Search Results (2,795)

Knowledge related to the use of plants and mushrooms in the Baranja region of Croatia was documented through semi-structured interviews of 105 informants in 12 villages. We found 117 plant species and 7 mushrooms with medicinal uses. Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, and Asteraceae were the families with the most species, while Sambucus nigra, Chamomilla recutita, and Taraxacum officinale were the most frequently mentioned species. Leaves, fruits, and flowers were the most commonly used plant parts, predominantly prepared as infusions, syrups, and tinctures. Plants were mainly used to treat digestive and respiratory ailments, with the highest informant consensus recorded for ear, eye, and respiratory disorders. The results emphasize the persistence of rich ethnobotanical knowledge in the study area and highlight the importance of preserving this cultural and biological heritage for future generations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer is a disabling, challenging, and growing global disease. Although early diagnosis and adequate treatment of cancer are developing rapidly, a large part of the population remains without access to specialized services and routinely progresses to uncontrolled pain, poorer quality of life, and suffering. Complementary therapies for pain management and the well-being of patients under palliative care are fundamental tools of integrative oncological medicine. This first version of the protocol was created in August 2023 to structure the aim of this study to investigate the effectiveness of the experimental protocol which uses immersive virtual reality as a meditation tool in patients followed at the Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Service of the CECON Foundation. Methods: This randomized clinical trial, conducted at the Pain Therapy and Palliative Care Service (STDCP) of the FCECON, explores the use of immersive virtual reality to promote regular meditation practice among cancer patients as an effective means of managing pain and improving quality of life. Discussion: The present study has the potential to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality as a meditation tool for patients undergoing palliative care, in addition to contributing scientific evidence that supports better decisions in healthcare for the management of cancer pain. Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) and ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT06328751/Universal Trial Number (UTN) U1111-1304-3752. Full article

Dilovasi district of Kocaeli is one of the largest industrial regions, and due to its high production capacity and industrial waste, the soil heavy metal levels in this region are exceptionally high. Consequently, this study focuses on essential elements (B, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Zn) and non-essential elements that are considered toxic to humans (Al, Cd, Pb), covering a total of thirteen elements. Accordingly, this study aims to highlight the degree of pollution in a Turkish Organized Industrial Zone located in the Dilovasi district of Kocaeli by quantifying the concentrations of the aforementioned elements in Calamintha nepeta subsp. glandulosa plants and soil samples, and by assessing their potential implications for human health. Significant accumulation of heavy metals in both soils and plant parts suggests that metal contamination, especially that of Fe (up to 1009.2 mg kg⁻¹), is a matter of great concern in the Dilovasi district. The results revealed that the concentrations (mg kg⁻¹) of Cr (23.0 ± 0.1), Fe (1292.5 ± 5.6), Pb (36.9 ± 0.1), Zn (151.2 ± 0.8), and Cd (3.6 ± 0.1) were considerably higher. However, the concentrations of Cu, Mn, and Ni were found to be within the permissible limits in accordance with the American Herbal Products Association and the World Health Organization referenced guideline values. Furthermore, heavy metal concentrations in C. nepeta subsp. glandulosa were generally higher in areas characterized by elevated soil metal levels, indicating a clear correspondence between soil contamination and plant metal content. Based on these findings, C. nepeta subsp. glandulosa, a plant with culinary and medicinal value, can be considered a useful bioindicator for assessing local heavy metal contamination. Full article

Background/Objectives: Comparative analysis of antimicrobial resistomes in hospital and community wastewater can provide valuable insights into the diversity and distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), contributing to the advancement of the One Health approach. This study aimed to characterize and compare the resistome profiles of wastewater sources from a hospital and community. Methods: Longitudinal metagenomic analysis was conducted on wastewater samples collected from the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (hospital) and a shopping mall (community) in Tokyo, Japan, between December 2019 and September 2023. ARG abundance was quantified using reads per kilobase per million mapped reads (RPKM) values, and comparative analyses were performed to identify the significantly enriched ARGs in the two sources. Results: A total of 46 monthly wastewater samples from the hospital yielded 825 unique ARGs, with a mean RPKM of 2.5 across all detected genes. In contrast, 333 ARGs were identified in the three shopping mall wastewater samples, with a mean RPKM of 2.1. Among the ARGs significantly enriched in the hospital samples, 23, including genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides (nine groups) and β-lactam antibiotics (eight groups), exhibited significantly high RPKM values. No ARGs were found to be significantly enriched in the community wastewater samples. Conclusions: This study highlights the higher diversity and abundance of ARGs, particularly those conferring resistance to aminoglycosides and β-lactam antibiotics including carbapenems, in hospital wastewater than in community wastewater. These findings underscore the importance of continuous resistome monitoring of hospital wastewater as part of the integrated One Health surveillance strategy. Full article

Local vegetables and spices are essential components of traditional food and health systems in northeastern Thailand, yet quantitative ethnobotanical evidence remains limited. This study documents the diversity, utilization, and cultural significance of vegetables and spices used in Sang Kho Sub-district, Phu Phan District, Sakon Nakhon Province. Ethnobotanical data were collected in 2025 through field surveys, voucher-based plant identification, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation involving 92 informants across 23 villages. Cultural significance and medicinal knowledge were evaluated using the Cultural Importance Index (CI), Informant Consensus Factor (FIC), and Fidelity Level (FL). A total of 113 taxa belonging to 94 genera and 49 plant families were recorded. Poaceae and Zingiberaceae were the most species-rich families. Native species slightly predominated (51.33%), and herbaceous taxa were most common. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part. Most taxa were used as vegetables (92 species), followed by traditional medicines (20 species), spices or seasonings (18 species), and food ingredients or culinary additives (18 species). The highest CI values were recorded for Allium ascalonicum L. (1.152), Capsicum annuum L. (1.098), and Coriandrum sativum L. (1.043). FIC values ranged from 0.60 to 1.00, with complete consensus for circulatory and neurological disorders. Cymbopogon citratus showed the highest FL (75%) for gastrointestinal uses. These findings demonstrate the close integration of food and medicine in local plant-use systems and provide baseline data for food system resilience and cultural knowledge conservation. Full article

Fungal diversity has been well explored worldwide, but such knowledge in special environments remains limited. Here, we focus on the soil from Ngari Prefecture with high altitude in the northwestern part of Xizang, China. Among the 514 fungal strains isolated from the soil samples, two strains are newly described as Cymostachys pangongensis and Emericellopsis rutogensis in the Hypocreales on the basis of both morphological and phylogenetic evidence. Cymostachys pangongensis exhibits typical characteristics of Cymostachys, viz., irregularly cymosely branched conidiophores and olivaceous brown to dark brown, fabiform conidia. It represents the sixth known species of Cymostachys and the first species isolated from soils in this genus. Emericellopsis rutogensis has typical chlamydospores and conidia of Emericellopsis, although its sexual ascomata and ascospores were not observed. Notably, these two new species belong to interesting fungal genera, whose members are well known for rich medicinal natural products. In summary, this study enriches the knowledge of fungal diversity in special environments, and the isolated strains may provide important bioresources for future applications. Full article

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (E. ulmoides), an endemic tree species in China, holds significant value in traditional Chinese medicine industry and health food. The plant is rich in diverse bioactive compounds, including lignans, iridoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, E. ulmoides gum, amino acids, and minerals. These components contribute to a range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, and bone-protective effects, which support its long-standing traditional use and emerging clinical and adjunctive applications. While current research has predominantly focused on the bark and leaves, other parts, such as flowers, seeds, stems and roots, remain underexplored despite their substantial potential for medicinal and edible applications. Based on the recent literature, this paper systematically summarized the chemical composition, health benefits, and comprehensive utilization of different parts of E. ulmoides (bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds), aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for the high-value utilization of the entire plant resources of E. ulmoides. As a health-promoting plant resource, E. ulmoides has extensive development potential in applications such as health foods, natural medicines, and agricultural inputs. Future research should prioritize elucidating the synergistic mechanisms among different active compounds, advancing technologies for multi-part utilization, and establishing standardized quality evaluation systems to facilitate broader applications in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and related interdisciplinary fields. 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

Objective: Echinacea purpurea, an herb with diverse pharmacological activities, has its roots widely used for anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory purposes. Interestingly, its aerial parts, which are also rich in bioactive compounds, remain underutilized. This study aims to optimize the extraction and purification processes to obtain the aerial part extract of Echinacea purpurea (APE-EP) to enhance the content of active constituents and improve its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Methods: We analyzed the chemical composition of APE-EP using HPLC-MS. The intestinal absorption characteristics of APE-EP were evaluated using an ex vivo everted gut sac assay. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of APE-EP were validated using a DSS-induced colitis mouse model. Results: Several phenolic acids were identified, including chicoric acid and caffeic acid, which have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The everted gut sac assay revealed concentration-dependent absorption of chicoric acid in the gut. Results from the mouse model showed that APE-EP promoted macrophage polarization from pro-inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages at the lesion sites, effectively suppressing inflammation and alleviating colitis-related pathological damage. Conclusions: This study enhances the medicinal value of the E. purpurea, provides new insights for the efficient utilization of plant resources, and offers a potential natural drug candidate for inflammatory bowel disease treatment. Full article

Tropical almond tree (Terminalia catappa L.), belonging to the Combretaceae family, is an unfurling tree with different edible parts. This review discussed the nutritional content, ethnopharmacological applications, main bioactive components, biological effects and economic potential of T. catappa. T. catappa shows essential applications in medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceutics. The nutritional values of T. catappa are associated with its contents of carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, lipids, vitamins and amino acids. It is used in many ethnopharmacological applications, including a heart stimulator, anti-diarrhoeal, bactericidal, anti-parasitic and anti-stress. T. catappa is used to treat angina pectoris, asthma attacks and bronchitis. The main reported biological activities for T. catappa were antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-atherosclerosis, antitumor, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antimalaria, hepatoprotective, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory and antihyperlipidemic activities. The main bioactive components reported in T. catappa encompassed phenolic compounds, alkaloids, diterpenes, fatty acids, galloyl glucose and derivatives, steroids and coumarins. T. catappa shows great economic opportunities which need to be expanded and diversified, taking into account its sustainability. Full article

The genus Plantago (Plantaginaceae) is widely distributed worldwide. The Plantago species are used in traditional medicine as wound healers, anti-inflammatory agents, antipyretics, and analgesics. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition from the aerial parts of Plantago indica L. and to evaluate its biological activities. Isolation studies and in vitro investigations were conducted on an aqueous phase of 80% EtOH extract of Plantago indica. In addition, in vivo studies were carried out using the MeOH, 80% EtOH, and water extracts. Plantarenaloside (1), 3-oxo-α-ionol β-glucoside (2), martynoside (3), acteoside (4), feruloyl gardoside (5), and ursolic acid (6) were isolated from the extract. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using 1D- and 2D-NMR and ESI-MS analyses. The extract, fractions, and pure compounds were tested in vitro for cytotoxicity (MTT), anti-inflammatory activity (NO, IL-6, and TNF-α production), wound healing (scratch test), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, SO). Feruloyl gardoside (20.11–58.27%) significantly reduced NO levels at concentrations of 25–100 µM. It significantly reduced IL-6 levels (40.17%) at 100 µM. Additionally, the in vivo anti-inflammatory (acetic acid-induced vascular permeability) and wound healing (incision and excision models) effects of the extracts were investigated. The findings suggest that P. indica may be considered to be a potential therapeutic option for managing inflammation and for promoting wound healing. Full article

Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. (Oleaceae) has long been valued for the medicinal properties. Its fruits are traditionally utilized, while the leaves and branches are generally discarded after fruit harvest. These aerial parts therefore represent underutilized by-products whose phytochemical profiles remain insufficiently characterized. To elucidate the organ-specific chemical diversity and assess the potential value of these underutilized parts, a comparative analysis of the fruits, leaves, and branches was performed using HPLC–MS/MS combined with GNPS-based molecular networking, with a particular focus on secoiridoids, the characteristic metabolites of the Oleaceae family. This approach revealed substantial overlap as well as distinct variations in secoiridoid profiles among the three plant organs. Chromatographic separation yielded 14 secoiridoid derivatives shared across all organs. In addition, four previously undescribed secoiridoids were isolated and identified through spectroscopic analyses: secoligunosides A (1) and B (2) from the leaves and secoligunosides C (3) and D (4) from the branches. Among the major identified secoiridoids, oleuropein (10), 8Z-nüezhenide (17), and GL-3 (18) exhibited weak proliferative activity, showing an approximately 10–20% increase compared to control, on human dermal papilla cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the leaves and branches not only contain key secoiridoids found in the fruits but also harbor unique metabolites, highlighting their value as alternative or complementary medicinal resources. The underutilized parts of L. japonicum therefore represent promising sources of natural products and warrant further investigation for future therapeutic applications. Full article

The genus Sambucus L. consists of about 29 recognized species (including 7 different genera that have berry fruit) distributed in all regions of the world. The most popular species are Sambucus nigra L., Sambucus cerulean Raf., and Sambucus javanica Blume, of which the European elderberry is widely used commercially. S. williamsii Hance (commonly known as Jiegumu) is endemic to China and is a valued variety of elderberry. S. nigra L. is one of the oldest medicinal plants. The herbal materials used in treatment and nutrition are its fruits, flowers, roots, leaves, and bark. Various parts of S. williamsii, including its fruit, flower, root, leaf, and stem, are also specifically used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Additionally, berries and flowers of S. nigra L. have become a very popular inclusion in supplements, beverages, and foods in recent years. It is important that Sambucus plants are rich sources of various bioactive compounds, which determine their biological activities, such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammation. However, one of the most extensively studied species is S. nigra L. Among the different parts of this plant, the fruits and flowers are of particular interest due to their rich bioactive components. The aim of the present review is to provide and compare an overview of the cardioprotective potential of various parts not only of S. nigra L., but also of S. williamsii Hance, and their products in various models. Moreover, cardioprotective mechanisms of their main chemical constituents were demonstrated in this paper to provide a basis for further study and development. Full article

This study systematically analyzed commercially available traditional Chinese medicines for As, Hg, Pb, Cd, and Cu, classifying them into roots and rhizomes (underground parts), stems and leaves, whole herbs, flowers, fruits and seeds (aboveground parts), and animal-derived decoction pieces. The concentration ranges of five elements in underground parts were 0~7.09, 0~0.29, 0~4.1, 0~1.1 and 0~49.2 mg/kg, with exceedance rates of 0–2.3%. Aboveground parts showed ranges of 0~1.54, 0~1.02, 0~13, 0~0.96 and 0~43.4 mg/kg, with exceedance rates of 0–8.8%. Animal-derived decoction pieces showed ranges of 0.07~27.18, 0~1, 0~55, 0~4.11 and 0.23~43.9 mg/kg, with exceedance rates of 6.7–41.3%. Principal component and cluster analyses indicated distinct contamination sources between animal-derived and plant-derived materials. The pollution index showed that animal-derived materials required special attention. Among plant-derived materials, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and Artemisiae Argyi Folium were also of concern. Health risk assessment indicated low non-carcinogenic risks across all categories (HI < 1), and uncertainty analysis showed a 0% probability of HI > 1. The 95th percentile carcinogenic risk for all categories was <1 × 10⁻⁴. Sensitivity analysis identified metal concentrations and daily intake as key uncertainty contributors. The findings underscore distinct contamination patterns between material types, highlighting the need for targeted control strategies, including strengthened source management and standardized dosing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease is more prevalent among women, and there are significant disparities in the management of female patients. Our study aimed to assess the clinical experience and educational needs of physicians in the treatment of reproductive and sex and gender-related health problems in patients with CKD. Methods: The three-part survey was distributed among nephrologists and other internal medicine specialists in Poland, both online and in paper form. Results: A total of 116 physicians participated in the survey, including 81 nephrologists. Most respondents (64.7%) were female and practiced in multispecialty hospitals (72.4%). While 97.4% managed patients with CKD, only 37.9% reported caring for pregnant women. Experience in sex-specific and pregnancy-related issues was limited—56.9% reported low or minimal experience in managing CKD during pregnancy. Residency training lacked coverage of crucial topics, with 66.2% reporting limited teaching on sex-related CKD progression. Over 90% supported integrating reproductive planning and interdisciplinary care into nephrology, favoring guidelines, conferences, and webinars for education. Conclusions: Our study has highlighted a critical discrepancy between the importance of sex-specific and reproductive health considerations in the management of CKD and the current level of clinical experience among Polish doctors. Full article