Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of the monotherapy effect of crocin on mild-to-moderate diabetic retinopathy: A randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Samaneh Sepahi, Mina Mohajeri, Ali Eslami, Seyedeh Maryam Hosseini, Seyed Ahmad Mohajeri","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26305","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is asymptomatic and can lead to severe and irreversible vision loss if not treated promptly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of crocin in mild-to-moderate DR patients whose macular center was not involved according to the early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) criteria.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Forty patients with primary DR without involvement of the macular center were enrolled and randomized into crocin 15 mg/day and placebo groups for 3 months. At the beginning and 3 months later, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c were measured and the thickness of areas around the macula was determined. After three months, the patients were examined by an ophthalmologist and the required specialized tests were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the participants was 47-71 years that were 27 males and 13 females. In the intragroup comparison, the thickness around the macula was significantly reduced in the crocin group (p=0.001) compared to placebo group (p=0.67). In comparison between groups, the mean thickness of the areas around the macula at the beginning and end of the study was significantly different (p=0.046). BCVA was not significantly different after 3 months between groups. HbA1C was significantly reduced (p=0.004) in the crocin group. In this study, no specific complication due to drug use was reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on our findings, crocin was effective in reducing the thickness of the areas around the macula in mild-to-moderate DR. It is suggested that crocin can be considered an effective supplementary drug in preventing the progression and an adjuvant therapy for DR.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"124-135"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092148/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728154","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":"Almond for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: A randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Mohsen Mohajeri, Fataneh Hashem-Dabaghian, Shima Raeesi, Somaye Mehroozade","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26297","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2025.26297","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Almonds are frequently advised as brain tonic and memory enhancers in Persian medicine. There is also scientific evidence to support the effects of almond on memory. This study was designed to assess the effects of almond (<i>Prunus dulcis</i>) on memory and cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this randomized controlled trial, 60 AD patients with mild to moderate cognitive disorder were randomly allocated into an almond group (10 g/day powdered sweet almond plus 1 teaspoon of powdered rock candy along with their previous prescriptions), or the control group (continue previous prescriptions) for 3 months. The Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) questionnaires were completed at the beginning and the end of the study. The sleep quality was also assessed by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty participants in each group completed the study, and were analyzed. Age was 71.86±8.04 years in the almond group and 71.3±7.18 years in the control group (p=0.775). Duration of memory deficit was 2.8±0.92 and 3±1.2 months in the almond and control group, respectively (p=0.473). The orientation scale of the MMSE (p=0.024), MOCA (p=0.001), memory scale of MOCA (p=0.005), FAST (p=0.032), and PSQI (p<0.001) in the almond group were significantly improved compared to those in the control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Almond is a probable safe intervention for memory and sleep enhancement in AD patients. Conducting studies with larger samples, longer follow-up periods, and different control groups are suggested.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092157/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728106","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 modulatory role of 6-gingerol-rich portion of ginger on brain oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotransmission in chronic unpredicted mild stress-induced depressed male Wistar rats.","authors":"Maryam Tayo Ayinla, Abraham Olufemi Asuku","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26364","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study was designed to investigate the effect of 6-gingerol-rich extract of ginger (6-GIRPOG) on oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotransmission in chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressed male Wistar rats.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats in total were divided into five groups at random (n = 5 in each group). The control group received 0.5 ml of normal saline, CUMS rats were only exposed to CUMS daily, CUMS + fluoxetine rats were exposed to CUMS and orally received 10 mg/kg per body weight of fluoxetine daily, CUMS + 6-GIRPOG (100) and CUMS + 6-GIRPOG (200) rats were exposed to CUMS and orally received 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of 6-GIRPOG respectively (daily). Exposure to CUMS and treatment were carried out for a period of 21 days, after which light and dark box test, sucrose splash test, and forced swim test were conducted to assess the behavioral functions. The rats were then euthanized and their brain samples were collected for biochemical analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The exposure to CUMS caused behavioral alterations as well as a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glutamate, reduced glutathione (GSH), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, the exposure to CUMS caused a statistically significant rise (p<0.05) in the brain norepinephrine, cortisol, nuclear factor kappa-B (NFK-B), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6. However, the administration of both 100 and 200 mg/kg of 6-GIRPOG effectively reversed these behavioral and biochemical changes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Consequently, the study reveals the role of 6-GIRPOG in ameliorating CUMS-induced depression and brain damage via antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neurotransmission modulatory mechanisms.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"111-123"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092150/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728098","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":"Possible therapeutic effects of <i>Plantago major</i> in women with high menstrual bleeding: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials.","authors":"Majid Kianmehr, Mohammad Reza Khazdair","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26360","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26360","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>High menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common issue affecting women's health, often leading to significant physical and psychological distress. While several medical treatments are available, many women face treatment failures or undesirable side effects, prompting interest in natural remedies. This systematic review aims to evaluate the therapeutic effects of <i>Plantago major</i> on women with high menstrual bleeding, focusing on randomized clinical trials.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted in various databases such as, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to identify relevant randomized clinical trials assessing the efficacy of <i>Plantago major</i> in reducing menstrual bleeding until July 2024. Various preparations of <i>P. major</i> were utilized in the included studies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Administration of <i>P. major</i> leaf and seed extract significantly reduced both the duration and severity of bleeding. These extracts also led to a decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HTC) levels in the intervention group compared to the control group. The rectal suppository of <i>P. major</i> seed extract significantly decreased bleeding during the first 4 hours postpartum compared to the control group. Additionally, vaginal suppositories of <i>P. major</i> leaf extract notably reduced the mean in the pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) and improved the duration of bleeding in the intervention group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The extracts of <i>P. major</i> seeds and leaves may enhance hematological parameters and reduce both the mean and severity of menstrual bleeding; however, the clinical significance of these findings necessitates further assessment in future trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"35-47"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092156/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728137","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":"Wortmannin exhibits anticancer activity in oral cancer cell line by targeting PI3K, AKT and mTOR pathway.","authors":"Gauri Kumbhar, Poonam Suryawanshi, Vaibhav Ladke","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26226","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2025.26226","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Although the molecular mechanism by which wortmannin exerts its anticancer properties in solid tumors is not fully understood, particularly in the context of oral cancer where research is scarce, this study seeks to explore how wortmannin disrupts the PI3K pathway, consequently affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of human oral cancer cells.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong><i>In-silico</i> investigation included drug-likeness predictions, oral cancer and wortmannin targets, Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI), hub gene analysis, the top 10 KEGG pathways, Gene Ontology (GO), and molecular docking tests. <i>In vitro</i> experiments examined Viability Assay, apoptosis, cell cycle, Reactive Oxygen Species ROS and MMP levels, and gene expression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty commonly expressed genes affect cell proliferation, apoptosis, the PI3K signaling system, and the cell cycle as a result of <i>in-silico</i> analysis. Top 10 genes include <i>mTOR, MAPK1, PIK3CA, PTGS2, MAPK8, AR, TERT, PIK3CB, PARP1,</i> and <i>PIK3CG</i>. Wortmannin may treat oral cancer by targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which is linked to these genes. <i>In vitro</i> tests showed anti-proliferative effects (IC50 = 3.6 ± 1 µM and IC25 = 1.8 ± 1 µM), late-stage apoptosis, reduced ROS, and MMP changes. Wortmannin downregulated <i>mTOR, PIK3CA, ERK, PTEN, STAT3,</i> and <i>AKT</i>. In addition, <i>BCL2</i> and <i>cMYC</i> levels decreased and <i>BAD</i> and <i>BAK</i> expression increased.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The <i>in-silico</i> strategy used in this study establishes the framework for cancer therapeutic research. This research has revealed wortmannin's ability to treat oral cancer in clinical settings. To validate <i>in-silico</i> and <i>in-vitro</i> findings, more assays and <i>in-vivo</i> research are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"78-98"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092155/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728134","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 effect of pomegranate seed oil against lead acetate-induced toxicity on the hippocampus and bone marrow in rats.","authors":"Mohaddeseh Sadat Alavi, Azar Hosseini, Fereshte Torabi, Mitra Rayati Banadkooki, Zahra Taghadosi, Mohammad Taher Boroushaki","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26495","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22038/ajp.2025.26495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Lead poisoning is one of the oldest occupational and environmental diseases in the world. It can enter the body by being absorbed in water, air, and food. Oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms responsible for lead toxicity. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are the primary effects of pomegranate seed oil (PSO). This research is designed to determine the impact of PSO on damage to the hippocampus, bone, and bone marrow in rats triggered by lead acetate.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Thirty-two adult male rats were subjected to this study. The animals were divided into four groups at random after they had acclimated. The control group received 1 ml/kg of normal saline for 21 days. Animals in the Pb group received 500 ppm of lead acetate in drinking water for 21 days. Pb+ PSO 0.4 ml/kg and Pb+ PSO 0.8 ml/kg received 0.4 or 0.8 ml/kg of PSO intraperitoneally, concomitant with exposure to lead acetate for 21 days. Blood, bone, bone marrow, and hippocampus samples were taken after the treatment for measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol content and superoxide dismutase (SOD).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our results revealed that 0.8 ml/kg of PSO significantly decreased malondialdehyde in bone marrow, serum, and hippocampus. It also could increase thiol in serum and superoxide dismutase in bone marrow.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PSO could protect against lead-induced damage in bone, bone marrow, and hippocampus of treated animals through reduction of oxidative stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"192-203"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092153/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728066","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":"Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of crocin, a bioactive constituent of saffron, in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases with a focus on molecular mechanisms: A systematic review.","authors":"Zahra Tayarani-Najaran, Elham Hadipour, Shirin Ramazani, Leyli Taghizadeh, Elham Ramazani","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26032","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study assessed the neuroprotective effects of crocin one of the main bioactive compounds of saffron, in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, by focusing on its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this systematic review, we evaluated the efficacy of crocin on <i>in vivo</i> models of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Using three online literature databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar), we identified studies describing the neuroprotective effects of crocin in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. A literature search was carried out using a combination of keywords such as crocin, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective. Papers were identified to describe the neuroprotective effects of crocin from 2013 until 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The total number of articles included in the present review is 28. Reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels indicate the anti-oxidant effects of crocin. Crocin can show anti-inflammatory activities via decreasing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin levels. Crocin can display cytoprotective effects via down-regulation of p- extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and augmentation of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/Akt/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway activity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Finally due to a noticeable efficacy of crocin, it is suggested that crocin can be used as a suitable neuroprotective agent against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"13-34"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092161/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728086","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":"<i>Vitex agnus-castus</i> extract improved the endocrine profile and important gene expression in rat ovaries with polycystic ovary syndrome.","authors":"Mahtab Abbaszadeh, Gholamali Jelodar, Aazam Salmani, Saeid Hosseinzadeh","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26622","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26622","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The beneficial effect of <i>Vitex agnus-castus</i> on the female endocrine system has been reported. This study examines the impact of <i>Vitex</i> extract (VE) on the serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), sex hormones, and <i>P450</i> _arom, <i>AMH</i>, and <i>CTRP6</i> gene expression in the ovaries of a rat model of PCOS.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Thirty-two rats with regular estrous cycles were enrolled as controls, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and two treatment groups. PCOS was induced by estradiol valerate. The treatment groups (T1 &T2) received VE (150 or 200 mg/kg body weight, respectively) for 30 days following PCOS induction. Serum and left ovary were used to assess hormone levels and <i>P450</i> _arom, <i>AMH</i>, and <i>CTRP6</i> gene expression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the T2 group, a significant decrease in estradiol (E2, testosterone, and AMH levels (p=0.028) was observed with no significant change in DHEA (p=0.967) in comparison with the PCOS group. AMH in the serum was significantly higher in the PCOS group than in all the other groups (p=0.021). The level of progesterone was not considerably changed between treatments and the PCOS group (p=0.11). The expression of <i>P450</i> _arom in the T2 group was significantly higher than the PCOS group (p=0.003) and had no significant difference from the control (p=0.200). The expression of <i>AMH</i> (p=0.003) and <i>CTRP6</i> was significantly (p=0.0001) higher in the ovaries of the PCOS group compared to other groups, and consumption of the extract improved the evaluated parameters significantly.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The endocrine profile and gene expression were improved in the rat ovary following administration of VE, and therefore, the therapeutic effect of VE may be expected in PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"162-172"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092149/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728090","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":"Suppressive effect of lemon (<i>Citrus limon</i> L. Burm. f.) extract toward pro-tumor immune response in DMBA-induced carcinogenesis mouse.","authors":"Wira Eka Putra, Chalissa Nuruzzulfa, Dea Esaayu Mahabella, Ramdhani Faradilla Intania Nuraıda, Arief Hıdayatullah, Muhaimin Rifa'i","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26348","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26348","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Cancer is a worldwide health issue which recognized as a chronic condition resulting from the unregulated growth of abnormal cells. Breast cancer has overtaken lung cancer as the most often diagnosed malignancy among all genders, with a projected three million new cases by 2040. Many treatment options are available, however, latest therapies are associated with undesirable side effects. <i>Citrus limon</i> is among the medicinal plants recognized to have immunomodulatory properties. This research aimed to examine the immunomodulatory effect of <i>C. limon</i> extract (CLE) in 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced carcinogenesis mice.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The treatment group consisted of four subgroups: a vehicle control group, a DMBA induction group, a CLE 50 group, and a CLE 200 group. Flow cytometry was used to assess the proportions of the following cell populations: Gr-1⁺, CD68⁺IL-17⁺, CD68⁺TNF-α⁺, NK1.1⁺, CD4⁺CD25⁺, and CD4⁺CD25⁺CD62L⁺.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this study, we discovered that CLE reduces the number of immune system profiles to normal levels, including granulocytes, macrophages, natural killer cells, and effector T cells, while increasing the population of regulator T cells to normal levels. Moreover, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) evaluation showed that several significant CLE compounds meet the drug-like requirements.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This research revealed that CLE might be developed as a supplemental or additional cancer treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"99-110"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092160/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728145","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":"Nordihydroguaiaretic acid attenuates TNFα-dependent intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells via targeting TNFα-PI3K-NF-κB-ICAM1 pathway.","authors":"Tapan Kumar Mukherjee, Parth Malik, Raj Singh, Vishal Haribhai Patel, Raman Kumar","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26057","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>During inflammation and oxidative stress, vascular endothelial cell surfaces express high levels of adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) which bind the circulatory leukocytes (e.g. macrophages), through counter receptors LFA/Mac1. The bound leukocytes on sub-endothelial translocation accumulate oxidized lipids and proteins, developing atherosclerotic plaques by foam cell and fatty streak formations. Herewith, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) prevails as a polyphenol in the <i>Larrea tridentate</i> plant, with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory traits. This study for the first time elucidates that NDGA attenuates TNFα-dependent ICAM1 expression in the cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), by targeting the TNFα-PI3K-NF-κB-ICAM1 pathway.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Cultured HUVECs were treated with pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative cytokine TNFα, to induce ICAM1 mRNA level and protein expression on HUVECs cell surface as documented by northern and western blot, respectively. The effect of varying NDGA concentrations was examined on TNFα-stimulated ICAM1 expression and monocyte attachment assay.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pre-TNFα-NDGA treatment of HUVECs moderated TNFα-dependent ICAM1 expression and monocyte attachment on vascular endothelium by inhibiting the PI3K-NF-κB-ICAM1 signaling pathway.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this study, the NDGA anti-inflammatory and anti-adhesion essence is elucidated <i>via</i> impaired cytoplasm to nucleus translocation of pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB, moderating the ICAM1 expression and monocyte attachment.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"66-77"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092152/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147728123","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}