{"title":"RETRACTED: Sibuh et al. The Emerging Role of Epigenetics in Metabolism and Endocrinology. <i>Biology</i> 2023, <i>12</i>, 256.","authors":"Belay Zeleke Sibuh, Sameer Quazi, Hrithika Panday, Ritika Parashar, Niraj Kumar Jha, Runjhun Mathur, Saurabh Kumar Jha, Pankaj Taneja, Abhimanyu Kumar Jha","doi":"10.3390/biology14060705","DOIUrl":"10.3390/biology14060705","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Editorial Office of <i>Biology</i> retracts the paper entitled \"<i>The Emerging Role of Epigenetics in Metabolism and Endocrinology</i>\" [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":48624,"journal":{"name":"Biology-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12175979/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144303361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology-BaselPub Date : 2025-06-16DOI: 10.3390/biology14060707
Haoxiang Han, Lin Wang, Chi Zhang, Hongchi Li, Bo Ma
{"title":"Population Structure, Growth Characteristics, Resource Dynamics, and Management Strategies of <i>Schizopygopsis younghusbandi</i> in Four Tributaries of the Yarlung Zangbo River, Tibet.","authors":"Haoxiang Han, Lin Wang, Chi Zhang, Hongchi Li, Bo Ma","doi":"10.3390/biology14060707","DOIUrl":"10.3390/biology14060707","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Aquatic biodiversity of the Yarlung Zangbo River is both unique and fragile, with its ecological environment currently under significant pressure. However, comprehensive studies on the biological characteristics and resource status of fish in its tributaries remain insufficient. In this study, we analyzed the population structure, growth characteristics, and resource dynamics of 2058 specimens of <i>Schizopygopsis younghusbandi</i> that were collected from four major tributaries in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River (Duoxiong Zangbo, Lhasa River, Niyang River, and Nianchu River) between 2023 and 2024. Population parameters were estimated using the Von Bertalanffy growth equation, revealing asymptotic body lengths (<i>L∞</i>) between 387.877 and 414.535 mm and growth coefficients (<i>k</i>) ranging from 0.154 to 0.174. Notably, the <i>k</i> values exhibited a gradual decline in growth rate with increasing altitude. Based on calculations from FiSAT II software, the exploitation rate (<i>E</i>) revealed that the Duoxiong Zangbo population remained within a safe range (<i>E</i> < 0.5), whereas the Nianchu, Lhasa, and Niyang River populations were overexploited (<i>E</i> > 0.5), with their population structures showing signs of under-ageing and miniaturization. To ensure stable population continuity, the minimum catchable body lengths were estimated as 248 mm, 240 mm, 233 mm, and 236 mm for the Duoxiong Zangbo, Nianchu, Lhasa, and Niyang Rivers, respectively, with slight variations among tributaries. These findings suggest that <i>S. younghusbandi</i> populations in the Yarlung Zangbo River tributaries are adversely affected by external pressures and face a decline, necessitating effective conservation and restoration strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":48624,"journal":{"name":"Biology-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189716/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Differences in Intestinal Microbiota Between White and Common Cranes in the Yellow River Delta During Winter.","authors":"Xiaodong Gao, Yunpeng Liu, Zhicheng Yao, Yuelong Chen, Lei Li, Shuai Shang","doi":"10.3390/biology14060704","DOIUrl":"10.3390/biology14060704","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The avian intestinal microbiota is a vital interface for host/environment interactions, playing a pivotal role in nutrient metabolism, immune regulation, and ecological adaptation. In the Yellow River Delta region, common cranes and white cranes coexist in mixed flocks. During the winter, when food resources are scarce, studying their gut microbiota can effectively reveal the feeding patterns of these two crane species, thereby providing valuable data for crane conservation efforts. This study systematically investigated and compared the intestinal microbiota structures of white cranes (<i>Grus leucogeranus</i>) and common cranes (<i>Grus grus</i>) inhabiting the Yellow River Delta region. The results demonstrated that the predominant phyla of the intestinal microbiota in white and common cranes are Firmicutes and Proteobacteria at the phylum level; <i>Catellicoccus</i> and <i>Lactobacillus</i> were the predominant genera in the crane species. LEfse was used to analyze the differential flora of the intestinal bacterial communities of white cranes and common cranes and to detect the marker species with significant differences between the groups. Based on the COG database, a preliminary functional prediction of the intestinal microbiota was conducted, and 16 metabolic pathways relating to the COG pathway were obtained. In general, although both types of cranes belong to the <i>Grus</i> genus and are distributed in the same area, there are significant differences in the composition and functional characteristics of their intestinal microbiota due to the differences in their feeding composition.</p>","PeriodicalId":48624,"journal":{"name":"Biology-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189369/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology-BaselPub Date : 2025-06-15DOI: 10.3390/biology14060701
S M Ahsan, Md Injamum-Ul-Hoque, Nayan Chandra Howlader, Md Mezanur Rahman, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Md Azizul Haque, Hyong Woo Choi
{"title":"Haploid Production in <i>Cannabis sativa</i>: Recent Updates, Prospects, and Perspectives.","authors":"S M Ahsan, Md Injamum-Ul-Hoque, Nayan Chandra Howlader, Md Mezanur Rahman, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Md Azizul Haque, Hyong Woo Choi","doi":"10.3390/biology14060701","DOIUrl":"10.3390/biology14060701","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Cannabis sativa</i> L. is a dioecious species known to produce over 1600 chemical constituents, including more than 180 cannabinoids classified into 11 structural groups. These bioactive compounds are predominantly synthesised in the glandular trichomes of female inflorescences. However, sex determination in <i>C. sativa</i> is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, often leading to the development of male flowers on female plants. This unintended fertilisation reduces cannabinoid yield and increases genetic heterogeneity and challenges in medical cannabis production. Haploid and doubled haploid (DH) technologies offer a promising solution by rapidly generating homozygous lines from gametophytic (e.g., unpollinated ovaries and ovules) or sporophytic tissues (e.g., anthers and microspores) via in vitro culture or chromosome reduction during hybridisation. In land plants, the life cycle alternates between a diploid sporophyte and a haploid gametophyte generation, both capable of mitotic division to form multicellular bodies. A single genome regulates this phase transition and encodes the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms that precisely control the developmental processes unique to each generation. While the application of haploid technology in <i>C. sativa</i> remains limited, through recent progress in haploid induction (HI) and CRISPR-based genome editing, the direct modification of haploid gametes or embryos enables the creation of null homozygous lines following chromosome doubling, improving genetic uniformity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of spontaneous chromosome doubling may further facilitate the development of elite cannabis genotypes. Ultimately, enhancing the efficiency of DH production and optimising genome editing approaches could significantly increase the speed of genetic improvement and cultivar development in <i>Cannabis sativa</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":48624,"journal":{"name":"Biology-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189703/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498691","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Subtypes I and II of <i>Ulva prolifera</i> O.F. Müller: Dominant Green Tide Species in the Southern Yellow Sea and Their Responses to Natural Light and Temperature Conditions.","authors":"Shuang Zhao, Jinlin Liu, Zhangyi Xia, Jingyi Sun, Jianheng Zhang, Peimin He","doi":"10.3390/biology14060702","DOIUrl":"10.3390/biology14060702","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study systematically investigated two ecotypes of <i>Ulva prolifera</i>, the dominant species responsible for green tides in the Yellow Sea, classified as Subtype I (strain <i>I08-1</i>) and Subtype II (strain <i>QD-7</i>). Both subtypes produce positively phototactic biflagellate gametes with oval/pear-shaped morphology but exhibit distinct cellular dimensions. Subtype I gametes demonstrated significantly larger cell sizes, with long and short axes measuring 6.55 μm and 4.62 μm, respectively, compared to Subtype II's dimensions of 6.46 μm (long axis) and 3.03 μm (short axis). Developmental analysis revealed striking morphological divergence at the 6-day germling stage: Subtype I attained an average length of 1301.14 μm, more than doubling Subtype II's 562.25 μm. Superior growth kinetics were observed in Subtype I, exhibiting enhanced specific growth rates (SGRs) across multiple parameters-main stem length (8.58% vs. 3.55%), primary branch elongation (19.17% vs. 12.59%), main stem width expansion (17.29% vs. 5.00%), and biomass accumulation (41.90% vs. 40.96% fresh weight). Chlorophyll quantification confirmed significantly higher pigment content in Subtype I. Pre-co-culture photosynthetic profiling demonstrated Subtype I's superior quantum efficiency (α = 0.077 vs. 0.045) with marked differences in regulated energy dissipation (YNPQ) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Post-co-culture physiological adaptation was evident in Subtype II, showing significant elevation of non-regulated energy dissipation quantum yield (YNO) and eventual surpassing of maximum electron transport rate (ETRmax) compared to Subtype I. These findings establish that <i>U. prolifera</i> employs robust photoprotective and thermal adaptation strategies under natural photothermal conditions. Crucially, YNO-based analysis revealed Subtype II's enhanced high-light protection mechanisms and superior adaptability to intense irradiance environments. This research elucidates ecotype-specific environmental adaptation mechanisms in <i>U. prolifera</i>, providing critical insights for optimizing green tide mitigation strategies and advancing ecological understanding of algal bloom dynamics.</p>","PeriodicalId":48624,"journal":{"name":"Biology-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189449/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Protective Effects of Extracts from Green Leaves and Rhizomes of <i>Posidonia oceanica</i> (L.) Delile on an In Vitro Model of the Human Blood-Brain Barrier.","authors":"Giulia Abruscato, Manuela Mauro, Marie-Christine Boucau, Vincenzo Arizza, Mirella Vazzana, Lucie Dehouck, Fabien Gosselet, Claudio Luparello, Pietra Candela","doi":"10.3390/biology14060699","DOIUrl":"10.3390/biology14060699","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Posidonia oceanica</i> (L.) Delile, a Mediterranean seagrass, is rich in bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory potential. While marine-derived molecules are increasingly studied, their direct effects on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity under inflammatory conditions remain largely unexplored. This study evaluated the ability of aqueous extracts from its green leaves (GLEs) and rhizomes (REs) to protect the BBB using a human in vitro model consisting of brain-like endothelial cells co-cultured with brain pericytes. The model was exposed to TNFα, with or without GLEs or REs. We assessed NO production, endothelial permeability, expression of IL-6, NLRP3, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CLAUDIN-5, and VE-CADHERIN, and the localization of junctional proteins. TNFα increased NO and IL-6 release, upregulated ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and NLRP3, and impaired BBB integrity by altering junctional protein levels and distribution. Co-treatment with GLEs or REs reduced the production of NO, the expression of NLRP3 and adhesion molecules and restored tight and adherens junction integrity. IL-6 levels remained unaffected. These findings suggest that <i>P. oceanica</i>'s extracts may help preserve BBB function and mitigate inflammation-induced damage. While further studies are needed to assess their bioavailability and in vivo efficacy, these natural compounds represent promising candidates for developing preventive strategies against neuroinflammatory disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":48624,"journal":{"name":"Biology-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189290/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498749","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chromosome-Level Genome and Variation Map of Eri Silkworm <i>Samia cynthia ricini</i>.","authors":"Kunpeng Lu, Jianghong Shen, Wengong Huang, Chengyu Zhan, Zhengqing Li, Shubo Liang, Kerui Lai, Qun Luo, Minjin Han, Xiaoling Tong, Fangyin Dai","doi":"10.3390/biology14060698","DOIUrl":"10.3390/biology14060698","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The eri silkworm <i>Samia cynthia ricini</i> (<i>S. ricini</i>) is an economically and scientifically significant lepidopteran species, though its genomic resources have remained limited. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly for <i>S. ricini</i> generated through integrated long-read, short-read, and Hi-C sequencing data. The final 456.16 Mb assembly spans 14 chromosomes, exhibiting 98.5% BUSCO completeness and a 48.51% repetitive content. Functional annotation of the 15,729 protein-coding genes against five major databases (NR, SwissProt, Pfam, GO, and KEGG) revealed a maximum annotation rate of 92.71%, demonstrating high gene set quality. Comparative genomics with <i>B. mori</i> uncovered conserved syntenic blocks interspersed with chromosomal fusion/fission events and inversions. We further identified 4.27 million SNPs, 1.02 million InDels, and 53,367 SVs, establishing the first comprehensive variation map for this species. These genomic variations provide a foundation for marker-assisted breeding programs and trait association studies. All the genomic resources and interactive visualization tools were integrated into the SilkMeta database. This study establishes <i>S. ricini</i> as a pivotal resource for comparative lepidopteran genomics and accelerates molecular breeding programs for this agriculturally valuable insect.</p>","PeriodicalId":48624,"journal":{"name":"Biology-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189578/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology-BaselPub Date : 2025-06-14DOI: 10.3390/biology14060700
Linlin Zhao, Tingting Li, Bailin Cong, Bei Wang, Kaiyu Liu, Shenghao Liu
{"title":"Marine Biodiversity Conservation Planning in the Indo-Pacific Convergence Zone Based on Ecological Spatial Analysis.","authors":"Linlin Zhao, Tingting Li, Bailin Cong, Bei Wang, Kaiyu Liu, Shenghao Liu","doi":"10.3390/biology14060700","DOIUrl":"10.3390/biology14060700","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Marine biodiversity is of critical importance to global ecosystems. The Indo-Pacific Convergence Zone (IPCZ), a global marine biodiversity hotspot, faces escalating threats from human activities and climate change. This underscores the pressing need to develop effective conservation strategies for marine biodiversity in the IPCZ. This study integrates spatial analysis of ecological sensitivity (coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass) and anthropogenic pressures (shipping/fishing intensity) to identify biodiversity hotspots and conservation gaps. Using datasets from UNEP-WCMC, OBIS, and Global Fishing Watch, we applied GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation to 5408 grid cells (0.5° resolution) across the IPCZ. Results revealed that 14.7% of the study area constitutes biodiversity hotspots, primarily in coastal Philippines, Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands, and northern Australia. However, only 6% of the IPCZ is currently protected, with merely 13.88% of hotspots overlapping existing marine protected areas (MPAs). Anthropogenic pressure hotspots (e.g., Malacca Strait) showed limited spatial overlap with biodiversity hotspots, suggesting species displacement from high-disturbance zones. Priority conservation areas were delineated by balancing ecological significance and economic activity conflicts. We propose targeted strategies, including buffer zones, seasonal no-take areas, and green shipping technologies, to reconcile conservation with sustainable development. This framework provides actionable insights for enhancing MPA networks in biogeographic transition zones.</p>","PeriodicalId":48624,"journal":{"name":"Biology-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189379/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology-BaselPub Date : 2025-06-13DOI: 10.3390/biology14060694
Luo Zhou, Yingbing Su, Daiqin Yang, Qiong Shi, Tilin Yi, Zhengyong Wen
{"title":"Effects of Two Culture Modes on Muscular Nutrition Content and Volatile Flavor in Chinese Longsnout Catfish (<i>Leiocassis longirostris</i>).","authors":"Luo Zhou, Yingbing Su, Daiqin Yang, Qiong Shi, Tilin Yi, Zhengyong Wen","doi":"10.3390/biology14060694","DOIUrl":"10.3390/biology14060694","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Thus far, various aquaculture modes have been developed to facilitate the rapid growth of the aquaculture industry and thus meet the heavy demand for aquatic products for human consumption. However, the effects of different culture modes on fish muscular nutritional content and volatile flavor are rarely reported. In the present study, we evaluated the differences in muscular nutrition content and dietary flavor between Chinese longsnout catfish (<i>Leiocassis longirostris</i>) groups cultured in two different modes, i.e., flow-through water tanks (CWWL) and traditional ponds (CWWC). Our statistical results showed that a significantly higher crude protein content and lower crude fat levels were observed in the CWWL group than in the CWWC group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Similarly, the contents of total aromatic amino acids (Total ∑TAA) and total dicarboxylic amino acids (Total ∑DAA) were also significantly higher in the CWWL group. Among the fatty acids, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (ARA), were recorded at 1.44%, 2.5%, and 9.09%, respectively, in the CWWL group, which were dramatically higher than in the CWWC group. Conversely, the contents of volatile compounds, including 2-tridecanone, dimethyl trisulfide, and isophorone, in the CWWC group were also significant higher, which, however, may contribute to an unpleasant sensory experience. Conversely, other compounds like 2-methylbutanal and 2,3-butanedione were prevalent in the CWWL group, which can induce rich nutty and buttery flavors and thus enhance the freshness of flavor profiles. In conclusion, Chinese longsnout catfish cultured in flow-through tanks show higher nutritional value and better sensory flavor in comparison with those raised in ponds. These findings not only provide novel insights into the potential effects of aquaculture modes on muscular nutrition content and dietary flavor for Chinese longsnout catfish but also lay a solid foundation for optimizing practical culture modes to improve the global aquaculture industry.</p>","PeriodicalId":48624,"journal":{"name":"Biology-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189077/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Biology-BaselPub Date : 2025-06-13DOI: 10.3390/biology14060695
Seham M Al Raish, Razan S Almasri, Alaa S Bedir
{"title":"Ancient Remedies, Modern Medicine: A Review of Antidiabetic, Cardioprotective, and Antimicrobial Activities of Date Palm (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>), Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>), Fenugreek (<i>Trigonella foenum-graecum</i>), and Ashwagandha (<i>Withania somnifera</i>).","authors":"Seham M Al Raish, Razan S Almasri, Alaa S Bedir","doi":"10.3390/biology14060695","DOIUrl":"10.3390/biology14060695","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review critically explores the pharmacological potential of four traditionally significant medicinal plants-<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>, <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>, <i>Withania somnifera</i>, and <i>Trigonella foenum-graecum</i>-with a specific focus on their antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial properties. In light of the escalating global burden of chronic metabolic diseases and the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent demand for alternative, sustainable therapeutic strategies. Drawing upon both ethnopharmacological evidence and contemporary biomedical research, this study identifies and characterizes the key bioactive constituents responsible for the observed therapeutic effects. These phytochemicals include flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and saponins, which modulate metabolic pathways, exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and inhibit microbial proliferation. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, covering peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025. Inclusion criteria emphasized both in vitro and in vivo experimental models to provide a holistic understanding of molecular mechanisms and biological efficacy. Importantly, this review does not propose these plant extracts as direct substitutes for clinically established therapies but rather as potential complementary agents or sources of novel compounds for future drug development. This integrative approach underscores the relevance of traditional medicinal knowledge in guiding the discovery of plant-based therapeutics. It highlights these species as promising candidates for innovative health interventions in the context of modern biomedicine and global public health.</p>","PeriodicalId":48624,"journal":{"name":"Biology-Basel","volume":"14 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12189810/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}