Phytomedicine PlusPub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-08-11DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100866
Azeem Ahmad , Manohar S. Gundeti , Meena R , Eugene Wilson , Malik Itrat , Ghazala Javed , Mohd Aleemuddin Quamri , Deepti Singh Chalia , Pooja Yadav , Athul T P , Karthik K P , Anjana C S , Mythri H S , Aparna Dileep , Shifa Shetty P , Galib R
{"title":"Status of evidence on efficacy and safety of indian traditional medicine (AYUSH) for COVID-19: Protocol for a country-specific qualitative review and evidence map synthesis","authors":"Azeem Ahmad , Manohar S. Gundeti , Meena R , Eugene Wilson , Malik Itrat , Ghazala Javed , Mohd Aleemuddin Quamri , Deepti Singh Chalia , Pooja Yadav , Athul T P , Karthik K P , Anjana C S , Mythri H S , Aparna Dileep , Shifa Shetty P , Galib R","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100866","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100866","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world off guard despite the advanced medical systems and public health strategies. Throughout the pandemic, researchers have actively investigated the role of traditional medicines in the treatment of COVID-19. In India, where there is a rich heritage of traditional therapeutic practices encompassed under AYUSH, each system has assessed the efficacy of its remedies during this challenging time.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The aim of our study protocol is to develop a comprehensive framework for conducting a qualitative review of available studies, synthesizing an evidence map regarding the efficacy and safety of AYUSH interventions in managing COVID-19.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>A systematic review without meta-analysis study design was undertaken for this study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This protocol has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. A thorough search will be conducted across selected databases based on a well-defined search strategy. A predetermined set of inclusion criteria will guide the selection of studies for quality appraisal, and data extraction will be performed manually. The quality of the included studies will be evaluated using specific assessment tools developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The protocol deveopment and the initial search process for the identification of potential studies were completed in January 2024. From February to May, two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts. The pilot data extraction was finalized in the first week of June 2024. Any issues encountered during the data extraction process were resolved, and the formal screening and data extraction were completed in June. Presently, the review team has started the quality assessment of the included studies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of the study will not only inform practitioners and researchers but also significantly contribute to a broader understanding of integrative health strategies, potentially shaping future approaches to public health crisis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100866"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144906911","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}
Phytomedicine PlusPub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100861
Monika Figura , Amos A. Fatokun
{"title":"Flavonoids and related compounds targeting pathomechanisms of Parkinson’s Disease – from bench to bedside: A focused review of current perspectives, clinical trial outcomes, and future directions","authors":"Monika Figura , Amos A. Fatokun","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100861","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100861","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The pathomechanisms of Parkinson's Disease (PD) remain incompletely understood. Key mechanisms include oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Disease-modifying strategies are still being investigated. Flavonoids are suggested to be able to influence the neurodegenerative process, but clinical evidence is limited.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This review explored current, key pre-clinical but mainly clinical evidence for the potential of flavonoids and related compounds in treating PD.</div></div><div><h3>Study design and Methods</h3><div>Retrospective analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov registry was performed with terms “Parkinson disease” and “parkinsonism”. For trials marked as “completed”, the results were searched in both the “ClinicalTrials” Database and PubMed. PubMed was also searched to identify original papers and meta-analyses of the effects of flavonoid intake in PD patients.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>2810 interventional studies were identified in the ClinicalTrials registry (<span><span>www.ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>). A total of 18 trials were registered, with only 5 of them published as a full text article. Data from preclinical studies showed the promising effects of flavonoids in PD models. Animal studies data and data on flavonoids’ beneficial effects in population-based studies further confirmed their potential in reducing the risk of PD. However, a single, most efficacious flavonoid has yet to be identified.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Current evidence, including from epidemiological studies, suggests that diets rich in flavonoids can improve the course of PD. However, clinical trials data to date, which are quite limited, indicate no routine supplementation with flavonoids has proven useful so far in the specific context of eliciting neuroprotection as a primary outcome. More robust preclinical studies followed by more clinical trials are needed to generate sufficient and reliable data.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100861"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144911529","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}
Phytomedicine PlusPub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-10-01DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100892
Idara Asuquo Okon , Justin Atiang Beshel , Erdi Can Aytar , Daniel Udofia Owu
{"title":"In silico molecular docking study and antihypertensive property of Gongronema latifolium Benth. ethanol leaf extract in dexamethasone-induced hypertension in Wistar rats","authors":"Idara Asuquo Okon , Justin Atiang Beshel , Erdi Can Aytar , Daniel Udofia Owu","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100892","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100892","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The <em>G. latifolium</em> (GL) leaves are recognized in West Africa for its antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties. Its main active compounds are saponins and triterpenes, flavonoids. Although GL leaf extract is known for its antihypertensive effects, its effects using <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in silico</em> molecular study remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Plant products have been used to manage hypertension. The purpose of this study is to validate the use of GL as antihypertensive agent.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div><em>In vivo</em> and <em>in silico</em> molecular study was carried out to ascertained the anti-hypertensive property of GL.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (<em>n</em> = 6). A model of hypertension was established by daily subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone (30 μg/kg body weight) while GL leaf extract was administered orally for 14 days. Blood pressure, electrocardiographic recording, lipid profile levels were observed. The UHPLC orbitrap MS analysis was used to identify the phytochemicals present. ADME screening, drug-likeness and cardiac toxicity evaluations of GL were performed using molecular docking studies targeting angiotensin-converting enzyme (PDB ID: 1O8A) and troponin I (PDB ID: 1A2X).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There was a significant increase in blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein ratios, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and alteration in electrocardiograph pattern in dexamethasone group compared with control. GL leaf extract reversed these changes significantly and had drug-likeness property. The binding energies were mainly hydrogen bonding range from −9.2 kcal/mol to −3.6 kcal/mol. Ebuloside (-9.2) and Kaempferol (-8.2) exhibited the strongest binding energies.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>It is concluded that GL has antihypertensive qualities with drug likeness effect due to its hypolipdemic property and phytochemicals constituents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100892"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265532","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}
Phytomedicine PlusPub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-10-05DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100894
Ali Vatandoust , Marjan Talebi , Arezoo Alaee
{"title":"Exploring Zingiber officinale as natural antimicrobial in oral health: Efficacy and preclinical insights","authors":"Ali Vatandoust , Marjan Talebi , Arezoo Alaee","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100894","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100894","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Zingiber officinale</em> (ginger) is a plant with versatile medicinal properties that have been used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its bioactive compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, have shown inhibitory effects on a wide range of microorganisms, making it a potential alternative to antibiotics.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This review aims to thoroughly evaluate the current literature surrounding ginger antimicrobial effects in the field of oral health.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A search of databases including Google Patents, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, using keywords \"ginger,\" \"<em>Zingiber officinale</em>,<sup>\"</sup> \"oral pathogens,\" \"antimicrobial activity,\" \"oral health,\" and \"ginger extracts,\" was performed. Applying rigorous inclusion/exclusion criteria for published studies between January 2009 and May 2025 in the English language narrowed the selection.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ginger extract has been effective against oral pathogens like <em>Streptococcus mutans</em> and <em>Candida albicans</em>, which can cause dental caries and periodontal diseases. Studies have compared the antimicrobial efficacy of ginger with common agents like chlorhexidine, showing promising results. Additionally, research has shown that combining ginger with other natural agents can augment its antimicrobial activity, offering a potentially more effective treatment for oral health issues.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>As the demand for natural alternatives to antibiotics grows, ginger may continue to play a significant role in the future of oral health care, offering a natural, effective, and sustainable treatment option for oral infections. The lack of standardized ginger formulations and limited research on the long-term effects of ginger on oral tissues highlight areas requiring further investigation. Clinical trials are crucial to validate ginger antimicrobial efficacy in real-world settings and to assess potential adverse effects. The optimal formulation, dosage, and clinical application of ginger for various oral infections remain unclear.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100894"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145332478","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":"Withaferin-A induced iNOS expression to restore the protective Th-1 response in Miltefosine treated experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis","authors":"Vijay Kumar Maurya , Bharadwaja Vadloori , Anjali Anand , Jalaja Veronica, Krishan Kumar, Puneet Jangir, Manikanta Bondada, Radheshyam Maurya","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100902","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100902","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most fatal form of leishmaniasis. It is caused by <em>Leishmania donovani</em>, a macrophage-specific intracellular parasite that survives due to immunosuppression. The chemotherapeutic treatments available against VL have limitations such as exorbitant cost and the emergence of resistance.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Current study reveals the therapeutic potential of Withaferin-A (WA), a natural steroidal lactone, in combined with Miltefosine (Milt) as an alternative approach to treat VL.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>VL model of L. <em>donovani</em> was established in BALB/c mice and subjected to combination therapy. Parasite load was determined by the serial dilution method and microscopy in spleen and estimation of parasite k-DNA in liver. iNOS expression were determined by Western blot. Nitric oxide and cytokine levels were determined by ELISA and flow cytometry. Biochemical parameters of blood, liver and kidney functions were analysed to determine the drug toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Combination therapy showed a significant reduction in parasite load in the spleen and liver of mice. WA treatment induced iNOS expression, resulting in an increase in NO production. WA treatment significantly reduced IL-10 cytokine and improved IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio, resulting in efficient parasite clearance in visceral organs of mice. Analysis of blood biochemistry revealed that there are no detrimental effects on liver or kidney function upon combining WA treatment along with Milt.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>WA plus Milt treatment has shown a promising additive effect by correcting the host immune response to clear the intracellular parasite more efficiently than Milt alone. In conclusion, WA along with Milt treatment could be a novel strategy to overcome the emergence of Milt-resistant parasites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100902"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145332594","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}
Phytomedicine PlusPub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100899
Fifteen Aprila Fajrin , Diana Holidah , Fransiska Maria Christianty , Ika Puspita Dewi , Brigifa Frisca Espanola , Dila Priastita Intan Parastuti , Mohammad Nur Fahrudin , Nikmatul Imamah , Winny Pradyta Widiyatno
{"title":"Acute dermal toxicity test and anti-inflammatory activity of emulgel from cocoa pod husk (Theobroma cacao L.) ethanol extract","authors":"Fifteen Aprila Fajrin , Diana Holidah , Fransiska Maria Christianty , Ika Puspita Dewi , Brigifa Frisca Espanola , Dila Priastita Intan Parastuti , Mohammad Nur Fahrudin , Nikmatul Imamah , Winny Pradyta Widiyatno","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Inflammation, a critical biological response to harmful stimuli, is typically managed with synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs. However, an exiting natural alternative is <em>Theobroma cacao</em> L., known for its high content of catechins and procyanidins, which have significant anti-inflammatory properties. Generally, comprehensive preclinical evaluations of both efficacy and safety are crucial before any topical product can be approved for market use.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the safety and activity of an emulgel from ethanol extract cocoa pod husk as an anti-inflammatory agent.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>The safety of the emulgel was evaluated through acute dermal toxicity as specified by the OECD. Key measurements included the LD50 dermal cut-off, primary irritation index, and histopathological assessments of mouse skin. In vivo antiinflammatory studies in mice divided into acute inflammation using carrageenan intraplantar, while chronic inflammation using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) intraplantar. The parameters observed were latency time, plantar thickness, number of Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells and lymphocytes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The emulgel demonstrated low toxicity and was non-irritating to the skin at all concentrations tested. In the acute inflammation, the 3 % ethanol extract effectively reduced plantar thickness, extended latency time, enhanced epidermis thickness, and lowered the counts of PMN cells. Additionally, during chronic inflammation, a 1 % dose significantly diminished lymphocyte and PMN cell numbers compared to the negative control.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The emulgel from cocoa pod husk extract is effective and safe for treating inflammation. This study adapts previous research for easy topical application, providing a new option for managing acute and chronic inflammation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100899"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416005","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":"Neuroprotective mechanism of salidroside derivative SHPL-49 involves amelioration of brain lipid metabolism disorder to mitigate ferroptosis in a rat model of pMCAO","authors":"Ruyi Wang, Yue Shen, Dong Xie, Zhirui Zheng, Yuying Zhu, Pei Zhang, Jiange Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100871","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100871","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ischemic stroke, characterized by high incidence and mortality, severely endangers human health. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of salidroside derivative SHPL-49 (NB-SHPL-49-A-3, Supplementary Material 1). Male Sprague-Dawley rats with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) received oral SHPL-49 at 60 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg for 14 days, with Butylphthalide (NBP) as a positive control. In vivo, neurological function, infarct volume, cognitive ability, and grip strength were evaluated, and lipid metabolism and the ferroptosis-related ACSL4-GPX4 pathway were analyzed. In vitro PC12 cell oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) models were established. Results showed that 90 mg/kg SHPL-49 significantly improved neurological and cognitive functions, reduced infarct volume, regulated lipid metabolism, and inhibited ferroptosis via the ACSL4-GPX4 pathway. In conclusion, 90 mg/kg oral SHPL-49 protected against neurodegeneration and reversed lipid metabolism disorder in ischemic stroke rats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100871"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144865747","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":"Echinops kebericho Mesfin: A comprehensive review of its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity","authors":"Getaneh Worku Moges , Melesse Ababay Assege , Gizachew Mulugeta Manahelohe , Ayalew Temesgen Wodajo , Hailemichael Tegenu Gebrie , Desta Shumuye Meshesha , Shewaye Lakew Mekuria , Birhanu Ayalew Tebeje , Desilal Kokebie Molla , Aderaw Anteneh Belew","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100912","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100912","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Echinops kebericho</em> Mesfin is a medicinal plant endemic to Ethiopia, primarily found in the highland regions. Traditionally, it has been used to treat a wide range of ailments. Despite its extensive ethnopharmacological use, scientific investigations into its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties remain fragmented. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the ethnomedicinal uses, bioactive constituents, and biological activities of <em>E. kebericho</em>. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The plant’s root is used predominantly in traditional preparations and contains diverse secondary metabolites, including sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and steroids. Notably, the sesquiterpene lactone dehydrocostus lactone exhibits promising antileishmanial, antibacterial, antioxidant, and herbicidal activities. Extracts and essential oils from <em>E. kebericho</em> demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insect-repellent, antimalarial, antileishmanial, antitrypanosomal, and cytotoxic effects. Emerging nanotechnology applications further highlight its potential in environmental and agricultural fields. Toxicological assessments indicate its safety, thus supporting its prospective development into therapeutic agents. This comprehensive review integrates fragmented research and underscores the need for further systematic studies to explore <em>E. kebericho</em> as a valuable source of novel pharmacologically active compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100912"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145474144","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}
Phytomedicine PlusPub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-10-26DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100911
Tshianeo T. Ramaleba, Mashilo M. Matotoka, Wanda Shekwa, Peter Masoko
{"title":"Exploring the pharmacological properties of Ficus sur Forssk. and Ficus carica L. as medicinal plants with antibacterial and anti-biofilm Potential","authors":"Tshianeo T. Ramaleba, Mashilo M. Matotoka, Wanda Shekwa, Peter Masoko","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100911","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100911","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The growing interest in plant-based remedies and the challenge of antimicrobial resistance have increased the focus on medicinal plants as viable alternatives for managing infectious diseases and reducing reliance on conventional antibiotics. This study explores the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm properties of <em>Ficus sur</em> Forssk. and <em>Ficus carica</em> L.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The total polyphenol content was quantified using colorimetric techniques, and the antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the broth micro-dilution assay.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The <em>Ficus carica</em> hexane extract exhibited the highest phenolic (55.54±6.25 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (195.93±1.88 mg QE/g) contents, while the methanol extract of <em>Ficus sur</em> contained the highest tannin content (32.12±5.85 mg GAE/g). The methanol extract of <em>F. sur</em> demonstrated the highest DPPH scavenging activity (89.98 % at 250 μg/ml), whereas <em>F. carica</em> showed lower antioxidant activity. Additionally, the methanol extract of <em>F. sur</em> exhibited the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (0.31 mg/ml) against <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>. It also effectively inhibited biofilm formation by <em>Enterococcus faecalis</em> and initial cell attachment of <em>E. coli</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results confirm that the selected <em>Ficus</em> species possess significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities along with notable polyphenolic content. Further research should explore how the nutritional content of crude extracts, especially sugars, may inadvertently enhance biofilm biomass.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100911"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415961","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":"Andrographis paniculata in fatty liver disease: Mechanisms, nanocarrier approaches, and therapeutic potential","authors":"Akash Vikal , Rashmi Maurya , Preeti Patel , Balak Das Kurmi","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100903","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100903","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), commonly known for its potent hepatoprotective properties, has been extensively studied for the treatment of liver disorders, including fatty liver disease (FLD). The key bioactive compound, andrographolide (AP), exerts multiple therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic actions, making it a promising natural remedy for preventing and managing FLD. However, the clinical application of Kalmegh is limited due to the poor bioavailability of AP in conventional dosage forms, which leads to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. To address this challenge, nanotechnology-driven drug delivery systems have surfaced as a promising strategy to boost the bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of Kalmegh's active compounds. Nanocarrier platforms such as lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs), polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs), solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and exosome-based delivery systems offer targeted delivery, controlled release, and improved liver-specific targeting of AP, addressing the limitations of conventional formulations. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, and other academic databases to explore the pharmacological properties of Kalmegh and its potential activity in fatty liver disease. Various studies were reviewed, focusing on the hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of Kalmegh, along with its bioactive compounds such as andrographolide. Research findings suggest that Kalmegh may help in reducing liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid accumulation, making it a promising candidate for fatty liver disease management. This review explores the therapeutic potential of Kalmegh in FLD, discusses its mechanisms of action, and highlights the advancements in nanotechnology-based formulations that enhance the delivery and efficacy of AP.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 4","pages":"Article 100903"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145332477","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}