Search Results (112)

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. is a perennial herbaceous plant widely renowned for its floral ornamental appeal, distinctive pleasant scent, and utilization in folk remedies. Roots and barks are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective effects. Considering the growing interest and demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields for sustainable and bioactive botanical derivatives, this study aimed to apply NADES (natural deep eutectic solvents) extraction on fresh flowers of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. The purpose was to obtain a natural, multifunctional, and ready-to-use cosmetic ingredient with concurrent antioxidant activity, antimicrobial functionalities, and olfactive properties. The eutectic systems selected in this study were composed of betaine as the hydrogen bond acceptor and glycerol and/or sorbitol as the hydrogen bond donors. These eutectic systems under microwave activation led to a rapid extraction, from peony fresh flowers, of considerable phenolic amounts (from 33.0 to 34.4 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of fresh flowers), which confer to the whole NADES-based extract an excellent radical scavenging activity (around 87.5%, compared to Trolox) and a pleasant fragrance, due to the extraction of some characteristic volatile compounds, as confirmed by GC-MS analysis. Antimicrobial assays against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains demonstrated good inhibitory activity of the sample against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus species (MIC ranging from 0.9 to 14.5 mg/mL) and against Enterococcus species (from 28.8 to 57.8 mg/mL). Furthermore, results on different Staphylococcus aureus strains disclosed additional interesting anti-biofilm properties. Preliminary long-term studies (up to 9 months) on these combined properties highlighted the stabilizing effect of NADESs on the active metabolites, confirming their potential as natural and functional ingredients that could be directly incorporated into pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, offering enhanced efficacy and improved stability. Full article

The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant has been valued throughout history for its culinary uses and medicinal applications. Medlar fruit contains a high amount of vitamin C, carbohydrates, and pectin, making it a valuable remedy for treating scurvy. In folk medicine, medlar is used to treat constipation and other digestive issues. This study investigates the quantitative composition and seasonal variation in phenolic compounds in flowers, leaves, and fruits of Mespilus germanica L. using high performance liquid chromatography, as well as total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The predominant class of phenolics in flowers were flavonols, with 52.5% of the total phenolic content. On the other hand, dominant phenolics in fruits were flavan-3-ols, with procyanidin B2 and epicatechin being most abundant, whereas in leaves, hydroxycinnamic acids were the most prevalent phenolic compounds. Seasonal variations were noted for analyzed compounds in various plant parts. This study highlights significant changes in the phenolic profile of M. germanica during various harvesting periods and suggests that both fruits and leaves are rich sources of bioactive compounds. However, its nutraceutical potential might depend on harvesting time. Full article

Tupistra chinensis Baker, traditionally used in southern China as a folk remedy for sore throat and pharyngitis, has long been consumed as a medicinal tea. Steroidal saponins are considered the major bioactive constituents of its rhizome, yet systematic studies on their extraction and biological effects remain scarce. In this study, total steroidal saponins from T. chinensis (TCS) were prepared through optimized extraction and enrichment processes. Response surface methodology identified optimal conditions, and subsequent purification with D-101 resin increased the saponin content to 67.3%. The anti-inflammatory activity of TCS was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, TCS significantly inhibited nitric oxide production and downregulated the expression of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, partly through suppression of NF-κB activation. In a rat model of acute pharyngitis, TCS alleviated pathological symptoms, preserved mucosal integrity, and reduced NF-κB expression. These findings demonstrate that TCS possesses strong anti-inflammatory activity and may serve as a promising candidate for the development of functional foods or natural therapeutics aimed at pharyngitis management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hypertension affects over 1.3 billion people globally, and inadequate therapy is reported in 80% of cases. Patients increasingly turn to complementary therapies, including hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), a traditional remedy for cardiovascular diseases. Hawthorn has long been used in folk medicine to lower blood pressure; however, its efficacy has not been fully established. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive effects and safety of hawthorn in randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, including six studies with a total of 428 participants. The trials focused on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) changes over treatment periods of 10 weeks to 6 months. Literature searches were conducted in the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. Studies that met the predefined PICO criteria were included. Data analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Results: Hawthorn statistically significantly decreased SBP (MD: −6.65 mmHg; 95% CI [−11.72; 1.59]) and non-significantly reduced DBP (MD: −7.19 mmHg; 95% CI [−15.17; 0.79]) after 2–6 months of treatment. Variations in dosage (250–1200 mg/day) and study protocols contributed to this heterogeneity. Conclusions: The effect of hawthorn on blood pressure is clinically significant. However, larger, well-designed trials are needed to establish optimal dosing, duration, and efficacy with greater reliability. Full article

The plant Synsepalum dulcificum is notable for its considerable edible and medicinal value, with a longstanding history as a folk remedy for diabetes. Its chemical constituents are rich and structurally diverse. However, there is limited information regarding the metabolic basis of these characteristics, and the biological activities and mechanisms underlying its blood glucose-lowering effects remain incompletely understood. In this study, we conducted a widely targeted metabolomics analysis of the stems, leaves, and fruits of S. dulcificum using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS to compare the differences in metabolite profiles among these three tissue types. Our analysis identified a total of 2544 secondary metabolites, primarily consisting of flavonoids and triterpenes, categorized into thirteen distinct compound classes. We selected differential metabolites through multivariate statistical analysis, revealing significant differences among the metabolite profiles of the three tissue types, with flavonoids being the most abundant compounds. Furthermore, we investigated the anti-diabetic mechanisms and potential pharmacological components of S. dulcificum utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. Finally, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the potential active components was evaluated using in vitro experiments. These findings establish a foundation for the future application of S. dulcificum in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. Full article

Affecting around 30–40% of the population worldwide, allergic disorders including asthma, rhinitis, eczema, and food allergies, are relatively common. Environmental factors, such as air pollution and climate change, which aggravate allergic reactions, contribute to the growth of these diseases. Although conventional treatments such as antihistamines and immunotherapy remain the standard for symptom management, growing interest in natural remedies highlights the potential value of medicinal plants as complementary therapies. Commonly present in plants, vitamins and antioxidants have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions that can control immune responses, lower oxidative stress, and thus reduce inflammation, which is the main element in allergic reactions. By focusing on the fundamental causes of inflammation and immunological dysregulation, phytochemicals have shown encouraging effects in reducing allergic symptoms. This review investigates the role of plant flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins in lowering allergic symptoms and inflammation, and suggests their potential in allergy management. It also aims to provide a short review of various plant species that are used in folk medicine for allergy treatment. The inclusion of plant-based compounds in allergy therapy could provide more complete and environmentally friendly remedies to enhance patients’ quality of life. 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

Background/Objectives: Water and alcohol extracts of Epilobium have gained attention due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds and their associated health benefits. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. (Onagraceae) preparations on vascular health in light of its medical applications in different human diseases over the last five years. Materials and Methods: A literature search was undertaken of databases such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar for original articles published between March 2000 and March 2025. The keywords used were “aortic rings”, “ellagitannins”, “Epilobium”, “hydrolyzable tannins”, “hypotension”, “oenothein B”, “Onagraceae”, “systolic blood pressure”, “vasorelaxation”, and “willow herb”. Results: The E. parviflorum Schreb. herb has been used as a remedy in folk medicine and has a variety of therapeutic properties. These include its preventive effects and ability to relieve symptoms in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia, prostatitis, and a variety of cancers. Other properties include effects on kidney and urinary tract diseases, lipid regulation, and skin infections. The herb also has antibacterial properties. E. parviflorum contains bioactive compounds such as oenothein B, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, and myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside. At low doses, these compounds contribute to a reduction in oxidative stress due to their antioxidant and immunostimulatory effects, positively reducing inflammation, which can cause certain conditions. At higher concentrations, Epilobium generates reactive oxygen species that stimulate the body’s defense mechanisms against a variety of cancers. The presence of oenothein B in E. parviflorum may influence the production and storage of nitric oxide, which, in turn, promotes vasodilation and regulates blood pressure. Conclusions: Although the potential application of E. parviflorum in metabolic disorders has not been extensively studied before, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are well documented and suggest potential pathways for future research and the therapeutic development of preparations to benefit vascular health. Full article

Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.) is a species of medicinal perennial in the celery family (Apiaceae), also considered an edible plant with medicinal effects and high nutritional value. In traditional folk medicine, it was known as a remedy for gout (arthritis) and also used to relieve rheumatism or sciatica. The botanical characteristics, occurrence, nutritional composition, and traditional and present-day applications of this plant are discussed. Furthermore, the important specific plant metabolites including organic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, coumarins, polyacetylenes and terpene components of essential oil are presented and their biological activity is described. The valuable medicinal properties of Aegopodium podagria L. include anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, diuretic, sedative and protective effects on the kidneys and liver. The aim of this paper was to describe, on the basis of the available literature, the chemical composition, bioactivity and health-promoting properties of this wild edible plant. The information obtained is described and summarized in tables. Full article

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. holds a longstanding reputation as a traditional folk remedy in East Asia, where it has been employed to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions, nephritis, hepatitis and cancer. Despite its extensive use, there exists a paucity of research examining its efficacy in managing thyroid disorders and diabetes. Moreover, the bioactive components responsible for modulating the molecular pathways remain elusive. Objectives: This research aimed to determine the key bioactive components in the ethanolic extract of H. cordata Thunb. (HCEE) responsible for its thyroid-modifying properties and examine its effects on rats with experimentally induced hypothyroidism and diabetes. Methods: Molecular docking was performed to investigate the possible mechanisms of thyroid regulation of HCEE constituents. Researchers induced hypothyroidism in rats by adding 6-propyl-2-thiouracil to their drinking water for a period of four weeks. To induce diabetes, the rats received an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The animals were then given daily oral doses of HCEE (500 mg/kg b.w.), levothyroxine (50 mg/kg b.w.), or glibenclamide (5 mg/kg b.w.) for 28 days. Following this treatment, standard methods were employed to measure biochemical parameters in the rats’ serum. Results: The results demonstrate that HCEE ameliorated hypothyroidism by increasing serum T3 (14.38%) and T4 (125.96%) levels and decreasing TSH (p < 0.01; −41.75%) levels. In diabetic rats with induced hypothyroidism, HCEE significantly (p < 0.001) increased T3 (149.51%) and T4 (73.54%) levels with reduced TSH (−64.39%) levels. In silico analysis demonstrated that the identified bioactive compounds from HCEE may enhance thyroid hormone function through interaction with the thyroid hormone receptor protein TRβ1 (PDB:3GWS), similar to the conventional pharmaceuticals levothyroxine and triiodothyronine (T3). Conclusions: HCEE exhibits potential as a natural alternative to synthetic medications in the prevention and treatment of thyroid dysfunctions. Full article

Various species from the genus Equisetum are recorded as food and folk medicine against both kidney complications and diabetes. Equisetum telmateia Ehrh. is documented as a folk remedy in Türkiye against several kidney disorders. This study was designed to evaluate the possible protective mechanisms of E. telmateia EtOH extract (ETE) against kidney disorders and diabetes through different routes, such as the prevention of ROS formation, inhibitory potential against various DM-related enzymes, and a reduction in the amount of the mediators leading to disorders in both systems at the cellular level. The objective was to achieve advanced precision for in vitro results while considering the effect of GIS on oral consumption. Both phytochemical and bioactivity studies were conducted before and after simulated digestion. The results showed that ETE is a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic acids. In addition, it has significant antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potential. Treatment also yielded promising results at the cellular level for both antioxidative and inhibitor proteins, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of kidney disorders and diabetes. Following the in vitro digestion procedure, both the number of phytochemical ingredients and bioactivity parameters showed a considerable decreasing trend; however, the results are still significant enough to justify the traditional utilization of the genus Equisetum. This investigation demonstrated that ETE has noteworthy potential as a functional food for protection against diabetic kidney disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing threat that undermines the effectiveness of global healthcare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have identified numerous microbial organisms, particularly members of the ESKAPEE pathogens, as critical threats to global health and economic security. Many clinical isolates of these pathogens have become completely resistant to current antibiotics, making treatment nearly impossible. Herbal remedies, such as those found in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have been practiced for thousands of years and successfully used to treat a wide range of ailments, including infectious diseases. Surprisingly, despite this extensive knowledge of folk medicine, no plant-derived antibacterial drugs are currently approved for clinical use. As such, the objective of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of extracts derived from TCM plants. Methods: This study explores a comprehensive library comprising 664 extracts from 132 distinct TCM plant species for antimicrobial properties against gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and gram-positive (Micrococcus luteus) bacteria using liquid and solid in vitro assays. Results: Intriguingly, our results reveal 17 plant species with potent antimicrobial properties effective primarily against gram-positive organisms, including Streptococcus aureus and epidermidis. A literature search revealed that nearly 100 purified compounds from the identified TCM plants were previously isolated and confirmed for their antimicrobial properties, collectively inhibiting 45 different bacterial species. Conclusions: Our results indicate that phytobiotics from the identified plants could serve as potential candidates for novel antimicrobials. Full article

Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) belongs to the family Fabaceae and has a long story in traditional medicines and folk remedies to treat inflammation, arthritis, gastrointestinal problems and dyspepsia, Consequently, there is ongoing research into novel plants and herbal compounds possessing anti-inflammatory properties, aiming to uncover more potent alternatives while mitigating the potential toxicities associated with conventional anti-inflammatory medications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra root, in order to find new and more effective agents for the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the protein denaturation method using the standard drug Diclofenac. The phytochemical constituents identified were flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, steroids, and terpenoids, with flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenols being the most abundant. The results showed that the Hydroalcoholic extract of G. glabra root has a very good inhibitory effect, with percentages of 81%, at a concentration of 10 g/L compared to Diclofenac (61.3%). Hydroalcoholic extract of roots exhibit attractive anti-inflammatory properties, which can be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites of different classes of compounds and can, therefore, be considered a promising candidate for future application as alternative therapeutic agents, particularly in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. Full article

Ethnobotanical research in the Catalan linguistic area (CLA) is crucial due to the persistence of traditional medicinal plant knowledge. Gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders are major global health issues requiring effective treatments. This study aimed to analyze plants used for these disorders in the CLA, compare the findings with phytotherapy literature, and examine correlations between plant use in humans and animals. Data were sourced from the database of the research group of Catalan ethnobotany at the University of Barcelona and the Botanic Institute of Barcelona, representing a collection of ethnobotanical studies. A total of 630 plant taxa were examined, with 15,252 use reports (UR) provided by 2301 informants. Gastrointestinal disorders were the focus, comprising 94.24% of the UR. The high informant consensus factor (0.96) indicated strong reliability of the results. The most often reported species were Matricaria recutita (5.97%), Thymus vulgaris (5.12%), and Lippia triphylla (4.90%). Lamiaceae (19.86%), Asteraceae (18.78%), and Rosaceae (5.55%) were the top botanical families. The main uses were digestive (17.62%), intestinal anti-inflammatory (15.68%), and antidiarrheal (8.91%). The main part of the plant used was the aerial part (33.22%). Tisane (69.25%) was the most cited pharmaceutical form. Traditional uses were confirmed by pharmacological literature in 57.59% of cases. This work highlights the potential of medicinal plants for treating gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders in the CLA. Further research is possible in other territories, as well as in the phytochemical and medicinal aspects of the plants recorded. Full article

Folk medicine is widely used in Angola, even for human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) in spite of the fact that the reference treatment is available for free. Aiming to validate herbal remedies in use, we selected nine medicinal plants and assessed their antitrypanosomal activity. A total of 122 extracts were prepared using different plant parts and solvents. A total of 15 extracts from seven different plants exhibited in vitro activity (>70% at 20 µg/mL) against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense bloodstream forms. The dichloromethane extract of Nymphaea lotus (leaves and leaflets) and the ethanolic extract of Brasenia schreberi (leaves) had IC₅₀ values ≤ 10 µg/mL. These two aquatic plants are of particular interest. They are being co-applied in the form of a decoction of leaves because they are considered by local healers as male and female of the same species, the ethnotaxon “longa dia simbi”. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the identification of eight active molecules: gallic acid (IC₅₀ 0.5 µg/mL), methyl gallate (IC₅₀ 1.1 µg/mL), 2,3,4,6-tetragalloyl-glucopyranoside, ethyl gallate (IC₅₀ 0.5 µg/mL), 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl-β-glucopyranoside (IC₅₀ 20 µg/mL), gossypetin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside (IC₅₀ 5.5 µg/mL), and hypolaetin-7-O-glucoside (IC₅₀ 5.7 µg/mL) in B. schreberi, and 5-[(8Z,11Z,14Z)-heptadeca-8,11,14-trienyl] resorcinol (IC₅₀ 5.3 µg/mL) not described to date in N. lotus. Five of these active constituents were detected in the traditional preparation. This work provides the first evidence for the ethnomedicinal use of these plants in the management of sleeping sickness in Angola. Full article