Search Results (2,609)

The skin–brain axis constitutes a complex, bidirectional network integrating cutaneous sensory, immune, and neuroendocrine systems with central neural circuits involved in emotion regulation, stress responsivity, and social cognition. Advances in psychodermatology and cosmetic science have progressively extended this framework to the emerging field of neurocosmetics, which explores how topical formulations, sensorial properties, and cutaneous neuromodulators may influence psychological well-being, affective states, and perceived stress. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize current evidence on the biological foundations of the skin–brain axis and to critically examine the implications of these mechanisms for neurocosmetic interventions from a psychological and psychiatric perspective. It describes the biological substrates underlying skin–brain communication, including the cutaneous hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, neuropeptides, neurotrophins, transient receptor potential channels, and endocannabinoid signaling, and examines how these pathways are targeted by neurocosmetic interventions. Particular attention is devoted to neuroactive compounds, such as peptides, cannabinoids, botanicals, and aromatherapeutic molecules, as well as to sensorial strategies involving texture, temperature, and olfactory cues, which may modulate mood, anxiety, and self-perception through peripheral mechanisms. From a psychological and psychiatric perspective, the review discusses the intersection between stress-related skin conditions, body image disturbances, and emotional dysregulation, highlighting how cosmetic practices may influence subjective well-being beyond purely aesthetic outcomes. Methodological limitations of the existing literature, including the heterogeneity of study designs and outcome measures, as well as ethical considerations related to mood- and stress-related claims in cosmetic products, are critically examined. Finally, future research directions are outlined, and a translational framework is proposed to integrate dermatology, neuroscience, and mental health within next-generation cosmetic science. Full article

Developing plant-based weed-management tools from allelopathy requires evidence that phytotoxicity is both chemically supported and biologically reproducible. This study examined whether the allelopathic activity of Clitoria ternatea L. varies among leaves, stems, and a leaf + stem mixture, and whether such variation is associated with organ-specific chemical traits. Hydroethanolic extracts were characterized by histochemical, phytochemical, and thin-layer chromatographic analyses and tested in vitro on Lactuca sativa L. at 75, 150, and 300 mg L⁻¹. All matrices contained phenols/tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenes/sterols; however, the leaf extract showed the strongest coumarin signal, the presence of saponins, and the richest TLC pattern. These chemical differences were matched by a clear biological gradient, with inhibitory activity ranked as leaf > leaf + stem > stem. At 300 mg L⁻¹, the leaf extract reduced germination to 71%, radicle length to 10.23 mm, and vigor index to 1372, while increasing mean germination time to 5.78 days and yielding the most negative allelopathic response index (−0.663). Overall, the results identify leaves as the main reservoir of phytotoxic metabolites in C. ternatea and support their prospective use in botanical weed-management research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural multi-component nutraceutical formulations may modulate interconnected pathways involved in metabolic and bone health. This study evaluated, using in vitro models, the effects of a standardized botanical–vitamin formulation on intestinal barrier integrity, osteoblastic activity, and osteoclast differentiation, focusing on intestinal-bone crosstalk, redox-inflammatory signalling, and potential synergistic interactions among components. Methods: A combined in vitro approach using intestinal, osteoblastic, and osteoclastic cell models was applied to assess a formulation containing characterized plant extracts and vitamin D₃. The study evaluated cytocompatibility, intestinal barrier function, cellular uptake, and the modulation of markers related to osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis, using biochemical, molecular, and enzymatic assays, as well as oxidative stress measurements and synergy analysis. Results: The formulation maintained intestinal barrier integrity and bioavailability without cytotoxicity, promoted osteoblastic differentiation and reduced oxidative stress, while inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and resorptive activity. These effects were associated with modulation of inflammatory and redox-related signalling pathways and showed additive to synergistic interactions among components. Conclusions: These findings support a multi-target nutraceutical approach that can concurrently influence intestinal barrier and bone remodelling in vitro, offering mechanistic evidence for its role in modulating the gut–bone axis, and highlight the need for further studies in advanced models and clinical trials. Full article

This review summarizes current knowledge on naturally occurring pristimerin-pristimerin triterpenoid dimers, a rare and structurally diverse class of secondary metabolites reported mainly from Celastraceae species. Known dimers are compiled with emphasis on botanical sources and key architectural features, including the variety of interunit linkages, regio- and stereochemical diversity, and distinct isomeric forms (including atropisomerism). Major advances in structure elucidation and structural revisions are discussed, highlighting the role of modern spectroscopic tools—particularly 2D NMR methods and chiroptical techniques—in resolving connectivity and absolute configuration, and in correcting several earlier assignments. Proposed biosynthetic scenarios are outlined, focusing on the reactivity of the quinone-methide motif and its interconversion with 2,3-diketone forms, as well as (hetero) Diels-Alder-type processes; selected biomimetic studies are summarized as supportive evidence for these pathways. A critical overview of available biological data indicates that many pristimerin dimers display limited activity in common antimicrobial and cytotoxicity assays when compared with monomeric congeners, which may point to alternative ecological roles or storage/transport functions in planta. Finally, key knowledge gaps and future directions are identified, including improved isolation coverage, rigorous synthetic/biomimetic work, and broader pharmacological screening beyond standard panels. Full article

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are promising eco-friendly alternatives to traditional solvents for extracting phenolic compounds from plant materials. However, their effectiveness depends on both solvent composition and the botanical matrix. This study examined water, ethanol, and choline chloride–urea (CCU) and choline chloride–glycerol (CCG) systems containing 30% or 60% NADES for the extraction of anthocyanins, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS) from cornflower, safflower, and pomegranate flowers. Pomegranate flowers exhibited the highest levels of anthocyanins, total phenolics, and antioxidants, while safflower showed the highest total flavonoid content. Overall, the 60% NADES formulations delivered the best extraction results, whereas ethanol had the lowest overall efficiency. A combined heatmap analyzing all responses identified 60% CCU and 60% CCG as the most effective solvents across all tested materials. Anthocyanin stability in pomegranate flower extracts was further evaluated over 8 weeks at 4 and 20 °C. First-order kinetic analysis revealed that ethanol and 60% CCG maintained the highest anthocyanin stability, whereas 60% CCU exhibited the lowest stability, especially at 20 °C. These findings support the use of NADES as efficient solvents for floral bioactives, while indicating that the highest extraction yield does not necessarily correlate with the best storage stability. Full article

This study evaluated the morphological development of 23 Coffea canephora clones in Espírito Santo to identify materials with superior vigor and quality for commercial and breeding purposes. Seedlings from cuttings were arranged in a completely randomized design with ten replicates and assessed at the commercial dispatch stage. Shoot and root growth, biomass, leaf area (LA), Dickson Quality Index (DQI), structural ratios (shoot/root ratio, SRR; height/diameter ratio, HDR), and anatomical traits were measured. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with Scott–Knott clustering, Pearson correlation, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Significant variability was observed among clones. Clones 88, VR3, 8, and LB33 showed the highest stem diameter (SD), total dry mass (TDM), LA, and DQI, with balanced shoot and root development. Leaf area correlated strongly with SD, number of leaves (NL), biomass, and DQI, confirming its role as a seedling quality indicator. PCA identified two groups: a high-performance group with greater vigor and biomass, and a lower-performance group including clones 7, MR04, and VR4. The convergence of methods confirms the robustness of the results. Overall, clones 88, VR3, 8, and LB33 demonstrate superior agronomic potential at the seedling stage, offering promising options for nurseries, growers, and clonal selection programs. Full article

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is primarily driven by disruption of the gut microbiota accompanied by intestinal mucosal injury. Although multiherb formulations are widely used in East Asian medicine, their collective ecological effects and integrated microbiome–host mechanisms have not been systematically synthesized. This systematic review included 17 preclinical studies that investigated multiherbal formulations in AAD models. Given the substantial heterogeneity in the formulation composition, experimental design, and analytical platforms, a descriptive synthesis was performed. The included formulations were categorized into four clusters based on their shared herbal composition: Qiwei Baizhu San (QWBZP), Lizhong Tang (LZT), Gegen Qinlian Tang (GQT), and other supportive multiherbal formulations. The cluster-based synthesis revealed distinct convergent therapeutic strategies. The QWBZP and LZT clusters primarily supported the restoration of host metabolic and digestive functions, whereas the GQT cluster exhibited potent pathogen control effects with the suppression of opportunistic taxa. Across all clusters, a convergent microbiome–host response emerged, characterized by enrichment of commensal bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus), upregulation of tight junction proteins (e.g., ZO-1, occludin), and attenuation of pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α, myeloperoxidase). Multiherb formulations in AAD models not only act as microbial modulators but also function as host-directed modulators that stabilize the intestinal homeostatic niche. Botanical interventions may facilitate endogenous microbiome recovery by reinforcing mucosal integrity and reducing environmental resistance. This ecological framework provides a rationale for future translational studies evaluating integrated herbal–probiotic strategies and precise microbiome management for patients with AAD, while further clinical validation is warranted. Full article

Frequent co-occurrences of high temperature and drought in tropical regions make heat and drought tolerance of landscape plants core physiological traits that determine their landscape adaptability and community stability. However, systematic elucidation of the differentiation patterns of stress resistance between specialist and generalist tropical landscape plant species, the intrinsic correlations between heat and drought tolerance traits, and the regulatory mechanisms of leaf functional traits remains lacking. In this study, eight typical tropical landscape plant species in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden were selected as research objects. By determining leaf chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, water relation parameters and leaf functional traits, we systematically analyzed the differences in heat and drought tolerance and interspecific differentiation characteristics between specialist and generalist species, and simultaneously elucidated the correlation patterns of drought-heat tolerance traits as well as the regulatory effects of leaf functional traits on these traits. The results showed that the turgor loss point water potential (Ψ_TLP) of generalist tropical landscape plant species was significantly higher than that of specialist species, with superior drought tolerance; in contrast, the half-lethal temperature of photosystem II (T50) of specialist species was significantly higher than that of generalist species, with stronger heat tolerance. Among the eight tested species, Bombax ceiba exhibited the strongest drought tolerance, while Baccaurea ramiflora had the optimal heat tolerance. The study also found that the drought and heat tolerance traits of tropical landscape plants exhibited stress-specific trade-offs; leaf functional traits had limited overall explanatory power for the stress resistance of tropical landscape plants and only exerted a certain regulatory effect on drought tolerance. This study clearly reveals the differences in heat and drought tolerance between specialist and generalist species. This finding not only enhances our mechanistic understanding of stress resistance in tropical plants but also provides data support for ecological restoration and conservation practices in tropical gardens. Full article

Background/Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD)-related skin inflammation involves the release of cytokines and chemokines from keratinocytes; therefore, keratinocyte-based models are widely used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of botanical extracts. This study examined the relationship between phytochemical profiles and anti-inflammatory potential of baobab fruit 30% and 70% ethanol extracts (BE-30 and BE-70, respectively) in a TNF-α/IFN-γ (TI)-stimulated HaCaT keratinocyte model. Methods: The anti-inflammatory effects of both extracts were evaluated by measuring cytokine and chemokine secretion in TI-stimulated HaCaT cells. Phytochemical characterization was performed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and targeted high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Both extracts were non-cytotoxic. TI-stimulation markedly increased interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 secretion, while BE-30 and BE-70 significantly reduced all three mediators in a dose-dependent manner. At comparable doses, BE-70 exhibited greater inhibition than BE-30. BE-30 showed a non-monotonic IL-8 response at low concentrations, whereas BE-70 consistently reduced IL-8 in a dose-dependent manner. LC–MS/MS profiling revealed a polyphenol-rich composition, including flavonol glycosides and related phenolic compounds. HPLC confirmed the presence of four marker analytes (procyanidin B2, epicatechin, rutin and tiliroside), which were enriched in BE-70. The content of these four polyphenols was 1.94-fold higher in BE-70. Conclusions: Baobab fruit extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory activity associated with polyphenols. These findings suggest that they could be used as analytical standards and in dermatological applications. Full article

This study explores Serbia’s rich ethnopharmacological heritage by systematically documenting the traditional use of medicinal plants for treating skin diseases during the 19th and 20th centuries. Drawing on key ethnographic sources—including monographs, scholarly articles, and field reports—the review analyzes historical records of folk medicine practices and their cultural contexts. A total of 164 plant species from 63 botanical families, as well as one mushroom species, were identified as being used in the treatment of skin-related conditions classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care. Reported ailments were grouped into three main categories: hair and scalp disorders, bites, and various inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Remedies for wound healing were the most frequently documented, both in terms of application and diversity of plant species employed. By preserving and systematizing this historical knowledge, the study provides a valuable foundation for future pharmacological and dermatological research, highlighting the continued relevance of traditional remedies in modern clinical practice. Full article

Biogenic amines are nitrogenous compounds that may occur in foods through plant metabolism, bee enzymatic activity, or microbial decarboxylation. This study evaluated biogenic amines content in monofloral honeys from Algeria and Morocco, integrating compositional analysis, quality indices, and dietary exposure assessment within a toxicological risk characterization framework. Eight amines were quantified by HPLC-FLD, and Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) was calculated under adult and pediatric low- and high-consumption scenarios. Composite indices, including Total Biogenic Amines (TBA), Biogenic Amine Index (BAI), Vasoactive Amine Load (VAL), Potentiation Index (PI), and Quality Index (QI), were determined. Marked intra- and inter-city variability was observed, particularly for serotonin, tryptamine, and tyramine. Algerian Euphorbia orientalis L. samples showed the highest TBA and VAL values. However, histamine concentrations generally remained below 1 mg/kg, and tyramine levels were markedly lower than doses associated with hypertensive effects. Worst-case EDI values were in the order of 10⁻³–10⁻⁴ mg/kg body weight/day, including high-consumption pediatric scenarios. PI values were low, indicating limited synergistic amplification by diamines. Overall, despite botanical and geographical variability, the analyzed honeys exhibit a wide safety margin and based on the applied screening-level assessment, no immediate risk is indicated under the considered scenarios. Full article

Phellodendri amurensis Cortex is the dried bark of the cork tree (Phellodendron amurense Rupr.) from the Rutaceae family, and possesses traditional efficacy in clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, relieving steaming sensations, detoxifying, and healing sores. Clinically, it is commonly used for treating symptoms such as damp-heat diarrhea and dysentery, jaundice with reddish urine, leukorrhea with vaginal itching, painful and difficult urination due to heat strangury, flaccidity and weakness of the lower limbs, bone-steaming and consumptive fever, night sweats and seminal emission, sores, ulcers, swellings, and toxins, eczema, damp sores, and urinary tract infections. Modern pharmacological studies have further revealed its diverse bioactivities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and anticancer effects. To provide an updated and comprehensive review of the research into Phellodendri amurensis Cortex, this study conducted a thorough literature search and analysis based on databases such as SciFinder, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The review integrates information on the plant’s botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, traditional applications, chemical components, quality control methods, and pharmacological effects to present a current and holistic overview of its research status. To date, approximately 170 compounds have been isolated and identified from Phellodendri amurensis Cortex, primarily including alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, sterols, lignans, flavonoids, and others. Among these, alkaloids exhibit significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and demonstrate potential pharmacological value in antibacterial, anticancer, hypoglycemic, and multi-organ protective effects. Although substantial foundational research exists, the mechanisms of action and quality control of Phellodendri amurensis Cortex require further in-depth exploration. Future efforts should focus on clarifying its pharmacodynamic material basis, uncovering new targets and pathways, and improving analytical methods for component analysis and quality control to advance the scientific development and rational utilization of this medicinal material. Full article

Botanical extracts have emerged as promising biostimulants in agricultural systems because of their ability to modulate key metabolic and redox processes in crops, thereby increasing stress tolerance and productivity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how botanical extracts influence plant metabolism and redox homeostasis, with a particular emphasis on their role in adaptive cellular responses. Evidence indicates that these extracts can increase antioxidant enzyme activity, regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling, and promote the accumulation of bioactive metabolites associated with improved stress tolerance and enhanced growth. This review also examines how agronomic practices, including nutritional management, water availability, light regimes, and preharvest biostimulant applications, together with emerging biotechnological approaches, can be strategically employed to optimize the bioactive composition and efficacy of botanical extracts. By integrating recent advances in metabolomics and transcriptomics, the manuscript highlights the biochemical and molecular reprogramming triggered by botanical extracts. It identifies key challenges, including variability in extract composition, lack of standardization, and context-dependent responses. Finally, future research directions are outlined, emphasizing the need for mechanistic understanding, quantitative evaluation of plant responses, and the development of standardized frameworks to support the sustainable application of botanical extracts in agriculture. Full article

To analyze the phytogenic components of honey of Amorpha fruticosa L. (AFH) and establish a targeted quantitative method, the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based metabolomic technology was used in this study. Firstly, high performance liquid chromatography—quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS) untargeted metabolomics technology was used to screen candidate markers by comparing AFH metabolites with plant chemicals of Amorpha fruticosa L. Afterward, high performance liquid chromatography—triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) was used to verify and identify the candidate markers, confirming ononin as the characteristic phytogenic marker of AFH, and determining its content range in AFH as 76.84–93.27 μg/kg (absent in acacia, rape, jujube, and Galla chinensis honey). Then, network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were adopted to explore the gastric protective mechanism of ononin, and the results showed that ononin strongly binds AKT1 (binding free energy −8.0677 kcal/mol). Using the established method, the LC-MS analytical method for ononin in honey established in this study may be used for the authenticity identification of the characteristic phytogenic markers of AFH. Full article

The use of botanical extracts derived from Jatropha spp. offers a sustainable alternative for controlling insect pests, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic chemical insecticides. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize the published evidence on the insecticidal activity of these extracts. Electronic database searches were conducted to identify relevant studies evaluating Jatropha spp. botanical extracts against insect pests, including mortality, antifeedant activity, time of development, oviposition inhibition, and repellency. A random-effects meta-analysis for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals was employed to compare treated insects against a control group. The study encompassed 77 articles, which evaluated extracts from various botanical parts of Jatropha curcas and Jatropha gossypifolia against insects from nine taxonomic orders. The results of the meta-analyses demonstrated that aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts from leaves and seeds were effective in increasing the mortality rate of treated insects. These extracts also affected the insects by prolonging development time, reducing weight gain in larvae and pupae, inhibiting oviposition, and increasing the percentage of repellency. Consequently, the foliar application of botanical extracts obtained from the leaves and seeds of J. curcas and J. gossypifolia represent a sustainable and agroecological alternative for the control of insect pests from different taxonomic orders. Full article