Boesenbergia rotunda is a plant with notable antioxidant and anti-Streptococcus mutans activities. This study aimed to analyze the flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and anti-S. mutans activity of the root and rhizome of B. rotunda cultivated for 6 and 12 months, as data on these aspects are limited. The contents of three flavonoids-pinocembrin, pinostrobin, and panduratin A-were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that the B. rotunda rhizome cultivated for 12 months contained the highest levels of these three flavonoids. The rhizome extract cultivated for 12 months had the highest pinocembrin levels, while the root extract cultivated for 6 months had the highest panduratin A levels. Pinostrobin levels were comparable across all samples. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The root extract of B. rotunda cultivated for 6 months exhibited the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 173.64 ± 6.81 μg/mL) and the highest FRAP value (242.69 ± 17.21 μmol Fe(II) equivalent/g of extract). Meanwhile, the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity was observed in the rhizome extract of B. rotunda cultivated for 12 months (850.90 ± 102.94 μmol Trolox equivalent/g of extract). Additionally, the rhizome extract of B. rotunda cultivated for 12 months exhibited the most potent anti-S. mutans activity, with minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of 32 and 128 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the cultivation duration of B. rotunda significantly influenced flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and anti-S. mutans activity in both the root and rhizome. These findings highlight the potential of optimizing cultivation duration to enhance the bioactive properties of B. rotunda, which may have applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Skin aging, a multifactorial process intensified by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, poses a significant challenge in dermatology. This scoping review evaluated the efficacy of the preventive use of plant-based sunscreens against skin aging. It followed the PRISMA-SCR protocol, and its central question was: “What is the efficacy of the preventive use of plant-based sunscreens in skin aging?” according to the PCC acronym. The databases used were PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACs. The inclusion criteria considered free-access articles in Portuguese or English, with in vitro or in vivo studies, or literature reviews that report the SPF of topically applied plant substances. Articles behind paywalls or written in languages other than Portuguese or English were systematically excluded from the analysis, as well as articles with no full text available, addressing non-plant substances or non-topical application, that do not mention or evaluate the SPF of plant extracts, or evaluate exclusively the SPF, as well as abstracts published in conference proceedings. A total of 33 studies were included, revealing the diversity of plant species, plant parts used, and countries of origin. Most of the studies cited are in vitro or conducted in animal models, and few involve clinical trials or human volunteers. This methodological limitation should be considered when interpreting the results. SPF values varied widely. Several formulations presented low SPF values, however some increased when combined with other substances, such as synthetic sunscreens. Most species feature secondary metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-aging, and skin-regenerating benefits. A heterogeneous group of plants with potential for use in sunscreen formulations was identified, preventing skin aging by combining UV absorption with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. This review advances knowledge of natural photoprotection and the potential to overcome the limitations of currently used sunscreens. Future controlled clinical trials and studies exploring skin bioavailability, chemical stability, and long-term safety of plant-based sunscreens may validate their efficacy under real conditions of use.

Hedychium coccineum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. and Hedychium ellipticum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm., the species within the Zingiberaceae family, remain understudied regarding their phytochemical profiles and bioactivities. This study characterized their phytochemical constituents and assessing antioxidant properties in H. coccineum rhizomes and H. ellipticum rhizomes and roots. Results showed that total phenolic content values for H. coccineum extracts (water, 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol) were 24.60 ± 1.43, 69.61 ± 2.11, and 72.30 ± 10.72 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. H. ellipticum extracts yielded 22.62 ± 3.39, 52.45 ± 5.37, and 48.98 ± 3.96 mg GAE/g extract. For total flavonoid content, H. coccineum extracts contained 10.41 ± 4.24, 21.37 ± 4.41, and 37.94 ± 3.23 mg CE/g extract, while H. ellipticum contained 9.50 ± 0.24, 31.68 ± 1.30, and 40.67 ± 2.83 mg CE/g extract. In antioxidant assays, H. coccineum’s 50% ethanol extract showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 318.15 ± 2.28 μg/mL), whereas its 95% ethanol extract was most effective in the FRAP assay (IC50 = 77.42 ± 12.12 μg/mL). H. ellipticum’s 50% ethanol extract demonstrated antioxidant activity in both DPPH (IC50 = 314.65 ± 41.69 μg/mL) and FRAP (IC50 = 215.57 ± 2.46 μg/mL) assays. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified hedychenone (positive mode) and chrysin (negative mode) as predominant compounds in H. coccineum, while H. ellipticum contained hedychicoronarin (positive mode) and 2-nonanone (negative mode). This study provides valuable information on the phytochemical diversity and antioxidant potential of both species, highlighting unreported compounds and demonstrating their promising potential for health-related applications.

Leea species are traditionally used to treat cancer, while Leea rubra leaves (LRL) aid fever, stomach ache, rheumatism, arthritis, intestinal diseases, etc. This study explores the polyphenolic contents, antioxidant, and anticancer potential of LRL. In vitro standard methods were used for the evaluation of the polyphenolic contents and antioxidative properties of the methanolic extracts. The anticancer activity was determined by in vitro biological study using Brine Shrimp Nauplii and in vivo standard method using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell-bearing Swiss Albino mice. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) exhibited maximum total antioxidant activity and iron reducing capacity (absorbance 0.192 ± 0.010 and 3.003 ± 0.02 at concentrations of 25μg/ml, respectively) and the highest DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (IC50 5.29 and 17.34 μg/ml, respectively) among the fractions. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of EAF were also found to be higher than other fractions. EAF showed the highest brine shrimp lethality with LC50 28.64 μg/ml. The tumor cell growth inhibition (71.3%) in mice by EAF was significant (p<0.001). The findings indicate that the EAF of LRL is a good source of antioxidants and possesses strong cytotoxic and anticancer activity.

Knee osteoarthritis is the leading causes of disability. In this study, the topical effect of Achillea millefolium oil on pain intensity and functional indices in patients with knee osteoarthritis was investigated. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 90 patients with knee osteoarthritis referred to the Rafsanjan Rheumatology Clinic were randomly divided into three groups: topical piroxicam 0.5% gel, A. millefolium oil, and paraffin ointment (placebo). The diagnosis of the disease was made by a rheumatology specialist based on the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) index, before intervention, one and two months after it were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS.24 software and a significance level of 0.05. The mean of age and frequency of gender were not significantly difference between the three groups of A. millefolium oil, piroxicam gel, and placebo (P=0.914 and P=0.189 respectively). There was a significant difference in the mean of pain VAS (F = 23.173, P <0.001) and WOMAC (F = 35.098, P <0.001) over time (12 weeks). According to the results of this study, the effect of the A. millefolium plant in reducing pain intensity and improving the functional status of patients can reduce the need for the use of other chemical drugs.

Cryptomeria japonica, commonly known as “Sugi” or “Japanese cedar,” is one of the most commercially important plantation species in Asia, valued for its durable heartwood and essential oil (EO) used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Traditionally, the EO has been used in Asian folk medicine for treating liver disorders, coughs, and ulcers due to its antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the leaves (L) EO was extracted and characterized, followed by chromatographic separation of EO (L) by using column chromatography. Further, characterization was performed using GC-MS and GC-FID, and its antimicrobial potential was subsequently evaluated. A total of 56 compounds were identified, with major constituents in the EO (L) being sabinene (19.72%), α-pinene (19%), and kaurene (11.51%). Fraction “A” was enriched with kaurene (72.08%), neo-cembrene (5.81%), and sandaracopimaradiene (5.08%). The EO (L) showed strong antibacterial activity, particularly against gram-positive strains. Leaves EO displayed the highest zone of inhibition against Micrococcus luteus (27.67 mm) and Fusarium graminearum (28.67 mm), fraction “A” was most effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Fusarium graminearum, with inhibition zones of 30.33 mm and 33.33 mm, respectively. This study indicates that Fraction “A” is more potent than the pure EO, likely due to its high diterpene content. A network pharmacology analysis revealed that the STAT3 protein was crucial in bacterial immune response with the highest-scoring target. It suggests that the leaves EO and its chromatographed fractions could have potential applications in treating cancer, inflammatory diseases, and neurological disorders.

Cochlospermum regium, whose common name is yellow cotton tree, has been often used for treating uterus and intestine infections, gastritis, ulcers and arthritis. To investigate its new bioactivities and to get to know it chemically, this study determined the chemical composition of hexane extracts (HEs) from five parts of C. regium (root, leaf, flower, petiole and branch). In addition, antibacterial, anti-Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and cytotoxic activities of HEs were identified. HE-leaves and HE-flowers were active against all endodontic bacteria under evaluation since MIC ≤ 62.5 μg/mL. They were also highly active against Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, i. e., IC50 = 4.44 μg/mL and 8.73 μg/mL, respectively. HEs were not cytotoxic against non-tumor cell lines (IC50 above 1000 μg/mL). β-Copaen-4α-ol and viridiflorol are the major constituents of all HEs. These findings provide data that may be used for carrying out further investigations into novel antibacterial and antileishmanial drugs.

The overuse of antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) has led to increased bacterial resistance, complicating UTI management. Actinomycetota (previously known as Actinobacteria), are a prolific source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Saccharothrix algeriensis DSM 44581, a bacterium isolated from Algerian Saharan soil, produces various dithiolopyrrolone antibiotics depending on the composition of its culture medium. This study aimed to evaluate its antibacterial activity against multidrug−resistant uropathogenic bacteria. The antibacterial activity of S. algeriensis was assessed in a semi-synthetic fermentation broth under three conditions: semi-synthetic medium (SSM) without adding precursors, SSM supplemented with sorbic acid, and SSM added with cystine. Fifty uropathogenic strains were used as target bacteria, including forty strains from the family Enterobacteriaceae and ten strains of Staphylococcus saprophyticus, all with diverse antibiotic resistance profiles. Inhibition diameters varied with culture conditions: 0-40.33 mm in SSM without precursors, 0-39 mm in SSM with sorbic acid, and 0-35 mm in SSM with cystine. Furthermore, two specific antibiotics produced by S. algeriensis, thiolutin and 2-hexonyl-pyrrothine, were purified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and their Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) were determined against the uropathogenic strains. These antibiotics exhibited moderate to high activity against Staphylococcus saprophyticus, with MICs ≤75 μg/mL. In contrast, they showed low to no activity against Enterobacteriaceae, with MICs exceeding 150 μg/ mL. These findings suggest that S. algeriensis could be a promising source of antibiotics efficient against Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

Hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease worldwide, yet the precise causes of elevated blood pressure often cannot be determined. Researchers have relied on animal models to better understand the mechanisms underlying hypertension and evaluate innovative therapeutic approaches. One such model is the deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt model, which highlights the role of deoxycorticosterone, a hormone exhibiting both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid properties. Notably, its propensity to induce sodium retention is pivotal in this model. In the study, rats were administered injections of 20 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.) of deoxycorticosterone-acetate in olive oil twice weekly over four weeks, while their drinking water was replaced with a 1% NaCl solution. Blood pressure began to rise after one week, ultimately reaching systolic levels between 160 and 180 mm Hg by the end of the four weeks. Importantly, supplementation with ethanolic extract from the root bark of Kigelia pinnata led to a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in rats suffering from DOCA-salt-induced hypertension. Additionally, this extract notably decreased the elevated heart rate observed in these hypertensive rats. These findings suggest that Kigelia pinnata may have therapeutic potential in managing hypertension. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical applications of this natural extract in hypertensive patients.

It has long been known that garlic can be found in traditional medicines used to cure various human illnesses. Despite extensive research, there is currently insufficient data to determine which variety of garlic has the most significant medicinal potential. The present study focuses on phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of garlic samples collected from various parts of India. Alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols are among the active phytochemicals discovered in crude garlic extracts of all varieties. Additionally, several functional groups, including hydroxyl, aromatic compounds, carbonyl, carboxylic and organosulfur, were detected in the garlic by FTIR analysis. The TGA analysis revealed the presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and volatile matter. Furthermore, the antimicrobial efficacy was tested against harmful bacterial strains; B. subtilis was the target of the maximum inhibitory activity of methanolic extract. Garlic adopted from Rohtak (RHTK) proved to be the most effective for antibacterial activity. Numerous bioactive substances thought to have the strongest antibacterial activity, including organosulfur compounds, phenolics, alcohols, flavonoids, fatty acid methyl esters, aromatic compounds and aldehydes, were found in the RHTK garlic variety according to GC-MS and LC-MS study.