Search Results (1,156)

Ruscus aculeatus L. (butcher’s broom), a member of the Asparagaceae family, is a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions and naturalized in parts of Europe and North America. Traditionally, the rhizome and root of this species have been employed in folk medicine for the treatment of venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, edema, and various dermatological and urinary ailments. These therapeutic applications are attributed primarily to the presence of steroidal saponins such as ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, as well as flavonoids and other bioactive compounds. In recent decades, R. aculeatus extracts have been incorporated into numerous pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations, particularly those intended to improve venous tone, reduce swelling, and alleviate symptoms of chronic venous disorders. However, despite its widespread use, studies regarding R. aculeatus remain limited. Many investigations have focused on complex formulations such as Cyclo 3 Fort, which also contains hesperidin methylchalcone and ascorbic acid, making it difficult to attribute the observed effects solely to R. aculeatus. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of R. aculeatus. The available data support the plant’s traditional use, yet further well-designed experimental and clinical studies are needed to clarify its mechanisms of action, confirm its therapeutic potential, and ensure safety and standardization in medicinal preparations. Full article

Carum carvi, commonly known as caraway, is a medicinal and culinary plant recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, primarily attributed to its essential oil components. However, the thermogenic potential of caraway—particularly the biological activity of its water-soluble extract—remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of caraway on Ucp-1 mRNA expression in beige adipocytes and on inflammation-mediated suppression of thermogenesis, by treating C3H10T1/2 adipocytes with caraway water extract (CWE) or caraway hexane extract (CHE) during both the induction and maturation phases, followed by isoproterenol stimulation, and measurement of mRNA levels of Ucp-1 and differentiation-related genes. Additionally, RAW264.7 cells were treated with CWE prior to stimulation with lipopolysaccharides followed by evaluation of inflammatory marker expression. CWE increased Ucp-1 mRNA expression directly by enhancing adrenergic sensitivity and promoting beige adipocyte differentiation during the induction phase of differentiation. Further, CWE mediated an indirect effect on Ucp-1 expression by suppressing macrophage inflammation, thus restoring Ucp-1 expression otherwise inhibited under inflammatory conditions. These results suggest that caraway extracts—especially the water-soluble compounds—may serve as therapeutic candidates for obesity-related conditions by enhancing energy expenditure and mitigating chronic inflammation. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants are valuable sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications as natural antimicrobials and antioxidants. This study investigated the chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, and in silico pharmacological properties of EOs extracted from Laurus nobilis, Thymbra capitata, and Mentha piperita, three medicinal species traditionally used in northern Morocco. Hydrodistillation yielded 1.12–1.53% oils, and GC–MS analysis revealed distinct chemotypes: L. nobilis was rich in eucalyptol, linalool, methyleugenol, and α-terpinyl acetate; T. capitata was dominated by carvacrol (80.95%), and M. piperita contained high proportions of linalool (57.37%) and linalyl acetate (28.56%). Antimicrobial assays demonstrated strong activity of all oils against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as Candida species, with T. capitata showing the most potent and broad-spectrum effects (MIC 0.073–9.47 mg/mL), attributed to its high carvacrol content. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and ferric reducing power) identified L. nobilis as the most active radical scavenger (IC₅₀ = 0.037 mg/mL), followed by T. capitata, whereas M. piperita displayed weaker activity. PCA confirmed that phenolic monoterpenes drive both antimicrobial and antioxidant potency, while oxygenated terpenes and sesquiterpenes contribute more selectively. ADMET predictions indicated generally favorable absorption and low toxicity, although o-cymene and carvacrol presented potential safety concerns. Molecular docking revealed α-terpinyl acetate as the most versatile ligand, with strong binding to bacterial, fungal, and oxidative enzymes, whereas other compounds exhibited more selective affinities. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of Moroccan EOs, particularly T. capitata and L. nobilis, as promising natural alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Full article

The enteric nervous system (ENS), frequently referred to as the “second brain,” is integral to maintaining gastrointestinal and systemic homeostasis. The structural and functional homeostasis of the ENS is crucial for both local intestinal processes (digestion, immunity) and systemic physiological equilibrium via the gut–brain axis, directly influencing overall health and disease. In recent years, dietary substances have attracted increasing scholarly attention for their potential to modulate the ENS, attributed to their safety and accessibility. This review commences with a systematic exploration of the anatomical structure of the ENS, including the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, its cellular constituents such as enteric neurons and enteric glial cells, and its core physiological functions, encompassing the regulation of gastrointestinal motility, the secretion–absorption balance, and the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Subsequently, it delineates the classification, distribution, and properties of essential dietary components, encompassing polyphenols, short-chain fatty acids, amino acids and their derivatives, as well as prebiotics and probiotics. Additionally, it examines the mechanisms through which these substances modulate the physiological functions of the ENS, including the regulation of intestinal motility, support for neuronal survival and network integrity, and the maintenance of neuro-immune homeostasis. The review concludes by highlighting current limitations—including reliance on rodent models, unclear human ENS mechanisms, and imprecise interventions—and proposes future directions focused on precision medicine, clinical translation, and advanced tools like single-cell sequencing and targeted delivery systems. Full article

Careya arborea, commonly known as wild guava, is a deciduous tree native to Asia, including Sri Lanka. Traditionally used to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, tumors, gastrointestinal disorders, and inflammation, it is valued for its notable astringent properties. Rich in phytochemicals, including phenolics, terpenes, sterols, tannins, and saponins, Careya arborea exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Its anticancer effects are primarily attributed to the induction of apoptosis and the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, with several extracts such as chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol demonstrating selective cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines. The high phenolic content of Careya arborea underpins its antioxidant potential, which plays a crucial role in mitigating oxidative stress and associated inflammatory conditions. Despite its medicinal potential, Careya arborea remains an underutilized plant in Sri Lanka. Greater attention should be given to promoting its use in both traditional and modern healthcare systems to harness its therapeutic benefits. Given its therapeutic potential, sustainable harvesting and conservation efforts are essential to protect this plant from overexploitation and habitat loss. Taking all these factors into account, this review emphasizes Careya arborea’s potential as a source of natural therapeutic agent, highlighting the importance of further research and conservation to unlock its full medicinal value for clinical applications. Full article

Laser engraving may be used in a variety of industries, from medicine to defense, and it has many uses that require high-quality precision production. However, in practice, operators have to adjust the laser settings manually, which can result in wasted material and poor color quality and even decrease productivity. Current optimization approaches mostly concentrate on single objectives, making it impossible to co-optimize engraving quality and production efficiency simultaneously. In this paper, an approach based on a multi-objective genetic algorithm, a combination of NSGA-II, SPEA2, and MOEA/D, is proposed to automatically establish the relationship between CMYK color attributes, which are extracted from images of engravings, and laser parameters (power, speed, and frequency). Anodized aluminum 6061 was laser-processed using an SPI 30W fiber laser. While the proposed framework is general, the experimental validation in this study was specifically constrained to this material. The results also indicate that MOEA/D converges in a short time and becomes relatively stable after 20 generations. NSGA-II results in solutions that are more diverse, and SPEA2 offers a good trade-off between the speed of convergence and solution size. This approach resulted in optimization in terms of both a decrease in material used and color matching between manual operations, with the average CMYK improvement being up to 28%. Our results indicate that multi-objective evolutionary optimization is feasible for the optimization of efficiency and quality in laser cutting. Full article

The global rise of multidrug-resistant Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing-Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) poses a critical threat to public health, driving the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. This study evaluates the antimicrobial properties of 20 Chinese medicinal herbs against 14 ESBL-PE strains from seven bacterial species, utilizing three extraction methods: traditional water decoction, 80% ethanol maceration, and 50% ethanol with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Among the herbs tested, Coptis chinensis Franch. demonstrated the most potent anti-ESBL-PE activity, effectively inhibiting multiple strains, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Hafnia alvei, Citrobacter freundii and Proteus hauseri. C. chinensis extracts obtained via UAE exhibited superior antibacterial activity to the other two extraction methods, attributed to enhanced extraction efficiency and improved bioactive compound yields. Specifically, UAE increased the extraction yield of alkaloids in C. chinensis by 80.9%, compared to the ethanol maceration method, and the increase in berberine, the key antimicrobial compound, was 75.4%. Berberine demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against ESBL-PE strains, while other phytochemicals in C. chinensis extracts have an additional effect with berberine, further amplifying the overall antimicrobial activity. These findings highlight that the UAE is a promising method for enhancing the therapeutic potential of C. chinensis and other Chinese medicinal herbs against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a global public health concern. Several antiretroviral drugs have been approved for the treatment, post-exposure, and pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV. Darunavir (DRV) is a protease inhibitor (PI) approved for the management of HIV globally. This study aims to generate safety signals for DRV through data mining and analysis of adverse events (AEs) reported to the United Kingdom (UK) Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card Scheme. Methods: Disproportionality analysis was conducted using reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) approaches to identify potential safety signals. Results: The MHRA database contained n = 779 reports (n = 1791 AEs) attributed to DRV. The majority of AEs were reported for males. Positive safety signals were identified at both the system organ class (SOC, n = 5) and preferred term level (PT, n = 95). At SOC level, endocrine disorders emerged as a signal of interest n = 33 cases (ROR: 8.17, 95% CI: 5.78–11.56; PRR:7.96, 95% CI: 5.68–11.15; and IC: 2.85, IC025: 2.51). Among the results, 40 new potential safety signals are not listed on the product labelling in the UK. These include serious AEs such as cerebrovascular accident, brain injury, thrombosis, and pregnancy, puerperium, and perinatal AEs. Conclusions: This study provides additional real-world safety data for DRV in the UK and paves the way for future observational studies to investigate the identified safety signals. Full article

Cancer is considered today as a prevalent research direction due to the fact that, by 2050, more than 30 million cases will occur, followed by about 19 million deaths. It is expected that scholars will search for new, innovative, and localized therapies to ensure a much more targeted treatment with reduced side effects. Magnetic hydrogels overcome the disadvantages of classical magnetic nanoparticles in various oncological domains, including magnetic hyperthermia, theragnostic, immunotherapy, and, notably, regenerative medicine and contrast substances. We will review the magnetic hydrogel topics that may be involved as a potential application for cancer. Firstly, we present the international context and subject importance in the framework of statistics estimated by some researchers. Then, the magnetic hydrogel synthesis method will be briefly described with examples extracted from the literature. Supplementary, we will emphasize the main attributes of an ideal magnetic hydrogel, and last but not least, we will review some of the latest in vitro and in vivo studies in a direct relationship with magnetic hyperthermia, chemotherapeutic drug release dynamics, and immunotherapy used as single strategies or in combination, by underling the magnetic properties of the hydrogels and importance of application of magnetic fields. We will conclude our review paper by discussing toxicity issues, future trends, limitations, and proposed new approaches to address them. Full article

The biological effects of magnetic fields (MFs) have been studied and applied in medicine over the past four decades. However, the influence of high-intensity pulse magnetic fields (HI-PMFs), theorized to exert even stronger biological effects, is rarely reported. Herein, a study was conducted to investigate the biological effects of 2.5 T HI-PMF on the model organism Escherichia coli and its corresponding physiological alterations. After being treated by HI-PMF, a notable increase was observed in its intracellular NADH/NAD⁺ ratio, coupled with an improved cell survival rate. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes related to glucose metabolism. Subsequent experiments confirmed that if the initial intracellular glucose level was relatively high and markedly decreased after being treated with HI-PMF, the cell density would significantly rise, owing to the alleviated inhibition of cell division. On the contrary, a lower initial intracellular glucose level led to cell death under HI-PMF. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was proved to be the main cause attributed to the above phenomena. Therefore, our study suggests that HI-PMF treatment promotes ROS production, enhances cellular glucose metabolism, and consequently influences cell division and survival rate according to the initial level of intracellular glucose. Full article

The CRISPR-Cas9 system has transformed biomedical research by enabling precise genetic modifications. However, efficient delivery of CRISPR components remains a major hurdle for therapeutic applications. To address this, we employed a new modified cationic hyper-branched cyclodextrin-based polymer (Ppoly) system to deliver an integrating GFP gene using the TILD-CRISPR method, which couples donor DNA linearization with RNP complexes. The physicochemical properties, loading efficiency, and cellular uptake of RNP with Ppoly were studied. After transfection, antibiotic selection and single-cell cloning were performed. Junction PCR was then performed on the isolated clones, and we compared the knock-in efficiency of Ppoly with that of the commercial CRISPRMAX™ reagent (Thermo Fisher, Invitrogen™, Waltham, MA, USA). The results demonstrate the encapsulation efficiency of over 90% for RNP and Ppoly, and cell viability remaining above 80%, reflecting the minimal toxicity of this approach. These attributes facilitated successful GFP gene integration using the TILD-CRISPR with RNP delivered via cyclodextrin-based nanosponges. The present method achieved a remarkable 50% integration efficiency in CHO-K1 cells, significantly outperforming the 14% observed with CRISPRMAX™ while maintaining lower cytotoxicity. This study highlights a promising platform for precise and efficient genome editing, with strong potential for therapeutic and regenerative medicine applications. Full article

Granulosa cells (GCs) and ovarian putative stem cells (oPSCs) represent distinct but complementary populations within the mammalian ovary. While GCs have long been considered terminally differentiated and hormonally specialized, emerging evidence indicates that they retain epigenetic plasticity and, under defined conditions, can be reprogrammed into cells exhibiting pluripotent-like features. In contrast, oPSCs, including oogonial stem cells (OSCs) and very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs), are naturally multipotent and capable of spontaneous or inducible differentiation into neural, endothelial, and other somatic lineages. Both cell types express stemness-related markers, such as OCT4, SOX2, and c-KIT, and demonstrate potential for self-renewal and lineage conversion. Recent advances in chemical modulation of epigenetic reprogramming, particularly with agents from the family of non-specific DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, such as 5-azacytidine (5-azaC), highlight the feasibility of generating functional, lineage-specific derivatives of GCs or oPSCs without genetic manipulation. Not without significance is also the fact that extended/high-dose 5-azaC-mediated modulation can induce cell senescence or apoptotic/necrotic death. Therefore, dosing must be carefully titrated, which strongly supports a dose- and/or time-dependent mechanism for 5-azaC-based epigenetic modification in treated cells. This study aims to summarize the molecular and functional properties of mammalian GCs and oPSCs, emphasizing their applicability in regenerative medicine and reproductive bioengineering, with a focus on safe, patient-specific cell-based therapies. Full article

The central image of Yakushi Nyorai in the Kondō of Yakushi-ji is a statue closely associated with the imperial household. This study centers on the iconography of the Four Directional Deities and grotesque figures on the pedestal of this statue, while drawing comparative references to related imagery from both China and Japan, in order to reassess the intended meaning behind the iconographic program and, by extension, the original purpose of the statue’s creation. The analysis suggests that the twelve grotesque figures, enclosed within bell-shaped niches on all four sides of the pedestal’s midsection, likely represent the Twelve Divine Generals, who collectively symbolize the Pure Land of Yakushi in conjunction with the Medicine Buddha above. The grotesque figures situated outside the niches on the north and south faces take on the posture of supportive yakṣa and additionally carry the iconographic attributes of beast-demons. Positioned at the lowest register, the Four Directional Deities are interpreted as forming a directional entourage of ascension—either to immortality or to rebirth in the Pure Land. Taken together, these visual elements strongly suggest that the central image of Yakushi Nyorai may have been created as a posthumous votive offering for the soul of Empress Jitō. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer remains a major public health concern in India, with the Northeast Region (NER) reporting the country’s highest incidence rates. In Meghalaya, a predominantly tribal state, cultural beliefs, financial hardship, and limited healthcare access significantly affect cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes. This study explores the experiences and needs of cancer patients in Meghalaya, India, to inform culturally sensitive, patient-centred, and financially inclusive approaches to cancer care among tribal populations. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among 19 participants (12 patients and 7 caregivers; in cases where patients were unable to communicate effectively due to physical weakness or treatment-related complications, their primary caregivers, those directly linked to the specific patients, were interviewed instead) receiving treatment at Civil Hospital, Shillong, between August and November 2023. In-depth interviews were conducted in Khasi, translated into English, and analysed thematically following COREQ guidelines. Results: Ten key themes emerged. Patients often attributed early symptoms to supernatural causes and sought traditional healers, delaying diagnosis. Many experienced fragmented care pathways, misinformation, and fear of treatment side effects. The financial burden was severe, with high out-of-pocket costs for travel, diagnostics, and medicines, despite partial relief through the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme. Communication about costs between patients and providers was limited, leaving families unprepared for the expenses. Emotional distress, loss of livelihood, and dependence on family support were common, while faith and spirituality served as major coping mechanisms. Conclusions: Cancer care in Meghalaya is shaped by intertwined cultural, economic, and systemic barriers. Strengthening culturally tailored health education, decentralised diagnostic services, structured financial counselling, and cost transparency can improve care delivery. Future research should adopt multi-centre, longitudinal approaches to guide equitable, patient-centred cancer policies in tribal and rural settings. Full article

Randia spp. is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat various diseases. In this study, the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant, antiproliferative, and cytotoxic activities of hydroalcoholic extracts from fresh and dried Randia spp. fruits were evaluated. The phytochemical profile was determined through qualitative assays and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The antiproliferative effect was tested against CaCo-2 cells (human colon adenocarcinoma), the cytotoxicity was evaluated using J774.2 murine macrophages, and the selectivity index (SI) was calculated. The fresh and dried fruit extracts contained 50.27 and 47.22 mg QE/g extract of total phenols (TPC) and 27.08 and 35.53 mg QE/g extract of total flavonoids (TFC), respectively. In the fresh fruit extracts, four phenolic acids (caffeic, hydroxybenzoic, ferulic, and coumaric) and one flavonoid (kaempferol) were identified, and the dried fruit extracts contained ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and kaempferol. Kaempferol was the predominant compound in both extracts (137.55 and 42.10 mg/g dry sample in fresh and dried fruits, respectively). Both extracts displayed antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 18.29 mg/mL (DPPH) and 8.70 mg/mL (ABTS). Among the tested samples, the dried fruit extract demonstrated the highest antiproliferative activity. Furthermore, the extract showed moderate antiproliferative effects against CaCo-2 cells (IC₅₀ 25.44 ± 0.16 µg/mL) and low cytotoxicity toward J774.2 cells (CC₅₀ > 100 µg/mL), resulting in an SI = 3.92. Overall, the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities can be attributed mainly to kaempferol, given its high abundance in both extracts. The favorable selectivity index suggests that hydroalcoholic extracts of Randia spp. are safe and effective, highlighting their potential as candidates for further preclinical and clinical evaluation. Full article