Planta Med. [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Nitidine Isolated from the Bark of Zanthoxylum myriacanthum and its Effects on NTERA-2 Cancer Stem Cells.
Phuong TH, Quan PM, Bach PC … +5 more , Tuyen TT, Nga NP, Cuc NT, Thao DT, Van NTH
Planta Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40701550 · Publisher ↗
Nitidine (NIT) was isolated from the bark of and assessed for anti-proliferative effects on NTERA-2 cancer stem cells using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, spheroid assay, DNA and ly...
Nitidine (NIT) was isolated from the bark of and assessed for anti-proliferative effects on NTERA-2 cancer stem cells using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, spheroid assay, DNA and lysosome staining, flow cytometry, caspase assay, immunoblotting, and molecular docking studies. Moreover, nitidine suppresses stemness properties like tumorsphere forming, c-myc, Oct4, Nanog proteins of NTERA-2 cancer stem cells after 48-hour treatment. Nitidine selectively induced anti-survival activities by triggering the intrinsic apoptotic process through p53 signaling and lysosome-dependent cell death (LDCD). The mechanism of action of nitidine on cancer stem cells was also investigated using molecular docking studies to provide physical insights. Molecular docking studies revealed that nitidine induces LDCD by effectively inhibiting the MHR1/2 domain of the TRPM2 protein on liposome membrane. These results suggested the potential capacity of nitidine in inhibiting cancer stem cells or tumor-initiating cells for therapeutic cancer application.
Withanolides as Prospective Drug Candidates: Production and Therapeutic Applications-A Review.
Gupta A, Vasundhara M
Planta Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40681162 · Publisher ↗
Withanolides are a group of steroidal lactones predominantly present in the genus ''. These compounds exhibit cytotoxic, neurological, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. Structural diversity leads to var...
Withanolides are a group of steroidal lactones predominantly present in the genus ''. These compounds exhibit cytotoxic, neurological, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. Structural diversity leads to various kinds of withanolides with different biological functionality. There is an increasing market demand for withanolides as they exhibit great therapeutic potential and can be explored for developing novel drug entities. Withanolides are primarily produced from plants that are more prone to diseases and are on the verge of endangerment. From the plant sources, the yield of withanolides is meagre (0.5 - 2%), which cannot meet the market demand, and the production cost is very high. This leads to the exploration of an alternative sustainable source for withanolide production. Endophytic fungi can produce host plant metabolites and can be investigated as an alternative source for withanolides production. Endophytic fungi can be isolated from the host plant species producing withanolides and cultured further for production. Studying the genes of the withanolides' biosynthetic pathway (their upregulation or downregulation), media optimisation, co-culture, and various elicitors may enhance withanolides production. approaches like molecular docking and quantitative structure-activity relationship studies may also aid in understanding the mechanism of action of withanolides on a specific target to cure a disease. Nanotechnology techniques help in designing the formulation of withanolides so that they can cross the blood-brain barrier and improve therapeutic effectiveness. This article highlights the biochemistry, biosynthetic pathway, mode of action, therapeutic potential of withanolides, and exploration of endophytic fungi as an alternative source to produce withanolides cost-effectively.
Allium ursinum as a Centuries-old Medicinal Plant. Short Review of Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties of the Rare Garlic Species.
Szczepaniak O, Neugart S, Przeor M … +1 more , Esatbeyoglu T
Planta Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40633550 · Publisher ↗
Wild garlic () is a wild plant growing in Middle and Eastern Europe that has been traditionally applied in local cuisine and herbal medicine practices. The leaves of the plant contain numerous bioactive compounds, i.e.,...
Wild garlic () is a wild plant growing in Middle and Eastern Europe that has been traditionally applied in local cuisine and herbal medicine practices. The leaves of the plant contain numerous bioactive compounds, i.e., flavonols, flavanols, phenolic acids, and thiopolysulfides. The aim of the study is to present the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of this plant. The leaves of possess strong antioxidant activity, which varies depending on extractant use and plant origin. The plant has limited capacity for ferric ion reduction in a FRAP test, as well. The previous studies showed that the high content of phenolic compounds was prevalently responsible for the high antiradical capacity. On the other hand, the thiopolysulfides present in the plant are responsible for its anti-inflammatory effect, observed as inhibition of TNF- and interleukins, and as a bactericidal effect against skin pathogenic microflora. Wild garlic has a negative effect on cancer cell line viability, while it enhances the viability of non-cancerogenic tissue cells. All these effects clearly show that wild garlic is an interesting and potent raw material that should be more often applied in today's functional foods, as well as a novel additive for dietary supplements, herbal remedies, or materials with topical anti-bacterial action.
Alkaloid Composition and Antiarrhythmic Activity of the Extracts from Rauvolfia serpentina Tissue Culture.
Khromov A, Dobrelia N, Konvalyuk I … +6 more , Bieda O, Andreev I, Mozhylevska L, Yarmoluk S, Soloviev A, Kunakh V
Planta Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40633549 · Publisher ↗
produces a number of indole alkaloids and has long been used in the traditional treatment of arrhythmia. Given the shortage of natural resources, the K-27M strain of tissue culture was established. The aim was to evalua...
produces a number of indole alkaloids and has long been used in the traditional treatment of arrhythmia. Given the shortage of natural resources, the K-27M strain of tissue culture was established. The aim was to evaluate the antiarrhythmic activity of extracts with different compositions and ratios of indole alkaloids derived from the cell biomass of the K-27M strain. Chemical analysis was conducted using HPLC-MS. Adrenaline-induced (rats) and ischemia-reperfusion arrhythmia (isolated guinea pig hearts) models were used to study the antiarrhythmic activity of the extracts. Extracts were obtained from dry (extracts 1, 2, and 3) and fresh biomass (fractions 1 and 2 of extract 4). Extract 1 contained ajmaline and acetylajmaline (the total indole alkaloid content (TIAC) was 2.2% of the dry biomass); extract 2-ajmaline, acetylajmaline, and raucaffricine (TIAC 6.4%); extract 3-ajmaline and raucaffricine (TIAC 29.0%). Fraction 1 of extract 4 was dominated by vomilenine, methylajmalicine, ajmalicine, and raufloridine (TIAC 65.0%), and fraction 2 of extract 4 contained acetylajmaline (TIAC 47.4%). Extracts 1 and 2 containing negligible amounts of indole alkaloids showed a weak proarrhythmic effect. Fractions 1 and 2 of extract 4 had a pronounced antiarrhythmic effect in the adrenaline-induced arrhythmia model. In addition, fraction 2 of extract 4 had an antiarrhythmic effect in the ischemia-reperfusion arrhythmia model. The level of this activity depended on the composition and ratio of alkaloids in the extract. Thus, the K-27M strain of tissue culture is a promising source of indole alkaloids with antiarrhythmic activity.
Local and Systemic Effects of Topical Betulinic Acid in a Psoriasis-like Inflammation Model in Mice.
Fernandes FS, Silva GS, Soares RV … +5 more , Ourique F, Nakagawa TLDR, Martins DF, Zamoner A, Kviecinski MR
Planta Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40578801 · Publisher ↗
Psoriasis patients often discontinue oral and injectable treatments due to concerns about both safety and efficacy. Issues such as adverse side effects, limited long-term effectiveness, and fear of potential complication...
Psoriasis patients often discontinue oral and injectable treatments due to concerns about both safety and efficacy. Issues such as adverse side effects, limited long-term effectiveness, and fear of potential complications contribute to non-adherence, impacting treatment outcomes and patients' quality of life. Betulinic acid (BA) forms supramolecular aggregates through self-assembly in a hydroalcoholic vehicle, which was hypothesized to have antipsoriatic activity when applied topically. To test this, imiquimod was applied to induce psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice (except in the untreated group) every 24 hours for 5 days. Two hours after each imiquimod application, the groups received either 100 µL of vehicle (10% glycerol aqueous solution), 0.05 mg/mL clobetasol (Clo), or 0.5 mg/mL BA. At the end of the study, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was evaluated (n = 12/group), and complete skin clearance time (CSC) was determined in six mice per group. The remaining six mice per group were used to assess acanthosis, lymphocyte and granulocyte infiltration, and Akt and ERK phosphorylation in skin samples, as well as TNF, IL-17A, IFN, and TGF levels in serum. To assess treatment safety, we evaluated food and water intake, ambulation pattern, body weight gain, organ weights, and blood parameters. BA significantly reduced CSC time by up to 40% compared to the control and was 10% faster than Clo. Both BA and Clo reduced PASI and acanthosis to approximately one-third of control values, normalized immune cell infiltration and TNF levels, decreased IL-17A by more than 30%, and reduced p-Akt and p-ERK2. BA uniquely normalized IFN levels without causing intolerable toxicity. Using an animal model of psoriatic skin inflammation, our findings support BA as a strong candidate for clinical translation, warranting further studies on its safety, pharmacokinetics, and optimal dosage in humans, potentially leading to randomized controlled trials in psoriasis patients.
The Therapeutic Potential of Topically Applied Essential Oils in Preventing or Treating Early Borrelia burgdorferi Infection: A Review.
Dolan K, Courie J, Tims M
Planta Med · 2025 Dec · PMID 40541248 · Publisher ↗
Lyme disease, caused by , presents significant diagnostic challenges, often leading to delayed treatment and decreased therapeutic response to conventional antibiotics. This review aims to evaluate the potential of plant...
Lyme disease, caused by , presents significant diagnostic challenges, often leading to delayed treatment and decreased therapeutic response to conventional antibiotics. This review aims to evaluate the potential of plant essential oils, known for their bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and anti-quorum sensing properties, as prophylactic, adjunct, or complementary treatments during the early stages of infection. The authors explore how these essential oils can target adaptive mechanisms and interactions of , including complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins (CRASPs), immune modulation, motility, chemotaxis, biofilm formation, efflux-pump mechanisms, and cyst formation. The authors identify current research gaps and propose frameworks to substantiate the clinical efficacy of essential oils for Lyme disease treatment. This review indicates that essential oils have multifaceted therapeutic potential and could provide a viable option for early intervention in Lyme disease. Further research is necessary to confirm their clinical applicability and safety.
Uncovering Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ginsenoside Rg1 in a Wound-Inured Zebrafish Model by GC-MS-based Chemical Profiling.
Hsu SJ, He M, Salomé-Abarca LF … +2 more , Choi YH, Wang M
Planta Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40523398 · Publisher ↗
There is growing evidence highlighting the pivotal role of cellular metabolic adaptation in governing diverse immune responses, as well as the capacity of immune cells to alter metabolic preferences. In both scenarios, t...
There is growing evidence highlighting the pivotal role of cellular metabolic adaptation in governing diverse immune responses, as well as the capacity of immune cells to alter metabolic preferences. In both scenarios, the prospect of leveraging bioactive compounds to induce metabolic reprogramming emerges as a novel adjuvant strategy for clinical immunotherapy. Rg1, a major active ginsenoside found in ginseng roots, has the potential to function as a glucocorticoid receptor agonist. Unraveling the intricate relationship between anti-inflammatory functions and the metabolic effects of ginsenosides and glucocorticoids may contribute to the identification of metabolic biomarkers associated with anti-inflammation. This research aims to determine endogenous metabolic response differences evoked by Rg1 and glucocorticoids underlying anti-inflammatory responses. The metabolic impact, particularly on primary metabolites, was assessed in zebrafish embryos using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in conjunction with metabolic pathways analysis via the KEGG pathway database. Our results indicated that Rg1 possesses a similar effect in alleviating inflammation in treating injured zebrafish as beclomethasone. The anti-inflammatory effects of Rg1 are achieved by inhibiting the neutrophils and macrophages toward the amputated edges and upregulating gene expression associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects of Rg1 also include changes in fatty-acid metabolism and downstream aromatic amino acids in the TCA cycle. Therefore, Rg1 may be a promising drug candidate for treating inflammatory responses and a valuable supplement for enhancing immune regulation.
In silico and In vitro Screening of Medicinal Plants from Brazilian Traditional Medicine for Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity.
Mendes C, Monteiro JRB, Romagna RA … +7 more , Rodrigues de Jesus da Conceição A, Henrique Tregnago P, Eiriz Feu A, Gonçalves RCR, Borges WS, Kuster RM, Kitagawa RR
Planta Med · 2025 Nov · PMID 40514023 · Publisher ↗
Medicinal plants and their phytocompounds are valuable shortcuts for discovering new, safer biologically active compounds or herbal medicines with reduced adverse effects. In this study, medicinal plant species were init...
Medicinal plants and their phytocompounds are valuable shortcuts for discovering new, safer biologically active compounds or herbal medicines with reduced adverse effects. In this study, medicinal plant species were initially selected from Brazilian traditional medicine using a database of and studies. A virtual screening study was carried out with a phytochemical database previously reported in the literature. The biological activity was evaluated by PASS Online and molecular docking, then validated by anti- assay. The chemical profile of the species was obtained by ESI(±)FT-ICR MS and LC-MS-DAD analysis. , and were selected based on a survey of the literature for use of gastric diseases and anti- potential. After PASS analysis, was selected for study because its compounds showed anti- activity potential, inhibiting fumarate reductase enzyme. extracted showed MIC of 64 µg/mL and MBC of 128 µg/mL in the anti- assay. ESI(±)FT-ICR MS and LC-MS-DAD analysis showed compounds such as luteolin (1: ), isovitexin (2: ), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (3: ), isoorientin (4: ), and 3-genistein-8-C-glucoside (5: ). Molecular docking analysis showed a potential interaction of compounds in the enzyme active site such as hydrogen bonds with Arg404 and a similar interaction to fumaric acid, except for isoorientin (4: ). showed promising activity and may represent a future alternative to treat infections and their deleterious effects, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of this plant.
The Medicinal Chemistry of Cyanidin and its Glycoside Derivatives: Focus on the Antiproliferative and Potential Anticancer Activity.
Rauf A, Olatunde A, Ajaj R … +5 more , Hafeez N, Zaky MY, Islam MR, Islam MM, Ribaudo G
Planta Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40506017 · Publisher ↗
Cyanidin and its glucosides are anthocyanins belonging to the class of flavonoid phytochemicals. These pigments give fruits and vegetables their typical reddish-purple nuance, and their peculiar chemical features result...
Cyanidin and its glucosides are anthocyanins belonging to the class of flavonoid phytochemicals. These pigments give fruits and vegetables their typical reddish-purple nuance, and their peculiar chemical features result in a remarkable ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species and other mutagens. Thus, both cyanidin and its glycosides were proposed as candidates for chemoprevention, as anticancer agents, and as adjuvant therapies. Indeed, the compounds were investigated through various and models of colon, breast, kidney, prostate and liver cancer, and glioma. Cyanidin and its derivatives have been found to inhibit key signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-B, which can reduce cancer cell growth, induce apoptosis, and suppress metastasis. In the first part of the review, the chemical properties of cyanidin and its glycoside analogues will be discussed. Then, an overview of evidence on activity will be presented, followed by a report on preclinical and clinical data together with comments on the mechanisms involved. Eventually, the aspect of pharmacokinetic properties, bioavailability, and formulation will be dissected. Overall, the review indicates that cyanidin and its derivatives could be effective anticancer agents but also calls for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their bioactivity. Despite promising results, resolving issues like stability, absorption, and targeted distribution is crucial to maximize their therapeutic potential. More research is needed to develop innovative cyanidin-based formulations for efficient cancer treatment.
Correction: A Neutral Glucan Extracted from Dried Ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma): Preparation, Structure Characterization, and Immunomodulatory Activity.
Sun L, Ni X, Liu Y … +3 more , Jiang Y, Wang PP, Gao J
Planta Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40494544 · Publisher ↗
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Compositional Analysis of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. inflata, and G. glabra after Honey Processing, and the Cardioprotective Effects in Zebrafish Embryos.
Wang J, Wang W, Liu B … +6 more , Fan X, Liu S, Yang G, Liu J, Lu T, Chen L
Planta Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40494543 · Publisher ↗
The "" indicates that honey-processed licorice protects the heart better than raw licorice. Ten major constituents in honey-processed licorice samples were quantified. Protective effects of honey-processed licorices agai...
The "" indicates that honey-processed licorice protects the heart better than raw licorice. Ten major constituents in honey-processed licorice samples were quantified. Protective effects of honey-processed licorices against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity were assessed in zebrafish larvae. Network pharmacology analysis based on the ten target constituents was conducted. Results showed glabridin was lowest in honey-processed , while total content of six components (such as liquiritin) was highest in honey-processed , followed by honey-processed , and lowest in honey-processed . Pharmacological results indicated that honey-processed and significantly improved doxorubicin-induced abnormal pericardial edema and increased venous sinus-arterial bulb distance in larvae. The pericardial area was reduced by 23% and 20%, respectively compared to the model group, and the distances reduced to 81% and 83.3% of the model group, respectively. Although improvements in pericardial edema were rare in the group, it reversed venous sinus-arterial bulb distance increase. These results indicate that honey-processed and honey-processed can significantly protect zebrafish embryos against the effects of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, namely, abnormal heart rate, pericardial edema, and elongation of the venous sinus-arterial bulb distance, whereas honey-processed can only significantly reverse the doxorubicin-induced increase in the venous sinus-arterial bulb distance. Network pharmacology analysis predicted that these constituents have potential for the treatment of metabolic abnormalities and cellular senescence related diseases caused by reactive oxygen species induction, linking to Rap1 pathways. Honey-processed and honey-processed had stronger cardioprotective effects on zebrafish embryos than honey-processed possibly because of differences in composition.
Separation and Cytotoxicity of Enzymatic Transformed Prosaikogenins from Bupleurum falcatum.
Ko H, Lee KJ, Song K … +2 more , Ha IJ, Kim YS
Planta Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40494542 · Publisher ↗
Saikosaponins, bioactive compounds derived from roots, have limited applications due to their low bioavailability and the absence of efficient large-scale separation methods. To address this, an enzymatic transformation...
Saikosaponins, bioactive compounds derived from roots, have limited applications due to their low bioavailability and the absence of efficient large-scale separation methods. To address this, an enzymatic transformation with cellulase was employed to remove glucose at the C-3 position, producing lipophilic prosaikogenins. These metabolites were separated using countercurrent chromatography (CCC) and preparative HPLC. The optimal CCC solvent system was determined to be dichloromethane/methanol/water (4 : 3 : 2, v/v/v). Prosaikogenin F and prosaikogenin G (PSG G) were isolated from the deglycosylated fraction, and the effect of rotation speed on compound retention was examined. Further enzymatic biotransformation using -L-rhamnosidase and cellulase resulted in the isolation of prosaikogenins E and E. The efficient separation of these four prosaikogenins was achieved through a combination of enzymatic transformation and CCC. Of these, PSG G demonstrated the strongest anticancer activity against the cancer cell lines MDA-MB-468, HepG2, and HCT116, while exhibiting lower toxicity in normal cells, supporting its potential as an effective anticancer agent. This study presents a highly efficient enzymatic transformation and separation strategy that can aid in the pharmaceutical development of saikosaponin derivatives.
Establishment of a Carrot Cell Plant Growth Regulators-free System to Produce a Low-Cost Vaccine Candidate.
Carreño-Campos C, Zarate SDE, Romero-Maldonado A … +3 more , Villarreal ML, Rosales-Mendoza S, Ortiz-Caltempa A
Planta Med · 2025 Oct · PMID 40461030 · Publisher ↗
Parkinson's disease is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of alpha synuclein (-syn) in different regions of the central nervous system. At present, only palliative pharmacological treatments are available for Park...
Parkinson's disease is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of alpha synuclein (-syn) in different regions of the central nervous system. At present, only palliative pharmacological treatments are available for Parkinson´s disease. Immunotherapy is considered an alternative to treat Parkinson's disease, and plants are a convenient alternative platform for biopharmaceutical production. When compared to other systems, plants are particularly attractive because they offer cost-effectiveness, large-scale production, and enhanced safety. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a carrot cell suspension culture for the production of cLTB-Syn, a vaccine candidate against Parkinson's disease. The convenience of MS medium optimization was demonstrated. Transgenic callus cultures were maintained and adapted on solid MSU9 medium without phytohormones, followed by growth kinetics in suspension cultures. The maximum biomass yield was 15.8 ± 0.35 g/L DW at 14 days of culture, with a growth rate of µ = 0.1034/d and td = 6.7 days. The cLTB-Syn protein production reached a maximum value of 2.62 ± 0.03 µg/g DW, representing a 1.6-fold increase over the initial culture time. Finally, the presence of the transgene was confirmed by PCR, and the integrity of cLTB-Syn protein was determined by dot blot assays. This study presents evidence of a promising system for a toxin-free biopharmaceutical production, which has the potential to be scaled up for large manufacturing, at a low cost.
Exploring the Hepatoprotective Effects of Naringin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Evidence.
Fayaz M, Viswanatha GL, Shylaja H … +1 more , Nandakumar K
Planta Med · 2025 Aug · PMID 40368365 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the hepatoprotective effects of naringin based on the pre-clinical evidence.A detailed literature search was performed using online databases such as G...
This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the hepatoprotective effects of naringin based on the pre-clinical evidence.A detailed literature search was performed using online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE. Based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 studies were considered for meta-analysis.The outcomes of the meta-analysis revealed that naringin improved liver function by reducing the elevated levels of ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, ALP, and bilirubin. It improved the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as SOD, catalase, GSH, GST, GR, and GPx (p < 0.05 for all the parameters), while reducing the LPO/MDA levels (p < 0.05). NAR treatment also alleviated the levels of inflammatory mediators (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-, p < 0.001 for all the parameters; NF-B, p = 0.29) in various animal models of liver injury. In addition, NAR significantly reduced the caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Furthermore, naringin treatment has normalised the liver and body weights compared to the disease control group.This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that naringin significantly improved the liver function in various animal models of liver injury, via potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Antidiabetic Potential of Sophora Species: Mechanisms, Bioactive Constituents, and Therapeutic Prospects.
Mousavi M, Moridi Farimani M, Kashfi K … +1 more , Ghasemi A
Planta Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40306687 · Publisher ↗
Diabetes is a major global health concern, and achieving optimal glycemic control remains a challenge for many patients. Despite the availability of current antidiabetic medications, about two-thirds of patients worldwid...
Diabetes is a major global health concern, and achieving optimal glycemic control remains a challenge for many patients. Despite the availability of current antidiabetic medications, about two-thirds of patients worldwide fail to achieve adequate glycemic control, underscoring the need for novel treatments. Herbal medicine has significantly contributed to drug discovery, and , a genus in the Fabaceae family, has long been used in traditional medicine. Preclinical studies suggest that various chemical constituents of exhibit antidiabetic properties. This review summarizes and evidence on the antidiabetic effects of highlighting its active ingredients and mechanisms of action. A literature search was conducted using Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar with the keywords '', 'diabetes', and 'herbal medicine'. Studies indicate that reduces fasting glucose in type 1 and type 2 diabetes (T2D) by approximately 33% and 37%, respectively. Additionally, it decreases body weight, improves glucose tolerance, reduces insulin resistance, and enhances lipid profiles in T2D. The antidiabetic mechanisms of involve the activation of phospholipase C-protein kinase C (PLC-PKC), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt (PI3K-Akt), and adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways, leading to enhanced glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle. Furthermore, activates the PI3K-Akt pathway and inhibits nuclear factor-kappa B (NFB), thereby reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and inflammation. Among its active constituents, flavonoids exhibit the most significant antidiabetic activity. While holds promise for antidiabetic drug development, further preclinical studies assessing sex differences and long-term safety are required before progressing to human clinical trials.
Mechanistic Insights into Propolis in Targeting Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.
Wong CN, Lee SK, Liew KB … +2 more , Chew YL, Chua AL
Planta Med · 2025 Aug · PMID 40294604 · Publisher ↗
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health concern characterized by insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. Growing interest in natural therapies has led to the exploration of propolis, a resino...
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health concern characterized by insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. Growing interest in natural therapies has led to the exploration of propolis, a resinous bee product, for its potential anti-diabetic effects. This review examines the mechanisms by which propolis may aid in T2DM management. A literature search was conducted in SCOPUS and PubMed using the terms (Propolis) AND (diabetes OR "insulin resistance" OR hyperglycemia), focusing on studies published from 2014 onwards. The search yielded 384 and 207 records in SCOPUS and PubMed, respectively. After screening and full-text review, 42 studies met the inclusion criteria. Key variables analyzed included the type and source of propolis, experimental models, dosage, treatment duration, and primary and secondary outcomes. Findings highlight multiple mechanisms through which propolis may benefit T2DM, including enhancing pancreatic -cell function, improving insulin sensitivity, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, modulating gut microbiota, and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Some studies also reported protective effects on renal and hepatic function. Overall, propolis exhibits promising potential as a complementary therapy for T2DM. However, further well-designed clinical trials are necessary to confirm its efficacy, determine optimal dosing, and identify key bioactive compounds responsible for its therapeutic effects. Future research should focus on optimizing its clinical application for diabetes management.
Polycyclic Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols from Hypericum himalaicum.
Liu GH, Wu F, Huo XY … +5 more , Sun HB, Jin ZL, Gu YC, Guo DL, Zhou Y
Planta Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40294603 · Publisher ↗
Six previously undescribed polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) with a vicinal diol moiety (1: -6: ) were isolated from the whole plant of . Their structures were established through a comprehensive anal...
Six previously undescribed polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) with a vicinal diol moiety (1: -6: ) were isolated from the whole plant of . Their structures were established through a comprehensive analysis of HRMS and 1D and 2D NMR data, while the absolute configurations were determined using the Mo(OAc)-induced circular dichroism (ICD), ECD, and NMR calculations. Compound 1: attenuated the secretion of NO, TNF-, and IL-6, downregulated the protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS, and inhibited the release of ROS in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Further investigation revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects may be attributed to the inhibition of the NF-B and NLRP3 signaling pathways.
Evidence of Potential Drug Interactions Between Cannabidiol and Other Drugs: A Scoping Review to Guide Pharmaceutical Care.
Nader FD, Lopes LPN, Ramos-Silva A … +1 more , Matheus ME
Planta Med · 2025 Aug · PMID 40267977 · Publisher ↗
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with therapeutic potential, is increasingly used in combination with other drugs, raising concerns about potential interactions and their impact on safety and efficacy. T...
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid with therapeutic potential, is increasingly used in combination with other drugs, raising concerns about potential interactions and their impact on safety and efficacy. This scoping review aimed to map the current evidence on CBD interactions across different drug classes and assess their clinical significance. The study followed the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, utilizing a structured protocol based on the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework. Five databases were searched, and preclinical and clinical studies on CBD pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions were included, with publications in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Out of 136 studies analyzed, 91.91% were published after 2011, reflecting a sharp rise in interest in this area. A total of 271 interactions were identified, with 203 related to pharmacokinetics, primarily involving metabolism mediated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, and 68 linked to pharmacodynamics, including additive effects such as sedation. Among the most relevant findings, CBD was shown to inhibit CYP enzymes like CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, potentially increasing plasma levels of co-administered drugs. However, only 5.15% of studies evaluated the clinical relevance of these interactions, indicating a substantial gap in knowledge regarding their safety implications. This review highlights the urgent need for rigorous clinical research to determine the clinical significance of CBD-drug interactions, particularly in patients undergoing polypharmacy. Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes, minimizing adverse effects, and enabling safer clinical use of CBD in diverse treatment regimens.
Stachybotrins G and H, Two New Phenylspirodrimane Derivatives from the Fungus Stachybotrys chartarum.
Wang Y, Chen K, Xing Q … +2 more , Zhang T, Xu Y
Planta Med · 2025 Sep · PMID 40262812 · Publisher ↗
Two new phenylspirodrimane derivatives, designated as stachybotrins G and H (1: and 2: ), which feature an -isobutyl side chain, along with four known analogues (3: -6: ), were isolated from the fungus . All the structur...
Two new phenylspirodrimane derivatives, designated as stachybotrins G and H (1: and 2: ), which feature an -isobutyl side chain, along with four known analogues (3: -6: ), were isolated from the fungus . All the structures were determined through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, primarily based on HRESIMS and NMR data. The antibacterial activity of all isolated compounds was evaluated. Compound 5: demonstrated antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacterium ATCC 6538, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 6.25 µg/mL.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): Quality of Food Supplements Versus Registered Herbal Medicinal Products.
Brouns A, Lechtenberg M, Hensel A
Planta Med · 2025 Aug · PMID 40245939 · Publisher ↗
The above-ground plant material from is used for relief of symptoms of mental stress and to aid sleep. In Europe, passionflower products are marketed either as registered herbal medicinal products or as food supplements...
The above-ground plant material from is used for relief of symptoms of mental stress and to aid sleep. In Europe, passionflower products are marketed either as registered herbal medicinal products or as food supplements. Passionflower products for sleep disorders are increasingly recommended to patients by physicians or by social advertisement, but the potential consumers are in most cases not able to differentiate between food supplements or licensed herbal medicinal products. Analytical investigations by validated protocols on passionflower food supplements and registered medicinal products from different sources were performed to obtain an insight into the actual quality situation. TLC fingerprinting revealed the non-identity of five food supplements, while six products met the specification (five registered herbal medicinal products and one food supplement). A validated UHPLC method confirmed this result. LC-MS identified one food supplement containing only hyperoside and lacking other passionflower-related compounds. Quantitative determination of flavones by photometric protocol, as well as by a calibrated UHPLC, indicated that five out of six food supplements did not meet the specified content and identity, suggesting instances of food fraud. All registered herbal medicinal products conformed to the specification. As this analytical investigation is in line with other reports on the low quality of food supplements, transparent and intensified quality control is recommended. In addition, routine analyses of every batch using validated procedures by manufacturers on a batch-by-batch basis should provide a secure basis for improved product quality and for the safety of the consumer.
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