Munronia pinnata is a well-known medicinal plant belonging to the Meliaceae family. Despite its extensive use in herbal medicine, the chemical composition and bioactivity of its essential oil, particularly in its aerial parts, have not been reported. The chemical profile of the essential oil extracted from aerial parts of M. pinnata is reported here for the first time, with the presence of 72 constituents accounting for 99.4% of the essential oil, in which aristolochene (12.2%), β-selinene (12.0%), α-zingiberene (7.3%), and germacrene B (6.2%) were dominant constituents. Moreover, the strong binding affinities between its dominant constituents to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), three enzymes involved in the inflammatory response (the binding energies ranging from -5.2 to -8.6 kcal/mol) suggested the anti-inflammatory potential of the essential oil. This potential was further supported by results from an in vitro lipopolysaccharide-stimulated model, which demonstrated a mild anti-inflammatory effect through its inhibitory activity on nitric oxide production (IC50 > 100 μg/mL). Additionally, the essential oil exhibited a moderate anti-cancer effect against liver and colon cancer cells, with IC50 values ranging from 18.57 to 19.37 μg/mL. These findings highlight the promising therapeutic application of M. pinnata essential oil in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancers.

The present study investigated the wound-healing potential of 3-phenylpropyl acetate, a fragrance and flavor compound commonly used in food, perfumes, and cosmetics. An excision wound model in Wistar albino rats was employed, with topical application of 3-phenylpropyl acetate from the day of wound creation until day 21. Its efficacy was assessed through measurements of wound contraction, epithelialization period, histopathological changes, connective tissue markers, and microbial load. Treatment led to a marked increase in wound contraction (up to 60%) and a reduced epithelialization period (7 days) compared to untreated controls. Histological evaluation revealed enhanced collagen deposition and tissue remodeling, while biochemical analysis showed elevated hydroxyproline levels (treated: 19.36 ± 6.08 µg/mg; control: 11.41 ± 2.14 µg/mg), indicating improved connective tissue synthesis. In addition, 3-phenylpropyl acetate exhibited antimicrobial activity by lowering skin pathogen burden and reducing scar formation. Overall, the compound significantly accelerated tissue repair, stimulated collagen production, and decreased microbial load, underscoring its therapeutic potential for wound management beyond its conventional use in cosmetics and food products.

Meiogyne subsessilis’s essential oil, a medicinal plant native to Vietnam, was extracted via hydrodistillation, analyzed by GC-MS, and tested for antimicrobial and enzyme inhibition using turbidity and Ellman’s methods, respectively. Forty-one constituents, accounting for 93.54% of the oil, were identified. The major compounds were α-bulnesene (9.04%), viridiflorene (8.48%), β-selinene (8.43%), β-elemene (8.19%), α-humulene (7.87%), aromadendrene (6.84%) and (E)-caryophyllene (5.75%). The essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against two Gram-positive bacteria, Lactobacillus fermentum (N4) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 13709), with IC50 values of 48.88 μg/mL and 75.00 μg/mL, respectively, and MIC values of 256 μg/mL. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity showed IC50 value of 71.23 μg/mL. Molecular docking studies also suggested the binding potential of the key compounds from essential oil against inducible antimicrobial targets of S. aureus (2W9S, 1HSK) and acetylcholinesterase. Furthermore, a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation of the AChE-α-bulnesene complex confirmed the stability of the binding pose and supported the docking and in vitro inhibition results. These findings were the first report to examine the volatile components and biological activities of leaves of M. subsessilis.

Chronic alcohol intake is a major contributor to liver cirrhosis and is often associated with male infertility, primarily due to oxidative stress and hormonal dysregulation. Bryonia laciniosa Linn., a plant rich in flavonoids and saponins, has shown promise in mitigating hepatic and reproductive impairments. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of a phytosome suspension of B. laciniosa in addressing alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis and male infertility in Wistar rats. A hydro-methanolic extract was formulated into a phytosome using the thin-film hydration method and optimized via Central Composite Design. Male rats were subjected to 21-day chronic ethanol exposure, followed by treatment with either crude extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg), phytosome suspension (200 mg/kg) or silymarin (100 mg/kg). Biochemical assays, antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, GSH, MDA), sperm parameters, organ weights and histopathological evaluations were conducted. Alcohol exposure caused significant hepatic enzyme elevation, oxidative stress and spermatogenic damage. Treatment with the phytosome suspension notably improved hepatic and testicular parameters, with significant restoration in histoarchitecture and antioxidant defences (p < 0.001). Compared to crude extract, phytosome suspension demonstrated superior efficacy, likely due to improved bioavailability. These findings support the use of B. laciniosa phytosomes as a novel, dual-protective phytopharmaceutical strategy against alcohol-induced organ toxicity.

Leucaena leucocephala has traditionally been used in various folk medicines due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Wood vinegar, a byproduct of its pyrolysis, has been used for agricultural and medicinal purposes due to its bioactive properties. This study investigated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of L. leucocephala wood vinegar, its major constituents (2-methoxy-p-creosol and o-guaiacol), and their corresponding oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions. GC-MS analysis identified diverse organic compounds, predominantly phenolic derivatives. The nanoemulsions were prepared and comprehensively characterized by determining droplet size, zeta potential, viscosity, pH, and analyzing their surface morphology. The products exhibited significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Nanoemulsions demonstrated enhanced radical scavenging activity against DPPH, with the lowest IC50 values observed for the nanoemulsions of o-guaiacol (36.73 mg/L), wood vinegar (62.72 mg/L), and 2-methoxy-p-creosol (122.02 mg/L). Antimicrobial testing demonstrated that nanoemulsions of 2-methoxy-p-creosol and o-guaiacol exhibited potent activity against a panel of microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans). Notably, the antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus (MIC: 65-80 mg/L) was superior to that of the antibiotic amoxicillin. Moreover, 2-methoxy-p-creosol and o-guaiacol nanoemulsions were highly effective against C. albicans (MIC = 150 and 250 mg/L, respectively). The antifungal activity against A. flavus and A. niger was notable, with the 2-methoxy-p-creosol and o-guaiacol nanoemulsions inhibiting mycelial growth at EC50 values of 176.51 to 344.34 mg/L. This study underscores the importance of integrating ethnopharmacological knowledge with advanced drug delivery systems to develop sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional antibiotics and antifungals.

This study reports, for the first time, the isolation of piceatannol from the red seaweed Gelidiella acerosa, expanding the phytochemical profile of marine algae beyond polysaccharides and sterols to include pharmacologically significant stilbenoids. The compound was obtained in low yield (2.16 mg/L) through silica gel chromatography, purified, and identified by FTIR, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, LC-MS, and HPLC analyses. FTIR confirmed hydroxyl and aromatic groups; NMR revealed diagnostic aromatic and olefinic signals with downfield hydroxyl shifts; LC-MS displayed a molecular ion at m/z 245.4 [M+H]+; and HPLC showed a dominant peak at RT 6.143 min (95.1% area), identical to a commercial standard, confirming purity and identity as piceatannol. Functional assays demonstrated potent antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 48.9 μg/ mL (DPPH) and 40.9 μg/mL (ABTS), and selective cytotoxicity against HeLa cervical cancer cells with an IC50 of 67.60 μg/mL, accompanied by apoptotic morphological changes. Pharmacokinetic prediction (SWISSADME) showed full compliance with Lipinski’s Rule of Five, while Protox-II indicated absence of mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, hepatotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities with estrogen receptor (1UOM, –7.7 kcal/mol), cervical cancer suppressor gene 4 protein (5X5O, –7.0 kcal/mol), and PI3K (5XGI, –8.4 kcal/mol), surpassing or matching imatinib, with interactions including hydrogen bonds (Arg394, Glu353, Ala85, Glu83, Asp258, Pro168), π–π stacking (His701), and hydrophobic contacts (Ile424, Val30, Ile80, Arg662, Pro757, Ala758). Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable complexes, particularly with PI3K, supporting inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Collectively, these results establish G. acerosa as a novel marine source of piceatannol with strong antioxidant, selective anticancer, safe pharmacological properties, and multi-target inhibitory potential, highlighting its promise as a natural lead for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Punica granatum L. (wild pomegranate), locally known as daru or dadim, is a thorny shrub valued for its sour arils used in preparing anardana. Processing of these fruits yields large amounts of peels, which are often discarded despite being rich in phenolic compounds and traditionally used for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties. However, their detailed phytochemical profile and biological potential remain largely unexplored. The present study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition of wild pomegranate peels using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS and to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the 25% aqueous methanolic (AM) extract. A total of 48 bioactive constituents belonging to different classes of compounds, including ellagitannins, gallotannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids and their derivatives, organic acids, and coumarins, were tentatively identified and characterized for the first time using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis. The extract exhibited strong in vitro antioxidant activity, with a DPPH IC50 of 0.58 μg/mL and ferric reducing power showing maximum absorbance at 50 μg/mL. Its ex vivo antioxidant activity was further confirmed with an IC50 of 0.04 μg/mL. In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory assays demonstrated clear dose-dependent effects, as evidenced by the inhibition of protein denaturation (IC50 = 10.30 μg/mL) and significant protection in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses. The observed bioactivity is likely attributed to the abundance of ellagitannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in the AM extract. Overall, the findings scientifically substantiate the traditional uses of wild pomegranate peels and emphasize their potential as a natural source of therapeutic agents.

Endophytic bacteria in medicinal plants are a great source of pharmaceutical compounds, yet less attention has been paid on these bacteria. Hence, we conducted this study to examine and isolate numerous endophytic bacterial strains in Paramignya trimera and analyzed their potential to generate phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Accordingly, P. trimera’s roots, stems, and leaves exhibit a varied distribution of endophytic bacterial strains. Among the 13 isolated endophytic bacterial strains, the strains PT-L3, PT-R2, and PT-R5 belonged to the genera Pantoea, Enterobacter, and Pantoea, respectively, have the ability to produce polyphenols, flavonoids with good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that the PT-R2 strain can produce highly potent compounds, including gallic acid (12.30±0.07 µg/mg extract), rutin (10.70±0.16 µg/ mg extract), chlorogenic acid (25.63±0.83 µg/mg extract), quercetin (3.82±0.17 µg/mg extract), caffeic acid (35.27±2.33 µg/mg extract), vanillic acid (32.7±1.58 µg/mg extract), and diosmin (85.54±3.15 µg/mg extract). These findings suggest that endophytic bacteria from P. trimera can serve as a potential source of natural therapeutic agents and may be further developed under artificial conditions for medicine applications.

Pyrularia edulis, a newly recorded species of the Cervantesiaceae family in the flora of Vietnam, is a potential candidate for studies on chemical constituents and biological activities. To identify bioactive compounds from new Vietnamese medicinal plants, this study focuses on the chemical constituents of the trunk bark of P. edulis and evaluates their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity. Eight known compounds (1–8) were isolated from the trunk bark of P. edulis by using various chromatography methods. The structures of 1–8 were determined to be vanillic acid (1), naringenin (2), ursolic acid (3), rutin (4), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5), (−)-catechin (6), hesperidin (7), and lupeol (8) by analyzing their NMR, ESI-MS, and HR-ESI-MS spectra, as well as comparison with the literature data. All the compounds (1–8) were isolated for the first time from P. edulis. The biological evaluation of AChE inhibitory effects and ADMET prediction of the isolated compounds was also conducted. All the isolated compounds demonstrated AChE enzyme inhibitory activity, with 5 standing out for their superior IC50 value compared to the others. Additionally, ADMET evaluations highlighted several intriguing pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds. None of the compounds exhibited AMES toxicity or hERG I inhibition, and notably, compounds 1, 2, and 6 were predicted to have no toxic effects in any of the analyzed toxicity tests, emphasizing their potential safety profile. These findings suggest that the compounds isolated from P. edulis could serve as a valuable source for developing bioactive agents.

Essential oils are volatile, aromatic compounds produced in various parts of plants. They are widely used in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries thanks to their wide range of biological activities. In the current research, the compounds of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don ssp. italicum essential oil have been identified along with, its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-biofilm potential. Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection/Mass Spectrometry (GC/ FID-MS) analysis revealed that monoterpene hydrocarbons (31.45%) were the most abundant components, followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (24.82%): oxygenated monoterpenes (18.00%): β-diketones (10.06%): esters (8.53%): oxygenated sesquiterpenes (5.22%): and ketones (0.56%). The cytotoxic activity of the essential oil was assessed on G361 human melanoma cells using the WST-1 assay, yielding an IC₅₀ value of 125 µg mL-1. Cell lysates were obtained by treating G361 cells with different concentrations of the essential oil. The total antioxidant capacity, total oxidant, oxidative stress index of the cell lysates were also explored. Additionally, the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α, and IL-6) were measured. Antimicrobial activity was determined via the disc diffusion method. Gram-positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis NRS 744): Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae NRRLB 4420, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922): and the fungal strain Candida albicans ATCC 10231 were tested. The minimum inhibitory concentration values were determined to range between 250.18 and 510.55 µg mL-1. The antibiofilm activity, evaluated using the MTT assay, showed the highest inhibition (71.24%) and eradication (73.20%) against S. aureus. These findings suggest that Helichrysum italicum essential oil may have potential as a source of antitumor and antimicrobial compounds