Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine最新文献

{"title":"Urolithin A safeguards against diabetes-induced pathospermia and embryotoxicity in rats.","authors":"Reza Haddadi-Salmasi, Ahmad Gharekhani, Ali Shalizar-Jalali, Gholamreza Najafi","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26925","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26925","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Diabetes mellitus (DM) as a chronic disease can negatively affect male fertility due to endocrine and metabolic pathways disruption. This study was implemented to appraise the possible beneficial effects of urolithin A (UA), a natural polyphenol produced by the gut microbiota, against DM adverse effects on epididymal sperms and pre-implantation embryo development in mature rats.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Forty mature male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to five equal groups including non-treated control group, DM group administered with intra-peritoneal streptozotocin (50 mg/kg), and three treated diabetic groups which received 25, 100, and 400 mg/kg of UA for 60 days orally. Thereafter, serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), and testicular total anti-oxidant capacity (TTAC) and malondialdehyde (TMDA), as well as sperm quantity and quality, <i>in vivo</i> fertility, and <i>in vitro</i> fertilization (IVF) success rate were rigorously assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The UA exerted dose-dependent protective effects against DM-related negative impacts on biochemical (testosterone, FSH, LH, TTAC, and TMDA), spermatological (sperm count, motility, viability, and chromatin and DNA qualities), <i>in vivo</i> fertility, and embryological (IVF, and two-cell embryos, morulae, and blastocysts formation rates) parameters.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study's outcomes spotlighted the promising protective functions of UA in DM-associated male reproductive disorders in rats, owing its weighty anti-oxidative properties.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"531-539"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180245/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147970018","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":"Hepatoprotective effects of cinnamaldehyde against high-fat diet-induced liver damage.","authors":"Reyhane Farmani, Mehran Hosseini, Samaneh Nakhaee, Zomorrod Ataie, Khadijeh Farrokhfall","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26648","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26648","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide, affecting 30-40% of adults. High-fat diets contribute significantly to NAFLD by promoting hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In this context, cinnamaldehyde (CNMA) has emerged as a promising hepatoprotective agent due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulatory properties.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6 per group): (A) Control; (B) HFD; (C) Control+CNMA; and (D) HFD+CNMA. CNMA was administered orally at 20 mg/kg body weight for 16 weeks simultaneously with HFD. At the end of the study, rats were fasted for 12-14 hr and anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) for serum, liver, and visceral adipose tissues collection. Biochemical analyses included serum liver enzymes, lipid profiles, hepatic triglyceride levels, and oxidative stress markers (nitric oxide metabolites; NOx, and malondialdehyde; MDA). Histopathological evaluation was performed on H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin)-stained liver sections.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>HFD feeding induced significant hepatic injury and metabolic dysfunction in rats, characterized by elevated AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) levels, increased liver and fat pad weights, and enhanced oxidative stress. CNMA treatment significantly reduced these parameters, resulting in lower serum liver enzymes, decreased hepatic triglyceride content, reduced adiposity (notably mesenteric fat), and ameliorated oxidative stress. Histopathological findings confirmed a reduction in micro- and macrovesicular steatosis with CNMA.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CNMA significantly protected against HFD-induced hepatic injury by reducing serum AST and ALT, hepatic triglycerides, visceral adiposity, and oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, as confirmed by histopathology. It suggests the therapeutic potential of CNMA for NAFLD and related metabolic disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"503-515"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180240/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969828","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":"Crocin mitigates colistin-induced toxicity in HEK-293 cells through antioxidant and antiapoptotic mechanisms.","authors":"Sina Dorostkar, Majid Keshavarzi, Mahboubeh Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Bibi Marjan Razavi","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26568","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26568","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The glycopeptide antibiotic colistin (polymyxin E) causes dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. The pathophysiology of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity involves processes such as ischemia, inflammation, and apoptosis. By alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, crocin, a key component of <i>Crocus sativus</i> protects the kidneys from toxicity. This study designed to explore the protective effects of crocin against colistin-induced cytotoxicity in HEK-293 cells.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>HEK-293 cells were treated with varying concentrations of crocin (1.25 - 40 μM) for 24 hr before exposure to 160 µM colistin (the IC50 value). Cell viability was measured using an MTT assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using DCFH, and Western blotting was performed to analyze the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 proteins.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pre-treatment with crocin at concentrations of 1.25 (p<0.001), 2.5, and 5 (p<0.01) µM effectively enhanced cell viability, which had been diminished by colistin. Furthermore, crocin mitigated the elevated levels of ROS induced by colistin (p<0.001). The findings reveal that crocin prevented the upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax (p<0.05) and caspase-3 (p<0.01), and countered the downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 (p<0.05) triggered by colistin in HEK-293 cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Crocin serves as a natural compound that alleviates colistin-induced cytotoxicity through inhibiting oxidative stress and preventing apoptosis induction. As a result, crocin stands out as a promising antioxidant for preventing colistin-induced cytotoxicity, especially in renal cells.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"398-409"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180242/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969847","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":"Ginger supplementation in children with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Mahsa Bozorgvar, Abbas Akhgari, Abdolreza Malek, Motahareh Boozari, Zahra Abbasi-Shaye, Hossein Shahdadi Sardou, Zinat Heidari","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26884","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26884","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the effect of ginger supplementation on treatment responses in children with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (oligo-JIA).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of forty children between the ages of 6 and 16 years with oligo-JIA were randomly assigned to receive either a ginger capsule (containing 250 mg of powdered <i>Zingiber officinale</i> rhizomes) or a placebo twice daily for three months, along with standard treatment. The response to therapy was measured using the American College of Rheumatology Pediatric 30, 50, 70, and 90 response criteria (ACR-Pedi 30, 50, 70, and 90) after three months of supplementation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ACR-Pedi 30, 50, 70, and 90 responses were significantly higher among those receiving ginger supplement (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.001, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this study, ginger supplementation improved ACR-Pedi 30, 50, 70 and 90 responses in pediatric patients with oligo-JIA. Given its safety profile and anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, ginger supplementation may enhance therapeutic responses in this clinical setting. However, due to certain limitations within our study, further research is essential to confirm these promising findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"410-419"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180243/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969825","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":"Pomegranate juice consumption and lipid profile: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Fatemeh Ghaemi, Maryam Emadzadeh, Wael Almahmeed, Tannaz Jamialahmadi, Sercan Karav, Amirhossein Sahebkar","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26398","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26398","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Pomegranate juice (PJ) is rich in polyphenols with potential lipid-lowering effects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of PJ consumption on blood lipid parameters through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases to identify RCTs assessing the effects of PJ on lipid profiles in adults. A total of 17 RCTs involving 663 participants were included. Outcomes analyzed were changes in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed based on dose, duration, and participant health status.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PJ consumption was associated with significant reductions in TG (MD: -8.2 mg/dL) and LDL-C (MD: -4.8 mg/dL), and a significant increase in HDL-C (MD: +2.8 mg/dL). No overall effect was observed for TC. High heterogeneity was detected, partially explained by differences in PJ dose and population characteristics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PJ may improve lipid profiles, particularly by reducing TG and LDL-C and increasing HDL-C levels. These effects appear more pronounced in populations with metabolic disorders. Future trials with standardized PJ formulations and longer durations are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"420-439"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180246/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969955","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 clinical study on <i>Clitoria ternatea</i> tea therapy to manage diabetic distress in people with type 2 diabetes.","authors":"Vadivel Mani, Ramya Badrachalam, Brindha Santhnakrishnan, Muninathan Natrajan, Sangeeta Chandrashekar, Nisha Kuppan, Swapna Dileep Garikimukkala, Sadhana Undru","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26573","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26573","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of supplementing with shankhpushpi tea or <i>Clitoria ternatea</i> flower extract (CTE) on changes in serum protein carbonyls and urine 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels in those experiencing diabetic distress.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comparative study conducted with 30 healthy voluntaries as control group- CON, 90 type-2 diabetic patients experiencing moderate distress (as determined by a DDS-17 score between 2 and 3), 30 patients were assigned to either the DIAB, CTE-1 or CTE-2, with the CTE-1 group receiving 5 daily for 12 weeks and the CTE-2 group receiving 10 daily. Serum protein carbonyls and urinary 5-HIAA levels were assessed at the end of the twelfth week to conclude the preventive role of CTE on diabetic distress in the type-2 diabetic population.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 114 individuals initially enrolled in the study, 90 were included in the final analysis. The diabetic distress group (DIAB) exhibited significantly elevated levels of protein carbonyls and significantly decreased levels of 5-HIAA (p<0.001). In comparison to the CON group, the administration of both Shankhpushpi 5 g and 10 g extracts resulted in a significant reduction in serum protein carbonyls and an increase in urinary 5-HIAA, demonstrating a statistically significant compared with control (p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Shankhpushpi tea supplementation is beneficial in improvement of diabetic distress (quality of life) in diabetic patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"489-502"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180236/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969801","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":"Protective effects of saffron (<i>Crocus sativus</i> L.) hydro-alcoholic extract against paraquat-induced reproductive toxicity in mice.","authors":"Shima Pedarpoor Vajargah, Farah Farokhi, Abbas Sadeghi","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26914","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26914","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Paraquat (PQ), a commonly used herbicide, is known to induce male reproductive toxicity through oxidative stress. This study evaluated the protective effects of saffron hydroalcoholic extract (SFE) against PQ-induced testicular damage in adult male mice.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Thirty male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to six groups (n=5) including control, saffron extract (80 mg/kg/day; SFE), PQ (20 mg/kg/day; PQ20), PQ (40 mg/kg/day; PQ40), PQ20 + SFE80, and PQ40 + SFE80. Treatments were administered orally for 30 days. After the treatment period, the mice were euthanized, and parameters such as testosterone concentration, sperm quality, gonadosomatic index (GSI), antioxidant enzyme activity, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes were analyzed. Additionally, histopathological evaluation of testicular tissue was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PQ significantly reduced body weight, testicular weight, GSI, sperm count, viability, motility, and normal morphology compared to the control group. Furthermore, the PQ20+SFE80 and PQ40 + SFE80 groups exhibited a significant decrease in catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum testosterone levels, and histological indexes. However, co-treatment with SFE significantly mitigated these effects. Compared to the PQ-only groups, mice treated with both PQ and SFE exhibited significant improvements in sperm parameters, restored antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT and TAC), normalized serum testosterone levels, and preserved testicular histology.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Saffron extract exerts protective effects against PQ-induced reproductive toxicity by enhancing antioxidant defenses, hormonal regulation, and preserving testicular integrity and apoptotic status.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"552-564"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969941","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 preliminary pilot study of the effect of oatmeal and oxygen-ozone (O2-O3) administrations on NRF2 pathway-related antioxidants after intense exercise.","authors":"Sadegh Abbasian, Zohreh Mortezae, Mahsa Kargar Moghadam, Hamid Moghavemi, Hamed Ameri Afzadi, Mahboobeh Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, Mohammad Ali Sardar","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26566","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26566","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This preliminary pilot study aimed to evaluate how oatmeal and oxygen-ozone (O₂-O₃) administrations after intense exercise affect the NRF2 pathway, a key regulator of antioxidant responses.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A single-blind, repeated-measures design was conducted with ten participants (ages 20-36, body mass index<30 kg/m²) who completed high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) protocols under four conditions: baseline, following O₂-O₃ sauna sessions, after oatmeal supplementation, and post-HIIE. Blood glucose, lactate, white blood cell count (WBC), and levels of NRF2 pathway-related antioxidants, body weight, and blood pressure were measured under four conditions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant fluctuations over time were observed in cardiovascular responses (p<0.05). Notably, cardiovascular responses following HIIE after supplementation differed compared to ozone sessions. Lactate, platelets, lymphocytes, and WBC increased significantly, while neutrophils decreased (p<0.05). glucose and most NRF2-related antioxidants remained stable; however, a gender-specific increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) was found (p>0.05). Women showed a greater WBC reduction after oatmeal versus O₂-O₃ administration (p>0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study demonstrated that oatmeal and O₂-O₃ administrations may significantly affect cardiovascular responses and immune cell dynamics post-exercise, with gender-specific effects. The SOD increase among women and the greater reduction in WBC after oatmeal probably suggest its potential in enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing inflammation. These findings probably underscore the role of dietary interventions in managing oxidative stress following intense exercise.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"516-530"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180248/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969842","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":"Is opium use a predictor factor for major adverse cardiovascular events in coronary angiography patients?","authors":"Mahboobe Rafati, Mohammad Reza Khazdair, Seyyed Ali Moezi, Toba Kazemi, Nahid Azdaki, Ehsan Shirvani","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26906","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26906","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>It is believed that opium, as a narcotic substance, may have protective effects against various disorders such as cardiovascular diseases. The association between opium use and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients undergoing angiography was assessed in this study.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted on patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent angiography at Razi Hospital, Birjand, Iran from June 2018 to November 2020. Participants were considered into two groups: Addicted (i.e. opium users) and non-opium users. Demographic information, medical history, history of opium use, and the SYNTAX score were collected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 2,759 individuals with a mean age of 60.12 ± 18.12 years (ranging from 18 to 94 years) were included. Among the participants, 59.4% were male, with 627 identified as opium users and 2,132 as non-users. The opium user group exhibited significantly lower body mass index (BMI), and frequency of diabetes mellitus and hypertension compared to the non-opium user group (p<0.001). Conversely, the incidence of stenosis ≥50%, moderate SYNTAX score, and MACE incidence were remarkably higher among opium users compared to non-users (p<0.01 to p<0.001). Logistic regression analyses indicated a significant relationship between age, SYNTAX score, prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and opium use with cardiovascular procedures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results indicate that opium use is associated with increased stenosis and SYNTAX score, as well as a higher incidence of myocardial infarction and PCI, thereby increasing the odds ratio for cardiovascular events.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"565-576"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13181163/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969798","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 profiling and anti-obesity potential of the methanol extract of <i>Carica papaya</i> ripe fruit peel.","authors":"Rimsha Ahsan, Kanwal Ashiq, Shafiq Ali Shah, Muhammad Zaeem Ahsan, Shafiullah, Maryam Ashraf, Ishafaq Bukhari","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26441","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26441","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong><i>Carica papaya</i> has been widely recognized for its medicinal benefits, particularly in treating metabolic disorders such as obesity. This study examines the weight loss effects of <i>C. papaya</i> fruit peel and determines its phytochemical composition.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Various standard procedures were utilized for the identification and quantification of phytochemicals. UV/Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) were utilized to identify the functional groups and volatile compounds. <i>In vitro</i>, pancreatic lipase inhibition assay and <i>in vivo</i>, high-fat diet rat model were used to evaluate the anti-obesity activity of the methanol extract. Lipid profile, liver function tests (LFTs) and renal function tests (RFTs) were measured, and histopathological studies of the pancreas, liver, and kidneys were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results of phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and glycosaponins which are recognized for their anti-obesity properties. GC/mass analysis also confirmed the existence of volatile compounds. The methanol extract from <i>C. papaya</i> fruit peel significantly inhibited pancreatic lipase activity dose-dependently. <i>In vivo</i> studies showed that the methanol extract reduced the weight, improved the lipid profile, and restored the normal structure of the pancreas, liver, and kidneys. These effects were nearly identical to those of the standard reference drug, orlistat.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study confirms the anti-obesity activity of <i>C. papaya</i> fruit peel. Further clinical studies are needed to validate its safety and efficacy, as well as to explore its underlying mechanisms of action.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"473-488"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180238/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969908","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}