Phytomedicine Plus最新文献

{"title":"Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside attenuates Aβ aggregation and disintegrates preformed amyloid fibril","authors":"Boyu Xie ,&nbsp;Rui Xu ,&nbsp;Jiahui Fu ,&nbsp;PeiAo Zhang ,&nbsp;Zhongxin Liang ,&nbsp;Jun Zheng ,&nbsp;Miaoshu Wang ,&nbsp;Haichao Wen ,&nbsp;Dong D. Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100888","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100888","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Amyloid-β (Aβ) fibril accumulation in the brain is a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease and a major therapeutic target. While the antibody aducanumab is currently the only approved agent for Aβ fibril elimination, no small-molecule alternative is available. Cyanidin-3-<em>O</em>-galactoside (Cy3Gal), a natural anthocyanin, has shown therapeutic potential, but its mechanism remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We evaluated Cy3Gal’s anti-amyloid effects using Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assays and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to assess its ability to slow down Aβ fibrillogenesis and disassemble existing fibrils. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were conducted to visualize the disassembly process, while microscale thermophoresis (MST) assessed Cy3Gal’s binding to monomeric and oligomeric Aβ. <em>In vivo</em> effects were tested using <em>Caenorhabditis elegans</em> CL2006 expressing human Aβ.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cy3Gal significantly attenuated Aβ aggregation and disassembled preformed fibrils, as confirmed by ThT reduction and TEM imaging. MD simulations revealed that Cy3Gal disrupts the fibril’s hydrophobic core and asparagine/glutamine ladder via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions and MST data indicated a higher affinity for monomeric Aβ. Cy3Gal administration also alleviated Aβ-induced paralysis in <em>C. elegans</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Cy3Gal exhibits dual activity in both attenuating Aβ fibrillogenesis and promoting fibril disassembly. Its mechanism involves structural disruption driven by flavylium–residue interactions and preferential monomer binding. These findings highlight Cy3Gal as a promising natural small-molecule candidate for Alzheimer’s therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100888"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219753","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":"Wasabi leaf extract changes the expression levels of cytokine-related genes in dermal papilla cells, as identified through whole transcriptome analysis","authors":"Himari Matsusaka ,&nbsp;Tomoe Yamada-Kato ,&nbsp;Mayuko Nakai ,&nbsp;Lanlan Bai ,&nbsp;Hiroshi Tomita ,&nbsp;Eriko Sugano ,&nbsp;Taku Ozaki ,&nbsp;Isao Okunishi ,&nbsp;Tomokazu Fukuda","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100891","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100891","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wasabi is a traditional Asian food, and it has been reported that Wasabi leaf extract derived compounds, such as 6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC), exert anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells. In addition, although the antibacterial action of wasabi leaf extract has been reported, the detailed biological effects of wasabi leaf extract are not fully understood. To obtain further associated information, we used next-generation sequencing to identify upregulated or downregulated genes in immortalized human dermal papilla cells, and differentially expressed genes in human papilla cells were identified in the presence or absence of wasabi leaf extract. The effects of 6-MSITC and isosaponarin were also evaluated. The results indicated that wasabi leaf extracts upregulated or downregulated the expression of cytokine-related genes, such as GDF15, BMP6, CXCL12. The expression changes of GDF15, BMP6 were reproduced by real time PCR, and the results will contribute to our understanding of the biological effects of wasabi.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100891"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219752","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":"Anti-atherosclerotic effects of combined Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss and Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. extract on hypercholesterolemic rabbits","authors":"Tung Thanh Tran ,&nbsp;Phong Xuan Pham ,&nbsp;Hien Thu Thi Dang ,&nbsp;Quang Vinh Trinh ,&nbsp;Duong Thuy Dau ,&nbsp;Van Anh Thi Pham","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100890","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100890","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by lipid accumulation and plaque formation in arterial walls, remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, with current treatments limited by side effects and incomplete effectiveness.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study evaluated the anti-atherosclerotic and antioxidant properties of a traditional Vietnamese herbal extract named as “<em>CDT-based extract</em>” (<em>CDT</em>) containing Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss and Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. in a diet-induced atherosclerosis model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>New Zealand White</em> rabbits were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) containing cholesterol and peanut oil for 10 weeks, along with either distilled water (HFD control), atorvastatin (2.4 mg/kg, positive control), or <em>CDT</em> at doses of 0.3 and 0.6 g/kg/day. Blood samples were collected at baseline and week 10 for biochemical, antioxidant, and inflammatory markers analysis. Aortic and hepatic tissues underwent gross and microscopic assessment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>CDT</em> treatment significantly reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at both doses, while triglycerides were significantly reduced only at 0.6 g/kg/day. Histological examination revealed that <em>CDT</em> reduced atherosclerotic lesion areas and plaque formation compared to the HFD control. Both <em>CDT</em> doses decreased AST, ALT, and bilirubin levels without affecting albumin concentrations. <em>CDT</em> enhanced antioxidant status by increasing superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide, and glutathione peroxidase activities while decreasing malondialdehyde, lactate dehydrogenase, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings suggest <em>CDT</em> exhibits anti-atherosclerotic properties through its antioxidant and lipid-lowering effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100890"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219751","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":"HR-LCMS profiling, in vitro and in silico assessment of the antibacterial activities of endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NWR-14 from Piper chaba W. Hunter","authors":"Sijo Asokan ,&nbsp;Teena Jacob ,&nbsp;Tijo Cherian ,&nbsp;Teena Merlin ,&nbsp;Vivekanandhan S ,&nbsp;Afaf A AlSosowaa ,&nbsp;Mostafa Mohammed Atiyah ,&nbsp;Faheem Q Al-Mojahid ,&nbsp;Willie J.G.M. Peijnenburg ,&nbsp;Smitha Vijayan","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100885","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100885","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens such as <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em>, particularly those producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), has intensified the search for novel bioactive compounds. Medicinal plants, including <em>Piper chaba</em>, host endophytic bacteria that may serve as promising sources of antimicrobial agents.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of secondary metabolites derived from <em>Bacillus amyloliquefaciens</em> NWR-14, an endophyte isolated from <em>P. chaba</em>, with a focus on its activity against ESBL-producing <em>K. pneumoniae</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div><em>B. amyloliquefaciens</em> NWR-14 was isolated and identified via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The ethyl acetate extract of this isolate was tested for antibacterial activity using MIC and MBC assays. Antibiofilm potential was assessed using crystal violet staining. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to visualize morphological changes in <em>K. pneumoniae</em>. HR-LCMS was used to putatively annotate bioactive compounds. <em>In silico</em> molecular docking was conducted to assess binding affinities to the CTX-M-15 β-lactamase enzyme. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, and cytotoxicity was tested on fibroblast cells.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The extract exhibited notable antibacterial activity with a MIC and MBC of 1.56 mg/mL, and showed dose-dependent biofilm inhibition, achieving maximum effect at 6 mg/mL. SEM analysis confirmed significant cellular damage in <em>K. pneumoniae</em>. HR-LCMS analysis putatively annotated 76 compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic acids. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities of compounds such as 8′-Hydroxydihydroergotamine and Licoricesaponin E2 to CTX-M-15. The extract demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity and low cytotoxicity, with over 97% cell viability in fibroblast assays.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div><em>B. amyloliquefaciens</em> NWR-14 shows promise as a source of bioactive secondary metabolites with antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant properties. These findings underscore the potential of endophytic bacteria from medicinal plants as reservoirs of compounds for addressing antimicrobial resistance. Further purification and structural validation of active constituents are recommended to enhance therapeutic applicability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100885"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145118671","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":"Antioxidant and anthelmintic activity of Syzygium cumini fruit juice against Ascaridia galli and Ascaris suum","authors":"Rina Priastini Susilowati ,&nbsp;Adit Widodo Santoso ,&nbsp;Jasmine Harumi Sabini ,&nbsp;Kris Herawan Timotius","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100884","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100884","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Ascaridia galli</em> and <em>Ascaris suum</em> are the leading causes of helminthiasis in poultry and pigs. While <em>A. galli</em> rarely infects humans without causing significant disease, <em>A. suum</em> is a zoonotic parasite capable of causing pulmonary discomfort in human beings, due to larval migration. Today, anthelmintic therapy remains essential, particularly the use of herbal medicine that has not yet been intensively explored, including the fruit of <em>Syzygium cumini</em> (common name: black plum fruit; local name: jamun), which is widely found throughout Indonesia.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study evaluates the <em>S. cumini</em> fruit juice for its antioxidant, antilipase, and anthelmintic activities against <em>A. galli</em> and <em>A. suum.</em></div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assay, IC₅₀ determination, and total phenolic content (TPC) analysis. LC-MS analysis was performed to determine major bioactive compounds in the fruit juice. Antilipase activity was evaluated using an agar well diffusion method, and anthelmintic effects were assessed through <em>in vitro</em> assays on <em>A. galli</em> and <em>A. suum</em> at concentrations of 34.06, 68.12, 102.18, and 136.24 mg/ml, compared with pyrantel pamoate (Combantrin®) at 20 mg/ml.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The DPPH assay of the extracts exhibited an IC₅₀ 2.06 µg/ml, stronger than the butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). In addition, the fruit juice also demonstrated antilipase activity, indicating its relevance in addressing lipid metabolism disorders. The anthelmintic activity was carried out which showed significant worm paralysis and mortality in both parasites especially at 102.18, and 136.24 mg/ml.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>S. cumini</em> fruit juice demonstrated significant antioxidant, antilipase, and anthelmintic potential. These findings suggest that <em>S. cumini</em> fruit juice could be a promising natural alternative for helminthiasis treatment, warranting further investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100884"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145157716","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":"Oroxylum indicum and its flavonoids impact on SARS-CoV-2 and urban dust-induced inflammation in human lung fibroblast cells","authors":"Khunkhang Butdapheng ,&nbsp;Rattanathorn Choonong ,&nbsp;Waranyoo Phoolcharoen ,&nbsp;Waraporn Putalun","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100886","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100886","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>SARS-CoV-2 infection and chronic urban dust exposure can lead to lung inflammation and fibrosis by stimulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. <em>Oroxylum indicum</em> (L.) Kurz and its flavonoids, baicalein and chrysin, demonstrate potential to treat pulmonary damage.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study evaluated the effects of <em>O. indicum</em> grilled fruit extract, baicalein, and chrysin against receptor-binding domain (RBD)- and urban dust-induced inflammation and key COVID-19 entry mechanisms using an <em>in vitro</em> human lung fibroblast model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Human lung fibroblasts were exposed to RBD or urban dust. Relative gene expressions of <em>TNF-α, IL-6, 5-LOX, ACE2</em>, and <em>TMPRSS2</em> were quantified. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) determined RBD–ACE2 binding inhibition. Computational analyses to explore potential mechanisms included PCA, molecular docking, and network pharmacology.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both RBD and urban dust dramatically increased genes, with RBD upregulating <em>IL-6</em> and urban dust upregulating <em>TNF-α</em>. Dexamethasone suppressed them, validating the model. <em>O. indicum</em> extract, baicalein, and chrysin significantly reduced <em>TNF-α, IL-6</em>, and <em>5-LOX</em> expression. <em>O. indicum</em> extract consistently downregulated <em>ACE2</em> and <em>TMPRSS2</em> expressions and decreased RBD and urban dust-induced inflammation. Baicalein and <em>O. indicum</em> extract inhibited RBD–ACE2 binding (IC₅₀ = 4.60 ± 0.7 µM and 435.4 ± 52.7 µg/ml, respectively). Experimental results were supported by computational analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This research validates the <em>in vitro</em> model and demonstrates that <em>O. indicum</em> extract, baicalein, and chrysin have the potential to mitigate pulmonary inflammation and interfere with SARS-CoV-2 entry mechanisms. Further investigation should include protein-level analysis and <em>in vivo</em> studies confirming therapeutic efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100886"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145157718","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":"Distinguishing Dioscorea and Smilax species as potential Hua-Khao-Yen using DNA barcoding coupled with high resolution melting analysis (Bar-HRM)","authors":"Anocha Poommouang ,&nbsp;Theeradon Ninson ,&nbsp;Tanapat Tamee ,&nbsp;Pranee Nangngam ,&nbsp;Nattakanwadee Khumpirapang ,&nbsp;Kittisak Buddhachat","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100887","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100887","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hua-Khao-Yen (HKY) refers to a group of Thai medicinal plants valued for their pharmaceutical properties, commonly obtained from the rhizomes of five species: <em>Dioscorea birmanica, Dioscorea membranacea, Smilax corbularia, Smilax glabra</em>, and <em>Premna herbacea</em>. However, Traditional Thai HKY suggests that HKY-Nuer (red rhizome) might be <em>S. corbularia</em> and HKY-Tai (white rhizome) might be <em>S. glabra</em>, contributing to challenges in species differentiation due to morphological similarities resulting in misidentification and misuse.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>This research investigated the species authentication of Thai medicinal plants, HKY-Nuer and HKY-Tai, by high resolution melting (HRM) analysis conjugated with DNA barcodes (Bar-HRM) validated by comparing melting profiles of verified specimens obtained from a herbarium with suspected specimens to aid in species identification based on the similarity of melting shapes.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>A Bar-HRM for differentiation among five possible HKY species was developed to authenticate the HKY rhizome.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Samples of five HKY species including known species from an herbarium and unknown species from local stores, were subjected to DNA extraction and amplification through real-time PCR. Primer sets were designed from chloroplast DNA, targeting the <em>ndhF, rbcL</em>, and <em>trnK</em> loci for HRM analysis. The shapes of the normalized melting curves were analyzed to distinguish the different plant species.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Bar-HRM using HKYndhF(1) and HKYrbcL(1) had the highest specificity and discriminatory power, with a minimum DNA concentration requirement of 0.001 ng per reaction. Bar-HRM using both primers was applied for species authentication of HKY-Nuer and HKY-Tai from local vendors. Results revealed that the melting curves of HKY-Nuer and HKY-Tai closely resembled <em>Smilax</em> sp. (<em>S. corbularia</em> or <em>S. glabra</em>) and <em>P. herbacea</em>, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings displayed the potential of DNA barcoding coupled with HRM as an effective tool for the precise identification of Hua-Khao-Yen species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100887"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145157720","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":"Antidiabetic and antidepressant potentials of aqueous extract of Bridelia scleroneura Müll. Arg. root bark in a dexamethasone-induced insulin-resistant rat model","authors":"Bertrand Mpoo Barga ,&nbsp;David Miaffo ,&nbsp;Adjia Hamadjida ,&nbsp;Jean Galba Beppe ,&nbsp;Barthelemy Maidadi ,&nbsp;Kilenma Kolefer ,&nbsp;Irène Alice Folefack ,&nbsp;Fidèle Ntchapda","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100883","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100883","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Bridelia scleroneura</em> is a plant of the Euphorbiaceae family used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and depressive psychoses. According to the literature, no antidiabetic or antidepressant studies have been conducted on <em>B. scleroneura</em>. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic and antidepressant potential of aqueous extract of <em>B. scleroneura root bark</em> (AEBS) in insulin-resistant rats.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An <em>in vitro</em> antidiabetic study was conducted using α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition tests. For the <em>in vivo</em> study, 35 rats were divided into groups of 5 rats each and treated orally for 14 days with metformin (40 mg/kg), imipramine (10 mg/kg), and AEBS (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg). One hour later, dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously to induce insulin resistance. To assess depression, forced swimming and sucrose preference tests were performed on days 1 and 14. Body weight, food and water consumption, glycemia, insulin levels, lipid profile, oxidative status, markers of renal and hepatic function, enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, as well as glucogen, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and monoamine levels were assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>AEBS inhibited the activity of α-amylase (IC50 = 79.31 ± 0.57 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 71.25 ± 0.39 µg/mL). It also significantly decreased food and water consumption and the levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukins 1β and 6, total bilirubin, creatinine, and urea. AEBS (125 and 250 mg/kg) decreased the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and fructose-1,6-diphosphate dehydrogenase and increased the activities of glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphate, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. AEBS significantly increased body weight and levels of glycogen, total protein, albumin, dopamine, and serotonin.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>AEBS has inhibitory potential on the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. It has hypoglycaemic, antidyslipidaemic, and antidepressant effects and protects organs against oxidative damage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100883"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145157719","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":"Evaluation of the antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of Acalypha indica L. in LPS-induced macrophages via modulating NF-κB pathway","authors":"Divya Sharma ,&nbsp;Hitesh Shrimal ,&nbsp;Kamal Singh ,&nbsp;Subbu Apparsundaram ,&nbsp;Mahaveer Dhobi","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100882","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100882","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Inflammation plays a major role in SARS-CoV-2 infection severity, as an excessive immune response can cause tissue damage and severe respiratory distress. Phytochemicals, with their anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties, offer the potential in helping to manage these effects. <em>Acalypha indica,</em> an annual herb from the Euphorbiaceae family, is traditionally used to treat respiratory issues.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The study aims to assess the phytochemical profile and dual anti-inflammatory and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of <em>A. indica</em>. The current study offers a targeted approach to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated inflammatory conditions using a chemically characterized purified fraction.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>UPLC-QTOF-MS and GC–MS were used for phytochemical profiling. The <em>in vitro</em> anti-inflammatory activity and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity were assessed using ELISA cytokine estimation and pseudovirus entry inhibition assay, respectively. Additionally, acute toxicity was evaluated following OECD guidelines 425, which ensures the safety of the extract for its therapeutic use.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The major compounds identified are gallic acid, kaempferol, rutin, acalyphin, phytol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol from the group of phenolics, flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, acyclic diterpene alcohol, and sterols, respectively. The crude extract and fractions of <em>A. indica</em> reduced the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced TNF-α and IL-6. Notably, the hexane-soluble fraction demonstrated the strongest activity, an 8–9-fold reduction compared to LPS only. The pseudovirus expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike assay displayed that the hexane-soluble fraction restricted the entry of pseudovirus particles expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike glycoprotein, with an IC₅₀ value of 739 μg/mL.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Acalypha indica</em> extract shows anti-inflammatory and anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties, suggesting its potential for treating inflammation-related viral infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100882"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145105415","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 effects of functional fungi and their bioactive components: a scoping review of preclinical studies","authors":"Maria Camila Loaiza-Ceballos ,&nbsp;Santiago Rendon-Marin ,&nbsp;Luis Felipe Higuita-Gutiérrez ,&nbsp;Juan C. Hernandez ,&nbsp;Diana Maryory Gómez-Gallego","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100881","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100881","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Context</h3><div>Functional fungi are a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant immunomodulatory potential. Various studies have demonstrated that species such as <em>Ganoderma, Cordyceps, Phellinus</em>, and <em>Pleurotus</em> contain secondary metabolites with therapeutic effects on immune system regulation. However, there is considerable variability in the observed effects, depending on the species, the composition of bioactive compounds, and the experimental models used.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This scoping review aims to systematically examine the immunomodulatory effects of functional fungi and their bioactive compounds.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search was conducted in four databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, and LILACS, using 19 selected fungal genera and word truncations related to immunomodulation, such as <em>\"Immu</em>*\" and \"<em>Inflamm</em>a*\". The study selection included preclinical research evaluating the impact of fungal compounds on the immune system. Data were extracted on the fungal species studied, the bioactive compounds characterized, the experimental models and techniques used, and the reported immunological effects.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusion</h3><div>The literature analysis revealed that different bioactive components can either stimulate or suppress the immune response, involving various mechanisms such as inflammation, cellular response, phagocytosis, humoral response, cytotoxicity, and antigen presentation, depending on the species, compound, and experimental conditions. Our findings provide valuable insights into the immunological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefits of medicinal fungi, contributing to the growing field of functional foods and nutraceuticals designed to support immune health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100881"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145045241","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}