Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine最新文献

{"title":"The effect of curcumin and piperine co-supplementation on glycemic indices in prediabetes: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Hossein Ghazaee, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Zahra Mazloum Khorasani, Maryam Emadzadeh","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26567","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26567","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Patients with prediabetes are at a higher risk of cardiometabolic diseases. There has been growing attention to the role of phytochemicals and nutraceuticals against prediabetes. Previous research supports the efficacy of curcumin in controlling blood glucose level in diabetes but its effect on prediabetes has not been adequately studied. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin and piperine on prediabetes.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This triple-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed on patients with prediabetes. The intervention group (n=34) received curcumin + piperine tablets (containing 500 mg curcumin plus 5 mg piperine), while the control group (n=34) used placebo for three months. Before and after three months, fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), HOMA-IR, C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin, and anthropometric indices were assessed. The measurements were analyzed using SPSS software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of participants was 48.4±10.82 years, and 55.8% were females. After the intervention, FBG and HbA1c did not differ significantly between the groups. After 3 months, CRP was significantly reduced in the curcumin + piperine group (p=0.01), while the insulin level increased significantly (p=0.03). After adjustment for CRP and weight at baseline, the difference in changes in insulin, HOMA-IR, and CRP levels between the two groups disappeared. Moreover, there were no changes in anthropometric indices in either group during the study period.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study revealed that the combination of curcumin and piperine had no significant impact on glycemic indices in patients with prediabetes. Evaluation of the precise effect of this combination on prediabetes requires more clinical trials with varying dosages and durations.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"540-551"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180237/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969899","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 auraptene alone and in combination with estradiol on intestine injury induced by traumatic brain injury in male rats: The role of oxidative stress.","authors":"Sedigheh Amiresmaili, Azadeh Seyedjoodaki, Ahmad Vosughi Motlagh, Amir Reza Afshari, Fatemeh Maghool, Zakieh Keshavarzi","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26871","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26871","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This investigation aimed to evaluate how varying doses of auraptene (AUR) alone and in combination with estradiol (E2) on various parameters after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in rats.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>The rats were divided into twelve groups, including a sham group and eleven TBI groups. The TBI groups consisted of three vehicle groups (DMSO, Oil, and DMSO+Oil), an E2 group, three AUR groups with varying doses (4, 8, and 25 mg/kg), and three combination groups of AUR and E2 (AUR 4+E2, AUR 8+E2, and AUR 25+E2).AUR was administered for five consecutive days) ip). TBI was induced 30 minutes after the last injection on the fifth day.E2 and Oil were injected 30 minutes post-TBI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>AUR at 25 mg/kg and in combination with E2 significantly reduced brain water content. Nitric Oxide (NO) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were lower in AUR 8 and 25, and all AUR+E2 groups. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and Catalase (CAT) activity increased in all AUR+E2 groups. TBI increased interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels in the intestine, which were reduced by AUR alone and AUR+E2.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings support AUR, particularly with E2, as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage in TBI cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"577-589"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180244/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969993","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":"Rice bran oil ameliorates the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia in male Wistar rats.","authors":"Md Ashik Miah, Mafuja Akter Sathi, Md Golam Hasib, Muktadiur Rahman, Nabila Mahmud, Manik Chandra Shill, Hasan Mahmud Reza, Murad Hossain, Muhammed Mahfuzur Rahman, Md Shaki Mostaid","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26244","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26244","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the proliferation of prostatic cells and the growth of the prostate gland in elderly men. Oils that are rich in free fatty acids have been reported to be potentially effective in treating BPH. In the present study, we investigated the effect of rice bran oil (RO) on the treatment of testosterone enanthate (TE)-induced experimental BPH in male Wistar rats.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>An animal model of BPH was established by subcutaneous administration of TE to Wistar rats for 28 days. RO was administered by oral gavage daily before TE/corn oil injection at a dose of 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight. All the rats were sacrificed at the end of the experiment and we measured prostate index (PI), histological changes, and activities of antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, we assessed the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the serum.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our findings indicate that RO significantly inhibited the development of BPH in experimental rats, reduced PI (p<0.0001), decreased PSA in serum (p<0.01), increased antioxidant enzyme activities (Glutatione (GSH), super oxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT); p<0.0001), and decreased concentration of oxidative stress biomarkers advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and nitric oxide (NO) (p<0.0001) compared to positive controls. Hematoxylin & Eosin staining demonstrated that RO decreased pathological changes in the prostate of experimental animals. The treatment effect of RO was better exhibited in rats receiving RO at high dose.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results suggest that RO may be used as a therapeutic agent for BPH as oral administration of RO significantly halted the disease progression via anti-proliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"458-472"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180239/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969971","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":"Kombucha tea in cancer care: A review of its anti-cancer potential and role in integrative oncology.","authors":"Maryam Sarshar, Leyla Azmayesh, Faeze Khoshhal, Samira Kabudani, Meysam Beyrami, Majid Rajabian, Maryam Moradi Binabaj, Fereshteh Asgharzdaeh","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26369","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26369","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The burden of cancer prevalence and mortality poses challenges to global cancer care delivery, particularly impacting low- and middle-income countries in accessing evidence-based cancer prevention, treatment, and supportive care. Integrative oncology integrates traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine with standard cancer therapies to enhance healthcare delivery. This study aims to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of kombucha tea across multiple cancer types.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Various databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus, reviewed for recent research on kombucha tea's potential benefits and impact on cancer.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Recent research developments highlight kombucha tea as a potential aid in enhancing cancer resistance and offering various health benefits.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Integrative oncology, complemented by the consumption of kombucha tea, presents a promising approach to addressing the complexities of cancer care. Further exploration and updates on kombucha tea anti-cancer properties against breast, lung, liver, colorectal, ovarian, uterine, and prostate cancers are warranted to enhance comprehensive understanding and potential therapeutic applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 3","pages":"440-457"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13180247/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147969977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of 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":3.0,"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":"Impact of flavonoid-rich herbal medicines on idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Marzieh Qaraaty, Ayesheh Enayati, Maedeh Rezghi, Abdolhalim Rajabi, Mojgan Tansaz, Masoud Mohammadi, Amirhossein Sahebkar","doi":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26057","DOIUrl":"10.22038/ajp.2025.26057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Persian medicine has recommended flavonoid-rich plants for idiopathic heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), highlighting their blood-reducing and antioxidant properties in menorrhagia. We aimed to explore the potential of flavonoid-rich plants as a safe and effective therapy for HMB.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted on 10 databases from inception to July 11, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the use of Persian medicine-recommended plants for idiopathic HMB were included. Outcome measures included the pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC), duration of bleeding, quality of life, and hemoglobin levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 12 RCTs involving 425 participants were included in the analysis. The results indicated the potential benefits of plants in terms of PBAC, duration of bleeding, and quality of life. Furthermore, these plants were found to cause a slight statistically significant increase in hemoglobin levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides valuable insights into the use of the Persian medicine-recommended flavonoid-rich plants for idiopathic HMB. It suggests that flavonoid-rich plants based on Persian medicine may be effective and safe options for idiopathic HMB.</p>","PeriodicalId":8677,"journal":{"name":"Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine","volume":"16 2","pages":"242-259"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13120872/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148966358","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":3.0,"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":"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":"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":3.0,"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":"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":3.0,"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":"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":3.0,"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}