Search Results (15,759)

Juniperus communis L. is a conifer widely used in traditional European medicine for the management of inflammatory disorders. However, its effects on oxidative stress and inflammation remain incompletely characterized. The present study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of an ethanolic needle extract of J. communis using in vitro assays and an in vivo model of acute inflammation induced by turpentine oil in rats. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS revealed a polyphenol-rich extract dominated by flavonols, flavanols, and hydroxybenzoic acids, with quercetin derivatives and taxifolin as major constituents. In vitro analyses demonstrated radical-scavenging and reducing capacities, exceeding or comparable to reference antioxidants in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ferric-reducing, and nitric oxide scavenging assays. In vivo, both therapeutic and prophylactic administration of the extract significantly attenuated oxidative and nitrosative stress, as evidenced by reductions in total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, alongside restoration of total antioxidant capacity and thiol levels. These effects were concentration-dependent. Concomitantly, inflammatory signaling was suppressed, with decreased NF-κB activity and reduced levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. These results support the use of these extracts, whose benefits have been observed in traditional medicine, providing scientific support for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of J. communis extract. Full article

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) encompass a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. Despite advances in understanding the pathogenesis, therapeutic options remain limited, particularly for patients with progressive phenotypes. Current international guidelines for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) emphasize the need for antifibrotic strategies and call for novel pharmacological interventions targeting key molecular pathways involved in fibrogenesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the most promising emerging pharmacological agents for ILDs, with particular attention to their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles as reported in recent preclinical and clinical studies. The recent approval of Nerandomilast and the ongoing phase III trials of other agents mark a pivotal transition toward a new generation of antifibrotic therapies, aiming to achieve more effective disease control and improved patient outcomes. In view of an enlargement of active drugs aiming at controlling the disease with different mechanisms, the Authors underline the need for a “precision medicine” model to be applied to each ILD phenotyped patient, mirroring what already happens for other respiratory diseases. Full article

Schiff bases are bioactive compounds that have been synthesized by many researchers in recent years. They may also exhibit strong antimicrobial activities against various pathogenic microorganisms in both medicine and veterinary applications. The synthesis of new Schiff base-derived compounds remains of interest due to the increasing problem of antibiotic-resistance in clinical practice. Seven new Schiff base derivatives were synthesized, and their chemical structures were characterized using FT-IR, ¹H/¹³C NMR, and LCMS-MS analyses. The antimicrobial activities of thesyntesized compounds against various pathogenic bacteria, yeasts, and fungi were evaluated using the disk-diffusion method, and their MIC values were also determined. In addition, one representative microorganisms from each class were selected for molecular docking studies. IFD analyses were performed for the 4f and 4g ligands using the dihydrofolate reductase enzyme. Spectroscopic analyses confirmed the structures of the synthesized compounds, revealing the presence of characteristic imine functionalities and validating the integrity of the molecular frameworks. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated that several derivatives exhibited measurable activity, with compounds 4f and 4g showing the most potent effects, displaying MIC values of 32 µg/mL against B. cereus and E. faecalis, respectively. Molecular docking studies further indicated that both 4f and 4g bind efficiently to the DHFR active site. These findings indicate that among the synthesized Schiff base derivatives, compounds 4f and 4g exhibit particularly promising antimicrobial activity, warranting further pharmacological evaluation and medicinal chemistry optimization. Full article

Atractylenolides (ATs; mainly AT-I, II, and III), as one of the primary active components of the traditional Chinese medicine Atractylodes macrocephala, have demonstrated significant antitumorigenic effects against various cancer cells in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This review aims to systematically review the antitumorigenic effects, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and safety profile of ATs, aiming to contribute to clinical research and applications. To achieve this, a systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases, and findings were synthesized narratively to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence. This review comprehensively discusses the antitumorigenic effects and mechanisms of ATs, including arresting tumor cell cycle progression, inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis), inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, suppressing tumor migration and invasion, modulating the tumor immune microenvironment, and enhancing the efficacy of combination therapies. Additionally, their pharmacokinetic properties and safety profile are summarized, with a focus on their research and application prospects. ATs appear to be safe and reliable candidate anticancer agents in preclinical models, exhibiting potent antitumor efficacy both as monotherapy and in combination regimens. Preliminary clinical data from a small pilot study also indicated no signs of toxicity, but more extensive trials are needed to confirm their safety profile in humans. Further studies on their mechanisms are warranted to facilitate their development into clinically effective antitumor agents. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and represents a major clinical and socioeconomic burden. Epidemiological data consistently show that OA affects women more frequently and, in several joints, more severely than men. Nevertheless, current in vitro models rarely consider sex-specific variables, limiting their ability to capture the biological mechanisms that shape the pathogenesis and progression of OA. Increasing evidence indicates that age-related hormonal fluctuations and subchondral bone remodeling strongly influence OA evolution, and that these processes differ between the sexes. For instance, the decline in estrogen levels during menopause has been associated with accelerated cartilage degeneration, increased osteoclastic activity, and a higher susceptibility to subchondral bone alterations, which may contribute to more aggressive clinical manifestations in women. These mechanisms are only partially reproduced in widely used experimental systems, including traditional biomaterial scaffolds and simplified osteochondral constructs, leaving important sex-dependent pathways unresolved. While advanced biomaterials enable precise control of stiffness, porosity, and biochemical cues, most current in vitro OA models still rely on sex-neutral design assumptions, limiting their ability to reproduce the divergent disease trajectories observed in men and women. By integrating material properties with dynamic loading and tunable hormonal conditions, next-generation in vitro systems could improve mechanistic understanding, increase the reliability of drug screening, and better support the development of sex-specific therapies through the combined efforts of bioengineering, materials science, cell biology, and translational medicine. Full article

Bidens pilosa L., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been used in clinical practice for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer. BPA, an extract derived from the whole herb of B. pilosa L., has been shown to possess potent immunomodulatory properties by regulating tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in a mouse syngeneic colorectal cancer (CRC) model. RT-PCR and flow cytometry analyses showed that BPA, together with its flavonoid and polyacetylene constituents, effectively suppressed the differentiation of M2-TAMs and Tregs by downregulating Arg-1 and CD25 expression. They had minimal effects on the expression of markers associated with M1-TAMs and promoted the proliferation of CD4⁺ T cells that were inhibited by M2-TAMs and Tregs. In mice, BPA markedly inhibited the growth of syngeneic CRC tumors, accompanied by decreased serum levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 and reduced expression of the proliferative marker Ki67 in tumor tissues. Moreover, BPA downregulated the mRNA expression of markers associated with M2-TAMs and Tregs, while increasing markers associated with M1-TAMs. Western blot analyses of tumor tissues revealed that BPA reduced the expression of marker proteins associated with M2-TAMs and Tregs, while increasing the expression of the immune-stimulatory markers CD80, GITR and CD4. In addition, combined treatment with BPA and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for CRC, notably enhanced the anti-tumor effect in mice. These findings indicate that BPA, an active extract of B. pilosa L., showed antitumor activity in mice by suppressing the differentiation of pro-tumorigenic TAMs and Tregs within the TME. Full article

Background and Rationale: Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson (T. crispa) is a climbing medicinal plant with long-standing ethnopharmacological use, particularly in inflammatory and hepatic disorders and cancer-related conditions. There is a knowledge gap regarding how wild versus cultivated ecotypes differ in chemotype, bioactivity, and safety, and how this might support or refine traditional use. Study Objectives: This study aimed to compare wild and cultivated ecotypes of T. crispa from the Nile Delta (Egypt) in terms of quantitative and qualitative phytochemical profiles; selected in vitro biological activities (especially antioxidant and cytotoxic actions); genetic markers potentially associated with metabolic variation; and short-term oral safety in an animal model. Core Methodology: Standardized extraction of plant material from wild and cultivated ecotypes. Determination of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and major phytochemical classes (alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids). Metabolomic characterization using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, supported by NMR, to confirm key compounds such as berberine, palmatine, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and borapetoside C. In vitro bioassays including: Antioxidant activity (e.g., radical-scavenging assay with EC₅₀ determination). Cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, with emphasis on HepG2 hepatoma cells and calculation of IC₅₀ values. Targeted genetic analysis to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gen1 locus that differentiate ecotypes. A 14-day oral toxicity study in rats, assessing liver and kidney function markers and performing histopathology of liver and kidney tissues. Principal Results: The wild ecotype showed a 43–65% increase in total flavonoid and polyphenol content compared with the cultivated ecotype, as well as substantially higher levels of key alkaloids, particularly berberine (around 12.5 ± 0.8 mg/g), along with elevated chlorogenic acid and borapetoside C. UHPLC-MS and NMR analyses confirmed the identity of the main bioactive constituents and defined a distinct chemical fingerprint for the wild chemotype. Bioassays demonstrated stronger antioxidant activity of the wild extract than the cultivated one and selective cytotoxicity of the wild extract against HepG2 cells (IC₅₀ ≈ 85 µg/mL), being clearly more potent than extracts from cultivated plants. Genetic profiling detected a C → T SNP within the gen1 region that differentiates the wild ecotype and may be linked to altered biosynthetic regulation. The 14-day oral toxicity study (up to 600 mg/kg) revealed no evidence of hepatic or renal toxicity, with biochemical markers remaining within physiological limits and normal liver and kidney histology. Conclusions and Future Perspectives: The wild Nile-Delta ecotype of T. crispa appears to be a stress-adapted chemotype characterized by enriched levels of multiple bioactive metabolites, superior in vitro bioactivity, and an encouraging preliminary safety margin. These findings support further evaluation of wild T. crispa as a candidate source for standardized botanical preparations targeting oxidative stress-related and hepatic pathologies, while emphasizing the need for: More comprehensive in vivo efficacy studies. Cultivation strategies that deliberately maintain or mimic beneficial stress conditions to preserve phytochemical richness. Broader geographical and genetic sampling to assess how generalizable the present chemotypic and bioactivity patterns are across the species. Full article

Ginseng is widely regarded as the “King of Herbs” in traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, escalating global warming and intensified human activities have led to a continuous rise in environmental temperatures, posing a significant threat to ginseng cultivation in China. Therefore, understanding how high-temperature stress affects the photosynthetic performance of ginseng is essential for developing efficient and sustainable cultivation practices. In this study, four temperature regimes were established to systematically investigate the impact of elevated temperatures on the photosynthetic system of ginseng leaves: 25/16 °C (CK), 30/20 °C, 35/24 °C, and 40/28 °C (day/night). The results demonstrated that high-temperature stress significantly inhibited photosynthesis. Specifically, the activities of key chlorophyll biosynthesis enzymes—porphobilinogen deaminase and delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase—were markedly reduced, resulting in the accumulation of critical intermediates in the chlorophyll pathway, including protoporphyrinIX, Mg-protoporphyrinIX, and protochlorophyll. Chlorophyll synthesis was severely impaired as a result. Consequently, the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids declined by 25.38%, 12.52%, and 54.63%, respectively, indicating substantial disruption of the photosynthetic pigment system. Anatomical observations revealed that high-temperatures induced stomatal closure, impairing stomata exchange and further reducing photosynthetic efficiency. Moreover, chloroplast ultrastructure was severely compromised, characterized by excessive accumulation of osmiophilic granules, disorganized and loosely stacked thylakoid membranes, and impaired capacity for light energy capture and conversion. This study provides theoretical insights into the response mechanisms of ginseng leaf photosynthesis under heat stress and establishes a scientific basis for enhancing thermotolerance through breeding programs and improved cultivation management strategies. Full article

In recent years, active monomers derived from Chinese herbal medicine and their derivatives have attracted significant attention in the field of skincare product development. Artemisinin and its derivatives, including dihydroartemisinin (DHA), exhibit diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects, showing promising therapeutic potential in skin-related diseases. However, systematic studies on artemisinins in cosmetics are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the cosmetic potential of DHA by investigating its anti-aging, anti-hair loss, antibacterial, whitening, and anti-glycation activities. Results showed that DHA exhibits multiple biological activities: DHA exhibits anti-aging activity by promoting collagen I synthesis in HDF cell, exhibits anti-hair loss effect by modulating VEGF and DKK1 expression in DPC cell, exhibits antibacterial activity against Malassezia furfur, exhibits whitening activity by suppressing melanin synthesis, and exhibits anti-glycation activity by suppressing glycation reactions. Overall, with the broad biological activities, we believe that DHA holds encouraging promise in the cosmetics industry. Full article

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) comprise a heterogeneous group of autoimmune disorders with variable systemic involvement. Among them, dermatomyositis (DM) is the subtype with the most extensive biomarker characterization due to its defined immunopathology and frequent association with interstitial lung disease (ILD). This narrative review summarizes studies retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to March 2025, focusing on non-autoantibody biomarkers in DM. Reported categories include soluble proteins, cytokines, chemokines, muscle-specific microRNAs, and transcriptomic signatures reflecting interferon activation, tissue injury, and fibrotic remodeling. Among the most validated molecules, interferon-stimulated genes, ferritin, KL-6, SP-D, and CXCL10 demonstrate diagnostic and prognostic value, particularly in anti-MDA5-positive DM, where they support early identification of patients at risk for rapidly progressive ILD. However, despite increasing evidence, most biomarkers lack disease specificity, standardized cutoffs, and multicenter validation, while molecular assays remain confined to specialized laboratories. Clinically accessible markers such as ferritin, KL-6, and CXCL10 currently offer the highest translational potential. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity of study designs and analytical methods continues to limit comparability and routine clinical integration. Future research should prioritize the validation of composite biomarker panels through standardized, multicentric studies to enhance diagnostic precision and enable precision medicine approaches in DM and related inflammatory myopathies. Full article

Background: Effective communication is a fundamental competency in veterinary medicine that shapes the quality of veterinarian–client relationships, shared decision-making, and animal welfare. However, consistent and systematic integration of communication training across veterinary curricula remains uneven worldwide. Methods: This scoping review mapped and analyzed educational programs aimed at developing communication competencies in veterinary education and professional practices. A systematic search was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, identifying 37 eligible studies published between 2005 and 2024. Results: Most publications were in English and originated from North America, particularly Canada (n = 15) and the United States (n = 8). Regarding target populations, 15 studies (40.5%) focused on veterinary students, 12 (32.4%) on practicing veterinarians, 8 (21.6%) on animal owners or clients, and 2 on veterinary educators. 18 studies (48.7%) described structured programs that used active learning strategies such as role-play, clinical simulations, peer-assisted learning, and formative feedback. The competencies frequently emphasized include empathy, active listening, nonverbal communication, conflict resolution, and rapport building. Notable best practices included the Calgary–Cambridge model, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and reflective video analysis. Conclusions: The available evidence indicates a growing emphasis on clinical communication within veterinary education, primarily implemented through experiential and practice-based approaches. However, substantial gaps persist in the representation of Latin American contexts and in the systematic, longitudinal integration of communication skills across veterinary curricula. Addressing these gaps may contribute to more coherent, equitable, and context-sensitive communication training in veterinary education. Full article

Extracts from the stem bark of Stryphnodendron adstringens (barbatimão) exhibit relevant medicinal properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activities, which reinforce their potential for developing herbal medicines. The $550 billion plant bioactive market (by 2030) demands safer, green-chemistry-aligned extraction methods for responsible industrial scaling. In this study, dry extracts obtained from the stem bark of S. adstringens were obtained by ultrasound-assisted maceration in one- and two-step extraction systems. Parameters such as yield, solvent evaporation time, cost, acute toxicity, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) concentration, cell viability, antioxidant potential, and anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated. High-EGCG two-step organic extracts were industrially difficult, needing more raw material and toxic solvents. In contrast, the single-step extracts showed a better balance between yield, cost, safety, and biological efficacy. All extracts showed cell viability above 70% at safe concentrations and significantly reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the results confirm that optimizing single-step extraction, with lower environmental impact solvents, enables producing safe and effective polyphenol-rich extracts, consolidating water as the main candidate for industrial-scale phytotherapeutic formulations of barbatimão, in line with its traditional use in infusions. Full article

This investigation explored how seasonal variation affects the phytochemical composition and biological potential of Rosmarinus officinalis L., a widely used aromatic and medicinal plant. Aerial parts collected during spring, summer, autumn, and winter were extracted with ethanol and analyzed using LC-ESI-MS/MS, while total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents were determined spectrophotometrically. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, enzyme inhibitory, analgesic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and photoprotective properties. Major constituents identified in all seasons included luteolin, kaempferol, rutin, and biochanin A. The autumn extract contained the highest phenolic (353.21 ± 4.05 µg GAE/mg) and flavonoid (190.11 ± 5.65 µg QE/mg) levels. Antioxidant assays revealed that the autumn extract had the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 24.72 ± 0.16 µg/mL), while the spring extract exhibited the greatest reducing power (A_0.5 = 7.62 ± 0.30 µg/mL). The winter extract demonstrated superior anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀ = 28.60 ± 2.84 µg/mL), exceeding the reference drug diclofenac. Only the spring extract inhibited urease (IC₅₀ = 62.26 ± 0.58 µg/mL) and moderately inhibited α-amylase. All seasonal extracts showed notable photoprotective potential, with SPF values between 25.18 and 32.46, well above the recommended minimum. The spring extract also presented strong analgesic activity and no acute toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg. Antimicrobial effects were weak, limited to slight inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, while moderate cytotoxicity was observed against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Overall, seasonal variation significantly influenced the chemical profile and bioactivities of R. officinalis, with autumn and spring identified as the most suitable harvesting periods for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Full article

Erinacine A, a cyathane diterpenoid derived from the medicinal and edible fungus Hericium erinaceus, is increasingly recognized for its potent neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. It demonstrates significant therapeutic promise for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, primarily by stimulating the synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF). However, the clinical applicability of erinacine A is currently restricted by its low yield from natural sources and high production costs. This challenge has spurred significant research focused on optimizing its production. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current advancements in the fermentation-based preparation of erinacine A, including both liquid and solid-state cultivation techniques. Furthermore, we summarize its diverse biological activities, spanning neuroprotection, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, and detail the recent discoveries elucidating its complex biosynthetic pathway. This consolidated overview offers insights into strategies for enhancing its production and supports its ongoing development as a therapeutic agent. Full article

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease often causing functional disability. Current therapies provide only temporary relief and can cause adverse effects that frequently result in pain and disability. Current pharmacological options offer only temporary symptom relief and may cause adverse effects. Piper sarmentosum (PS), a plant traditionally used for its medicinal properties, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that may counteract OA-related degeneration. This study provides preliminary insight into the therapeutic potential of PS aqueous extract in human OA chondrocytes. Methods: Compounds in the PS aqueous extract were profiled using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Primary human OA chondrocytes (HOCs) were treated with 0.5, 2, and 4 µg/mL of PS aqueous extract for 72 h. Key OA-related parameters were assessed, including anabolic markers (sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG), collagen type II (COL II), aggrecan core protein (ACP), SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9)), catabolic markers (matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1, MMP13, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)), oxidative stress (nitric oxide (NO) production, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression), and inflammatory responses (interleukin (IL) 6). Gene expression was quantified using qPCR, and protein levels were evaluated using the colorimetric method, immunocytochemistry, and Western blot. Results: A total of 101 compounds were identified in the extract, including vitexin, pterostilbene, and glutathione—bioactives known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chondroprotective functions. PS-treated chondrocytes maintain healthy polygonal morphology. PS aqueous extract significantly enhanced anabolic gene expression (COL2A1, ACP, SOX9) and sGAG production, while concurrently suppressing COX2 expression and NO synthesis. Additionally, PS aqueous extract reduced COX2 and iNOS protein levels, indicating inhibition of the NO signaling pathway. Catabolic activity was attenuated, and inflammatory responses were partially reduced. Conclusions: PS aqueous extract exhibits promising chondroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in human OA chondrocytes, largely through the suppression of NO-mediated catabolic signaling. The presence of multiple bioactive compounds supports its mechanistic potential. These findings highlight PS aqueous extract as a potential therapeutic candidate for OA management. Further ex vivo and in vivo studies are warranted to validate its efficacy and clarify its mechanism in joint-tissue environments. Full article