Phytomedicine Plus最新文献

{"title":"Therapeutic potential of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) on new models of asthma immune pathobiology: A review","authors":"VR Bataduwaarachchi ,&nbsp;DCJ Liyanage ,&nbsp;SMN Hansanie ,&nbsp;HDSM Perera ,&nbsp;LG D'Cruz","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100749","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100749","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Asthma, a prevalent chronic immune-mediated respiratory disease, has long been a global health concern. In this context, the potential of garlic (<em>Allium sativum</em> L.) to modulate the immune pathobiology of asthma is of great interest. However, the molecular and immune-mediated effects of garlic remain inadequately explored in the context of emerging asthma pathobiological models.</div></div><div><h3>Aims of the study</h3><div>This review aims to explore the potential effects of garlic (<em>Allium sativum</em> L.) on the immune pathobiology of new asthma models and to provide guidance and comprehensive reference material for preclinical and clinical studies.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature review was conducted in PubMed, Medline Scopus, and Google Scholar. A combined search was performed for each keyword, with “garlic” included as the primary keyword or search term. Articles were included if they primarily focused on the effects of garlic compounds on the immune pathobiology of asthma.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The administration of s-allyl-cysteine mercapto-l-cysteine (SAC) suppresses inflammatory events in asthma by specifically downregulating TH2 cytokines. It also reduces vital key proinflammatory mediators, including IL-6, PGE2, and COX2, which are vital in asthma pathogenesis. Garlic (<em>Allium sativum</em> L.) compounds further suppress inflammatory response via modulation of NF-κB/IκB expression. Additionally, sulphur compounds inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, via the suppression of asthmatic inflammatory response.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The garlic (<em>Allium sativum</em> L<em>.</em>) compounds, including SAC, potentially show multiple biological functions, including specific effects on TH2 inflammation and other immune-modulatory and antioxidant properties against specific immune-mediated asthma pathobiological pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100749"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coronil effectively inhibits the interaction of clinically relevant Omicron mutants of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins with human ACE2 receptor","authors":"Acharya Balkrishna ,&nbsp;Rishabh Dev ,&nbsp;Sandeep Kumar ,&nbsp;Anurag Varshney","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100705","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100705","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Accumulating evidence suggests that the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has several times more binding affinity to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor compared to the RBD of the original Covid-19 strain. This increased binding affinity of the Omicron variant is responsible for its increased internalization and infectivity.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>In the present study, the impact of Coronil, a tri-herbal formulation of extracts from <em>Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia and Ocimum sanctum</em> on the binding properties of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant spike proteins (S proteins) was investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Chemical composition of Coronil was determined by the Prominence-XR UHPLC system. The ELISA-based ACE2 binding inhibition assay was performed to delineate the effect of Coronil on the interaction between human ACE2 receptor and different Omicron variant S-proteins such as BA.4/BA5, XBB, BA.2.75.2, BA4.6/BF.7, BA.2.75.2, BQ.1.1 and a recently found spike protein variant JN.1 which is thought to emerge from BA.2.86.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Coronil showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the interactions between ACE2 and receptor binding domains (RBD) of all variants of S-proteins evaluated in this study including the recently emerged, highly transmissible variant spike protein JN.1. Although, Coronil significantly reduced the binding percentage in almost all the variant spike proteins, the maximum inhibition was achieved against BA.4/BA.5 where it inhibited the S protein – ACE2 interaction even at a low concentration of 3 µg/ml (16.6 %). This binding inhibition was further increased to 60.3 and 84.3 % at 100 and 300 µg/ml respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This capability of Coronil to inhibit the binding of S-protein variants with ACE2 receptor may interfere with viral binding and internalization resulting in reduced infectivity of these Omicron spike protein variants. Overall, our data underscores the potential of Coronil in combating the various newly emerged Omicron spike protein variants. These findings may provide a basis for further studies of Coronil for its clinical effectiveness against these Omicron variants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100705"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ethnobotany, floristic and phytochemical studies of medicinal plants used to treat uterine fibroids in Mbarara City, Uganda","authors":"Calton Nantinda ,&nbsp;Esther Lynnet Kisakye ,&nbsp;David Musana ,&nbsp;Isaac Ssessanga ,&nbsp;Ukashar Ssenabulya ,&nbsp;Timothy Omara ,&nbsp;Ivan Kahwa ,&nbsp;Florence Nalimu","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100729","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100729","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Uterine fibroids (UF) are the most common non-cancerous benign gynaecologic tumours in premenopausal females. In Uganda, the prevalence of UF is estimated at 20%, and several risk factors have been identified as contributing to this prevalence. This study aimed to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda on the use of medicinal plants for UF management. The TMPs play a vital role in the healthcare within this region, often incorporating conventional diagnostic methods such as ultrasound scans before providing herbal treatments. To achieve the study aim, data was collected from April 2024 to May 2024 using structured questionnaires administered. Twenty-six (26) respondents were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were gathered on sociodemographic characteristics, treatment-seeking behaviour, and use of herbal formularies for treatment of UF. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, and computation of the frequency of citation, relative frequency of citation and fidelity level. Our results indicated that most TMPs knew about UF and valued conventional means of diagnosis before initiating herbal treatment. Forty-seven (47) plant species belonging to 32 families and 45 genera were identified. Fabaceae (10.6%), Asteraceae, Lamiaceae (8.5% each), Asparagaceae and Cucurbitaceae (6.4% each) were the most ordinary families. At the same time, <em>Oxygonum sinuatum, Hoslundia opposita, Opuntia ficus-indica, Sesamum angustifolium, Phyllathus niruri, Ricinus communis, Erythrina abyssinica</em> and <em>Leonotis nepetifolia</em> were the most frequently cited species. Leaves (47.6%), stems (17.5%) and flowers (9.5%) of herbs (61.7%), trees (23.4%) and shrubs (14.9%) were the primarily utilized plant parts for preparing decoctions that are administered orally (94%). Classical phytochemical screening of plant organs from the eight most cited species indicated flavonoids, phytosterols, terpenoids, saponins and alkaloids. With initial evidence of the bioactive secondary metabolites, this study underscores the need for further bioassay-guided studies to isolate and characterize bioactive molecules associated with the anti-fibroid efficacy of the species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100729"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of gut microbiota in disease management: Ayurvedic perspectives on metabolic diseases and health","authors":"Bhawana Jangra,&nbsp;Shreyanshi Kulshreshtha,&nbsp;Alok Goyal,&nbsp;Sanjay M. Jachak","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100731","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100731","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In the past few years, the critical role of gut microbiome in the maintenance of overall health and various diseases has captured significant attention. Various studies underline the importance of maintaining a healthy gut. For centuries, Ayurvedic medicinal plants have been used to treat gut-related diseases and are believed to act as prebiotics, thereby enhancing beneficial gut bacteria. These plants possess incredible therapeutic properties and are able to inhibit TNF-<em>α</em>, NF-<em>κ</em>B, COX, LOX, <em>α</em>-amylase, <em>α</em>-glucosidase, etc. They are well documented and used for treating conditions like IBS, chronic diarrhoea, constipation, ulcerative colitis, Agnimandya (digestive impairment), Mandagni (impaired digestive fire) and other gut-related diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This review is aimed at collecting scientific insights on gut health, focusing on traditional medicinal plants like Babool, Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Ghrit kumari, Tulsi, Harad, Baheda, Amala, and the Triphala formulation. Exploring their phytoconstituents and Ayurvedic formulations, we uncover their role in nurturing gut microbiota and combating various gut disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Study design and methods</h3><div>Consultation of various Databases and search engines such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, SciFinder, and other published/unpublished resources provided an overview of the published literature on the topic.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The human body is composed of both human cells and microbial cells. These microbes, when present in the gut, are collectively known as gut microbes. These have direct or indirect effects on an individual's health and diseases, <em>viz.</em> dysbiosis, UC, IBD, cardio-vascular diseases, chronic kidney disorders, etc. The interaction of various phytoconstituents present in the MFH plants with the gut microbiota has a two-way effect. While the phytoconstituents can modulate the growth of useful gut bacteria, such as <em>Bifidobacterium</em> and <em>Lactobacillus</em>, these microbes have enzymes that help in the transformation of plant moieties into active metabolites which have beneficial effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>It can be concluded that Ayurvedic MFH plants and formulations can help our gut stay healthy. The available literature describes that these natural remedies are quite effective in treating different gut problems. In conclusion, Ayurvedic remedies could be a great way to keep our digestion in check and improve overall health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100731"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Neuroprotective role of epigallocatechin-3-gallate, albeginin and melanoxetin in alzheimer's disease","authors":"Arif Malik ,&nbsp;Mehreen Hassan ,&nbsp;Sulayman Waquar ,&nbsp;Muhammad Wasim ,&nbsp;Anam Naz ,&nbsp;Faryal M. Awan ,&nbsp;Muhammad T. Khan ,&nbsp;Ali I. Khawaja ,&nbsp;Sumera Zaib ,&nbsp;Jamshed Iqbal ,&nbsp;Ayesha Zahid ,&nbsp;Marvi Marvi ,&nbsp;Javeid Iqbal ,&nbsp;Heng Wang ,&nbsp;Dong-Qing Wei","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100740","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100740","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a heterogeneous and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive impairment and behavioral disturbances. Phytochemicals are considered safer alternatives and have shown significant efficacy in inhibiting cholinesterase, scavenging free radicals, inhibiting amyloid-β neurotoxicity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters, thereby slowing down the progression of AD.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>EGCG, is an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory that lowers amyloid-b and tau aggregation in AD models and improves cognition at preclinical dosages of 25–100 mg/kg/day and clinical doses of 200–800 mg/ Albeginin, a new flavonoid, reduces neuroinflammation in rats at 10–50 mg/kg/day, equal to 100–200 mg/day in humans. Melanoxetin, a phenolic molecule, chelates toxic metals, lowers ROS, and protects neurons at 15–40 mg/kg/day in animal models and 50–150 mg/day in humans. These chemicals show promise for Alzheimer's treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>The study targeted specific AD-related proteins, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT-1), β-secretase-1 (BACE-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), caspase-3, glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), mitogen-activated protein kinase-2 (MAPK-2), matrix metalloproteins-8 (MMP-8), N-methyl-<span>d</span>-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), Peptidyl arginine deiminase-2 (PAD-2), Presenilin-1 (PSEN-1), mitogen-activated protein kinase-14 (MAPK-14/P38), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Before conducting experimental work, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed to assess the binding affinity of EGCG, albeginin, and melanoxetin against the selected targets. Sprague Dawley rats were injected with colchicine to induce AD, followed by treatment with the selected phytocompounds for three weeks.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In silico results indicated strong binding interactions of EGCG, albeginin, and melanoxetin with the target proteins. The rats treated with these phytocompounds showed a significant reduction in oxidative stress, inflammation, Aβ plaque formation, neurofibrillary tangles, and anticholinesterase activity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This is the first comprehensive study on the therapeutic role of EGCG, albeginin, and melanoxetin against AD. These phytocompounds demonstrate potential for better management of AD in the future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100740"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177634","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breaking the biofilm barrier: Juglone derivatives as dual-action inhibitors and anti-quorum sensing agents","authors":"Muhammad Abdullah Bhatti ,&nbsp;Atif Ali Khan Khalil ,&nbsp;Sayed Muhammad Ata Ullah Shah Bukhari ,&nbsp;Faisal Hanif ,&nbsp;Mi-Jeong Ahn ,&nbsp;Sumra Wajid Abbasi ,&nbsp;Nazir Ahmed Lone ,&nbsp;Wen-Jun Li ,&nbsp;Wasim Sajjad","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100698","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Most nosocomial infections are caused by bacteria that proliferate within quorum sensing mediated biofilms. The disruption of quorum sensing signals in biofilm-forming bacteria is the potential substitution strategy.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The current study focuses on the evaluation of isolated juglone derivatives from <em>Reynoutria japonica</em> as anti-biofilm agents and enzyme inhibitors against Methicillin Resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of the juglone derivatives were investigated against laboratory strains MRSA using well and disc diffusion method. In addition, we evaluated the anti-biofilm inhibition potential of the juglone derivatives using a crystal violet-based assay in 96-well micro-titer plate. The suppression of S. aureus β-hemolytic, coagulase and proteolytic activity was evaluated using standard assay protocols. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was performed to analyze the acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) signals degradation by juglone derivatives. Furthermore, all three ligand molecules were docked into the binding site of the S. aureus coagulase protein.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All the three juglone derivatives showed potent antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of MRSA. Among these compounds, 2-ethoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone displayed potent inhibitory activity with zones of inhibition of 15 ± 0.03 and 17 ± 0.03 against MRSA respectively. In the spectrophotometric assay, we confirmed that juglone derivatives inhibit biofilm formation. All the compounds markedly inhibited the coagulase, <em>β</em>-hemolytic and proteolytic activity of MRSA. The application of compounds as a treatment resulted in a notable decrease in biofilm density and thickness, as demonstrated by HPLC. The untreated MRSA exhibited quorum sensing signals of N-Butanoyl-<span>l</span>-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL) with retention time 3.6 min and of N-hexanoyl-<span>l</span>-Homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) at 5.8 minutes’ vs the treated with MRSA where no peaks were observed. The docking studies and Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results revealed that all molecules are actively binding in the target site that correlates well with the <em>in-vitro</em> inhibitory properties of compounds against <em>S. aureus</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>our results demonstrated the potential of juglone derivatives from <em>R. japonica</em> as a promising anti-biofilm agent and as quorum quencher for future therapy to combat multi-drug resistant infections in particular MRSA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100698"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unlocking the potential of Rosmarinic acid: A review on extraction, isolation, quantification, pharmacokinetics and pharmacology","authors":"Haritha Harindranath ,&nbsp;Aishwarya Susil ,&nbsp;Rajeshwari S ,&nbsp;Mahendran Sekar ,&nbsp;B.R. Prashantha Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100726","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100726","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a polyphenol abundantly found in culinary herbs like Rosemary, sage, perilla, and Tulsi, and it has varied therapeutic potential. It is an ester of caffeic acid and 3,4—di hydroxyphenyl lactic acid. It's been used as a food supplement and in traditional medicines since immemorial.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To review RA's properties, sources, extraction methods, chemical structure, bioavailability, and diverse therapeutic applications such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial properties.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic data review was carried out focussing on literature from 2004 – 2024 in online databases from Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Researchgate, and Scopus. The articles were searched using “Rosmarinic acid”, “Cancer”, “in silico”, “in vivo”, “in vitro”, “diabetes”, and “therapeutic” as the keywords.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This review provides deep insights into the research works carried out on RA's potential as a medicinal source. Advancement from normal traditional usage to modern-day therapeutic practices, RA has come a long way to help mankind with its unique characteristics. From anti-bacterial to anti-cancer remedies RA has proven its healing properties and still provides a scope to explore further.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100726"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the antidiabetic and antinephritic effects of Pueraria tuberosa and Pterocarpus santalinus extracts co-encapsulated in nanostructured lipid carriers in streptozotocin-induced mouse model","authors":"Gyamcho Tshering Bhutia ,&nbsp;Asit Kumar De ,&nbsp;Manas Bhowmik ,&nbsp;Pavia Bera ,&nbsp;Tanmoy Bera","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100742","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100742","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Diabetic nephropathy (DN) causes significant morbidity and mortality, leading to substantial psycho-economic costs. New strategies and medications are needed to manage DN more effectively.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The antidiabetic and antinephritic properties of <em>Pueraria tuberosa</em> and <em>Pterocarpus santalinus</em> have been demonstrated in previous studies. However, poor oral bioavailability has limited their clinical application. A nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulation was created and tested to address this problem. The promising experimental results suggest that this formulation holds potential for further clinical exploration.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>The <em>in vivo</em> study evaluated the therapeutic potential of NLCs loaded with hydroalcoholic extracts of <em>P. tuberosa</em> tubers (PTE) and <em>P. santalinus</em> heartwood (PSE) in managing DN over eight weeks in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The protective effects of PTE and PSE were evaluated in mice at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight. Two weeks after STZ treatment, animals with blood sugar levels above 250 mg/dL were identified as diabetic and showed signs of nephritis. In these diabetic mice, PTE-NLC and PSE-NLC, individually and in their combined form (PTE+PSE)-NLC, were assessed for their hypoglycemic and nephroprotective effects. Animals were sacrificed for histopathological and biochemical analysis after eight weeks of therapy. Nanoparticles were characterized by their morphology, zeta potential, drug loading capacity, particle size, and release profile.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In STZ-induced diabetic mice, treatment with (PTE+PSE)-NLC significantly improved pancreas and kidney health. It restored the kidney hypertrophy index, stabilized biochemical parameters, enhanced histopathological outcomes, and increased beta-cell count. Additionally, (PTE+PSE)-NLC led to a 30.53-fold more significant reduction in blood glucose levels than free (PTE+PSE) extracts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings highlight the potential of the NLC formulation of <em>P. tuberosa</em> and <em>P. santalinus</em> extracts in treating diabetic nephropathy. The bioactive compounds in these extracts play a crucial role in their antidiabetic and antinephritic effects, marking significant progress in the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100742"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Medicinal plants with neuroprotective potential in East African countries: A systematic review","authors":"Ibe Michael Usman ,&nbsp;Ekom Monday Etukudo ,&nbsp;Elna Owembabazi ,&nbsp;Wusa Makena ,&nbsp;Augustine Oviosun ,&nbsp;Makeri Danladi ,&nbsp;Vivian Ojiakor ,&nbsp;Patrick Maduabuchi Aja ,&nbsp;Emeka Anyanwu ,&nbsp;Yanurkis Duranones Rosales ,&nbsp;Mario Edgar Fernandez Diaz ,&nbsp;Josiah Ifie ,&nbsp;Ismahil Adekunle Adeniyi ,&nbsp;Ilemobayo Victor Fasogbon ,&nbsp;Victor Bassey Archibong","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100744","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100744","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The use of plant-derived natural compounds in the management of various human disease conditions has gained lots of attention in recent times; hence, the present study examined medicinal plants with neuroprotective potential in East Africa and their mechanism of action.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The present study is a systematic review that included randomized controlled trial studies using experimental animal models for various nervous system related conditions treated with medicine plants sourced from within any of the East African countries.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>Most of the included studies were conducted in Kenya 6/12 (50 %). Studies from Ethiopia and Uganda accounted for 2/12 (16.7%) and 4/12 (33.3 %) respectively. One-third of the included studies used the leaves of the selected plants. The reviewed studies highlighted neuroprotective activities of the plants, as evidenced by biochemical and behavioral improvements. Key findings included increased levels of glutamine synthetase, Na+/K+ ATPase, calcium ATPase, acetylcholinesterase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, all of which support enhanced neuronal function and protection against oxidative stress. Conversely, there was a significant decrease in level of malondialdehyde, an important marker of lipid peroxidation, indicating reduced cellular damage from oxidative stress. Behavioral outcomes aligned with these biochemical changes, showing marked improvements in memory and learning, motor activity, seizure threshold, and anxiety-like behavior.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The included studies collectively suggest a strong neuroprotective activity, with the biochemical enhancements contributing to better neurological health and functional recovery. Hence, the reported plants could be explored as options in complementary and alternative medicine following a thorough examination of their active ingredient and mechanism of action.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100744"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metabolites derived from medicinal plants modulating voltage-gated sodium channel activity: A systematic review","authors":"José Luis Estela-Zape ,&nbsp;Mayra Liliana Pizarro-Loaiza ,&nbsp;Gabriel Arteaga ,&nbsp;Santiago Castaño ,&nbsp;Leonardo Fierro","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100724","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100724","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) are critical for generating action potentials in neuronal and muscle tissues. Dysfunction of these channels is associated with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and myopathies. Although plant-derived compounds have shown promise in modulating Nav channels, the molecular mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. This systematic review aims to identify plant metabolites that affect Nav channel activity, with the potential for developing more selective and safer treatments.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) using keywords related to sodium channels and medicinal plants. Studies were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria and evaluated through a standard critical appraisal process by two reviewers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Six studies were included, examining the effects of plant metabolites on Nav channels. Isoquinoline alkaloids from <em>Corydalis yanhusuo, hangeshashinto</em>, osthol, and cannabidiol inhibited Na+ currents in cell models, primarily affecting Nav1.7 and Nav1.5. These compounds exhibited analgesic, antiarrhythmic, and neuroprotective properties, suggesting their therapeutic potential for disorders linked to Nav channel dysfunction.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Plant-derived metabolites that modulate Nav channels present significant therapeutic potential for treating neurological disorders, offering more targeted treatments with fewer side effects. However, further research is needed to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms and validate these compounds through preclinical and clinical trials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100724"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176668","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}