Nursing in critical careAbdullah Avcı, Mükaddes Avcı
BACKGROUND: Nurses working in intensive care units (ICU) are at high risk for stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy stands out as a non-pharmacological and easily implementable complementary approach for alleviating these symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review specifically examining the effects of aromatherapy on stress and anxiety among ICU nurses. AIMS: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on stress and anxiety among ICU nurses and to assess the methodological quality of the evidence. STUDY DESIGN: In this systematic review, a literature search was conducted in the Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases without any time restrictions. The review includes randomised controlled, experimental and quasi-experimental studies evaluating the effects of aromatherapy interventions on stress and/or anxiety among ICU nurses. The selection of studies, data extraction and assessment of methodological quality were conducted independently by two researchers. RESULTS: This systematic review included five studies involving a total of 254 participants. Two of these studies are randomised controlled trials, and three are quasi-experimental studies. The studies included in the review demonstrate that aromatherapy is administered using various essential oils and application methods (inhalation, topical application, etc.). The findings suggest that aromatherapy interventions may reduce stress among ICU nurses, whereas evidence regarding anxiety reduction is mixed and less consistent across studies. CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy may have potential benefits for reducing stress among ICU nurses, whereas evidence for anxiety reduction remains limited and inconsistent. Further high-quality studies are needed before firm conclusions or routine clinical implementation can be recommended. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Aromatherapy may be considered as an optional supportive intervention within staff well-being programs, provided that safety, scent sensitivity, infection-control procedures and individual preferences are taken into account. However, standardised protocols and further high-quality evidence are required to support its routine clinical use.
BMC microbiologyTianqing Feng, Jun Shang, Yonggui Ma, Juan Li, Yanrong Qin, Jitao Zhang, Shiyan Cheng, Gaosen Zhang, Huichun Xie
Notopterygium incisum is not only a traditional Chinese medicine but also an endemic herb. Artificial domestication and large-scale cultivation are crucial for resolving the crisis of wild resources and the supply-demand imbalance of N. incisum, yet current techniques have failed to stably provide the herb medicine in good quality. Metagenomic analyses revealed significant differences in the rhizomicrobiota between wild and cultivated N. incisum, particularly in microbial composition, gene functions, and community assembly. The rhizomicrobiota of the wild N. incisum from 3 different sites with an altitude drop over 1400 m had a similar composition when being compared with the cultivated samples. The wild N. incisum had higher abundances of beneficial microbes, particularly Hyphomicrobiales (Rhizobiales) (21.27% on average). In contrast, the rhizosphere microbial communities of the cultivated N. incisum showed a high prevalence of functional genes involved in the pathways of DNA repair and recombination proteins, replication and repair, peptidases and inhibitors, DNA replication proteins, and transfer RNA biogenesis. The co-occurrence networks analysis indicated that the stability of the wild samples' network remained significantly more robust when nodes were proportionally removed, as the wild samples' network had approximately the same positive and negative links while the cultivated samples' network had nearly all positive links and many fewer connectors. This is related to the conclusion that wild N. incisum exhibits superior efficacy, as reported in previous studies. Additionally, it can be observed from the sampling images that the root surface of wild N. incisum has more pronounced tiny protrusions, which may be associated with rhizobial attachment, thereby enhancing the nitrogen fixation process. Importantly, the observed shifts in rhizosphere microbial communities, particularly the enrichment of beneficial rhizobia in wild plants, are closely linked to enhanced accumulation of bioactive secondary metabolites such as coumarins and volatile oils. These microbiome-driven differences are likely associated with the superior medicinal quality of wild N. incisum compared to cultivated counterparts, highlighting the pivotal role of rhizosphere microbes in shaping therapeutic efficacy.
PloS oneYingzhe Wang, Pan Jiang, Jiaqiu Yuan, Jinghan Wu, Yue Zhang, Kun Guo
BACKGROUND: Eupatorium lindleyanum is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive sesquiterpenoids, yet the genetic and regulatory basis underlying their biosynthesis remains completely unexplored. In particular, the marked tissue-specific accumulation of these compounds-abundant in aerial organs but scarce in roots-lacks a molecular explanation. RESULTS: Here, we integrated UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics with RNA-Seq transcriptomics to comprehensively profile sesquiterpenoid metabolites and their associated gene expression signatures across root, stem, leaf, and flower tissues of Eupatorium lindleyanum. A total of 321 sesquiterpenoids were identified, exhibiting distinct tissue-specific accumulation patterns with highest abundance in flower, followed by leaf. Comparative analysis revealed 299 differentially accumulated sesquiterpenoid metabolites (DSMs), which were clustered into three major groups with preferential accumulation in leaf (Cluster 1), flower (Cluster 2), and root (Cluster 3). Transcriptome sequencing generated 99.43 Gb of clean data, yielding 147743 unigenes. Integration of metabolomic and transcriptomic datasets screened 20 structural genes (88 unigenes) involved in sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis, including MVA pathway genes (ACAT, HMGCS, HMGCR, MVK, PMK, MVD), MEP pathway genes (dxs, dxr, ispD, ispE, ispF, ispG, ispH), and downstream modification genes (FDPS, IDI, GAS, GDS, NES1, GAO, FLDH). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) further prioritized hub genes within modules significantly correlated with key sesquiterpenoids. Additionally, five transcription factor families (AP2/ERF, NAC, WRKY, MYB, and bHLH) were identified as potential regulators based on strong correlations with DSMs accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first comprehensive view of tissue-specific sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis in Eupatorium lindleyanum, establishing a prioritized set of candidate genes and regulators for functional validation. Our findings offer a foundational resource for metabolic engineering and molecular breeding aimed at enhancing the production of pharmacologically active sesquiterpenoids in this medicinal species.
MicrobiologyOpenSafia Arbab, Hanif Ullah, Mian Sayed Khan, Khalaf F Alsharif, Fuad M Alzahrani, Khalid J Alzahrani, Zhongyi Zeng, Li Ka
Livestock wound infections are a major challenge in veterinary medicine due to the increasing prevalence of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of selected medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of livestock wound infections. A total of 250 livestock wound samples were processed using standard bacteriological methods, resulting in the identification of 216 bacterial isolates. The predominant bacterial pathogens included Staphylococcus aureus (19.2%), Escherichia coli (13.6%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (12.0%), Streptococcus agalactiae (9.2%), Salmonella Typhimurium (9.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.0%), Enterococcus faecalis (7.6%), and Proteus mirabilis (7.6%). Methanol, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of Withania somnifera, Achyranthes aspera, Verbascum sinaiticum, Aloe vera, and Capparis zeylanica were evaluated for antibacterial activity using the agar well diffusion method. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and phenolic compounds in most plant extracts. Among the tested plants, Withania somnifera exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zones ranging from 21 to 24 mm, while Achyranthes aspera demonstrated notable activity against E. coli, producing inhibition zones of 13-17 mm. Overall, Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the plant extracts than Gram-negative bacteria. These findings suggest that the investigated medicinal plants possess significant antibacterial potential and may serve as promising alternative therapeutic agents for the management of livestock wound infections.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a persistent autoimmune disease that causes continuous joint inflammation and results in synovial tissue overgrowth and worsening cartilage breakdown together with degeneration of bones. The existing pharmaceutical treatments provide symptom management although they create important adverse effects and raise ongoing security concerns. Plant-derived heterocyclic compounds present themselves as promising pharmaceutical substitution options because they demonstrate a wide spectrum of bioactivities that include anti-inflammatory protection together with immunomodulatory and antioxidative properties. This review investigates the therapeutic properties of natural heterocyclic compounds principally including flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins and terpenoids for RA treatment. Medical plants contain these abundant compounds that adjust inflammatory pathways consisting of NF-κB, MAPK and JAK/STAT to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and restrict synovial fibroblast proliferation. The heterocyclic compounds found in medicinal plants also protect joints through two mechanisms: by improving antioxidant defences and activating cartilage repair. In addition to laboratory and animal test results the study evaluates how these natural compounds work together when combined in treatment plans. Research into structure-activity interactions of heterocyclic compounds alongside their molecular targets enables better development of safe plant-derived drugs. The research review demonstrates that plant-derived heterocyclic compounds need to become essential components in treating RA while promoting clinical studies to determine their human subject action and mechanism of operation.
Medicinal-plant immunity and specialized metabolism are mechanistically linked, but rigorous receptor validation, causal multi-omics, and field trials are needed for reliable translational applications. Medicinal plants combine classical immune signaling with lineage-specific specialized metabolism. This review focuses on the immune systems of medicinal plants and on how pathogen perception reshapes the biosynthesis of pharmacologically valuable secondary metabolites. We synthesize evidence for pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), emphasizing pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins, MAP kinase (MAPK) signaling, calcium influx, reactive oxygen species (ROS), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene (ET), and abscisic acid (ABA) crosstalk. Examples from Atractylodes macrocephala, Panax ginseng, Cannabis sativa, Catharanthus roseus, Artemisia annua, Hypericum perforatum, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Withania somnifera illustrate both progress and major knowledge gaps. We distinguish well-validated medicinal-plant mechanisms from inferences based on Arabidopsis, rice, tomato, and Nicotiana reference systems. The review further evaluates elicitor treatments, microbial inoculants, genetic engineering, genome editing, integrated pest management (IPM), multi-omics, and microbiome engineering as strategies to improve both disease resistance and metabolite quality. We propose that future studies should test mechanistic links between receptor activation, transcription-factor networks, metabolite flux, and field-level medicinal quality through paired transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, microbiome profiling, and targeted perturbation experiments. This synthesis provides a focused framework for translating plant-pathogen biology into resilient and chemically consistent medicinal-plant production.
Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive DentistryNamrata Puri, Gauri Kalra, Madhulika Srivastava, Tanu Nangia, Carrolene Langpoklakpam, Sonvita Debnath
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dental anxiety can compromise children's cooperation during dental treatment. Although distraction is widely used for behavior guidance, evidence comparing dual-sensory distraction techniques with conventional management remains limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of audiovisual and visual-olfactory dual-sensory stimulation for reducing dental anxiety and improving behavior in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included 138 healthy pediatric patients aged 4-7 years who were allocated equally to audiovisual distraction, visual-olfactory distraction using jasmine oil, or tell-show-do management. Anxiety and behavior were assessed before and after treatment using the Chhota Bheem-Chutki Scale and Venham's Picture Test. Pulse rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were also recorded. Data were analyzed using a paired t -test, one-way analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis test, with significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Both dual-sensory distraction techniques significantly reduced anxiety and improved cooperative behavior. Compared with Tell-Show-Do, both interventions produced better post-treatment behavioral outcomes; audiovisual distraction additionally showed a significant improvement in SpO2. Pulse-rate reduction was comparable among groups. CONCLUSION: Dual-sensory distraction is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for managing anxiety and improving behavior in pediatric dental patients, with audiovisual distraction showing greater effectiveness.
NutrientsHaibin Wang, Guoliang Zhang, Shuqi Zheng, Yanhong Sun
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic progressive joint disease characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, and synovitis. It is one of the most common disabling diseases in the middle-aged and elderly population. At present, clinical treatment is mainly based on relieving symptoms, and there is still a lack of interventions that can prevent or reverse the disease process. In recent years, bioactive components derived from medicine-food homology (MFH) and Medicinal Health Food (MHF) have received extensive attention in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis due to their high safety and multi-target effects. In this paper, bioactive components with anti-osteoarthritis effects in medicinal and edible homologous and medicinal health foods are systematically reviewed, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. The progress of research into cartilage protection through the regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, mitigation of oxidative stress, regulation of chondrocyte metabolism, and epigenetic modification is summarized, and the future research directions in this field are discussed.
International journal of molecular sciencesKitti Leesiam, Arunporn Itharat, Weerachai Pipatrattanaseree, Puritat Kanokkangsadal, Thishnapha Vudhironarit, Vilailak Tiyao, Sunita Makchuchit, Pranporn Kuro…
Rang Chuet is a traditional Thai medicinal plant widely used for detoxification, although the name is applied to several botanically distinct species. This study investigated the ethnopharmacological basis and potential molecular mechanisms underlying this practice by integrating practitioner knowledge, botanical authentication, phytochemical profiling, and molecular docking. Structured interviews were conducted with 30 experienced traditional medicine practitioners from five regions of Thailand to document the therapeutic use and preparation of Rang Chuet. Botanical identification confirmed three species marketed under this name: Crotalaria spectabilis Roth, Curcuma rangjued Saensouk & Boonma, and Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. Most practitioners used Rang Chuet primarily for detoxification, with C. spectabilis and T. laurifolia being the predominant species. LC-MS/MS analysis identified fifteen phytochemicals, including compounds common to both species, such as apigenin, quercetin, and caffeic acid, together with species-specific constituents including rosmarinic acid and α-spinasterol in T. laurifolia. Molecular docking suggested that selected phytochemicals may interact with xenobiotic-sensing receptors, with α-spinasterol showing favorable binding to the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) and apigenin and catechin to the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR). However, C. spectabilis is a recognised source of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and because molecular docking cannot distinguish agonist from antagonist activity or establish functional receptor activation, these predicted interactions should not be interpreted as evidence of detoxification efficacy or safety. These findings provide a scientific framework linking traditional knowledge, botanical diversity, phytochemical composition, and potential receptor-mediated mechanisms, and highlight the public health risk of botanical substitution under the shared vernacular name "Rang Chuet." These findings are hypothesis-generating and warrant future functional and toxicological validation, particularly regarding C. spectabilis.
MedicineSomashekara Nirvanashetty, Sanjib Kumar Panda
BACKGROUND: Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, is a medicinal plant that has been used since ancient times in the traditional Indian medicine system, Ayurveda. Historically, Boswellia extract has been used to treat pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendonitis. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 60 subjects aged 40 to 75 years, with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis received either 100 mg once daily of standardized natural Boswellia extract (OLNP-27) or placebo for 8-weeks. The subjects were monitored for outcome measures such as total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, WOMAC subscales (pain, stiffness, and physical function) score and visual analogue score on day 7, 15, 30, and 60 post supplementation. RESULTS: OLNP-27 significantly (P < .05) reduced the total WOMAC score, pain score, stiffness score, visual analogue score score and improved the physical function than the placebo. OLNP-27 also decreased the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity-CRP significantly compared to placebo group. The statistically significant reduction in pain and stiffness was observed as quickly as 7 days of supplementation with OLNP-27 indicating the quick onset of action. It also was found to be safe and well tolerated during this study. CONCLUSION: Based on the current study findings, it can be concluded that OLNP-27 is an effective and safe natural option for the management of symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Journal of helminthologyA Khan, S K Panda, M Yaghoobi, Q Ullah, H Hu, L Schoofs, W Luyten
Traditional systems of medicine have acted as a primary health care modality for resource-constrained regions of the world since time immemorial. This study investigates the anthelmintic activity of 17 ethnobotanically selected medicinal plants from the Swat region of Pakistan and characterises their phytochemical profiles. The anthelmintic activity of plant extracts prepared in five different solvents (hexane, acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water) was determined by using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, followed by assessment of the phytochemistry as well as thin-layer chromatographic profiling of the acetone plant extracts. The anthelmintic results revealed that 48% of the extracts showed significant activity against C. elegans, with Ajuga bracteosa and Punica granatum extracts, followed by Berberis lyceum, Mentha longifolia, and Artemisia maritima, being the most potent. Among solvents, acetone proved to be the most effective extractant solvent. The phytochemical analysis and TLC profiling revealed various phytochemical groups in selected plant extracts. These findings support the significance of ethnomedicinal herbs in the discovery of novel antiparasitic drug candidates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to document the anthelmintic properties of selected plants from the Swat region of Pakistan, along with phytochemical screening and TLC profiling. This study indicates that the plants with potent anthelmintic activity, such as A. maritima, M. longifolia, B. lyceum, A. bracteosa, and P. granatum, could be potential candidates for anthelmintic drug discovery.
Drug design, development and therapyWeining Sun, Jiale Wang, Rongshen Wang, Yufeng Zhang, Wenhui Zhang, Wanju Zhang, Wanzhong Li
Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce (Angular Solomon's seal) is a medicinal and edible plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family. Phytochemical investigations have revealed its diverse chemical constituents. This review systematically summarized 174 small molecular compounds, including steroidal saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, volatile oil constituents, and others, as well as 18 polysaccharides isolated from P. odoratum. The mass fragmentation characteristics of representative steroidal saponins, homoisoflavonoids, and alkaloids are also summarized, providing valuable information for rapid compound identification and quality evaluation. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracts and isolated compounds from P. odoratum exhibit potential pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, organ-protective, anti-obesity, and others effects. Based on chemical specificity, pharmacological relevance, and measurability, potential Q-markers, including steroidal saponins, homoisoflavonoids, polysaccharides, and other characteristic components, are proposed for further investigation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, fragmentation characteristics, pharmacological properties, toxicology, and Q-marker prediction of P. odoratum, offering scientific insights for quality evaluation and further development of this medicinal and edible plant.
FitoterapiaGanggang Liu, Changyu Yao, Zhiqiang Li, Zhifeng Li, Qi Wang
This study investigated the chemical constituents and biological activities of the stems of the Mongolian medicinal plant Syringa oblata Lindl. Through chromatographic separation and spectroscopic analysis, 30 compounds were isolated from the aqueous fraction, including four new and ten first-reported in Syringa species. Using human breast cancer MCF-7 cells as the research subject, the in vitro anti-tumor activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated by the CCK-8 method. In addition, among the 30 compounds detected by the DPPH method, nine showed strong antioxidant activity, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values lower than that of vitamin C. These results provide a scientific basis for the medicinal use of the stems of Syringa oblata Lindl.
Botanical repellents provide a traditional means of personal protection, yet optimizing their formulations is increasingly required to address shifting mosquito feeding behaviors and mitigate disease transmission. The current study aimed to evaluate the repellent efficacy of essential oils and their binary combinations as complex matrices against Anopheles arabiensis bites, the major malaria vector in Ethiopia. Essential oils were extracted from fresh parts of four ethnobotanically investigated medicinal plants in the Ghibe Valley, Ethiopia, namely Croton macrostachyus, Echinops kebericho, Eucalyptus globulus, and Juniperus procera using hydrodistillation. The chemical composition of the essential oils was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Arm-in-cage bioassays using laboratory-reared mosquitoes and human volunteers determined the effective dosage and complete protection time of the essential oils at 10% and 20% concentrations. A total of 131 chemical constituents were identified across the four analyzed essential oils. The C. macrostachyus leaf and seed oils provided a significantly longer protection time (p < 0.001), reaching 180 minutes with a mean percentage repellency of 85% to 100%. The essential oil of J. procera blended with C. macrostachyus or E. kebericho exhibited significant synergistic repellency (p < 0.001). The protection duration demonstrating by C. macrostachyus oil underscores their potential to meet the regulatory performance standards for natural insect repellents. Future investigations should include larger sample sizes, dermal toxicity assessments and field validation to fully support the commercialization of these essential oils.
Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiologyAkshay Kisan Mundhe, Reena Rajkumari
The increasing incidence of antifungal resistance in Candida albicans, mainly mediated by multidrug efflux transporters and alterations of cell-wall biosynthesis, requires the discovery of new antifungal compounds targeting multiple pathways involved in resistance. In the present study, we employed an integrated computational-experimental workflow to identify potential antifungal phytochemicals from the Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry and Therapeutics (IMPPAT) database. In the virtual screening, a total of 17,967 phytochemicals were screened against the ATP-binding cassette efflux transporter CDR1, followed by molecular docking, drug-likeness assessment, ADMET filtering, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and MM/PBSA binding free-energy calculations. Based on cross-target molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and MM/PBSA analyses of the top ten CDR1 phytochemicals against other antifungal resistance-associated proteins revealed that Apigenin-7-O-glucuronide is the only compound that exhibited favourable interactions with both CDR1 and GSC1, indicating its potential as a putative dual-target inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulations showed the stability of the protein-ligand interactions, and MM/PBSA analysis confirmed Apigenin-7-O-glucuronide as the most energetically favourable CDR1 inhibitor (ΔGtotal = -35.56 kJ mol-1), and also showed favourable binding with GSC1 (ΔGtotal = -11.69 kJ mol-1). The HR-LCMS analysis of hydroethanolic extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis gave putative evidence of presence of Apigenin-7-O-glucuronide based on accurate mass and database matches. The extract also showed concentration-dependent antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and environmental drug-resistant Candida and emerging pathogenic yeast isolates with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.56 mg/mL and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 6.25 mg/mL. Since the biological evaluation was performed using a crude hydroethanolic extract rather than the purified phytochemical, the observed antifungal activity cannot be exclusively attributed to Apigenin-7-O-glucuronide but provides preliminary biological support for the computational predictions and highlights the need for future validation using the purified compound and target-specific mechanistic studies. Together, these findings identify Apigenin-7-O-glucuronide as a putative dual-target antifungal lead and demonstrate the value of integrating large-scale virtual screening with preliminary biological evaluation for natural product-based antifungal drug discovery.
Pharmaceutical biologyRyland T Giebelhaus, Paula N Brown, Mariam Ali, Amy M Dodds, Lauren A E Erland
CONTEXT: Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) commonly known as 'kratom' is a tropical tree native to southeast Asia, that produces psychoactive monoterpenoid indole alkaloids including mitragynine. Kratom products are growing in popularity for increasing energy, improving mood and alleviating minor pain, but availability of commercial plant material is limited in North America. Propagation relies primarily on shoot cuttings rooted in soils with high levels of humus and is relatively inefficient. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to optimize in vitro shoot induction system for kratom using a Design of Experiments (DOE) approach and compare the metabolite profiles of in vitro and greenhouse-grown plants using metabolomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A DOE approach was used to minimize the number of treatments necessary to optimize in vitro culture media to induce shoot and root morphogenesis in kratom explants. A clean mother stock of in vitro cultures was established and evaluated for medicinal bioactives via targeted and untargeted analyses by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). RESULTS: We found no significant difference in the quantified levels of mitragynine, melatonin, and some related metabolites, between in vitro-grown and greenhouse-grown plants within the experimental conditions of this study. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The presence of similar specialized metabolite profiles in greenhouse and in vitro-grown kratom plants paves the way for further studies on biotechnological engineering and production of these valuable compounds. In vitro propagation is a viable approach to produce bioactive compounds in kratom plants.
Drug design, development and therapyFebrina A Saputri, Raden M Febriyanti, Zulfan Zazuli, Callista A Mulyadi, Citra Aulia Rahma, Made A N D Putri, Najwa Kirana
This systematic review, conducted per PRISMA guidelines, examined the pharmacological activities and safety of six ethnobotanically prioritized medicinal plants for cardiometabolic disease: Gynura procumbens, Mimosa pudica, Tithonia diversifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Smallanthus sonchifolius, and Syzygium cumini. Searches of PubMed and Scopus yielded 81 records, of which 66 studies met eligibility criteria, comprising in silico (n = 15), in vitro (n = 43), in vivo/clinical (n = 40), and safety/toxicity (n = 54) evidence. Mechanistic findings were categorized across glucose regulation, insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, vascular/endothelial function, inflammation, oxidative stress, and renal/cardiovascular complications. Gynura procumbens showed the broadest pharmacological activity, spanning glucose-lowering, lipid-modulating, vasorelaxant, and anti-inflammatory effects, alongside the most favorable short-term safety profile. Tithonia diversifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, and Smallanthus sonchifolius demonstrated robust multitarget antidiabetic activity in vitro but with accompanying hepatic, renal, or reproductive toxicity signals that may limit translation. At the same time, evidence for Mimosa pudica and Syzygium cumini remained largely preclinical, in silico, or polyherbal formulation-based. Safety data varied considerably across species and preparations, and long-term data on chronic toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and genotoxicity remain limited overall. These findings should be interpreted in light of the substantial heterogeneity in extraction methods and plant preparations, the general lack of standardized extracts, and the absence of a meta-analysis across the included studies. Overall, this review underscores the therapeutic potential of ethnobotanically selected medicinal plants for cardiometabolic disorders while highlighting the need for standardized, mechanistically validated, and clinically oriented research before therapeutic translation.
Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and GynaecologyLeila Bagheri, Ashraf Ghiasi, Fateme Biabani
BACKGROUND: The postmenopausal period presents a significant challenge to women's health, characterised by vasomotor, psychological, and sleep disturbances. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised evidence on aromatherapy for menopausal symptoms. METHODS: We searched Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, SID, and Google Scholar until January 2, 2026. The protocol was registered (PROSPERO: CRD420261303084). Randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and GRADE approach were used for quality assessment and certainty of evidence. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Of 4435 records, 21 articles from 17 studies (n = 1347) were included. Aromatherapy significantly improved sexual function (MD: 7.05, 95% CI: 3.64-10.45), sleep quality (MD: -3.95, 95% CI: -5.94 to -1.97), overall menopausal symptoms (SMD: -1.00, 95% CI: -1.43 to -0.58), vasomotor symptoms (SMD: -0.79, 95% CI: -1.11 to -0.47), physical symptoms (SMD: -0.78, 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.46), somatic symptoms (MD: -1.34, 95% CI: -2.46 to -0.23), psychological symptoms (SMD: -0.59, 95% CI: -0.96 to -0.23), anxiety (SMD: -0.63, 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.16), and depression (SMD: -0.57, 95% CI: -0.85 to -0.28). No significant effect was found for urogenital symptoms. GRADE certainty was 'Very Low' for sexual function and sleep quality, and 'Low' for other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests that aromatherapy may be a beneficial complementary therapy for alleviating some menopausal symptoms. However, given the substantial heterogeneity, methodological limitations, and limited number of studies for subgroup analyses, firm clinical recommendations cannot be made at this time. More rigorous, large-scale, multi-centre randomised controlled trials with standardised interventions and consistent adverse event reporting are required before definitive clinical recommendations can be made.
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in CancerYen-Yi Lu, Pei-Chen Tsai, Ya-Chieh Hu, Wen-Chuan Hsu
PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effects of inhaled lavender essential oil aromatherapy on sleep quality, pain, and anxiety in intensive care unit patients following curative surgery for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: In this prospective two-group quasi-experimental study, 52 adults who underwent elective curative hepatic resection at a tertiary medical center in northern Taiwan were enrolled between 2022 and 2023. Patients were enrolled sequentially according to the recruitment period, with the control group receiving usual postoperative ICU care alone and the intervention group receiving inhaled lavender aromatherapy as an adjunct to usual postoperative ICU care. On the evenings of postoperative days 1 and 2, two drops of lavender essential oil were applied to gauze held near the patient's nose for 10 breaths and then fixed to the collar from 20:00 until 08:00 the following morning. Sleep quality, pain, and anxiety were assessed using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, Critical Care Pain Observation Tool, and Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety, respectively, at baseline (T0) and two postoperative follow-up assessments (T1 and T2). Longitudinal changes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were analyzed (26 per group), with no significant differences in measured demographic or clinical characteristics between groups. In the adjusted GEE analyses, significant group × time interactions were observed for pain (CPOT; Wald χ2 = 23.41, p < .001), anxiety (VAS-A; Wald χ2 = 9.38, p = .009), and sleep quality (RCSQ; Wald χ2 = 8.33, p = .016). At T2, compared with usual care, the lavender aromatherapy group had significantly lower CPOT and VAS-A scores and higher RCSQ scores. The adjusted between-group difference in RCSQ at T2 was 14.81 points (95% CI 4.82-24.80), suggesting a potentially clinically meaningful improvement in sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that inhaled lavender essential oil aromatherapy, when used as an adjunct to usual postoperative ICU care, may improve sleep quality and reduce pain and anxiety in patients following curative resection for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.
Scientific reportsBichitra Gohain, Rishab Sharma, Helen Soibam, Victor Singh Ayam
Type 2 diabetes is a growing public health concern in India, while plant-based remedies remain important in Assam. This study documented plants used for diabetes-related complaints in Biswanath district, quantified diabetes-specific salience and consensus, and integrated ethnobotanical indices with pharmacological evidence. From December 2022 to March 2024, semi-structured interviews with 440 informants were complemented by voucher-based taxonomic authentication. Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) were diabetes-specific, whereas Use Value (UV) measured ethnomedicinal versatility across all ailments. Published species-level antidiabetic evidence was graded as no eligible evidence, in vitro only, or in vivo and/or human. We documented 63 species in 57 genera and 39 families. Among 83 plant-part use records, fruit (22.9%) and leaf (21.7%) were most frequent. Andrographis paniculata (RFC = 0.223), Kalanchoe pinnata (0.200), and Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (0.180) were most frequently cited for diabetes; Allium sativum had the highest overall UV across all ailments (2.359), and Syzygium cumini the highest diabetes-specific FL (92.59%). Evidence-salience mapping placed 16 species (25.4%) in the Overlap zone; none met Gap-zone criteria under the species-level framework. Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides and Alocasia odora had only in vitro evidence. The framework supports prioritisation but does not establish the efficacy or safety of locally used plant parts or preparations.
Geographical authentication of medicinal plant materials remains challenging because multispectral variables are often highly collinear and sample grouping can complicate reliable model validation. Existing correlation-based feature-selection strategies also require careful adaptation to multiclass problems to avoid artificial ordering of class labels and information leakage during model development. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a compact and leakage-controlled multispectral learning framework for geographical-origin discrimination. This study analyzed 800 physical Pinellia ternata samples from Gansu Xihe, Sichuan Neijiang, Sichuan Chengdu, and Chongqing Dianjiang (200 samples per origin). Each physical sample was represented by 31 mean grayscale intensities calculated from Otsu-segmented multispectral regions of interest. A Pearson-correlation-guided deep multilayer perceptron (PCG-DeepMLP) was constructed by estimating one-vs-rest band relevance and inter-band redundancy only within the training data. The key methodological innovation is a unified multiclass-aware, relevance-redundancy spectral-learning framework in which class-specific one-vs-rest Pearson relevance is coupled with inter-band redundancy control and embedded within leakage-controlled grouped model development. By learning the spectral subset exclusively from each training partition before nonlinear classification, the framework produces compact and complementary multispectral signatures while preserving multiclass structure and strict independence of held-out groups. Model and feature-selection settings were chosen by three-fold grouped cross-validation within each training partition. PCG-DeepMLP retained 9-21 bands and achieved the highest mean accuracy (0.9812 ± 0.0135), macro-F1 (0.9812 ± 0.0135), Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC; 0.9752 ± 0.0179), and macro-AUC (0.9994 ± 0.0006) among seven models. Its macro-F1 was higher than that of 1D-CNN, 1D-ResNet, full-band MLP, PLS-DA, and random forest after Holm correction. Performance was estimated through a strict nested group-wise internal validation scheme, with every outer test fold remaining isolated from feature selection, preprocessing, and model optimization. These findings demonstrate that multiclass-aware relevance-redundancy learning can retain complementary Pinellia ternata origin-discriminative information in a compact and stable spectral representation, enabling accurate geographical-origin authentication while providing a principled basis for reduced-channel acquisition and future independent multi-batch validation.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)Katarzyna Gawłowska, Katarzyna Kaja Nowakowska, Julia Wiktoria Makówka, Wojciech Bajurny, Magdalena Patrycja Góral, Agata Bocheńska, Szymon Dariusz Kopecki, We…
Standard pharmacotherapy for mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, is supported by extensive clinical validation and international treatment guidelines. However, it is frequently associated with limitations such as adverse side effects, low patient adherence, and the risk of relapse. Conventional approaches rely primarily on antidepressants, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, neuroleptics, and stimulants, which modulate monoaminergic, GABAergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Recently, preclinical and emerging clinical studies have suggested that selected natural substances-specifically mushroom-derived compounds and well-established medicinal plants-may offer complementary therapeutic pathways. This narrative review critically evaluates the pharmacological efficacy, mechanisms of action, and safety profiles of selected natural compounds, including psilocybin-related tryptamines, Hericium erinaceus, ibotenic acid/muscimol from Amanita muscaria, ergothioneine, as well as notable botanical agents (e.g., Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis). We systematically distinguish between robust human clinical data (e.g., psilocybin-assisted therapy) and preliminary in vitro/in vivo findings. Particular attention is paid to their neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory, and neuromodulatory properties, while emphasizing substantial safety concerns, including intoxication risks associated with isoxazole derivatives, and potentially severe cytochrome P450-mediated drug-drug interactions. Ultimately, while certain natural compounds show promise as adjunctive interventions, most remain strictly investigational and cannot replace evidence-based conventional pharmacotherapy without further long-term, large-scale randomized controlled trials.
Molecular nutrition & food researchAyman M Mousa, Hamdoon A Mohammed
The growing use of herbal medicinal plants like hawthorn is recognized globally as a way to meet the demand for new natural pharmaceuticals with health benefits. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical constituents and heart-protective therapeutic properties of Crataegus orientalis. Despite numerous reviews on the biological properties of the Crataegus genus. C. orientalis has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent in managing the increasing cardiovascular complications that have followed the COVID-19 pandemic. This review highlights the primary cardioprotective biological effects of C. orientalis, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, anti-ischemic, diuretic, and cardiotonic properties, supported by numerous scientific studies in Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed. This updated review provides an overview of the bioactive molecular components of C. orientalis and their cardioprotective mechanisms in cardiac muscle cell biology following the post-COVID-19 Pandemic, exploring its potential as an innovative functional food dietary supplement to enhance plant-derived cardioprotective formulations and its possible health benefits. This study presents a significant challenge for analyzing the active constituents of C. orientalis, which require further research, as they are expected to be promising candidates for developing new approaches to prevent and treat various post-pandemic cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safetyHeidy M W den Besten, Linda J Harris, Jennifer C Acuff, Francois Bourdichon, Rob Limburn, Andreja Rajkovic, Anett Winkler, Polly D Courtney
Low water activity ingredients, including dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, are widely used in ready-to-eat (RTE) and non-RTE foods. Although low water activity limits microbial growth, bacterial pathogens can survive for extended periods in these products. Pathogen virulence, incorporation of dried ingredients in foods, and subsequent handling of the finished foods can collectively contribute to foodborne illness risk. This review summarizes the microbiological hazards associated with dried ingredients and discusses the effectiveness of conventional and emerging decontamination treatments for reducing pathogen levels. To support the evaluation of dried ingredients for RTE and non-RTE food applications, a qualitative risk-based microbiological decision framework is presented, along with practical examples demonstrating its use to rank risks and identify appropriate mitigation strategies. The framework considers the ingredient supply chain from production and harvest through packaging of finished products and integrates available outbreak, pathogen prevalence and levels, and product-specific data. This framework is intended to support the food manufacturing and food service sectors by providing a transparent, structured approach for evaluating, managing, and communicating pathogen risks associated with dry ingredients.
Chemistry & biodiversityZühal Bayrakçeken Güven, Mustafa Abdullah Yilmaz, Huseyin Inceer
In this study, the enzyme inhibition and antioxidant capacity of Achillea biserrata were determined, and their relationship with cytotoxic effects was investigated. Antiproliferative activity was evaluated by the MTT assay in L929, A549, B16F10, Hep-3B, PC-3, MCF-7, and CaCo-2 cell lines, and enzyme inhibition was assessed against tyrosinase, urease, PTP-1B, and DPP-4. Ethanol extracts showed the greatest bioactivity, whereas water extracts were the least active. The capitulum ethanol extract (CEE) exhibited the strongest inhibition of tyrosinase, urease, DPP-4, and PTP-1B (IC50: 72.83, 40.84, 70.12, and 302.42 µg/mL, respectively) and the highest cytotoxicity (IC50: 168.42-325.42 µg/mL). LC-MS/MS analysis identified quinic acid as the major constituent in the stem (44.614 mg/g extract) and capitulum (2.063 mg/g extract), and chlorogenic acid in the leaves (45.502 mg/g extract). Principal component analysis (PCA) integrating LC-MS/MS and bioactivity data supported the bioactive potential of A. biserrata, highlighting its promise as a pharmaceutical resource.
Cell biochemistry and functionMery Kocharyan, Gohar Sevoyan, Hasmik Karapetyan, Anzhela Sargsyan, Mikayel Ginovyan, Nikolay Avtandilyan, Hayarpi Javrushyan
Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to sustain proliferation, resist apoptosis, and adapt to oxidative stress. In the present study, we comparatively evaluated the anticancer effects of four medicinal plant extracts (Inula helenium, Hypericum alpestre, Rumex obtusifolius, and Alchemilla smirnovii) on HeLa cervical cancer cells, with particular emphasis on oxidative stress, l-arginine metabolism, and cellular energy pathways. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, while biochemical colorimetric methods were used to determine nitric oxide production, arginase and nitric oxide synthase activities, malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, proline content, and key glycolytic metabolites. Nuclear morphology changes consistent with apoptotic features were examined by Hoechst 33258 staining. All tested extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects in HeLa cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, which were further enhanced when combined with the metabolic inhibitors l-NAME (Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester) or nor-NOHA (Nω-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine). Inula helenium showed the strongest potentiation in combination treatments. Several extracts significantly decreased arginase activity while increasing nitric oxide synthase activity and nitrite levels, indicating modulation of l-arginine metabolism. Treatments also increased malondialdehyde levels and stimulated antioxidant enzyme activities, consistent with redox imbalance and oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity. In addition, Inula helenium and Alchemilla smirnovii reduced intracellular glucose, pyruvate, and lactate concentrations, suggesting partial modulation of glycolytic metabolism. Fluorescence microscopy revealed chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and apoptotic body formation, particularly after treatment with Hypericum alpestre and Rumex obtusifolius. These findings demonstrate that selected medicinal plant extracts exert cytotoxic effects by simultaneously modulating oxidative stress, amino acid metabolism, and energy pathways in cervical cancer cells. The investigated plants may represent promising sources of bioactive compounds for the development of complementary metabolic anticancer strategies.
Background: Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a well-known and well-studied plant, native to Peru. Multiple health benefits have been suggested following maca use, with a particular focus on the scientific evidence in support of maca-derived products to aid libido, sexual health and well-being, and other related components of sexual health. Objective: To conduct a comprehensive review of literature specific to maca and the purported sexual health benefits. Data Sources: The primary data sources included PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: Maca appears to impart favorable health benefits without negatively altering hormone levels. For studies involving men only, there appears to be consistency across publications, with noted improvements in libido and associated measures. For studies involving a combination of men and women, there also appears to be a positive effect for maca on libido and measures of sexual health. For those studies involving women only, often postmenopausal, the findings are mixed in terms of improved sexual health outcomes. Conclusions: Maca-derived products are widely available as dietary supplements, and most human trials have used approximately 3 grams per day of maca powder or an equivalent preparation. While some data pertaining to maca are promising, additional research is needed to extend the findings.
Chemistry & biodiversityGaétan Tchangou Tabakam, Maurice Ducret Awouafack
Plants are sources of compounds with benefits in human health and animal well-being. Plant-based foods may contain huge numbers of different phytochemicals. This is the case of a Cameroonian medicinal plant Eriosema glomeratum from which phytochemical studies reported so far, the isolation of 22 compounds (1-22) with 4 new ones. Several semisynthesis were done on erioschalcones A and B, two new dihydrochalcones isolated from this plant, to afford 18 (23-38) derivatives from which thirteen were new. Among the compounds isolated and their derivatives, several had significant inhibitory activities against microbial strains Bacillus megaterium, Escherichia coli, Chlorella fusca and Microbotryum violaceum; and strong to moderate cytotoxicities on human cancer cell lines, lung (A549), breast (MCF-7), and cervical (HeLa). Compounds were mostly alkyl caffeate, flavonols, isoflavonoids, and dihydrochalcones. The use of medicinal plants for their benefits in the mankind is daily increasing and their chemotaxonomic categorization and the natural origin of their metabolites are essential for more valorization. In this work, we have summarized all the investigations carried out on E. glomeratum and discussed the relevant correlation on the biosynthetic relationship between the different classes of compounds, the structure-activity relationship (SAR), as well as the chemophenetic importance of isoflavonoids and dihydrochalcones.
This study aimed to examine global research trends and key research areas in aromatherapy and women's health. Search terms and synonyms related to women's health and aromatherapy were identified from the literature and incorporated into the search strategy. A standardized search of the Web of Science database conducted on July 22, 2025, identified 277 studies, of which 159 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The articles were analyzed using RStudio (Version 1.4.1717) and the "biblioshiny for bibliometrix" application. The PRISMA 2020 checklist was utilized to guide the reporting process in this study. The retrieved publications comprised 159 full-text English-language articles published between 1994 and 2025 across 100 journals. Publication output peaked in 2018, while citations reached their highest level in 2024, with an overall upward trend in both. Complementary Therapies in Medicine published the most articles, whereas the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine received the most citations. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences was the most productive institution, and Iran was the leading country. Approximately 91.9% of authors contributed only one publication. The most cited article was "Aromatherapy in Childbirth: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial." The most frequent keywords were "anxiety," "essential oil," and "massage," while trending topics included "anxiety," "essential oil," and "mood." The main motor themes focused on anxiety, essential oil, massage, pain, mood, aromatherapy, inhalation, and childbirth. A growing research trend was observed, with essential oils most frequently studied, particularly for anxiety and mood during childbirth.
Veterinary medicine and scienceAlireza Talebi, Arman Savari
BACKGROUND: Increasing drug resistance, together with possible transmission of these phenomena to other pathogenic agents, as well as the dissemination of resistant microbes and drug residues to the environment, poses existing challenges for human health. The journey in history of medicine indicates that the post-antibiotic era has been initiated and the application of medicinal plants is a promising alternative to antibiotics. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to have a glance at available medicinal plant products in modern poultry production in the post-antibiotic era. However, the globalization of one-health needs efforts from both scientists and policy makers to work firmly in a harmonized mission continuously, and all nations must be simultaneously involved in this process to fulfil their obligation properly. METHODS: This review is focused on the role of the well-known medicinal plants in poultry and method of reviewing includes a brief introduction, history, the present status and prospective future by critical reviewing the published literatures. RESULTS: An extensive application of natural medicine in poultry during the post-antibiotic era in a comprehensive holistic one-health was reviewed, and some of the most relevant commercially available products were also mentioned as a footprint to encourage the researchers to include all the necessary parameters for practical application of the medicinal plant products during their study in details. Some recommendations/future directions on achieving the goals and completing the mission were also proposed. CONCLUSION: Application of the medicinal plants in intensive poultry industry is the best solution for production of antibiotic-free foods during the post-antibiotic era.
Plant physiologyDongran Zheng, Chang Yang, Zeyu An, Xin Wang, He Zhang, Jikang Zhang, Yang Zhang, Hao Wu, Yuhua Li, Yu Wang
Ginsenosides are the major bioactive triterpene saponins in ginseng (Panax ginseng) and are important determinants of its medicinal value. In vitro propagation of ginseng adventitious roots enables large-scale production of ginseng biomass under controlled culture conditions, and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is widely used to enhance ginsenoside accumulation in this system. However, how jasmonate signaling activates ginsenoside biosynthesis and reshapes ginsenoside composition remains unclear. Here, we found that MeJA treatment markedly increased total saponin content and shifted ginsenoside composition toward protopanaxadiol (PPD)-type compounds in bioreactor-cultured ginseng adventitious roots. Time-course transcriptomic analysis identified 2 early MeJA-responsive transcription factors, PgERF13 and PgbHLH14, whose overexpression in transgenic ginseng calli enhanced ginsenoside accumulation. Mechanistically, PgbHLH14 recognized E-box motifs in a distinct set of promoters and enhanced both PPD- and protopanaxatriol (PPT)-type ginsenosides, while increasing the PPD/PPT ratio. In contrast, PgERF13 bound DRE/CRT promoter elements in multiple biosynthetic gene promoters, broadly increasing pathway output with little effect on the PPD/PPT ratio. Moreover, PgERF13 and PgbHLH14 independently activated PgNAC72, a known positive regulator of ginsenoside biosynthesis, through distinct DRE/CRT and E-box promoter elements. Thus, the PgERF13/PgbHLH14-PgNAC72 module links jasmonate signaling to coordinated activation of dammarane-type ginsenoside biosynthesis and PPD-biased accumulation. This study provides insight into the transcriptional network controlling MeJA-induced ginsenoside biosynthesis in ginseng.
The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacologyJunkyu Park, Sujin Shin, Youngmin Kim, Jahyun Yoo, Yun-Seo Lim, YoungJoo Moon, Youngmin Bu, Kyungjin Lee, Ho-Young Choi
OBJECTIVES: Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics remain first-line antihypertensive agents, exerting their primary renal effect through inhibition of the Na+-Cl- cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule, producing natriuresis and saluresis with relative K+ and Ca2+ sparing. Although numerous medicinal plants possess diuretic properties, most preclinical studies assess only urine volume, preventing mechanistic classification and obscuring whether observed diuresis reflects NCC-mediated tubular activity. METHODS: This focused review applied an electrolyte-based pharmacological framework to critically appraise medicinal plants with putative thiazide-like diuretic activity. KEY FINDINGS: Of nine studies assessed across seven plant species, Tagetes erecta most closely approximated the thiazide-like fingerprint-natriuresis with relative K+ sparing and a partial Ca2+-sparing effect under HCTZ-referenced conditions, with additive interaction with HCTZ. Remaining candidates showed broader saluretic profiles, HCTZ-comparable natriuresis through mechanistically distinct pathways, or mixed/loop-like electrolyte patterns, illustrating the pharmacological heterogeneity of herbal diuretics. Isoquercitrin and related flavonol scaffolds were identified as plausible candidates for NCC-targeted investigation. CONCLUSIONS: Genuinely thiazide-like electrolyte profiles are uncommon in the herbal diuretic literature, largely due to reliance on urine volume, inconsistent electrolyte profiling, and infrequent HCTZ comparison. Electrolyte-based classification frameworks would improve mechanistic interpretation and facilitate identification of pharmacologically selective candidates. T. erecta represents the priority candidate for future NCC-focused mechanistic investigation.
Nursing in critical careFatma Gönül Burkev, Sultan Taşci, Ali Çetinkaya, Elif Aktaş
BACKGROUND: Intensive care nurses are at high risk of fatigue and sleep disturbances due to irregular shift patterns and high levels of occupational stress. Although aromatherapy is increasingly used as a holistic intervention, evidence regarding its effects on fatigue and sleep quality among nurses remains limited. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a chamomile-lavender essential oil blend and vetiver oil on fatigue and sleep quality in intensive care nurses experiencing fatigue and sleep disturbances. STUDY DESIGN: A randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blind mixed-methods study was conducted in Türkiye. Participants were assigned to the chamomile-lavender, vetiver or placebo (jojoba oil) group (n = 36 per group). Aromatherapy massage was administered once daily before bedtime for 4 weeks. Fatigue and sleep quality were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interview forms. RESULTS: A total of 108 nurses were randomly selected; 12 participants withdrew, and 96 completed the study. Post hoc power analysis demonstrated an effect size of f = 0.462 and statistical power of 0.984. Median VAS fatigue severity scores (minimum-maximum) decreased from 7.5 to 2.0 in the chamomile-lavender group, from 7.0 to 2.0 in the vetiver group and from 8.0 to 4.0 in the placebo group (pre-test p = 0.361; post-test p < 0.001). PSQI scores decreased from 10.41 to 4.69, 10.91 to 4.63 and 10.78 to 6.84, respectively (pre-test p = 0.634; post-test p < 0.001). PFS scores decreased from 5.98 to 2.94, 5.58 to 2.76 and 5.80 to 4.37, respectively (pre-test p = 0.616; post-test p < 0.001). Total PFS scores demonstrated significant group and time effects (p ≤ 0.001). Likewise, PSQI scores improved significantly over time, with both a significant group effect (p = 0.018) and a highly significant time effect (p < 0.001). Qualitative findings indicated that nurses experienced greater relaxation, improved sleep initiation and reduced fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy using a chamomile-lavender blend or vetiver oil may be an effective intervention for reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality among intensive care nurses. Future studies could utilise multicentre, double-blind designs, longer follow-up periods and objective sleep measures such as actigraphy. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Aromatherapy is a complementary and integrative therapy (CIT) intervention that has been associated with reductions in fatigue and improvements in sleep quality in previous studies. The findings of this study suggest that aromatherapy may represent a feasible and nonpharmacological strategy to support the well-being of intensive care nurses. However, further high-quality randomised controlled trials incorporating multicentre designs, long-term follow-up and objective outcome measures are required before aromatherapy can be recommended for routine clinical implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06474793.
Zhongguo yi xue ke xue yuan xue bao. Acta Academiae Medicinae SinicaeFeng-Xia Dong, Hong-Rong Fei, Xue-Qin Hou, Lu-Yu Ma
Phytoestrogens are a class of natural compounds existing in plants，with their chemical structures similar to that of the endogenous estrogen 17β-estradiol in mammals.They can exert estrogenic or anti-estrogenic biological effects by binding to estrogen receptors，and have a wide range of effects on diseases caused by estrogen disorders in the body.Recent studies have discovered that phytoestrogens have significant effects in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.This article reviews the research progress in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer with phytoestrogens from the active components of Chinese medicinal plants，Chinese medicinal plants，and traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas，as well as the related mechanisms. Specifically，the phytoestrogens exert anti-estrogenic effects by binding to estrogen receptors，regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis signaling pathways （such as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway，phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B signaling pathway，and P53 signaling pathway），inhibit tumor angiogenesis，and modulate metabolism and immune function.The review aims to provide a theoretical basis for clinical research on the prevention and treatment of breast cancer with traditional Chinese medicine.
The American journal of Chinese medicineZhu Zhang, Yingyi Liu, Ai-Wei Chang, Ching-Yeung Lai, Aiping Lyu, Qilei Chen, Hubiao Chen, Joshua Ka-Shun Ko
Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a bioactive chalcone obtained from licorice, the ground root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. We previously identified ISL as a late-phase autophagy inhibitor in pancreatic cancer treatment. This study aimed to further explore the involvement of selective autophagy and tumor immunity in its antineoplastic action. Network pharmacology revealed that ISL would downregulate biological processes associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) including cell migration, extracellular matrix organization and wound healing. Our experimental findings further confirmed ISL's role in inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a key mechanism involved in these processes. ISL also increased the production of reactive oxygen species in both PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 PDAC cells, which was intensified through inhibition of autophagy. Furthermore, ISL downregulated glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and the system Xc- counter-transporter of cystine SLC3A2, while increasing the expression of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) and decreasing that of ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), thereby promoting ferritinophagy-activated ferroptosis. Alternatively, ISL could induce mitophagy by facilitating mitochondrial dynamics toward fusion through an increase in Parkin and MFN1 gene expression. ISL also modulated the robust transcriptional stress response associated with autophagy and ferroptosis through regulation of CREB1 and VMP1. In the tumor microenvironment, ISL decreased the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) while increasing the number of CD4[Formula: see text] and CD8[Formula: see text] T cells in the spleen, tumor tissues and blood of Pan02-xenografted mice. ISL also impaired M2 polarization of macrophages in tumor tissues. The inhibitory effects of ISL could be attenuated by interferon-[Formula: see text] through STAT1 signaling. These results demonstrate that ISL regulates selective autophagy-mediated ferroptosis associated with modulation of the tumor microenvironment when treating pancreatic cancer.
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), renamed from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by global consensus in May 2026, is one of the most common endocrine diseases in women of reproductive age, affecting physical and mental health. Growing evidence suggests that medicine-food homology (MFH) plants and their bioactive compounds may help regulate PMOS-related metabolism and reproductive abnormalities through dietary intervention. This review summarizes their reported roles and potential mechanisms. Based on the existing literature, this review presents nine edible plant resources identified under the MFH/dietary-use framework and 21 bioactive constituents or constituent classes, all selected for detailed synthesis from a broader eligible evidence base and with reported PMOS-related bioactivity. Across preclinical studies, these constituents appear to act through convergent, multi-target mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities to reduce systemic inflammation, as well as restoring hormone balance, correcting abnormal lipid metabolism, relieving insulin resistance and protecting ovarian function. Importantly, the evidence base remains predominantly preclinical, with few human randomized trials. Key translational barriers include insufficient standardization of preparations and doses, limited oral bioavailability of several constituents, safety and herb-drug interaction concerns, and uncertain formulation feasibility for functional-food applications. By integrating evidence at the plant and compound levels, this review provides a mechanistic rationale-rather than clinical proof-for further investigation of dietary strategies relevant to PMOS and proposes a framework for the development and evaluation of MFH-based functional foods.
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacologyAnqi Li, Jun Ren, Gordon H Guyatt, Jason W Busse, Behnam Sadeghirad, Bhushan Patwardhan, Sarika Chaturvedi, Angela M Cheung, Long Ge, Qiukui Hao, Lehana Thaban…
BACKGROUND: Although the use of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) interventions to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is common, the effectiveness of these interventions is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To compare different TCIM interventions for the treatment of mild/moderate acute COVID-19. DATA SOURCES: EMBASE (Elsevier), Medline (OVID), VHL TCIM database, Cochrane Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, ICTRP, as of April 29th, 2025, as well as eight Chinese and four Korean databases. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials comparing a TCIM intervention with another, the standard of care (SoC), placebo, or conventional medicine in participants with suspected, probable, or confirmed mild/moderate acute COVID-19. DATA EXTRACTION: Reviewers worked in pairs and independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias and rated the certainty of the evidence for each outcome. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five trials evaluating 142 TCIM therapies were eligible for review, of which 69 (45%) trials enrolling 18,627 patients met criteria for analysis, contributing at least 80 participants or 20 events to one intervention. All the following estimates come from direct evidence, as networks were sparse. Compared with SoC or placebo, high to moderate certainty evidence showed that three TCIM add-on interventions probably reduced time to symptom resolution: Lianhua Qingwen (mean difference [MD] -2.82 days, 95% confidence interval -3.14 to -2.50, high certainty); Kovir capsule (MD -3.14 days, -3.67 to -2.61, moderate certainty); and honey and Nigella sativa (MD -3.00 days, -4.12 to -1.88, moderate certainty). Using conversion to severe cases as a proxy for hospitalization, Andrographis paniculata extract probably reduced hospital admission (risk difference -15 per 1000, -24.9 to 12.3, moderate certainty) for patients at moderate risk of hospitalization. No compelling evidence supports that any TCIM intervention reduced hospital admissions for patients at low or high risk of hospitalization, or reduced mortality and mechanical ventilation requirement across all patients. High to moderate certainty evidence showed that Lianhua Qingwen, Kovir capsule, COROPROTECT kit, and Shen Cao Gan Jiang likely did not increase adverse events leading to drug discontinuation; evidence for other TCIM interventions was insufficient to inform adverse events leading to discontinuation. High to moderate certainty evidence supported that Lianhua Qingwen was effective in resolving cough (MD -1.62 days, -1.80 to -1.45, high certainty) and probably effective in resolving fatigue (MD -1.41 days, -1.73 to -1.08, moderate certainty), honey and Nigella sativa was probably effective in resolving fever (MD -4.00 days, -4.72 to -3.28, moderate certainty), and Jinghua Jiedu was probably effective in resolving cough (MD -1.72 days, -2.23 to -1.21, moderate certainty). Other TCIM interventions were either ineffective, or of uncertain effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Adding Lianhua Qingwen, Kovir capsule, or honey and Nigella sativa to SoC likely reduces symptomatic duration of mild/moderate acute COVID-19. Andrographis paniculata extract probably decreases hospital admissions among patients at moderate risk of hospitalization. Replication of positive findings is warranted. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42024517321).
GenesZhihao Su, Tiangang Hu, Li Zhuo, Kaiqing Xie, Qichuan Jiang
Background: Fritillaria karelinii is an endangered medicinal herb mainly distributed in Central Asia, extending to northwestern China. Due to habitat fragmentation, overharvesting, and poor natural regeneration, this species has been designated as a Grade II national key protected species in China. Methods: To inform effective conservation strategies, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of F. karelinii using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci obtained via genotype-by-sequencing (GBS). A total of 87 individuals from 11 sampling sites across the Tacheng region in northern Xinjiang were genotyped, representing the species' known extant distribution in China. Results: A relatively high level of genetic diversity (mean HE = 0.1461) was detected in the species, and Bayesian assignment divided the sampled populations into two subtle but detectable genetic clusters. Conclusions: The relatively high diversity may be attributed to the edge-population effect and long-lived life-history traits, while the weak differentiation between the two groups may reflect restricted gene flow and genetic drift resulting from habitat isolation. Based on these findings, we propose conservation actions including immediate fencing of habitats to exclude livestock, ex situ germplasm collection separately from the two genetic groups as distinct management units, and cautious evaluation of potential germplasm introduction from Central Asia to broaden the genetic base while preserving local adaptation.
Archives of pharmacal researchRadha Arulkumar, Sang Gyun Noh, Hee Jin Jung, Seungwoo Kim, Mi Kyung Kim, Eric Lim, Arulkumar Nagappan, Jin Hwan Lim, Hae Young Chung
Aging is characterized by chronic inflammation involving a continuous, multifarious, low-grade inflammatory response that contributes to age-related chronic diseases. Recently, researchers have focused on age-related chronic inflammation and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals to ameliorate age-related degenerative conditions. As proposed earlier, senoinflammation is a broader view of age-related inflammation with an insightful perspective, which differs from the traditional phenomenal view. Recent advances have identified the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) as a central mediator of senoinflammation, driving chronic tissue inflammation and systemic aging. Here, we propose a conceptual synthesis and integrative framework linking senoinflammation with phytochemical-mediated modulation across cellular senescence, inflammatory signaling, and metabolic pathways, emphasizing SASP regulation, redox balance, and immune-metabolic crosstalk. Among the sixteen phytochemicals reviewed, curcumin and resveratrol exhibit the most extensive senotherapeutic activities, followed by ginsenosides, baicalin, myricetin, and other flavonoids, owing to their ability to target multiple senescence-associated signaling pathways and suppress the SASP; however, further studies are needed to establish their clinical efficacy and safety. We also highlight emerging evidence on organ-organ crosstalk in systemic aging and the differential anti-inflammatory effects of dietary interventions. A better understanding of the senoinflammation concept and phytochemical interventions will provide further insights and enable the development of more efficacious anti-inflammatory and anti-aging strategies, thus enhancing health and quality of life.
Journal of visualized experiments : JoVEYe Lin, Yongfu Zhu
Sleep disturbance and anxiety are common in maintenance hemodialysis patients, yet sustained non-pharmacological management remains difficult in routine dialysis care. This single-center, open-label, parallel-group randomized trial evaluated whether a combined olfactory intervention using an essential-oil preparation and a traditional Chinese herbal sachet was associated with improved self-reported sleep quality and anxiety. Eighty-eight eligible patients with a baseline Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score >7 were recruited from Yongkang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2022 and December 2023 and randomized 1:1 by random-number table to usual care or usual care plus the combined intervention. The trial was not prospectively registered, and participant and intervention-provider blinding was not feasible because of the odor-based intervention. The essential-oil preparation contained lavender essential oil, bergamot essential oil, and coconut oil in a 5:3:10 ratio and was used during dialysis and before sleep; the herbal sachet was placed near the pillow and replaced monthly. Outcomes were assessed using the PSQI and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) at baseline, day 7, day 15, month 1, and month 3. The primary endpoint was the between-group difference in PSQI global score at month 3. At month 3, the intervention group had lower PSQI scores than the control group (7.8 ± 2.6 vs. 13.8 ± 2.5; adjusted β, -5.37; 95% CI, -6.29 to -4.45; p < 0.001) and lower HADS-A scores (9.2 ± 2.1 vs. 11.8 ± 2.4; adjusted β, -2.61; 95% CI, -3.26 to -1.96; p. < 0.001). Sleep response occurred in 77.3% versus 31.8%, and anxiety response occurred in 68.2% versus 29.5%. Mean adherence was 86.7% for bedtime application and 83.4% for dialysis-session inhalation. Any adverse event was reported in 15.9% versus 6.8%, with no serious intervention-related adverse events. These preliminary findings require confirmation in larger controlled multicenter trials.