Search Results (340)

Allelopathy means that one plant produces chemical substances to affect the growth of other plants. Crop rotation is considered as a potential strategy to alleviate the allelopathic inhibition. So, it is important to identify rotation crops with wide availability and low inhibitory effects. In this study, the allelopathic potential of soil extracts was investigated on the germination, seedling growth, biomass, and biochemical parameters (malondialdehyde, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant enzyme activities) of five crops, by a series of laboratory experiments. Firstly, both soil water extracts (SWE) and soil ethanol extracts (SEE) exhibited allelopathic inhibition on the seed germination and the root length of all seedlings in a dose-dependent relationship. The SWE significantly promoted the shoot length of bok choy and Chinese lettuce, while the SEE had no significant effect in bok choy. The application of SEE resulted in a significant increase in the dry weight of bok choy and rocket. In contrast, SWE had a negligible effect on bok choy and lettuce. Both of them caused decrease in the dry weight of the other seedlings. Then, the allelopathic synthetic effect index of water/ethanol extracts was chemo-inhibitory, and the inhibitory effect increased with increasing extract concentration. The SWE had the strongest inhibition on rocket and the SEE on lettuce. Both of them had the weakest effect on bok choy. The extracts significantly inhibited the photosynthetic capacity in five crops, manifested as decrease in photosynthetic pigments and dose-dependent effects. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content in all crops increased in a dose-dependent manner, confirming that the extracts caused lipid peroxidation. However, the defense strategies of different crops vary significantly. There is crop with active defense, such as bok choy treated with SWE. It delayed oxidative damage by continuously upregulating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). This is the key physiological mechanism for tolerance. There is also the oxidative stress failure type, as follows: CAT activity of rocket and cabbage increased, but the SOD activity did not increase by SEE. This reveals the physiological essence of their sensitivity—the lack of persistent scavenging ability for reactive oxygen species. Based on the inhibition of peroxidase (POD) and ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX), it is speculated that the extracts may inhibit the hydrogen peroxide scavenging pathway, which centered on the ascorbate–glutathione cycle. It is the fundamental reason why the continuous accumulation of MDA though SOD/CAT is up. This study confirmed the allelopathic effects of the water and ethanol extracts on five vegetable crops, and found that bok choy was less affected by them. The soil extracts affected the growth and development of seedlings by regulating their oxidative metabolism and photosynthetic capacity. These results support recommending pak choi as a rotation crop. This provides crops for subsequent field experiments and a new direction for next-step research on continuous cropping obstacles. Full article

Panax vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, or PVF, a member of Araliaceae, is a new and high-value variety of Vietnamese Ginseng (P. vietnamensis var. vietnamensis—VG). PVF shares some similarities in terms of its saponin profile with VG, including protopanaxadiol, protopanaxatriol, and ocotillol saponin. Previous research has revealed that the steaming process significantly increases the bioactivities of VG, especially the renal protective effect. In this study, PVF roots were steamed at a high temperature (120 °C) for 12 h to obtain Black PVF (BPVF). The BPVF extract was tested in both in vitro and in vivo models of cisplatin toxicity to assess its antioxidant and nephroprotective activities. The results showed that the BPVF obtained from the steaming process exhibited the highest antioxidant activity at 12 h. The chemical composition of BPVF is characterized by less-polar saponins such as G-Rg3, -Rg5, and ocotillol genin. The BPVF extract (200 mg/kg) reversed kidney injuries by significantly lowering serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, which had increased due to cisplatin toxicity. The antioxidant effect of BPVF extract also prevented lipid peroxidation by lowering malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and restoring redox balance by increasing glutathione (GSH) content in kidney cells to nearly normal levels, with effects comparable to quercetin. This study provides evidence of BPVF’s therapeutic potential with respect to kidney injuries due to cisplatin toxicity. Full article

Background: Red ginseng (RG) exhibits enhanced bioactivity compared to white ginseng. Although the beneficial effects of RG have been well investigated in disease models, its impacts on the metabolome, gut microbiota, and immune response under normal physiological conditions remain poorly understood. Methods: Rats were randomized into three groups: control (normal diet), RL (low-dose RGE at 100 mg/kg body weight), and RH (high-dose RGE at 200 mg/kg body weight). After five weeks, metabolite profiles of the blood, liver, kidney, and large intestinal contents were analyzed and the gut microbiota was assessed. Splenocytes were isolated and treated with or without ethanol-precipitated carbohydrate fractions isolated from RGE or from intestinal contents, and IL-12 secretion was measured. Additionally, the correlations among biochemical characteristics, metabolites, gut microbiota, and immune markers were analyzed. Results: RGE intake decreased plasma triglycerides, liver function biomarkers, and epididymal adipose tissue weight. It also altered metabolite profiles for plasma, liver, kidney, and intestinal contents and increased the hepatic NAD⁺/NADH ratio. RGE intake reduced the populations of harmful bacteria, whereas it increased Lachnospiraceae. RGE intake enhanced IL-12 production in splenocytes. Furthermore, splenocytes treated with carbohydrates isolated from the small and large intestinal contents of RGE-fed rats secreted higher IL-12 levels than those of the control group. Conclusions: RGE modulated the gut microbiota, metabolism, and immune responses in healthy rats under normal physiological conditions, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms. Full article

Saponins, the primary bioactive constituents with immunomodulatory activities in Baoyuan decoction—a traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of ginseng, astragalus, licorice, and cinnamon—are limited by low extraction yield, poor stability, and easy degradation. In this study, cellulase and pectinase were used for the extraction of saponins from Baoyuan decoction and optimized by response surface methodology. Subsequently, the optimal extracts were microencapsulated by spray drying with soy protein isolate (SPI) or high-oleic acid soy protein isolate (HOSPI) and pectin (PE) as composite wall materials, followed by application evaluation in gummies and in vitro digestion. After optimization, the total saponin yield was 63.68 ± 0.15 mg/g. HOSPI-PE microcapsules (HBP) had a higher encapsulation efficiency (90.38%), smaller particle size, and lower hygroscopicity than SPI-PE ones (SBP). Furthermore, both microcapsules showed good stability during storage and controlled release, with 60.9% of saponins in SBP and 65.8% in HBP being delivered to the intestinal phase during in vitro digestion of microparticles. When applied in gummies, microcapsule gummies retained satisfactory sustained-release in vitro digestion (23.0% released in the stomach and 66.2% in the small intestine). In contrast, the unencapsulated gummies exhibited a burst release (74.4%) at 30 min in gastric digestion. This study provides theoretical and technical insights into the development of plant-derived functional foods and promotes the practical application of microencapsulation in functional gummy candies. Full article

Alcohol-induced liver damage (AILD), characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation, is a major health concern. While black ginseng extract (BGE) exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, its protective effects against AILD and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study evaluated the protective effects of BGE against AILD using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico models. In mice, daily oral administration of 25% ethanol (5 g/kg) for 2 weeks induced liver injury. BGE (100–500 mg/kg) significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (AST) and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT)levels while increasing catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. In ethanol-treated HepG2 cells, BGE inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and suppressed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression while increasing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)expression. Ginsenoside Rh1, quantified at 4.7 mg/g via quadrupole linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry coupled with UPLC (UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS), was identified as a key bioactive compound. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed key inflammatory signaling pathways and core hub genes associated with ginsenoside Rh1. Integrated analyses suggest that ginsenoside Rh1 contributes to the multi-target effects of BGE by modulating inflammatory signaling pathways. Collectively, BGE is a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of AILD, with ginsenoside Rh1 serving as a key bioactive constituent and quality control marker. Full article

Immunosenescence is characterized by an age-associated decline in immune function, particularly involving T-cell dysfunction, which increases susceptibility to infections and chronic diseases. This study investigated the anti-aging and immunomodulatory effects of American ginseng extract (G1899) using in vitro and in vivo models of aging. Cellular senescence was induced in HepG2 cells by D-galactose treatment, followed by exposure to G1899 (20 and 100 μg/mL). Senescence-associated markers were assessed to evaluate cellular aging. An aging mouse model was established in male C57BL/6 mice through intraperitoneal administration of D-galactose (500 mg/kg) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (0.4 mmol/kg), and G1899 was orally administered at 400 mg/kg. Thymic immune cell subsets and aging-related protein expression were analyzed using flow cytometry and Western blotting. G1899 significantly reduced p21 expression and senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity in senescent HepG2 cells. In aging-induced mice, G1899 restored CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-cell populations, normalized naïve T-cell levels, and reduced anergic CD28-negative T cells. Furthermore, G1899 regulated the expression of key aging-related proteins, including FOXO1, Sirt1, p53, and CD38. These findings demonstrate that G1899 attenuates age-related immune alterations by restoring thymic T-cell homeostasis and regulating aging-associated molecular pathways. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adaptogens are plant-derived substances that enhance the body’s nonspecific resistance to physical, chemical, biological, and psychological stressors by normalizing physiological functions. This article discusses the molecular mechanisms of action of seven key plant adaptogens—Rhodiola rosea, Schisandra chinensis, Withania somnifera, Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Bacopa monnieri—in the context of chronic stress and lifestyle-related diseases. Methods: A review of the scientific literature is performed, including preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials, and studies employing network pharmacology analyses, molecular docking, and genomic techniques such as gene expression profiling. The interactions of active constituents with signaling pathways, molecular targets, and synergistic mechanisms were analyzed based on publications from the years 2010–2025. Results: Adaptogens exhibit pleiotropic activity: they regulate the HPA axis (Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal axis); induce Hsp70/Hsp16 expression; modulate SAPK/JNK, FOXO, and NF-κB pathways; and demonstrate antioxidant and mitoprotective effects. Specific mechanisms include: salidroside from R. rosea activating PI3K/Akt; schizandrin B from S. chinensis stimulating Hsp70; withanolides from W. somnifera inhibiting PDE4D; ginsenosides from P. ginseng suppressing FKBP51; and bacosides from B. monnieri enhancing acetylcholine synthesis. Clinical studies confirm reductions in cortisol levels (14–30%), decreased fatigue, and improved cognitive function without adverse effects. Conclusions: Understanding the molecular mechanisms of adaptogens supports their application in integrative medicine for the treatment of stress-related disorders, depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Further clinical studies are needed to optimize dosages and standardize extracts. Full article

Background: Skin repair and skin wound healing are tightly regulated biological processes that require coordinated control of inflammation, redox homeostasis, angiogenesis, and tissue remodelling. In this context, natural extracts are increasingly recognized as sources of chemically diverse phytochemicals capable of modulating defined molecular signalling pathways that govern cutaneous repair. Methods: This review provides a mechanism-informed synthesis of current evidence by examining representative botanical sources, including Aloe vera, Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, Calendula officinalis, and Panax ginseng, which have been extensively investigated in preclinical wound-healing models. Rather than providing an exhaustive catalogue of plant species or individual compounds, the analysis emphasizes how distinct phytochemical classes interact with conserved molecular pathways involved in skin repair. Results: Flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and polysaccharides influence inflammatory signalling pathways, redox-sensitive pathways, growth factor-mediated responses, and cellular migration, thereby supporting phase-appropriate progression of wound healing. Recurrent modulation of NF-κB, TGF-β, VEGF, and Nrf2 signalling emerges as a central mechanistic theme. Advances in dermopharmaceutical formulation strategies, including hydrogels and lipid-based carriers, may enhance local delivery and stability of phytochemicals; however, their translational value remains dependent on chemical standardization and mechanistic validation. Conclusions: This review provides a mechanism-informed synthesis of current evidence, highlighting how phytochemical diversity, molecular signalling pathways, and dermopharmaceutical formulation strategies collectively shape the therapeutic potential of plant-derived extracts in cutaneous wound healing and may guide future mechanistic and translational research in phytochemical-based wound therapeutics. Full article

The roots of Panax ginseng are well known for their bioactive properties, while its berries have recently attracted attention for their pharmacological potential. This study investigated whether fermentation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum enhances the antioxidant properties of ginseng roots and berries and their protective effects against oxidative stress in vitro. Fermentation significantly increased total polyphenol, flavonoid, and saponin contents and promoted the conversion of major ginsenosides (ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1, and ginsenoside Rb2), which are relatively less bioavailable, into minor ginsenosides (ginsenoside Rh1, ginsenoside Rg2, and ginsenoside Rg3) with enhanced biological activity and bioavailability. Fermented extracts exhibited higher radical-scavenging activities in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays than non-fermented extracts. In tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-stimulated Chang liver cells, fermented extracts reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, inhibited lipid peroxidation, restored the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). These results demonstrate that L. plantarum-mediated fermentation effectively enhances the antioxidant and cytoprotective potential of ginseng roots and berries, supporting their application as functional food ingredients. Full article

Perennial ginseng (Panax ginseng) has long been valued for its medicinal properties. However, ginseng sprouts are gaining prominence as a versatile food source due to the high levels of bioactive compounds in their leaves and stems. To further enhance their functional value, this study investigated the effects of fermentation using lactic acid bacteria, specifically Lactobacillus and Enterococcus strains, on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of ginseng sprout extract (GSE). Chemical analyses revealed that fermentation significantly increased total phenolic content (TPC) and ginsenoside Rb₁ levels, which were associated with enhanced radical-scavenging activity and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, fermented GSE (FGSE) exhibited significantly greater anti-inflammatory effects than non-fermented GSE. This enhancement was evidenced by marked downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators, including nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), along with their corresponding enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Notably, the anti-inflammatory profile of FGSE was distinguished by its ability to suppress specific cytokines that were not significantly affected by GSE. Although both GSE and FGSE attenuated interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), only FGSE achieved statistically significant inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). These findings indicate that fermentation is a critical process for surpassing the efficacy threshold of GSE against key inflammatory signals. Overall, the enrichment of bioactive metabolites during fermentation suggests that FGSE can serve as a potent functional ingredient for modulating inflammatory responses, with considerable potential for the development of advanced functional foods. Full article

Chronic ultraviolet (UV) exposure disrupts dermal collagen homeostasis and accelerates skin aging. This study evaluated the protective effects of black ginseng extract (BGE) against UV-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts. BGE restored collagen-related markers, including COL5A1 and COL7A1, improved fibroblast proliferative capacity, and reduced senescence-associated changes under UV stress. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics identified broad pathway modulation by BGE, involving extracellular matrix remodeling, chromatin organization, and stress-response processes. To validate genome maintenance-related signals highlighted by proteomics, qPCR showed that BGE increased telomere/replication-associated genes compared with the UV group, including POT1 (2.29-fold) and ORC1 (6.70-fold). In addition, comet assay imaging indicated reduced UV-associated DNA damage features following BGE treatment. Overall, these findings indicate that BGE mitigates UV-induced photoaging phenotypes in fibroblasts, with collagen-related recovery and multi-level protective responses, supporting its potential as a natural bioactive ingredient for anti-photoaging skincare applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Interest in the use of nutraceuticals and phytotherapy for the management of andrological diseases has increased markedly in recent years. In particular, growing attention has been directed toward the treatment of patients affected by erectile dysfunction (ED), male infertility, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), and induratio penis plastica (IPP). However, several areas of uncertainty remain. This narrative review aims to examine the role of nutraceuticals and phytotherapeutic agents in the management of andrological disorders. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and EMBASE to identify relevant studies published over the past 25 years. Only articles published in English and involving adult populations were included in the analysis. Results: Nutraceuticals and phytotherapeutic compounds have been extensively investigated in the current literature, and certain formulations—particularly specific combinations—have been evaluated in high-quality studies. Conversely, other compounds lack sufficient scientific evidence and therefore should not be recommended in routine clinical practice. In the management of ED, the following compounds, administered either alone or in combination, have demonstrated clinically significant effects: Panax ginseng, Tribulus terrestris, L-arginine, and Withania somnifera. L-carnitine, combined with micronutrients, antioxidants, and various traditional herbal supplements, appears to be an effective therapeutic option for male infertility and subfertility. Pollen extracts play an important role in the management of CP/CPPS, while carnitine, coenzyme Q10, silymarin, bromelain, and curcumin show promising potential in the treatment of IPP. Conclusions: Nutraceuticals and phytotherapeutic agents may provide favorable outcomes in the management of andrological diseases. Although current evidence is encouraging, larger prospective studies employing standardized protocols and treatment schedules are required to confirm long-term efficacy and to optimize therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapies and has a poor prognosis. Wild ginseng (Panax ginseng) is traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, but its scarcity limits therapeutic application. Adventitious root culture technology provides a sustainable source of wild ginseng-derived bioactive compounds. This study investigated the anticancer effects of wild ginseng adventitious root extract (WGAR) on MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: WGAR was prepared from cultured adventitious roots of 100-year-old wild ginseng, and its chemical composition was analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Anticancer effects were evaluated using MTT assay, acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) staining, Matrigel invasion assay, Western blot analysis, and proteome profiler array. Molecular docking was performed to predict interactions between WGAR constituents and target proteins poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 and β-catenin. Results: LC-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified 17 compounds, including ginsenosides (Rg3, Rh1, Rf) and terpenoids (ursolic acid). WGAR reduced cell viability with an IC50 of 79 μg/mL at 48 h, inducing 51.2% cell death. WGAR activated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through sequential caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, followed by PARP cleavage, and was associated with changes in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers (reduced N-cadherin, Slug, and β-catenin) alongside decreased inhibitory Ser9 phosphorylation of GSK-3β. Proteome array analysis revealed suppression of ECM remodeling proteins (tenascin C, u-PA) and inflammatory mediators (IL-6, CXCL8). Molecular docking predicted that selected WGAR constituents, particularly terpenoid-type compounds, may potentially interact with PARP-1 and β-catenin; however, these in silico findings are hypothesis-generating and require experimental validation. Conclusions: WGAR exerts multi-target anticancer effects on TNBC cells through apoptosis induction and EMT suppression associated with modulation of GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling, suggesting its potential as a source of therapeutic agents for TNBC. Full article

Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and burdensome symptoms faced by patients with cancer, yet effective drug-based treatments remain limited. In recent years, phytotherapeutic agents have drawn attention as complementary options, supported by plausible anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory mechanisms. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively synthesize randomized controlled trial evidence on the efficacy of phytotherapeutic interventions for cancer-related fatigue and to assess the certainty of evidence. Databases were searched from inception, with the final search update completed in October 2025. Eligible studies included adults with CRF and compared herbal interventions with placebo controls. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled using a DerSimonian–Laird random-effects model. We also evaluated risk of bias (RoB 2), publication bias, and certainty of evidence using GRADE. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: Fourteen trials were included, studying agents such as Paullinia cupana, Panax ginseng, multi-herbal Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations, and other botanical extracts. Overall, phytotherapy provided a modest improvement in CRF (SMD = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.08–0.53; p = 0.022), though heterogeneity was substantial (I² = 56.7%). In subgroup analyses, only the group of “other formulations” demonstrated significant benefit; ginseng and guaraná did not demonstrate statistically significant effects. Most trials had high or unclear risk of bias, and the certainty of evidence was rated very low. Conclusions: Current evidence does not firmly support phytotherapeutic agents as effective treatments for CRF, hindered largely by methodological weaknesses, heterogeneous interventions, and imprecise effect estimates. Even so, the biological rationale and the variability in clinical responses point toward an opportunity for the emerging field of precision herbal oncology. Well-designed, multicenter trials are essential to determine whether phytotherapy can meaningfully contribute to CRF management. Full article

Introduction/Objectives: Ginsenoside F1, a pharmacologically active saponin derived from Panax ginseng, exhibits diverse bioactivities, but its use is limited because it is difficult to purify and has high production costs. To overcome these challenges, a ginsenoside F1-enriched extract named SGB121 was developed. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of SGB121 in a high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) mouse model and to elucidate its mechanism of action using F1-based cellular assays. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice (6 weeks old) were fed an HFHC diet to induce MAFLD and were treated with SGB121. Hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress markers, and metabolic parameters were analyzed. In parallel, human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells exposed to free fatty acids (FFAs) were used to assess oxidative stress and lipid accumulation. Mechanistic studies were conducted using purified F1 to examine adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and related pathways. Results: SGB121 reduced hepatic lipid accumulation, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and fasting insulin while restoring glutathione (GSH) content and improving the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in MAFLD mice. In FFA-treated HepG2 cells, both SGB121 and F1 decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), suppressed sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) and β-oxidation, and restored insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/protein kinase B (Akt)/glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) signaling. Conclusions: SGB121 ameliorates MAFLD and related metabolic dysfunction through antioxidant, lipid-regulating, and insulin-sensitizing actions, highlighting its potential as a safe multifunctional nutraceutical for MAFLD management. Full article