Liu ,&nbsp;Rui Wang ,&nbsp;Zhenbo Li ,&nbsp;Yihan Liu ,&nbsp;Lei Wu ,&nbsp;Jing Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate the molecular mechanism of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) against liver fibrosis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques, and to verify its effect through animal experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>HSYA-related and liver fibrosis targets were retrieved from databases; intersection targets were identified and analyzed for PPI network, GO and KEGG enrichment; molecular docking and animal experiments were performed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Network pharmacology analysis indicates that proto-oncogene (SRC), interleukin-6 (IL6), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are key core targets(degree values all &gt; 60). GO functional enrichment analysis involved biological processes such as regulation of inflammatory response and regulation of cell apoptosis; KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that HSYA may exert its effect through signaling pathways including PI3K/Akt, MAPK and RAS. In animal experiments, HE and Masson staining showed that compared with the model group, the area of liver tissue fibrosis proliferation in the HSYA administration group was reduced by 42.3% (P &lt; 0.01), the collagen deposition was decreased by 38.6% (P &lt; 0.01), and the number of inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced by 51.2% (P &lt; 0.01); Western blot results showed that the expression levels of PI3K and Akt proteins in the liver tissue of the administration group were down-regulated by 35.7% and 32.1% compared with the model group, respectively (all P &lt; 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>HSYA may exert anti-liver fibrosis effects by regulating key targets such as SRC, IL6, MAPK3 and EGFR, mediating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and inhibiting liver tissue inflammatory response and collagen deposition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 179-189"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Taxonomic revision of Aspalathus subgen. Sericea (Crotalarieae, Fabaceae)","authors":"L.K. Madika ,&nbsp;C.H. Stirton ,&nbsp;R.J. Sebola ,&nbsp;D.A. Zhigila ,&nbsp;B.D. Williams ,&nbsp;A.M. Muasya","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dahlgren’s informal Group 1 “Sericeae” represents one of the most morphologically distinctive lineages within <em>Aspalathus</em>, characterised by flat, often sericeous leaflets, terminal inflorescences, and silky-hairy floral parts. Despite this morphological coherence, the group has long been taxonomically unstable, largely due to the application of broad species concepts, resulting in extensive synonymy and poorly resolved infraspecific limits. To address these uncertainties, a comprehensive taxonomic revision was undertaken based on extensive herbarium study and field observations, integrating quantitative morphometric analyses, micromorphological observations, life-history traits, and ecological data. Phenetic analyses identify vegetative characters and floral dimensions as primary axes of morphological differentiation, while fire-response strategy and substrate association provide additional, independent resolution. Marked ecological differentiation is evident across the group, with approximately half of the taxa regenerating exclusively as reseeders after fire and the remainder persisting as resprouters. On the basis of these combined lines of evidence, the Sericeae group is here formally recognised at subgeneric rank as <em>Aspalathus</em> subgen. <em>Sericea</em> Madika, comprising 35 taxa, including 32 species and three subspecies. Several taxonomic changes are proposed, including the reinstatement of <em>A. lagopus</em> at species rank, the elevation of <em>A. quinquefolia</em> subsp. <em>virgata</em> to <em>A. virgata</em>, and the recognition of <em>A. staurantha</em> as a distinct species. In contrast, the <em>A. radiata</em> complex exhibits strong infraspecific cohesion and is retained at subspecific rank, while relationships within the <em>A. rotunda</em> complex remain provisionally unresolved pending further evidence. Extensive locality data further enable preliminary conservation assessments, identifying four narrow-range endemics (<em>A. albicephala, A. lagopus, A. radiata</em> subsp. <em>pseudosericea</em>, and <em>A. staurantha</em>) as taxa of conservation concern, and two species known only from historical type collections (<em>A. incana</em>, and <em>A. singuliflora</em>) that may already be extinct. This study resolves long-standing taxonomic uncertainty surrounding the Sericeae group, formalises its rank within <em>Aspalathus</em>, and provides a stable and evolutionarily informed framework for future systematic, ecological, and conservation research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 276-328"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Edaphic and climatic drivers of herbaceous plant diversity in geologically distinct mountain floras of Griqualand West, South Africa","authors":"Nanette van Staden ,&nbsp;Helga van der Merwe ,&nbsp;Stefan Siebert","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate and edaphic (soil) properties are widely recognised as key environmental drivers of the evolution, adaptive specialisation, and development of edaphically distinct floras on atypical geological substrates. In South Africa, the mountain ranges of Griqualand West (GW), a recognised centre of plant endemism within the Kalahari Bushveld Bioregion of the Savanna Biome, harbour floras associated with such substrates. However, these mountains remain understudied, with limited understanding of the interactions among vegetation, soil, and climate. The aim of this study was to determine the primary environmental drivers of plant diversity across landscapes underlain by dolomite, banded ironstone and quartzite. We assessed 19 bioclimatic variables and 14 edaphic properties. We calculated four plant diversity indices across four mountain landscapes (Ghaap Plateau, Kuruman Hills, Asbestos Hills, and Langberg). Based on the productivity-diversity hypothesis, using rainfall and soil fertility as proxies for productivity, we hypothesised that quartzite sites (characterised by low rainfall and nutrient-poor soil) would exhibit the lowest diversity and richness, while dolomitic sites (with higher rainfall and fertile soil) would exhibit the highest. Mountain plant communities differed significantly in their bioclimatic conditions, edaphic properties and levels of diversity. Generalised linear models (GLMs) identified isothermality, minimum temperature of the coldest month, mean annual precipitation, precipitation of the warmest quarter, Al, Ca, Ca:Mg ratio, cation exchange capacity (CEC), Mg, soil pH, S and Ti as significant predictors of species diversity. Communities on ironstone were the most diverse, whereas those on dolomite were the most species-rich, but less diverse. Herbaceous diversity and species richness were lowest on nutrient-poor quartzite soil. These findings partially support our initial hypothesis and highlight the importance of substrate-specific edaphic filtering effects linked to parent geology. Given the increasing threats posed by land use and climate change to edaphically unique floras globally, we advocate for the incorporation of both climatic and edaphic variables into species distribution models (SDMs). Such integration will enhance predictive accuracy regarding the distribution of edaphic endemics under scenarios of environmental change. Furthermore, detailed soil sampling and analysis remain critical to improving our understanding of the edaphic determinants of plant diversity in edaphically complex landscapes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 111-123"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Long-term stability of bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera leaf of north India: A shelf-life evaluation","authors":"Sudhanshu Shahi,&nbsp;Tara Singh Farswan,&nbsp;Madan Mohan Pandey","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Moringa oleifera</em> Lam., of the family Moringaceae is a well-known genus commonly known as the drumstick tree. It is a drought-tolerant species valued for its extensive medicinal and nutritional properties. Its leaves are particularly rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which are responsible for their renowned antioxidant, anti-hyperglycaemic and neuroprotective effects. However, these phytochemicals that confer the health benefits are often prone to degradation after harvesting during storage. This poses a significant challenge for the commercial viability and therapeutic efficacy of <em>Moringa</em>-based products, emphasizing the critical need for effective shelf-life studies. The current study was therefore designed to conduct a comprehensive 36-month stability assessment of <em>Moringa oleifera</em> leaf powder stored under ambient conditions, analysing changes in its phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities. The findings revealed a significant decline in both total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) over the storage period. The most pronounced losses, ranging from 40% to 62.8%, were observed between 18 and 24 months. Methanolic extracts showed consistently higher antioxidant capacity as compared to aqueous extracts, which degraded rapidly, which may be due to accelerated hydrolysis and oxidation processes. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis revealed further insight into compound-specific degradation patterns. For instance, quercetin showed greater stability with a 13.9% loss, compared to the more significant degradation of chlorogenic acid (35.2%), gallic acid (39.2%) and rutin (38.1%), emphasizing the influence of molecular structure on preservation. A strong positive correlation (<em>r</em> = 0.89 - 0.93) was established between the reduction in TPC/TFC and in antioxidant activity decline, suggesting the possible role of phenolic compounds in maintaining functional efficacy. These findings will provide and suggest practical strategies to enhance the shelf life of <em>M. oleifera</em> products, thereby ensuring their practicability and uses as herbal medicines and nutraceutical products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 42-50"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980690","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Solasodine, a steroidal alkaloid derived from Solanum nigrum Linn, reverses ABCB1-mediated multidrug resistance in cancer: In vitro and in vivo studies","authors":"Baojie Liu ,&nbsp;Yongzheng Lu ,&nbsp;Tao Yu ,&nbsp;Xulong Shao ,&nbsp;Xinyu Hou ,&nbsp;Yahan Sun ,&nbsp;Baohui Su ,&nbsp;Jianying Liu ,&nbsp;Weiguo Feng","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.040","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.040","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Overexpression of ABCB1 constitutes a primary contributing factor to multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer. Hence, identifying effective drugs that specifically target ABCB1 protein is crucial for overcoming MDR. Solasodine, a steroidal alkaloid extracted from <em>Solanum nigrum</em> Linn, has been shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. In this study, we assessed whether solasodine can act as an inhibitor of ABCB1 protein, potentially reversing ABCB1-mediated MDR. Network pharmacology and docking analysis revealed that solasodine has a strong association with ABCB1 protein and binds to it directly. Reversal experiments showed that solasodine can effectively overcome ABCB1-mediated MDR, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies showed that solasodine does not impact the expression or cellular localization of ABCB1 protein. Further research indicated that solasodine inhibits drug efflux and enhances intracellular drug accumulation. Additionally, our data suggested that solasodine augments paclitaxel-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G₂/M phase. Importantly, solasodine showed no acute toxicity and had minimal effects on CYP3A4 activity. In conclusion, this research highlights that solasodine possesses the capacity to effectively reverse ABCB1-mediated MDR, and these encouraging discoveries warrant further exploration for application in cancer treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 581-591"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanistic insights into the anticancer effects of Lavandula stoechas L. via apoptosis and autophagy regulation","authors":"Ummugulsum Tukenmez Emre ,&nbsp;Serap Nigdelioglu Dolanbay ,&nbsp;Seda Sirin ,&nbsp;Belma Aslim","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and antioxidant, genotoxic, antigenotoxic, and anticancer properties of the methanolic extract of <em>Lavandula stoechas</em> L. (LSME). Total flavonoid content was determined spectrophotometrically, and total phenolic content was measured using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. The phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, metal chelation, and plasma lipid peroxidation assays. Genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity was evaluated using the comet assay, and cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay in MCF-7, SK-BR-3, and MCF-12A cell lines. Gene expression related to apoptosis, autophagy, and the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Phytochemical analysis revealed that LSME is rich in phenolics (294.6 mg/g) and flavonoids (7.50 mg/g). HPLC profiling identified 23 phenolic constituents, with rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, and luteolin as the predominant compounds. LSME exhibited strong antioxidant activity in all assays. Genotoxicity assays showed no significant DNA damage, while antigenotoxicity assays demonstrated a protective effect against H₂O₂-induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes. <em>In vitro</em> cytotoxicity assays revealed dose-dependent antiproliferative effects in MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells, without cytotoxicity toward normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-12A). Molecular analyses indicated activation of intrinsic apoptotic and autophagic pathways and modulation of the AMPK/mTOR signaling axis. Molecular docking supported interactions between major phenolic compounds and key target proteins. These findings demonstrating that LSME exerts selective anticancer effects in HER2+ and HER2- breast cancer cells and highlighting its potential as a plant-based therapeutic candidate.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 346-365"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) seed: Heating, oil, physico-chemical and bioactive properties, phenolic compounds and fatty acid profiles","authors":"Isam A. Mohamed Ahmed ,&nbsp;Mehmet Musa Özcan ,&nbsp;Nurhan Uslu ,&nbsp;Emad Karrar ,&nbsp;Fahad Al Juhaimi","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The peroxide numbers of moringa oil samples were examined between 2.50 (microwave) and 4.00 meqO₂/kg (Oven). The primary (K232) and secondary oxidation (K270) values of heat-treated moringa oils were different from the control. Total carotenoid contents of moringa oils were assigned between 0.11 (microwave) and 2.50 µg/g (control). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of unheated (raw-control) and heated moringa oils were characterized to be between 1.25 (control) and 2.39 mgGAE/100 ml (oven) to 0.07 (oven) and 0.16 mg/100 ml (microwave), respectively. The gallic acid and protocatechuic acid contents of the moringa oils were determined between 4.89 (control) and 9.10 mg/100 ml (Microwave) and 4.35 (Microwave) and 6.10 mg/100 ml (control), respectively. The quercetin content of the oils varied between 13.40 (microwave) and 14.68 mg/100 ml (oven). Oleic acid amounts of the unheated and heated moringa oils were characterized to be between 73.11 (oven) and 82.10% (control).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 61-67"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the potential mechanism of IME-9 ayurvedic formulation in the treatment of diabetes mellitus based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation","authors":"Shubhangi Sutar ,&nbsp;Rachana Bhimanwar ,&nbsp;Aniket Aute ,&nbsp;Babaso Udugade","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The current study evaluates the antidiabetic potential of IME-9, a polyherbal formulation, using combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, dynamics (MD) simulations and in vitro <em>α</em>-amylase inhibition assays. Even though IME-9 has been traditionally used to treat diabetes mellitus (DM), the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated previously. The phytochemical screening of IME-9 showed that there are 164 identified compounds in the IME-9 formulation using the IMPPAT database. Based on the isolated phytochemicals, we underwent further studies, selecting 82 bioactive molecules based on the SwissADME analysis criteria. Upon target predictions and subsequently mapping the targets to disease-gene where the genes related to DM had a direct association, we identified 26 common targets. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) and enrichment analysis indicate that IME-9 has the potential to act on multiple signaling pathways. The molecular docking studies highlighted strong binding affinities for Beta-sitosterol–ERBB2 (−11.7 kcal/mol) and Gymnemasaponin V–SCD (−11.4 kcal/mol) compared to Pioglitazone (−9.8 kcal/mol) reference standard drug. The MD simulations suggested stable ligand–protein interactions suggestive of potential biological importance. In addition to the network pharmacology approach, validation of the potential antidiabetic activity was established with in vitro α-amylase inhibition study indicating 73.8% inhibition for IME-9 at 1000 µg/mL. In summary, this investigation demonstrates that IME-9 profiles have a promising multi-targeted action in the management of diabetes through the modulation of key gene and pathways related to glucose and lipid metabolism processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 165-178"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phytochemical characterization and anticancer potential of Tribulus terrestris L. Extracts: In vitro and In silico evidence","authors":"Esra Uçar","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.038","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.038","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, the chemical composition, antioxidant and anticancer activities of the <em>Tribulus terrestris</em> plant were focused on and correlated with the molecular docking method. The efficiency of methanol, ethanol, and water in extracting phenolic compounds from <em>T. terrestris</em> was compared, revealing that methanol yielded the highest total phenolic content. Despite its lower extraction capacity, ethanol demonstrated potential as a safer and biocompatible alternative for applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. According to the data obtained; the plant exhibited escalating antioxidant activity with increasing concentrations. While variances among solvents were minimal, the water extract demonstrated the least potent antioxidant effect. The cytotoxic effects of <em>T. terrestris</em> extracts on A549 and L929 cell lines were evaluated at 24, 48, and 72 h. Ethanol extract showed the strongest and most selective activity against A549 cells, while exhibiting lower toxicity in normal fibroblast cells. Molecular docking identified isoquercitrin (4ZXT, −9.17) and hesperidin (5ZMA, −8.49) as the strongest binders in <em>T. terrestris</em> extracts. ADME/T profiling revealed Rule-of-Five violations (two for isoquercitrin, three for hesperidin) and Rule-of-Three violations (two each). Although neither compound fully meets standard drug-likeness criteria, isoquercitrin shows a comparatively more favorable profile that could be further improved through formulation and molecular-design strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 381-393"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}