Search Results (512)

Despite the significant advancements in treatment and prevention, the fight against cancer is ongoing worldwide. This study evaluated the pharmacological properties and anticancer activity of Afzelia quanzensis bark, traditionally used by the indigenous communities of KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa to treat cancer and related illnesses. Phytochemical screening, high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection (HPLC-DAD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were carried out using established protocols. The antioxidant activity was assessed via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity and nitric oxide radicals. The anticancer activity was evaluated using the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, and phlobatannins. The HPLC-DAD analysis detected seven distinctive peaks in the aqueous extract and three distinctive peaks in the methanolic extract. The FTIR spectra of the aqueous extract displayed characteristic peaks corresponding to O-H, C=O, C=C, and =C–H functional groups. Among the tested extracts, the methanol extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, followed by the ethanolic extract, in both DPPH and nitric oxide. The methanol extract showed a higher cell proliferation inhibition against the DU-145 cancer cell line with the percentage of inhibition of 37.8%, followed by the aqueous extract with 36.3%. In contrast, limited activity was observed against PC-3, SK-UT-1, and AGS cell lines. The results demonstrated notable dose-dependent antioxidant and antiproliferative activities supporting the ethnomedicinal use of Afzelia quanzensis bark in cancer management. These findings warrant further investigation into its bioactive constituents and mechanisms of action. Full article

Skin disorders are common and often chronic conditions with significant therapeutic challenges. Limitations of conventional treatments, such as adverse effects and antimicrobial resistance, have increased interest in plant-based alternatives. This article presents the phytochemical composition and pharmacological potential of several medicinal plants traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases, including Rubus vulgaris, Plantago major, Artemisia terrae-albae, and Eryngium planum. Based on an analysis of scientific literature, the presence of bioactive compounds—including flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, tannins, and sesquiterpenes—is summarized, along with their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Emphasis is placed on the correlation between traditional ethnomedicinal applications and pharmacological mechanisms. The findings support the potential of these species as sources for dermatological phytotherapeutics. Further research is needed to standardize active constituents, assess safety, and conduct clinical validation. Full article

Wild edible fruit plants are integral to the cultural, nutritional, medicinal, and economic practices of Indigenous Isan communities in Roi Et Province, northeastern Thailand, a region characterized by plateau and lowland topography and a tropical monsoon climate. This study aimed to document the diversity, traditional uses, phenology, and conservation status of these species to inform sustainable management and conservation efforts. Field surveys and ethnobotanical interviews with 200 informants (100 men, 100 women; random ages) were conducted across 20 local communities to identify species diversity and usage patterns, while phenological observations and conservation assessments were performed to understand reproductive cycles and species vulnerability between January and December 2023. A total of 68 species from 32 families were recorded, with peak flowering in March–April and fruiting in May–June. Analyses of Species Use Value (0.19–0.48) and Relative Frequency of Citation (0.15–0.44) identified key species with significant roles in food security and traditional medicine. Uvaria rufa had the highest SUV (0.48) and RFC (0.44). Informant consensus on medicinal applications was strong for ailments such as gastrointestinal and lymphatic disorders. Economically important species were also identified, with some contributing notable income through local trade. Conservation proposed one species as Critically Endangered and several others as Vulnerable. The results highlight the need for integrated conservation strategies, including community-based initiatives and recognition of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), to ensure the preservation of biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and local livelihoods. Full article

Dioscorea species, known as “Yams”, belong to the Dioscoreaceae family. Members of the Dioscoreaceae family are widely distributed across subtropical and tropical regions. They are notable for their high content of starch, dietary fiber, and various bioactive compounds. In addition to serving as a staple food source, these tubers possess significant medicinal value in traditional medicine, particularly for treating diabetes, diarrhea, and various inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively summarize the active components and food development potential of Dioscorea species from research over the past decade by searching commonly used databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. This review highlights the classification of bioactive compounds in Dioscorea spp. using the NPClassifier tool. We discuss 60 representative bioactive metabolites, including terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, alkaloids, and amino acids. Additionally, we discuss the functional food applications and regulations of Dioscorea spp., which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties. This review is expected to provide scientific ideas for future research related to prioritizing the optimization of extraction technologies, the execution of rigorous clinical trials to confirm therapeutic effects, and the exploration of novel applications of Dioscorea spp. bioactives to fully harness their potential in improving human health. Full article

Uncaria tomentosa (Ut) is a Rubiaceae widely used in Peru’s traditional medicine. It is mainly known by the vernacular name of Cat’s claw due to its morphological aspects and is found in tropical low mountain forests of Central and South America. A decoction of Ut bark, root and leaves is used traditionally for different health problems, including arthritis, weakness, viral infections, skin disorders, abscesses, allergies, asthma, cancer, fevers, gastric ulcers, haemorrhages, inflammations, menstrual irregularity, rheumatism, urinary tract inflammation and wounds, among others, which gave rise to scientific and commercial interest. The present paper reviews research progress relating to the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ut, and some promising research routes are also discussed. We highlight the centrality of its different biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antiviral, and antinociceptive, among others. Recently, studies of the health effects of this plant suggest that novel nutraceuticals can be obtained from it and applied as a preventive or prophylaxis strategy before the start of conventional drug therapy, especially for patients who are not prone to conventional pharmacological approaches to diseases. The present work emphasizes the current pharmacological properties of Uncaria tomentosa, evidencing its therapeutic benefits and encouraging further research on this medicinal plant. Full article

Sepsis acts as the leading cause of mortality in intensive care units, characterized by life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. Vitamin D (VD) pleiotropic functions were demonstrated in different biological processes, including inflammation and immunity. VD receptor (VDR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, involved in immunoregulation and resistance to infections. Previous studies have demonstrated that VD deficiency is a potential risk factor for sepsis development, which may be regulated by VDR-related physiological processes. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the roles of VD and VDR in sepsis, focusing on immune modulation, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective responses, oxidative stress regulation, gut microbiome enhancement, vascular endothelial cell modulation, and antiplatelet activity. We also discuss recent advances in clinical research on VD/VDR in sepsis, considering the clinical implications and potential interventions of VD analogs and VDR ligands in treatment. Despite its challenges, VD holds potential for personalized sepsis interventions. Additionally, VD/VDR may serve as a promising bidirectional immunomodulator, capable of addressing both hyperinflammatory and immunosuppressive phases of sepsis, yet require systematic investigations into its dynamic states and functions across different sepsis phases. Ongoing study and evidence-based guidelines are crucial to maximize its therapeutic benefits and improve clinical outcomes. Full article

Gerbera piloselloides (L.)Cass. is an important ethnomedicinal plant. Wild populations are steadily declining, however, posing a risk of failure to meet future market demand. Investigating suitable habitats for this plant and key influencing factors is crucial for its artificial cultivation. In this study, we implemented an optimized MaxEnt to project suitable habitats for the target species in five different periods and explored the impact of different environmental variables on its distribution. Our study findings provide confirmation of the following: (1) The current and future potential distributions of Gerbera piloselloides are primarily located in the areas south of the Qinling–Huaihe boundary in China, with future expansions expected to shift northward and westward. (2) Notably, there was a contraction in the junction regions of the provinces of Jiangxi, Anhui, Hunan, and Hubei. (3) The number of highly suitable habitats in Fujian, Guangdong, Yunnan, and Guangxi is expanding; in comparison, the number in Guizhou, Sichuan, and Hainan is declining. (4) The primary environmental determinants shaping its range, together with the threshold values for highly suitable habitats, are the minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6, 0.88–22.58 °C) and the temperature seasonality (bio4, 461.54–763.9). The findings presented in this work provide support for the artificial cultivation and conservation of this plant. Full article

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), a major etiological agent of hand-foot-mouth disease, can cause severe neurological complications. However, the mechanisms underlying EV-A71-induced cell damage and potential therapeutic strategies remain inadequately understood. Here, we investigated EV-A71 replication dynamics and associated cytopathic effects in nine distinct cell lines, including epithelial, neuronal, immune, and other cell types. Cell viability, membrane integrity, and energy metabolism were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assays. The antiviral activity of rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural polyphenol, was evaluated by plaque reduction, qPCR, and Western blot. EV-A71 exhibited cell-type-specific replication and cytotoxicity patterns. RA significantly preserved cell viability, reduced LDH release, maintained ATP levels, and suppressed IL-6 expression. Mechanistically, RA inhibited viral replication by downregulating VP1 expression and viral RNA levels. Molecular docking indicated strong binding of RA to the hydrophobic pocket of VP1, potentially disrupting virus-host interactions. Collectively, these findings highlight RA’s combined antiviral and cytoprotective potential, supporting its candidacy as a therapeutic agent against EV-A71 infection. Full article

Strophanthus sarmentosus is recognised for various ethnomedicinal applications, including treatment after snakebites. However, only limited scientific evidence exists on its antivenomous capabilities. This study investigates the efficacy of methanol and ethylacetate extracts from S. sarmentosus leaves and roots against Echis ocellatus venom. A non-toxic range for the extracts was determined in rats, and assays were performed to test their anti-hemorrhagic and anti-hemolytic activity as well as their influence on venom-induced blood clotting. In all of these experiments, the extracts demonstrated significant positive effects equal to or better than antivenom. Moreover, the extracts strongly inhibited and even abolished the digestion of the vasoactive neuropeptide bradykinin by snake venom metalloproteinases. Strophantus plants are known for their high content of cardiac glycosides, one of which is the commercially available ouabain, that by itself also considerably inhibited venom-induced bradykinin cleavage. Although ouabain is only present in low amounts in S. sarmentosus when compared to other cardenolides of similar structure, it can be hypothesized that members of this substance class may also have inhibitory properties against venom proteases. S. sarmentosus additionally contains bioactive substances such as flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, which contribute to its protective effects. The study provides scientific data to explain the success of the traditional use of S. sarmentosus plant extracts as a first aid against envenomation in rural Africa. Full article

Combretum micranthum G. Don (kinkeliba) is a medicinal plant traditionally employed in West Africa for its diuretic and gastrointestinal therapeutic properties. Despite its extensive ethnomedicinal use, comprehensive toxicological assessments are still lacking. This study aimed to characterize the phenolic composition of C. micranthum ethanolic leaf extract using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS and evaluate its acute and subacute oral toxicity in BALB/c mice, per OECD Guideline 420. Female mice received oral doses of 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg of extract for acute toxicity assessment for 14 days. In the subacute study, both sexes were administered daily doses at the same concentrations over 28 days. Clinical signs, body weight, and food and water consumption were regularly monitored throughout both protocols. At the end of each study, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were analyzed. Phenolic profiling revealed nine major compounds with a total of 293.54 mg/g extract. No mortality or significant clinical manifestations were observed at any dose. However, significant variations in platelet counts and amylase activity were noted in the acute phase. In the subacute model, slight, non-critical alterations in hepatic and renal biomarkers were observed, without signs of systemic toxicity. Histopathological examination revealed similar lesions in both acute and subacute phases, including multifocal inflammatory infiltrates (lymphocytes and neutrophils) in the periportal area of the liver, minimal bacterial overgrowth in the superficial layer of the gastric mucosa, minimal medullary mineralization and inflammatory infiltrates with lymphocytes in the kidneys, and minimal to moderate vacuolization in the pancreatic acini. These results indicate that C. micranthum ethanolic extract is relatively safe at the tested doses, reinforcing its traditional use and supporting further research into its pharmacological potential. Full article

Ptaeroxylon obliquum (Thunb.) Radlk. (Rutaceae) is traditionally used for a range of purposes, including ethnoveterinary medicine and to treat various human ailments such as tuberculosis, inflammatory diseases, and bacterial and fungal infections. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the traditional uses, phytochemistry, toxicology, in silico, and pharmacological activities of P. obliquum and discuss the advances made to date. The phytochemistry of P. obliquum revealed the abundance of secondary metabolites such as coumarins and chromones, essential oils, and several other classes of bioactive compounds. A total of 80 secondary metabolites have been reported from this plant species. In vitro studies on P. obliquum explored its therapeutic potential and reported pharmacological properties such as antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antimycobacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities. This review highlights the diversity of the medicinal use of P. obliquum and encourages its preservation. Future research should focus on the efficacy of P. obliquum’s most promising bioactive compounds, and the ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) pharmacological activities may help determine therapeutic potential in in vivo animal models and validate the wide range of traditional uses of P. obliquum. Full article

Achillea nobilis and its subspecies (A. nobilis subsp. neilreichii and A. nobilis subsp. sipylea) have been traditionally used in various ethnomedical systems across Eurasia. However, comprehensive studies on their phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties are still insufficient. This review aims to provide a critical synthesis of current knowledge regarding the botanical characteristics, geographic distribution, traditional applications, chemical constituents, and pharmacological effects of A. nobilis A structured search was conducted using eight scientific platforms, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science.gov, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, and BASE. Keywords related to phytochemistry, pharmacology, and ethnomedicine were applied, and a total of 28,000 records were initially retrieved. After a multi-stage screening process based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 167 peer-reviewed publications from 1952 to 2023 were selected for detailed evaluation. Findings reveal a diverse range of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and sesquiterpene lactones, which demonstrate antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antispasmodic, and anticonvulsant activities. Most studies have focused on aerial parts and water-based extracts, while the root chemistry and organ-specific metabolite profiles remain largely unexplored. This review highlights the therapeutic potential of A. nobilis and underscores the need for future studies using multi-omics and advanced analytical techniques to support its development in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Background: In many African areas, herbal products still represent a significant source of healthcare. However, a major gender bias is evident in the literature, as most of the work is carried out by male researchers, collecting data from male traditional practitioners, and thus often neglecting women’s specific health issues. This warrants a detailed review of the current knowledge about the major medicinal plants historically and still used for women’s health. Objective: This study aims to compile and critically analyze published data on the use of traditional herbal remedies by African women in addressing specific health conditions, in order to evaluate the potential of traditional medicine as a viable alternative or complementary approach to modern healthcare for women globally. Methods: Data were retrieved from databases by combining the following relevant keywords: “abortion, adverse, Africa, attendant, birth, botanical, delivery, developing, drug, ethnomedicine, ethnopharmacology, folk, gynecological, healing, infertility, herb, indigenous, lactation, medicine, native, obstetric, phytomedicine, plant, pregnancy, remedy, side, sub-Saharan, traditional, treatment, women”. Results: More than 125 studies, carried out across 12 African nations, revealed that up to 80% of African women resort to herbal medicines. An estimated 200 medicinally important plant species are reported to be utilized by women in different African countries, including Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. These herbs have many applications, mostly focused on infertility, pregnancy, painful menstruation, breast feeding, breast cancer, and contraception. Interestingly, according to their occurrence of usage, the plants most commonly reported for these conditions that are important to women are ambivalent plants (i.e., used both as foods and medicines) that include Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Allium sativum L., Cucurbita pepo L., and Ricinus communis L. Conclusions: Even though most women, in most African countries, do use traditional medicine, the amount of work published remains quite limited and no data are available in many countries. Therefore, it is desirable to expand African studies in this direction. Full article

Artemisia schmidtiana Maxim., a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, is renowned for its extensive ethnomedicinal applications and distinctive aromatic qualities. This study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-glucosidase, and β-lactamase of its essential oil (EO). The major constituents of the EO were identified as germacrene D (16.29%), falcarinol (11.02%), β-caryophyllene (9.43%), α-zingiberene (7.93%), phytol (6.06%), and α-humulene (4.04%). The EO demonstrated radical scavenging activity against DPPH (44.9% at 5 mg/mL) and ABTS (IC₅₀ = 0.72 ± 0.02 mg/mL) radicals, with a FRAP antioxidant capacity of 126.61 ± 0.59 μmol·g⁻¹. Additionally, the EO exhibited modest AChE inhibition (16.7% at 250 μg/mL) and significant inhibition of α-glucosidase and β-lactamase, with IC₅₀ values of 178.80 ± 17.02 μg/mL and 40.06 ± 8.22 μg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking revealed favorable interactions between the major EO compounds and the tested enzymes, providing a theoretical foundation for future drug development. These findings suggest that A. schmidtiana EO holds potential for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries, warranting further investigation. Full article

The genus Dracocephalum (family Lamiaceae) comprises approximately 70 species, many of which have been traditionally used in various ethnomedical systems. The plants exhibit a broad distribution across steppe, semi-deserts, deserts, and alpine zones of temperate Eurasia, with isolated endemic species occurring in North America and North Africa. The traditional medicinal uses of the Dracocephalum species encompass the treatment of respiratory diseases, colds and fever, gastrointestinal disorders, liver and gallbladder ailments, musculoskeletal conditions, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, gynecological and urological disorders, as well as ailments of the ears, throat, mouth, and eyes, as well as various dermatological conditions. The plants are rich sources of polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to their diverse pharmacological activities. The flavonoid profile of the Dracocephalum species is dominated by luteolin and apigenin derivatives, supplemented by mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, and pentamethoxylated flavones. The predominant phenolic acids are chlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, and their derivatives. Other phenolic compounds have also been identified in the genus: anthocyanins, lignans, phenylethanoids, phenylacetamide glycosides, flavonoid alkaloids, gingerols, coumarins, furanocoumarins, and cyanogenic glucosides. Despite growing scientific interest in this genus, a comprehensive review of its polyphenolic constituents, their structures, and associated biological activities remains lacking. To bridge this gap, this review presents an analysis of the polyphenolic profile of the Dracocephalum species, their ethnomedicinal uses, and the latest findings on their biological potential. Full article