Search Results (13,590)

Kansui Radix, the root of Euphorbia kansui, was first described in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing as a traditional Chinese medicine, known for its effects of expelling water, reducing edema, and dissipating masses. It is traditionally indicated for conditions such as “watery accumulation” and “abdominal masses (zheng-jia)”, which share certain similarities with the clinical manifestations of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), including renal masses, edema, and body cavity effusion. Despite the recognized antitumor effects of Kansui Radix, the pharmacological basis and specific molecular mechanisms underlying its inhibition of RCC progression remain unclear. The goal of this study was therefore to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of Kansui-DCM in RCC and to explore its potential mechanism. To this end, the chemical composition of the dichloromethane fraction of Kansui Radix (Kansui-DCM) was characterized by UPLC-MS. The antiproliferative effects of Kansui-DCM on 786-O and RENCA cells were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Apoptotic morphology, apoptosis rate, cell migration and invasion abilities were assessed. An RCC mouse model was established, and tumor growth and histopathological staining were evaluated after drug administration. Immunohistochemistry, transcriptomic analysis, WGCNA (weighted gene co-expression network analysis), network pharmacology, and immunofluorescence were employed to investigate the molecular pathway. Protein and gene expression were analyzed by Western blot and qRT-PCR, respectively. Finally, the interactions between the active components and key targets were substantiated through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. A total of 1397 compounds were detected in Kansui-DCM by UPLC-MS. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Kansui-DCM inhibited the proliferation of 786-O and RENCA cells in a dose-dependent manner, induced apoptosis, and suppressed cell invasion and migration in RENCA cells. Treatment with Kansui-DCM markedly suppressed tumor growth in vivo, as reflected by a reduction in tumor volume. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the expression levels of CD31, COX-2, and Ki67 were markedly decreased, while the expression level of CD8 was significantly increased. Integrated analysis using WGCNA and network pharmacology predicted that Kansui-DCM may exert its effects through the regulation of the HIF/VEGF signaling pathway, which was further validated by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and qRT-PCR assays. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated stable interactions between multiple active components of Kansui-DCM and key targets such as VEGFR2 and HIF-2α. In conclusion, these findings suggested that Kansui-DCM exerts anti-RCC effects associated with regulation of the HIF/VEGF pathway. Full article

Phanera sirindhorniae (formerly known as Bauhinia sirindhorniae) is a Thai medicinal plant with reported traditional use for the treatment of inflammation; however, its comprehensive phytochemical, biological, and formulation potential remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of extracts from the flower (BSFE), stem (BSSE), and leaf (BSLE), and to develop a BSLE-loaded hydrogel sheet for topical application. Among the extracts, BSSE exhibited the highest total phenolic content (503.71 ± 7.56 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (4778.67 ± 255.47 mg EGCG/g), along with strong antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by DPPH (IC₅₀ = 17.05 µg/mL) and FRAP assays. BSLE showed superior anti-inflammatory activity by significantly suppressing nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages, whereas BSSE displayed moderate effects. In antimicrobial evaluation, BSSE exhibited the strongest activity among the extracts, particularly against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus species, although its potency remained lower than that of standard antibiotics. HPLC analysis identified 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and luteolin as characteristic anti-inflammatory markers in BSLE. Based on its promising anti-inflammatory activity, BSLE was incorporated into hydrogel sheets (BSLE-F1 and BSLE-F2) using HPMC/PVA matrices with varying PEG 600 content. Both formulations demonstrated suitable physicochemical properties and skin-compatible pH. BSLE-F2 showed improved water retention and dimensional stability, whereas BSLE-F1 exhibited superior peelability, swelling capacity, and tensile strength. In conclusion, BSLE-F1 demonstrated a more favorable balance of mechanical and functional properties, suggesting its suitability as a topical anti-inflammatory hydrogel sheet. This study highlights the potential of P. sirindhorniae extracts for developing multifunctional, natural-based topical delivery systems. Full article

Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. is a widely distributed aromatic plant that has been utilized in traditional medicine for an extended period. It is currently experiencing a surge in popularity in modern phytotherapy. The ethnopharmacological uses of this species include treatment of respiratory tract infections, digestive disorders, and analgesia. The plant’s multifaceted biological activity is attributed to the presence of monoterpenes, such as citronellol and geraniol, as well as non-volatile polyphenolic fractions and organic acids. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of PGEO (P. graveolens essential oil) in mitigating inflammation, a phenomenon attributable to the suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, as well as the inhibition of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins (PGs), and nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity has been demonstrated against pathogens such as MRSA and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, whilst myricetin derivatives have been shown to enable the effective eradication of bacterial biofilms. It is also noteworthy that the oil’s components can reduce ACE2 receptor expression, indicating their potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection. Active compounds, such as geraniol, have been shown to modulate metabolic processes through interaction with LXR and FXR nuclear receptors. In addition, these compounds have been observed to exhibit spasmolytic effects within the gastrointestinal tract by blocking calcium channels. The influence on the HPA axis and the GABAergic system provides a scientific rationale for the plant’s traditional use in reducing stress and anxiety. Nevertheless, variations in chemical composition, determined by geographical origin, and an insufficient number of rigorous clinical data hinder the full medical implementation of this plant. It is imperative that further standardization of extracts and their verification in clinical trials is undertaken. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral solid dosage forms of traditional Chinese and ethnic medicines are currently undergoing modernisation. The objective of this study is to explore the scope for formulation variation arising from batch-to-batch fluctuations in intermediates, and to identify the factors influencing key quality attributes of honey-containing tablets. In this regard, a machine-learning-based predictive model is being formulated that will integrate and analyse formulation factors and the results characterised by the SeDeM expert system. Utilising the SeDeM index as a mediating variable, the study endeavours to establish a comprehensible and predictable stepwise research pathway to provide a foundation for industrial-scale upscaling. Methods: Twelve SeDeM expert systems were utilised to characterise honey-containing granules for formulation screening, to evaluate their suitability for use in traditional Chinese medicine honey-containing tablet systems, and to identify key limiting factors and the feasibility space affecting the quality of the final product; Based on the QBD philosophy, a TriAD (Tri-criterion Adaptive Design) design scheme was proposed, integrating the horizontal balance of orthogonal designs, the spatial coverage of uniform designs, and the parameter estimation efficiency of D-optimal designs into the experimental layout of the formulation feasibility space; Through further data aggregation, a multi-layer feature set comprising four formulation factors, six SeDeM indicators, and three critical quality attributes (CQAs) was constructed. The mediating effects of the SeDeM indicators were revealed through different pathways involving 37 combinations of simple, linear, and Bootstrap models. Furthermore, 180 linear and non-linear machine learning models (comprising 12 categories of algorithms) were trained to predict formulation and CQA outcomes, ultimately completing the design space mapping and validation. Results: The results show that the SeDeM parameters effectively bridge the CQA results of different honey formulations, with these indicators acting as selective mediators between formulation factors and CQAs. Compared with a pure data model relying solely on raw formulation variables, the introduction of SeDeM knowledge, combined with high-information-content samples obtained via TriAD, improved the predictive performance and robustness of the SeDeM–ML hybrid model in terms of disintegration time and hardness; its R²_LOO increased by 0.267 and 0.510, respectively, and the overall predictive space was significantly expanded. Experimental validation was conducted using formulations within the design space predicted by the optimal model; the results showed that both the prediction bias and the relative standard deviation were less than 5 percent. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates that SeDeM can not only be used to evaluate formulations of honey-containing TCM tablets but also serves as an intermediary bridge linking formulation factors, granule-mechanism variables, and tablet quality outcomes. TriAD, in turn, further translates the QbD philosophy into an actionable formulation space design, thereby providing a development pathway for honey-containing tablets that combines interpretability, predictability, and QbD consistency, and offers new insights for the industrial application of oral TCM preparations. Full article

Tillage practices influence soil structural stability by modifying the soil physicochemical environment and biological processes. However, the relationships among tillage, soil depth, Glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP), and soil aggregate stability remain insufficiently understood, particularly in the Mollisols of Northeast China. A long-term field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three tillage practices, including no tillage (NT), deep tillage (DT), and rotary tillage (RT), across four soil depths (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm). Soil physicochemical properties, glomalin-related soil proteins (total glomalin, TTG; easily extractable glomalin, EEG), and soil aggregate stability indices, including mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and the percentage of water-stable aggregates (R_0.25), were determined. Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to elucidate the relationships among soil physicochemical properties, GRSP, and aggregate stability. Tillage practices significantly altered soil physicochemical properties, particularly soil moisture and electrical conductivity, with responses varying across soil depths. Deep tillage generally enhanced EEG accumulation and improved aggregate stability compared with rotary tillage, whereas TTG exhibited relatively smaller variations among treatments. Soil moisture was positively correlated with GRSP and aggregate stability, whereas electrical conductivity showed predominantly negative relationships with biological indicators. Correlation analysis showed significant associations among soil physicochemical properties, GRSP, and aggregate stability. In the SEM, soil physicochemical properties were positively associated with both GRSP (standardized path coefficient = 0.205, p < 0.05) and aggregate stability (standardized path coefficient = 0.416, p < 0.05), whereas the direct pathway from GRSP to aggregate stability was not statistically significant. Tillage and soil depth were significantly associated with variation in soil physicochemical properties and GRSP, while soil depth also showed a significant direct association with aggregate stability. These results indicate that the final SEM supported a stronger statistical association of soil physicochemical properties with aggregate stability than of GRSP with aggregate stability. Although GRSP was correlated with aggregate stability in the correlation analysis, its independent contribution to aggregate stability was not supported by the final SEM. These results provide new insights into the processes associated with soil structural stabilization and offer a scientific basis for optimizing tillage management to improve soil quality and promote sustainable agricultural development in the black soil region of Northeast China. Full article

Gastrodia elata, a medicinal and edible plant of the Orchidaceae family, has a long history of medicinal application and extensive development value in China. Endophytes permanently colonize G. elata and form a stable long-term symbiotic relationship with the host. The secondary metabolites produced by these fungi possess diverse structures and multiple biological activities, which are important sources for discovering novel bioactive ingredients that provide natural materials for screening and developing medicinal compounds. This article reviewed the research and development progress of endophytes associated with G. elata, including endophytes’ sources, biological functions, compound classification and pharmacological activities. The results showed that more than 296 secondary metabolites were reported—mainly terpenoids, polyketides, alkaloids, anthraquinones, phenolics—with prominently characterized antifeedant and antibacterial activities. Our work aims to provide scientific references for the in-depth exploration and efficient utilization of G. elata endophytic fungal resources. Full article

The genus Dalea (Fabaceae) comprises approximately 188 recognized species distributed mainly in arid and semi-arid regions of the American continent, where several species have been traditionally used in folk medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, infections, inflammation, and other ailments. In recent years, Dalea species have attracted considerable scientific interest due to their remarkable diversity of secondary metabolites, particularly prenylated flavonoids, isoflavonoids, rotenoids, chalcones, stilbenes, and terpenoid-rich essential oils. Among these compounds, prenylated and geranylated flavonoids represent some of the most characteristic metabolites of the genus and are strongly associated with its reported biological activities. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the taxonomy, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical profile, pharmacological activities, and toxicological aspects of the genus Dalea. Although only about 19 species (approximately 10% of currently recognized species) have been subjected to phytochemical investigation, substantial knowledge gaps remain within the genus. Special emphasis is placed on prenylated phenolic compounds because of their structural diversity and broad spectrum of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, anti-tyrosinase, and xanthine-oxidase-inhibitory effects. Despite promising pharmacological findings, most available evidence remains limited to in vitro evaluations, with relatively few studies including in vivo validation or mechanistic investigations. Furthermore, important challenges remain regarding toxicity, pharmacokinetics, metabolomic characterization, and sustainable production of bioactive metabolites. Overall, the available evidence highlights Dalea as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications and supports the need for further interdisciplinary research focused on drug discovery and development. Full article

Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJ), derived from Lonicera japonica Thunb., is a classic medicinal and edible plant traditionally used to clear heat, detoxify, and disperse wind-heat. It is widely consumed as a health tea or food additive and played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its closely related species, Lonicerae flos (LFS), derived from L. macranthoides, L. hypoglauca, L. confusa, and L. fulvotomentosa, share similar functions. Distinguishing between these two is crucial to minimizing medication-related risks; however, studies on their differences in inorganic elements are currently insufficient. This study investigated the content differences in ten inorganic elements in 97 samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. LJ exhibited significantly higher iron (Fe) content and considerably lower manganese (Mn) content than LFS. Fe, Mn and Na were identified as key discriminatory elements through orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis, and cluster analysis based on the Fe/Mn ratio also achieved clear separation between the two groups. Network pharmacology and pathway enrichment analyses were subsequently conducted to explore the potential biological relevance of Fe- and Mn-associated differences. Additionally, molecular docking provided exploratory computational assessments of theoretical interactions between Fe/Mn and selected target proteins under simplified conditions. It is important to note that these computational results should not be interpreted as direct evidence of biological activity, since no in vitro or in vivo validation was performed. Overall, this study provides elemental profiling data to differentiate between LJ and LFS and highlights the potential value of the Fe/Mn ratio as a complementary chemical indicator for the authentication and quality evaluation of Lonicera medicinal materials. Full article

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) differs transcriptionally across renal compartments. We assessed whether Lycii Fructus-annotated targets showed reproducible DKD-associated changes and enrichment beyond matched expectations. Linked glomerular (GSE30528) and tubulointerstitial (GSE30529) cohorts were used for discovery; GSE96804 and platform-specific GSE104954 subsets provided external assessment. Phenotype-independent probe aggregation preceded limma analysis. Of 106 standardized HERB targets, 91 were measurable. Specificity was tested by hypergeometric analysis and 10,000 expression- and publication-matched permutations; external evidence was graded symmetrically. Thirty-six targets met the primary criterion in at least one compartment, but the target set was not enriched. CASP8 and VEGFA met Tier A external criteria, whereas ADRB2 and SLC6A2 met Tier B criteria. At the stricter |log₂FC| ≥ 0.585 threshold, ADRB2 passed in both discovery compartments, VEGFA only in glomeruli, and CASP8/SLC6A2 in neither. STRING analysis used the measured-gene background. Reference redocking reproduced carazolol in ADRB2 and atomoxetine in SLC6A2 (RMSD, 1.08 and 1.09 Å). Thus, the four genes are reproducible DKD-perturbed candidates carrying Lycii Fructus annotations, not evidence of a Lycii Fructus-specific mechanism; they warrant targeted pharmacological testing. Full article

Proteomics has emerged as a powerful tool for advancing our understanding of brain disorders by enabling large-scale characterization of protein expression, post-translational modifications, and interaction networks. Neurological conditions are often characterized by complex and dynamic molecular changes that are not fully captured by traditional diagnostic approaches. Proteomic technologies, particularly mass spectrometry-based and affinity-based methods, offer the ability to identify disease-specific protein signatures and elucidate underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, including neurodegeneration, neurodevelopment and neuroinflammation and alterations happening to the extracellular matrix and body fluid homeostasis. In recent years, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool to proteomics, enabling improved analysis of complex biological datasets. This integration has significantly enhanced the discovery of biomarkers for early diagnosis, disease stratification, and monitoring of therapeutic responses. Thus, cerebrospinal fluid and blood-based proteomic analyses have revealed promising candidates for neurological diseases. This review summarizes current advances in proteomics across a range of brain disorders, highlighting key molecular pathways, biomarker discovery efforts, and evolving clinical applications. Furthermore, it outlines future directions, including the application of machine learning for improved biomarker identification and precision medicine. Full article

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a key pathological basis for gout and uric acid (UA) nephropathy, and its increasing global prevalence presents a substantial public health challenge. Natural products (NPs) have emerged as a research hotspot due to their potential to reduce UA and favourable safety profile; however, comprehensive bibliometric analyses in this area remain limited. In this study, the English literature on NPs with anti-HUA activity published between 2004 and 2026 was retrieved from the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, and analyzed using Bibliometrix (R package), VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. A total of 581 articles were identified, indicating a rapid increase in publication output across 53 countries, 870 institutions, 234 journals, and 3421 authors. China was found to lead the field, with Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine contributing the highest number of publications. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology ranked first in publication volume, and Kong Ling-Dong emerged as the most prolific author. Major research foci included xanthine oxidase (XOD), UA metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory regulation, gut microbiota, and molecular docking. Perilla frutescens leaves and Terminalia chebula, together with six principal categories of bioactive compounds, demonstrated promising therapeutic potential. Overall, this study elucidates the developmental trends and research frontiers in the field, providing a valuable reference for future investigations. Full article

Plant-based healing practices integrate botanical resources, ritual speech, gesture, faith, spiritual mediation, protection, and social recognition within complex community systems of care. This cross-regional scoping review mapped the traceable literature on plant-based knowledge associated with benzedeiras, benzedores, rezadeiras, rezadores, and functionally analogous specialists. The formal scoping-review corpus comprised 54 records retrieved through structured database searches. A separate contextual layer of 132 supplementary records, identified through citation tracking and targeted searches using emic specialist terms, broadened interpretation but was not treated as methodologically equivalent to the PRISMA-derived corpus. Across the 186 analytical records, 74 harmonized specialist terms and 212 botanical entries associated with therapeutic, ritual, spiritual, or community-based practices were identified. The botanical matrix comprised 68 families and 166 genera, with Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Solanaceae, and Fabaceae as the most represented families. The results reveal terminological diversity, regional asymmetries in documentation, and the predominance of broad labels alongside terms with greater emic density. Plants operate as pharmacological resources, ritual supports, spiritual mediators, instruments of protection, territorial markers, and performative elements of healing. These specialists should be understood as mediators of complex therapeutic systems. The findings represent the indexed and traceable supplementary literature analyzed and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of ritual healing traditions worldwide. Full article

Phyllanthus amarus has long been used in traditional medicine and contains diverse bioactive compounds with potential pharmacological properties. This study aimed to purify the compounds from P. amarus and investigate their inhibitory effects on mast cell degranulation in vitro. It was found that the ethyl acetate fraction from P. amarus possesses potential inhibitory effects on mast cell degranulation. Subsequently, three compounds, including 3,3′,4-tri-O-methylellagic acid (P1), ethyl brevifolincarboxylate (P2), and 4′,4′′′-di-O-methyl cupressuflavone (P3), were purified and identified. These compounds significantly inhibited mast cell degranulation via decreasing histamine release and IL-4 and TNF-α production from the activated mast cells without any cytotoxicity. Furthermore, Western blot analysis confirmed that these compounds suppressed phosphorylation of Syk and PLCγ, suggesting inhibition of the degranulation-related signaling cascade. These findings provide preliminary in vitro evidence that purified constituents from P. amarus may inhibit mast cell degranulation, potentially in association with modulation of Syk/PLCγ signaling, and support further mechanistic and in vivo investigations. Full article

(1) Background: Impaired diabetic wound healing stems from systemic dysregulation of the wound-healing cascade under hyperglycemic conditions, producing a disordered microenvironment marked by sustained inflammation, defective angiogenesis, and aberrant extracellular matrix remodeling, multifactorial, multistage pathological interactions demanding multi-target intervention. (2) Methods: We constructed a multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel dressing (PGAs@CDV) based on a “drug-carrier integration” strategy, targeting the dysregulated hemostasis, inflammation, and proliferation phases of diabetic wound healing. An amphiphilic micelle carrier (PNO-GA) was synthesized by covalently conjugating Panax notoginseng oligosaccharide with gallic acid, loaded with Anemoside B4 to yield drug-loaded nanomicelles (PGAs), embedded into a carboxymethyl chitosan-dopamine-vanillin hydrogel (CDV) matrix to form PGAs@CDV. We then examined how PGAs@CDV affected diabetic wound healing. (3) Results: In vitro, PGAs@CDV enhanced cell migration and angiogenic capacity, exhibited potent antioxidant activity, and promoted M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization. We tested PGAs@CDV in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse wound model. Wounds treated with PGAs@CDV closed faster than those treated with the control, CDV, PNO@CDV, and AB4@CDV. Four readouts tracked this difference: hemostasis was quicker, inflammation was lower, more blood vessels formed, and collagen deposition was higher. At the pathway level, PGAs@CDV suppressed NF-κB signaling and activated PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α. These two arms map onto the anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects observed above. (4) Conclusions: This nanocomposite hydrogel integrates a bioactive carrier with a therapeutic payload to enable coordinated intervention across multiple phases of diabetic wound repair. By combining structural support with sustained pharmacological activity, it offers a promising strategy for the treatment of chronic diabetic wounds. Full article

Plant-based traditional medicine underpins primary health care across rural areas, yet its long-term continuity depends on both the transmission of local knowledge and the management of the plant resources that sustain this practice. This study aimed to identify medicinal plant species in Colcamar district (Amazonas, Peru) that combine high cultural importance with deficient reported environmental management, using a sustainability-oriented cultural–environmental prioritisation index. An observational, analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in five annexes of Colcamar district. Household heads and traditional medicine practitioners (n = 87) were interviewed during a single ethnobotanical field campaign in 2025, generating 1038 plant-informant records for 102 species with taxonomic identification and at least one valid plant-informant record. Cultural importance was estimated using the relative frequency of citation (RFC). Environmental management was assessed using a custom instrument of 11 indicators evaluated through exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and intraclass correlation by informant. The factor analysis yielded a two-factor solution (KMO = 0.786; 50.6% of variance explained): socio-economic valuation and environmental management. Internal consistency was acceptable for the total scale (alpha = 0.826) and for each retained factor (alpha ≥ 0.85). Three indicators with intraclass correlation below 0.10 (source of acquisition, cultivation technique, and agroecosystem practices) varied across species and were used to build the environmental management index (EMI). Hierba santa (Cestrum auriculatum Lindl.) showed the highest cultural importance (RFC = 0.540), whereas pava (Petiveria alliacea L.) showed the lowest environmental management (EMI = 0.250), defining priority groups for management intervention. Exploratory regression suggested an unconfirmed trend towards higher socio-economic valuation among expert informants, although this finding should be interpreted cautiously because the global model was not statistically significant and only seven informants were classified as experts. The index should be interpreted as a sustainability-oriented prioritisation tool rather than as a direct ecological estimate of population status, regeneration, or harvesting pressure. Full article