Phytomedicine Plus最新文献

{"title":"Phytochemistry and pharmacological advances of Ascophyllum nodosum in the management of human diseases: A comprehensive review","authors":"Brijesh Singh Chauhan ,&nbsp;Yash Pal Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100718","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100718","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Ascophyllum nodosum</em>, a brown alga, is a potential natural remedy with a diverse application for disease prevention and therapeutic support. It contains a variety of biologically active phyto-compounds that show a vast array of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cardiovascular, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-periodontal, anti-microbial, anti-goiter, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effect, etc.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This comprehensive review divulges the existing knowledge from research literature on <em>Ascophyllum nodosum</em> extract (ANE) and offers suggestions for future research on its potential against human diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>To ensure a comprehensive search, we reviewed peer-reviewed articles on <em>Ascophyllum nodosum</em> extract (ANE) and its active constituents using several online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, and Web of Science. We used targeted keywords, such as “<em>Ascophyllum nodosum</em> extract,” “pharmacological properties,” “therapeutic applications,” and “bioactive compounds,” to ensure a focused collection of high-quality studies relevant to ANE's health benefits. Additionally, the search included only English-language articles published within the last decade, with an emphasis on research from the past five years to ensure currency and relevance. Older but foundational studies were also retained to provide historical context and background. This structured approach allowed us to gather a range of high-quality articles directly supporting ANE's potential in various therapeutic contexts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We conducted a comprehensive review of the research progress on ANE, focusing on its pharmacological effects on various diseases using animal models, mechanisms of action, and composition, are as not explored in preceding reviews. Additionally, we examined the bioactive ingredients in ANE, highlighting their potential to address significant challenges in mitigating human diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In this comprehensive review, we present an overview of <em>A. nodosum</em>, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing human diseases. The study of ANE in animal models shows promising prospects for ameliorating several human diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100718"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177764","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":"Shaoyao Gancao decoction alleviates paclitaxel-induced cognitive impairment by activating PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway to inhibit NETs formation","authors":"Xu Ying ,&nbsp;Su Yue ,&nbsp;Hu Yuwen ,&nbsp;Li Xiang ,&nbsp;Zhou Ziyan ,&nbsp;Yuan Ningning ,&nbsp;Ji Xiaowei ,&nbsp;Jiang Ruoyu ,&nbsp;Wang Wenzhu ,&nbsp;Zhang Yafeng ,&nbsp;Zhai Guojie ,&nbsp;Cheng Xiaolan","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100649","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100649","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Paclitaxel-induced cognitive impairment (PICI) is a frequent and severe adverse reaction of chemotherapy. Increased neuroinflammation related to neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) may play a key role in PICI. Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD) is a classic Chinese prescription with good neuroprotective activities. However, the action of SGD in PICI remains elusive. Herein, our work was set out to study the potential role and possible mechanism of SGD in PICI through network pharmacology, Mendelian analysis and animal experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>First, network pharmacology analysis was performed to identify the potential active compounds and targets of SGD on PICI. Secondly, PICI mice model was established, and the neuroprotective effects of SGD on PICI mice were eveluated by using new object recognition, Morris water maze test and TUNEL staining. The impact of SGD on inflammatory factors, microglia activation and NETs formation were also studied by ELISA and immunofluorescence. The regulation of SGD on PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway was detected by Western blot. Finally, Mendelian randomization was performed using genome-wide association analysis data of PTEN and cognitive disorders in OpenGWAS database.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Network pharmacological analysis revealed 105 active ingredients in SGD, and identified 124 targets associated with SGD and PICI. KEGG pathway analysis implied that PI3K-AKT signaling pathway maight be involved in the protective effect of SGD agianst PICI Animal experiments displayed that SGD significantly alleviated cognitive impairment induced by paclitaxel, and decreased neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, SGD remarkably reduced IL-1β, TNF-α and microglia activation, while enhanced SOD activity in hippocampus. In addition, SGD could inhibit NETs formation, evidenced by decreasing the level of plasma MPO-DNA complex, as well as MPO and PAD4 expression. Western blotting assay suggested that SGD attenuated the elevated expression of PI3 K, AKT, p-AKT and PKC-α induced by paclitaxel, whereas decreased PTEN expression. The results of Mendelian randomization analysis further confirm that PTEN is an important therapeutic target for improving cognitive function.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Collectively, our preliminary findings indicated that SGD can improve cognitive function of PICI mice. SGD may play a neuroprotective role by inhibiting NETs formation via PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. SGD may be a potential alternative therapy for PICI.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100649"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175545","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":"Saussurea gossypiphora extracts reduce inflammation by reversing inflammatory cytokine levels in in-vitro and in-vivo","authors":"Kalyani Jatoth,&nbsp;Pawan Kumar Anoor,&nbsp;Ramesh Kande,&nbsp;Sandeepta Burgula","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100709","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Saussurea gossypiphora</em> D. Don. (SGD) is a medicinal herb found at high altitudes in Himalayan region and has immense medicinal value. This study reports the analysis of biological activity of methanolic extracts of flowers of SGD .</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The antioxidant activities of Methanolic extracts of flowers of <em>Saussurea gossypiphora</em> (MESGD) were examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometric investigation revealed the presence of various bio-active constituents. Carrageenan was used to assess the anti-Inflammatory activity in the right hind paw edema of male Wistar rats. Effect of MESGD on inflammasome pathway was studied by performing ELISA for IL-1β, TNF-α and confirmed by immunoblotting for NLRP3 and Caspase 1 in THP1 cells. Finally, RAW 264.7 cells treated with LPS were assessed for the synthesis of Nitric Oxide to confirm anti-inflammatory activity of MESGD.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis of GC–MS of MESGD revealed the presence of various bio-active components such as Spirohexane-1-Carboxylic acid, ethyl ester; 1-Methyl-1-n-decycloxy-1-silacyclobutane; 1, 2, 4-Trioxolane-2-octanoic acid, 5-octyl, methyl ester; DPPH assay showed inhibition of free radicals by 40 - 95.66 % in the range of 25 – 1000 µg/mL concentrations, comparable with Ascorbic acid. The amount of NO in Lipopolysaccharide treated RAW 264.7 cells was decreased in MESGD pre-treated cells. LPS treated THP-1 macrophages pre-treated with MESGD showed significant suppression of pro-Inflammatory cytokines, specifically TNF-α and IL-1β via suppression of NLRP3 mediated inflammasome pathway. Wistar rats upon carrageenan induced paw edema showed significant reduction in paw edema and volume upon oral administration of MESGD within 3 h, indicating its significant anti-inflammatory activity. Rats treated with MESGD showed minimum side effects such as liver damage, hemoglobin, platelet and WBC count were increased when compared with animals treated with standard anti-inflammatory drug Indomethacin.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>MESGD showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. This activity seems to be mediated by the suppression of NO by MESGD and also via suppression of NLRP3 mediated inflammasome pathway leading to suppression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. These results validate traditional assertions and offer valuable insights for the pharmacological applications of SGD. Further research is needed for devising formulation of natural anti-inflammatory compound based gels/ointments utilizing SGD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100709"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175959","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":"Scopoletin as a cardioprotective agent against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation","authors":"Esam Qnais ,&nbsp;Omar Gammoh ,&nbsp;Yousra Bsieso ,&nbsp;Mohammad Alqudah ,&nbsp;Mohammad Wedyan ,&nbsp;Sara Altaber ,&nbsp;Alaa A.A. Aljabali ,&nbsp;Abdelrahim Alqudah ,&nbsp;Taher Hatahet","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100738","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100738","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapeutic agent notorious for its cardiotoxic effects. Scopoletin, a natural coumarin, has shown potential due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, which may counteract CP-induced cardiotoxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The study aimed to explore the cardioprotective effects of scopoletin against CP-induced damage in mice, focusing on histopathological changes, cardiac biomarkers, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and the modulation of key signaling pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Study Design</h3><div>A controlled experimental design was employed to evaluate scopoletin's efficacy in alleviating CP-induced cardiotoxicity, with dosing variations to assess dose dependency.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Male mice were allocated into five groups: a control group, a cisplatin-only group, two groups treated with low (50 mg/kg/day) and high doses (150 mg/kg/day) of scopoletin in conjunction with cisplatin, and a scopoletin-only group. The interventions were administered over a period of one week, with cardiac damage assessed through histopathological examinations, serum cardiac biomarker measurements, and analyses of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis-related proteins. The efficacy of scopoletin in modulating the p62/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway was also examined.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Histopathological assessments showed less tissue damage in scopoletin-treated groups (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Cardiac biomarkers were significantly lower in <span>l</span>- and H-scopoletin groups compared to the CP-only group (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Scopoletin effectively reduced ROS and MDA levels while enhancing antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT, and GSH (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). With scopoletin treatment, inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 were notably reduced (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Apoptosis analysis revealed lower levels of pro-apoptotic proteins and higher levels of Bcl-2 in scopoletin groups (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Significantly, scopoletin restored the function of the p62/Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings suggest scopoletin's potential as an adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment to mitigate CP's adverse effects, warranting further clinical investigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100738"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143175965","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":"Delving into the therapeutic prospects of desmostachya bipinnata (L.) in the context of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A comprehensive review","authors":"Sarthak Mishra,&nbsp;Payal Mittal","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100741","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100741","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>PCOS, a prevalent endocrine condition in reproductive years, exhibits irregular ovulation, polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance, and elevated androgen levels. <em>Desmostachya bipinnata (</em>L.<em>)</em>, Poaceae known as \"Kusha,\" is a sacred grass integral to Vedic rituals, serving as a rich source of bioactive elements.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This review focused on the bioactive compounds of <em>D. Bipinnata</em> which have shown various pharmacological action. We also focus on the phytochemical and pharmacological studies of <em>D. Bipinnata</em>. The present review is an effort to gather and consolidate the most recent information available on <em>D. Bipinnata.</em></div></div><div><h3>Material and Methods</h3><div>Reference searches were achieved from various sources along with Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Springer with the keywords “PCOS”, “Hyperandrogenism”, “Therapeutic prospects”, “Herbal remedies”, “Bioactive compounds” in the text.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>The review compiles traditional and pharmacological uses of a plant rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and sterols. Traditionally, the herb and root have treated various illnesses. Research highlights its broad pharmacological properties, such as antipyretic, analgesic, antidiarrheal, menorrhagia, and hepatoprotective.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Desmostachya bipinnata (</em>L.<em>)</em> shows promise for PCOS management due to its rich content of bioactive compounds, including quercetin, linoleic acid, stigmasterol, Camphene, coumarins, and terpenes known for PCOS treatment. Despite these findings, additional clinical studies are required to validate its efficacy. This review delves into PCOS epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic potential, spotlighting <em>D. bipinnata</em> as a potential herbal solution for PCOS, pending additional research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100741"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143176458","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":"Oridonin: A natural terpenoid having the potential to modulate apoptosis and survival signaling in cancer","authors":"Abhishek Chauhan ,&nbsp;Hemant Joshi ,&nbsp;Divya Kandari ,&nbsp;Diwakar Aggarwal ,&nbsp;Ritu Chauhan ,&nbsp;Hardeep Singh Tuli ,&nbsp;Arpit Mehrotra ,&nbsp;Abhilasha Sood ,&nbsp;Ujjawal Sharma ,&nbsp;Darin Mansor Mathkor ,&nbsp;Shafiul Haque ,&nbsp;Naveen Chandra Joshi ,&nbsp;Laurent Dufossé","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100721","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100721","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Oridonin, a diterpenoid lactone derived from medicinal plants, has drawn considerable attention due to its therapeutic potential, particularly its anticancer properties. It demonstrates efficacy in inducing apoptosis, suppressing cancer cell proliferation, and sensitizing cells to conventional chemotherapeutics by modulating key signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT, MAPKs, and NF-κB.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This article investigates the apoptotic mechanisms and anticancer potential of oridonin, including its modulatory effects on signaling pathways and its derivatives' enhanced efficacy against drug-resistant cancer cells.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online, and Web of Science databases, covering the period from 2007 to 2024. Keywords such as \"Oridonin,\" \"Apoptosis,\" \"Cancer Cell Signaling Pathways,\" \"PI3K/AKT,\" \"ROS,\" and \"Nanotechnology\" were used, yielding 96 relevant studies.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Oridonin induces apoptosis through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, involving ROS amplification and mitochondrial membrane potential regulation. It modulates proteins like Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, and caspases, leading to DNA fragmentation. Its derivatives, such as 13p, exhibit enhanced potency by arresting the G2/M phase and targeting drug-resistant cells with minimal toxicity. Advanced nano-delivery systems and combination therapies further enhance oridonin's therapeutic potential.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Oridonin demonstrates robust anticancer activity by modulating signaling pathways and inducing apoptosis. Its derivatives and novel delivery systems offer promising avenues for overcoming drug resistance and optimizing its therapeutic efficacy. Further research, including clinical trials, is necessary to fully harness its potential as a cancer treatment alternative.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100721"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177035","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":"Biomarker discovery and phytochemical interventions in Alzheimer's disease: A path to therapeutic advances","authors":"Mithila Debnath,&nbsp;Mahir Azmal,&nbsp;Rashid Taqui,&nbsp;Moshiul Alam Mishu,&nbsp;Ajit Ghosh","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100752","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100752","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a significant and prevalent threat in the current period, with a dearth of accessible treatment options. There is an urgent need to identify novel molecular markers for the diagnosis and treatment of AD. Genetic biomarkers hold promising potential in this regard.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>The study aimed to adopt a new strategy to identify and characterize potential biomarkers and therapeutic phytochemicals for AD by integrating gene expression data and computational analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A differential expression analysis was conducted using GEO2R, where the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in brain areas that include the Entorhinal Cortex (EC) and Posterior Cingulate (PC), as well as in peripheral blood. The interactions between DEGs and phytochemicals were investigated using computational approaches that involve molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 17 potential biomarkers including BAD, CDK5, FN1, ITGA4, and MAPK9 were identified. Quercetin and Berberine have shown significant binding affinities to these biomarkers according to molecular docking studies, indicating their potential as effective treatment agents. The ADME profile has shown the presence of favorable properties, specifically blood-brain barrier permeability. These findings suggest that the biomarkers found are implicated in important pathways associated with the development of AD and they emphasize the potential of Quercetin and Berberine as therapeutic agents.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study provides a thorough comprehension of the molecular basis of AD and proposes that Quercetin and Berberine have the potential as efficacious therapy options. This research provides a promising viewpoint on treatments for AD by focusing on proteins that are increased in certain parts of the brain, such as the EC and PC, which play a crucial role in the pathways leading to neurodegeneration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100752"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177260","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":"A systematic review of plant-based therapy for the management of diabetes mellitus in the East Africa community","authors":"Nancy Bonareri Mitaki ,&nbsp;Ilemobayo Victor Fasogbon ,&nbsp;Onyinye Vivian Ojiakor ,&nbsp;Wusa Makena ,&nbsp;Emmanuel O. Ikuomola ,&nbsp;Reuben Samson Dangana ,&nbsp;Ibe Micheal Usman ,&nbsp;Ekom Monday Etukudo ,&nbsp;Augustine Oviosun ,&nbsp;Swase Dominic Terkimbi ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Bessy Umoren ,&nbsp;Angela Mumbua Musyoka ,&nbsp;Solomon A Mbina ,&nbsp;Esther Ugo Alum ,&nbsp;Ibrahim Babangida Abubakar ,&nbsp;Godson Emeka Anyanwu ,&nbsp;Patrick Maduabuchi Aja","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100717","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2024.100717","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background Information</h3><div>Diabetes is a serious global health issue that is particularly common in East Africa. Lifestyle factors influence the incidence, mortality, and morbidity of diabetes. Medicinal plants have phytochemicals with anti-diabetic properties.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This systematic review assesses the efficacy, efficiency, safety, and feasibility of phytotherapy in the treatment of diabetes in the East African Community (EAC).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>we conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We limited our search to peer-reviewed English articles, preclinical models, and intervention studies reporting the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of diabetes, particularly in EAC. This article follows the Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. Two reviewers independently performed data collection and quality assessment. We retrieved 465 articles from the database and reviewed eight articles that met the inclusion criteria for this study.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>we identified eight medicinal plants: <em>Maerua decumbens, Rotheca myricoides</em> (Hochst), <em>Piper capence, Berberis holstii, Polyscias fulva (Hiern) Harms, Lippia javanica, Caesalpina bonducella,</em> and <em>Securinega virosa</em>. We extracted and analyzed information from the literature and showed that seven medicinal plants reduce blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity through their mechanism of action.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The phytochemical properties of these medicinal plants, mainly containing alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids, may contribute to their hypoglycemic effects. <em>Caesalpinia bonducella</em> seed extract is less effective in controlling high blood sugar. More preclinical studies are needed to investigate the potential of phytotherapy in the management of diabetes in EAC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100717"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177752","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":"Ethnopharmocology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Orthosiphon: A review","authors":"Rui Wang ,&nbsp;Ling Qiu ,&nbsp;Qing-wen Zhang,&nbsp;Ligen Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100748","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100748","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Plants of the genus <em>Orthosiphon</em> (Lamiaceae) have been widely employed in traditional and ethnic medicines for the treatment of various diseases, including diabetes, kidney stones, edema, rheumatism, hepatitis, hypertension, and urinary tract disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This review summarized the research progresses in botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities on plants of the genus <em>Orthosiphon</em>. Additionally, this review described the shortcomings of studies on these species, thus serving as the basis of further researches and development of these traditional herbal medicines.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div><em>Orthosiphon</em>-related information was collected from the online databases, such as Google Scholar, SciFinder, Web of Science, Elsevier, PubMed and China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Plants of the genus <em>Orthosiphon</em> are widely distributed in African, Australia, South Asian, and Southeast Asian, and in China. Phytochemical investigations on <em>Orthosiphon</em> species have revealed the presence of various compounds, mainly including phenolic acids, flavonoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and chromenes. Previous reports have demonstrated the diverse pharmacological properties of extracts and constituents derived from <em>Orthosiphon</em>, such as anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, analgesic, and nephroprotective effects. However, previous researches on this genus were somewhat limited and skewed towards a few species, with a particular emphasis on <em>O. aristatus, O. wulfenioides, O. thymiflorus</em> and <em>O. rubicundus</em> (D. Don) Benth, which might be attributed to the ethnopharmacological background, geographical constraints, and the distribution of these species. In the future, more investigations on other species of the genus <em>Orthosiphon</em> are needed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provided a comprehensive overview of the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and pharmacological progresses related to the genus of <em>Orthosiphon</em>. Despite substantial bias in attention among various species of the genus <em>Orthosiphon</em>, its potential as health food and therapeutic agents is evident. The genus is an underexplored source of bioactive compounds with potential in various therapeutic areas. This review laid the groundwork for further investigation and development of these traditional herbal remedies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100748"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177771","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 effect of Garcinia livingstonei aqueous leaf extract on hyperglycaemic-induced human sperm cell: An in-vitro study","authors":"Murendeni Nethengwe ,&nbsp;Kunle Okaiyeto ,&nbsp;Chinyerum S. Opuwari ,&nbsp;Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju","doi":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100750","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100750","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hyperglycaemia is the main instigator of the development of male infertility in men with diabetes mellitus (DM). The consequent production of excessive reactive oxidative species (ROS) and a compromised antioxidant defence system leads to testicular damage and a decline in sperm parameters. Supplementation with antioxidants sourced from medicinal plants is beneficial in the treatment of DM-related male infertility. However, a search for more efficacious and easily accessibly medicinal plants is paramount. <em>Garcinia livingstonei</em> is a well-known and accessible medicinal plant used in traditional practices for the treatment of diabetic complications. However, very scarce information on the plant extract's potential benefits exists in the literature. The current study investigated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of <em>G. livingstonei</em> on hyperglycaemic human male sperm cell parameters. Hyperglycaemia was induced using sperm media supplemented with 100 mM D-glucose over 24 h. Hyperglycaemia induction led to a significant (P&lt;0.05) decline in sperm motility, vitality, DNA integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and acrosome integrity. The effect of the plant extract on spermatozoa was concentration-dependent, with the lowest concentration demonstrating the highest protective effects. A significant (P&lt;0.05) improvement in all tested sperm parameters was observed after exposure of the hyperglycaemic spermatozoa to aqueous leaf extract of <em>G. livingstonei.</em> The effect of acarbose on all tested sperm parameters was comparable to that of the plant extract. The findings of this study suggest the potential therapeutic effect of <em>G. livingstonei</em> in the treatment of DM-related male infertility. However, the use of an appropriate dosage depending on the pathological target is paramount.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34599,"journal":{"name":"Phytomedicine Plus","volume":"5 1","pages":"Article 100750"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143177772","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}