Search Results (1,546)

Background: Pain is a complex phenomenon characterized by unpleasant experiences with profound heterogeneity influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 50.2 million U.S. adults (20.5%) experience pain on most days, with the annual cost of prescription medication for pain reaching approximately USD 17.8 billion. Theranostic pain nanomedicine therefore emerges as an attractive analgesic strategy with the potential for increased efficacy, reduced side-effects, and treatment personalization. Theranostic nanomedicine combines drug delivery and diagnostic features, allowing for real-time monitoring of analgesic efficacy in vivo using molecular imaging. However, clinical translation of these nanomedicines are challenging due to complex manufacturing methodologies, lack of standardized quality control, and potentially high costs. Quality by Design (QbD) can navigate these challenges and lead to the development of an optimal pain nanomedicine. Our lab previously reported a macrophage-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC NE) that demonstrated analgesic efficacy across multiple rodent pain models in both sexes. Here, we report PFC-free, biphasic nanoemulsions formulated with a biocompatible and non-immunogenic plant-based coconut oil loaded with a COX-2 inhibitor and a clinical-grade, indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye for parenteral theranostic analgesic nanomedicine. Methods: Critical process parameters and material attributes were identified through the FMECA (Failure, Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) method and optimized using a 3 × 2 full-factorial design of experiments. We investigated the impact of the oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) with three different surfactant systems on the colloidal properties of NE. Small-scale (100 mL) batches were manufactured using sonication and microfluidization, and the final formulation was scaled up to 500 mL with microfluidization. The colloidal stability of NE was assessed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and drug quantification was conducted through reverse-phase HPLC. An in vitro drug release study was conducted using the dialysis bag method, accompanied by HPLC quantification. The formulation was further evaluated for cell viability, cellular uptake, and COX-2 inhibition in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Results: Nanoemulsion droplet size increased with a higher oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) but was no significant impact by the type of surfactant system used. Thermal cycling and serum stability studies confirmed NE colloidal stability upon exposure to high and low temperatures and biological fluids. We also demonstrated the necessity of a solubilizer for long-term fluorescence stability of ICG. The nanoemulsion showed no cellular toxicity and effectively inhibited PGE2 in activated macrophages. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a celecoxib-loaded theranostic platform developed using a plant-derived hydrocarbon oil, applying the QbD approach that demonstrated COX-2 inhibition. Full article

Cinnamic acid, an organic acid naturally occurring in plants of the Cinnamomum genus, has been highly valued for its medicinal properties in numerous ancient Chinese texts. This article reviews the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and various applications of cinnamic acid and its derivatives reported in publications from 2016 to 2025, and anticipates their potential in medical and industrial fields. This review evaluates studies in major scientific databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the therapeutic potential of cinnamic acid. Through systematic integration of existing knowledge, it has been revealed that cinnamic acid has a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant and hypoglycemic effects. Additionally, it has been shown to be effective against a variety of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and foodborne Pseudomonas. Cinnamic acid acts by disrupting cell membranes, inhibiting ATPase activity, and preventing biofilm formation, thereby demonstrating its ability to act as a natural antimicrobial agent. Its anti-inflammatory properties are demonstrated by improving oxidative stress and reducing inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, cinnamic acid enhances metabolic health by improving glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity, showing promising results in improving metabolic health in patients with diabetes and its complications. This systematic approach highlights the need for further investigation of the mechanisms and safety of cinnamic acid to substantiate its use as a basis for new drug development. Particularly in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance and the search for sustainable, effective medical treatments, the study of cinnamic acid is notably significant and innovative. Full article

Background: Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. (A. roxburghii) was widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and also as a health food in China. Gibberellins (GAs) are plant hormones that regulate various aspects of growth and development in A. roxburghii. Ent-kaurene synthase (KS) plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of GAs in plants. However, there is limited functional analysis of KS in GA biosynthesis and its effect on salt tolerance, especially in A. roxburghii. Methods: The ArKS genes were cloned from A. roxburghii, and its salt tolerance characteristics were verified by prokaryotic expression. Under salt stress, analyze the regulation of KS gene on GA and active ingredient content by qRT-PCR and HPLC-MS/MS, and explore the mechanism of exogenous GAs promoting active ingredient enrichment by regulating the expression level of the KS under salt stress. Results: The ArKS protein was highly homologous to KSs with other plant species; subcellular localization of KS protein was lacking kytic vacuole. The transformants displayed a significant increase in salt tolerance under the stress conditions of 300 mM NaCl. And the expression of ArKS genes and the GAs accumulation was downregulated under the salt stress; among them, the contents of GA3, GA7, GA8, GA24, and GA34 showed a significant decrease. It was further found that there was an increase (1.36 times) in MDA content and a decrease (0.84 times) in relative chlorophyll content under the salt conditions from A. roxburghii. However, the content of active constituents was elevated from A. roxburghii under the NaCl stress, including polysaccharides, total flavonoids, and free amino acids, which increased by 1.14, 1.23, and 1.44 times, respectively. Interestingly, the ArKS gene expression and the chlorophyll content was increased, MDA content showed a decrease from 2.02 μmoL·g⁻¹ to 1.74 μmoL·g⁻¹ after exogenous addition of GAs, and the elevation of active constituents of polysaccharides, total flavonoids, and free amino acids were increased by 1.02, 1.09, and 1.05 times, implying that GAs depletion mitigated the damage caused by adversity to A. roxburghii. Conclusions: The ArKS gene cloned from A. roxburghii improved the salt tolerance of plants under salt stress by regulating GA content. Also, GAs not only alleviate salt tolerance but also play a key role in the synthesis of active components in A. roxburghii. The functions of KS genes and GAs were identified to provide ideas for improving the salt tolerance and quality of ingredients in artificial cultivation from A. roxburghii. Full article

The global rise in urban-related health issues poses significant challenges to public health, particularly in cities facing socio-economic crises. In Lebanon, 70% of the population is experiencing financial hardship, and healthcare costs have surged by 172%, exacerbating the strain on medical services. Given these conditions, improving the quality and accessibility of green spaces offers a promising avenue for alleviating mental health issues in urban areas. This study investigates the psychological impact of nine urban public spaces in Beirut through a comprehensive survey methodology, involving 297 participants (locals and tourists) who rated these spaces using Likert-scale measures. The findings reveal location-specific barriers, with Saanayeh Park rated highest in quality and Martyr’s Square rated lowest. The analysis identifies facility quality as the most significant factor influencing space quality, contributing 73.6% to the overall assessment, while activity factors have a lesser impact. The study further highlights a moderate positive association (Spearman’s rho = 0.30) between public space quality and mental well-being in Beirut. This study employs a hybrid methodology combining Research for Design (RfD) and Research Through Designing (RTD). Empirical data informed spatial strategies, while iterative design served as a tool for generating context-specific knowledge. Design enhancements—such as sensory plantings, shading systems, and social nodes—aim to improve well-being through better public space quality. The proposed interventions support mental health, life satisfaction, climate resilience, and urban inclusivity. The findings offer actionable insights for cities facing public health and spatial equity challenges in crisis contexts. Full article

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a disorder of human lipid metabolism or transport, primarily characterized by abnormally elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. It is a key factor contributing to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Statistics show that the prevalence of dyslipidemia among Chinese adults is as high as 35.6%, and it has shown a trend of younger onset in recent years, posing a serious threat to public health. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia carry significant social significance. The pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia is complex and diverse, and currently used medications are often accompanied by side effects during treatment, making the research and development of new therapeutic approaches a current focus. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids, which are abundant in most medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetables, exert effects on regulating lipid homeostasis and treating hyperlipidemia through a multi-target mechanism. These compounds have demonstrated significant effects in inhibiting lipid synthesis, blocking lipid absorption, promoting cholesterol uptake, enhancing reverse cholesterol transport, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal microbiota disorders. This article reviews the latest progress in the mechanisms of flavonoids in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, providing a theoretical basis for future research on drugs for hyperlipidemia. Full article

Background/Objectives: An increasing number of apparently healthy individuals are adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle without any underlying medical indications, although the evidence for the health benefits in these individuals remains unclear. Although it has already been shown that a low- or gluten-free diet alters the gut microbiota, few studies have examined the effects of this diet on healthy subjects. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate whether and how a prolonged low-gluten diet impacts gut microbiota composition and function in healthy adults, bearing in mind its intimate link to the host’s health. Methods: Forty healthy volunteers habitually consuming a gluten-containing diet (HGD, high-gluten diet) were included in a randomised control trial consisting of two successive 8-week dietary intervention periods on a low-gluten diet (LGD). After each 8-week period, gut microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, molecular quantification by qPCR, and a cultural approach, while its metabolic capacity was evaluated through measuring faecal fermentative metabolites by ¹H NMR. Results: A prolonged period of LGD for 16 weeks reduced gut microbiota richness and decreased the relative abundance of bacterial species with previously reported potential health benefits such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium sp. A decrease in certain plant cell wall polysaccharide-degrading species was also observed. While there was no major modification affecting the main short-chain fatty acid profiles, the concentration of the intermediate metabolite, ethanol, was increased in faecal samples. Conclusions: A 16-week LGD significantly altered both composition and metabolic production of the gut microbiota in healthy individuals, towards a more dysbiotic profile previously linked to adverse effects on the host’s health. Therefore, the evaluation of longer-term LDG would consolidate these results and enable a more in-depth examination of its impact on the host’s physiology, immunity, and metabolism. Full article

Phytohormones, representing a diverse group of molecules, are essential in orchestrating plant growth and development, ensuring the smooth progression of the entire life cycle from germination to senescence. Emerging research reveals that these compounds also exert biological effects in non-plant systems, including animals. Although some phytohormones can be harmful, their health-promoting potential is rapidly gaining attention. This has sparked a growing interest in exploring plant hormones as novel therapeutic agents, particularly in precision medicine. This review brings together a multidisciplinary team—plant physiologists, a pharmacist, and a medical doctor—to delve into the latest insight surrounding the health-related impacts of plant hormones on animal systems, with a particular emphasis on human health. We comprehensively analyze their effects, weighing both the benefits and potential risks. Key phytohormones—auxin, abscisic acid, cytokinins, jasmonates, ethylene, strigolactones, and gibberellins—are highlighted for their remarkable regulatory roles in animal physiology, with a special focus on their implications for human health. Our discussion reveals how phytohormones may help address critical health challenges, particularly those related to aging populations, including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancers. These plant-derived molecules are emerging as promising candidates for future drug development and nutritional therapies. Hence, a deeper understanding of phytohormone action may not just revolutionize agriculture but also open new frontiers in medicine and human health. Full article

Polyphenols are structurally diverse plant metabolites that have attracted significant interest. Their compositions are versatile, depending on their structures, including the number of rings in the polyphenol composition. Based on these attributes, polyphenols can be classified as flavanols, anthocyanins, flavones, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans. Polyphenols mainly possess inhibition of viral replication, interference with viral protein synthesis, and modulation of immune responses, providing significant antiviral effects against several viruses, including herpes simplex virus, hepatitis C virus, and influenza. They are crucial for medical compounds in diverse, versatile treatments, namely in diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative problems. Plants are the primary source of bioactive molecules, which are valued for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral activities. Especially, polyphenols are extracted as the most abundant bioactive compounds of plants. Moreover, viral infections are one of the major factors in illnesses and diseases, along with bacteria and fungi. Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies report antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, Mayaro virus, dengue virus, herpesvirus, and influenza A virus, though clinical validation remains limited. Additionally, inhibition of viral entry, interference with viral replication, modulation of host immune response, and direct virucidal effects were examined. Full article

Bulgarian botanical gardens harbor more than 3600 plant species from across the world. Some of them are well-known plants widely used by humans, others are underutilized crops or little-known exotic species. The latter group constitutes a rich reservoir of plant resources whose potential to bring benefits to society is still untapped. The aim of this review is to describe the diversity of species and their potentially valuable secondary metabolites in three of the largest Bulgarian botanical gardens, with a focus on underutilized crops and medicinal plants that are typical of Bulgaria. With this, we aim to pave the way for future research on the most promising of these plants. The report includes currently available ethnobotanical data on the properties and composition of their bioactive components, known culinary or therapeutic uses, and nutritional profiles. We also outline the vast potential of these plants in providing healthy diets, as well as for performing future groundbreaking biomedical research. Finally, we present the approach that will be used to screen extracts from these plants for biological activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The integration of natural compounds in cancer research marked a crucial shift in the modern medical landscape, through a growing acknowledgment of their potential as efficient, less toxic, and cost-effective alternatives to contemporary chemotherapeutics. Liquiritigenin (LIQ) is a compound obtained from different plants, the most important being the Glycyrrhiza species, commonly known as licorice. Methods: This review compiles findings from previously published preclinical studies and experimental research articles focusing on LIQ’s pharmacological effects, with particular attention to its anticancer potential. The relevant literature was identified using established scientific databases and selected based on relevance to cancer biology and LIQ-associated signaling pathways. Results: LIQ demonstrates anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects. It exerts its potential anticancer activities by inducing apoptosis, preventing cell proliferation, and modulating various signaling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and so on. Conclusions: LIQ represents a promising natural agent for cancer therapy, with evidence supporting its multifunctional role in targeting tumor growth and survival mechanisms. By providing a detailed analysis of LIQ, this review aims to highlight its therapeutic efficacy across various cancer types and emphasize its importance as a promising compound in cancer research. In addition, this review seeks to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and modern pharmacology and paves the way for LIQ’s clinical application in cancer therapy. Full article

Nanomaterials (NMs) are currently widely used in a wide range of industrial production and scientific applications, starting from molecular and medical diagnostics to agriculture. In the agricultural and food systems, NMs are now used in various ways, to improve the nutritional value of crops, detect microbial activity and inhibit biofilms, encapsulate and deliver pesticides, protect plants from chemical spoilage, as nanosensors and more. Despite these applications, NMs are described as “dual-face technologies”: they can also act as environmental contaminants. For instance, nanoplastics (NPs) dispersed in the environment can damage plants at different levels and undermine their viability. Epigenetic modifications induced by NMs have potentially wider and longer-term impacts on gene expression and plant functions. Therefore, it is important to verify whether plants are also affected by NMs on the molecular level, including epigenetic mechanisms and any induced variation on the epigenome. This review focusses on gene expression modulation and epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation and the role of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) induced in plants and crops by NMs and NPs. Full article

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disease, poses a significant challenge to global health. Although type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and other types of diabetes mellitus differ in pathological mechanisms, they converge in that hyperglycemia is a universal clinical hallmark. Currently, the antidiabetic medications employed in clinical practice for blood glucose management require long-term administration and are associated with various side effects that can adversely impact human health. Plant heteropolysaccharides have emerged as promising candidates for anti-diabetic therapy, owing to their abundant natural sources, absence of toxicities, and confirmed hypoglycemic activities. This review aims to summarize the anti-diabetic mechanisms of plant heteropolysaccharides by dissecting the key biological pathways associated with clinical intervention in DM, including the modulation of insulin secretion, a reduction in insulin resistance, and an alteration in the composition of the gut microbiota. For these reasons, these findings provide a theoretical framework for the clinical application of plant heteropolysaccharides and indicate that they are expected to become natural agents used in treating DM. Full article

Fungal melanin plays a vital role in the survival, reproduction, infection, and environmental adaptation of plant pathogenic fungi. To develop innovative strategies for managing plant fungal diseases, comprehensive investigations into melanin are imperative. Such research is fundamental to elucidating the mechanistic basis of fungal pathogenesis and holds promise for the design of targeted interventions against melanin-mediated virulence determinants. This review systematically elaborates on the classification of fungal melanin in plant pathogens, provides a detailed analysis of the biosynthetic processes of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene melanin (DHN melanins), and reveals the catalytic functions and regulatory mechanisms of key enzymes within these pathways. Melanin modulates fungal virulence by influencing appressorial integrity and turgor pressure formation, thereby participating in the host infection process and the formation of overwintering sclerotia. Melanin provides stress resistance by protecting against extreme environmental factors, including UV radiation and high temperatures. It also has the capacity to absorb heavy metals, which increases pathogen survival under adverse conditions. Furthermore, the review also explores the mechanisms of action of melanin inhibitors that target plant pathogenic fungi, providing a theoretical foundation for developing efficient and environmentally friendly antifungal medications. The complex biosynthesis pathways and diverse biological functions of fungal melanin highlight its significant theoretical and practical importance for elucidating pathogenic mechanisms and formulating scientific control strategies. Full article

Molecular crosstalk between the gut microbiome and human diet represent a potential therapeutic avenue requiring further investigation as it can be applied to human health management and treatment. Colon cancer, the third leading cause of cancer mortality, is often linked to the gut microbiome. In vitro and in vivo studies and metagenomic research have revealed alterations in gut microbial flora among diseased individuals. The human diet is connected to these changes in microbial inhabitants related to the pathophysiology underlying colorectal cancer (CRC). Polyphenols are well-studied, naturally occurring plant secondary metabolites recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The anticancer activities of these compounds are increasingly reported, offering insights into the administration of these natural molecules for managing various types of cancer and developing novel medications from them. Recent investigations have highlighted the prebiotic-like effects of these compounds on gut microbial dysbiosis and their metabolism concerning colorectal cancer, influencing colon cancer by interfering with multiple signaling pathways. This review will focus on the existing literature regarding the prebiotic potential of dietary polyphenols, and further research in this area would be valuable, as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can enable analysis of the connections between unique gut microbiome profiles and other dependent factors such as physiological and genetic variables, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies in gut microbiome-based health management and precision medicine. Full article

Statistical data demonstrate a concurrent rise in smoking prevalence and mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which may be attributed to contemporary lifestyle factors, including social media and recent global events. This indicates a potential correlation between these trends, as individuals with mental disorders may engage in smoking as a form of self-medication to alleviate anxiety. However, smoking is harmful and increases the risk of many diseases. Therefore, smoking cessation strategies are increasingly being considered. Nicotine is a naturally produced alkaloid in plants that makes smoking so addictive. Unfortunately, the public’s lack of understanding of the effects of nicotine leads to misleading claims in the public and media about its biological effects. Thus, current narrative literature review is focused on the examination of the biological effects of organic nicotine from various angles, considering the psychological aspects of addiction and the immune system. Analysis of recent data showed that nicotine not only causes addiction but also has therapeutic benefits in certain diseases (depression, anxiety, schizophrenia) and has anti-inflammatory properties (autoimmunity, neurodegenerative diseases), and a deeper understanding and a broader approach to its effects is needed. Full article