Search Results (24)

Traditional herbal prescriptions composed of multiple botanicals remain central to ethnopharmacological practice; however, their chemical basis and classification remain poorly understood. Non-volatile compound analyses of herbal medicines are well established, but comparative studies focusing on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) across multi-herbal prescriptions are scarce. To enhance the chemical understanding of traditional formulations and clarify prescription-level characteristics, this study applied headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS) to characterize VOC-based chemical signatures in 30 prescriptions composed of 76 herbal ingredients. Multivariate analyses such as principal component analysis, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and orthogonal PLS-DA (OPLS-DA) enabled systematic differentiation of various prescriptions and identified 25 discriminant VOCs, 9 of which were common among multiple therapeutic categories. These shared compounds, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and 4H-pyran-4-one derivatives, reflect recurrent chemical patterns associated with broad-spectrum applications, whereas category-specific volatiles (including isopsoralen, senkyunolide, and fenipentol) delineated therapeutic boundaries, even among prescriptions with overlapping botanicals. Capturing both shared and distinct volatile signatures clarified ambiguous boundaries between categories such as cold, inflammation, or diabetes versus kidney disorder prescriptions, thereby linking chemical patterns with ethnopharmacological indications. Together, these findings highlight VOC profiling as a valuable diagnostic and interpretive tool that bridges traditional categorization systems with modern chemical analysis, offering a robust framework for future pharmacological and mechanistic investigations. Such an approach not only substantiates traditional categorization but also provides a practical basis for quality control and pharmacological evaluation of multi-herbal formulations. Full article

Caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs), a class of phenolic acid metabolites widely distributed in plants, encompass 15 positional isomers from mono- to tetra-esters, with 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (5-CQA) as the predominant form. The biosynthesis of 5-CQA from phenylalanine proceeds through five primary pathways, which are finely regulated by environmental, hormonal, and transcription factors from families such as MYB, WRKY, and bHLH. These regulators control 5-CQA synthesis by binding specifically to the promoter regions of key structural genes, including PAL, 4CL and HCT/HQT. Subsequently, 5-CQA serves as a central precursor for the biosynthesis of other CQAs. In terms of bioactivity, CQAs possess remarkable pharmacological activities, encompassing antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. For instance, anti-inflammatory effects are demonstrated by the ability of 5-CQA to reduce key pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α and IL-1β) and downregulate the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. The synergistic action of 5-CQA with ultraviolet-A reduced succinate-coenzyme Q reductase activity by approximately 72%, highlighting its potential to disrupt bacterial metabolism and combat antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, 3,4,5-triCQA exhibits potent anti-influenza virus activity, potentially through a mechanism distinct from existing neuraminidase inhibitors. Beyond medicine, CQAs show promise in light industry. They serve as antibiotic alternatives in livestock feed to enhance gut health, extend food shelf life through their antioxidant activity, and function as active ingredients in UV-protective skincare formulations. CQAs also enhance plant stress tolerance to cold, arsenic, and pests by mechanisms such as scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting pest mobility. While this review consolidates progress in the biosynthesis and bioactivity of CQAs specifically with caffeoyl substituents, future efforts should leverage modern biotechnological tools and interdisciplinary approaches to bridge critical knowledge gaps in their biosynthesis, transport, and clinical translation. Full article

Gastrodia elata, known as Tianma in Chinese, is a valuable medicinal and nutritional resource. The favorable climate of Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province, China, facilitates its growth and nurtures rich biocultural diversity associated with Tianma in the region. Local people not only cultivate Tianma as a traditional crop but have also developed a series of traditional knowledge related to its cultivation, processing, medicinal use, and culinary applications. In this study, field surveys employing ethnobotanical methods were conducted in Yiliang County, Zhaotong City, from August 2020 to May 2024, focusing on Tianma. A total of 114 key informants participated in semi-structured interviews. The survey documented 23 species (and forms) from seven families related to Tianma cultivation. Among them, there were five Gastrodia resource taxa, including one original species, and four forms. These 23 species served as either target cultivated species, symbiotic fungi (promoting early-stage Gastrodia germination), or fungus-cultivating wood. The Fagaceae family, with 10 species, was the most dominant, as its dense, starch-rich wood decomposes slowly, providing Armillaria with a long-term, stable nutrient substrate. The cultural importance (CI) statistics revealed that Castanea mollissima, G. elata, G. elata f. flavida, G. elata f. glauca, G. elata f. viridis, and Xuehong Tianma (unknown form) exhibited relatively high CI values, indicating their crucial cultural significance and substantial value within the local community. In local communities, traditionally processed dried Tianma tubers are mainly used to treat cardiovascular diseases and also serve as a culinary ingredient, with its young shoots and tubers incorporated into dishes such as cold salads and stewed chicken. To protect the essential ecological conditions for Tianma, the local government has implemented forest conservation measures. The sustainable development of the Tianma industry has alleviated poverty, protected biodiversity, and promoted local economic growth. As a distinctive plateau specialty of Zhaotong, Tianma exemplifies how biocultural diversity contributes to ecosystem services and human well-being. This study underscores the importance of biocultural diversity in ecological conservation and the promotion of human welfare. Full article

Hylomecon japonica (Thunb.) Prantl et Kundig is a plant whose root and rhizome belong to the genus Hylomecon within the Papaveraceae family. It has a long medicinal history and has been traditionally used to treat various conditions, including wind–cold–dampness obstruction syndrome, rheumatic joint pain, traumatic injuries, excessive fatigue, weakness of the limbs, epigastric pain, and dysentery. Modern pharmacological research confirms that Hylomecon japonica exhibits effects such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this plant, a thorough literature review was conducted using databases like Scifinder, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and CNKI. This review provides an overview of the traditional applications, geographical distribution, botanical description, chemical composition, and pharmacological effects of Hylomecon japonica. Researchers have isolated and identified a total of one hundred and thirty-five components from Hylomecon japonica, including alkaloids, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, other compounds, and trace elements. Notably, alkaloids and saponins have shown significant anti-tumor and antibacterial effects. Additionally, extracts of Hylomecon japonica have demonstrated promising activity in anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and varicose vein treatment applications. Despite the existing foundational research, further studies are necessary to enhance our understanding of its mechanisms and pathways of action. This research will provide valuable references for active ingredient research and the development and utilization of Hylomecon japonica’s medicinal value. By continuing to explore this plant’s potential, we can pave the way for new therapeutic advancements and improve health outcomes for patients worldwide. Full article

Anemone baicalensis Turcz., a botanical species with a rich historical background in traditional medicine for detoxification and insecticidal applications, possesses a vast, yet largely unexplored, therapeutic potential. This study primarily focused on conducting a qualitative phytochemical analysis of the plant, determining the active ingredient content and antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of 12 different types of phytochemicals within the plant. Utilizing ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, we identified 11 active ingredients in 4 solvent extracts. Notably, the methanol extract was found to contain high concentrations of total carbohydrate, total monoterpenoid, total phenolic, total tannin, and total triterpenoid. In the antioxidant experiment, the methanol extract demonstrated superior scavenging abilities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) diammonium salt, superoxide anion radical, and hydrogen peroxide, outperforming other extracts in chelation experiments aimed at reducing iron and metal ions. Consequently, the methanol extract was selected for further investigation. Subsequent ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the methanol extract contained 39 compounds, primarily phenolic compounds and triterpenoid saponins. Three stability assessments confirmed the extract’s stability under high temperatures, varying pH levels, and simulated gastrointestinal processes. Additionally, oil stability testing demonstrated its antioxidant capacity in extra virgin olive oil and cold-pressed sunflower seed oil media. An oral acute toxicity experiment conducted on mice not only confirmed the absence of acute toxicity in the methanol extract but also provided a dose reference for subsequent gastric protection experiments. Notably, the methanol extract exhibited significant gastroprotective effects against ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats, as evidenced by histopathological and biochemical analyses. Specifically, the extract reduced levels of malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase while increasing glutathione, nitric oxide, and catalase, indicating its gastroprotective mechanism. These findings suggest that the methanol extract from the aerial part of Anemone baicalensis could be a promising therapeutic agent for conditions associated with oxidative imbalances. They underscore the plant’s potential therapeutic benefits and offer valuable insights into its antioxidant properties, thereby broadening our understanding of its medicinal potential. Full article

This study uses machine learning to identify critical factors influencing the cost-effectiveness of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. By developing a novel cost-effectiveness rating (CER) based on user ratings and prices, we analyzed data from Amazon. The findings indicate that Flexible Spending Account (FSA)/Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility, symptom treatment range, safety warnings, special effects, active ingredients, and packaging size significantly impact cost-effectiveness across cold, allergy, digestion, and pain relief medications. Medications eligible for FSA or HSA funds, treating a broader range of symptoms, and having smaller packaging are perceived as more cost-effective. Cold medicines with safety warnings were cost-effective due to their lower average price and effective ingredients like phenylephrine and acetaminophen. Allergy medications with kid-friendly features showed higher cost-effectiveness, and ingredients like calcium, famotidine, and magnesium boosted the cost-effectiveness of digestion medicines. These insights help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and assist manufacturers and retailers in enhancing product competitiveness. Overall, this research supports better decision-making in the pharmaceutical industry by highlighting factors that drive cost-effective medication purchases. Full article

Rhododendron plants have ornamental, commercial, and medicinal value to people. Flavonoids are one of the components used in traditional remedies, and Rhododendron plants are found to be rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids can reduce the risk of human disease and participate in the regulation of antioxidant defense systems in response to heat stress. Rhododendron prefers cold climates, so the relatively high temperatures of cities affect the extraction of medicinal ingredients and limit the cultivation environment. Recent studies found that the exogenous application of calcium acts to alleviate heat stress in Rhododendron plants. This study explores the mechanism by which exogenous calcium alleviates heat stress and the role of flavonoids in regulating the antioxidative system in Rhododendron × pulchrum Sweet using combined transcriptomic and metabolomic methods. The activities of peroxidase, catalase and superoxide enzymes were found to increase in response to heat stress and external CaCl₂ in the leaves of R. × pulchrum. In total, 433 metabolic components and 370 DEGs were identified as being differentially expressed in response to heat stress and external calcium chloride (CaCl₂) in the leaves of R. × pulchrum. These results illustrate that heat stress induces oxidative stress and that external CaCl₂ can enhance the heat tolerance of Rhododendron. Flavonoid compounds are responsible for the antioxidant scavenging of reactive oxygen species in R. × pulchrum leaves exposed to heat stress and external calcium. Full article

Trollius chinensis Bunge, a perennial herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine. Documented in the Supplements to the Compendium of Materia Medica, its medicinal properties encompass a spectrum of applications, including heat clearance, detoxification, alleviation of oral/throat sores, earaches, eye pain, cold-induced fever, and vision improvement. Furthermore, T. chinensis is used in clinical settings to treat upper respiratory infections, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, esoenteritis, canker, bronchitis, etc. It is mainly used to treat inflammation, such as inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and nasal mucosa. This comprehensive review explores the evolving scientific understanding of T. chinensis, covering facets of botany, materia medica, ethnopharmacological use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and quality control. In particular, the chemical constituents and pharmacological research are reviewed. Polyphenols, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids, are highly abundant among T. chinensis and are responsible for antiviral, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. The flower additionally harbors trace amounts of volatile oil, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds. The active ingredients of the flower have fewer side effects, and it is used in children because of its minimal side effects, which has great research potential. These findings validate the traditional uses of T. chinensis and lay the groundwork for further scientific exploration. The sources utilized in this study encompass Web of Science, Pubmed, CNKI site, classic monographs, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and doctoral and master’s theses. Full article

Mentha longifolia is a valuable medicinal and aromatic plant that belongs to Lamiaceae family. This study looked at the antibacterial effects of M. longifolia essential oil and pulegone in edible coatings made of chitosan and alginate on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli in cheese. For this purpose, first fresh mint plant was collected from the cold region of Jiroft in Kerman province. Plant samples were dried in the shade at ambient temperature, and essential oil was prepared using Clevenger. The essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography using mass spectrometric (GC/MS) detection. The major composition of M. longifolia oil was pulegone (26.07%), piperitone oxide (19.72%), and piperitone (11.88%). The results showed that adding M. longifolia essential oils and pulegone to edible coatings significantly reduced the growth of bacteria during storage. The bacterial population decreased by increasing the concentration of chitosan, M. longifolia, and pulegone in edible coatings. When the effects of pulegone and M. longifolia essential oils on bacteria were compared, it was found that pulegone had a stronger effect on bacterial population reduction. Coating treatments showed more antibacterial activity on E. coli than other bacteria. In general, the results of this research showed that alginate and chitosan coatings along with M. longifolia essential oil and its active ingredient pulegone had antibacterial effects against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and E. coli in cheese. Full article

Strictinin is a relatively tiny ellagitannin, which is found in many plants as a minor constituent. Catechins are known as the major constituents in the young leaves of most tea plants, while strictinin was found as a major constituent in the Pu’er tea plant. In some Pu’er tea varieties, strictinin was identified as the most abundant phenolic compound rather than catechins. In the past decade, strictinin was demonstrated to possess several functional activities, including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-obesity, laxative, anticaries, anti-allergic, antipsoriatic, antihyperuricemia, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. These functional activities were in accordance with the therapeutic effects empirically perceived for Pu’er tea. Evidently, strictinin is the key ingredient in Pu’er tea that acts as a herbal medicine. In functionally-based applications, an instant powder of Pu’er tea infusion was formulated as an active raw material to be supplemented in food, cosmetics, and beverages; a new type of tea named Bitter Citrus Tzen Tea was developed by combining three teas empirically consumed to expel the cold, and new edible oral care products were designed for caries prevention by supplementation with Pu’er tea extract. More functional activities and practical applications of strictinin are scientifically anticipated in follow-up research. Full article

Cinnamomi ramulus (CR) and Cinnamomi cortex (CC), both sourced from Cinnamomum cassia Presl, are commonly used Chinese medicines in the Chinese Pharmacopeia. However, while CR functions to dissipate cold and to resolve external problems of the body, CC functions to warm the internal organs. To clarify the material basis of these different functions and clinical effects, a simple and reliable UPLC-Orbitrap-Exploris-120-MS/MS method combined with multivariate statistical analyses was established in this study with the aim of exploring the difference in chemical compositions of aqueous extracts of CR and CC. As the results indicated, a total of 58 compounds was identified, including nine flavonoids, 23 phenylpropanoids and phenolic acids, two coumarins, four lignans, four terpenoids, 11 organic acids and five other components. Of these compounds, 26 significant differential compounds were identified statistically including six unique components in CR and four unique components in CC. Additionally, a robust HPLC method combined with hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) was developed to simultaneously determine the concentrations and differentiating capacities of five major active ingredients in CR and CC: coumarin, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid, 2-methoxycinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde. The HCA results showed that these five components could be used as markers for successfully distinguishing CR and CC. Finally, molecular docking analyses were conducted to obtain the affinities between each of the abovementioned 26 differential components, focusing on targets involved in diabetes peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The results indicated that the special and high-concentration components in CR showed high docking scores of affinities with targets such as HbA1c and proteins in the AMPK–PGC1–SIRT3 signaling pathway, suggesting that CR has greater potential than CC for treating DPN. Full article

The ayurvedic herb Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) is a gift to mankind to acquire a healthy lifestyle. It has great therapeutic and nutritional importance. Emblica officinalis, also known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Amla is beneficial for treating illnesses in all its forms. The most crucial component is a fruit, which is also the most common. It is used frequently in Indian medicine as a restorative, diuretic, liver tonic, refrigerant, stomachic, laxative, antipyretic, hair tonic, ulcer preventive, and for the common cold and fever. Hyperlipidemia is also known as high cholesterol or an increase in one or more lipid-containing blood proteins. Various phytocompounds, including polyphenols, vitamins, amino acids, fixed oils, and flavonoids, are present in the various parts of E. officinalis. E. officinalis has been linked to a variety of pharmacological effects in earlier studies, including hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, radioprotective, and hyperlipidemic effects. The amla-derived active ingredients and food products nevertheless encounter challenges such as instability and interactions with other food matrices. Considering the issue from this perspective, food component nanoencapsulation is a young and cutting-edge field for controlled and targeted delivery with a range of preventative activities. The nanoformulation of E. officinalis facilitates the release of active components or food ingredients, increased bioaccessibility, enhanced therapeutic activities, and digestion in the human body. Accordingly, the current review provides a summary of the phytoconstituents of E. officinalis, pharmacological actions detailing the plant E. officinalis’s traditional uses, and especially hyperlipidemic activity. Correspondingly, the article describes the uses of nanotechnology in amla therapeutics and functional ingredients. Full article

Alveolar macrophage is the predominant cell type in the lung and is thought to be the major target for anti-inflammatory therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aromatherapy using natural essential oils with anti-inflammatory effects for inhalable administration is a potential complementary and alternative therapy for COPD treatment. The Gardenia jasminoides flower is famous for its fragrance in East Asia and is used for treating colds and lung problems in folk medicine. Therefore, in the present study, flower essential oils from two main medicinal gardenia varieties (G. jasminoides J. Ellis and G. jasminoides f. longicarpa Z.W. Xie & M. Okada) were extracted by hydro-distillation, and their chemical components were analyzed by GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory effects of the two essential oils and their main ingredients were further studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced models in murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S). The results indicated that the chemical constituents of the two gardenia varieties were quite different. Alcohol accounted for 53.8% of the G. jasminoides essential oil, followed by terpenes (16.01%). Terpenes accounted for 34.32% of the G. jasminoides f. longicarpa essential oil, followed by alcohols (19.6%) and esters (13.85%). Both the two gardenia essential oils inhibited the LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) release and reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the MH-S cells. Linalool and α-farnesene dose-dependently reduced the NO release in the MH-S cells. Linalool and α-farnesene did not affect the PGE2 production but regulated the expression of TNF- α. In addition to linalool and α-farnesene, other components in the gardenia flower essential oils appeared to be able to act as anti-inflammatory agents and influence the PGE2 pathway. Full article

Effective treatments for patients experiencing temperature-related symptoms are limited. The hot and cold effects of traditional herbal medicines have been utilized to treat and manage these symptoms, but their molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Previous studies with arbitrarily selected herbs and ingredients may have produced biased results. Here, we aim to systematically elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the hot and cold properties of herbal medicines through an unbiased large-scale investigation of herbal ingredients, their target genes, and the transcriptome signatures induced by them. Using data regarding 243 herbs retrieved from two herbal medicine databases, we statistically identify (R)-Linalool, (-)-alpha-pinene, peruviol, (L)-alpha-terpineol, and cymol as five new hot-specific ingredients that share a common target, a norepinephrine transporter. However, no significant ingredients are cold-specific. We also statistically identify 14 hot- and 8 cold-specific new target genes. Pathway enrichment analysis of hot-specific target genes reveals the associated pathways including neurotransmitter reuptake, cold-induced thermogenesis, blood pressure regulation, adrenergic receptor signaling, and cation symporter activity. Cold-specific target genes are associated with the steroid pathway. Transcriptome analysis also shows that hot herbs are more strongly associated with coagulation and synaptic transmission than cold herbs. Our results, obtained from novel connections between herbal ingredients, target genes, and pathways, may contribute to the development of pharmacological treatment strategies for temperature-related pain using medicinal plants. Full article

Numerous native Australian plants are widely used as traditional medicines by the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Among the native plants, Pittosporum angustifolium Lodd. (Gumby Gumby) is claimed to be a promising medicinal plant in the treatment of a wide range of diseases that includes viral symptoms (colds and coughs), eczema, cancer, muscle aches, varicose veins, and many more. Various extraction techniques are used to extract the bioactive compounds of P. angustifolium, which are formulated into nutraceuticals. The present paper will provide an overview of the recent development in the extraction of bioactive ingredients from P. angustifolium, as well as the findings on the phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity of P. angustifolium extracts. Full article