Phytomedicine Plus最新文献

{"title":"Exploring the anticancer potential of Citrus spp. essential oils against various human cancer cell lines","authors":"Pramesthi Reitza Navisya Vasall ,&nbsp;Farah Aprisza Sheelmarevaa ,&nbsp;Nandang Permadi ,&nbsp;Fauzan Setiawan ,&nbsp;Riezki Amalia ,&nbsp;Yaya Rukayadi ,&nbsp;Euis Julaeha","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100990","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100990","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, remain the mainstay of therapy but are often associated with severe toxicity and a diminished quality of life for patients. These limitations have increased interest in natural products as sources of novel anticancer compounds and potential adjunctive leads for future development. Natural compounds, particularly those derived from plants, have historically contributed significantly to anticancer drug discovery, with nearly 60% of approved agents originating from natural sources. Among medicinal plants, the <em>Citrus</em> genus has attracted considerable attention for its diverse range of bioactive metabolites, including flavonoids, limonoids, coumarins, and essential oils. <em>Citrus</em> essential oils are particularly rich in monoterpenes, such as d-limonene, β-pinene, and myrcene, which exhibit potent cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and pro-apoptotic effects against various human cancer cell lines. Emerging evidence suggests that these compounds can modulate multiple molecular targets involved in apoptosis, oxidative stress, and tumor progression, suggesting promising bioactivity and mechanistic relevance with potential for future therapeutic development. This review provides an updated and critical overview of the chemical composition, extraction methods, and anticancer mechanisms of <em>Citrus</em> essential oils, with particular emphasis on their molecular modes of action and their prospects for future translational and therapeutic research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100990"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802253","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":"Anticancer potential of Pra-Sa-Chan-Dang multi-herb formulation and its synergistic effects with cisplatin","authors":"Zar Zar Win ,&nbsp;Hasaya Dokduang ,&nbsp;Sirinya Sittirak ,&nbsp;Panupong Chongwichai ,&nbsp;Suchittra Butda ,&nbsp;Siriluk Nuemaihom ,&nbsp;Saengrawee Thammawithan ,&nbsp;Piya Prajumwongs ,&nbsp;Nattha Muangritdech ,&nbsp;Watcharin Loilome ,&nbsp;Nisana Namwat ,&nbsp;Poramate Klanrit ,&nbsp;Jurarat Sirisukhepradit ,&nbsp;Rungsak Kaveeyanun ,&nbsp;Chutikan Sakphisutthikul ,&nbsp;Arporn Wangwiwatsin","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100987","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100987","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Natural product-based potential therapies offer promising avenues for drug discovery and development, particularly for challenging conditions like cancer treatment. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of a multi-herb Pra-Sa-Chan-Dang (PSCD) formulation, sequentially prepared from twelve distinct herbal plant ingredients, with <em>Dracaena cochinchinensis</em> (Lour.) S.C.Chen heartwood is the main component. PSCD extracts were prepared sequentially and assessed for total polyphenol, flavonoid contents and antioxidant scavenging using standards. Cell cytotoxicity effects were measured across various cancer cell lines, and combination index (CI) analysis was performed to determine synergism with standard drug, cisplatin. Untargeted metabolite profiling was conducted to identify the key bioactive compounds. The PSCD herbal formulation, particularly its ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts, is a rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids, demonstrating potent antioxidant activity. A key finding was the formula's noteworthy selective cytotoxicity with favorable selectivity indices (Selective Index &gt; 3) towards cancer cell lines, indicating its ability to specifically target malignant cells. Furthermore, CI analysis revealed a substantially reduced CI value when PSCD was combined with cisplatin, indicating a considerable synergistic effect that was selectively toxic to cancer cells, thereby enhancing the therapeutic purposes. Global metabolite profiling illustrated metabolic patterns and key bioactive compounds, including brazilin, resveratrol, and coumaroyl agmatine, identifying their presence with the observed bioactivities. The current study highlights the promise of the PSCD multi-herb formulation as novel anti-proliferative agents and suggests a treatment strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy, paving way for further studies on its most bioactive constituents, mechanisms of action, and in vivo efficacy for clinical translation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100987"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds on insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials","authors":"Juliana de Andrade Fauth ,&nbsp;Bruna Teles Soares Beserra ,&nbsp;Érica Correia Garcia ,&nbsp;Angélica Amorim Amato","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100962","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100962","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds have been shown to improve several metabolic outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to examine the effect of herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds on insulin resistance (IR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We searched Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS from inception until February 06, 2025, for RCT addressing the effect of herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds in women with IR. Their findings were analyzed the data qualitatively and quantitatively, the latter using a random-effects model.</div></div><div><h3>Main results</h3><div>Among the 39 included RCT, curcumin (<em>n</em> = 6, 350 women), cinnamon (<em>n</em> = 5, 217 women), and berberine (<em>n</em> = 3, 236 women) were the most frequently assessed herbal extracts/compounds. In the qualitative analysis, most of them had a beneficial effect on IR in women with PCOS. However, synthesis of their findings indicated that curcumin had a neutral effect on HOMA-IR (standardized mean difference, SMD: -0.07, 95%CI: -0.34, 0.19, <em>p</em> = 0.59, I²: 0%, low certainty) and QUICKI (SMD 0.08, 95%CI -0.23, 0.38, <em>p</em> = 0.62, I²: 0%, low certainty), and cinnamon marginally improved HOMA-IR (SMD:-0.39, 95%CI -0.77, 0.00, <em>p</em> = 0.05, I²: 41%, low certainty). Flaxseed was investigated in three RCT, with two studies reporting a beneficial effect and one study reporting a neutral effect on IR in women with IR. Other herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds, such as pomegranate, quercetin, spinach, fenugreek, crocin, fennel, green coffee, marjoram, propolis, <em>Salvia officinalis</em>, Sumac, and licorice were assessed in fewer studies, with mixed results.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings suggest that cinnamon may improve IR in PCOS, albeit with a low certainty of evidence. However, the available evidence for other herbal extracts/compounds is not conclusive. Therefore, current evidence does not support the recommendation for the use of herbal extracts and bioactive plant compounds in the treatment of IR in PCOS. However, the shortcomings in our review highlight the need for further clinical trials to establish the clinical efficacy of herbal extracts and plant bioactive compounds for the treatment of IR in PCOS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100962"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146122646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The importance of standardisation in phytomedicine: Variation in mood-enhancing mesembrine-alkaloids in non-standardised vs. Zembrin® commercial products","authors":"Mika Meredith de Jong,&nbsp;Suzanne Elaine van Niekerk,&nbsp;Frank van der Kooy","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100966","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100966","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Mesembryanthemum tortuosum</em>, commonly known as kanna, is traditionally used as a mood enhancer due to its mesembrine alkaloids, notably mesembrine and mesembrenone, which demonstrate anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Zembrin®, a patented standardised extract, seeks to ensure a consistent alkaloid content in products like Elev8™ and Zerenity™, supporting reliable efficacy. However, many non-standardised over-the-counter products, with variable and unspecified alkaloid levels, are widely available, potentially leading to inconsistent therapeutic outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to develop and validate an HPLC method to quantify mesembrine and mesembrenone and assess the variability of alkaloid content in commercially available products, including those containing Zembrin®.</div></div><div><h3>Study Design</h3><div>A comparative analytical study was conducted to evaluate the alkaloid content of 12 commercially available <em>M. tortuosum</em> products, two of which contained Zembrin® and six different batches of one Zembrin® containing product, using the newly developed HPLC method.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A HPLC method was developed and validated to quantify mesembrine and mesembrenone. The technique was used to analyse 18 over-the-counter <em>M. tortuosum</em> products, including two containing Zembrin® and six different batches of one standardised product. Alkaloid concentrations, labelling accuracy, and dosage instructions were assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The two Zembrin®-containing products, despite different formulations and manufacturers, contained mesembrine (32 vs. 27 µg/max daily dose) and mesembrenone (91 vs. 108 µg/max daily dose), which fall within clinically tested dosages<em>.</em> In contrast, significant variability was observed in the non-standardised commercial products, with mesembrine and mesembrenone differing by over 1600-fold (17 714 vs. 11 µg/max daily dose) and 70-fold (1 514 vs. 20 µg/max daily dose), respectively. The inter-batch results of the standardised product demonstrated remarkable consistency across all batches tested, with relative standard deviations of only 2.3 and 3.1% for mesembrine and mesembrenone, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The HPLC method effectively quantified mesembrine and mesembrenone, revealing substantial variability in non-standardised <em>M. tortuosum</em> products. The remarkable consistency of Zembrin®-containing products underscores the importance of standardisation and highlights the critical need for quality control in phytomedicines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100966"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146193083","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":"Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.): ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, therapeutic potential, and regulatory perspectives","authors":"Santhosh Kumar J. Urumarudappa ,&nbsp;Chayapol Tungphatthong ,&nbsp;Lavanya G ,&nbsp;Suchada Sukrong","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100986","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Mitragyna speciosa</em> Korth., commonly known as Kratom, has a long history as a traditional Thai herbal medicine, employed to treat various ailments since ancient times. This review aims to provide a kratom's ethnopharmacological applications, ethnobotanical uses, and evolving regulatory landscapes to provide a balanced perspective on its therapeutic potential versus public health risks. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various scientific databases to collect relevant information on <em>M. speciosa.</em> This study discusses the folk medicinal uses of <em>M. speciosa</em> and its key phytochemical constituents, along with its reported pharmacological activities, toxicological profile, and known adverse effects. In addition, regulatory frameworks across different regions are examined, with attention to challenges surrounding quality control, legal classification, and the need for sustainable harvesting practices that honour cultural traditions. Kratom presents a dual challenge as a culturally significant therapeutic agent and a substance requiring rigorous quality control. Collaborative research integrating traditional knowledge with modern science is essential to validate its medicinal potential, ensure sustainable sourcing, and harmonize regulations. Policymakers must balance accessibility with safety to protect public health and indigenous rights. This comprehensive review provides healthcare professionals and researchers with current, evidence-based information to facilitate informed discussions and decision-making regarding kratom use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 2","pages":"Article 100986"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147802350","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":"Aegle marmelos attenuates high glucose induced renal cell fibrosis via redox homeostasis maintenance and gasotransmitters modulation","authors":"Saravanakumar Venkatesan ,&nbsp;Anusha Rajagopal ,&nbsp;Ganeshjeevan Ramajeevan ,&nbsp;Suvaiyarasan Suvaithenamudhan ,&nbsp;Muthuswamy Balasubramanyam ,&nbsp;Viswanathan Mohan ,&nbsp;Nagaraj Manickam","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100942","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100942","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Diabetic kidney disease substantially increases the risk of endstage renal disease necessitating the imperative need for identification of novel drug candidates to prevent disease progression. Aegle marmelos is a well-known plant used in the Indian system of medicine for treating diabetes and its complications, but its molecular mechanism has not been elucidated. Hence, we investigated the mechanistic role of Aegle marmelos leaf extract (AMLE) and its active molecules in protecting high glucose (HG) induced renal cell fibrosis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Normal rat kidney epithelial cells were used to study the effect of AMLE (100 μg/ml) on HG (25 mM) induced renal cell fibrotic events and oxidative imbalance. Gasotransmitters (NO and H₂S), their respective synthesizing enzymes and their regulatory miRNAs were measured. Molecular docking analysis was performed using Schrodinger software to study the binding interaction of active biomolecules.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>AMLE alleviated the HG induced renal cell fibrosis by decreasing the expression levels of fibrotic markers and impeded the fibrotic events. AMLE significantly reduced the HG induced ROS generation by decreasing NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression. AMLE increased the gasotransmitters levels (NO and H₂S) by augmenting the NOS3 phosphorylation and CBS expression and decreased their regulatory miRNAs (miR-195 and miR-21). Active biomolecule, aegeline significantly combated the HG induced renal cell fibrosis by targeting NOX4 and CBS.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We demonstrated the protective effect and mechanistic action of AMLE in preventing HG mediated renal cell fibrosis by regulating the oxidative stress, gasotransmitters, its active biomolecule aegeline plays a beneficial role.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100942"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924210","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":"Phenolic extract of Macrotyloma uniflorum triggers caspase 3–mediated apoptosis and HDAC modulation in PC3 prostate cancer cells","authors":"Amber Rizwan ,&nbsp;Faqua Zarreen ,&nbsp;Shazia Karim ,&nbsp;Yeshfeen Sherwani ,&nbsp;Mairaj Ahmed Ansari ,&nbsp;M.Moshahid Alam Rizvi ,&nbsp;Humaira Farooqi","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100945","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100945","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate cancer is a major global health issue, disproportionately affecting older adults and those with genetic or socio-economic risk factors. HDAC inhibitors show promise but are restricted by toxicity and insufficient target specificity. This study, investigated phenol-rich extracts of Macrotyloma uniflorum (horse gram) for their potential to inhibit HDAC7, a class II HDAC associated with prostate cancer progression. Total phenolics in <em>Macrotyloma uniflorum</em> seeds measured 258.34 ± 2.16 mg/g, expressed as gallic acid equivalents (GAE).The extracts exerted dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, LNCaP, DU145), with the highly aggressive, androgen-independent PC3 cells showing the greatest sensitivity (IC₅₀ = 681.75 µg/mL). The extract induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Western blot revealed decreased HDAC7 protein levels and increased cleaved caspase-3, indicating caspase-3-mediated HDAC7 downregulation. Global or overall HDAC activity was modulated, reflecting epigenetic effects. Phenolic extract from <em>Macrotyloma uniflorum</em> induces caspase-3–dependent apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and HDAC modulation in PC3 cells. These results support its potential as an epigenetic anticancer agent and warrant further isoform-specific HDAC studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100945"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924671","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":"Understanding cytotoxic effects of traditional herbal remedies: A comprehensive review","authors":"Ramesh Kumar Ahirwar ,&nbsp;Akhileshwar Kumar Srivastava ,&nbsp;Dugganaboyana Guru Kumar ,&nbsp;Diptesh Kumar Bhoi ,&nbsp;Reshma Jangde","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100931","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100931","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Traditional herbal products have long been integral to healthcare systems worldwide, providing therapeutic benefits in various cultural practices. However, concerns regarding the cytotoxicity of these products, often overlooked, present significant safety risks, especially with the increasing use of herbal remedies in modern integrative medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A comprehensive literature review was conducted to understand the cytotoxic effects of traditional herbal remedies. The literature search used Google Scholar and scientific databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Springer. Relevant studies focusing on traditional medicinal uses, cytotoxicity, and pharmacological properties of herbal remedies were included. Research articles, review papers, and ethnobotanical studies documenting cytotoxic effects were analyzed to provide an in-depth perspective.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The review highlights several herbal products linked to cytotoxic effects, such as those involving oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and DNA damage. Notably, case studies demonstrate adverse reactions and toxicity, underscoring the potential risks when these remedies are not properly assessed or used. Key herbs identified include.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings call for more robust and standardized safety evaluations to address the cytotoxic risks associated with herbal treatments. It is crucial for regulatory frameworks to be strengthened, and for further research to establish clear guidelines for the safe integration of herbal products in healthcare. Emphasis should be placed on risk assessment, public awareness, and the development of safer formulations to protect consumer health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100931"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681763","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":"Kratom syrup reduces colitis severity and enhances intestinal barrier integrity in acetic acid-induced colitis mice","authors":"Narumon Sengnon ,&nbsp;Juraithip Wungsintaweekul ,&nbsp;Nattha Kaewnopparat ,&nbsp;Dujhathai Anekchai ,&nbsp;Siprapha Naknoi ,&nbsp;Nawiya Huipao ,&nbsp;Sakda Pradab ,&nbsp;Chittipong Tipbunjong ,&nbsp;Pissared Khuituan","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100925","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100925","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Kratom (<em>Mitragyna speciosa</em>) is traditionally used in Thailand for its anti-diarrheal effects, yet its potential in colitis therapy remained unexplored. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of kratom syrup (KS) containing kratom extract in an acetic acid-induced colitis mouse model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Colitis was induced in ICR mice via intrarectal administration of 5 % v/v acetic acid. Mice were treated orally with KS at mitragynine-equivalent doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg for five days. A positive control group received 4 mg/kg of loperamide syrup (LS). Colitis severity was assessed using the disease activity index (DAI), gastrointestinal transit assays, and colon length measurement. Paracellular permeability in the proximal and distal colons were evaluated using the Ussing chamber technique [transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), short-circuit current (Isc), potential difference (PD), and permeability coefficient (P<em>_app</em>)]. Claudin-2 and occludin expression levels were determined by Western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>KS significantly reduced DAI scores and prolonged gastrointestinal transit time. The 10 mg/kg dose (KS10) markedly delayed upper intestinal transit and improved total gut transit time. Both KS5 and KS10, but not LS or KS20, restored colon length. KS treatment enhanced distal colon barrier function, as shown by increased TEER and reduced P<em>_app</em>, and normalized claudin-2 and occludin expressions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>KS alleviated colitis symptoms by reducing disease severity, enhancing epithelial barrier integrity, and relieving diarrhea. These finding provide novel evidence supporting kratom-based formulations as promising alternatives for colitis management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100925"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616081","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":"Medicinal plants and their derivations for epilepsy: A meta-analysis on the GABAergic system in animal models","authors":"Samira Rostami Mehr ,&nbsp;Farnaz Khazeifard ,&nbsp;Babak Nakhaei ,&nbsp;Fereshteh Soltani ,&nbsp;Maryam Tajeri ,&nbsp;Saleh Merati ,&nbsp;Reza Hossein Gholizadeh Salmani ,&nbsp;Saeid Abbasi-Maleki","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100937","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100937","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Studies have investigated the effects of medicinal plant derivations and their derivations for the treatment of epilepsy in rodent models, but any meta-analysis and meta-regression have not been conducted on them. This systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression were performed to investigate the effects of medicinal plants for the treatment of epilepsy by the GABAergic system in animal models.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Effect sizes were estimated for GABA concentrations and duration of clonic convulsions, and moderator factors such as type of extracts and their concentrations and also subjects and potential bias were assessed using a random-effects model. Searches were conducted in databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer Link, and Scopus. Searches were completed on January 20, 2025.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study was conducted on 15 studies. Four studies were conducted on rats, while the others were conducted on mice. The results confirmed the positive effects of medicinal plant derivations on GABA concentration [0.711, CI 95% (0.506–0.916); I²=86.21; <em>p</em> = 0.000; <em>Q</em> = 275.55] and their negative effects on duration of clonic convulsions [-0.827, CI 95% (-1.14- (-0.513); I²=87.35; <em>p</em> = 0.000; <em>Q</em> = 166.10]. The results did not show significant effects of extract concentration and subjects on GABA concentration, and also the effects of extract types and their concentrations on the duration of clonic convulsions. The results did not show any bias.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, plant extracts, and especially aqueous extracts, increased GABA concentration and decreased the duration of clonic convulsions. Although optimum doses were not elucidated to impact the GABA system, further studies are required to affect the GABA system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100937"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736362","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}