Planta Med. [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Nutmeg: A Review on Basic Source, Traditional Use, Chemical Components, Pharmacological Activities, Mechanism, and Quality Control.
Qi J, Bai Y, Mu Q … +2 more , Wu J, Sa C
Planta Med · 2026 Apr · PMID 41082903 · Publisher ↗
() is a species within the Myristicaceae family and the Myristica genus. It is an evergreen tree plant native to Maluku and the Banda Islands. Nutmeg (dried kernel of ) could be used not only as a spice but also as a val...
() is a species within the Myristicaceae family and the Myristica genus. It is an evergreen tree plant native to Maluku and the Banda Islands. Nutmeg (dried kernel of ) could be used not only as a spice but also as a valuable medicinal herb used in traditional ethnomedicines, including Ayurvedic medicine, Tibetan medicine, Mongolian medicine, and Chinese medicine. From previous studies, it has been found that its chemical components are lignans, neolignans, volatile oils, and other chemical components. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that nutmeg extract and its chemical constituents possess a wide range of pharmacological activities such as neurological and digestive pharmacological effects, as well as cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, potential anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant activities, and other pharmacological effects, which are closely related to its rich ethnomedical uses. There were more studies on the pharmacological activities and chemical constituents of nutmeg, but few studies had been carried out in terms of incorporating the experience of traditional medicine and systematic quality control studies. Based on botanical books, Chinese classic texts, medical monographs, and academic search engines (Pubmed, Web of Science, CNKI, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library), this paper reviewed various aspects of nutmeg, such as its basic source, traditional use, chemical components, pharmacological activities, and mechanism of action, as well as quality control, with a view to laying a foundation for the study of the potential pharmacological activities and quality control of nutmeg and providing a theoretical basis for the further development of nutmeg.
Therapeutic Potential of Ugonins: Bioactive Flavonoids from Helminthostachys zeylanica with Multifaceted Biological Activities.
Shah AB, Baiseitova A, Kim YJ … +1 more , Lee KY
Planta Med · 2026 Feb · PMID 41052645 · Publisher ↗
Ugonins are distinctive chemotaxonomic bioactive metabolites identified in . This uncommon fern species generates a diverse array of flavonoids, including ugonins, which facilitate various biological processes such as an...
Ugonins are distinctive chemotaxonomic bioactive metabolites identified in . This uncommon fern species generates a diverse array of flavonoids, including ugonins, which facilitate various biological processes such as anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, melanogenesis-inhibiting, antioxidant, anti-osteoporotic, and immunomodulatory functions. Our objective in this comprehensive literature review is to deliver a clear and visually engaging analysis of the therapeutic potential inherent in each of the compounds found in . This review covers the isolation of ugonins A - Y and other metabolites from this plant. These compounds demonstrate a diverse range of biological properties, which are thoroughly discussed in this review. The binding scores of all ugonins A - Y against PTP1B were also presented, indicating their potential activities for future consideration. Ultimately, a thorough understanding of the diverse therapeutic properties inherent in this unique fern can be achieved through a meticulous examination of the existing literature.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Almond-Skin Acetonic Extract in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Copper-Sulphate-induced Inflammation.
Barbosa R, Martins A, Oliveira IV … +4 more , Dias MI, Monteiro SM, Venâncio C, Félix L
Planta Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 41033339 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to assess the properties of an acetone-based almond-skin () extract and examine its effects on chemically induced inflammation by evaluating associated oxidative changes in an model. The phytochemical c...
This study aimed to assess the properties of an acetone-based almond-skin () extract and examine its effects on chemically induced inflammation by evaluating associated oxidative changes in an model. The phytochemical composition was analysed by LC-MS/MS while the antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The neutrophil migration was assessed using a CuSO-induced inflammation model in a transgenic zebrafish line (Tg(mpx : GFP)). Three days post-fertilisation zebrafish larvae were treated with 5 and 25 µg/mL extract for 1 h and then exposed to 10 µM CuSO for 40 min. Following exposure, various biochemical markers were assessed, along with neurobehavioral effects. The polyphenolic profile revealed a high flavonoid content and good antioxidant properties confirmed by the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The extract reduced neutrophil migration in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, it decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell death without affecting mitochondrial membrane potential. The extract also mitigated oxidative damage, as shown by reduced malondialdehyde and protein carbonylation levels, alongside decreased antioxidant response markers. Neurobehavioral effects induced by CuSO were alleviated, as evidenced by improved touch-evoked responses. These findings suggest that almond-skin extract holds significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, possibly through modulation of ROS and calcium signalling pathways.
Factors Influencing Clinical Trials of Herbal Medicinal Products - Using Ginger as Example.
Hook I, Krenn L, Steinhoff B … +1 more , Wolfram E
Planta Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40921184 · Publisher ↗
Ginger () has a global use as a spice, an ingredient of beverages, food supplements (syn. dietary supplements), as well as herbal medicinal products. Since the last update of ginger in ESCOP Monographs in 2009 a signific...
Ginger () has a global use as a spice, an ingredient of beverages, food supplements (syn. dietary supplements), as well as herbal medicinal products. Since the last update of ginger in ESCOP Monographs in 2009 a significant number of papers concerning its bioactive constituents and clinical uses have been published. From this large number and selecting those references (almost 500) considered most relevant to clinical aspects and therapeutic indications, the following issues are considered to be potentially important to research on other medicinal plants: [i] quality assessment; [ii] pre-clinical () studies; [iii] quality of clinical trials; [iv] ethnicity of clinical trial participants and [v] effects of sex-gender on activity and therapeutic indications.
Ovatodiolide: Recent Advances in Pharmacological Activities and Mechanisms.
Zhou Y, Zhang J, Xia Q … +5 more , Zhang L, Zhang M, Lu L, Yang Z, Li J
Planta Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 40912278 · Publisher ↗
Ovatodiolide, a macrocyclic diterpenoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb , exhibits diverse pharmacological activities in recent research. Its antitumor effects involve modulation of key signaling pat...
Ovatodiolide, a macrocyclic diterpenoid isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb , exhibits diverse pharmacological activities in recent research. Its antitumor effects involve modulation of key signaling pathways (e.g., NF-B/MMP-9, JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Wnt/-catenin) and effective targeting of cancer stem cells. For anti-fibrotic activity, it suppresses the TGF- pathway and directly inhibits glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Additionally, it demonstrates antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review comprehensively summarizes current knowledge on ovatodiolide, including its discovery, synthesis, pharmacological actions, and underlying molecular mechanisms against target diseases. A deeper understanding of ovatodiolide's multifaceted pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action will accelerate its clinical translation as a therapeutic agent.
In Vivo, Ex Vivo, and In Vitro Antihyperglycemic Evaluation of Croton ehrenbergii.
Díaz-Román MA, Rios MY, Acevedo-Fernández JJ … +1 more , Aguilar-Guadarrama AB
Planta Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40907532 · Publisher ↗
Various species have been traditionally used to treat diabetes; however, the antidiabetic potential and safety of many of these species remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the chemical composition, antihyperg...
Various species have been traditionally used to treat diabetes; however, the antidiabetic potential and safety of many of these species remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the chemical composition, antihyperglycemic activity, insulin-sensitizing effect, and acute oral toxicity of . Dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, -butanol, and aqueous residue fractions were obtained via liquid-liquid extraction from the hydroalcoholic extract obtained via maceration of the aerial parts. The primary compounds isolated from the fractions using column chromatography and identified by 1D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were 7,4'-di--methylnaringenin, -sitosterol, tiliroside, rutin, nicotiflorin, isoquercetin, and l-quebrachitol. The antihyperglycemic activity of these compounds was assessed using oral sucrose and glucose tolerance tests, and the most active fractions were evaluated to explore the mechanisms of action. The extract, fractions, and compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit -glucosidase and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as well as for their agonistic activity on PPAR-. Tiliroside and nicotiflorin moderately inhibited PTP1B and -glucosidase; whereas, l-quebrachitol acted as a PPAR- agonist. Acute oral toxicity studies indicated that the extract was safe at the tested dose. These results provide the first scientific evidence of the antihyperglycemic properties and preliminary safety of .
Farnesiferol B and Kamolonol Isolated from Ferula assa-foetida are Potent BACE1 Inhibitors with Neuroprotective Effects.
Oh JM, Shin WH, Kim B … +3 more , Kim E, Son HJ, Kim H
Planta Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40854437 · Publisher ↗
Five compounds were isolated from and their beta-secretase 1 inhibitory activities were evaluated. Farnesiferol B and kamolonol showed potent beta-secretase 1 inhibitory activity with IC values of 8.11 and 1.00 µM and c...
Five compounds were isolated from and their beta-secretase 1 inhibitory activities were evaluated. Farnesiferol B and kamolonol showed potent beta-secretase 1 inhibitory activity with IC values of 8.11 and 1.00 µM and competitive inhibition patterns against beta-secretase 1 with K values of 6.51 and 0.41 µM, respectively. pharmacokinetics showed that farnesiferol B was predicted to have high gastrointestinal absorption and blood-brain barrier permeability. In cell studies, farnesiferol B and kamolonol were nontoxic to normal Madin-Darby canine kidney and neuroblastoma cells, and both showed protective effects on neuroblastoma cells for Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. In molecular docking simulations, we found that the efficacy of the compounds may be related to their interaction with the flap region and hydrogen bonding with ARG368. In addition, molecular dynamics simulation of kamolonol showed the ligand maintained its stability in interaction with the loop residues. These results show that farnesiferol B and kamolonol are potent beta-secretase 1 inhibitors with neuroprotective effects, suggesting that they are potential candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Quantitative Analysis and Simultaneous Characterization of Triterpenoids and Phenolics in Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) Using LC-PDA-ELSD and LC-DAD-QToF.
Avula B, Katragunta K, Tatapudi KK … +1 more , Khan IA
Planta Med · 2026 Apr · PMID 40854436 · Publisher ↗
is widely recognized as the Chaga mushroom. Chaga contains various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, polyphenols, and melanin. To address the characterization and quantitative analysis of tri...
is widely recognized as the Chaga mushroom. Chaga contains various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, polyphenols, and melanin. To address the characterization and quantitative analysis of triterpenoids and phenolics in Chaga, a multi-analytical approach has been developed combining LC-PDA-ELSD and LC-DAD-QToF. These methods were designed to quantify 11 compounds, comprising seven triterpenoids and four fatty acids, using LC-PDA-ELSD, and four phenolics using the LC-DAD-QToF method. Calibration curves for these compounds demonstrated excellent linearity within the tested range. The methods exhibited high precision, with intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations below 3% and recoveries ranged from 91% to 104%. The validated methods were applied to analyze eleven sclerotia samples, one mycelium sample, three grain-based samples, and eighteen dietary supplements. Results revealed that eight of the eighteen supplements (44%) contained ground mycelium, which primarily showed the presence of fatty acids but lacks detectable levels of triterpenoid and phenolic markers characteristic of Chaga. Triterpenoids and hispidin, identified as key bioactive compounds, were detected in eight (44%) of the eighteen supplements; however, these products also contained fatty acids and/or betulin. Two (11%) of the 18 supplements showed the presence of phenolic compounds only; no triterpenoids were detected. Additionally, untargeted metabolomic screening using LC-DAD-QToF tentatively identified 103 compounds from diverse chemical groups, including nine reference compounds. These findings provide valuable insights for the quality assessment of dietary or food supplements marketed as containing Chaga.
A Systematic Review of Neuroprotective Effects of Mangosteen and its Xanthones Against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.
Thew HY, Tan YC, Ong YS … +2 more , Goh BH, Khaw KY
Planta Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40845897 · Publisher ↗
Mangosteen has garnered increasing attention for its medicinal properties against oxidative stress and inflammation-two major causative and progressive agents of neurodegenerative diseases. This systematic review explore...
Mangosteen has garnered increasing attention for its medicinal properties against oxidative stress and inflammation-two major causative and progressive agents of neurodegenerative diseases. This systematic review explores the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of mangosteen crude extracts and their purified bioactive compounds, highlighting their neuroprotective potential against neurodegenerative conditions.The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) strategy was used to identify studies published in English up to July 2024 across five databases (Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). The Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome (PICO) framework guided the search strategy, and duplicate records were removed using Covidence software. Of the 149 studies screened, 40 met the predefined inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The quality of the included studies was assessed using criteria adapted from the Cochrane Handbook, focusing on risk of bias and methodological rigor.Mangosteen extract and xanthones consistently reduced oxidative markers in various models. Anti-inflammatory effects were evident as mangosteen extract reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulated the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-B) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways in neuroinflammation models. Xanthones further suppressed inflammatory mediators and enhanced cellular resilience.The and results suggested the neuroprotective capabilities of mangosteen extracts and its purified bioactives. Despite that, gaps remain in understanding the potential synergistic effects of these bioactives, their druggability properties, and clinical applicability. Further research, especially clinical trials, will be necessary to further impel mangosteen and its derivatives into therapeutic applications.
The Olive Polyphenol Hydroxytyrosol Enhances Autophagy and Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression in Aortic Endothelial Cells and Reduces Arterial Stiffness ex vivo.
Lauwers S, Van Praet M, Steenput B … +5 more , Weyns AS, Neutel CHG, Tuenter E, Hermans N, Roth L
Planta Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40845896 · Publisher ↗
Age-related arterial stiffening is a hallmark of vascular ageing and a key driver of cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress, impaired autophagy, and extracellular matrix remodelling play an important role in the progre...
Age-related arterial stiffening is a hallmark of vascular ageing and a key driver of cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress, impaired autophagy, and extracellular matrix remodelling play an important role in the progression of aortic stiffening. Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a phenolic compound in olives, has demonstrated antioxidant properties and the ability to modulate autophagy, positioning it as a potential therapeutic for vascular ageing. In this study, we investigated the effects of HT on autophagy flux and antioxidant protein expression in human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs). In parallel, we examined the impact of HT on arterial stiffness using isolated aortic segments from wild-type (WT) and mice, a model of elastin fragmentation.HT treatment (50 and 100 µM; 18 h) enhanced autophagy flux in HAoECs, evidenced by increased LC3-II and p62 turnover, and reduced mTOR activity. Additionally, HT upregulated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a key antioxidant enzyme. treatment of aortic segments from WT and mice with HT (50 µM; 18 h) restored IP-mediated contractions and reduced aortic stiffness in aortas, as demonstrated by a decreased Peterson's modulus. Although HT did not significantly affect collagen or elastin content or elastic fibre breaks in the aortic wall, it notably increased HO-1 protein levels in aortas.These findings demonstrate the potential of HT to mitigate oxidative stress, enhance autophagy, and reduce arterial stiffness, making it a promising nutraceutical for addressing age-related vascular dysfunction. Further long-term studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms and evaluate its sustained benefits .
Cupressuflavone Isolated from Cupressus torulosa Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Through Nrf-2/NF-κB Signalling Axis.
Singh K, Yadav KS, Shukla A … +4 more , Singh VK, Yadav NP, Mugale MN, Dev K
Planta Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40829635 · Publisher ↗
Cupressuflavone (CTM-01), a potential biflavonoid isolated from exhibited antimicrobial, analgesic, cytotoxic and wound-healing properties. The present study aims to evaluate the renoprotective effects through and mod...
Cupressuflavone (CTM-01), a potential biflavonoid isolated from exhibited antimicrobial, analgesic, cytotoxic and wound-healing properties. The present study aims to evaluate the renoprotective effects through and models as well as elucidate the underlying mechanisms of its nephroprotective action under diabetic conditions. The effects of CTM-01 on cell viability (25, 50, and 100 µM) and intracellular ROS production were evaluated in cultured normal rat proximal epithelial cells (NRK-52E) grown under high glucose conditions (30 mM) while streptozotocin (STZ) induced rats were treated with CTM-01 at 25 mg/kg for four weeks and the effects on different biochemical, histological, and molecular parameters were studied. The oral administration of CTM-01 (25 mg/kg) in diabetic rats restored the fasting blood glucose to normal control levels and markedly ameliorated renal dysfunction as evidenced by a significant decrease in serum creatinine, urea, and albumin. Additionally, CTM-01-treated rats exhibited a significant increase in the levels of renal antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, and GSH as well as decreased MDA content against diabetic control rats and restored kidney damage in CTM-01-treated diabetic rats. Moreover, CTM-01 significantly increased the level of Nrf-2 and downregulated the expression of -NF-κB. This novel study provides strong evidence to support the potent anti-oxidative and renoprotective properties of CTM-01 in alleviating oxidative damage and inflammation through the suppression of the Nrf-2/NF-κB signalling axis for the effective management of diabetic nephropathy.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Angiogenic Potential of Plantago Major Extract in Enhancing the Wound-Healing Process.
Amalia L, Murwanti R, Hertiani T … +1 more , Sari KRP
Planta Med · 2026 Jan · PMID 40829634 · Publisher ↗
extracts have demonstrated considerable efficacy in promoting wound healing. However, there is limited research evaluating the angiogenic potential of extract using Matrigel-based assays alongside gene expression analys...
extracts have demonstrated considerable efficacy in promoting wound healing. However, there is limited research evaluating the angiogenic potential of extract using Matrigel-based assays alongside gene expression analysis of key angiogenic markers such as vascular endothelial growth factor A and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2. This study evaluated the angiogenic effects of extracts obtained by several extraction techniques: ultrasound-assisted extraction for leaves and both ultrasound-assisted extraction and maceration for non-leaf components using human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Aucubin content was analyzed using an HPTLC-densitometer, revealing the highest aucubin content in the non-leaves extract obtained from ultrasound-assisted extraction (16.75%). Furthermore, an experiment with human umbilical vein endothelial cells was conducted to assess extract's effect on cell viability, migration, and the formation of capillary-like structures (tube formation). All extracts maintained cell viability above 80% at concentrations below 250 µg/mL. The leaves extract obtained from ultrasound-assisted extraction at 31.25 µg/mL showed the greatest wound closure (80.29%) and the highest branching length (2756.41 cm). However, gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 showed no significant upregulation in the leaves extract obtained from ultrasound-assisted extraction-treated group, and low replication numbers limited some assays. These findings suggest that leaf extract may promote angiogenesis through mechanisms beyond vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, but further studies with higher statistical power and broader mechanistic approaches are warranted.
Therapeutic Potential of Carnosic Acid in Alopecia: A Mechanistic Perspective.
Singh P, Kushwaha P, Ahmad M … +1 more , Husain A
Planta Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40780265 · Publisher ↗
Alopecia, characterised by partial or complete hair loss, significantly affects the psychological and social well-being of individuals. Current FDA-approved treatments, such as topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, oft...
Alopecia, characterised by partial or complete hair loss, significantly affects the psychological and social well-being of individuals. Current FDA-approved treatments, such as topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, often present limitations, including skin irritation and suboptimal efficacy, compromising patient adherence. In recent years, natural compounds have garnered attention as potential alternatives, with carnosic acid emerging as a promising candidate due to its multifaceted biological activities. Carnosic acid, a diterpenic polyphenol predominantly found in rosemary () and sage (), exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-androgenic, neuroprotective, and hair follicle-regenerative properties. Despite its therapeutic potential, its poor solubility and stability in conventional formulations limit its clinical application. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms through which carnosic acid exerts its effects in alopecia management, focusing on its antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory responses, inhibition of dihydrotestosterone activity, promotion of hair follicle regeneration, and neuroprotective actions. The findings highlight carnosic acid's potential as a natural, effective, and safer alternative for alopecia treatment.
Antimycobacterial Activities of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Lantana camara, Zanthoxylum leprieurii Modeled as a Function of Their Fingerprints for Active Compounds Identification.
Tuyiringire N, Tusubira D, Boarbi S … +3 more , Muvunyi CM, Mangelings D, Heyden YV
Planta Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40774310 · Publisher ↗
There is a pressing need to discover novel anti-tuberculosis agents to combat emerging drug-resistant strains. , and have been identified as potential sources of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug candidates. Previous studies...
There is a pressing need to discover novel anti-tuberculosis agents to combat emerging drug-resistant strains. , and have been identified as potential sources of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drug candidates. Previous studies have examined the metabolites and metabolic pathways in mycobacterial strains affected by methanolic extracts of these plants, but the specific active compounds responsible for the antimycobacterial activity, the effect on affected metabolites and metabolic pathways of mycobacterial cell cultures, remain unclear. Untargeted metabolic fingerprinting may help identify the active compounds. The objective of this study was to model the antimycobacterial activity of methanolic extracts of , and as a function of their UHPLC-MS fingerprints and determine whether specific peaks (compounds) in the fingerprints contributed significantly to the activity. In this study, fingerprints of 18 methanolic extracts from roots, leaves, and stem barks were obtained with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of these extracts against a pan-sensitive strain were determined using a resazurin-based microdilution assay. Fingerprints were processed and analyzed using regions of interest-multivariate curve resolution (ROIMCR). Partial least squares (PLS) regression was employed to model the MICs. Potential active compounds, including cryptolepine (from ), verbascoside (from ), and isofagaridine (from ), were identified as antimycobacterial compounds. These compounds likely influence mycobacterial metabolic processes, including cell wall synthesis, protein production, nucleotide metabolism, and energy generation. Further investigations are required to validate our findings.
The "Cancer Bush" Sutherlandia (syn. Lessertia) frutescens. An Example of Promotional Research, or Is There Scientific Merit?
Gernandt N, van der Kooy F
Planta Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40763763 · Publisher ↗
(syn. ) is indigenous to the drier regions of southern Africa. has a long history of traditional medicinal use and is credited with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. It is a very popular...
(syn. ) is indigenous to the drier regions of southern Africa. has a long history of traditional medicinal use and is credited with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. It is a very popular phytomedicine and, as the common name implies, is used as a prophylaxis and treatment of cancer. The objective of this review was to collate all published scientific data on the genera and regarding their antiproliferative properties and critically evaluate the data against established guidelines. Despite its use as traditional medicine, the potential of as a cancer treatment remains highly questionable. While studies suggest some potential antiproliferative effects, many studies lack positive controls and selectivity studies or use excessively high dosages, well above established guidelines, translating into unrealistic clinical applications. Consequently, these studies often appear overly optimistic and biased. Very few well-designed studies are available, and most research fails to meet established guidelines for evaluating selective cytotoxicity. Given these limitations and the absence of rigorous studies and/or clinical trials, future research may first focus on identifying chemovars with acceptable bioactivity and/or investigating the possibility of the presence of prodrugs by simulated gastrointestinal tract studies. Based on available data, it must be concluded that does not exhibit acceptable levels of bioactivity/selectivity, and keeping in mind possible herb-drug interactions and the serious nature of cancer, which causes over 10 million deaths annually, should not currently be recommended for use.
The Antifungal Activity and Potential Mechanism of Kalopanax septemlobus against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum.
Liu W, Yang Z, Li X … +3 more , Wang Y, Ding Y, Li Y
Planta Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40763762 · Publisher ↗
() has been documented for therapeutic efficacy against scabies, but with fewer modern studies. In this paper, the inhibitory effects of extract and monomeric compounds on and were studied, and the mechanism of action...
() has been documented for therapeutic efficacy against scabies, but with fewer modern studies. In this paper, the inhibitory effects of extract and monomeric compounds on and were studied, and the mechanism of action was preliminarily discussed. The chemical constituents of the ethyl acetate layer of were isolated and purified under the trace of antifungal activity (microdilution method). The structure was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS); antifungal activity was investigated by microdilution (MIC, MFC), spore germination suppression, serum induced culture, extracellular protein determination, intracellular nucleic acid release, and PI fluorescence staining. Two compounds were isolated and elucidated, hederagenin (1: ) and kalopanaxsaponin A (2: ), respectively. The antifungal study showed that kalopanaxsaponin A had strong activity and could inhibit fungal growth from growth appreciation, transformation, and cell membrane (protein, nucleic acid leakage). The above data show that kalopanaxsaponin A has a strong antifungal effect (MIC=7.8 µg/mL), but and clinical experiments are needed to verify whether it has a curative effect. This study provides a potential compound for the development of natural antifungal drugs.
Reverse Transcription-qPCR-Based Investigation of Antiviral miRNAs in Medicinal Plants.
Eroz Poyraz I, Sozen E, Saglam M … +1 more , Poyraz I
Planta Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40763761 · Publisher ↗
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous regulators of gene expression that enable high adaptation to the living conditions of organisms. While plant antiviral miRNAs are effective in combating their viral pathogens, some plant...
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous regulators of gene expression that enable high adaptation to the living conditions of organisms. While plant antiviral miRNAs are effective in combating their viral pathogens, some plant miRNAs exhibit cross-kingdom interactions when targeting animal viruses. Current studies have reported that the miRNA contents of medicinal plants used in treating viral diseases are directly effective in combating the disease. Along with this study, the presence and expression levels of five plant miRNAs (miRNA765, miRNA954, miRNA1086, miRNA1328, and miRNA2911), known for their antiviral effects against human diseases, were analyzed in eight medicinal plants using the reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) method. One of the test group medicinal plants was used as dry material for comparison purposes. L. fruits that contain high starch were preferred as the calibrator plant sample, and miRNA161 was used as the endogenous miRNA control. cDNAs were synthesized using stem-loop primers and amplified by RT-qPCR with SYBR green. Expression levels of antiviral miRNAs were analyzed using the fold change (Fc) and the relative quantification (RQ) data. At the end of this study, antiviral miRNAs were found in some medicinal plants and detected at high levels in preserved dried plant samples, such as leaves.
Baicalein Alleviates Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting Microglial Activation and Inflammation Via the TLR4/NF-κB p65 Pathway.
Cai J, Luo L, Yuan M … +5 more , Li H, Chen L, Peng Q, Zhu C, Gu Y
Planta Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40719141 · Publisher ↗
Clinically, there is a significant unmet need for effective treatments for chronic neuropathic pain. Commonly used drugs, such as opioids, are primarily designed for acute pain management and are associated with substant...
Clinically, there is a significant unmet need for effective treatments for chronic neuropathic pain. Commonly used drugs, such as opioids, are primarily designed for acute pain management and are associated with substantial adverse effects, including tolerance and addiction. Therefore, the development of safe and effective therapies is of paramount importance. Baicalein (BA), a flavonoid compound extracted from , has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-proliferative activities against tumor cells and has been used to treat various acute and chronic conditions without notable side effects. In this study, we employed the spared nerve injury (SNI) pain model to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of BA on neuropathic pain and its underlying mechanisms. Results showed that BA effectively alleviated SNI-induced hyperalgesia and the progression of chronic pain in a dose-dependent manner by inhibiting glial cell activation, immune cell infiltration, and inflammatory responses. Additionally, using an microglial inflammation model, we further confirmed that BA inhibits M1 polarization of microglia and the expression of pro-inflammatory factors by modulating the TLR4/NF-B p65 signaling pathway. Our results suggest that BA holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for treating neuropathic pain caused by nerve injury or diseases.
Preclinical Evaluation of Baicalin for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
An H, Liu L, He T … +4 more , Chen X, Jin X, Zhou X, Gao W
Planta Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40719085 · Full text
, a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine, is frequently employed in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Its primary active constituent, baicalin, has shown significant therapeutic potential...
, a widely used medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine, is frequently employed in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Its primary active constituent, baicalin, has shown significant therapeutic potential in animal models of DN; however, no comprehensive and systematic evaluation of its therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms in DN has yet been conducted. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of baicalin in DN treatment and elucidate its pharmacological mechanisms. Relevant studies were retrieved from databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VPCS, covering the literature up to November 2024. Study quality was evaluated using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool, and statistical analyses were performed with STATA 12. Primary outcomes included blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR), and fasting blood glucose (FBG), while secondary outcomes encompassed urinary protein (UP), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), inflammatory markers, fibrosis indicators, and oxidative stress parameters. Subgroup analyses, publication bias assessments, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure result reliability. A total of 14 studies involving 221 rodents met the inclusion criteria. Baicalin significantly reduced BUN, SCR, FBG, TG, TC, UP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), malondialdehyde (MDA), and fibronectin (FN) levels while enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. These findings suggest that baicalin improves kidney function, reduces proteinuria, corrects lipid metabolism, and alleviates inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. This meta-analysis concludes that baicalin exhibits significant therapeutic potential in DN models, acting via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrotic mechanisms.
Neuroprotective Role of Eupalitin in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: In Silico and In Vivo Studies.
Shukla S, Shukla S, Sharma S … +4 more , Vasudeva N, Khatri R, Lather A, Hooda T
Planta Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40701551 · Publisher ↗
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition with marked cognitive loss and impaired thinking abilities as well as spatial memory, working memory, and communication skills. Numerous studies have found that b...
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition with marked cognitive loss and impaired thinking abilities as well as spatial memory, working memory, and communication skills. Numerous studies have found that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes lead to neuropathological and neurobehavioral problems, which lead to notable cognitive dysfunction and deterioration in memory. The aims of this study are to find out the neuroprotective potential of eupalitin on memory in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and to evaluate its binding affinity on acetylcholinesterase by using molecular docking studies. Eupalitin (dose 1 mg/kg/day) was used to study the behavior model and other biochemical parameters measurement in acute as well as chronic streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Eupalitin treatment increased the level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione in STZ-infused diabetic rat's brain tissue, suggesting that this substance may modulate cognitive function that is altered by oxidative stress. Results were comparable to standard drugs metformin and donepezil. Docking score and molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MMGBSA) study results of eupalitin in comparison with donepezil possess superior predicted binding affinity toward AChE. The level of A was considerably lower in the eupalitin-treated group than in the STZ-treated group during both the acute and chronic phases of treatment, but results were more prominent in the case of chronic-level treatment. studies showed the binding affinity toward AChE. This result concluded that eupalitin antioxidant potential may be utilized as a therapy for diabetes mellitus (DM)-related cognitive impairment.
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