Phytomedicine Plus最新文献

{"title":"Modulation of apoptotic pathways and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in HeLa cervical cancer cells by Ficus deltoidea-silver nanoparticles (FD-AgNPs)","authors":"Happy Kurnia Permatasari ,&nbsp;Raisha Anis Fatiha ,&nbsp;Christian Kencana Ngabdi ,&nbsp;Jihan Salwa Azizah ,&nbsp;Bayu Lestari ,&nbsp;Soon Wei To ,&nbsp;Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100923","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100923","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical cancer, primarily caused by persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality due to its propensity for resistance and metastasis. <em>Ficus deltoidea</em>, a medicinal plant rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties when formulated into silver nanoparticles. This study aimed to investigate the proapoptotic and antimetastatic effects of <em>Ficus deltoidea</em>-Silver Nanoparticles (FD-AgNPs) in HeLa cervical cancer cells. Cells were treated with FD-AgNPs at concentrations of 2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL, with cisplatin 2.5 μg/mL as a positive control and a negative control group. Cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated using trypan blue and flow cytometry, while antimetastatic effects were assessed via a wound-healing assay and immunofluorescent detection of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) markers, such as Snail and vimentin. Results showed that FD-AgNPs significantly reduced HeLa cell viability (<em>p</em> = 0.0004) and increased apoptosis (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001) in a dose-dependent manner. The highest concentration significantly inhibited cell migration compared to cisplatin (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), downregulated Snail (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001) and vimentin (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), indicating EMT suppression. These findings highlight the dual action of FD-AgNPs in inducing apoptosis and inhibiting EMT-driven metastasis, supporting their potential as a safe and effective complementary therapy for cervical cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100923"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616079","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":"Efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaves extracts as a natural treatment for marine parasite and bacterial pathogens","authors":"Anderson Kwong ,&nbsp;Asyraf Abdul Momin ,&nbsp;Elliecpearl Jasca Joning ,&nbsp;Gilbert Ringgit ,&nbsp;Attabik Mukhammad Amrillah ,&nbsp;Leong Seng Lim ,&nbsp;Balu Alagar Venmathi Maran ,&nbsp;Mohammad Tamrin Mohamad Lal","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100927","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100927","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pathogens such as bacteria and parasites are major contributors to losses in aquaculture production. Chemical treatments were commonly used; however, they can have hazardous effects on humans, other animals, and the environment.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Therefore, there is a demand for safe treatment agents that can substitute toxic treatments while enhancing aquaculture productivity. This research aims to evaluate the potential of <em>Moringa oleifera</em> leaves as a natural treatment against parasitic and bacterial pathogens.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Three concentrations, 100, 50, and 25 mg/ml of methanolic and ethanolic <em>M. oleifera</em> leaves extracts were prepared and tested on marine leech, <em>Zeylanicobdella arugamensis</em>. It was also tested on bacteria, <em>Vibrio alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, V. anguillarum, Photobacterium damselae, Aeromonas salmonicida</em>, and <em>A. hydrophila</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>GCMS analysis identified Moringa leaves methanolic extract has major compounds of tetradecane, 5-methyl- (25.30 %) and 2-Bromotetradecane (20.76 %) and ethanolic extract has 2-Bromotetradecane (52.07 %). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was 200 mg/ml and 300 mg/ml concentration of methanol and ethanol extracts effective against <em>P. damsalae</em>, respectively. All the leeches resulted in 100 % mortality in five treatments, methanol 100, 50, 25, ethanol 100, and 50 mg/ml with average mortality time of 5.88 ± 0.45, 28.74 ± 7.34, 59.70 ± 6.31, 7.48 ± 2.15, and 18.62 ± 2.97 min, respectively, while only ethanol 25 mg/ml had 80 % mortality rate with the average mortality time of 33.91 ± 8.14 min.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Thus, this study indicates that the methanol and ethanol extracts of the leaves of <em>M. oleifera</em> had the potential to function as a natural treatment against <em>Z. arugamensis</em> and <em>P. damselae</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings highlight the potential alternative antimicrobial drug for controlling diseases in aquaculture, offering a more environmentally friendly solution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100927"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145616080","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":"A comprehensive review on the broad-spectrum utility and phytochemistry of Curcuma caesia Roxb","authors":"Afreen Anjum,&nbsp;Vikas Chandra","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100961","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100961","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Curcuma caesia</em> Roxb., a medicinal rhizomatous herb, holds considerable therapeutic and commercial significance, especially in traditional Indian medicine. Its rhizomes are widely used in Ayurveda to manage chronic and metabolic disorders such as leukoderma, asthma, bronchitis, tumors, and piles. The plant's pharmacological potential is linked to its rich composition of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, and essential oils.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This review aims to critically analyze the phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and biotechnological advancements related to <em>C. caesia</em>, with the goal of identifying its therapeutic potential and research gaps.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature review was conducted using over 150 scientific sources. Studies focused on the chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and <em>in vitro</em> propagation strategies of <em>C. caesia</em> were collected, analyzed, and discussed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>C. caesia</em> exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antimalarial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antitumor effects. These effects are primarily attributed to its phytochemical richness. Recent advancements include successful <em>in vitro</em> propagation, microrhizome induction, and elicitation approaches that enhance secondary metabolite production.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Although <em>C. caesia</em> is considered a non-conventional species within the <em>Curcuma</em> genus, it has shown extensive therapeutic promise. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding its unexplored phytoconstituents and mechanisms of action. Further research is needed to validate traditional claims and explore its potential in pharmaceutical development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100961"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146022765","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":"Prunus cerasoides extract and its active ingredient prunetin ameliorate neurovascular glial unit dysfunction via Akt pathway in vascular dementia mice","authors":"Hyeon Ju Jeong ,&nbsp;So Dam Kim ,&nbsp;Hyo Jeong Lee ,&nbsp;So Hyeon Choi ,&nbsp;Seo Hyun Kim ,&nbsp;Yun Seon Song","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100956","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100956","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Vascular dementia (VaD) is increasingly prevalent in aging populations. However, its effective treatment remains limited. Although Prunus cerasoides extract (PCE) exhibits neuroprotective properties, its role in VaD is unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To investigate the potential of PCE and its active ingredient, prunetin (PN), for cognitive improvement and neuroprotection against neurovascular glia unit (NVGU) dysfunction in a mouse model of VaD.</div></div><div><h3>Materials</h3><div>A mouse model of chronic VaD was established by surgically performing asymmetric bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (ACAS), followed by administration of ethanolic PCE (100 mg/kg, PO) and PN (10 mg/kg, PO) for six weeks. Cognitive and behavioral changes were assessed using passive avoidance, elevated plus maze, and open field tests at 4 weeks. Brain damage was analyzed by Luxol-fast-blue, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting at 6 weeks.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>PCE or PN improved cognitive performance, decreased mortality, reduced cerebral ventricular enlargement, preserved white matter integrity, reduced blood-brain barrier leakage, and upregulated tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin). Increased glial fibrillary acidic protein of astrocyte in VaD was significantly reduced by PCE and PN. Decreased phosphorylation of Akt in VaD was restored by PCE and PN. Similarly, in primary neurons exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation, the decrease of Akt phosphorylation was restored by PCE and PN. However, such effects of PCE and PN were blocked by co-treatment with Triciribine, a Akt inhibitor</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>PCE and PN could enhance cognition through their neuroprotective effects on NVGU in an ACAS model of VaD by upregulating the Akt pathway. These findings highlight their potential as promising therapeutic candidates for VaD treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100956"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976288","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":"Azadirachta indica extract alleviates the progression of cholangiocarcinoma in liver fluke-infected hamsters","authors":"Ratchadawan Aukkanimart ,&nbsp;Thidarut Boonmars ,&nbsp;Phannipha Chekdaengphanao ,&nbsp;Dareena Jaiseri ,&nbsp;Jatuporn Prathumtet ,&nbsp;Pranee Sriraj","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100933","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100933","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) caused by chronic infection with the liver fluke <em>Opisthorchis viverrini</em> (<em>O. viverrini</em>), a common and prevalent cancer in Southeast Asia, including Northeast Thailand has limited preventive options. Neem (<em>Azadirachta indica</em>) leaf extract possesses anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities through apoptosis induction, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, and angiogenesis suppression in various cancer types, but its hepatoprotective effects during CCA progression are unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>To investigate the chemopreventive effect of neem leaf extract on CCA progression and liver injury. Hamsters were administered with a combination of <em>O. viverrini</em> infection and NDMA and treated with neem leaf extract (100 mg/kgbw) for 2, 4 and 6 months.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Neem leaf extract group were increased survival rates, lowered liver/body weight ratio, reduced bile duct proliferation, inflammation, and tumor formation. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased Carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA19–9) expression in neem leaf treated. Neem extracts downregulated oxidant-generating genes and proinflammatory cytokines, while upregulating the antioxidant gene [nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)].</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Neem extract exhibits chemopreventive potential against CCA by suppressing NF-κB.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100933"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681760","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":"Comparative appraisal of wound healing potential of Melia azedarach L. and its biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles: An in vitro and in vivo approach","authors":"Ayesha Rasheed ,&nbsp;Syeda Aroosa Mohsin ,&nbsp;Yusra Wasti ,&nbsp;Mostafa A. Abdel-Maksoud ,&nbsp;Abdulaziz Alamri ,&nbsp;Ahmed M. Hussein ,&nbsp;Nosheen Akhtar ,&nbsp;Humaira Fatima ,&nbsp;Mohammed Aufy","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100938","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100938","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Melia azedarach</em> L. (Chinaberry tree) has notable ethnomedicinal uses.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Current research aims to compare the wound healing potential of <em>M. azedarach</em> extracts to its biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps).</div></div><div><h3>Study Design</h3><div>This study employed an experimental approach to evaluate the wound-healing potential of <em>Melia azedarach</em> extracts and their biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO Nps). Organic (MA-CME) and aqueous (MA-AqE) leaf extracts were prepared, followed by phytochemical analysis to determine flavonoid and phenolic content, with polyphenolics quantified by RP-HPLC. Biogenic ZnO Nps were then synthesized from each extract and investigated for stability and morphology. Bioassays were used to test the extracts' antibacterial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities, as well as their nanoparticles. Wound healing efficiency was assessed utilizing an in vivo rat excision model, with a focus on tissue regeneration indicators such as hydroxyproline, glutathione, catalase, peroxidase, and lipid peroxidation. This experimental design allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the therapeutic effects of <em>M. azedarach</em> extracts and their ZnO Nps on wound healing.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>MA-CME and MA-AqE of M. azedarach leaves were prepared using different solvents. Phytochemical evaluations included total flavonoid and phenolic content, while RP-HPLC quantified polyphenolics. Biogenic ZnO Nps of both extracts (MA-CME Nps and MA-AqE Nps) were prepared &amp; characterized. All samples were evaluated for bioassays such as antibacterial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activity, i.e., total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total reducing power (TRP), and free radical scavenging activity (FRAP). The in vivo wound healing potential was evaluated using a rat excision model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>MA-CME depicted the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content (45.3 ± 0.63 µg gallic acid and 32.1 ± 0.35 µg quercetin equivalent/mg). RP-HPLC revealed significant gallic acid i.e., 21.8 ± 0.04 µg/mg in MA-CME. Maximum FRAP (27.3 ± 0.29%), TAC, and TRP (209.1 ± 0.32 and 156.3 ± 0.61 µg ascorbic acid equivalent/mg respectively) were measured in MA-CME Nps. MA-CME Nps demonstrated substantial antioxidant, antibacterial, and hemocompatible properties. Wound healing was evidenced by accelerated closure and tissue regeneration with significant increase in hydroxyproline, glutathione, catalase, and peroxidase content by MA-CME Nps (2%) i.e., 13.7 ± 0.08 µg/mg, 9.7 ± 0.34 mmol/mg, 3 ± 0.02 and 7.4 ± 0.4 U/mg tissue respectively along with restrained lipid peroxidation (0.91 ± 0.14 mmol/mg tissue).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings suggest that MA-CME Nps (2% w/w) showed strong potential as effective wound healing agents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100938"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924209","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":"Food-grade extraction and capsule formulation of genistein-rich soybean extract for nutraceutical applications","authors":"Jintana Napaporn ,&nbsp;Laksana Charoenchai ,&nbsp;Bancha Yingngam ,&nbsp;Tawanchai Phohom ,&nbsp;Charuwan Thanawiroon","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100948","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The nutraceutical industry faces major challenges, as conventional genistein extraction relies on toxic solvents, which limits scalability and regulatory compliance. This study introduces a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) extraction paradigm using ethanol and food-grade acetic acid, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative. Through systematic pH optimization, 5 N acetic acid (used as a processing catalyst under controlled conditions) achieved the highest genistein recovery (75.32 mg/100 g soybean, approximately 15% higher than that of the methanol/HCl method and ∼83% higher than that of ethanol-only extraction). Additional profiling confirmed the presence of other isoflavones, including daidzein (18.6 mg/100 g) and glycitein (12.4 mg/100 g), broadening the bioactive composition. Powder manufacturing using pharmaceutical-grade talcum converted viscous extracts into free-flowing powders with optimal flow properties (e.g., angle of repose = 30.0°, compressibility index = 19.5%). The formulated capsules rapidly disintegrated (≤ 4 min), although weight variation failed to meet the pharmacopeial standards (observed deviation ±9–12%), highlighting the need for automated filling in scale-up. This methodology represents an alternative approach that offers scalable, environmentally sustainable, and regulatory-compliant options for genistein-based nutraceuticals. Future work must address stability testing, bioavailability studies, preliminary human pharmacokinetic assessments, and early-phase clinical validation strategies to confirm its clinical and industrial applicability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100948"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924670","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":"8β-hydroxy-9(11),13-abietadien-12-one and margolone ameliorate intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction via aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in a Caco-2 monolayer model","authors":"Katsutoshi Nishino","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100936","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100936","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Disrupting the intestinal epithelial barrier function causes several diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Indole metabolite 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ) has been reported to ameliorate this disruption by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). We previously isolated and identified seven diterpenoids as novel AhR agonists from common sages. However, it is unclear whether isolated diterpenoids exhibit protective effects similar to FICZ.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using a Caco2-cell monolayer model, we investigated whether these diterpenoids exert protective effects on the intestinal epithelial barrier function via AhR activation by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), performing western blotting, and conducting fluorescence microscopy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We found that 8β-hydroxy-9(11),13-abietadien-12-one (<strong>1</strong>) and margolone (<strong>6</strong>) prevented a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced decrease in TEER via AhR activation. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we examined the localization of tight junction (TJ) proteins associated with barrier function. The results showed that <strong>1</strong> and <strong>6</strong> maintained the localization of TJ proteins under TNF-α/IFN-γ treatment. Furthermore, these compounds suppressed myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) expression by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Compounds <strong>1</strong> and <strong>6</strong> may serve as potential therapeutic agents against IBD through AhR activation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100936"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145736358","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":"Synergistic effects of mixed extracts of Cannabis sativa, Pueraria mirifica, and Mucuna pruriens on Melanogenesis in B16F10 Cells","authors":"Ponsawan Netcharoensirisuk ,&nbsp;Khwanlada Kobtrakul ,&nbsp;Geoffrey A. Cordell ,&nbsp;Wanchai De-Eknamkul ,&nbsp;Sornkanok Vimolmangkang","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100963","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2026.100963","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Medicinal plants are a well-established potential source of biological agents with innovative therapeutic potential. A mixture of <em>Cannabis sativa</em> (CBD-5C), <em>Pueraria mirifica</em> (PM^C), and <em>Mucuna pruriens</em> (MPP) extracts was of interest for the development of melanogenic preparations. The major bioactive constituents in these extracts are cannabidiol (CBD) from <em>C. sativa</em>, isoflavonoids from <em>P. mirifica</em>, and <span>l</span>-DOPA from <em>M. pruriens</em>, which have been reported to exhibit biological activities relevant to melanogenesis. This study aimed to optimize the synergistic effects of the three plant extracts, CBD-5C, PM^C, and MPP, on melanogenesis in mouse melanoma cells (B16F10), and to examine selected mixtures for their mechanism of action. Eleven extract formulations (M1-M11) were prepared from different ratios of the plant extracts and five (M1, M3, M5, M10, and M11) were selected to assess the melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and the expression of melanogenesis-related proteins by Western blot analysis. Each of the five formulations showed a 4-fold increase in melanin production with varied degrees of effect on increased protein expression of the melanogenic enzymes, TYR, TRP1 and DCT, and upregulation of the ERK and CREB pathways and the MITF protein. These results suggested that suitable ratios of the mixtures should be further studied as a possible cosmetic ingredient to promote melanin formation or as a potential therapeutic agent for vitiligo and other hypopigmentation disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100963"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076959","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":"Drought stress affecting the anticarcinogenic and apoptosis effects of biological macromolecules in nettle and Tribulus medicinal plants for treating NSCLC cancer cells","authors":"Mohammad Taghi Kiani ,&nbsp;Javad Tabatabaeian Nimavard ,&nbsp;Masoud Nasri","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100953","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100953","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Medicinal plants are known for their therapeutic properties due to their diverse biochemical compounds and significant anti-cancer effects. The identified compounds including flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and anthocyanins, in medicinal plants, reduce cell proliferation, inhibit cell growth, and decrease survival of cancer cells. In this study, the effects of extracts from medicinal plants, nettle (<em>Urtica dioica</em>) and Tribulus (<em>Tribulus terrestris</em>), under drought stress conditions (control (S1), 50 (S2) and 75% of field capacity (S3)) on the apoptosis in NSCLC cancer cells were examined. The experiments were conducted as two separate trials in a complete randomized design with three replications. Cellular apoptosis was determined by expression of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic factors of caspase-3 Bax, measured using Real-Time PCR techniques 72 h after incubation. The extracts of nettle and Tribulus plants, subjected to drought stress, significantly (<em>P</em> ≤ 0.01) affected the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes. The highest expression of Bcl-2 gene was related to nettle extract in S1, and the lowest was related to Tribulus in S3. Bax gene expression was at its highest level by nettle (S1) and the lowest in Tribulus (S3). According to the results, the extracts of nettle and Tribulus are able to inhibit the carcinogenic properties of NSCLC by regulating the expression of the Bcl-2 and Bax genes, however, drought stress may decrease such a potential. These findings can be utilized to develop methods and medicinal plants including nettle and Tribulus, which may decrease proliferation and carcinogenic properties of NSCLC cancer cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"6 1","pages":"Article 100953"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924221","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}