Profiling of antioxidant properties and identification of potential analgesic inhibitory activities of Allophylus villosus and Mycetia sinensis employing in vivo, in vitro, and computational techniques.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The traditional use of plants for medicinal purposes, called phytomedicine, has been known to provide relief from pain. In Bangladesh, the Chakma indigenous community has been using Allophylus villosus and Mycetia sinensis to treat various types of pain and inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: The object of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of these plants in relieving pain and their antioxidant properties using various approaches such as in vitro, in vivo, and computational techniques. Additionally, the investigation will also analyse the phytochemicals present in these plants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted in vivo analgesic experiment on Swiss albino mice and in-silico inhibitory activities on COX-2 & 15-LOX-2 enzymes. Assessment of DPPH, Anti Radical Activities (ARA), FRAP, H2O2 Free Radical Scavenging, Reducing the power of both plants performed significant % inhibition with tolerable IC50. Qualitative screening of functional groups of phytochemicals was précised by FTIR and GC-MS analysis demonstrated phytochemical investigations. RESULTS: The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractioned Mycetia sinensis extract as well as the ethanoic extract and all fractioned extracts of Allophylus villosus have reported a significant percentage (%) of writhing inhibition (p < 0.05) with the concentrated doses 250 mg as well as 500 mg among the Swiss albino mice for writhing observation of analgesic effect. In the silico observation, a molecular-docking investigation has performed according to GC-MS generated 43 phyto-compounds of both plants to screen their binding affinity by targeting COX-2 and 15-LOX-2 enzymes. Consequently, in order to assess and ascertain the effectiveness of the sorted phytocompounds, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) investigation, DFT (Density-functional theory) by QM (Quantum mechanics), and MDS (Molecular dynamics simulation) were carried out. As the outcome, compounds like 5-(2,4-ditert-butylphenoxy)-5-oxopentanoic acid; 2,4-ditert-butylphenyl 5-hydroxypentanoate; 3,3-diphenyl-5-methyl-3H-pyrazole; 2-O-(6-methylheptan-2-yl) 1-O-octyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and dioctan-3-yl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate derived from the ethnic plant A. villosus and another ethnic plant M. sinensis extracts enchants magnificent analgesic inhibitions and performed more significant drug like activities with the targeted enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: Phytocompounds from A. villosus & M. sinensis exhibited potential antagonist activity against human 15-lipoxygenase-2 and cyclooxygenase-2 proteins. The effective ester compounds from these plants performed more potential anti-nociceptive activity which could be used as a drug in future.

Traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and applications of Labisia pumila: A comprehensive review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Labisia pumila (Blume) Fern.-Vill, also known as Kacip Fatimah, is a traditional medicinal herb common throughout Southeast Asia. It is primarily used to facilitate childbirth and postpartum recovery in women. Additionally, it can also be used to treat dysentery, rheumatism, gonorrhea, and as an anti-flatulent. AIM OF THIS REVIEW: This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the traditional uses, botany, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, practical applications, and potential uses of L. pumila (LP). Furthermore, we also explore the safety of this plant and its potential prospects for application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The keywords "Labisia pumila," "Kacip Fatimah," and "Marantodes pumilum" were used to collect relevant information through electronic searches (including Elsevier, PubMed, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science). RESULTS: This review summarizes 102 chemical components from different parts of the plant, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, and other chemical components. In addition, we also address the associated cultivation conditions, traditional uses, pharmacological effects and toxicity. A large number of reports indicate that LP has various pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, phytoestrogenic, anti-inflammtory, antimicrobial, anti-osteoporosis and anti-obesity properties. These results provide valuable references for future research on LP. In addition, LP is also a potential medicinal and edible plant, and is currently sold on the market as a dietary supplement. CONCLUSIONS: LP is a renowned traditional ethnic medicine with numerous pharmacological activities attributed to its bioactive components. Therefore, isolation and identification of the chemical components in LP can be a focus of our future research. Current studies have focused only on the effects of LP on estrogen deficiency-related diseases in women and bone diseases. There is no scientific evidence for other traditional uses. Therefore, it is important to further explore its pharmacological activities and fill the research gaps related to other traditional uses. Furthermore, research on its safety should be expanded to prepare clinical applications.

Current Review on Nanophytomedicines in the Treatment of Oral Cancer: Recent Trends and Treatment Prospects.

Cancer is one of the major life-threatening diseases in the world and oral cancer is the 8th most common type of deadly cancers in Asian countries. Despite many causes, tobacco is the main causative agent as 90% of oral cancer cases were due to daily consumption of tobacco and its products. The major drawback of the conventional therapies for oral cancer including chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy or combination of these is the dose limiting toxicity. Developments in technology and research led to new innovative discoveries in cancer treatments. In the past few decades, increased attention has been given to researches in alternative cancer treatment strategies using plants and plant products. Recently many anticancer drugs from natural products or phytochemicals were approved internationally. Due to the low bioavailability and poor solubility of phytochemicals, various research works on nano-carrier based drug delivery systems were exploited in the recent past to make them as promising anticancer agents. In the current review, an overview of oral cancer and its treatment, risk factors, missing links of conventional therapies, contribution of nanotechnology in cancer treatment and research on phytochemical based drug treatment and different polymeric nanoparticles were discussed briefly. The future prospects for the use of various types of polymeric nanoparticles applied in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer were also mentioned. The major concern of this review is to give the reader a better understanding on various types of treatment for oral cancer.

Recent Updates on Phytopharmaceuticals-Based Novel Phytosomal Systems and Their Clinical Trial Status: A Translational Perspective.

Phytopharmaceuticals are the newly termed herbal medicine, which includes standardized extract, bioactive fraction, and phytoconstituent. They have been practiced to cure, treat, and mitigate diseases. Phytopharmaceuticals have many health benefits, but their therapeutic efficacy is limited due to poor absorption, low bioavailability, and early elimination profile. A novel phospholipid complex is a newly introduced patented technology developed to incorporate the standardized plant extracts/fractions or water-soluble phytoconstituents into phospholipids to produce lipid compatible molecular complex, called phytosome, which improves their absorption and bioavailability. In herbal formulations, phytosome is the most advanced dosage form that has an upgraded absorption rate and enhanced pharmacokinetics compared with conventional products. The phospholipid complex results from hydrogen bonding between phospholipids and phytoconstituents, offering the maximum incorporation of herbal active ingredients into the lipidic layer and core. The increased therapeutic efficacy is due to the formation of amphiphilic phospholipid-complex of herbal medicine. This review highlights the role of phospholipids on delivery of herbal bioactives and natural extracts with particular emphasis on phytosomes. Moreover, the status of bioavailabilities, commercial products, patents, and clinical trials of phytosomal systems of phytopharmaceuticals were addressed.

Assessing the potential role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in improving the phytochemical content and antioxidant properties in Gomphrena globosa.

Strategies to increase the secondary metabolite production, obtained from medicinal plants has been the topic of research in recent years. The symbiotic interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plants allows host-fungus pairings to enhance secondary metabolite synthesis. Therefore, the current study investigated the effect of inoculating two distinct AMF species discretely as well as in conjunction on the flower-derived secondary metabolites in Gomphrena globosa. The findings showed that the plants inoculated with combined treatment exhibited higher total phenolic (50.11 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (29.67 mg QE/g DW), saponins (122.55 mg DE/g DW), tannins (165.71 TAE/g DW) and terpenoid (8.24 mg LE/g DW) content in the methanolic extract. HPTLC examination showed the existence of kaempferol and benzoic acid with the highest amount (0.90% and 5.83% respectively) observed in the same treatment. FTIR analysis revealed functional group peaks with increased peak intensity in the combination treatment. Higher antioxidant activities such as DPPH (IC50: 401.39 µg/mL), ABTS (IC50: 71.18 µg/mL) and FRAP (8774.73 µM Fe (II) equivalent) were observed in the methanolic extract of combined treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the impact of AMF inoculation on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in G. globosa flowers. Moreover, this study could lead to the development of novel pharmaceuticals and herbal remedies for various diseases.

Optimization and pharmacological evaluation of phytochemical-rich Cuscuta reflexa seed extract for its efficacy against chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity in murine models.

The popular organophosphorus (OP) compound chlorpyrifos (CP) has recently gained significant attention due to its health risks, particularly among farmers exposed to OP pesticides. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of Cuscuta reflexa seed extract (CRSE) and its efficacy of mitigating the adverse effects of CP in albino male mice. For acute toxicity analysis, the first group was served as the control group, while the second group was received CRSE (200 mg/kg/bw) on the first day of the 14-day experiment. For hepatotoxicity analysis, the first group was the control group, the second group (vehicle control) received corn oil (CO) (2 mL/kg/bw), the third group was given CP (20 mg/kg/bw) dissolved in corn oil and the fourth group was given CP (20 mg/kg/bw) along-with CRSE (200 mg/kg/bw) orally via gavage once daily for 21 days. The acute toxicity examination revealed no statistically significant differences between the CRSE-treated and control groups in serum biochemical indicators and histopathological analyses of various organs, suggesting that CRSE as safe at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/bw, with an oral LD50 in mice higher than 200 mg/kg. The hepatotoxicity study demonstrated that the CP administration resulted in liver damage and oxidative stress, while CRSE acted as an antioxidant and attenuated the signs of oxidative stress in liver damage. Hence, a promising therapeutic approach for lowering CP hepatotoxicity is co-treatment with CRSE.

Review on Cassia alata Bioactive Compounds: In silico, in vitro, and in vivo Studies.

Cassia alata Linn is a popular herbal remedy in many countries, and its activities have been studied through many studies, starting from in silico, in vitro, and in vivo. This narrative review will focus more on secondary metabolites that are responsible for certain pharmacological activities that have undergone in vivo, in vitro, and in silico testing to determine the underlying mechanism. Twenty pharmacological activities have been identified, with the flavonoid group (emodin, kaempferol, quercetin) as the most prevalent secondary metabolite found in Cassia alata. There have been numerous studies looking at the role of flavonoids about specific diseases, and flavonoid testing is quite thorough because it covers three different study types. However, there has not been significant progress accomplished in terms of the evaluation of the dosage form so that test results for promising activities like antidiabetic, antifungal, and antiviral can be carried out into further research. Additionally, several disorders lack comprehensive investigation, particularly in silico studies, therefore further study is required to fill any gaps in the knowledge.

Plant phytochemicals-mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles with antimicrobial, pharmacological, and environmental applications.

Nanotechnology is a fast-growing field with large number of applications. Therefore, the current study, was designed to prepare Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from A. modesta leaves extract through a cost-effective method. The prepared NPs were characterized through UV-Vis Spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The XRD and DLS analysis revealed the hexagonal nanocrystalline nature of ZnO NPs. The FTIR results displayed multiple fictional groups and UV results confirmed its optical properties. The average size of the NPs was 68.3 nm with a band gap of 2.71 eV. The SEM images divulge a clover leaf shape of ZnO NPs. The EDX spectrum revealed the presence of zinc and oxygen. The prepared NPs showed excellent biomedical application. The highest antileishmanial activity was 68%, anti-inflammatory activity was 78%, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was 79.1%, antibacterial potential (ZOI) 22.1 mm, and highest growth inhibition of 85 ± 2.1% against A. rabiei. The adsorption efficiency of 85.3% within 120 min was obtained. Conclusively ZnO NPs have shown potential biomedical and environmental applications and ought to be the more investigated to enhance their practical use.

Investigating in vitro anticholinergic potential (anti-AChE and anti-BuChE) of Chaenomeles leaves extracts and its phytochemicals including chlorophylls, carotenoids and minerals.

The goal of this work was to evaluate the chemical constitution and health-promoting potential of 12 varieties of Chaenomeles × superba, speciosa and japonica leaves. Carotenoids, chlorophylls, triterpenes, sugars, polyols and acids were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using high pressure liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), while the mineral profile was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Moreover, the in vitro anticholinergic potential (inhibition of acetyl-cholinesterase (AChE) and butyryl-cholinesterase (BuChE)) and antioxidant (ABTS, FRAP, ORAC) capacity were evaluated. For the first time in Chaenomeles genotypes 26 carotenoid derivatives and 22 chlorophyll derivatives were identified. Some varieties contained high amounts of carotenoids and chlorophylls (Ch. × superba 'Colour Trail', 'Nicoline', 'Pink Lady', 'Texas Scarlet'), and triterpenes (Ch. speciosa 'Simonii', 'Rubra', and Ch. × superba 'Colour Trail', 'Nicoline') and showed high ORAC antioxidant (Ch. × superba 'Pink Lady' and Ch. speciosa 'Simonii') and anticholinergic (Ch. speciosa species) activity. The studied leaves also contained sugars (3.1 to 16.5 mg/100 g), organic acids (3.9-8.1 g/100 g), and minerals (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn). In conclusion, Chaenomeles leaves show potential as a new source for the production of nutraceuticals, as well as for medical and/or cosmetic purposes.

Antibacterial, phytochemical and GC-MS analyses of argel (Solanum argel) leaves.

Finding novel, efficient antimicrobial drugs is crucial in this age of pressing global health challenges. The medicinal qualities of the leaves of the argel plant (Solanum argel, or S. argel) have been recognized in traditional medicine for quite some time. The medicinal potential of these leaves may be due to the presence of bioactive substances such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. S. argel leaf antibacterial, phytochemical, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) characteristics are the focus of this investigation. To conduct the study, bioactive compounds would be extracted from the leaves and tested against a panel of bacterial pathogens. Then, the compounds would be identified using GC-MS analysis. Mean inhibition zones of 15.30±1.0 mm, 14.67±0.42 mm, 15.0±0.01 mm, and 15.56±0.22 mm for the bacteria E. coli, Staph. aureus, and Sal. typhimurium, respectively, were seen in the antibacterial results at a concentration of 3 µg/disc. Secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic substances, and tannins were identified using phytochemical investigation. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory are just a few of the many bioactivities associated with these phytochemicals. Argel plant leaves contain bioactive chemicals that show they could be a source of new pharmaceuticals. Argel leaves were analyzed using GC-MS and 37 different chemicals were found. The most abundant compounds were 4H-Pyran-4-one and 2,3-dihydro-3.5-hydroxy, followed by 3-Pentanol, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl, and 2,2-Dimethyl-3-[3-methyl-5-(phenylthio)-, with areas of 11.80%, 10.6%, and 9.47%, respectively. The analysis was performed within a time range of 5.070 to 34.464 minutes. According to the research, Argel leaf has powerful antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities, making it an excellent substance for medical and food preservation applications.

Assessment of the conceivable inhibitory activity of pathogenic microorganisms extracted from seaweed using phytochemicals, antioxidants, and in-silico molecular dynamic simulation.

Turbinaria ornata, Polycladia myrica, and Padina pavonica is a perennial Mediterranean-native seaweed that is commonly used for mass display. The principal aims of this reconnaissance were the isolation of various compounds from methanolic seaweeds extraction and screening the potential effect as antibacterial, and antioxidant. The micro-dilution method was used to measure antibacterial activity. Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC. Mass) abused to analyze the chemical components of the methanolic seaweed extract. The existence of 19 secondary metabolites was discovered using GC-MS analysis: 8 different compounds for each seaweed's species. Among these bioactive compounds, 4 compounds from P. pavonica extract showed the binding affinity and ability to react with Beta-ketoacyl synthase (PDB ID 1EK4) of Escherichia coli. The phytocompounds' drug-like and poisonous characteristics were predicted. Auto Dock was used to examine the ligand receptor complexes' binding strength. T. ornate and P. pavonica had the highest activity against K. pneumonia, with 22.50 mm (0.78 µg/ml) and 22.23 mm (5.10 µg/ml) obtained, respectively. In a concentration-dependent manner, the extract components demonstrated substantial antioxidant activity. P. pavonica had the highest scavenging activity (78.00%, IC50 = 6.35 µg/ml), while ascorbic acid had a 96.45% scavenging impact. Because the chemicals bind to the Lipinski Ro5, they have drug-like characteristics. The compounds had no hepatotoxic effects. P. pavonica extract has the prospect of being used as a source of medicinal drug-like chemicals. The docking investigation found a strong correlation between the experimental results and the docking results. Finally, brown seaweed extract, particularly P. pavonica extract, demonstrated strong antibacterial, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging properties.

Comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry and pharmacological profile of.

Ficus religiosa L. (F. religiosa) or sacred fig is a large perennial tree belonging to the family Moraceae or mulberry family. Though the tree has pan-tropical distribution but originally it is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina region. Popularly the tree is named "Pepal or bodhi tree". Traditionally, it is practiced for the treatment of asthma, nose bleeding, heart disorders, diabetes, wound healing, ear problems, constipation, hyperlipidemia, gonorrhea, ulcers and infectious disorders. Chemical analysis demonstrated the presence of numerous bioactives including tannins, phenols, saponins, sugars, alkaloids, methionine, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, proteins, separated amino acids, essential and volatile oils and steroids etc., which are probably responsible for its diverse pharmacological actions. The present work is an attempt to compile up-to-date comprehensive information on F. religiosa that covers its taxonomy, ethnomedicinal importance, phytochemistry, pharmacological attributes and clinical trials. Keeping in mind the various health attributes of F. religiosa, future research can be aimed at in-depth elucidation of the structure-function relationship and multifactorial signalings pathways.

Exploring the phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and hepatoprotective potential of Moricandia sinaica leaves against paracetamol-induced toxicity: Biological evaluations and in Silico insights.

Thirteen components were identified in the methanol extract of Moricandia sinaica leaves (MSLE) through analysis utilizing HPLC-ESI-MS/MS., including flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and fatty acids. The methanol extract of M. sinaica leaves contained total phenolics and flavonoids (59.37 ± 2.19 mg GAE/g and 38.94 ± 2.72 mg QE/g), respectively. Furthermore, it revealed in vitro antioxidant properties as determined by the DPPH and FRAP assays, with respective IC50 values of 10.22 ± 0.64 and 20.89 ± 1.25 µg/mL. The extract exhibited a notable hepatoprotective effect in rats who experienced paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. When a dose of 250 mg/kg was given, there was a 52% reduction in alanine transaminase and a 30% reduction in aspartate transaminase compared to the group with the disease. Furthermore, it demonstrated a 3.4-fold, 2.2-fold, and 2.6-fold increase in superoxide dismutase, non-protein sulfhydryl, and glutathione peroxidase, respectively. In addition, it demonstrated a 68% decrease in lipid peroxide levels compared to the group with paracetamol-induced condition. The verification was conducted using a histological study, which identified improved liver histology with a small number of distended hepatocytes. Moreover, in silico studies focused on the enzymes NADPH oxidase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase as the targets for the major compounds. In conclusion, MSLE showed promising hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities due to its richness in antioxidant metabolites.

Phytochemical Characterization of Bilberries and Their Potential as a Functional Ingredient to Mitigate Ochratoxin A Toxicity in Cereal-Based Products.

Mycotoxin contamination of cereals and cereal-based products is a serious problem for food safety. Antioxidant-rich ingredients such as bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L., VM) may mitigate their harmful effects. Firstly, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and analytical phytochemical composition (hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids, flavanols, flavonols, and anthocyanins) were assessed in lyophilized wild bilberries from Romania. Secondly, this study evaluated bilberries' effects on reducing ochratoxin A (OTA) bioaccessibility and cytotoxicity. An in vitro digestion model was developed and applied to four different types of bread: Control, VM (2%), OTA (15.89 ± 0.13 mg/kg), and OTA (16.79 ± 0.55 mg/kg)-VM (2%). The results indicated that VM decreased OTA bioaccessibility by 15% at the intestinal level. OTA-VM digests showed improved Caco-2 cell viability in comparison to OTA digests across different exposure times. Regarding the alterations in Jurkat cell line cell cycle phases and apoptosis/necrosis, significant increases in cell death were observed using OTA digests (11%), while VM addition demonstrated a protective effect (1%). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis confirmed these findings, with OTA-VM digests showing significantly lower ROS levels compared to OTA digests, resulting in a 3.7-fold decrease. Thus, bilberries exhibit high potential as a functional ingredient, demonstrating protection in OTA mitigation effects.

Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis: Novel Anti-Inflammatory Therapies.

Acute pancreatitis remains a serious public health problem, and the burden of acute pancreatitis is increasing. With significant morbidity and serious complications, appropriate and effective therapies are critical. Great progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis over the past two decades. However, specific drugs targeting key molecules and pathways involved in acute pancreatitis still require further study. Natural compounds extracted from plants have a variety of biological activities and can inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress in acute pancreatitis by blocking several signaling pathways, such as the nuclear factor kappa-B and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. In this article, we review the therapeutic effects of various types of phytochemicals on acute pancreatitis and discuss the mechanism of action of these natural compounds in acute pancreatitis, aiming to provide clearer insights into the treatment of acute pancreatitis.

An in silico molecular docking and simulation study to identify potential anticancer phytochemicals targeting the RAS signaling pathway.

The dysregulation of the rat sarcoma (RAS) signaling pathway, particularly the MAPK/ERK cascade, is a hallmark of many cancers, leading to uncontrolled cellular proliferation and resistance to apoptosis-inducing treatments. Dysregulation of the MAPK/ERK pathway is common in various cancers including pancreatic, lung, and colon cancers, making it a critical target for therapeutic intervention. Natural compounds, especially phytochemicals, offer a promising avenue for developing new anticancer therapies due to their potential to interfere with these signaling pathways. This study investigates the potential of anticancer phytochemicals to inhibit the MAPK/ERK pathway through molecular docking and simulation techniques. A total of 26 phytochemicals were screened from an initial set of 340 phytochemicals which were retrieved from Dr. Duke's database using in silico methods for their binding affinity and stability. Molecular docking was performed to identify key interactions with ERK2, followed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to evaluate the stability of these interactions. The study identified several phytochemicals, including luteolin, hispidulin, and isorhamnetin with a binding score of -10.1±0 Kcal/mol, -9.86±0.15 Kcal/mol, -9.76±0.025 Kcal/mol, respectively as promising inhibitors of the ERK2 protein. These compounds demonstrated significant binding affinities and stable interactions with ERK2 in MD simulation studies up to 200ns, particularly at the active site. The radius of gyration analysis confirmed the stability of these phytochemical-protein complexes' compactness, indicating their potential to inhibit ERK activity. The stability and binding affinity of these compounds suggest that they can effectively inhibit ERK2 activity, potentially leading to more effective and less toxic cancer treatments. The findings underscore the therapeutic promise of these phytochemicals, which could serve as a basis for developing new cancer therapies.

Harnessing the nutriceutics in early-stage breast cancer: mechanisms, combinational therapy, and drug delivery.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is a significant health challenge, ranking as the second leading cause of cancer-related death and the primary cause of mortality among women aged 45 to 55. Early detection is crucial for optimal prognosis. Among various treatment options available for cancer, chemotherapy remains the predominant approach. However, its patient-friendliness is hindered by cytotoxicity, adverse effects, multi-drug resistance, potential for recurrence, and high costs. This review explores extensively studied phytomolecules, elucidating their molecular mechanisms. It also emphasizes the importance of combination therapy, highlighting recent advancements in the exploration of diverse drug delivery systems and novel routes of administration. The regulatory considerations are crucial in translating these approaches into clinical practices. RESULTS: Consequently, there is growing interest in exploring the relationship between diet, cancer, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer chemotherapy. Phytochemicals like berberine, curcumin, quercetin, lycopene, sulforaphane, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, genistein, thymoquinone have emerged as promising candidates due to their pleiotropic actions on target cells through multiple mechanisms with minimal toxicity effects. This review focuses on extensively studied phytomolecules, elucidating their molecular mechanisms. It also emphasizes the importance of combination therapy, highlighting recent advancements in the exploration of diverse drug delivery systems and novel routes of administration. The regulatory considerations are crucial in translating these approaches into clinical practices. CONCLUSION: The present review provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms, coupled with well-designed clinical trials and adherence to regulatory guidelines, which pave the way for nutrition-based combination therapies to become a frontline approach in early-stage BC treatment.

Unlocking daidzein's healing power: Present applications and future possibilities in phytomedicine.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and a great threat to people around the world. Cancer treatment modalities include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, radiochemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. The best approach is to use a combination of several types. Among the treatment methods mentioned above, chemotherapy is frequently used, but its activity is hampered by the development of drug resistance and many side effects. In this regard, the use of medicinal plants has been discussed, and in recent decades, the use of isolated phytochemicals came into the focus of interest. By critically evaluating the available evidence and emphasizing the unique perspective offered by this review, we provide insights into the potential of daidzein as a promising therapeutic agent, as well as outline future research directions to optimize its efficacy in clinical settings. PURPOSE: To summarized the therapeutic potential of daidzein, an isoflavone phytoestrogen in the management of several human diseases with the focuses on the current status and future prospects as a therapeutic agent. METHODS: Several search engines, including PubMed, GoogleScholar, and ScienceDirect, were used, with the search terms "daidzein", "daidzein therapeutic potential", or individual effects. The study included all peer-reviewed articles. However, the most recent publications were given priority. RESULTS: Daidzein showed protective effects against malignant diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer but also non-malignant diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Daidzein activates multiple signaling pathways leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis as well as antioxidant and anti-metastatic effects in malignant cells. Moreover, the anticancer effects against different cancer cells were more prominent and discussed in detail. CONCLUSIONS: In short, daidzein represents a promising compound for drug development. The comprehensive potential anticancer activities of daidzein through various molecular mechanisms and its therapeutic/clinical status required further detail studies.

Coumarins as versatile therapeutic phytomolecules: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Coumarins, abundantly distributed in a plethora of biologically active compounds, serve as a fundamental motif in numerous natural products, drugs, and therapeutic leads. Despite their small size, they exhibit a diverse range of biological activities, intriguing researchers with their immense pharmacological potential. PURPOSE: This study consolidates the evidence regarding the essential role of coumarins in modern drug discovery, exploring their broad-spectrum pharmaceutical effects, structural versatility, and mechanisms of action across various domains. METHODS: For literature search, we utilized PubMed, Google scholar, and SciFinder databases. Keyword and keyword combinations such as "coumarins", "natural coumarins", "specific natural coumarins for particular diseases", and "therapeutic effects" were employed to retrieve relevant studies. The search encompassed articles published between 2005 and 2023. Selection criteria included studies reporting on the pharmacological activities of natural coumarins against various diseases. RESULTS: The results highlight the therapeutic potential of natural coumarins against various diseases, demonstrating anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. They also act as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and as anti-thrombotic, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective agents. They also show efficacy against diabetic nephropathy, neurodegenerative diseases, microbial infections and many other diseases. CONCLUSION: This review underscores the significant role of natural coumarins in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Their diverse biological activities and structural versatility make them promising therapeutic agents. This study serves as a catalyst for further research in the field, aiming to address emerging challenges and opportunities in drug development.

Isolation, characterization and antimicrobial activity study of Thymus vulgaris.

Herbal medicines are important for ensuring sustainable development goals (SDGs) in healthcare, particularly in developing countries with high rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and little access to medical facilities. Thymus vulgaris is a widely used herbal medicinal plant known for its secondary metabolites and antimicrobial properties. The present study involved a comprehensive examination of the isolation, characterization, and antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris obtained from Ethiopia. The aerial part of the plant Thymus vulgaris was successively extracted with hexane, chloroform, and methanol based on differences in polarity. Phytochemical screening tests conducted against hexane, chloroform and MeOH crude extracts indicated the presence of some secondary metabolites. Based on the thin-layer chromatography tests, the chloroform extract was subjected to column chromatography, yielding Tv-2 compounds, namely 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol. The structures of the compounds were elucidated via spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, FT-IR and NMR). We investigated the antibacterial properties of hexane crude extract, chloroform crude extract, MeOH crude extract, and isolated fractions derived from T. vulgaris against various bacterial strains. This study contributes to a better understanding of the bioactive components present in Thymus vulgaris crude extracts and their potential role in tackling microbial infections.