Search Results (4,640)

Sambucus williamsii Hance (Viburnaceae), the Korean elderberry, is widely used in herbal medicine and in the food industry. It is known to have various pharmacological effects, including antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. During our search for anti-Helicobacter pylori compounds from natural resources, the methanol extract of the S. williamsii branch significantly inhibited the growth of H. pylori. Three phenolic and four lignan compounds were isolated from the methylene chloride fraction that had shown the most potent anti-H. pylori activity among the hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water fractions. The chemical structures were identified to be three phenolics of sylvopinol (1), dihydroconiferyl alcohol (2), and (7S,8R)-guaiacylglycerol (3) and four lignans of boehmenan (4), (7S,8S)-guaiacylglycerol β-coniferyl ether (6) and lawsonicin (7) with a new lignan, (7R,8R)-sambucanol (5), the structure of which was established by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, and HRESI-MS, as well as quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Among the isolates, compounds 3 and 4 exhibited significant anti-H. pylori activity against strains 51 and 26695. Compound 3 displayed more potent antibacterial activity with MIC values of 3.13 and 6.25 μM, and MIC₅₀ values of 28.5 and 56.8 μM against the two strains, respectively. Their inhibitory activities were higher than those of a positive control, quercetin. Furthermore, these two compounds showed moderate urease inhibitory activity. A molecular docking simulation revealed the high binding ability of 3 and 4 to the active site of H. pylori urease. These results will provide further insights into the design of more potent natural products for eradicating H. pylori. Full article

Oxidative stress is one of the key elements in lung-related complications such as cystic fibrosis, acute lung injury, pulmonary hypertension, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic airway diseases, lung cancer, COVID-19, and many others. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy can be considered as supportive alternatives in their management. However, most naturally derived antioxidants face issues with poor aqueous solubility and stability, which hinder their clinical utility. Remarkably, local pulmonary delivery circumvents the severe limitations of oral delivery, including hepatic first-pass metabolism and organ toxicity, and enables a higher drug payload in the lungs. Here, in this review, we present cyclodextrin as a potential drug carrier for pulmonary administration, exploring the possibilities of its surface modification, complexation with other drug transporters, and loading of cannabidiols, siRNA, and antibodies as future trends. However, the lack of a robust physiological model for assessing the efficacy of lung-oriented drug targeting is a significant concern in its path to clinical and commercial success. Full article

Colostrum is a nutrient-rich fluid secreted by mammals shortly after birth, primarily to provide passive immunity and support early immune development in newborns. Among its various sources, bovine colostrum is the most widely used supplement due to its high bioavailability, safety profile, and clinically supported health benefits. Rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides, bovine colostrum exhibits diverse biological activities that extend beyond neonatal health. Recently, the rising prevalence of cancer—driven by environmental stressors such as radiation, processed foods, and chronic inflammation, as well as non-environmental hereditary factors including germline mutations, family history, and epigenetic inheritance—has fueled interest in natural adjunctive therapies. Scientific studies have explored the anticancer potential of bovine colostrum, highlighting its ability to modulate immune responses, inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and reduce inflammation. Key components including lactoferrin and proline-rich peptides have been identified as contributors to these effects. Additionally, bovine colostrum may help reduce the side effects of standard cancer treatments, such as mouth sores from chemotherapy or weakened immune systems, by helping to heal tissues and boost the body’s defenses. While large-scale clinical studies are still needed, current findings suggest that bovine colostrum holds promise as a supportive element in integrative cancer care. In conclusion, bovine colostrum represents a safe, bioactive-rich natural supplement with multifaceted therapeutic potential, particularly in oncology, owing to its key components such as lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, growth factors (e.g., IGF-1, TGF-β), and proline-rich polypeptides (PRPs), which contribute to its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer effects. Ongoing and future research will be crucial to fully understand its mechanisms of action and establish its role in evidence-based cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Full article

Honey is recognized as a nutritionally rich and functional option, often used as a natural sweetener due to its content of glucose, fructose, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are well known. Recently, interest has grown in functional honey enriched with bioactive plant components, such as extracts of rosemary, lavender, oregano, and sage, which can enhance phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. However, such enrichment may alter honey’s sensory characteristics and introduce contaminants, including heavy metals, necessitating comprehensive quality assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and functional quality of honey enriched with aromatic plant extracts from Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, using an integrated approach. The research included the quantification of total phenolic compounds (TPCs), analysis of heavy metal content, and the application of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with two devices (laboratory and portable). The results showed that geographical origin and herbal additions significantly affect TPC and heavy metal concentrations. Honey from Kosovo had the highest TPC, while Albanian honey showed higher concentrations of iron and nickel. Enrichment with oregano and rosemary significantly increased TPC and, levels of heavy metals such as lead and nickel. These findings underscore both the nutritional potential and safety considerations of enriched honey products. Accurate, non-destructive techniques like NIR spectroscopy offer valuable tools for quality control; however, further work is needed to evaluate sensory acceptance and long-term safety of enriched honey. Full article

There is growing interest in the use of natural plant-derived compounds, such as polyphenols (including curcumin), flavonoids, silymarin, anthocyanins, lutein, and zeaxanthin, for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These substances exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective effects on retinal cells, contributing to the preservation of retinal integrity by modulating the key pathogenic mechanisms of AMD, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and pathological neovascularization. Consequently, they hold potential to support conventional therapeutic approaches and slow disease progression. Current studies highlight their promising role as adjunctive agents in AMD management. This literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential role of the aforementioned natural plant-derived compounds in the prevention and supportive treatment of age-related macular degeneration. It also discusses their natural sources, modes of administration and supplementation, and highlights the importance of a nutrient-rich diet as a key factor in maintaining ocular health. Furthermore, the review synthesizes current scientific knowledge on the ability of natural antioxidants to slow the progression of AMD and outlines future research directions aimed at improving diagnostic methods and developing more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Full article

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein of the transferrin family that plays a central role in host defense, particularly in protection against infection and tissue injury. Abundantly present in colostrum, secretory fluids, and neutrophil granules, Lf exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These effects are mediated by iron sequestration, disruption of microbial membranes, inhibition of microbial adhesion, and interference with host–pathogen interactions. Beyond its antimicrobial functions, Lf regulates pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators and mitigates excessive inflammation. Additionally, Lf alleviates oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. This review summarizes the current understanding of Lf’s biological functions, with a particular focus on its roles in microbial infections, immune modulation, oxidative stress regulation, and inflammation. These insights underscore the therapeutic promise of Lf as a natural, multifunctional agent for managing infectious and inflammatory diseases and lay the groundwork for its clinical application in immune-related disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dyslipidemia is a prevalent metabolic disorder closely linked to cardiovascular complications and muscular pathologies, often managed using statins such as simvastatin. However, statin-induced myopathy remains a significant treatment-limiting side effect, necessitating the exploration of safe, natural alternatives. Spirulina platensis, a phytochemical-rich marine-derived cyanobacterium, has emerged as a promising bioactive nutraceutical with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study evaluated the comparative effects of Spirulina platensis and simvastatin in attenuating dyslipidemia-induced skeletal muscle injury in adult male albino rats. Methods: Forty animals were allocated to the control and high-fat diet (HFD) groups. After 4 weeks, the dyslipidemic rats were subdivided into untreated, simvastatin-treated, and Spirulina platensis-treated subgroups. Serum lipid profile, creatine kinase (CK), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed. Histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to assess muscle fiber integrity and expression of TGF-β1 and Bcl2. Results: Spirulina platensis significantly improved lipid parameters, reduced CK and MDA levels, preserved muscle histoarchitecture, and downregulated fibrotic (↓TGF-β1) and apoptotic (↑Bcl2) responses compared to the dyslipidemic and simvastatin-treated groups. Our results proved that Spirulina platensis ameliorates the effects of statin-associated myopathy while exerting lipid-lowering, cytoprotective, and antifibrotic effects. Conclusion: These molecular and ultrastructural benefits position Spirulina platensis as a promising, natural alternative to statins for managing dyslipidemia and preventing statin-induced myopathy. Future translational and clinical studies are warranted to further validate its efficacy and safety, supporting its broader application in metabolic and muscle-related disorders. Full article

Background: Previously, we established gemcitabine (Gem)-resistant pancreatic cancer (PaCa) cell lines and showed that the acquisition of Gem resistance is accompanied by enhanced activation of the inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In this study, we focus on CalebinA, a natural compound derived from the rhizomes of turmeric, known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It has been suggested that this compound may exert anticancer effects by downregulating the NF-κB signaling cascade. Therefore, we collaborated with Sabinsa Corporation, Japan, to explore its potential application in pancreatic cancer therapy. Methods: We used gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cell lines to demonstrate the effect of CalebinA on cell toxicity, invasiveness, cytokine levels, NF-κB p65 activity, and tube formation in angiogenesis. Tumor volume and histopathological analysis were used to analyze the effects of CalebinA on tumors induced by the subcutaneous injection of pancreatic cell lines in mice. Results: Treatment with 10 μM CalebinA significantly inhibited NF-κB activity. Gem-resistant PaCa cells exhibited higher invasive and angiogenic capacities than non-resistant parental cells; however, these capacities were markedly suppressed by CalebinA. In vivo, intraperitoneal CalebinA administration every 3 days led to a significant reduction in tumor volume in mice bearing subcutaneous xenografts of the AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cell line. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that CalebinA suppressed the expression of Ki-67, CD31-positive microvessel density, and NF-κB p65. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CalebinA holds promise as a novel therapeutic agent for Gem-resistant pancreatic cancer and may be a strong candidate for clinical application. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly associated with gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events. This study aimed to assess the incidence and patterns of NSAID-induced GI disorders using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database and to compare the risks among different NSAIDs. Methods: NSAID-related reports were extracted from FAERS, focusing on 21 ulcer-related GI events with ≥1000 reports each, based on MedDRA v26.0. The number of reports, reporting odds ratios, and p-values were calculated and visualized using a volcano plot. Principal component analysis(PCA) was carried out to reduce the dimensionality of the dataset and revealed under-lying patterns in the data.PCA was performed to identify patterns related to risk, severity, and injury site, whereas hierarchical clustering was used to group NSAIDs based on these patterns. Hierarchical cluster analysis is a method of grouping similar data to generate a classification. Results: Statistically significant signals were identified for 19 of the 21 GI-related adverse events, including the serious condition of perforation. PCA revealed that the first component represented risk, the second severity, and the third the site of injury (upper vs. lower GI tract). Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective NSAIDs (e.g., celecoxib, rofecoxib) were associated with a lower incidence but greater severity, primarily in the upper GI tract. Conversely, nonselective NSAIDs (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, lornoxicam) showed higher incidence rates, though the events were generally milder. In our dataset, acetylsalicylic acid had the highest incidence, whereas meloxicam showed the highest severity. Clustering analysis revealed three distinct NSAID groups with differing patterns in risk, severity, and affected GI site. Mild adverse events may be underreported in FAERS. Dosage-related effects were not assessed in this study. Conclusions: NSAIDs differ significantly in their gastrointestinal adverse event profiles, attributable to COX selectivity. When selecting an NSAID, both the likelihood and the nature of potential GI harm should be considered. Full article

The application of natural juices in sports nutrition is attracting growing interest due to their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ergogenic properties. Exercise, especially when prolonged or intense, increases oxidative stress and muscle damage, leading athletes to explore dietary strategies that support recovery and enhance performance. This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of five widely studied juices—beetroot, pomegranate, cherry, watermelon, and pickle juice—in the context of athletic supplementation and recovery. A thorough search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify studies published between 2010 and 2025. Fifty peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria, examining various physiological, biochemical, and performance-related outcomes linked to juice consumption. Given the methodological diversity among studies, a qualitative synthesis was employed. The juices were compared across four key outcomes—inflammation, oxidative stress, delayed onset of muscle soreness, and exercise performance—to determine their most consistent benefits. Beetroot juice, noted for its high nitrate content, consistently enhanced oxygen efficiency and submaximal endurance, although benefits in elite or sprint athletes were less evident. Both pomegranate and cherry juices were effective in reducing muscle soreness and inflammatory markers, particularly when consumed over several days surrounding exercise. Watermelon juice, primarily through its L-citrulline content, offered antioxidant and recovery support, although performance outcomes varied. Evidence for pickle juice was limited, with no notable ergogenic effects beyond anecdotal cramp relief. Overall, natural juices can support recovery and occasionally improve performance, depending on the specific juice, dosage, and athlete characteristics. Beetroot juice stands out as the most reliable in enhancing performance, while pomegranate and cherry juices are more beneficial for recovery. Future research with standardized protocols is essential to determine optimal application across diverse athletic contexts. Full article

Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation are major drivers of metabolic inflammatory diseases, and natural antioxidant peptides represent promising therapeutic agents. Antioxidant peptides derived from Cyperus protein (CAOP) exhibit high digestibility and bioavailability, but their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: We employed in vitro experiments, non-targeted metabolomics, peptide omics, and molecular docking techniques to explore how CAOP exerts dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Results: The in vitro experiments showed that in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, CAOP not only significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) but also significantly reduced the gene expression and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as the phagocytic ability of cells. Metabolomics studies indicate that CAOP protects cells from LPS-induced damage by enhancing intracellular glutathione metabolism pathways, glyceraldehyde and dicarboxylic acid metabolism pathways, pantothenic acid and coenzyme A biosynthesis metabolism pathways, and thiamine metabolism pathways while inhibiting the ferroptosis pathway. CAOP was purified using Sephadex G-25 column chromatography, and its amino acid sequence was determined using LC-MS/MS technology. Subsequently, 25 peptide sequences were screened through bioinformatics analysis. These peptides can target Keap1. Among them, DLHMFVWS (-ICE = 62.8072) and LGHPWGNAPG (-ICE = 57.4345) are most likely to activate the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway. Conclusions: CAOP exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the key metabolic networks, demonstrating its therapeutic promise for associated with oxidative damage and metabolic inflammation disorders. Full article

Histamine can damage the antioxidant and immune systems in fish and crustaceans. Rutin, a natural substance with a diverse phenolic structure, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether rutin can mitigate histamine-induced negative effects remains uninvestigated in fish models. This study investigated the effect of 0.1–100 μM rutin preincubation on histamine (29.5 mM)-induced cytotoxicity in zebrafish liver cells (ZFL) and its potential mechanisms. Results showed that 0.1–100 μM rutin significantly improved ZFL cell survival following histamine stimulation and protected cellular morphology. Rutin inhibited the adverse effects of histamine on ZFL by scavenging or suppressing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), H₂O₂, and malondialdehyde (MDA), while increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). At the protein level, 10 μM rutin significantly promoted Nrf2 protein expression. HO-1 protein was significantly up-regulated after preincubation with 0.1–10 μM rutin, whereas IL-1β protein levels were significantly down-regulated. The mechanism may involve activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway and inhibition of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway. In summary, within the experimental concentration range, 10 μM rutin showed the strongest inhibitory effects on histamine-induced ZFL cell death and oxidative stress. This study provides a theoretical basis and data support for evaluating rutin’s feasibility as a green aquatic feed additive. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. Coronary artery disease (CAD) represents the most prevalent form of cardiovascular disease and remains a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and long-term disability worldwide. Therefore, the identification of early biomarkers and clarification of the mechanism of action of pharmacological adjuvants is urgently needed. Nutraceuticals such as Arthrospira platensis (commonly known as spirulina) have emerged as promising modulators for their notable vascular anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we provide novel evidence of the anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic potential of Arthrospira platensis toward endothelial cells and immune interactions, combining in vitro assays with bioinformatic profiling. Spirulina treatment significantly attenuated endothelial and angiogenic activation, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine and VEGFA/VEGFR2 expression. Additionally, it also decreased the activation and adhesion capabilities of THP-1 monocytic cell lines. Through computational analysis of the complex molecular mixture present in Arthrospira platensis, we have identified a subset of compounds exhibiting high structural similarity to CHEMBL3559503, a well-characterized synthetic molecule with dual activity as a TLR9 agonist and anti-angiogenic agent. This represents a novel insight, suggesting that spirulina may serve as a natural source of analogues capable of modulating both immune and angiogenic pathways. These results highlight Arthrospira platensis as a promising candidate nutraceutical for targeting endothelial/immune crosstalk in the context of atherosclerosis prevention, offering both mechanistic insights and translational potential. Full article

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a bakuchiol-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel (BTH) as a novel local drug delivery system for the management of periodontitis. Bakuchiol, a natural phenolic compound extracted from Psoralea corylifolia, was incorporated into a hydrogel composed of poloxamers and carboxymethylcellulose. The gelation behavior, physicochemical properties, and drug release profile were analyzed. Additionally, antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis was assessed. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in human gingival fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 cells. Anti-inflammatory effects were determined by measuring proinflammatory cytokine expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, alveolar bone loss, cytokine expression, and histological findings were assessed in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis. BTH demonstrated sol–gel transition at body temperature, with sustained drug release over 15 days. Moreover, it exhibited significant antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis and was non-cytotoxic at an extract concentration of 6.25%. In vitro, it significantly downregulated inflammatory cytokines in activated macrophages. In vivo, BTH application reduced alveolar bone loss and interleukin-1β expression in gingival tissues. Histological analysis confirmed decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and alveolar bone destruction. Thus, BTH demonstrated both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, exhibiting potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for localized periodontal treatment. Full article

Herbs from the Gentianaceae family are widely known for their medicinal and pharmacological properties. They were used centuries ago as a part of traditional medicine in China and Tibet. This review aims to draw attention to the potential uses of gentian herbs in treating various diseases, including skin conditions, gastrointestinal and liver disorders, wound healing, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes. The aim of our study was to systematically summarize current knowledge about key bioactive compounds present in both roots and aerial parts—such as xanthones, iridoids, and flavonoids—and highlight their pharmacological significance. We also focused on the Gentianaceae family’s usage in complementary and alternative medicine, as well as their anti-inflammatory, anti-melanogenic, anti-ischemic, anti-fibrotic, and antioxidant properties, which can be utilized in the treatment and prevention of dermatological diseases, such as skin cancers. Here, we involve ethnomedicinal knowledge with modern pharmacological data; we also highlight the scientific relevance of gentian-derived compounds in drug development. This review concludes that these species represent a promising source of natural agents, while also underlining the need for further research and conservation strategies to preserve threatened species. Full article