Phytomedicine Plus最新文献

{"title":"Comparative reducing and carbohydrate enzyme inhibitory activities of the root, leaf, and seed of Picralima nitida","authors":"Erwin Osiele Onyekachukwu ,&nbsp;Aishat Mary Osagie ,&nbsp;Sylvia Oghogho Omage ,&nbsp;Kingsley Omage ,&nbsp;Marshall Arebojie Azeke","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The ethnomedicinal uses of <em>Picralima nitida</em> is partly due to its antidiabetic properties.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>In this study, the antioxidant and total reducing power, as well as the carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes’ inhibition potentials of the root, leaf, and seed of <em>P. nitida</em> were compared.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The antioxidant reducing power of <em>P. nitida</em> as well <em>as</em> its ability to inhibit selected enzymes of carbohydrate hydrolysis were evaluated using standard experimental methods.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Methanol extract of <em>P. nitida</em> leaves exhibited the strongest reducing power (653.52 mgASC/g) followed by the seed extract (620.11 mgASC/g). The free radical scavenging powers of the extracts were concentration dependent. <em>P. nitida</em> seed extract exhibited the highest scavenging ability (IC₅₀ = 190.7 µg/ml) as compared to the root extract (IC₅₀ = 470.40 µg/ml) and leaf extract (IC₅₀ = 560.65 µg/ml). However, the seed extract had the highest ABTS radical scavenging ability (IC₅₀ = 174.02 ± 0.75 µg/ml) in comparison with the root extract (IC₅₀ = 181.83 ± 1.01 µg/ml) and leaf extract (IC₅₀ = 279.87 ± 1.39 µg/ml). Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory properties of the extracts increased steadily with increasing concentration, as that of glibenclamide. The methanolic extract of <em>P. nitida</em> seed had the highest inhibitory activity (95.70 %) as compared to that of the root (92.39 %) and leaf (83.58 %) extracts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>P. nitida</em> show strong reducing as well as enzyme inhibitory properties which are concentration dependent and compares favourably with glibenclamide. Comparatively, the methanolic extract of the leaf of <em>P. nitida</em> exhibited the highest reducing power and inhibition of α-amylase, while the methanolic seed extract exhibited the highest ability to fight free radicals and inhibit the activity of α-glucosidase.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100710"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176454","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":"Screening Southeast Asian medicinal plants: Clausena lansium, Leea indica, Strobilanthes crispa, Vitex trifolia for anti-platelet aggregation and blood coagulation effects","authors":"Sogand Zareisedehizadeh ,&nbsp;Fu-Xun Heng ,&nbsp;Chay-Hoon Tan ,&nbsp;Paul Chi-Lui Ho ,&nbsp;Hwee-Ling Koh","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100714","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100714","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Southeast Asian traditional medicine has long utilized herbs for promoting blood flow and dissolving clots. Four plants - <em>Clausena lansium, Leea indica, Strobilanthes crisp</em>a, and <em>Vitex trifolia</em> - have been identified for their potential effects on blood circulation based on traditional use and literature. While these plants exhibit various pharmacological activities, their specific impacts on platelet aggregation and coagulation remain unexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aims to investigate the antiplatelet and anticoagulant activities of extracts from <em>Clausena lansium, Leea indica, Strobilanthes crispa</em>, and <em>Vitex trifolia</em>, bridging traditional medicine with modern research to potentially uncover novel approaches for managing thrombotic disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Aqueous, 70 % ethanolic, and 70 % methanolic extracts were prepared from fresh leaves. Platelet aggregation was analyzed using collagen-induced aggregation in human whole blood. Anticoagulant activities were evaluated by determining the effects on prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All <em>Leea indica</em> extracts and the 70 % ethanolic <em>Vitex trifolia</em> extract significantly inhibited platelet aggregation. <em>Clausena lansium</em> extracts promoted platelet aggregation. All extracts prolonged PT and aPTT, with <em>Leea indica</em> and <em>Strobilanthes crispa</em> being most potent. Liquid chromatography and time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-ToF-MS) analysis of <em>Leea indica</em> revealed gallic acid, methyl gallate, epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, and other polyphenolic compounds. These compounds, particularly kaempferol, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, and β-sitosterol, contribute to <em>Leea</em> indica's potent antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of platelet activation and various coagulation factors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings support the traditional use of <em>Leea indica, Strobilanthes crispa</em>, and <em>Vitex trifolia</em> for improving blood circulation and inhibiting clotting. <em>Leea indica</em> demonstrated remarkable antiplatelet and anticoagulant activities, highlighting its potential in preventing pathological thrombus formation and related cardiovascular disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100714"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176455","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":"Deciphering the multifaceted mechanism of Shuang Huang Lian in treating upper respiratory tract infections: A metabolomics-based network pharmacology approach","authors":"Gang Xu ,&nbsp;Akshay Suresh Patil ,&nbsp;Ruhan Wei ,&nbsp;Dan Liu ,&nbsp;Aimin Zhou ,&nbsp;Yan Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and purpose</h3><div>Shuang Huang Lian (SHL), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consisting of extracts from <em>Lonicerae japonicae flos, Forsythiae fructus</em>, and <em>Scutellariae radix</em>, is widely recognized for its efficacy in treating upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Recommended by the 2011 Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Influenza, SHL's therapeutic potential has long been valued in clinical practice. However, its precise mechanisms of action against URTIs remain unclear, necessitating further exploration.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study investigates the molecular mechanisms and identifies the key active components and pivotal protein targets of SHL in URTI treatment using a network pharmacology approach. We based our analysis on pharmacologically active SHL components we previously identified through untargeted metabolomics profiling. Key cheminformatics and bioinformatics platforms and databases, including ADMETlab, SEA, PASS, Super-Pred, SwissTargetPrediction, PharmMapper, and GeneCards, were used to predict the drug-like properties of active SHL components and identify protein targets shared between the active SHL components and the URTI-related disease genes. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and gene ontology (GO), KEGG, and Reactome enrichment analyses were conducted to elucidate the biological functions relevant to URTIs. Target-target interaction (TTI) network construction and modularity analysis were also performed. Finally, pivotal protein targets and key active SHL components were validated through molecular docking simulations and <em>in vitro</em> cell culture experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Our analysis identified TNF, CASP1, and MAPK14 as pivotal protein targets in SHL's action against URTIs, with brusatol, an active SHL component, confirmed as a critical ligand that modulates these targets.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This comprehensive study elucidates the multifaceted mechanisms underlying SHL's efficacy in treating URTIs, supporting its traditional use and highlighting its potential for novel therapeutic development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100715"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176456","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":"Anti-inflammatory effects of Andrographis paniculata (Fah Talai Jone) via TNFα-JNK pathway and bioactive compound identification","authors":"Praphat Manuelo Ruengthanoo ,&nbsp;Areeya Changthong ,&nbsp;Pranee Sriraj ,&nbsp;Jatuporn Prathumtet ,&nbsp;Nutchapon Laikaew ,&nbsp;Ratchadawan Aukkanimart","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100720","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100720","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Andrographis paniculata</em> (Fah Talai Jone), a widely used medicinal plant in traditional medicine, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigates its bioactive compounds and their role in alleviating inflammation through the TNF-α-JNK pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The aim of this study was to identify bioactive compounds in <em>A. paniculata</em> extracts and evaluate their anti-inflammatory effects, focusing on the TNF-α-JNK pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Study Design</h3><div>Experimental research was conducted to assess the antioxidant, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties of both ethanol (APE) and aqueous (APA) extracts of <em>A. paniculata</em> using in vitro methods.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ethanol (APE) and aqueous (APA) extracts of <em>A. paniculata</em> were prepared and analyzed for total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and bioactive compound identification using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B assay, and the anti-inflammatory effects were assessed through cellular assays measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and JNK pathway modulation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HPLC analysis identified andrographolide as the primary bioactive compound in APE (186.6 ± 2.53 µg/mg). APE exhibited higher phenolic (8.66 ± 0.37 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (156.33 ± 4.76 mg QE/g) content compared to APA. Antioxidant assays revealed IC50 values of 11.14 ± 1.07 µg/ml for APA and 2.29 ± 0.13 µg/ml for APE. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that both extracts were non-toxic to lung cells. APE significantly reduced ROS production (68.3 ± 7.64 % at 62.5 µg/ml) and decreased JNK phosphorylation, indicating its anti-inflammatory potential.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Andrographis paniculata</em>, particularly its ethanol extract, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects mediated by andrographolide. These findings support its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing inflammation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100720"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177036","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":"Nymphaea pubescens Willd. extract and its flavonoid constituents vasodilate rat isolated pulmonary artery via NO-sGC-cGMP pathway","authors":"Teerapap Panklai ,&nbsp;Prapapan Temkitthawon ,&nbsp;Nungruthai Suphrom ,&nbsp;Corine Girard ,&nbsp;Perle Totoson ,&nbsp;Kowit Hengphasatporn ,&nbsp;Yasuteru Shigeta ,&nbsp;Krongkarn Chootip ,&nbsp;Kornkanok Ingkaninan","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100733","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100733","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disorder indicated by elevated blood pressure in pulmonary artery (PA). PAH treatment focuses on inducing PA vasodilation by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), the enzyme prominently expressed in pulmonary vasculature. Our previous research demonstrated that the extract (WLE) derived from the petals of the water lily (<em>Nymphaea pubescens</em> Willd.) and its flavonoid constituents, 3-methyl ether 3´-O-<em>β</em>-xylopyranoside (<strong>1</strong>), quercetin (<strong>2</strong>), and kaempferol (<strong>3</strong>), exhibited PDE5 inhibitory property, suggesting that WLE and its constituents may contribute to PA vasodilation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Dried N<em>. pubescens</em> petals were extracted with 95 % ethanol to provide the WLE. The vasorelaxant effects of the WLE and its flavonoid constituents were evaluated on rat PA and aorta using organ bath technique. The cytotoxicity of the WLE was also tested on the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from PA and aorta. Furthermore, a molecular docking study was performed to confirm the binding mode of flavonoid constituents to PDE5.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The WLE relaxed PA (EC₅₀=4.96±0.81µg/ml) more than the aorta (EC₅₀=27.50±7.61µg/ml, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), suggesting its selectivity on the PA vs the aorta. PA vasorelaxation was reduced by endothelial removal or N^G-nitro-<span>l</span>-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), but was unaffected by indomethacin, apamin plus charybdotoxin, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), glibenclamide, iberiotoxin, and BaCl₂. 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin -1- one (ODQ) reduced the relaxation induced by the WLE (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced relaxation was enhanced by the WLE. WLE had no effect neither on extracellular Ca²⁺ influx through ROCCs/VOCCs nor intracellular Ca²⁺ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. PE-induced contraction via α₁-receptor was also unaffected by WLE. Compounds <strong>1</strong>–<strong>3</strong> relaxed both PA and aorta rings with and without endothelium (EC₅₀=26 - &gt;100 µM). VSMCs incubated with the WLE for 1 hr showed no acute cytotoxicity. The binding of compounds <strong>1</strong>–<strong>3</strong> to PDE5 is slightly better than that of native PDE5 inhibitors.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Both WLE and its flavonoids (<strong>1</strong>–<strong>3</strong>) vasodilated PA. The mechanism of WLE vascular action involved the endothelial nitric oxide (NO) pathway and stimulation of sGC, while showing no VSMC cytotoxicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100733"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177767","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":"Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Erica Genus (L.) Ericaceae plants","authors":"Francis Adu-Amankwaah ,&nbsp;Hleziphi V. Mpundu ,&nbsp;Kudakwashe Nyambo ,&nbsp;Paula Strauss ,&nbsp;Kudzanai Ian Tapfuma ,&nbsp;Ndivhuwo Tshililo ,&nbsp;Motunrayo Victoria Badejo ,&nbsp;Lawrence Mabasa ,&nbsp;Vuyo Mavumengwana ,&nbsp;Lucinda Baatjies","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100697","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100697","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and Purpose</h3><div>The <em>Erica</em> genus, part of the <em>Ericaceae</em> family, consists of diverse evergreen shrubs known for their vibrant floral displays and adaptation to nutrient-poor soils. Traditionally, these plants have been used for their pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Despite their widespread ethnomedicinal use, a comprehensive review of the pharmacological potential of <em>Erica</em> species is still lacking.</div></div><div><h3>Study Design and Methods</h3><div>This review presents an overview of the phytochemical, ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and toxicological properties of <em>Erica</em> species. A systematic literature search was conducted using online databases to identify primary studies on the <em>Erica</em> genus. Keywords such as “<em>Erica</em>,” “antioxidant,” “anti-inflammatory,” “toxicology,” “phytochemistry,” “anticancer,” “antidiabetic,” “antidiuretic,” “pharmacology,” “ethnomedicine” and “cytotoxicity” were employed. The search covered studies published from July 1980 to February 2023. All plant names were verified through \"The Plant List\" (<span><span>http://www.theplantlist.org/</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>) and PlantZAfrica (<span><span>https://pza.sanbi.org/</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>), while chemical structures were confirmed using ChemDraw Ultra and PubChem(<span><span>https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>). Over 60 bioactive compounds, including myricetin, rutin and luteolin, were identified, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anticancer properties. Additionally, traditional uses of <em>Erica</em> plants by indigenous cultures in treating various ailments were documented, highlighting the importance of this genus in ethnomedicine.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This review provides a comprehensive reference for researchers, offering insights into the therapeutic potential of <em>Erica</em> species and guiding future investigations into their pharmacological benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100697"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175547","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":"Hesperidoside abolishes dichlorvos-mediated neurotoxicity in rats by suppressing oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and NF-κB-p65/p53/caspase-3-mediated apoptosis","authors":"Adio J. Akamo ,&nbsp;Adetutu O. Ojelabi ,&nbsp;Oluwatobi T. Somade ,&nbsp;Iyabode A. Kehinde ,&nbsp;Adewale M. Taiwo ,&nbsp;Boluwatife A. Olagunju ,&nbsp;Mushafau A. Akinsanya ,&nbsp;Adedayo A. Adebisi ,&nbsp;Tobi S. Adekunbi ,&nbsp;Abiola F. Adenowo ,&nbsp;Florence Anifowose ,&nbsp;Olufemi M. Ajagun-Ogunleye ,&nbsp;Ofem E. Eteng ,&nbsp;Jacob K. Akintunde ,&nbsp;Regina N. Ugbaja","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100701","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100701","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>In third-world countries, poisoning due to dichlorvos (DDVP), an organophosphate insecticide, is prevalent due to its widespread usage in household and agriculture, with the brain bearing the brunt of the consequences. Hence, this study assessed the likely beneficial impact of hesperidoside (HESP) on the DDVP-mediated cerebral dysfunction in rat model.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Randomization was employed to earmark forty-two rats into seven groups: control, DDVP alone (8 mg.kg⁻¹day⁻¹), DDVP plus HESP (50 and 100 mg.kg⁻¹day⁻¹) and reference drug atropine (0.2 mg.kg⁻¹day⁻¹), and HESP alone (50 and 100 mg.kg⁻¹day⁻¹).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>HESP intervention remarkably (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) mitigated DDVP-potentiated augmentations in cerebral concentrations of H₂O₂, NO, and malondialdehyde; impaired DDVP-induced decrease in cerebral GSH, GST, SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and acetylcholinesterase; significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) suppressed DDVP-invoked upregulation of mRNA expression of NF-κB-p65, p53, BAX, caspase-3, and TNF-α; and significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) revoked DDVP-incited downregulation of interleukin-10.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>HESP chemotherapeutic interventions enhanced cerebral functions in DDVP-treated rats by abrogating oxidative stress, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and NF-κB-p65/p53/caspases-3 signaling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100701"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175548","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 in-vitro and in-silico antidiabetic potential, glucose metabolism, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and phytochemical content of Ipomoea bolusiana Schinz and Ipomoea crassipes Hook tubers","authors":"Garland Kgosi More ,&nbsp;Nolitha Nkobole ,&nbsp;Charmy Twala ,&nbsp;Sechaba Machedi ,&nbsp;Tebogo Amos Moswetsa ,&nbsp;Ramakwala Christinah Chokwe","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100735","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100735","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by genetic disorders and other factors such as the use of certain medications, pancreatic injury, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and high blood pressure. However, several therapeutic agents are currently used to manage blood sugar levels, thus reducing the risk of complications. Despite efforts to treat or manage this disease, current therapeutic agents have detrimental side effects, presenting a considerable need to develop new effective drugs with fewer adverse effects.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;The aim of the study&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory capacity of &lt;em&gt;I. bolusiana&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;I. crassipe&lt;/em&gt; plant extracts on α-amylase enzyme and to assess the antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the evaluation of the cytotoxicity properties and glucose metabolism of the extracts was carried out in RAW 264.7 macrophages, C3A hepatocytes and L6 myoblast cell lines.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;In vitro antidiabetic activity was tested with α-amylase enzyme inhibition method and antioxidant activity was evaluated. Furthermore, their ability to quench free radicals was investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) free radical scavenging method and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme scavenging method was investigated. Cytotoxicity and glucose metabolism were measured in macrophage (RAW 264.7), hepatocytes (C3A) and myoblast (L6) cells using the colorimetric test 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Furthermore, phytochemical characterization and tentative identification was performed using FTIR, &lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;H&lt;img&gt;NMR and UHPLC&lt;img&gt;Orbitrap HRMS, FTIR, whilst computational studies were also employed to determine the biochemical interaction, antidiabetic and inhibitory potential of the extracts with the α-amylase enzyme.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The extracts of &lt;em&gt;I. bolusiana&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;I. crassipes&lt;/em&gt; exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against α-amylase with an inhibitory percentage range of 10.72 – 30.08 %. The extracts did not show cytotoxic effects in the treated cells. The extracts of &lt;em&gt;I. bolusiana&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;I. crassipes&lt;/em&gt; significantly increased glucose uptake in L6 and C3A cell lines. The extracts reduced the DPPH and ABTS radicals, showing a range of IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; values of 7.35 ± 0.43 - 12.02 ± 0.21 µg/mL. However, the extracts were less toxic to the cells as they showed IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt; values &gt; 20 µg/mL. The phytochemical evaluation demonstrated the presence of phenolics, chlorogenic acids, coumarin glucosides and flavonoids in the extracts, which were docked with the α-amylase enzyme. 5-caffeoylquinic acid exhibited the highest binding energy of -6.829 kcal/mol.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study presents various important phytoconstituents and broad-spe","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100735"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177633","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":"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}