Search Results (129)

Staurosporine (STS) was discovered in 1977 by Omura and colleagues during a chemical screening for microbial alkaloids. It was the first indolocarbazole compound isolated from a soil-dwelling bacterium, Streptomyces staurosporeus. STS was also found to have antifungal activity, but its potent protein kinase (PK) inhibitory properties, perhaps the most extensively characterized biochemical feature of STS, were only revealed nearly a decade after its discovery. Thereafter, STS has been studied mainly for its anticancer potential with foreseen applications ranging from biomedical (e.g., antiparasitic) to agricultural (e.g., insecticidal). Interestingly, the recent discovery that STS induces apoptosis in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa renewed interest in this molecule as a scaffold for antifungal drug development. Studies in fungi and mammalian cell lines suggest that, in addition to PK inhibition, other modes of action are possible for STS. These may involve the targeting of membrane lipid domains and/or alterations of membrane biophysical properties. Here, the studies on the action of STS and its natural and synthetic derivatives against diverse fungal species, since its discovery to the present day, are critically reviewed and discussed with the aim of highlighting their advantages, limitations to be overcome, conceivable mechanisms of action, and potential as antifungal chemotherapeutic agents. Full article

The custard apple (CA) is a noble fruit in tropical regions worldwide. It has attracted a growing interest due to its organoleptic properties and nutritional value. With the expansion of international trade, both its cultivation and consumption have grown significantly in recent years. Previous researchers have sporadically investigated its nutritional composition and health benefits; however, existing information on its processing and utilization is highly fragmented and lacks a comprehensive overview of its constituents, biological activities, and potential applications. This review is a detailed summary of the nutritional and bioactive properties, safety evaluations, and potential applications of CA. Following PRISMA guidelines, peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 were systematically searched in PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria comprised studies reporting on nutritional composition, phytochemicals, bioactivities, health promotion, and applications of CA. In addition to primary nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, CA also contains a multitude of bioactive compounds, mainly including phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, acetogenins, and alkaloids, which are attributed to a range of health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, blood sugar regulation, and cognitive function improvement. However, more clinical and toxicological profiles remain underexplored, and future research should focus on standardized extraction, safety evaluation, and translational applications. Additionally, the challenges and future perspectives in industrial applications are discussed, which are expected to offer comprehensive information for the utilization of CA. Full article

Wound healing remains a significant clinical challenge due to antibiotic-resistant pathogens, persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired tissue regeneration. Conventional therapies are often inadequate, necessitating alternative strategies. Plant bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids, offer antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-angiogenic properties that directly address these challenges in wound healing therapy. However, their poor solubility, instability, and rapid degradation at the wound site limit clinical translation. Biomaterial-based scaffolds such as hydrogels, electrospun nanofibers, lyophilized dressings, and 3D-bioprinted constructs have emerged as promising delivery platforms to enhance bioavailability, stability, and sustained release of bioactive compounds while providing structural support for cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue repair. This review was conducted through a structured literature search using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, covering studies published between 1998 and 2025, with keywords including wound healing, phytochemicals, plant bioactive compounds, scaffolds, hydrogels, electrospinning, and 3D bioprinting. The findings highlight how incorporation of plant bioactive compounds onto scaffolds can combat resistant microbial infections, mitigate oxidative stress, promote angiogenesis, and accelerate tissue regeneration. Despite these promising outcomes, further optimization of scaffold design, standardization of bioactive formulations, and translational studies are needed to bridge laboratory research with clinical applications for next generation wound healing therapies. Full article

(1) Objective: The biosynthesis of medicinal secondary metabolites in Dendrobium nobile Lindl. is regulated by complex environmental, hormonal, and microbial interactions. However, the mechanisms by which subtle variations in plant elevation shape metabolite accumulation through plant–microbe–hormone networks remain largely unexplored. (2) Methods: We conducted a multi-omics investigation of D. nobile cultivated under simulated wild conditions at four elevation gradients (347–730 m) in Chishui, China. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing and ITS-based fungal community profiling were combined with hormone quantification and functional prediction (FUNGuild), enabling integrated analysis of hormone pathway activation, microbial structure–function dynamics, and dendrobine levels. (3) Reults: This study systematically investigated D. nobile cultivated under simulated wild conditions across four elevation gradients (347–730 m) in the Danxia region of Chishui, China. We identified a dual regulatory mechanism underlying the elevation-dependent accumulation of dendrobine alkaloids, involving both plant hormone signaling and endophytic fungal communities. Transcriptomic analyses revealed coordinated upregulation of key hormone pathway genes, including DELLA, PYR/PYL, SnRK2, COI1-JAZ-MYC2, and NPR1-TGA, particularly in CY01Y samples at 670 m elevation from ChiYan base in Chishui city, which corresponded to the highest dendrobine content. Concurrently, functional prediction of the ITS-based fungal sequencing data revealed that CY01Y harbored a stable, functionally enriched fungal community dominated by saprotrophs, fungal parasites, and plant pathogens. (4) Conclusions: Through integrative hormone profiling, gene expression, and microbial function analysis, we propose that elevation-induced environmental cues reshape hormone pathways both directly and indirectly via microbial feedback. Specific microbial taxa were identified as potential modulators of hormone signaling and secondary metabolism. The coordinated interaction between plant hormones and endophytic fungi supports a hormone–microbiome–metabolite network that dynamically regulates dendrobine biosynthesis in response to micro-elevation variation. Full article

Pinellia ternata, a traditional Chinese herb, suffers from soil degradation and nutrient imbalance, which significantly decrease both yield and quality. Here, the application of microbial organic fertilizer (MOF) in the cultivation of P. ternata results in high yields and quality under two soil conditions, whether grown in greenhouse or open-field environments. The application of MOF enhanced seedling emergence rates and photosynthetic efficiency, significantly improving various agronomic traits, and increasing the content of flavonoids and total alkaloids in tubers, with a stronger effect observed at a dosage of 75 g/m². Moreover, available phosphorus, available potassium, catalase, and urease levels were significantly improved. Further, 16S and ITS sequencing revealed that bacteria diversity was not affected by all treatment, while the fungi unweighted UniFrac index showed significant decline in the MOF treatment. The abundance of bacterial Acidobacteriota and Proteobacteria varied with continuous cropping soil, whereas abundance of fungi Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota was changed in the first cropping of P. ternata. These findings suggest that applying MOF improves the microbial communities of the rhizosphere soil of P. ternata, enhancing soil enzyme activities and decomposing organic and inorganic matter. This, in turn, contributes to the yield and quality of P. ternata. Full article

Background: Ramulus Mori (Sangzhi) Alkaloids (SZ-A) are natural hypoglycemic compounds known to enhance insulin secretion. Given the emerging role of the gut microbiota in regulating β-cell function, in this study, we aimed to investigate whether SZ-A exert their beneficial effects through modulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Methods: A diabetic mouse model was established using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin, followed by 20 weeks of SZ-A treatment. Gut microbiota and metabolites were profiled via 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, respectively. Spearman’s correlation analysis was used to explore associations between gut microbiota and metabolites. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to assess gene expression and signaling pathway changes in β cells. Results: Our results demonstrate that SZ-A alleviated hyperglycemia and increased islet numbers in T2DM mice. SZ-A treatment also reshaped the gut microbiota, notably enriching quantities of Lactobacillus and norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, which may contribute to increasing levels of 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), a bioactive metabolite. Moreover, scRNA-seq revealed an increased proportion of COMT⁺ cells in the islets, suggesting that 2-ME may also be synthesized within the islets. In vitro, 2-ME suppressed HIF-1α signaling and promoted insulin secretion, indicating that 2-ME may act as a crucial mediator of the beneficial effects of SZ-A. Conclusions: SZ-A improve β-cell function by increasing 2-ME levels via gut microbiota modulation and islet production, ultimately suppressing HIF-1α signaling and restoring β-cell homeostasis. Full article

This study used a targeted metabolomics approach to examine changes in metabolites within green tea infusions fermented by G. lucidum (TFG) and evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and lipid-lowering properties of TFG. Fermentation decreased tea polyphenols, flavonoids, caffeine, soluble sugars, theaflavins, and catechins, while increasing free amino acids and theabrownins. The microbial bioconversion process led to the generation of decorated flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, alkaloids, nucleotides, and amino acids. This process shifted the tea’s taste from bitter and astringent to mellow, primarily due to the transformation of flavonoid glycosides, caffeine, catechins, 5′-guanosine monophosphate, 5′-uridine monophosphate, and theabrownins. Volatile metabolites added woody, floral, sweet, and fruity aromas. Reduced gallic acid and catechins lowered antioxidant activity, whereas increased theabrownins enhanced lipid-lowering activity and imparted a reddish-brown color. These findings indicate that fermentation significantly affects the flavor, aroma, and lipid-lowering ability of green tea infusion. Full article

Echium L. is a genus of flowering plants from the Boraginaceae family that includes several species traditionally used in herbal medicine. Echium spp. have been applied for treating wounds, urinary tract infections, inflammation, respiratory ailments, cardiovascular disorders, and microbial infections. The roots and flowers are most frequently used, typically prepared as decoctions or infusions. Phytochemical studies have identified diverse bioactive compounds, including phenolics, naphthoquinones, shikonins, fatty acids, sterols, terpenoids, amino acids, and toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Reported pharmacological effects include antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities, primarily attributed to polyphenolic and terpenoid content. However, the presence of toxic alkaloids also raises concerns regarding safety. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical components, and pharmacological activities of Echium species. The bioactivities observed in genus Echium L. substantiate the necessity for preclinical and clinical investigations to thoroughly elucidate and validate the therapeutic potential of this genus and emphasize its relevance in the development of novel therapeutic agents. Full article

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, primarily due to the stimulating effects attributed to its caffeine content. However, excessive intake of caffeine results in negative effects, including palpitations, anxiety, and insomnia. Therefore, low-caffeine coffee has captivated growing consumer interest, highlighting its significant market potential. Traditional decaffeination methods often lead to non-selective extraction, resulting in a loss of desirable flavor compounds, thereby compromising coffee quality. In recent years, microbial fermentation has emerged as a promising, targeted, and safe approach for reducing caffeine content during processing. Additionally, mixed-culture fermentation further enhances coffee flavor and overcomes the drawbacks of monoculture fermentation, such as low efficiency and limited flavor profiles. Nonetheless, several challenges are yet to be resolved, including microbial tolerance to caffeine and related alkaloids, the safety of fermentation products, and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms behind microbial synergy in co-cultures. This review outlines the variety of microorganisms with the potential to degrade caffeine and the biochemical processes involved in this process. It explores how microbes tolerate caffeine, the safety of metabolites produced during fermentation, and the synergistic effects of mixed microbial cultures on the modulation of coffee flavor compounds, including esters and carbonyls. Future directions are discussed, including the screening of alkaloid-tolerant strains, constructing microbial consortia for simultaneous caffeine degradation for flavor enhancement, and developing high-quality low-caffeine coffee. Full article

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in tea cultivation threatens soil health, environmental sustainability, and long-term crop productivity. This study explores the application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers. A bacterial consortium was developed using selected rhizobacterial isolates—Lysinibacillus fusiformis, five strains of Serratia marcescens, and two Bacillus spp.—based on their phosphate and zinc solubilization abilities and production of ACC deaminase, indole-3-acetic acid, and siderophores. The consortium was tested in both pot and field conditions using two tea clones, S3A3 and TS491, and compared with a chemical fertilizer treatment. Plants treated with the consortium showed enhanced growth, biomass, and antioxidant activity. The total phenolic contents increased to 1643.6 mg GAE/mL (S3A3) and 1646.93 mg GAE/mL (TS491), with higher catalase (458.17–458.74 U/g/min), glutathione (34.67–42.67 µmol/gfw), and superoxide dismutase (679.85–552.28 units/gfw/s) activities. A soil metagenomic analysis revealed increased microbial diversity and the enrichment of phyla, including Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes. Functional gene analysis showed the increased abundance of genes for siderophore biosynthesis, glutathione and nitrogen metabolism, and indole alkaloid biosynthesis. This study recommends the potential of a PGPB consortium as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, enhancing both the tea plant performance and soil microbial health. Full article

Anurans, commonly known as frogs and toads, comprise a diverse group of amphibians distributed across all continents except Antarctica. This manuscript provides a detailed overview of the global anuran fauna, emphasizing their biology, remarkable adaptations, and ecological importance. A particular focus is placed on their specialized cutaneous glands, which are crucial for defense, communication, and survival. These glands secrete a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including peptides, alkaloids, and other secondary metabolites, shaped by evolutionary pressures. Among these compounds, toxins with potent antimicrobial properties stand out due to their ability to combat a broad spectrum of microbial pathogens. We explore the chemical diversity of these secretions, analyzing their modes of action and their potential applications in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other pathogens. By integrating knowledge, this study underscores the importance of anurans as both ecological keystones and a valuable resource for biotechnological innovations. Furthermore, it highlights the urgent need to conserve anuran biodiversity for harnessing their potential in the development of novel antimicrobial agents to address global health challenges. Full article

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are plant-derived toxins with environmental persistence and the potential to contaminate soil, water, and adjacent crops. This study investigated the leaching behavior and environmental fate of PAs from two PA-producing weeds—Myosotis arvensis L. (Boraginaceae) and Senecio vulgaris L. (Asteraceae)—in two Latvian agricultural soils: sandy loam and loam. Hot- and cold-water plant extracts were applied to soil columns (10 cm and 20 cm), and leachates were analyzed over a 14-day period using QuEChERS purification and LC-HRMS detection. Leaching varied by plant species, extract type, and soil. M. arvensis showed significantly higher cumulative leaching (77–84% for cold, 65–71% for hot extracts), attributed to the higher solubility of N-oxides. In contrast, S. vulgaris extracts leached minimally (<0.84% from sandy loam) and were undetectable in loam. The presence of cyclic diester PAs in S. vulgaris and the higher cation exchange capacity of loam favored retention or degradation. PANO-to-PA conversion occurred in both soils, indicating redox activity. The fate of PAs was influenced by structural type (diesters showing higher persistence), extraction method (hot extraction releasing more pyrrolizidine alkaloids), and soil properties such as pH, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity, which affected sorption and mobility. These findings underscore the significance of soil composition in controlling PA mobility and associated environmental risks. Future research should focus on long-term PA persistence across diverse soil types and investigate crop uptake potential and microbial degradation pathways under field conditions. Full article

Plant-growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) play a central role in promoting sustainable agriculture by improving plant growth and resilience. The aim of this literature review is to survey the impacts of Trichoderma spp. and Penicillium spp. on various agricultural and horticultural plants. The information provided in this manuscript was obtained from randomized control experiments, review articles, and analytical studies and observations gathered from numerous literature sources such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct. The keywords used were the common and Latin names of various agricultural and horticultural species, fungal endophytes, plant-growth-promoting fungi, Trichoderma, Penicillium, microbial biostimulants, and biotic and abiotic stresses. Endophytic fungi refer to fungi that live in plant tissues throughout part of or the entire life cycle by starting a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with its host without any negative effects. They are also capable of producing compounds and a variety of bioactive components such as terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic components. Penicillium is extensively known for its production of secondary metabolites, its impact as a bioinoculant to help with crop productivity, and its effectiveness in sustainable crop production. The plant-growth-promotion effects of Trichoderma spp. are related to better absorption of mineral nutrients, enhanced morphological growth, better reproductive potential and yield, and better induction of disease resistance. Both Penicillium spp. and Trichoderma spp. are effective, affordable, safe, and eco-friendly biocontrol agents for various plant species, and they can be considered economically important microorganisms for both agricultural and horticultural sciences. The present review article aims to present the most up-to-date results and findings regarding the practical applications of two important types of PGPF, namely Penicillium spp., and Trichoderma spp., in agricultural and horticultural species, considering the mechanisms of actions of these species of fungi. Full article

With the sustainable increase in agricultural productivity, the need for safer, environmentally friendly pesticide alternatives is also growing. Metabolites of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) are emerging as potential bioactive compounds for integrated pest and disease management. These compounds comprise amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, organic acids, phenolics, peptides, alkaloids, polyketides, and volatile organic compounds. The majority of them have insecticidal, fungicidal, and nematicidal activities. In this review, the classifications, biosynthetic pathways, and ecological functions of primary and secondary metabolites produced by microorganisms are discussed, including their mechanisms of action, ranging from competition to systemic acquired resistance in host plants. The article highlights the importance of microbial genera (viz., Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Trichoderma sp., Streptomyces sp., etc.) in making chemicals and biopesticides for crop defense. We present the possible applications of microbial biosynthesis strategies and synthetic biology tools in bioprocess development, covering recent innovations in formulation, delivery, and pathway engineering to enhance metabolite production. This review emphasizes the significance of microbial metabolites in improving the plant immunity, yield performance, reduction in pesticide application, and the sustainability of an ecological, sustainable, and resilient agricultural system. Full article

This review critically explores the pharmacological potential of four traditionally significant medicinal plants—Phoenix dactylifera, Solanum lycopersicum, Withania somnifera, and Trigonella foenum-graecum—with a specific focus on their antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial properties. In light of the escalating global burden of chronic metabolic diseases and the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent demand for alternative, sustainable therapeutic strategies. Drawing upon both ethnopharmacological evidence and contemporary biomedical research, this study identifies and characterizes the key bioactive constituents responsible for the observed therapeutic effects. These phytochemicals include flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and saponins, which modulate metabolic pathways, exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and inhibit microbial proliferation. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, covering peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025. Inclusion criteria emphasized both in vitro and in vivo experimental models to provide a holistic understanding of molecular mechanisms and biological efficacy. Importantly, this review does not propose these plant extracts as direct substitutes for clinically established therapies but rather as potential complementary agents or sources of novel compounds for future drug development. This integrative approach underscores the relevance of traditional medicinal knowledge in guiding the discovery of plant-based therapeutics. It highlights these species as promising candidates for innovative health interventions in the context of modern biomedicine and global public health. Full article