Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Compounds compounds	2.3	3.8	2021	22.8 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Medicines medicines	-	-	2014	45 Days	CHF 1400	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	8.6	1996	16.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Plants plants	4.1	7.6	2012	17.7 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Separations separations	2.7	4.5	2014	16.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Applied Biosciences applbiosci	-	2.9	2022	23.4 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Life life	3.4	6.0	2011	19.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Pharmaceuticals pharmaceuticals	4.8	7.7	2004	14 Days	CHF 2900	Submit

15 pages, 3497 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cannabigerol Modulates Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2 Expression in the Spinal Dorsal Horn and Attenuates Neuropathic Pain Models

by Bismarck Rezende, Gabriel Gripp Fernandes, Vitória Macario de Simas Gonçalves, Gabriela Guedes Nascimento, Kethely Lima Marques, Barbara Conceição Costa Azeredo de Oliveira, Yure Bazilio dos Santos, Maria Eduarda Barros de Andrade, Karine Simões Calumbi, Eduardo Perdigão Maia, Luisa Menezes Trefilio, Fernanda Antunes, Fabrícia Lima Fontes-Dantas and Guilherme Carneiro Montes

Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(10), 1508; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18101508 - 8 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: The expanding focus on novel therapeutic pathways for long-term pain relief has directed interest toward compounds obtained from Cannabis sativa. This study evaluated the antinociceptive potential of cannabigerol-enriched extract (CBG) in models of acute and chronic hypernociception, along with morphological outcomes. Methods: [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: The expanding focus on novel therapeutic pathways for long-term pain relief has directed interest toward compounds obtained from Cannabis sativa. This study evaluated the antinociceptive potential of cannabigerol-enriched extract (CBG) in models of acute and chronic hypernociception, along with morphological outcomes. Methods: Formalin and hot plate tests were used on male Swiss mice to assess acute oral antinociception. To the chronic pain model, 8-week-old male Wistar rats underwent spinal nerve ligation (SNL), and CBG was administered orally by gavage once daily for 14 days. Results: CBG reduced nociceptive responses in the formalin test and hot plate tests, mainly at a dose of 30 mg/kg, showing antinociceptive activity. CBG attenuated SNL-induced thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity, accompanied by reduced microglial density and spinal morphological changes. Importantly, cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) signaling contributed to the antinociceptive effects of orally administered CBG, whereas cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) did not appear to play major roles under our experimental conditions. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings support CBG as a promising alternative for chronic pain management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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11 pages, 1690 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Thymoquinone Content in Black Cumin Seeds Using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy

by Óscar Ballesteros and Leonardo Velasco

Molecules 2025, 30(19), 3985; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30193985 - 4 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Thymoquinone (TMQ) is the main therapeutic constituent in black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds. Conventional quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is accurate but unsuitable for large-scale screening. This study evaluated the potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) as a rapid and [...] Read more.

Thymoquinone (TMQ) is the main therapeutic constituent in black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds. Conventional quantification by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is accurate but unsuitable for large-scale screening. This study evaluated the potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) as a rapid and non-destructive alternative. A multi-year dataset of 780 seed samples was analyzed, and robust calibration models were developed using modified partial least squares regression. Independent validation of a two-year calibration equation using samples from a third year yielded a high predictive performance (r² = 0.85; SEP = 1.18 mg g⁻¹). Adding part of the samples from the third year to the calibration contributed to further improvement in the prediction of the remaining samples, demonstrating the benefits of continuous equation updates. The calibration equation proved effective for selecting genotypes with high TMQ content, particularly when expanded with samples from the third year. Spectral analysis identified key wavelengths associated with TMQ content, with wavelengths around 2106 nm and 2254 nm being the most relevant. This work demonstrates the applicability of NIRS for rapid phenotyping of TMQ content in black cumin seeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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25 pages, 5716 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Anti-Allergic Mechanisms of Bioactive Compounds in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, Network Pharmacology and Computational Simulations

by Liang Hong, You Qin, Chiwai Ip, Wenfei Xu, Haoxuan Zeng, Xiu Duan, Ji Wang, Jing Zhao, Qi Wang and Shaoping Li

Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(10), 1444; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18101444 - 26 Sep 2025

Viewed by 476

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Allergic diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic urticaria) are increasing globally, but current anti-allergic drugs exhibit limitations in efficacy and safety. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes constitutional regulation for allergic diseases management. The allergic constitution prescription (ACP), a TCM formulation, lacks clear mechanistic insights. [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Allergic diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic urticaria) are increasing globally, but current anti-allergic drugs exhibit limitations in efficacy and safety. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes constitutional regulation for allergic diseases management. The allergic constitution prescription (ACP), a TCM formulation, lacks clear mechanistic insights. Methods: This study employs a novel network pharmacology approach integrating ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) to identify ACP’s chemical components and compare its mechanisms with anti-allergic drugs. Chemical components of ACP were analyzed via UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and allergic disease-related targets were collected from public databases. Anti-allergic drug targets were intersected with ACP-disease targets to identify unique and common pathways. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations assessed binding affinity between key compounds and core targets. Results: We identified 126 compounds in ACP. Compared to anti-allergic drugs, ACP targeted 10 unique and five common key pathways (e.g., MAPK signaling), 10 unique and nine common core targets (e.g., Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), IL-6), and 14 unique and 15 common key compounds. Simulations confirmed high binding affinity of ACP compounds to core targets. Conclusions: These findings highlight ACP’s potential multi-target mechanisms for allergic diseases treatment, identifying unique and shared pathways, targets, and compounds compared to anti-allergic drugs, offering new insights for further mechanistic studies. However, it is crucial to note that these mechanistic predictions and compound-target interactions are primarily derived from computational analyses, and experimental validation (e.g., in vitro or in vivo assays) is essential to confirm these computational findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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22 pages, 1484 KB

Open AccessReview

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Effects of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (Açaí) in Improving Cognition Deficits: Potential Therapeutic Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease

by Flávia dos Santos Ferreira, Juliana Lucena Azevedo de Mattos, Paula Hosana Fernandes da Silva, Cristiane Aguiar da Costa, Dayane Teixeira Ognibene, Angela de Castro Resende and Graziele Freitas de Bem

Plants 2025, 14(13), 2010; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14132010 - 30 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 949

Abstract

Euterpe oleracea Martius, also popularly known as açaí palm, is a palm tree of the Aracaceae family widely found in the Amazon region. Traditional plant use reports indicate the beneficial effects of açaí juice on fever, pain, and flu. Moreover, many studies [...] Read more.

Euterpe oleracea Martius, also popularly known as açaí palm, is a palm tree of the Aracaceae family widely found in the Amazon region. Traditional plant use reports indicate the beneficial effects of açaí juice on fever, pain, and flu. Moreover, many studies have demonstrated the pharmacological potential of açaí, mainly the pulp and seed of the fruit, due to its chemical composition, which significantly consists of polyphenols. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in investigating the neuroprotective effects of açaí, with the potential for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, mainly due to the increasing aging of the population that has contributed to the increase in the number of individuals affected by this disease that has no cure. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the potential role of açaí fruit in preventing or treating cognitive deficits, highlighting its potential in Alzheimer’s disease therapy. Preclinical in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies were utilized to investigate the learning and memory effects of the pulp and seed of the açaí fruit, focusing on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and autophagy restoration actions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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17 pages, 11396 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Analysis of Wild Bletilla striata Tubers Across Multiple Years Revealed the Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Polysaccharide Metabolism and Tuber Enlargement

by Hai Huang, Long Yang, Chunfang Luo, Tuo Qi and Junna Duan

Plants 2025, 14(5), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050689 - 24 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 881

Abstract

A Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb.f., known as Bai Ji in Chinese, is a plant from the Orchidaceae family that has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years in China. B. striata holds significant economic value due to [...] Read more.

A Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb.f., known as Bai Ji in Chinese, is a plant from the Orchidaceae family that has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years in China. B. striata holds significant economic value due to its esteemed medicinal applications. Our study aimed to analyze the transcriptome of wild B. striata tubers across multiple years to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating polysaccharide metabolism and tuber enlargement. We collected wild B. striata samples of different growth ages and analyzed their chemical composition, including total phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and proteins. The results showed that the content of these compounds varied with the growth age of the plants. Our study focused on analyzing the genes associated with growth years and accelerating the seedling growth cycle, which holds immense value for the preservation and optimal utilization of superior B. striata orchid resources. To further investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome analysis to explore gene expression, functional annotation, and regulatory networks related to the development and chemical composition of B. striata tubers. The quality of perennial medicinal herbs is intricately linked to their growth age. Unfortunately, excessive wild resource excavation has resulted in the premature harvesting of these herbs, causing a decline in their overall quality and effectiveness. Our study offers valuable insights into the conservation and utilization of B. striata resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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18 pages, 2395 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Anticancer Activity of Cannabinol (CBN) and Cannabigerol (CBG) on Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

by Ahmad Kadriya, Sarah Forbes-Robertson and Mizied Falah

Molecules 2024, 29(24), 5970; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29245970 - 18 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6169

Abstract

Several cannabis plant-derived compounds, especially cannabinoids, exhibit therapeutic potential in numerous diseases and conditions. In particular, THC and CBD impart palliative, antiemetic, as well as anticancer effects. The antitumor effects include inhibition of cancerous cell growth and metastasis and induction of cell death, [...] Read more.

Several cannabis plant-derived compounds, especially cannabinoids, exhibit therapeutic potential in numerous diseases and conditions. In particular, THC and CBD impart palliative, antiemetic, as well as anticancer effects. The antitumor effects include inhibition of cancerous cell growth and metastasis and induction of cell death, all mediated by cannabinoid interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, the exact molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. In addition, their effects on leukemia have scarcely been investigated. The current work aimed to assess the antileukemic effects of CBN and CBG on an acute monocytic leukemia cell line, the THP-1. THP-1 cell viability, morphology and cell cycle analyses were performed to determine potential cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects of CBN and CBG. Western blotting was carried out to measure the expression of the proapoptotic p53. Both CBN and CBG inhibited cell growth and induced THP-1 cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in a dose- and time-dependent manner. CBN and CBG illustrated different dosage effects on THP-1 cells in the MTT assay (CBN > 40 μΜ, CBG > 1 μM) and flow cytometry (CBN > 5 μM, CBG > 40 μM), highlighting the cannabinoids’ antileukemic activity. Our study hints at a direct correlation between p53 expression and CBG or CBN doses exceeding 50 μM, suggesting potential activation of p53-associated signaling pathways underlying these effects. Taken together, CBG and CBN exhibited suppressive, cell death-inducing effects on leukemia cells. However, further in-depth research will be needed to explore the molecular mechanisms driving the anticancer effects of CBN and CBG in the leukemia setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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48 pages, 3768 KB

Open AccessReview

Bench to Any Side—The Pharmacology and Applications of Natural and Synthetic Alkylated Hydroxy Cinnamates and Cinnamides

by José C. J. M. D. S. Menezes and Vinícius R. Campos

Compounds 2024, 4(4), 729-776; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds4040044 - 4 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3425

Abstract

Natural alkylated hydroxy cinnamates (AHCs) isolated from medicinal plants and the thereby designed and synthesized cinnamides are derivatives of hydroxy cinnamic acids such as p-coumaric, sinapic, ferulic, and caffeic acids, which are naturally derived from human dietary sources. The pharmacological properties displayed [...] Read more.

Natural alkylated hydroxy cinnamates (AHCs) isolated from medicinal plants and the thereby designed and synthesized cinnamides are derivatives of hydroxy cinnamic acids such as p-coumaric, sinapic, ferulic, and caffeic acids, which are naturally derived from human dietary sources. The pharmacological properties displayed by AHCs based on their inherent structure range include antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, anti-tyrosinase, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease therapy, anticancer therapy, metabolic disease therapy, and biopesticides, which have not been reviewed together. Based on their inherent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV absorption and their structure–activity relationships, these cinnamyl esters and amides can be used for food preservation in emulsions and oils, as sun-protective components of skin care formulations, and in many other multifunctional applications. In conclusion, the fine-tuning of the structural features such as the type of hydroxy cinnamic acid used, the length of alkyl chains for variable lipophilicity, conversion from cinnamic to propanoic for antioxidants, the increase in methoxy or the change to amino groups to increase the molar absorption coefficient and loss of absorption values, the substitution by halides or amino groups for potent biopesticides, and conversion from esters to amide bonds leads to different AHCs for biomedical, cosmetic, and agriculture applications as an emerging field of investigation that can overall provide natural, safe, biodegradable, and sustainable molecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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33 pages, 4037 KB

Open AccessReview

Floral Elegance Meets Medicinal Marvels: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of the Genus Lagerstroemia L.

by Ziwei Yue, Yan Xu, Ming Cai, Xiaohui Fan, Huitang Pan, Donglin Zhang and Qixiang Zhang

Plants 2024, 13(21), 3016; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13213016 - 28 Oct 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4294

Abstract

The genus Lagerstroemia L. (Lythraceae), known for its exquisite flowers and prolonged flowering period, is commonly employed in traditional medicinal systems across Asian countries, where it has always been consumed as tea or employed to address ailments such as diabetes, urinary disorders, coughs, [...] Read more.

The genus Lagerstroemia L. (Lythraceae), known for its exquisite flowers and prolonged flowering period, is commonly employed in traditional medicinal systems across Asian countries, where it has always been consumed as tea or employed to address ailments such as diabetes, urinary disorders, coughs, fevers, inflammation, pain, and anesthesia. Its diverse uses may be attributed to its rich active ingredients. Currently, at least 364 biological compounds have been identified from Lagerstroemia extracts, encompassing various types such as terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and phenylpropanoids. Extensive in vitro and in vivo experiments have examined the pharmacological activities of different extracts, revealing their potential in various domains, including but not limited to antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antitumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective effects. Additionally, 20 core components have been proven to be associated with antidiabetic and hypoglycemic effects of Lagerstroemia. Overall, Lagerstroemia exhibit substantial medicinal potential, and the alignment between its traditional applications and contemporary pharmacological findings present promising opportunities for further investigation, particularly in food and health products, drug development, herbal teas, and cosmetics. However, evidence-based pharmacological research has largely been confined to in vitro screening and animal model, lacking clinical trials and bioactive compound isolations. Consequently, future endeavors should adopt a more holistic approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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11 pages, 3074 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Mitigating Effects of Perilla Leaf Essential Oil on the Phytotoxicity of Fenoxaprop-P-Ethyl in Rice Seedlings

by Jiuying Li, Yinghui Zhu, Lanlan Sun, Hongle Xu, Wangcang Su, Fei Xue, Chuantao Lu, Wenwei Tang and Renhai Wu

Plants 2024, 13(20), 2946; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13202946 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1978

Abstract

Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (FE) can effectively control weeds in rice fields, but it has been found to cause phytotoxicity in rice. In this study, the phytotoxicity of FE was mitigated by perilla leaf essential oil (PEO) in rice seedlings. The injury recovery rates (IRRs) for [...] Read more.

Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (FE) can effectively control weeds in rice fields, but it has been found to cause phytotoxicity in rice. In this study, the phytotoxicity of FE was mitigated by perilla leaf essential oil (PEO) in rice seedlings. The injury recovery rates (IRRs) for shoot length and fresh weight treated with 800 mg/L of PEO were 101.51% and 99.05%, respectively. Moreover, the damage of s-metolachlor and pretilachlor was also alleviated when co-applied with 800 mg/L PEO; the IRR of s-metolachlor phytotoxicity was 26.07% and 27.34%, respectively, and the IRR of pretilachlor phytotoxicity was 127.27% and 124.39%, respectively. However, PEO had no significant effect on the phytotoxicity of pinoxaden, mesotrione, penoxsulam, mesosulfuron-methyl, and nicosulfuron. The results of GC–MS analysis showed that a total of 23 components were detected in PEO, among which linalool (36.49%), linalyl formate (26.96%), α-terpineol (10.63%), 2-hexanoylfuran (5.81%), geranyl acetate (4.13%), and neryl acetate (2.30%) were the primary components. Among them, 2-hexanoylfuran was the most effective component to alleviate FE damage, for which the IRR of shoot length and fresh weight was 73.17% and 73.02%, respectively, followed by the geranyl acetate, for which the IRR was 72.32% and 60.56%, respectively, and neryl acetate, for which the IRR was 65.28% and 58.11%, respectively. Furthermore, the application of 50 mg/L of 2-hexanofuran significantly improved the tolerance of shoot length and fresh weight to FE stress by factors of 5.32 and 5.35, respectively. This research demonstrates that PEO and 2-hexanoylfuran have the potential to serve as natural safeners to reduce phytotoxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Research on Natural Products of Medical Plants)

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