Search Results (3,447)

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), renamed from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by global consensus in May 2026, is one of the most common endocrine diseases in women of reproductive age, affecting physical and mental health. Growing evidence suggests that medicine–food homology (MFH) plants and their bioactive compounds may help regulate PMOS-related metabolism and reproductive abnormalities through dietary intervention. This review summarizes their reported roles and potential mechanisms. Based on the existing literature, this review presents nine edible plant resources identified under the MFH/dietary-use framework and 21 bioactive constituents or constituent classes, all selected for detailed synthesis from a broader eligible evidence base and with reported PMOS-related bioactivity. Across preclinical studies, these constituents appear to act through convergent, multi-target mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities to reduce systemic inflammation, as well as restoring hormone balance, correcting abnormal lipid metabolism, relieving insulin resistance and protecting ovarian function. Importantly, the evidence base remains predominantly preclinical, with few human randomized trials. Key translational barriers include insufficient standardization of preparations and doses, limited oral bioavailability of several constituents, safety and herb–drug interaction concerns, and uncertain formulation feasibility for functional-food applications. By integrating evidence at the plant and compound levels, this review provides a mechanistic rationale—rather than clinical proof—for further investigation of dietary strategies relevant to PMOS and proposes a framework for the development and evaluation of MFH-based functional foods. Full article

Plant protein-derived bioactive peptides have attracted increasing interest as potential ingredients for health-promoting functional foods because of their reported cardiometabolic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, and satiety-related activities. However, the field remains dominated by peptide discovery, in silico prediction, enzyme-inhibition assays, simulated digestion, and preclinical models, whereas successful translation into clinically supported and technologically viable food products is still limited. This review critically examines the gap between mechanistic promise and functional food implementation. It integrates evidence on plant protein sources, peptide-generation strategies, structure–activity relationships, gastrointestinal stability, intestinal transport, local gut activity, food-matrix interactions, processing effects, encapsulation, sensory constraints, human efficacy, regulatory substantiation, commercial feasibility, and consumer acceptance. Particular attention is given to the limited predictive value of isolated in vitro activity when peptides are exposed to digestion, epithelial barriers, complex food matrices, realistic processing conditions, and achievable dietary doses. The review also highlights that systemic absorption is not the only relevant pathway, as selected peptides may act locally within the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, the evidence indicates that peptide discovery should not be treated as the principal endpoint of research. Future progress will require translation-oriented development in which bioactivity, digestion stability, matrix compatibility, sensory quality, manufacturing reproducibility, realistic intake, human evidence, and regulatory credibility are evaluated as interdependent criteria. The most promising plant-derived peptides will therefore be those that retain sufficient activity and acceptability under real conditions of food production and consumption. Full article

Vincetoxicum stauntonii is a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herb widely used in clinical practice for managing various respiratory disorders in China. However, a severe wilt disease recently prevailed in major V. stauntonii cultivation regions in Hubei Province from May to August 2025, resulting in an overall disease incidence exceeding 30%, with the maximum plant mortality rate exceeding 90% in severely affected fields. To clarify the causal agent of this emerging wilt disease and develop effective management strategies, symptomatic V. stauntonii plants were sampled from three representative commercial plantations. Pathogen isolation and purification were performed, followed by pathogenicity validation in accordance with Koch’s postulates. The assays confirmed that five isolates could induce typical wilt symptoms on healthy V. stauntonii plants. Based on morphological characterization and multilocus phylogenetic analysis using the concatenated internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α), RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) sequences, these five isolates were identified as Fusarium acuminatum. Biological characteristic assays showed that the causal agent grew optimally at 25 °C and pH 9.0, with soluble starch and peptone as the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. In vitro antifungal bioassays showed that ethylicin exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect against the pathogen, with a median effective concentration (EC₅₀) value of 3.367 mg/L. Furthermore, greenhouse pot experiments validated that ethylicin exhibited significant protective and curative efficacy against V. stauntonii wilt disease. Mechanistic analyses further revealed that ethylicin disrupted plasma membrane integrity and induced excessive accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in F. acuminatum. To our knowledge, this study is the first formal report of F. acuminatum-caused wilt disease on V. stauntonii. Collectively, these findings provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable management of the emerging wilt disease of V. stauntonii. Full article

The case of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) stands as a prime example of an invasive plant that links global change, biological invasion, aeroallergen exposure, and allergic airway disease. However, evidence remains fragmented across invasion biology, aerobiology, molecular allergology, and respiratory medicine. By separating plant occurrence, pollen abundance, molecular allergen dose, sensitisation, and airway disease, this review develops an integrated invasion–exposure–disease logic for interpreting ragweed-related health risk. We examine how climate change, land-use disturbance, repeated introductions, rapid adaptation, and air pollution influence plant distribution, flowering phenology, pollen production, airborne allergen load, and respiratory outcomes. Attention is given to Amb a 1 as the principal marker of genuine ragweed sensitisation, cross-reactivity with Artemisia and other weed pollens, allergen-bearing respirable particles, and the diagnostic limitations of extract-based immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing. The literature indicates that ragweed sensitisation follows a pronounced hotspot–gradient pattern in Europe, whereas patterns in other invaded regions remain more heterogeneous and incompletely characterised. Clinically relevant exposure depends not only on pollen concentration but also on airborne allergen load, pollen allergen potency, atmospheric transport, respirable particle fractions, meteorological conditions, and pollution. Ragweed-related airway disease is mediated by IgE-dependent type 2 immunity and amplified by epithelial danger signals, oxidative stress, protease activity, and innate immune pathways. Based on current evidence, we propose that an integrated surveillance framework linking plant distribution, pollen and airborne-allergen exposure, molecular sensitisation, symptoms, lung function, and asthma outcomes could strengthen risk forecasting, source attribution, prevention, and invasion control of the common ragweed. Full article

The plant Artemisia scoparia, of the Artemisia genus in the Asteraceae family, is known for its broad range of medicinal applications. Recent research on the traditional applications, phytochemistry, and potential biological activity of the plant is summarized in this review. Anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties of this plant are well known. The complex bioactive profile of the plant has been revealed by analysis of key chemical elements such as coumarins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, chromones, and essential oils. Research gaps show the necessity of toxicity analyses, clinical trials, and further bioactivity assays, to confirm the therapeutic potential of A. scoparia. The review also covers the morphology, distribution, traditional uses, and how this plant has adapted to desert ecosystems. This plant has the potential to be used in land restoration, herbicide, and associated plants in commercial agriculture. The present review provides an in-depth understanding of the chemical composition and promising biological activities of A. scoparia. These bioactivities draw attention to develop novel drugs. However, further research is needed to examine the toxicity and clinical effectiveness of this plant. Although not yet studied in poultry nutrition, A. scoparia shows potential as a natural feed additive based on evidence from other Artemisia species. Finally, the future research directions to deepen our understanding of this plant to confirm its clinical applications and use in poultry feed are also provided. Full article

Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, are rich sources of α-tocopherol (α-T), a lipid-soluble antioxidant, but may contribute little to α-T status due to low intake and limited bioavailability. This study investigated whether egg co-consumption enhances α-T bioavailability from spinach and whether effects differ by egg dose, food matrix, or timing of intake. In a crossover study, healthy adults consumed deuterium-labeled (d_x)-spinach (containing 5 mg d_x-α-T) alone; or with 1, 2, or 3 hard-boiled eggs; 2 egg whites; or vegetable oil (9.6 g). Two exploratory trials evaluated delayed egg consumption 3 h after spinach intake. Compared with spinach alone, d_x-α-T AUC_0–72h (µmol/L × h) was 1.5–1.8-times higher when spinach was co-consumed with 1, 2, and 3 eggs (p ≤ 0.05), respectively, with no egg dose-dependent differences (p > 0.05). Co-ingestion of spinach with egg whites or vegetable oil increased d_x-α-T AUC_0–72h similar to whole eggs (p > 0.05). Delayed egg intake did not affect d_x-α-T AUC_0–72h relative to spinach alone (p > 0.05). Plant-derived α-T bioavailability can be improved through co-ingestion with other foods but is independent of egg dose and food matrix. Effective absorption requires concurrent intake, indicating that timing and associated digestive processes are key determinants and support food-pairing strategies to improve vitamin E bioavailability and its antioxidant contribution to plant-based diets. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04287816). Full article

Polyphenols are a complex class of plant secondary metabolites that exert numerous beneficial effects on human health. The content of individual polyphenolic compounds varies considerably among plant species. Over the past few decades, polyphenols have attracted increasing interest because of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They have also demonstrated beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular and nervous system disorders, as well as different types of neoplasms. Because polyphenols have been shown to regulate plasma lipid levels and exhibit neuroprotective potential, they have gained attention as possible therapeutic and prophylactic agents for stroke, a neurological condition with a strong cardiovascular component. Quercetin is one of the most extensively studied plant-derived compounds in this context. A growing body of preclinical evidence suggests that it may contribute to stroke prevention and significantly support post-stroke recovery. This review compiles findings from in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical trials and presents the current state of knowledge regarding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms through which quercetin protects against cerebral ischemia. Full article

Plant-based enteral formulas represent a hypoallergenic alternative to dairy-derived products, but incorporation of underutilized pseudocereals into enteral formulas remains insufficiently characterized. This study developed a laboratory-scale prototype of a fortified beverage for enteral administration (FBEA) from the soluble fraction of Amaranthus hypochondriacus, with added pea protein isolate, safflower oil, and carbohydrate components. Sequential enzymatic treatment with α-amylase and Alcalase hydrolyzed amaranth grain flour into soluble fraction, increasing free amino acid content relative to the unhydrolyzed flour, including arginine from 0.52 to 241.39 mg kg⁻¹, lysine from 3.91 to 129.10 mg kg⁻¹, and glutamic acid from 103.62 to 368.54 mg kg⁻¹. Fortification yielded a protein content of 25.46% DW, a lipid content of 24.95% DW, and an energy density of 1014 kcal L⁻¹, consistent with isocaloric formulas, with seven essential amino acids meeting FAO/WHO/UNU reference adequacy values. In vitro digestion showed that the soluble fraction and FBEA exceeded amaranth flour in bioaccessibility of antioxidant activity and phenolic content, with FBEA achieving the highest intestinal phenolic release. The formula met ESPEN physicochemical recommendations, with osmolality at 292 mOsm kg⁻¹ and viscosity at 51 mPa·s, and simulated tube flowability comparable to two commercial formulas. These findings indicate that enzymatically hydrolyzed amaranth shows potential as a plant-based enteral formulation prototype, though clinical suitability requires further safety, shelf-life, and tolerance data. Full article

Microplastic pollution severely threatens aquatic ecosystems, yet the trophic microecological risks of petroleum-based polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) microplastics remain insufficiently compared. This study established a two-trophic food chain model with Daphnia magna and zebrafish to explore the toxic effects and microbial disturbances of environmentally relevant 0.1 mg/L PVC and PHA. A 21-day chronic exposure induced no physiological damage to the survival, growth, reproduction, and locomotion of both organisms, suggesting conventional phenotypic indicators fail to identify early microplastic stress. However, trophic microplastic exposure triggered prominent zebrafish gut dysbiosis with distinct pathogen enrichment patterns. PHA trophic exposure enriched plant pathogenic genera (Acidovorax, Clavibacter, Rhizobium), whereas PVC trophic exposure accumulated zoonotic and clinical pathogens (Acinetobacter, Neisseria, Mycobacterium, Aeromonas). This work verifies that PHA is not entirely eco-safe, and PVC poses greater ecotoxicological risks via trophic pathogen transmission, providing genus-level evidence for differentiated microplastics risk assessment. Full article

Medicinal and edible homologous plant polysaccharides (MEHPs) and edible and medicinal mushroom polysaccharides (EMMPs) have attracted increasing attention due to their favorable safety profiles and diverse biological activities. However, existing reviews have mainly focused on individual extraction approaches or specific biological functions, lacking an integrated perspective that connects extraction strategies, structural characteristics, modification techniques, and industrial applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of MEHPs and EMMPs by systematically summarizing conventional and advanced extraction technologies, including ultrasound-, microwave-, and enzyme-assisted extraction, alongside deep eutectic solvent, supercritical fluid, and emerging physically assisted methods. Particular emphasis is placed on extraction mechanisms, kinetic modeling, structural preservation, and artificial intelligence-assisted process optimization. Furthermore, recent advances in multi-technique structural characterization, chemical modification strategies, structure–activity relationships, and applications in functional foods, prebiotics, drug delivery, and health-related fields are discussed. Finally, this review highlights key challenges limiting industrial translation, including raw material variability, insufficient higher-order structural characterization, unclear structure–activity relationships, limited clinical evidence, and regulatory barriers. Future perspectives integrating intelligent manufacturing, sustainable processing, and advanced computational approaches are proposed to facilitate the high-value and sustainable development of MEHPs and EMMPs. Full article

Tradescantia pendula is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Mexico to treat inflammatory and infectious conditions. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activity, toxicity, and cytotoxicity of T. pendula extracts. Plant material was sequentially extracted using hexane, chloroform, and methanol, followed by phytochemical screening, antimicrobial evaluation against clinically relevant bacterial strains, toxicity assessment using the Artemia salina model, cytotoxicity analysis in HaCaT and U937 cell lines, and GC–MS characterization. Phytochemical screening of the chloroform extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and glycosides. Antimicrobial activity was observed mainly against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with bacterial viability reduced by up to 95.2%. Toxicity assays in Artemia salina demonstrated marked biological activity, with LC50 values of 63.54, 23.12, and 23.05 μg/mL for the hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts, respectively. Cytotoxicity assays revealed cell type-dependent responses, with U937 monocytic cells exhibiting greater sensitivity than HaCaT keratinocytes. All three extracts produced non-monotonic concentration–response profiles, with enhanced metabolic activity at intermediate concentrations and substantial decreases in cell viability at lower concentrations. GC–MS analysis revealed lipophilic metabolites, including phytol-related compounds and fatty acid esters. These findings suggest that T. pendula is a promising source of bioactive metabolites with antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties, supporting its ethnopharmacological relevance and potential pharmacological applications. Full article

Diabetes mellitus results from insulin resistance, progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, dysregulated hepatic and adipose metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Plant-derived compounds can modulate several of these processes, yet pharmacological breadth does not necessarily produce a reproducible therapy. This critical narrative review links phytochemical identity and product composition to intestinal carbohydrate digestion, insulin secretion, hepatic glucose production, GLUT4 trafficking, AMPK and PPARγ signaling, the incretin–DPP-4 axis, renal glucose handling, and diabetic organ injury. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, saponins, and polysaccharides are considered alongside evidence concerning nephropathy, neuropathy, ocular disease, hepatopathy, and cardiomyopathy. Controlled human studies provide product-specific signals, particularly for chemically defined berberine preparations and mulberry alkaloids, whereas most other interventions remain supported by small, short, or chemically undercharacterized trials. The strongest candidates are those for which defined chemistry, plausible exposure, mechanism, and controlled clinical findings converge. Progress requires authenticated raw material, validated analytical fingerprints, pharmacokinetic and toxicological characterization, herb–drug interaction testing, and trials using the same standardized product. These interventions should remain supervised adjuncts or drug-discovery leads rather than substitutes for established diabetes treatment. Full article

Despite known antioxidant activity, the effects of plant-derived compounds on aging-related physiological functions and mechanisms remain unclear, which necessitates investigation at cellular and organismal levels. To examine whether these compounds can mitigate age-related physiological decline, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (sacred lotus) embryo extract–water-soluble fraction (NEW), stilbene glycoside from Pleuropterus multiflorus (Thunb.) Turcz. ex Nakai (PM-SG), and pterostilbene were investigated through chemical profiling, antioxidant activity, HepG2 liver cells, and Caenorhabditis elegans longevity assays, while principal component analysis (PCA) elaborated on the results. Quantitative LC-MS revealed that NEW extract was rich in alkaloids (neferine and liensinine), while PM-SG mainly contained 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside. PM-SG showed the strongest radical-scavenging activity (DPPH, TEAC, and ORAC), followed by pterostilbene. However, pterostilbene exhibited the strongest cellular antioxidant activity among the three test materials (NEW, PM-SG, and pterostilbene), an effect attributed to its superior cellular uptake, although it was less potent than the reference standards EGCG and quercetin. All samples extended the lifespan of C. elegans dose-dependently, with the strongest effect from pterostilbene (40–50%), then PM-SG (25–35%) and NEW (18–22%). Pterostilbene and PM-SG improved health measures, including enhanced resistance to heat and oxidative stress, and maintained feeding function. Discrepancies between in vitro antioxidant rankings and observed cellular effects indicate that radical-scavenging activity alone cannot fully predict in vivo anti-aging efficacy, which depends on cellular uptake, activation of endogenous defense mechanisms, and modulation of longevity pathways. Further clinical studies are needed to determine the potential relevance of these findings to human health. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are nanoscale membrane-enclosed particles that transfer proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and microRNAs between cells. The same communication system is now being developed in two apparently opposing settings: mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-derived EVs are explored as cell-free regenerative therapeutics, whereas tumor-derived EVs can promote metastasis, immune evasion, and treatment resistance while also serving as liquid-biopsy biomarkers. Rather than treating these studies separately, this review compares them along shared mechanistic axes: producer-cell identity and state, luminal cargo, membrane and surface composition (including the biomolecular corona), dose and administration route, biodistribution, and recipient-cell context. This cross-field perspective shows that angiogenesis, immunomodulation, matrix remodeling, and tissue tropism are not intrinsically regenerative or oncogenic; their consequences depend on where, how, and to which cells EV signals are delivered. We review EV biology and MISEV2023-aligned nomenclature, examine bidirectional regenerative and cancer-associated functions, and survey engineering strategies for cargo loading and surface modification together with plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles. We further compare EVs with lipid nanoparticles, adeno-associated viruses, polymers, and virus-like particles, and discuss how engineering can improve potency and targeting while increasing manufacturing and characterization complexity. Finally, we address tumor-related safety considerations for regenerative EVs and the unresolved biological, technical, manufacturing, and regulatory questions that must be addressed for clinical translation. Full article

The increasing demand for natural and sustainable cosmetic ingredients has stimulated interest in medicinal plants as sources of multifunctional bioactive compounds. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a low-viscosity spray-based cosmetic formulation containing Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract through phytochemical characterization, antioxidant evaluation, formulation engineering, and physicochemical stability assessment. The novelty of this work lies in evaluating the feasibility of incorporating P. amboinicus extract into a spray-based delivery system while maintaining acceptable physicochemical formulation stability. Ethanol extracts were characterized for extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Four formulations containing 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% (w/v) extract were evaluated for appearance, pH, homogeneity, and short-term stability. The extract exhibited measurable antioxidant activity and detectable phenolic content. All formulations remained homogeneous, showed no phase separation, and maintained physiological skin pH (5.5–6.0) throughout storage. Only the 5% formulation showed a slight reduction in transparency without compromising physical stability. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating P. amboinicus extract into a spray-based cosmetic formulation while maintaining acceptable short-term physicochemical stability. The study provides preliminary formulation evidence rather than biological efficacy, and further phytochemical, rheological, spray-performance, biological, and long-term stability studies are warranted. Accordingly, the present findings demonstrate formulation feasibility only and should not be interpreted as confirmation of clinical skin benefits, dermocosmetic efficacy, or spray-device performance. Full article