Search Results (599)

The artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus) is an endemic perennial plant of the Mediterranean area commonly consumed as food. It is known since ancient times for its beneficial properties for human health, among which its antioxidant activity due to polyphenolics stands out. In the frame of our ongoing studies aiming to highlight the biodiversity and the chemodiversity of natural resources, we investigated the phenolic and saponin content of the cultivar “Carciofo di Procida” collected at Procida, an island of the Gulf of Naples (Italy). Along with the edible part of the immature flower, we included in our analyses the stem and the external bracts, generally discarded for food consuming or industrial preparations. The LCMS quali-quantitative profiling of polyphenols (including anthocyanins) and cynarasaponins of this cultivar is reported for the first time. In addition to antioxidant properties, we observed a significant cytotoxic activity due to extracts from external bracts against human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell lines with 43% of cell viability, after 24 h from the treatment (50 μg/mL), and less potent but appreciable effects also against human colorectal adenocarcinoma CaCo-2 cells. This suggests that the different metabolite composition may be responsible for the bioactivity of extracts obtained from specific parts of artichoke and foresees a possible exploitation of the discarded material as a source of beneficial compounds. Full article

Vaccine adjuvants are non-immunogenic agents that enhance or modulate immune responses to co-administered antigens and are essential to modern vaccines. Despite their importance, few are approved for human use. The rise of new pathogens and limited efficacy of some existing vaccines underscore the need for more advanced and effective formulations, particularly for vulnerable populations. Aluminum-based adjuvants are commonly used in vaccines and effectively promote humoral immunity. However, they mainly induce a Th2-biased response, making them suboptimal for diseases requiring cell-mediated immunity. In contrast, saponin-based adjuvants from the Quillajaceae family elicit a more balanced Th1/Th2 response and generate antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTL). Due to ecological damage and limited availability caused by overharvesting Quillaja saponaria Molina barks, efforts have intensified to identify alternative plant-derived saponins with enhanced efficacy and lower toxicity. Quillaja brasiliensis (A.St.-Hil. and Tul.) Mart. (syn. Quillaja lancifolia D.Don), a related species native to South America, is considered a promising renewable source of Quillajaceae saponins. In this review, we highlight recent advances in vaccine adjuvant research, with a particular focus on saponins extracted from Q. brasiliensis leaves as a sustainable alternative to Q. saponaria saponins. These saponin fractions are structurally and functionally comparable, exhibiting similar adjuvant activity when they were formulated with different viral antigens. An alternative application involves formulating saponins into nanoparticles known as ISCOMs (immune-stimulating complexes) or ISCOM-matrices. These formulations significantly reduce hemolytic activity while preserving strong immunoadjuvant properties. Therefore, research advances using saponin-based adjuvants (SBA) derived from Q. brasiliensis and their incorporation into new vaccine platforms may represent a viable and sustainable solution for the development of more less reactogenic, safer, and effective vaccines, especially for diseases that require a robust cellular immunity. Full article

Infectious diseases have been treated using plants and their compounds for thousands of years. This knowledge has enabled modern techniques to identify specific antiviral remedies and to understand their molecular mechanism of action. Numerous active phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans), coumarins, thiophenes, saponins, furyl compounds, small proteins, and peptides, are promising options for treating and preventing viral infections. It has been shown that plant-derived products can prevent or inhibit viral entry into and replication by host cells. Biotechnological advances have made it possible to engineer plants with an increased capacity for the production and accumulation of natural antiviral compounds. Plants can also be engineered to produce various types of antivirals (cytokines, antibodies, vaccines, and lectins). This study summarizes the current understanding of the antiviral activity of specific plant-derived metabolites, emphasizing their mechanisms of action and exploring the enormous potential of plants as biological factories. Full article

In this work, we report a green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Tradescantia spathacea (purple maguey) as bioreducing and stabilizing agents, which are plant extracts not previously employed for metal oxide nanoparticle synthesis. This method provides an efficient, eco-friendly, and reproducible route to obtain ZnO nanoparticles, while minimizing environmental impact compared to conventional chemical approaches. The extracts were prepared following a standardized protocol, and their phytochemical profiles, including total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity, were quantified via UV-Vis spectroscopy to confirm their reducing potential. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using zinc acetate dihydrate as a precursor, with variations in pH and precursor concentration in both aqueous and ethanolic media. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with preferential (101) orientation and lattice parameters a = b = 3.244 Å, c = 5.197 Å. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed agglomerated morphologies, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of phytochemicals such as quercetin, kaempferol, saponins, and terpenes, along with Zn–O bonding, indicating surface functionalization. Zeta potential measurements showed improved dispersion under alkaline conditions, particularly with ethanolic extracts. This study presents a sustainable synthesis strategy with tunable parameters, highlighting the critical influence of precursor concentration and solvent environment on ZnO nanoparticle formation. Notably, aqueous extracts promote ZnO synthesis at low precursor concentrations, while alkaline conditions are essential when using ethanolic extracts. Compared to other green synthesis methods, this strategy offers control and reproducibility and employs a non-toxic, underexplored plant source rich in phytochemicals, potentially enhancing the crystallinity, surface functionality, and application potential of the resulting ZnO nanoparticles. These materials show promise for applications in photocatalysis, in antimicrobial coatings, in UV-blocking formulations, and as functional additives in optoelectronic and environmental remediation technologies. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that has a significant impact on public health and is becoming more and more common worldwide. Although effective, conventional therapies are often limited by high cost, adverse effects, and issues with patient compliance. As a result, there is growing interest in complementary and alternative therapies. Medicinal plants have played an essential role in diabetes treatment, especially in regions such as Romania, where biodiversity is high and traditional knowledge is well preserved. The pathophysiology, risk factors, and worldwide burden of diabetes are examined in this review, with an emphasis on the traditional use of medicinal plants for glycemic control. A total of 47 plant species were identified based on ethnopharmacological records and recent biomedical research, including both native flora and widely cultivated species. The bioactive compounds identified, such as flavonoids, triterpenic saponins, polyphenols, and alkaloids, have hypoglycemic effects through diverse mechanisms, including β-cell regeneration, insulin-mimetic action, inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, and oxidative stress reduction. A systematic literature search was conducted, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies relevant to antidiabetic activity. Among the species reviewed, Urtica dioica, Silybum marianum, and Momordica charantia exhibited the most promising antidiabetic activity based on both preclinical and clinical evidence. Despite promising preclinical results, clinical evidence remains limited, and variability in phytochemical content poses challenges to reproducibility. This review highlights the potential of Romanian medicinal flora as a source of adjunctive therapies in diabetes care and underscores the need for standardization and clinical validation. Full article

Lessertia frutescens (L.) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning (synonym Sutherlandia frutescens), commonly known as cancer bush, is one of the most prominently used South African medicinal plants, with a rich history of traditional uses among indigenous communities. Its phytochemical profile showed different metabolites such as amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, flavonoid glycosides, cycloartenol glycosides, and oleanane-type saponins. Moreover, several research studies have highlighted the promising therapeutic effects of L. frutescens in combating various cancer cell lines. Additionally, the plant demonstrated potent immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, antistress, and antimicrobial activities. These research findings highlight L. frutescens as a promising candidate for the development of new or complementary therapies for a range of diseases and conditions. This review analyses the chemical and biological properties of L. frutescens based on 154 articles identified through SciFinder. Of these, 78 articles, including two patents, met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Studies focused on agriculture and horticulture were excluded as they fell outside the scope of this research. Full article

Solanum nigrum L., a widely consumed Asian medicinal edible plant, is a promising source of bioactive saponins for functional food applications. This study optimized the extraction of saponins from S. nigrum fruits (8.59% total saponin yield), followed by isolation via column chromatography and structural elucidation using spectroscopic analyses (IR, NMR, and MS). Concurrently, the antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of the purified substances were detected and analyzed. The three saponins (SNL1, SNL2, SNL3) were identified as γ₂-Solamargine , Diosgenin, and β-Solanine. The  n-butanol -purified fraction demonstrated a remarkable capacity to scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radicals (DPPH IC50 = 0.0096 mg/mL; hydroxyl radical IC50 = 0.8 mg/mL; ABTS IC50 = 0.061 μg/mL), indicating the inhibition of a multi-pathway oxidative chain reaction. Concurrently, the saponins exhibited selective antimicrobial efficacy against key foodborne pathogens, particularly Escherichia coli. To the best of our knowledge, this work provides the first empirical evidence of S. nigrum fruit saponins as dual-functional natural preservatives, synergistically suppressing lipid oxidation and microbial growth. These findings highlight their potential as safer, multi-mechanistic alternatives to synthetic additives, aligning with clean-label food industry demands. Full article

In recent years, cosmetic science has adopted a more integrative approach to skincare, in which sensory experience and psychophysical well-being are increasingly valued. In this context, plant-derived ingredients, particularly those from officinal species, are gaining attention for their multifunctional bioactivities. This review explores a curated selection of medicinal plants widely used or emerging in dermocosmetics, highlighting their phytochemical composition, mechanisms of action, and experimental support. A narrative literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed and Scopus, targeting studies on topical cosmetic applications. Results show that many officinal plants, including Camellia sinensis, Panax ginseng, and Mentha piperita, offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, photoprotective, and anti-aging benefits. Less conventional species, such as Drosera ramentacea and Kigelia africana, demonstrated depigmenting and wound-healing potential. In particular, bioactive constituents like flavonoids, iridoids, saponins, and polyphenols act on key skin targets such as COX-2, MMPs, tyrosinase, and the Nrf2 pathway. These findings underscore the potential of botanical extracts to serve as effective, natural, and multifunctional agents in modern skincare. While only Mentha piperita is currently recognized as a traditional herbal medicinal product for dermatological use, this research supports the broader dermocosmetic integration of these species. Full article

Urolithiasis (UL) is the presence of stones in the kidneys or urinary tract; its prevalence has increased worldwide. Thus, strategies have been sought to reduce it and one of them is the use of medicinal plants due to their accessibility, low cost, and cultural traditions. Studies on traditional medicinal plants in UL mainly documented results of litholytic and urinary parameters. Although, stone formation is related to oxidative stress and inflammation, and only a few studies are focused on these types of biomarkers. Thus, the aim of the present review was to summarize studies showing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of traditional medicinal plants used in UL management. We performed a scoping review; the database sources used were MEDLINE/PubMed, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, Scielo and Redalyc. From a total of 184 studies screened, six were included from China (2), India (3), and Corea (1). These studies have shown the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of traditional medicinal plants, including Glechoma longituba (G. longituba), Bergenia ligulate (B. ligulate), Lygodium japonicum (L. japonicum), Citrus limon (C. limon), Xanthium strumarium (X. strumarium) and Tribulus terrestris (T. terrestris). They have also described their molecular mechanism of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through the activation of antioxidant genes induced by Nrf2 or by suppressing the inflammatory gene expression by the inhibition of NFκ-B. These effects could be modulated by their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenes, present in these plants. This review summarizes the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of traditional medicinal plants and highlights their molecular mechanisms of action and main bioactive compounds. This evidence may be used in biotechnology and synthetic biology areas for the development of new products from plant-derived compounds to reduce the high recurrence rates of UL. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a proprietary plant-based formulation of Astragalus membranaceus and Centella asiatica saponins (ACS) on skin health, as both a cosmetic ingredient and a functional supplement. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 150 healthy adults were assigned to groups using topical ACS cream, oral ACS capsules, combined treatments, or corresponding placebos. Skin brightness, moisture, elasticity, melanin value, pore count, texture, and collagen content were assessed over 4 to 12 weeks. After 4 weeks of topical ACS application, skin brightness improved by 2.5%, elasticity by 6.5%, melanin decreased by 5.2%, pores reduced by 10.6%, and collagen increased by 8.7% (p < 0.05). After 12 weeks of oral ACS, brightness, elasticity, texture, and collagen significantly improved (p < 0.05). The combined treatment group showed the greatest improvements, including a 4.2% increase in brightness, 12.9% increase in moisture, 9.0% elasticity increase, and a 28.5% reduction in pore count (p < 0.05). ACS, whether used topically, orally, or in combination, effectively enhances skin health and offers a natural solution for skin rejuvenation. Full article

Antinutritional Factors (ANFs) are compounds produced by plants as defense mechanisms, and in high concentrations, they inhibit nutritional properties. Reducing these ANFs increases the presence of proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins, which is crucial for optimizing animal feed, particularly in developing countries where traditional methods may be costly. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) has the potential to improve the nutritional quality of animal feed derived from cereals and legumes cultivated and non-commercially cultivated by reducing antinutrients and enhancing nutrient availability. This review also considers the potential of non-native species, including those exhibiting invasive behavior and taxonomic similarity to cultivated varieties, as alternative substrates for SSF. Additionally, SSF highlights the biological properties of ANFs when extracted and utilized for technological and industrial advancements. Solid-state fermentation with lactic acid bacteria could be an effective and straightforward method for reducing these antinutritional factors while simultaneously enriching protein content. The aim is to present solid-state fermentation as a biotechnological tool to reduce antinutritional factors and enhance the nutritional content of legumes and cereals that are not cultivated for animal feed. This perspective contributes to expanding the range of raw materials considered for SSF by including taxonomically related but underutilized and ecologically problematic plant resources. Full article

Strophanthus sarmentosus is recognised for various ethnomedicinal applications, including treatment after snakebites. However, only limited scientific evidence exists on its antivenomous capabilities. This study investigates the efficacy of methanol and ethylacetate extracts from S. sarmentosus leaves and roots against Echis ocellatus venom. A non-toxic range for the extracts was determined in rats, and assays were performed to test their anti-hemorrhagic and anti-hemolytic activity as well as their influence on venom-induced blood clotting. In all of these experiments, the extracts demonstrated significant positive effects equal to or better than antivenom. Moreover, the extracts strongly inhibited and even abolished the digestion of the vasoactive neuropeptide bradykinin by snake venom metalloproteinases. Strophantus plants are known for their high content of cardiac glycosides, one of which is the commercially available ouabain, that by itself also considerably inhibited venom-induced bradykinin cleavage. Although ouabain is only present in low amounts in S. sarmentosus when compared to other cardenolides of similar structure, it can be hypothesized that members of this substance class may also have inhibitory properties against venom proteases. S. sarmentosus additionally contains bioactive substances such as flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, which contribute to its protective effects. The study provides scientific data to explain the success of the traditional use of S. sarmentosus plant extracts as a first aid against envenomation in rural Africa. Full article

Leaves (LV), stems (STs), and inflorescences (IFs) of Pfaffia glomerata are usually discarded despite containing various bioactive compounds, especially β-ecdysone saponin. The objective was to optimize by desirability (DI) the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds (total phenolics (TPCs), antioxidant activity (AA), and total saponins) from the aerial parts (LV, ST, and IF) of P. glomerata. Ideal drying conditions were determined and the drying kinetics were evaluated. LV, STs, and IFs were dried and extracted (0.06 g/mL 80% EtOH) in a USS (6 cm × 12 mm, pulse 3/6 s) by Central Composite Design (CCD), varying sonication power (140–560 W) and time (11–139 min), with TPC, AA by DPPH, and total saponin content as responses. The DI indicated that the higher TPC, AA, and saponin levels were obtained at 136.5 min and 137.87 W (STs), and 138.6 min and 562.32 W (LV and IFs). IF extracts contained higher saponin, TPCs, and AA. Higher β-ecdysone levels (3.90 mg g⁻¹) were present in the leaves. Several phenolics were detected in area parts of P. glomerata, the most abundant being p-coumaric acid (LV) and nicotinic acid (STs and IFs). These compounds provide potential health benefits. Phytol was found in all extracts. Extracts by UAE from leaves have antibacterial potential, with demonstrated inhibitory effects against S. aureus, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, S. Typhi, and P. aeruginosa, and presented bactericidal effects against E. coli, L. monocytogenes, and S. Typhi. Aerial parts of P. glomerata can be used to obtain extracts by UAE rich in bioactive compounds, providing complete utilization of the plant and sustainability to cultivation. This work represents the first report on the application of ecofriendly UAE techniques to extract bioactive compounds from the aerial parts of Brazilian ginseng. 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

Pharmacological relevance: Ethnic people residing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) of Bangladesh use Pouzolzia sanguinea to alleviate flatulence, for menstruation, inflammation, insomnia, and analgesia. However, there is no scientific evidence regarding the bioactivity of these plants. Aim: This study aimed to isolate bioactive fractional compounds from Pouzolzia sanguinea (IFCPS) crude extract to assess the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic activities. Materials and Methods: Preparative TLC-bioautography and silica gel two-stage column chromatography were used to isolate bioactive fractional compounds from P. sanguinea methanol crude extracts. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic activities of extracts and IFCPS were studied by inhibiting protein denaturation, acetic acid-induced writhing, Eddy’s hot plate, field cross, and hole cross methods. Results: The dried crude extract’s chemical analysis revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, vitamin C, and tannins. Nine single isolated fractional compounds (IFC₁PS to IFC₉PS) were isolated through TLC. Among these, IFC₂PS exhibited (p ˂ 0.01) the most potent anti-inflammatory activity in the inhibition of protein denaturation studies (70.51%), which was slightly lower than acetyl salicylic acid (82.29%), at160 µg/mL. This inhibitory effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. IFC₂PS exhibited the most potent peripheral analgesic and moderate central analgesic effects compared to the standard. In contrast, IFC₁PS showed moderate effects in both areas. IFC₈PS showed superior anxiolytic activities compared to crude extracts and other IFCPS. Conclusions: Out of the nine fractional compounds isolated, the IFC₂PS reduced pain and inflammation, whilst IFC₈PS exhibited anxiolytic activities. This is the first comprehensive study demonstrating the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects of crude extracts and isolated fractional compounds from the whole plant of P. sanguinea, which may have immediate experimental and clinical applications. Full article