Search Results (4,092)

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, phytochemical composition, and dermatological effects of Cydonia oblonga (CO), with a particular focus on its therapeutic mechanisms across various skin conditions. Among the different parts of the plant, the fruit and peel are especially rich in bioactive compounds, primarily polyphenols such as phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, which are known for their potent antioxidant activity. These constituents contribute significantly to the fruit and peel’s health-promoting properties. To date, multiple extracts derived from various CO parts have been studied in both in vitro and in vivo models. Reported dermatological effects include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, UV-protective, moisturizing, and anti-aging effects, as well as beneficial outcomes in conditions such as wound healing, erythema, and hyperpigmentation. As a result, formulations containing CO-derived compounds have been developed for use in both diseased and healthy skin care. However, only a limited number of these effects have been validated in human clinical studies. Given the promising results from preclinical research, future directions should prioritize in vivo investigations in human subjects to determine optimal concentrations and delivery systems for targeting specific skin disorders. Full article

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is an emerging global health concern worldwide, driving the need for innovative solutions. Herbal approaches are gaining attention and acceptance due to safer profiles and very few side effects. In this study, silver nanoparticles (VN-AgNPs) were synthesized using Vitex negundo, a medicinally valuable plant. A methanolic extract was prepared from Vitex negundo and the phytochemical evaluation confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, with quantitative analysis revealing high total phenolic content (TPC: 23.59 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (TFC: 45.23 mg rutin/g), both maximized under microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The antioxidant activity was also highest (18.77 mg AA/g). Characterization of the optimized extract by GC–MS identified various bioactive compounds. VN-AgNPs were synthesized using the aqueous leaf extract under specified conditions and were structurally characterized using many techniques and evaluated for antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains. VN-AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial efficacy with inhibition zones measuring 16 ± 0.87 mm against Bacillus (Gram-positive), 15 ± 0.46 mm against E. coli (Gram-negative), 12 ± 0.64 mm against Pseudomonas (Gram-negative), and 11 ± 0.50 mm against Pectobacterium (Gram-negative plant pathogen). These findings highlight the efficacy of green-synthesized VN-AgNPs as a promising alternative to combat MDR pathogens, paving the way for sustainable and effective antimicrobial strategies. Full article

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance drives the need for innovative and multifunctional therapeutic systems. In this study, a controlled-release system based on a bioactive film composed of gelatin, bacterial cellulose (BC), sericin, citric acid, PEG 400, and nisin was developed for topical applications in infected wound treatment. BC membranes were produced using Komagataeibacter xylinus and enzymatically treated to optimize dispersion within the polymer matrix. The resulting system exhibited a semi-rigid, homogeneous morphology with appropriate visual characteristics for dermatological use. Microbiological assays demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and resistant Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae), attributed to the synergistic action of nisin and citric acid, which enhanced bacterial outer membrane permeability. The antioxidant capacity was confirmed through DPPH radical scavenging assays, indicating a progressive release of bioactive compounds over time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed good integration of biopolymers within the matrix. These results suggest that the strategic combination of natural biopolymers and antimicrobial agents produced a functional system with improved mechanical properties, a broadened antimicrobial spectrum, and promising potential as a bioactive wound dressing for the treatment of infected skin lesions. Full article

Salvia yangii is a popular garden plant known for its medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and skin protective properties of S. yangii extracts, which have not previously been studied in this regard. Comparison of the water–ethanol extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with a CO₂ extract showed that the former had higher content of polyphenolic compounds. Chromatographic analyses of UAE identified such phenolic compounds as rosmarinic acid, hesperidin, and caffeic acid. The biological properties of UAE were also tested in vitro on 15 microbial strains as well as on two lines of skin cells. In addition, a hydrogel and lotion based on the extract were tested for rheological and textural properties. This study showed that S. yangii extract can be a valuable natural cosmetic material owing to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, photoprotective, and anti-aging effects. The future use of S. yangii extracts in the cosmetic industry is promising due to its particular chemical profile and biological properties. Full article

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), a fruit from the Amazon, is valuable both economically and nutritionally. Its seeds, often discarded, can be transformed into bio-oil through pyrolysis (a thermochemical degradation process of residual biomass), providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. This study investigates how temperature and molarity influence the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of the produced bio-oil. Various assays were performed on bio-oil samples obtained under different pyrolysis conditions—specifically, at temperatures of 350, 400, and 450 °C, and molarities of 0.5 M, 1.0 M, and 2.0 M—to evaluate antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to analyze the composition, revealing that phenolic compounds were the most abundant (55.70%), followed by cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons (11.89%), and linear hydrocarbons (9.64%). Despite a reduction in oxygenated compounds, the bio-oil maintained bacteriostatic activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, especially at 350 °C. The antioxidant activity was highest at 350 °C and at lower molarities. Additionally, lower concentrations of acid impregnation showed cytotoxic effects at higher temperatures. Thus, bio-oil from açaí seeds produced via pyrolysis demonstrates potential for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, suggesting viability for further testing at dilutions with lower cytotoxicity. Full article

Background: Nephrolepis exaltata (sword fern) possesses a considerable amount of phytochemicals and different biological activities. The current study investigates the anti-biofilm potential of greenly synthesized bimetallic nanoparticles of Nephrolepis exaltata leaf methanol extract (NEME-MnO₂-MgO BNPs). Methods: The NEME was subjected to UPLC/MS analysis, followed by characterization of its NPs by size, zeta potential, FTIR, entrapment efficiency, and release. Then, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm assays were employed, followed by in silico studies. Results: The UPLC/MS analysis of NEME led to the tentative identification of 27 metabolites, mostly phenolics. The MnO₂-MgO BNPs presented a uniform size and distribution and exhibited IC₅₀ values of 350 and 215.6 μg/mL, in the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. Moreover, the NPs exhibited antimicrobial and anti-biofilm efficacies against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia (ATCC-9633), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-6538), Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and C. albicans, with MIC values of 250–500 μg/mL. The MnO₂-MgO BNPs inhibited Candida albicans biofilms with a % inhibition of 66.83 ± 2.45% at 1/2 MIC. The network pharmacology highlighted epigallocatechin and hyperoside to be the major compounds responsible for the anti-biofilm potential. The ASKCOS facilitated the prediction of the redox transformations that occurred in the green synthesis, while the docking analysis revealed enhanced binding affinities of the oxidized forms of both compounds towards the outer membrane porin OprD of P. aeruginosa, with binding scores of −4.6547 and −5.7701 kcal/mol., respectively. Conclusions: The greenly synthesized Nephrolepis exaltata bimetallic nanoparticles may provide a promising, eco-friendly, and sustainable source for antimicrobial agents of natural origin with potential biofilm inhibition. Full article

Background and purpose: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans), is exacerbated by oxidative stress and uncontrolled inflammation. Pathogens like C. albicans generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to enhance virulence, while host immune responses further amplify oxidative damage. This study investigates the antioxidant and antifungal properties of Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss volatile extract (SXC), a traditional Uyghur medicinal herb, against fluconazole-resistant VVC. We hypothesize that SXC’s bioactive volatiles counteract pathogen-induced oxidative stress while inhibiting fungal growth and inflammation. Methods: GC-MS identified SXC’s major bioactive components, while broth microdilution assays determined minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against bacterial/fungal pathogens, and synergistic interactions with amphotericin B (AmB) or fluconazole (FLC) were assessed via time–kill kinetics. Anti-biofilm activity was quantified using crystal violet/XTT assays, and in vitro studies evaluated SXC’s effects on C. albicans-induced cytotoxicity (LDH release in A431 cells) and inflammatory responses (cytokine production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages). A murine VVC model, employing estrogen-mediated pathogenesis and intravaginal C. albicans challenge, confirmed SXC’s in vivo effects. Immune modulation was assessed using ELISA and RT-qPCR targeting inflammatory and antioxidative stress mediators, while UPLC-MS was employed to profile metabolic perturbations in C. albicans. Results: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 10 key volatile components contributing to SXC’s activity. SXC exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 0.125–16 μL/mL against bacterial and fungal pathogens, including fluconazole-resistant Candida strains. Time–kill assays revealed that combinations of AmB-SXC and FLC-SXC achieved sustained synergistic bactericidal activity across all tested strains. Mechanistic studies revealed SXC’s dual antifungal actions: inhibition of C. albicans hyphal development and biofilm formation through downregulation of the Ras1-cAMP-Efg1 signaling pathway, and attenuation of riboflavin-mediated energy metabolism crucial for fungal proliferation. In the VVC model, SXC reduced vaginal fungal burden, alleviated clinical symptoms, and preserved vaginal epithelial integrity. Mechanistically, SXC modulated host immune responses by suppressing oxidative stress and pyroptosis through TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway inhibition, evidenced by reduced caspase-1 activation and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). Conclusions: SXC shows promise as a broad-spectrum natural antimicrobial against fungal pathogens. It inhibited C. albicans hyphal growth, adhesion, biofilm formation, and invasion in vitro, while reducing oxidative and preserving vaginal mucosal integrity in vivo. By disrupting fungal metabolic pathways and modulating host immune responses, SXC offers a novel approach to treating recurrent, drug-resistant VVC. Full article

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), is renowned for its bioactive compounds, offering significant potential in cosmetic applications due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This study presents a sustainably sourced cosmetic ingredient developed by enriching pomegranate seed oil with peel powder using optimized ultrasonication, followed by encapsulation in alginate nanobeads and integration into a minimalist hydrogel formulation. A Box–Behnken experimental design was employed to optimize ultrasonication parameters (15 min, 90% power, 202 mg/mL powder-to-oil ratio), yielding an enriched PSO with significantly enhanced total phenolic content (TPC: 69.23 ± 1.66 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (TFC: 61.09 ± 1.66 mg QE/g), and robust DPPH antioxidant activity (78.63 ± 3.81%). The enriched oil exhibited enhanced oxidative stability (peroxide value: 5.75 ± 0.30 meq O₂/kg vs. 50.95 ± 0.07 meq O₂/kg for neutral oil), improved fatty acid profile, and significant anti-inflammatory (IC₅₀ = 897.25 µg/mL for NO inhibition) and antibacterial activities. Alginate nanobeads (432.46 ± 12.59 nm, zeta potential: −30.74 ± 3.20 mV) ensured bioactivity preservation, while the hydrogel maintained physicochemical and microbial stability over 60 days under accelerated conditions (40 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5% RH). This multifunctional formulation, integrating sustainable extraction, advanced encapsulation, and a minimalist delivery system, represents a highly promising natural ingredient for anti-aging and antioxidant cosmetic applications. Full article

Phytochemistry serves as a vital bridge between traditional medicinal knowledge and modern scientific research, with important implications for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. This review offers an updated and integrated perspective on Chelidonium majus (greater celandine), focusing on its isoquinoline alkaloids—the principal bioactive constituents—alongside emerging phytochemicals (e.g., lignanamides, polyphenols). Detailed biosynthetic pathways of isoquinoline alkaloids are described, tracing their formation from the shikimate pathway to multiple structural subclasses. Reported biological activities include anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software (Scopus dataset, 2015–2025), enabling the identification of major research themes and temporal trends. These research tools supported a structured and data-driven overview of the current scientific landscape. However, additional studies are needed to optimize its therapeutic use while ensuring efficacy and safety. Full article

Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms, a Southeast Asian medicinal plant of the Araliaceae family, has gained increasing attention due to its rich phytochemical profile and potential pharmacological applications. This review provides an up-to-date synthesis of biotechnological strategies and chemical investigations related to this species. In vitro propagation methods, including somatic embryogenesis, adventitious root, and cell suspension cultures, are discussed with emphasis on elicitation and bioreactor systems to enhance the production of secondary metabolites. Phytochemical analyses using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) have identified over 120 metabolites, including triterpenoid saponins, polyphenols, sterols, volatile terpenoids, polyacetylenes, and fatty acids. Several compounds, such as tocopherols, conjugated linoleic acids, and alismol, were identified for the first time in the genus. These constituents exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities, with selected saponins (e.g., chikusetsusaponin IVa, Polyscias fruticosa saponin [PFS], zingibroside R1) showing confirmed molecular mechanisms of action. The combination of biotechnological tools with phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation supports P. fruticosa as a promising candidate for further functional, therapeutic, and nutraceutical development. This review also identifies knowledge gaps related to compound characterization and mechanistic studies, suggesting future directions for interdisciplinary research. Full article

The search for novel natural resources, such as extracts from algae and plant for use as reductants and capping agents for the synthesis of nanoparticles, may be appealing to medicine and nanotechnology. This study aimed to use Malva parviflora fruit extract as a novel source for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and to evaluate their characterization. The results of biosynthesized AgNP characterization using multiple techniques, such as UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR analysis, and zeta potential (ZP), demonstrated that M. parviflora AgNPs exhibit a peak at 477 nm; possess needle-like and nanorod morphology with diameters ranging from 156.08 to 258.41 nm; contain –OH, C=O, C-C stretching from phenyl groups, and carbohydrates, pyranoid ring, and amide functional groups; and have a zeta potential of −21.2 mV. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the M. parviflora AgNPs was assessed against two multidrug-resistant strains, including Staphylococcus aureus MRSA and Escherichia coli ESBL, with inhibition zones of 20.33 ± 0.88 mm and 13.33 ± 0.33 mm, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 1.56 µg/mL for both. SEM revealed structural damage to the treated bacterial cells, and RAPD-PCR confirmed these genetic alterations. Additionally, M. parviflora AgNPs showed antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 0.68 mg/mL), 69% protein denaturation inhibition, and cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells at concentrations above 100 µg/mL. These findings suggest that M. parviflora-based AgNPs are safe and effective for antimicrobial and biomedical applications, such as coatings for implanted medical devices, to prevent biofilm formation and facilitate drug delivery. Full article

Bioactive peptides encrypted in bovine β-casein display diverse physiological functions, including antihypertensive, antioxidative, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities. These peptides are normally released during gastrointestinal digestion or microbial fermentation, especially by proteolytic systems of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). However, peptide yields vary widely among LAB strains, reflecting strain-specific protease repertoires. To overcome these limitations, the scientific goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive synthesis of how synthetic biology, molecular biotechnology, and systems-level approaches can be leveraged to enhance the targeted discovery and production of β-casein-derived bioactive peptides. Genome engineering tools such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated system (CRISPR/Cas) systems have been applied to modulate gene expression and metabolic flux in LAB, while inducible expression platforms allow on-demand peptide production. Additionally, cell-free systems based on LAB lysates further provide rapid prototyping for high-throughput screening. Finally, multi-omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, further help pinpoint regulatory bottlenecks and facilitate rational strain optimization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of bioactive peptides derived from bovine β-casein and highlights recent progress in LAB-based strategies—both natural and engineered—for their efficient release. These advances pave the way for developing next-generation functional fermented foods enriched with targeted bioactivities. Full article

The native fruits of the Cerrado have an interesting composition of bioactive compounds responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, with technological potential for functional industries. This study investigated the extraction of bioactive compounds in cagaita and mamacadela fruits, under different conditions, using eutectic solvents based on choline chloride (CC) with citric acid (CA) or tartaric acid (TA), plus ethanol as reference. For a better understanding of the extracts, their antioxidant capacity was assessed by the DPPH^•, FRAP, ABTS^•+, and total phenolic compounds and flavonoids assays, as well as for color, water activity, and identification of bioactive compounds by mass spectrometry. Additionally, the carotenoid contents were evaluated in the ethanolic extracts. The results showed that ethanol was efficient for the extraction of flavonoids and presented advantages demonstrated in the antioxidant analyses of ABTS^•+ and FRAP. However, eutectic solvents stood out in the extraction of phenolic compounds, with yields 14.0 and 4.5 times higher than ethanol for mamacadela and cagaita, respectively. In addition, when compared to cagaita, mamacadela had twice the carotenoid content. Furthermore, the CC:TA solvent was the most efficient, demonstrating, by DI-ESI-MS, 29 phenolic compounds in mamacadela and 27 in cagaita. Therefore, the extracts obtained present potential for use as natural pigments, adding value to the fruits and encouraging their exploration by industries. Full article

Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb. (Lamiaceae) is a promising medicinal plant valued for its antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial, and anti-aflatoxigenic properties. It is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, supporting its traditional use for digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, and dermatological conditions. Plant tissue culture facilitates controlled in vitro propagation to study plant growth and bioactive properties. The effects of activated charcoal and varying subculture intervals on multiplication and biomass production in M. graeca shoot cultures were investigated. The phenolic composition of methanolic extracts from in vitro-grown plants was characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), identifying rosmarinic, caffeic, and syringic acids as the primary phenolic compounds. Antimicrobial activity against selected microbial strains was evaluated using a micro-well dilution assay. Anticancer activity of selected extracts was assessed in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, with flow cytometry (Annexin-V/PI staining) used to analyze cell death mechanisms, and compared to pure rosmarinic acid (RA). Activated charcoal showed no beneficial effects on multiplication or biomass production, but significantly increased phenolic acid content (up to 4-fold). RA dominated the phenolic profiles, with other phenolic acids present in lower amounts. Methanolic extracts exhibited negligible antimicrobial activity compared to reference antibiotics and fungicide. Extracts from 4-week-old shoot cultures displayed modest anti-hepatoma activity (IC50 values of CV assay ranging from 193 to 274 µg mL⁻¹), inducing HepG2 cell apoptosis via oxidative stress, independent of RA. Our results suggest that the metabolic output of M. graeca shoot cultures and consequently their biological activity can be modulated by varying in vitro culture conditions. These findings underscore the potential of their methanolic extracts for biotechnological production and therapeutic applications. Full article

Wound healing is a complex process, and propolis, a natural resin with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, emerges as a promising candidate for its treatment. This systematic review analyzed 26 studies on propolis-functionalized biomaterials. Great diversity was observed in materials and incorporation techniques, including direct blending, surface coating, and nanoencapsulation. Mostly based on polysaccharides like chitosan, pectin, and bacterial cellulose, these formulations showed biocompatibility, biodegradability, and promoted inflammation reduction and tissue repair. In vitro assays confirmed high biocompatibility (>80% cell viability) and antimicrobial activity, while in vivo studies validated regenerative benefits. Despite their potential, marked heterogeneity in propolis composition (intrinsically variable due to its botanical and geographical origin, and processing methods), coupled with diverse concentrations used and the lack of standardization in assessment methods and results reporting, significantly limits cross-study comparability and reproducibility. Overcoming these challenges requires promoting greater standardization in extraction, characterization, and evaluation protocols, including chemical fingerprinting and more detailed and consistent reporting of findings. Despite these limitations, propolis–polysaccharide systems hold strong clinical potential, with further standardization and well-designed preclinical studies being essential for their effective translation, especially in chronic wound management. Full article