Search Results (986)

Background/Objectives: Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. is a flavonoid-rich traditional medicinal plant with established immunomodulatory properties. However, the mechanisms underlying the immunoregulatory and intestinal protective effects of its flavonoid extract (Senecio scandens flavonoids—SSF) remain unclear. This study characterized SSF’s bioactive components and evaluated its efficacy against cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression and intestinal injury. Methods: The constituents of SSF were identified using UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap/HRMS. Mice with CTX-induced immunosuppression were treated with SSF (80, 160, 320 mg/kg) for seven days. Immune parameters (organ indices, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine, and immunoglobulin levels) and gut barrier integrity markers (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1 protein expression; sIgA secretion; microbiota composition) were assessed. Network pharmacology combined with functional assays elucidated the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Results: Twenty flavonoids were identified in SSF, with six prototype compounds detectable in the blood. The SSF treatment significantly ameliorated CTX-induced weight loss and atrophy of the thymus and spleen. It enhanced splenic T- and B-lymphocyte proliferation by 43.6% and 29.7%, respectively; normalized the CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio (1.57-fold increase); and elevated levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IgM, and IgG. Moreover, SSF reinforced the intestinal barrier by upregulating tight junction protein expression and sIgA levels while modulating the gut microbiota, enriching beneficial taxa (e.g., the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Akkermansia) and suppressing pathogenic Alistipes. Mechanistically, SSF activated the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, with isoquercitrin identified as a pivotal bioactive constituent. Conclusions: SSF effectively mitigates CTX-induced immunosuppression and intestinal damage. These findings highlight SSF’s potential as a dual-functional natural agent for immunomodulation and intestinal protection. Subsequent research should validate isoquercitrin’s molecular targets and assess SSF’s clinical efficacy. Full article

This study evaluated and compared two encapsulation techniques—co-crystallization and ionic gelation—for stabilizing bioactive components derived from lavender distillation residues. Utilizing aqueous ethanol extraction (solid residues) and concentration (liquid residues), phenolic-rich extracts were incorporated into encapsulation matrices and processed under controlled conditions. Comprehensive characterization included encapsulation efficiency (Ef), antioxidant activity (AA), moisture content, hygroscopicity, dissolution time, bulk density, and color parameters (L*, a*, b*). Co-crystallization outperformed ionic gelation across most criteria, achieving significantly higher Ef (>150%) and superior functional properties such as lower moisture content (<0.5%), negative hygroscopicity (−6%), and faster dissolution (<60 s). These features suggested enhanced physicochemical stability and suitability for applications requiring long shelf life and rapid solubility. In contrast, extruded beads exhibited high moisture levels (94.0–95.4%) but allowed better control over morphological features. The work introduced a mild-processing approach applied innovatively to the valorization of lavender distillation waste through structurally stable phenolic delivery systems. By systematically benchmarking two distinct encapsulation strategies under equivalent formulation conditions, this study advanced current understanding in bioactive microencapsulation and offers new tools for developing functional ingredients from aromatic plant by-products. Full article

Medicinal plants and animal-derived proteins represent valuable natural sources of bioactive components with pharmaceutical potential. Whilst some medicinal plants and animal-derived proteins also offer rich sources of anticoagulant bioactive peptides, their development faces multiple challenges: anticoagulant evaluation relies on single-parameter assays with limited reliability, native proteins demonstrate suboptimal activity without enzymatic treatment, and few researchers investigate bioavailable peptides. Our study establishes an innovative framework using the leech as a case study to overcome these barriers. A novel anticoagulant evaluation model was first established with the Critic-G1 weighting method. And we optimized the enzymatically hydrolyzed extracts with high activity using Box–Behnken response surface methodology. Subsequently, the everted gut sac model was implemented to simulate intestinal absorption and screen for absorbable peptide fractions. Furthermore, peptidomics was employed to identify the bioactive peptides. Lastly, we identified the bioactivity using anticoagulation assays. Results indicated that the optimal hydrolysis conditions were achieved with trypsin at 50.48 °C, an enzyme-to-substrate ratio of 6.78%, 7.51 h, and pH of 8.06. The peptide DLRWM was identified through integrated peptidomics and molecular docking approaches, with subsequent activity validation demonstrating its potent anticoagulant effects. This study has successfully identified a novel anticoagulant peptide (DLRWM) with confirmed intestinal absorption properties and provides a template for unlocking the pharmaceutical potential of medicinal animal proteins. Full article

The complex plant cell wall heteropolysaccharide xylan, and its breakdown products xylo-oligosaccharides and xylose, are value-added compounds with a plethora of potential applications in diverse areas. They are nonetheless currently poorly exploited, with a major bottleneck being the unavailability of efficient, low-cost, high-yield production processes. The major objective of the present study is to identify and characterise a high-yield process for the preparation of highly pure xylan/XOS products from the macroalga Palmaria palmata. Currently, most xylan is extracted from land-sourced lignocellulosic feedstocks, but we take advantage of the high xylan content, xylan aqueous solubility, lignin-free nature, weakly linked cell wall matrix, and sustainability of the macroalga to identify a simple, sustainable, high-yield, novel-xylan-structure extraction process. This is composed of five steps: alga oven drying, milling, aqueous extraction, centrifugation, and dialysis, and we show that the alga preservation step plays a critical role in component extractability, with oven drying at high temperatures, ~100 °C, enhancing the subsequent aqueous extraction process, and providing for xylan yields as high as 80% of a highly pure (~90%) xylan product. The process developed herein and the insights gained will promote a greater availability of these bioactive compounds and open up their application potential. Full article

The genus Datura L. has pharmacological activities due to its source of bioactive compounds. The effects of bioactive compounds can vary depending on species, geographical location, and environmental conditions. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent progress and to provide a comprehensive overview of studies concerning genetic alteration and bioactive compounds in the genus Datura, based on Scopus publications between 2015 and 2025. Throughout history, the genus Datura (Solanaceae) contains nine species of medicinal plants. A key component of elucidating the diversification process of congeneric species is identifying the factors that encourage species variation. A comparative gene family analysis provides an understanding of the evolutionary history of species by identifying common genetic/genomic mechanisms that are responsible for species responses to biotic and abiotic environments. The diverse range of bioactive compounds it contains contributes to its unique bioactivity. Datura contains tropane alkaloids (such as hyoscyamine and scopolamine), datumetine, withametelin, daturaolone, and atropine. Several compounds have been isolated and refined for use in treating various conditions as a result of recent progress in therapeutic development. Daturaolone, for example, is used to treat certain neurological disorders. In addition to providing renewed opportunities for the discovery of new compounds, these advancements also provide insights into the genetic basis for their biosynthesis. Our discussion also includes pitfalls as well as relevant publications regarding natural products and their pharmacological properties. The pace of discovery of bioactive compounds is set to accelerate dramatically shortly, owing to both careful perspectives and new developments. Full article

Humulus lupulus L. (hop) is a multipurpose crop valued for its essential role in beer production and for its bioactive compounds with recognized medicinal properties. Otherwise, climate change represents a major challenge to agriculture, particularly impacting the cultivation of crops with stenoecious characteristics, such as hop. This highlights the urgent need to enhance crop resilience to adverse environmental conditions. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is a key regulator of plant responses to abiotic stress, yet the ABA signaling pathway remains poorly characterized in hop. Harnessing the publicly available hop genomics resources, we identified eight members of the PYRABACTIN RESISTANCE 1 LIKE ABA receptor family (HlPYLs). Phylogenetic and gene structure analyses classified these HlPYLs into the three canonical ABA receptor subfamilies. Furthermore, all eight HlPYLs are likely functional, as suggested by the protein sequence visual analysis. Expression profiling indicates that ABA perception in hop is primarily mediated by the HlPYL1-like and HlPYL8-like subfamilies, while the HlPYL4-like group appears to play a more limited role. Structure modeling and topology predictions of HlPYL1b and HlPYL2 provided insights into their potential functional mechanisms. To assess the physiological relevance of ABA signaling in hop, we evaluated the impact of exogenous ABA application during the ex vitro acclimatization phase. ABA-treated plants exhibited more robust growth, reduced stress symptoms, and improved acclimatization success. These effects were associated with reduced leaf transpiration and enhanced stomatal closure, consistent with ABA-mediated drought tolerance mechanisms. Altogether, this study provides the first comprehensive characterization of ABA receptor components in hop and demonstrates the practical utility of ABA in improving plant performance under ex vitro conditions. These findings lay the groundwork for further functional studies and highlight ABA signaling as a promising target for enhancing stress resilience in hop, with broader implications for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change. Full article

Laurus nobilis L. is a widely cultivated plant, used for ornamental purposes, as a high-value spice crop, and in the flavor and fragrance industry. In natural medicine, it is well-known for its many beneficial properties (due to a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds) and used for the treatment of different disorders. In this study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs), coupled with microwave activation, were studied and applied for a green extraction of L. nobilis leaves. The main objective was to obtain a sustainable and multifunctional cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredient (the NaDES-based extract itself), exploiting both the intrinsic cosmetic functionalities of NaDES components and the biological properties of laurel bioactive compounds. The most promising candidate was obtained from a eutectic system containing betaine, glycerol, and lactic acid. The evaluation of this NaDES-based complex reveals a considerable number of phenolic compounds (around 11.57 mg of gallic acid equivalents for a gram of fresh leaves) and a notable antioxidant activity (80.1% with respect to Trolox), with values quite constant over a period of six months. The complex exhibits effective antimicrobial activity against different Gram-positive (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) and Gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacterial strains, with concentrations ranging from 3.8 to 7.5 mg/mL. Furthermore, the extract presents a pleasant fragrance, attributable to the selective extraction of different volatile aromatic compounds, as confirmed by GC-MS analysis. Full article

Obesity is not only an aesthetic problem but also an important comorbidity in metabolic syndrome and other types of pathologies. Currently discussed adjuvants are turmeric and curcumin, used as food supplements. Starting from synthesis in turmeric plant up to the use of turmeric as a spice, a significant amount of turmeric and its derivatives are lost during the processing procedure. In oral administration, the reduced bioavailability of these compounds must be taken into account, an aspect that can be improved by using different combinations and dosages. As for their pharmacodynamic effects, through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin improves mitochondrial function and promotes the browning of white adipose tissue. Another mechanism of action of curcumin in weight loss is enzymatic modulation, leading to a decrease in the activity of key enzymes involved in lipogenesis and an increase in the activity of lipolytic enzymes. These properties are enhanced by the synergistic action of the other polyphenols present in turmeric, especially calebin A, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid. Summarizing these effects, curcumin is a promising food supplement, opening new directions for further research to discover possibilities to improve or even eliminate the calamity of obesity that is currently wreaking havoc. Full article

Tomicus yunnanensis Kirkendall and Faccoli, a native bark beetle species and key pest of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. in southwestern China, relies on host-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for host selection. To unravel these mechanisms, we collected VOCs from P. yunnanensis trunks across four infestation stages (healthy, early-infested, weakened, near-dead) using dynamic headspace sampling. Chemical profiling via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 51 terpenoids, with α-pinene as the most abundant component. VOC profiles differed markedly between healthy and early-infested trees, while gradual shifts in compound diversity and abundance occurred from the weakened to near-dead stages. Bioactive compounds were screened using gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and a Y-tube olfactometer. Electrophysiological responses in T. yunnanensis were triggered by α-pinene, β-pinene, 3-carene, 2-thujene, and 4-allylanisole. Behavioral tests revealed that α-pinene, 3-carene, and 2-thujene acted as attractants, whereas β-pinene and 4-allylanisole functioned as repellents. These results indicate that infestation-induced VOC dynamics guide beetle behavior, with attractants likely promoting host colonization during early infestation and repellents signaling deteriorating host suitability in later stages. By mapping these chemical interactions, our study identifies potential plant-derived semiochemicals for targeted pest management. Integrating these compounds with pheromones could enhance the monitoring and control strategies for T. yunnanensis, offering ecologically sustainable solutions for pine ecosystems. Full article

Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Bupleurum in the Apiaceae family. Also known as red Bupleurum, it is mainly distributed in Northeast China, North China and other regions and is a commonly used medicinal plant. It is difficult for the wild plant resources of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. to meet the market demand. In artificial cultivation, there are problems such as a low yield per plant, low quality, weakened stress resistance and variety degradation. The contents of bioactive components and metabolites in traditional Chinese medicinal materials vary significantly across different growth years. The growth duration directly impacts their quality and clinical efficacy. Therefore, determining the optimal growth period is one of the crucial factors in ensuring the quality of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. In this study, Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were comprehensively applied to analyze the metabolically differential substances in different parts of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. By comparing the compositions and content differences of chemical components in different growth years and different parts, the chemical components with significant differences were accurately screened out. In order to further explore the dynamic change characteristics and internal laws of metabolites, a metabolic network was constructed for a visual analysis and, finally, to see the optimal growth years of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. This result showed that with the accumulation of the growth cycle, the height, root width, fresh mass and saikosaponins content of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. increased year by year. Except for sodium and calcium elements in the main shoot, the other elements were significantly reduced. In addition, 59 primary metabolites were identified by GC-MS, with the accumulation of the growth cycle, the contents of organic acids, sugars, alcohols and amino acids gradually decreased, while the contents of alkyl, glycosides and other substances gradually increased. There were 53 positive correlations and 18 negative correlations in the triennial Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. grid, all of which were positively correlated with saikosaponins. Therefore, the triennial Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. was considered to be the suitable growth year. It not only provided a new idea and method for the quality evaluation of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd., but also provided a scientific basis for the quality control of Chinese herbs. Full article

Bulgarian botanical gardens harbor more than 3600 plant species from across the world. Some of them are well-known plants widely used by humans, others are underutilized crops or little-known exotic species. The latter group constitutes a rich reservoir of plant resources whose potential to bring benefits to society is still untapped. The aim of this review is to describe the diversity of species and their potentially valuable secondary metabolites in three of the largest Bulgarian botanical gardens, with a focus on underutilized crops and medicinal plants that are typical of Bulgaria. With this, we aim to pave the way for future research on the most promising of these plants. The report includes currently available ethnobotanical data on the properties and composition of their bioactive components, known culinary or therapeutic uses, and nutritional profiles. We also outline the vast potential of these plants in providing healthy diets, as well as for performing future groundbreaking biomedical research. Finally, we present the approach that will be used to screen extracts from these plants for biological activity. Full article

Background: Herbal medicine represents a rich yet complex source of bioactive compounds, offering both therapeutic potential and toxicological risks. Methods: In this study, we systematically evaluated the biological effects of three traditional herbal extracts—Mentha longifolia, Scrophularia orientalis, and Echium biebersteinii—using Caenorhabditis elegans as an in vivo model. Results: All three extracts significantly reduced worm survival, induced larval arrest, and triggered a high incidence of males (HIM) phenotypes, indicative of mitotic failure and meiotic chromosome missegregation. Detailed analysis of germline architecture revealed extract-specific abnormalities, including nuclear disorganization, ectopic crescent-shaped nuclei, altered meiotic progression, and reduced bivalent formation. These defects were accompanied by activation of the DNA damage response, as evidenced by upregulation of checkpoint genes (atm-1, atl-1), increased pCHK-1 foci, and elevated germline apoptosis. LC-MS profiling identified 21 major compounds across the extracts, with four compounds—thymol, carvyl acetate, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, and menthyl acetate—shared by all three herbs. Among them, thymol and carvyl acetate significantly upregulated DNA damage checkpoint genes and promoted apoptosis, whereas thymol and luteolin-7-O-rutinoside contributed to antioxidant activity. Notably, S. orientalis and E. biebersteinii shared 11 of 14 major constituents (79%), correlating with their similar phenotypic outcomes, while M. longifolia exhibited a more distinct chemical profile, possessing seven unique compounds. Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex biological effects of traditional herbal extracts, demonstrating that both beneficial and harmful outcomes can arise from specific phytochemicals within a mixture. By deconstructing these extracts into their active components, such as thymol, carvyl acetate, and luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, we gain critical insight into the mechanisms driving reproductive toxicity and antioxidant activity. This approach underscores the importance of component-level analysis for accurately assessing the therapeutic value and safety profile of medicinal plants, particularly those used in foods and dietary supplements. Full article

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L.) is a traditional medicinal plant, and its growth period has an important effect on the accumulation of active components. Phenolic acids and flavonoids are the most important active components in comfrey, but their accumulation in comfrey has not been studied. At present, most research on comfrey focuses on its roots. There is still a lack of systematic research on the comparison of active components and biological activities in the aerial parts of comfrey in different growth periods. To explore the influence of the growth period on the active components of comfrey, non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptomics were used to comprehensively analyze the active components of comfrey during the vegetative period, blooming period, and maturity period and compare the dynamic changes in phenolic acid and flavonoid accumulation during different growth periods of comfrey. The results revealed that the vegetative period presented the highest total phenol and flavonoid contents. The predominant secondary metabolites associated with phenolic acids and flavonoids were integral to the phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, and isoflavonoid biosynthetic pathways. Critical structural genes governing these metabolic processes—PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, FLS, and DFR—exhibited marked upregulation during the vegetative growth stage. Comprehensive transcriptomic analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis were used to construct a co-expression network of structural genes and transcription factors that affected the accumulation of specific metabolites, and the transcription factors related to the synthesis of flavonoids and phenols were predicted. These findings elucidate the temporal regulatory mechanisms governing the growth-phase-dependent accumulation of bioactive constituents in comfrey, advancing the understanding of phytochemical dynamics in medicinal plants. Full article

Metabolic syndrome has emerged as a significant global public health concern worldwide, characterized by a cluster of interrelated risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and abdominal obesity. In recent years, functional foods containing bioactive phytochemicals have attracted considerable scientific interest as potential therapeutic approaches for metabolic syndrome management. Xanthones, a class of naturally occurring tricyclic phenolic compounds abundant in various fruits and medicinal plants, demonstrate diverse biological activities relevant to metabolic health. This comprehensive review examines the dietary sources of xanthones, their bioactivity, and their promising role as functional food components for mitigating metabolic syndrome. The underlying mechanisms of action include modulation of lipid metabolism, improvement of insulin signaling pathways, potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and modulation of glucose metabolism. Additionally, we discuss the stability and processing considerations of xanthones in food products. These findings highlight the development of xanthone-enriched functional foods and nutraceuticals as dietary interventions for metabolic syndrome prevention and management. This review comprehensively covers all relevant studies published up to the present without time restrictions. 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