Search Results (138)

Withania somnifera L. (Dunal), commonly known as Ashwagandha, is widely used in traditional medical systems, particularly Ayurveda, and is increasingly included in nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. This narrative review summarizes and critically discusses the literature published from 2015 to 2026 on WS, with a focus on CNS-related outcomes, proposed mechanisms, extract standardization, dosage, and safety considerations. Evidence from preclinical research and human studies suggests that WS preparations may influence stress-related and sleep-related outcomes and support neuroprotective pathways suggesting a significant role in nutraceuticals; however, the overall strength of evidence varies across indications and products, and heterogeneity in extract composition and study design limits firm conclusions. Further well-designed, adequately powered clinical trials using standardized preparations are needed to clarify efficacy, mechanisms of action, and long-term safety. Full article

Background: Heart failure (HF) remains a major complication of acyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) in children. Evidence integrating clinical and echocardiographic variables for HF severity stratification in pediatric acyanotic CHD remains limited. This study aimed to identify factors associated with moderate HF and develop an exploratory internally validated prediction model. Methods: This retrospective single-center outpatient study included 219 children aged 0–16 years with acyanotic CHD, identified from medical records spanning January 2023 to December 2025. Moderate HF was defined as Ross score 7–9 (≤5 years) or NYHA class III (>5 years). Multivariable analysis was performed using Firth’s penalized logistic regression. Internal validation used bootstrap optimism correction and leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV). Model discrimination was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Moderate HF was identified in 131 patients (59.8%). LV remodelling defined by LVIDD z-score > +2 (adjusted OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.22–11.24; p = 0.021) and higher mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) (adjusted OR 1.03 per mmHg, 95% CI 1.00–1.06; p = 0.049) were independently associated with moderate HF. Premature birth showed an inverse association with moderate HF (adjusted OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.13–0.48; p < 0.001). The exploratory five-variable model demonstrated acceptable discrimination (apparent AUC 0.780, 95% CI 0.728–0.849; bootstrap-corrected AUC 0.760; LOOCV AUC 0.749, 95% CI 0.681–0.811), with adequate calibration. An MPAP threshold of ≥26.4 mmHg yielded 78.6% sensitivity for moderate HF identification. Conclusions: LV remodelling and elevated MPAP were independently associated with moderate HF in children with acyanotic CHD. The exploratory internally validated model demonstrated acceptable discrimination using routinely available variables. This model is exploratory and not yet ready for clinical use; prospective multicenter external validation is required before any clinical implementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart disease in children and is often associated with growth impairment and malnutrition. Increased metabolic demand, feeding difficulties, and recurrent infections contribute to poor nutritional status. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a key mediator of growth hormone activity, reflects nutritional and metabolic conditions. Previous studies have evaluated endocrine and growth abnormalities in heterogeneous congenital heart disease populations. However, data specifically examining the relationship between serum IGF-1 levels and nutritional status in isolated pediatric ventricular septal defect remain limited, particularly in Southeast Asian populations. Methods: The single centre observational case–control study was conducted at Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, involving 110 children (55 VSD patients and 55 healthy controls). VSD diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO anthropometric criteria. Serum IGF-1 levels were measured using ELISA. Statistical analyses compared IGF-1 levels between groups and across nutritional categories. Results: Moderate and severe wasting were more common in the VSD group. Median IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in VSD patients compared to controls (5.18 vs. 21.4 ng/mL; p < 0.001). A positive association between IGF-1 levels and nutritional status was observed. Conclusions: Children with VSD have poorer nutritional status and significantly lower IGF-1 levels compared to healthy controls. This association may be explained by the dysregulation of the growth hormone–IGF-1 axis. IGF-1 may complement nutritional assessment for identifying and monitoring growth impairment and guiding early nutritional interventions in pediatric VSD. Full article

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally. The World Health Organization has called for investigations into traditional systems of medicine for CVD prevention. Ayurveda includes a classical herbal formulation called Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) traditionally used for disease prevention, health promotion and healthy aging. The study objective was to evaluate MAK effects on biomarkers of vascular function and structure compared to vitamin C and E supplementation in a high CVD risk population. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 138 Black men and women (mean age 65 ± 7 years) with established CVD or high CVD risk were assigned to either MAK (n = 46), vitamin C/E (n = 46), or placebo (n = 46) for 12 months. The primary outcomes were change in brachial artery reactivity testing (BART) with flow-mediated dilation (FMD, endothelium-dependent) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD, endothelium-independent). Other outcomes included carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), blood pressure, and serum lipids. ANCOVA and pairwise comparisons were performed. Results: After 12 months of intervention, the MAK group demonstrated significant improvement in BART-NMD compared to placebo (mean change + 4.18% vs. +2.95%, p = 0.018) and numerical but non-significant improvement compared to the +3.32% mean change for the Vitamin C/E group (p = NS). There were no significant group differences for BART-FMD, cIMT, blood pressure, and lipids. Intervention compliance ranged from 70–80%. Conclusions: In this randomized controlled trial, 12 months of MAK supplementation improved endothelium-independent vascular smooth muscle function (BART-NMD) in Black adults at high CVD risk. The MAK group achieved a mean BART-NMD of approximately 15.6%, reaching the established threshold for normal vascular smooth muscle function. This selective improvement in smooth muscle responsiveness without changes in endothelial function, vascular structure, or conventional risk factors suggests MAK may influence specific pathways relevant to vascular aging. Larger studies with clinical outcomes are needed to further evaluate this effect on cardiovascular health in aging and high-risk populations. Full article

Background: Chronic diabetic wounds represent substantial issues in healthcare due to their poor healing rate and susceptibility to hyperglycemia, infections, and other serious consequences. Methods: In this work, we developed a Medicated Topical Gel (MTG) that promotes healing of diabetic wounds. The MTG’s distinctive qualities, including biocompatibility, stability, affordability, cost-effectiveness, and non-toxicity, were evaluated in a dermal toxicity assessment as well as a diabetic wound assay from 0 to the 24th day of the study. Results: MTG treatment significantly accelerated wound closure compared with other formulations. In vivo studies revealed that diabetic wounds in the rat model healed more rapidly within the 24-day study period when treated with MTG. Western blot analysis revealed a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory markers, accompanied by enhanced angiogenesis, which was further confirmed by histopathological observations. These findings indicate that MTG effectively promotes faster wound healing by modulating inflammation and stimulating blood vessel formation. Furthermore, clinical cases have demonstrated substantial wound healing, with most cases showing significant recovery on follow-up intervals at 15th and 30th day. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate a strong evidence-based therapeutic potential of MTG as an effective treatment for chronic diabetic wounds healing. They also provide a promising strategy for wound management in both the experimental and clinical case studies. Full article

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (Family: Scrophulariaceae) is a well-known edible plant used in ethnic and Ayurveda medicine for centuries to improve memory deficit, enhance cognitive function, and treat nervous system disorders. Despite accumulating in vivo evidence for its cognitive benefits, the detailed mechanisms by which its bioactive compounds act on primary neurons remain elusive. In the present study, we dissect the mechanism by which Bacopa monnieri promotes neuronal development by treating primary hippocampal neuronal cultures with its ethanolic extract (BMEE) and integrating insights from in silico network pharmacology. We identified that BMEE at different concentrations promotes neuritogenesis and has a remarkable impact on early neuronal maturation, and axonal and dendritic outgrowth. Also, BMEE regulated synaptic plasticity by increasing the expression of NMDA receptors. Metabolites of BMEE were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, from which a network pharmacology model was constructed, in which BMEE metabolites were projected to regulate the neurotrophin signaling pathway. Indeed, the BMEE-mediated neuritogenic effect was abolished by the presence of a TrkA receptor-specific inhibitor, suggesting that the neuritogenic effect of BMEE is TrkA-dependent. Also, molecular docking following MD simulations supported the idea that BMEE metabolites, particularly δ-Tocopherol and O-methyl-, bind with high affinity to the TrkA receptor (NGF-binding domain). This study collectively illuminates the TrkA-mediated pathway through which Bacopa monnieri promotes neuronal development and suggests that bioactive metabolites from BMEE might hold potential as a source for designing therapeutic agents for various cognitive disorders. Full article

Ethnopharmacological relevance. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, widely used in traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Middle Eastern folk medicine, is valued for its adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. These activities are primarily attributed to withanolides, with Withaferin A recognized as one of the most bioactive constituents. Although traditional preparations often rely on the root, leaf use provides a more sustainable alternative and may yield significant quantities of active metabolites. Identifying efficient, modern extraction technologies that can enhance the recovery of bioactive compounds from leaves is essential for developing effective, standardized ethnopharmacological formulations. Materials and methods. Plants of W. somnifera grown from seeds were subjected to different environmental conditions (control, drought, cold, yeast extract treatment). Leaves were extracted using Pressurized Cyclic Solid–Liquid Extraction (PCSLE) with hydroalcoholic solvents and compared with conventional infusion of dried leaves. Extracts were fractionated with solvents of varying polarity and analyzed by TLC, HPLC, and NMR for quantification of Withaferin A. Expression levels of key withanolide-biosynthetic genes (CAS, SMT1, DWARF1, CYP71, CYP76) were assessed using qRT-PCR. Antimicrobial activity of pure Withaferin A, aqueous extract, and hydroalcoholic PCSLE extract was evaluated through MIC and MBC assays against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Cytotoxic activity was measured via MTT assays in six human cancer cell lines after 3, 6, and 24 h of treatment. Results. PCSLE yielded substantially higher levels of Withaferin A than traditional infusion, especially in medium-polarity fractions (chloroform and ethyl acetate), with concentrations reaching 0.70% in fresh leaf mass (4.8% dry weight), compared to 0.11% obtained by infusion. Gene expression analysis revealed that 24-week-old plants exhibited the highest transcription of withanolide-biosynthetic genes, and drought stress significantly upregulated CAS, SMT1, DWARF1, CYP71, and CYP716, indicating enhanced metabolic flux toward withanolide production. Hydroalcoholic PCSLE extracts showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with MIC and MBC values comparable to pure Withaferin A and demonstrating bactericidal effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. The aqueous extract showed activity only against Gram-positive strains. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated an optimistic, dose-dependent reduction in cell viability across all tumour cell lines treated with the hydroalcoholic PCSLE extract, closely mirroring the activity of pure Withaferin A and consistently exceeding the effect of the aqueous extract. IC50 values confirmed the high bioactive content of PCSLE extracts and suggested mechanisms like those known for Withaferin A. Conclusions. PCSLE proved to be a highly efficient extraction technology for obtaining leaf extracts rich in Withaferin A, outperforming conventional extraction methods while exploiting sustainable plant tissue. Developmental stage and drought stress significantly modulated the expression of genes involved in withanolide biosynthesis, highlighting agronomic strategies capable of enhancing metabolite production. Hydroalcoholic PCSLE extracts exhibited antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities comparable to pure Withaferin A, supporting their relevance as promising therapeutic candidates. These findings advocate for the use of W. somnifera leaves as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds and demonstrate that advanced extraction technologies can contribute to the development of innovative ethnopharmacological preparations for antimicrobial and anticancer applications. Full article

Cow’s milk, urine, dung, ghee, and curd possess significant medicinal value in Ayurveda and have been integral to traditional Indian clinical practices for centuries. The cow-derived fermented product (CDFP), a formulation rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, combines these five components as a panchgavya and is believed to offer multifaceted health benefits. In this preliminary single-subject case study, we evaluated the microbial composition of CDFP itself and assessed its effects on the human gut microbiome before and after 7 and 15 days of administration. A single healthy male subject consumed CDFP daily for seven consecutive days. Using 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing, we observed a prominent increase in gut microbial diversity and a rise in beneficial bacterial genera such as Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, and Akkermansia during and after treatment. Functional profiling revealed significant enhancements in pathways associated with amino acid metabolism, vitamin biosynthesis (e.g., folate, riboflavin), and energy metabolism, along with transient boosts in secondary metabolite synthesis. Metabolomic analysis identified 171 bioactive compounds within CDFP, with 33 exhibiting interactions with human proteins involved in immune modulation, oxidative stress response, and gut barrier integrity. Although conducted on a single participant, this study is the first to elucidate the distinct changes observed in gut microbial composition and function following the seven-day CDFP regimen and provides initial insights that warrant further investigation in larger, controlled studies. These findings highlight the potential of CDFP as a microbiota-targeted intervention with health-supportive properties. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia worldwide, is characterized by progressive neuronal loss, amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, cholinergic dysfunction, and gut–brain axis dysregulation. Despite advances in anti-amyloid therapeutics, current interventions provide only modest symptomatic relief and face limitations in accessibility, cost, and long-term efficacy. Plant-derived bioactive compounds, rooted in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, have gained increasing attention as multi-target therapeutic agents due to their pleiotropic actions, relative safety, and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. This review synthesizes mechanistic and translational evidence on major phytochemicals, including withanolides (Withania somnifera), curcumin (Curcuma longa), ginkgolides and bilobalide (Ginkgo biloba), bacosides (Bacopa monnieri), ginsenosides (Panax ginseng), crocin/safranal (Crocus sativus), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (Camellia sinensis), rosmarinic acid (Salvia officinalis, Melissa officinalis), and asiaticosides (Centella asiatica). These compounds exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting Aβ aggregation, reducing tau phosphorylation, scavenging reactive oxygen species, attenuating NF-κB-mediated inflammation, modulating cholinergic signaling, enhancing synaptic plasticity via brain-derived neurotrophic factor/cAMP response element-binding protein (BDNF/CREB) activation, and regulating gut microbiota. Multi-target approach analyses underscore their synergistic potential in targeting interconnected AD pathways. However, translation remains hindered by poor oral bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and variability in clinical outcomes. Advances in delivery platforms, including liposomes, bilosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers, are improving stability, blood–brain penetration, and therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models. Collectively, plant-derived phytochemicals serve as promising, affordable, and multi-modal candidates for reshaping AD management, bridging traditional knowledge with modern therapeutic innovation. Full article

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century, with rising global incidence underscoring the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Despite significant advances in biotechnology, curative outcomes remain limited, prompting interest in integrative approaches. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, suggests a holistic therapeutic framework that is now gaining molecular validation in oncology. In this review, the literature was systematically collected and analyzed from major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, encompassing studies across ethnopharmacology, biochemistry, and cancer biology. The analysis focused on Ayurvedic phytochemicals that modulate ADP-ribosylation (ADPr), a dynamic post-translational modification central to DNA repair, chromatin organization, and cellular stress responses, with particular emphasis on poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-mediated pathways and their oncological relevance. We have also explored the role of p53, a key stress-response regulator intricately linked to ADPr dynamics, which acts as a downstream effector integrating these molecular events with cell fate decisions. Evidence indicates that several Ayurvedic compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, and withaferin A, influence PARP–p53 signaling networks, thereby modulating DNA repair fidelity, apoptosis, and tumor adaptation. The review further addresses challenges related to the poor solubility of these phytochemicals and highlights recent advances in Phyto-nanomedicine-based delivery systems that enhance their stability and therapeutic efficacy. Overall, the synthesis of Ayurvedic pharmacology with molecular oncology reveals mechanistic insights that may inform the rational development of novel, mechanism-driven cancer therapeutics. Full article

Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India and has been in use for more than 5000 years. The focus of Ayurveda is to maintain harmony and balance of the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), or life forces, that govern the physiology and health of each individual. Ashwagandha is considered one of the most useful plants in the Ayurvedic system for various illnesses, including cancer. Ethnopharmacological and phytochemical analyses have been elucidating the bioactive compounds in ashwagandha that mediate the anti-cancer effects. The most bioactive compounds appear to be the withanolides, including withaferin-A (WFA), withanone, and other withanolide derivatives. The focus of this review will be to discuss the pre-clinical and translational anti-cancer properties of WFA, withanone, and selected withanolides in terms of their ability to inhibit the growth of systemic forms of cancer and gliomas. The mechanisms of action of how these compounds affect tumor cell growth will also be discussed in detail, and include the induction of apoptosis, the inhibition of signal transduction pathways, the arrest of the cell cycle, and the inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases. The final part will review how ashwagandha and its bioactive compounds could be applied to glioblastoma and gliomas. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative neurological condition mostly affecting memory and cognitive abilities in older people. This study aimed to determine how acteoside, a major plant phytoconstituent, protects against neuronal death in the hippocampus region, activates the cholinergic system, and acts as an antioxidant to help people with Alzheimer’s-type dementia. Early research on the extraction process and subsequent in vitro testing revealed that the plant extract had potent antioxidant qualities. Initial assessment highlighted the yield percentage, which was 14.10% using the Soxhlet method. In order to explore this plant’s possible medical uses, further in vivo studies are required. Full article

Swertiamarin (SW), a natural iridoid glycoside primarily isolated from the genus Swertia, Gentianaceae family, has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Tibetan medicine, for treating fever, diabetes, liver disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Pharmacokinetic studies reveal that SW exhibits rapid absorption but demonstrates low oral bioavailability due to the first-pass effect. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that SW possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective activities. Our analysis demonstrates that SW exerts remarkable therapeutic potential across multiple pathological conditions through coordinated modulation of key signaling cascades, including Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and PPAR pathways. This comprehensive review systematically consolidates current knowledge on SW’s pharmacokinetic characteristics, toxicity, diverse biological activities, and underlying molecular mechanisms based on extensive preclinical evidence, establishing a scientific foundation for future drug development strategies and potential clinical applications of the potential natural lead compound. Full article

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with the colon and rectum, often predisposing individuals to inflammatory bowel disease-related colorectal cancer (IBD-CRC). Current therapeutic options for UC, including corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, pose significant side effects. Punica granatum peel powder (PPPG), a traditional herbal remedy in Ayurveda medicine for colitis, exhibits promising therapeutic effects with a favorable safety profile. Objectives: This study aims to explore the therapeutic potential and mechanism of action of a modified PPPG formulation in UC treatment. Methods: Using NCM460 cells and an acetic acid-induced UC murine model, the efficacy of modified PPPG was evaluated. Results: Therapy with modified PPPG significantly improved UC-associated symptoms, such as improvements in body weight, colon length, and disease activity index, as validated by histological examination. Transcriptomic sequencing identified downregulation of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and reduced inflammatory markers like p-NF-κB, IL-1β, and NLRP3 on PPPG therapy. Conclusions: These findings suggest that modified PPPG holds promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for UC intervention, targeting key inflammatory pathways implicated in UC pathogenesis and potentially mitigating the risk of IBD-CRC. Full article

This paper examines the ethical frameworks that guide Āyurvedic practices and compares them with those underlying contemporary Western medicine. At the heart of current bioethical debates is the question of whether certain principles can be universally valid across cultures. This paper argues that while the moral vision of Āyurvedic medicine significantly differs from that of Western medicine in various respects, both systems share fundamental ethical principles, notably beneficence and non-maleficence. However, important distinctions arise in their respective conceptions of autonomy and justice, suggesting that these principles may not be as universally applicable as the former two. Drawing on the “four principles” approach of modern Western medical ethics, as outlined in Beauchamp and Childress’s Principles of Biomedical Ethics, this paper challenges the assumption that the principles of autonomy and justice are culturally neutral. Through a comparison with Āyurvedic ethics, we highlight how these principles may not be as universally relevant as commonly assumed, raising important questions about the possibility of a global bioethical framework. Full article