Search Results (1,277)

Background/Objectives: Anxiety, agitation, and mood disturbances are increasingly common among children and adolescents. Given the limitations of conventional pharmacological treatments in the pediatric population, particularly for subthreshold or mild conditions, interest in complementary approaches such as phytotherapy is growing. This review aims to critically evaluate the clinical evidence supporting the use of herbal medicines and botanical food supplements for mental health symptoms in youths and to explore the pharmacological basis of their activity. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across main databases for clinical trials involving herbal products for psychologically related symptoms in children and adolescents. Eligible studies included those using registered herbal medicines, as well as authorized food supplements, that evaluated behavioral or cognitive outcomes. In addition, bioinformatic analyses were performed on selected phytocompounds to predict their molecular targets. Results: Twenty-nine clinical trials were identified, including eighteen targeting pathological conditions (notably attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression) and eleven addressing borderline symptoms such as nervous agitation, restlessness, or sleep disturbances. Herbal products showing clinical promise include Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Crocus sativus L., Ginkgo biloba L., Hypericum perforatum L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Melissa officinalis L., Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, Passiflora incarnata L., Pinus pinaster Aiton, Valeriana officinalis L., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Bioinformatic predictions revealed polypharmacological activity profiles involving neuroinflammatory, neuroprotective, and neurotransmitter-related pathways. Conclusions: This review highlights both the potential and the current limitations of herbal products in pediatric mental health care. Evidence supports their use for selected indications, provided that standardized preparations and clinical oversight are ensured. Further research is essential, particularly to inform dosing, safety, and integrative care strategies. Full article

The use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs) has been a common practice in animal production; however, concerns over microbial resistance have led organizations, such as the FAO, EU, and EFSA, to restrict or ban their use. This has prompted a growing interest in natural alternatives, particularly medicinal herbs, for enhancing animal performance and health. Among these, Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap) and Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) have gained attention for their high medicinal value in monogastric animal diets. These plants contain bioactive compounds, such as flavones (baicalin, baicalein, oroxylin A), iridoids (loganin), and saponins (including loniceroside hederagenin), which exhibit a range of biological activities, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-stress effects. Notably, these herbal extracts are natural, safe, and unlikely to induce microbial resistance. Recent studies suggest that supplementation with S. baicalensis and L. japonica can improve livestock production performance by mitigating oxidative stress. This review aims to highlight the potential application of these plant-based additives in reducing oxidative damage and enhancing productivity in animal agriculture. Full article

Due to the increasing demand for herbal supplements, this study investigates the effects of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) parameters (amplitude, time and temperature) on the extraction of polyphenols from laurel leaves, as this method enables the production of a range of extracts in a shorter time. UAE affects the colour of the extracts when an amplitude of 60, 80 and 100%, a time period of 3, 6 and 9 min and acetone or ethanol (30 and 70%, v/v) are used. The solvent had the greatest influence on the colour of the extract, which was positively related to the parameters b and ΔE (Std. Coeff. = 0.9696 and 0.9354) and negatively related to the values a and L (Std. Coeff. = −0.9741 and −0.5733). The solvent also influenced the recovery of total phenols and flavonoids, as well as most phenolic compounds. The highest levels of phenols and flavonoids were determined for 70% ethanol (28.04 and 10.73 mg/g) and 70% acetone (32.10 and 12.13 mg/g) at an amplitude of 100% for 9 min. Meanwhile, 70% ethanol at an amplitude of 100% for 9 min gave the highest amount of rosmarinic acid, with values of 216.32 mg/L, showing that it dominates among the phenolic compounds. Full article

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a Chinese herbal medicine compound microecological agent (C-MEA) on the egg production performance, ovarian follicle development, ovary transcriptome, and cecal microbiota of caged laying ducks. A total of 108 black Muscovy ducks (150 days old) were randomly divided into three groups for 30 days in a formal feeding trial. Compared with the control basic diet (Group C) and 16 g/kg C-MEA dosage (Group B), the 8 g/kg C-MEA dosage (Group A) increased egg production (average laying rate 69.35%) and follicle development (5~7 Fs, 6~7 LYFs, 11~13 SYFs) mass (p < 0.05). According to RNA-Seq, the ovaries’ transcriptome among different dietary groups enriched six key pathways, including neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, the PPAR signaling pathway, ECM–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, the adherens junction, and the FoxO signaling pathway, as well as 46 candidate key genes. According to 16S-Seq, the microbial diversity was significantly increased in Group A, and the genus abundances of Sphaerochaeta and UCG-004 were significantly changed among different dietary groups (p < 0.05). Supplementation with C-MEA may optimize the cecal microflora and the interactions between the intestinal microflora and the host. The results from combining RNA-Seq and 16S-Seq demonstrated that the relationship between Sphaerochaeta and the hub gene cluster (F2, KNG1, C5, PLG, F2RL1, FABP1, and GCG) is the most prominent. In conclusion, the egg performance of caged laying ducks can be modulated through the microbiota–gut–ovary axis. Our findings provide new insights for improving gut health and reproductive performance of caged laying ducks. Full article

Globally, cardiovascular diseases represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality, despite the availability of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures in contemporary allopathic medicine. In accordance with their ethnomedical applications, herbal medicines may offer valuable options for the prevention, treatment, and management of cardiovascular disorders. Considering that cardioprotective effects are associated with antioxidant mechanisms, and that our knowledge of the antioxidant properties of polyphenolic compounds, as well as of the effects of Melilotus species on the heart, is limited, the present study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of hydroalcoholic extracts of M. officinalis and M. albus aerial parts. The extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total coumarin content (TCC) by spectrophotometric methods and by LC-MS/MS. The effect of pretreatment with Melilotus sp. extracts on the isoprenaline-induced infarct-like lesion in rats was evaluated by ECG monitoring and the assessment of serum oxidative stress markers and serum cardiac injury markers. Various polyphenolic compounds were identified by LC-MS/MS in M. officinalis and M. albus aerial parts: catechin, syringic acid, protocatechuic acid, and vanillic acid. Gallic acid and chlorogenic acid were found only in M. officinalis. The extracts showed good in vivo antioxidant activity: M. officinalis and M. albus extracts induced a significant decrease in the levels of oxidative stress index (OSI) and total oxidant status (TOS), while pre-treatment with M. albus extract induced a significant reduction in nitric oxide production, and pretreatment with M. officinalis increased total thiols (SH) levels. In the same way, ECG and cardiac injury markers were also improved. These results show that M. officinalis and M. albus extracts may exert cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemia by reducing oxidative stress. Full article

Eczema is the most common skin disease among Hong Kong’s adults and children, affecting an estimated 30% of the total population. Western and Chinese medicinal ointments are the usual treatment for eczema. Conventional Western medicinal ointments are topical corticosteroids and non-steroidal agents. Eczema skin products include “Aveeno Parabens Lotion”, “Cerave Moisturizing Cream”, and “Cetaphil Lotion”. However, these are not a long-term solution for managing significant erythema. Chinese medicinal ointments are based on adjusting the formula, including the ingredients and amount, to address an individual’s skin condition and other factors that may be worsening symptoms. This approach aims to regulate the immune system and make it less reactive to environmental and food allergies. This approach is mainly for local topical use. The ingredients of eczema skin products should include Coptis chinensis Franch, Phellodendron chinense Schneid, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, Curcuma longa L., and sesame oil. Chinese medicinal ointments are natural ingredients, personalized formulas, and concerned with holistic healing, while Western medicinal ointments provide fast-acting relief, targeted action, and a standardized dosage. Methods: Nine electronic databases, such as WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were searched mainly within the past twenty years and without any language restrictions. The inclusion criteria were the keywords “Western medicine and ointment”, “Chinese medicine and ointment”, and “Western and Chinese medicines and ointment”. Differences in effectiveness between Western and Chinese ointments were evaluated to determine if they had functions against eczema. This review included an analysis and summary of all relevant papers. Results: Western medicinal ointments are topical corticosteroids, and they exert their pharmacological activities via many mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antiproliferative, and vasoconstrictive effects on eczema. Similarly, Chinese medicinal ointments have the same pharmacological functions, but they may focus on the immune system for the treatment of inflammatory and skin conditions, including erythema, edema, dryness, desquamation, and callus exfoliation. Conclusion: Based on the clinical research, the effectiveness rate of integrated Chinese and Western medicines was 88%, which was greater than the 70% rate for using Western medicine alone to treat eczema. Western and Chinese medicinal ointments have different active ingredients with advantages and disadvantages for eczema or when acting as skin care products. The most important thing is knowing “How” to use Western and Chinese medicinal ointments properly, especially for some formulations of Chinese ointments. It may be beneficial to consider the pharmacokinetic studies of herbal ingredients, which offer personalized formulas tailored to individual body constitutions and conditions, as well as to emphasize holistic healing, addressing both symptoms and underlying imbalances in the body. Much more work needs to be carried out, such as safety assessments of these ointments for use as skin care products for eczema. Full article

Strawberry leaf extract (SLE) was used in dry fermented sausages, “Salchichón”, to enrich them with antioxidants. The effect of SLE on various characteristics was monitored during ripening and storage. SLE had a slight effect on microbiological characteristics; however, the pH after 3, 14, and 21 days was slightly lower (4.51–4.55) in the samples with higher SLE concentration (0.5% + 1% dextrose). Peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values of sausages with SLE and with ascorbic acid (reference antioxidant), at the end of ripening, were similar. SLE acted as a pro-oxidant when the sausage was stored in the light; however, it showed antioxidant activity in the dark and at 50 °C storage conditions. Higher extract concentration reduced redness a* value and increased yellowness b* value in the CIELab colour system. Addition of SLE to dry fermented sausages has no negative effect on the ripening process; however, storage conditions of the final product should be carefully controlled. Sensory analysis of the final product showed that SLE imparts a recognisable herbal odour; however, it did not reduce the overall product acceptability. It may be concluded that SLE may be a promising ingredient for increasing the nutritional quality of fermented sausages. Full article

Intestinal regeneration is essential for maintaining epithelial integrity and repairing mucosal damage caused by inflammation, infections, or injuries. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long utilized herbal remedies for gastrointestinal disorders, and accumulating evidence highlights that natural compounds derived from TCM possess significant regenerative potential. This review summarizes the multifaceted mechanisms by which these bioactive compounds promote intestinal healing. Key actions include the stimulation of intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation and differentiation, the modulation of inflammatory responses, the reinforcement of epithelial barrier integrity, the attenuation of oxidative stress, and the reshaping of the gut microbiota. Representative compounds such as Astragalus polysaccharides, berberine, curcumin, puerarin, and flavonoids like quercetin exhibit these effects through signaling pathways, including HIF-1, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, Nrf2, and IL-22. Evidence from in vitro organoid models and in vivo studies in colitis, radiation injury, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and intestinal dysmotility and diarrhea models demonstrates that these compounds enhance crypt villus regeneration, preserve tight junctions, and improve clinical outcomes. The holistic, multi-target actions of Chinese medicine-derived natural products make them promising candidates for therapeutic strategies aimed at intestinal repair. Further clinical validation and mechanistic studies are warranted to facilitate their integration into modern gastrointestinal medicine. Full article

Herbs and spices are a rich source of bioactive compounds that exhibit multidirectional health-promoting effects. Their bioactivity is mainly related to the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, essential oils, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and other plant bioactive compounds. The potential of herbs and spices in preventing oxidative stress, inflammation, bacterial infections and metabolic disorders is increasingly highlighted in the scientific literature, making them a valuable addition to functional foods. Confectionery products belong to a group of food products characterised by high consumer acceptance due to their attractive sensory qualities. Unfortunately, despite high popularity, traditional confectionery mainly provides empty calories in the form of simple sugars and saturated fats while lacking valuable nutrients such as vitamins, minerals or bioactive compounds. This review focuses on the composition and bioactive properties of selected herbs and spices, presenting current knowledge on their potential use in the production of functional confectionery products. Full article

The present study develops and optimizes a jet-cutting encapsulation method using a laboratory-scale encapsulator to incorporate herbal dietary supplements into fermented milk products. Sodium alginate and pullulan were selected as core and coating polymers, respectively, after rheological screening demonstrated that 1% alginate (η ≈ 350–450 Pa·s at 22–25 °C) and 2% pullulan (η ≈ 400 Pa·s at 25–30 °C) provide a balance between atomization, shell integrity, and fluidity. Under optimized conditions, capsules of 1.00 ± 0.05 mm diameter and high sphericity (aspect ratio 1.08 ± 0.03) were produced. In vitro gastrointestinal simulation confirmed capsule stability in simulated gastric fluid (pH 2.0) and complete disintegration within 120 min in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.2). Inclusion of 8% (w/w) capsules in a fermented milk beverage preserved appearance, texture, flavor, and color while increasing viscosity from 2.0 to 4.0 Pa·s. Titratable acidity rose from 87 °T at 24 h to 119 °T at 120 h, with sensory quality remaining acceptable; substantial gas formation and excessive sourness occurred only after 168 h, defining a 5-day refrigerated shelf life. These findings demonstrate that the 1% alginate–pullulan capsule system successfully protects plant extracts during gastric transit and enables targeted intestinal release, while maintaining the sensory and rheological properties of the fortified fermented milk product. Full article

Unregulated herbal products marketed via digital platforms present escalating risks to consumer safety and regulatory effectiveness worldwide. This study positions the case of Jindamanee herbal powder—a banned substance under Thai law—as a lens through which to examine broader challenges in digital health governance. Drawing on a dataset of 1546 product listings across major platforms (Facebook, TikTok, Shopee, and Lazada), we applied Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to identify prevailing promotional themes and compliance gaps. Despite explicit platform policies, 87.6% of listings appeared on Facebook. Medical claims, particularly for pain relief, featured in 77.6% of posts, while only 18.4% included any risk disclosure. These findings suggest a systematic exploitation of regulatory blind spots and consumer health anxieties, facilitated by templated cross-platform messaging. Anchored in Information Manipulation Theory and the Health Belief Model, the analysis offers theoretical insight into how misinformation is structured and sustained within digital commerce ecosystems. The Thai case highlights urgent implications for platform accountability, policy harmonization, and the design of algorithmic surveillance systems in global health product regulation. Full article

Sambucus williamsii Hance (Viburnaceae), the Korean elderberry, is widely used in herbal medicine and in the food industry. It is known to have various pharmacological effects, including antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. During our search for anti-Helicobacter pylori compounds from natural resources, the methanol extract of the S. williamsii branch significantly inhibited the growth of H. pylori. Three phenolic and four lignan compounds were isolated from the methylene chloride fraction that had shown the most potent anti-H. pylori activity among the hexane, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water fractions. The chemical structures were identified to be three phenolics of sylvopinol (1), dihydroconiferyl alcohol (2), and (7S,8R)-guaiacylglycerol (3) and four lignans of boehmenan (4), (7S,8S)-guaiacylglycerol β-coniferyl ether (6) and lawsonicin (7) with a new lignan, (7R,8R)-sambucanol (5), the structure of which was established by ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, and HRESI-MS, as well as quantum chemical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Among the isolates, compounds 3 and 4 exhibited significant anti-H. pylori activity against strains 51 and 26695. Compound 3 displayed more potent antibacterial activity with MIC values of 3.13 and 6.25 μM, and MIC₅₀ values of 28.5 and 56.8 μM against the two strains, respectively. Their inhibitory activities were higher than those of a positive control, quercetin. Furthermore, these two compounds showed moderate urease inhibitory activity. A molecular docking simulation revealed the high binding ability of 3 and 4 to the active site of H. pylori urease. These results will provide further insights into the design of more potent natural products for eradicating H. pylori. Full article

Honey is recognized as a nutritionally rich and functional option, often used as a natural sweetener due to its content of glucose, fructose, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are well known. Recently, interest has grown in functional honey enriched with bioactive plant components, such as extracts of rosemary, lavender, oregano, and sage, which can enhance phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. However, such enrichment may alter honey’s sensory characteristics and introduce contaminants, including heavy metals, necessitating comprehensive quality assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical and functional quality of honey enriched with aromatic plant extracts from Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, using an integrated approach. The research included the quantification of total phenolic compounds (TPCs), analysis of heavy metal content, and the application of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with two devices (laboratory and portable). The results showed that geographical origin and herbal additions significantly affect TPC and heavy metal concentrations. Honey from Kosovo had the highest TPC, while Albanian honey showed higher concentrations of iron and nickel. Enrichment with oregano and rosemary significantly increased TPC and, levels of heavy metals such as lead and nickel. These findings underscore both the nutritional potential and safety considerations of enriched honey products. Accurate, non-destructive techniques like NIR spectroscopy offer valuable tools for quality control; however, further work is needed to evaluate sensory acceptance and long-term safety of enriched honey. Full article

This review explores the therapeutic promise of natural compounds in modulating 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. HMGCR dysregulation is implicated in dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, conditions linked to oxidative stress. While statins inhibit HMGCR, their side effects necessitate exploring alternatives. The review highlights various natural compounds—flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and herbal formulations—with HMGCR-modulating and antioxidant capabilities. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest these compounds offer a promising avenue for treating HMGCR-related conditions. Synergistic effects are observed when combining natural products with statins, hinting at combination therapies that could lower statin dosages and reduce adverse effects. Natural HMGCR modulators hold therapeutic promise but face hurdles like limited in vivo data, regulatory issues, variability in composition, potential drug interactions, and safety concerns. Future research must prioritize comprehensive mechanistic studies, standardized preparations, and well-designed clinical trials. Overcoming these challenges through rigorous science is essential for integrating natural HMGCR modulators into clinical practice and improving patient outcomes in a safe and effective manner. Specifically, clinical trials should consider combination therapies and comparison with standard treatments like statins. More research is also needed on optimal dosages and treatment regimens. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural products with claimed adaptogenic and/or immunomodulatory effects are widely used in traditional medicine systems across Eurasia. These include herbal remedies (e.g., Panax ginseng), fungi (e.g., Ganoderma lucidum), and animal-derived substances (e.g., propolis from Apis mellifera). Despite their popularity, the safety profiles of these products—particularly concerning adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs)—remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to assess the safety profiles of adaptogenic and immunomodulatory natural products through a scoping review of published human studies and an analysis of individual case safety reports (ICSRs) from the WHO-UMC VigiBase database. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using PubMed (1980–2024) in line with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eligible studies included randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and case reports in humans focused on safety outcomes. Data extraction followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) standardized template. ICSRs from VigiBase were analyzed by product type, AE type and seriousness, and demographic characteristics. The data were further organized to highlight the 15 most frequently reported products and their top five System Organ Classes (SOCs) and Preferred Terms (PTs). Results: The scoping review identified 51 natural products with reported adaptogenic and/or immunomodulatory properties. This included 285 clinical trials and 119 case studies on single-ingredient products and 54 clinical trials and 21 case studies on multi-ingredient preparations. Common AEs included gastrointestinal, dermatological, hepatic, cardiovascular, and immunological reactions. SAEs were rare but reported for Echinacea purpurea, Silybum marianum, and Camellia sinensis. From Vigibase, 45,042 ICSRs were retrieved for 49 natural products: 10,702 for single-ingredient and 34,340 for multi-ingredient products. Among 7856 reports listing a single-ingredient product as the sole suspect, 15.8% were SAEs, including eight fatal cases. However, the causality remained unclear due to insufficient data. Ganoderma lucidum, Viscum album, and Silybum marianum were most frequently associated with SAEs. In multi-ingredient products, propolis was frequently linked to hypersensitivity and skin reactions. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the safety profiles of adaptogenic and immunomodulatory natural products. Variability in product composition, lack of standardization, incomplete reporting in clinical studies, and underreporting in pharmacovigilance databases complicate accurate risk assessment. For multi-ingredient products, attributing specific AEs to specific components remains difficult. Further high-quality clinical research and improved pharmacovigilance are needed, along with clear safety warnings to reduce risks for consumers. Full article