Search Results (372)

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most consumed medicinal plants and broadly included as an ingredient in plant food supplements (PFS) and herbal infusions, being potential targets for economically motivated adulteration. This work aimed at comparing the use of DNA and phytochemical markers to authenticate the botanical origin of ginkgo-leaf extracts and PFS. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect ginkgo DNA, while ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (UHPLC-MS/MS) determined its main phytochemicals (terpene lactones and flavonol aglycones). DNA was detected in all ginkgo leaf extracts, mainly water, while the highest levels of phytochemicals were obtained using ethanol or acetone as solvents. The results suggested that 4 out of a total of 19 PFS samples were adulterated, with two samples evidencing the addition of quercetin from sources other than ginkgo. The other two samples showed low amounts of ginkgo phytochemicals, which was corroborated by low DNA content, suggesting the use of reduced amounts of G. biloba leaf material. Full article

In this study, a green and efficient extraction methodology was developed by leveraging the unique properties of chitosan—namely its non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and adhesive nature—to enhance the recovery of bioactive ingredients from Forsythia suspensa leaves. The core mechanism involves the formation of complexes between chitosan and the target bioactive ingredients, which significantly boosts their extraction efficiency. To substantiate this mechanism, comprehensive characterization was performed using Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and molecular docking analyses. The results provided robust evidence of a strong interaction between chitosan and the bioactive ingredients, leading to a marked enhancement in both the stability and aqueous solubility of the target compounds. For process optimization, a multi-objective approach was implemented using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) to simultaneously maximize the extraction yields of phillyrin and forsythoside A. The algorithm identified the optimal parameters as a leaf-to-chitosan mass ratio of 10:11.75, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:52 g/mL, a temperature of 80 °C, and a duration of 120 min. Under these optimized conditions, the corresponding extraction yields for phillyrin and forsythoside A were 1.68 ± 0.16% and 3.23 ± 0.27%, respectively. These findings collectively indicate that chitosan-assisted extraction represents a highly promising and advanced technology for the sustainable and effective extraction of bioactive ingredients from botanical sources. Full article

Peach (Prunus persica) leaves, usually discarded in traditional Chinese medicine, were explored as a source of laxative agents. Using zebrafish larvae for bioactivity-guided fractionation, we isolated a single active flavanone that was identified by NMR and HR-MS as Sakuranetin. In vivo assays demonstrated that Sakuranetin (10–25 µM) accelerated intestinal transit in a dose-dependent fashion; at 25 µM, 64.8% of the fluorescent intestinal content was expelled. Untargeted LC-MS metabolomic analysis revealed significant perturbations in serine biosynthesis and N-glycan precursor biosynthesis, suggesting energetic rewiring of enterocytes. RNA-Seq analysis highlighted gnat1 as the most responsive gene, and molecular docking predicted a stable Sakuranetin–Gnat1 complex with a binding free energy of −8.7 kcal/mol. Concurrent down-regulation of rho transcripts indicated suppression of inflammatory signaling that often accompanies constipation. Our findings identified Sakuranetin as a potent promoter of gut motility and position the otherwise wasted peach leaves as an untapped botanical resource for developing anti-constipation therapeutics. Full article

Phytochemicals exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including significant anticancer potential. However, their clinical translation is often hampered by poor aqueous solubility, low bioavailability, and chemical instability. Lipid-based nanocarriers, especially solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have proven to be effective strategies for addressing these challenges. These nanocarriers improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of phytochemical-based anticancer agents, while enabling controlled and tumor-specific drug release. Encapsulation of anticancer phytochemicals such as curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, silymarin, and naringenin in SLNs and NLCs has demonstrated improved therapeutic efficacy, cellular uptake, and reduced systemic toxicity. Co-delivery strategies, combining multiple phytochemicals or phytochemical–synthetic drug pairs, further contribute to synergistic anticancer effects, dose reduction, and minimized side effects, particularly important in complex cancers such as glioblastoma, breast, and colon cancers. This review presents a comparative overview of SLNs and NLCs in terms of formulation methods, in vitro characterization, and classification of key phytochemicals based on chemical structure and botanical sources. The roles of these lipidic carriers in enhancing anticancer activity, challenges in formulation, and recent patent filings are discussed to highlight ongoing innovations. Additionally, hybrid lipid–polymer nanoparticles are introduced as next-generation carriers combining the benefits of both systems. Future research should aim to develop scalable, biomimetic, and stimuli-responsive nanostructures through advanced surface engineering. Collaborative interdisciplinary efforts and regulatory harmonization are essential to translate these lipid-based carriers into clinically viable platforms for anticancer phytochemical delivery. Full article

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg, the exclusive botanical source of Chinese agarwood, holds significant medicinal value. This study investigated the agarwood-inducing potential of a Fusarium strain obtained through prior isolation work. Through integrated morphological characterization and molecular phylogenetic analysis, the strain was conclusively identified as Fusarium equiseti. GC-MS analysis revealed that fungal inoculation induced the synthesis of characteristic sesquiterpenes and aromatic compounds consistent with natural agarwood profiles. Quantitative determination demonstrated progressive accumulation of agarotetrol, a key quality marker, reaching 0.034%, 0.039%, and 0.038% at 2, 4, and 6 months post-inoculation, respectively—significantly exceeding levels from physical wounding (p < 0.05) and PDA control treatments. Histological examination showed characteristic yellow-brown oleoresin deposits concentrated in the inner phloem, mirroring the anatomical features of wild-type agarwood. Critical quality parameters measured in December-harvested samples included ethanol extractives (17.69%), chromone derivatives 2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl) ethyl] chromone, and 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone (2.13%), all meeting or surpassing the specifications outlined in the National Standard for Agarwood Classification (LY/T 3223-2020). These comprehensive findings establish F. equiseti as a promising microbial agent for sustainable agarwood production in A. sinensis plantations. Full article

Honey quality and authenticity are influenced by floral origin, processing, and storage, with implications for composition and sensory appeal. This study offers a comparative assessment of eight monofloral honey samples, representing five botanical varieties: acacia, linden, rapeseed, lavender, and thyme. For acacia, linden, and rapeseed, both producer-sourced and commercial honeys were analyzed, while lavender and thyme samples were available only from local beekeepers. The botanical origin of each sample was confirmed using morphological markers of pollen grains. Physicochemical characterization included acidity, pH, moisture content, refractive index, hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), proline concentration, and carbohydrate profiling by HPLC-RID. Acacia honey exhibited the lowest acidity and HMF levels, alongside the highest fructose/glucose (F/G) ratios, indicating superior freshness, lower crystallization risk, and a sweeter flavor profile. In contrast, rapeseed honey showed elevated glucose levels and the lowest F/G ratio, confirming its tendency to crystallize rapidly. All samples recorded proline concentrations well above the quality threshold (180 mg/kg), supporting their authenticity and proper maturation. The estimated glycemic index (eGI) varied between 43.91 and 62.68 and was strongly inversely correlated with the F/G ratio (r = −0.98, p < 0.001). Sensory evaluation highlighted acacia honey from producers as the most appreciated across visual, tactile, and flavor attributes. Correlation analyses further revealed consistent links between sugar composition and both physical and sensory properties. Overall, the findings reinforce the value of integrated analytical and sensory profiling in assessing honey quality and authenticity. Full article

According to current taxonomic consensus, the genus Fragaria L. (family Rosaceae) comprises nine recognized species: Fragaria × ananassa (Duchartre ex Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier, Fragaria bucharica Losinsk., Fragaria viridis subsp. campestris (Steven) Pael., Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Mill., Fragaria moschata Duchesne ex Weston, Fragaria orientalis Losinsk., Fragaria vesca L., Fragaria virginiana Mill., and Fragaria viridis Duchartre. Within the flora of Kazakhstan, two species are of particular significance: F. vesca L. and F. viridis Weston. The genus Fragaria L. is notable for its high content of diverse classes of biologically active compounds, which exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological and physiological activities. This review focuses on two Fragaria species native to the flora of Kazakhstan: F. vesca L. and F. viridis Weston. It summarizes recent advances in their botanical characterization, phytochemical profiling, extraction methodologies, and biological activities. Available evidence indicates that the phytochemical composition of extracts obtained from these species is modulated by a range of environmental and biological factors. These include habitat conditions, climate variability, chemotypic diversity, and the specific extraction protocols applied. Particular emphasis is placed on modern extraction techniques and the identification of low-molecular-weight metabolites. These include anthocyanins, volatile organic compounds, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which contribute significantly to the observed biological effects. The review findings support the relevance of continued research into the potential application of these species as sources for the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic agents. In addition, they highlight their promise for use in the formulation of biologically active compounds intended for food supplements and cosmetic products. Full article

Miraruira is a medicinal plant-based product (MPBP) that is widely used in the state of Amazonas for the treatment of diabetes, though its botanical identity remains unclear, which raises concerns about authenticity and therapeutic consistency. One solution to this problem is the use of mass spectrometry-based approaches, which have emerged as powerful tools for verifying botanical origin based on chemical composition. Thus, to confirm the botanical authenticity of miraruira, direct-injection mass spectrometry (DI-MS) and chemometric analyses (PCA and HCA) were conducted on methanol fractions of Salacia impressifolia and Connarus ruber, both suspected sources of miraruira, as well as commercial samples obtained in street markets in Manaus, Brazil. Additionally, the hexane extracts of C. ruber and the commercial samples were screened for benzoquinones using DI-MS, as these compounds are recurrent in the genus Connarus. The DI-MS and PCA analyses revealed distinct chemical profiles for each species, and identified mangiferin and epicatechin as chemical markers for S. impressifolia and C. ruber, respectively. Furthermore, PCA demonstrated that all the commercial samples exhibited chemical profiles closely aligned with C. ruber. However, the HCA indicated variability among these samples, suggesting C. ruber or related Connarus species are the primary sources of miraruira. Moreover, embelin, rapanone, and suberonone were identified as the main compounds in the hexane extracts of C. ruber and the commercial products. This study successfully confirmed the botanical authenticity of miraruira, identified key bioactive compounds related to its traditional use in the treatment of diabetes symptoms, and demonstrated the effectiveness of DI-MS as a valuable tool for addressing authenticity issues in MPBPs. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained increasing attention in recent years as a valuable focus of scientific investigation, owing to their potential therapeutic properties and wide-ranging uses in medicine. EVs are a heterogeneous population of membrane-enclosed vesicles with lipid bilayers, released by cells from both animal and plant origins. These widespread vesicles play a crucial role in cell-to-cell communication and serve as carriers for a variety of biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The most common method of classifying EVs is based on their biogenesis pathway, distinguishing exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies as the major types. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in PDEs, as they offer a practical and eco-friendly alternative to exosomes sourced from mammals. Mounting data from both laboratory-based and animal model experiments indicate that PDEs have natural therapeutic properties that modulate biological activities within cells, demonstrating properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects that may aid in treating diseases and enhancing human well-being. Moreover, PDEs hold promise as reliable and biologically compatible carriers for drug delivery. Although studies conducted before clinical trials have yielded encouraging results, numerous unresolved issues and gaps in understanding remain, which must be resolved to facilitate the effective advancement of PDEs toward medical use in human patients. A key concern is the absence of unified procedures for processing materials and for obtaining PDEs from different botanical sources. This article provides a comprehensive summary of existing findings on PDEs, critically examining the hurdles they face, and highlighting their substantial promise as a novel class of therapeutic tools for a range of illnesses. Full article

Bee pollen’s aroma combined with other floral components serve various purposes, including attracting pollinators and signaling the availability of food sources. The present study aimed to comparatively analyze the volatile profiles of unifloral pollen taxa. Bee pollen loads were collected using pollen traps and sorted based on their botanical origin, determined by color and pollen grain morphology. The separated pollen samples were analyzed using a Purge & Trap/GC-MS system, identifying the volatile profiles of pollen from 16 plant species. The analysis revealed distinguished differences in the total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among the various pollen species. Notably, the pollen from Erica manipuliflora, Papaver rhoeas, and Sisymbrium irio contained the highest number of VOCs, with 54, 51, and 42 substances detected, respectively. Certain volatile compounds appeared to correlate with increased bee visitation. For instance, 4-methyl-5-nonanone was uniquely found in E. manipuliflora pollen, while isothiocyanate compounds were exclusively present in species of the Brassicaceae family. Therefore, given the significant impact of VOCs on honey bees’ preferences, it is essential to consider not only the nutritional value of bee pollen when evaluating its beekeeping value, but also its aroma profile. Full article

Pollen, the male gametophyte of flowering plants, is collected by honeybees as a primary source of protein and converted into bee pollen through the enzymatic activity of digestive secretions. The nutrients in bee pollen are available in amounts well beyond those of proteins, comprising macronutrients such as carbohydrates, lipids and dietary fiber, as well as micronutrients such as minerals, vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds. This study aimed to determine the macro and trace mineral content of bee pollen from different botanical and geographical origins, and to assess their bioaccessibility through simulated in vitro digestion, their dietary contribution, and potential health risks. Seven bee pollen samples were investigated, three with a monofloral origin of above 80%, from Nigella spp., Helianthus annuus and Castanea sativa, and four with a multifloral origin. Mineral composition revealed potassium as the most abundant element, while iron, manganese, and copper were found at trace levels. Castanea sativa pollen had the highest overall mineral content, whereas Nigella spp. showed the lowest values for calcium, magnesium, and copper. The bioaccessibility of bee pollen was highest during the gastric phase for most minerals except copper, where most of the samples peaked in the intestinal phase. Overall, mineral bioaccessibility after simulated digestion followed the order K > Mg > Cu > Ca > Mn > Fe > Zn. While for manganese, the consumption of bee pollen showed the highest contribution to recommended dietary intake (16% for women and 12% for men), calcium had the lowest, with less than 1% of the RDA at a consumption level of 40 g/day. Health risk assessment confirmed that consuming 40 g/day of bee pollen poses no risk because the target hazard quotient and hazard index are below the risk threshold of 1.0. Full article

Starch, as a natural, low-cost, and vegan-friendly raw material, aligns well with the growing demand for sustainable, zero-waste, and waterless cosmetic products. Its biodegradability and natural origin allow for minimal environmental impact during production and disposal. Anhydrous lotion body bars, solid and water-free alternatives to traditional moisturizers, offer high concentrations of active ingredients that are more effective and have a longer shelf life. Their solid form enables packaging in paper-based containers, reducing plastic waste. To address formulation challenges such as excessive greasiness, poor absorption, or lack of structural stability, which are often associated with the high oil content of anhydrous body lotion bars, starch may serve as a promising natural additive. The aim of this study was to optimize the formulation of an innovative starch-based anhydrous lotion bar. For this purpose, physicochemical analyses of starches from various botanical sources (corn, rice, tapioca, waxy corn and potato) were performed, along with evaluations of the functional (including commercially acceptable form, hardness sufficient for application, product stability, reduced greasiness and stickiness) and mechanical properties of the resulting bars. Additionally, the rheological behavior was described using the De Kee model. The results indicate that a 2.5% starch addition, regardless of its botanical origin, provides the best balance between viscosity and ease of application. Moreover, starches with a low moisture content and high oil absorption capacity effectively reduce the greasy skin sensation. These findings demonstrate the potential of starch as a natural multifunctional additive in the development of stable, user-friendly anhydrous lotion body bars. Full article

Although the usage of genetic data for the conservation management of threatened species is growing rapidly, the assessment of the trajectory and persistence of ex situ and in situ populations suffers from a lack of monitoring of genetic indicators. To fill this gap, we conducted a comparative analysis of the genetic structure ex situ and its source population of Cochlearia polonica to improve conservation outcomes for this species. C. polonica, as a range-restricted endemic species in Poland, exists in the wild in a single reintroduced population, which was the source for establishing an ex situ population in the botanical garden, and both populations have been well studied in abundance time series until the extinction of artificial populations due to genetic constraints. We collected AFLP data from individuals sampled after the peak recovery phase following the founder effect in the ex situ population, as well as from the source population, to assess the genetic consequences of long-term cultivation. The genetic profile of both populations suggested their strong differentiation. The genetic variation in the ex situ population expressed by Shannon’s Information Index and expected heterozygosity (He) was approximately half that of the source population. While ex situ population growth was high, the gene pool was homogenised, and genetic diversity waned, leading to its extinction across merely 5–6 generations. Thus, the only reintroduced population of C. polonica left in the wild is more threatened with extinction than previously thought, and conservation action should be taken immediately. Full article

The flower buds of Magnolia biondii Pamp. (MBP), one of the botanical sources of Xinyi (Flos Magnoliae), are widely used in traditional medicine; however, their potential role in melanoma treatment remains unexplored. In this study, the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and anti-melanoma mechanisms of MBP extracts were systematically investigated. Phytochemical profiling using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS identified 26 bioactive compounds. The ethanol extract exhibited high total flavonoid and polyphenol contents, correlating with enhanced antioxidant capacity as demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Network pharmacology analysis highlighted the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, identifying STAT3 and STAT1 as core targets. Western blot analysis confirmed MBP significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT1 in melanoma cells. Connectivity Map (CMap) and network analyses further pinpointed naringenin as a primary active constituent. In vitro assays demonstrated that MBP and naringenin inhibited the proliferation and migration of A375 and B16F10 melanoma cells, while exhibiting relatively low cytotoxicity toward normal keratinocytes. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed strong and stable binding interactions between naringenin and JAK1/STAT1 proteins. These findings collectively support MBP and naringenin as promising candidates for melanoma treatment, providing mechanistic evidence for their targeted activity and laying a foundation for future research and clinical applications. Full article

Brazilian propolis is a natural bee product with a unique and diverse chemical composition. It is especially rich in phenols and terpenoids that show a range of significant biological properties. Due to the growing scientific interest, its strong anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity has been highlighted. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate its potential to modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), as well as by regulating oxidative stress. Additionally, active compounds in Brazilian propolis have the potential to inhibit tumour cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and modulate the tumour microenvironment. Depending on the botanical source and region of occurrence, different types of Brazilian propolis are distinguished, including green, red and brown, which differ in composition and biological activity. Green propolis, rich in artepilin C and phenolic acids, shows strong anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Red propolis contains isoflavones and quercetin that enhance its antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. Brown propolis, rich in cinnamic acids and benzophenones, exerts cytotoxic effects against certain lines of cancer cells. This article discusses the current state of knowledge on the mechanisms of action of different types of Brazilian propolis and their potential uses as supportive therapy in inflammatory and cancerous diseases in combination with nanotechnology. Full article