The genus Ficus (Moraceae) comprises a diverse group of species with notable ethnobotanical and pharmacological significance, particularly in tropical regions such as the Philippines. The systematic review, conducted using 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, aims to synthesize information on the chemical constituents, traditional uses, and pharmacological potential of Philippine Ficus species. A comprehensive search of the Google Scholar database identified relevant studies detailing phytochemical profiles, ethnobotanical applications, and bioactive properties.The study highlights the phytochemical diversity of Philippine Ficus species, including flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and other secondary metabolites with recognized therapeutic properties. Traditional practices document the use of these plants to address ailments like inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, and infections, while pharmacological studies reveal antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, validating traditional uses. Network analyses using Gephi version 0.10.1 elucidated the relationships between Ficus species, their bioactive compounds, and corresponding pharmacological benefits. Key research gaps were identified, such as the need for mechanistic studies and clinical trials to fully explore the therapeutic potential of these species. The study also underscores the necessity of sustainable harvesting practices to preserve these valuable resources. This study provides an integrated perspective on the chemical diversity, ethnomedicinal applications, and pharmacological benefits of Philippine Ficus species, combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific tools. The findings serve as a foundation for future research and support the sustainable use of Ficus species in traditional medicine and drug development.

In this article, the chemistry and pharmacological properties of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid of the oleanane-type from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), is reviewed. With a molecular formula of C30H46O4 and a molecular weight of 470.7 g/mol, GA consists of two stereoisomers, namely, 18β-GA and 18α-GA. Major pharmacological properties of GA highlighted are hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective and nephroprotective activities. Other pharmacological properties of GA reviewed include anti-asthmatic, skin protection, anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), anti-parasitic, anti-periodontitis, anti-alopecia, anti-osteoclastogenesis, hypolipidemic, lung protection, cell protection, improved pulmonary hypertension, amelioration of gastric mucosal injury, anti-cystitis glandularis, anti-ulcerative colitis and anti-viral activities. Prospects and topics of further research are suggested in the concluding remarks.

This study aims to evaluate the antiseizure effect of Musa paradisiaca stem juice (MSJ). A pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure model involving 36 adult male Wistar rats, randomly distributed into six groups (n = 6) was used in this study. Group 1 - normal control, group 2 - positive control, and group 3 (4 mg/kg b.wt. diazepam, p.o.). Groups 4, 5, and 6 received 50, 75, and 100% v/v MSJ, p.o., respectively. The PTZ (85 mg/kg b.wt., i.p.) was administered 45 min later, on the 10th day. The rats were monitored for convulsions. The results of the lethality test showed that MSJ is not relatively safe at a very high dose. The phytochemical screening revealed several bioactive compounds, with phenols being the most abundant (9.46 ± 0.03 mg/g), followed by alkaloids (5.54 ± 0.98 mg/g) and flavonoids (4.27 ± 1.23 mg/g). Three notable seizure episodes, 1, 2, and 3, were observed. At 75 and 100% v/v, MSJ significantly (p < 0.05) increased the latency periods of episode 1 (tonic and clonic) seizures. A 50% v/v of the juice delayed the onset of episode 2 seizures for more than 10 min, compared to that of the untreated group. The 75% and 100% v/v MSJ-treated groups did not show any seizures during episode 2, as observed in episode 1. The standard and test groups did not experience convulsions during episode 3. The findings of this study demonstrated that fresh MSJ offers promising anticonvulsant activity.

Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are rich in bioactive compounds and essential vitamins, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, ascorbic acid, and folate which exhibit antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties. However, evidence on the efficacy of freeze-dried strawberries (FDS) in modulating kidney function and histopathology remains limited. This study investigated the effects of FDS on Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), and renal histopathology in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. An experimental post-test only control group design was used with 25 Wistar rats (8–12 weeks old) randomly assigned to five groups (n = 5): normal control (K−), untreated diabetic (K+) receiving alloxan injection only, and three diabetic groups treated with alloxan followed by FDS administration at doses of 1000 mg/kg BW (P1), 1500 mg/kg BW (P2), or 2000 mg/kg BW (P3) via orogastric tube for four weeks. Diabetic model was obtained using a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dosage of 150 mg/kg body weight. FBG, ACR, and renal histopathology (Renal Injury Scoring System) were evaluated at the conclusion of the study. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal–Wallis test. FDS at 2000 mg/kg markedly decreased FBG in comparison to K+ (p<0.05). ACR was markedly reduced at dosages of 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kg in comparison to K+ (p<0.05). Renal histopathological improvements were observed at 1000 1500 and 2000 mg/kg compared with K+ (p<0.05). These findings suggest that FDS supplementation exerts dose-dependent antihyperglycaemic and nephroprotective effects in diabetic rats, with different doses favouring specific outcomes.

Seagrass (Enhalus acoroides (L.f.) Royle) is one of the marine plants with significant medicinal potential. The plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, and steroids which have demonstrated antidiabetic, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. The direct consumption of seagrass leaves is, however, considered inefficient, necessitating their processing into capsule dosage forms to enhance their applicability. Due to the relatively high moisture content of seagrass leaf extract, selecting appropriate excipients is crucial for achieving an optimal and stable formulation. This study aimed to assess the synergistic potential of seagrass leaf extract as an active antioxidant agent with Porang tuber starch as a binder excipient. The capsules were prepared using seagrass extract obtained through the ultrasound-assisted extraction method with distilled water as the solvent. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Eight formulations were developed, incorporating various Aerosil and Porang tuber starch concentrations derived from the simplex lattice design (SLD). The responses measured were moisture content, angle of repose, flow rate, and bulk density. The extract exhibited potent antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 12.234 µg/mL. The SLD results indicated that the optimal formulation consisted of 3% Aerosil and 12% Porang tuber starch, although no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the physical parameters among the various formulations. Therefore, the combination of Aerosil and Porang tuber starch as excipients in seagrass extract capsule formulation has great potential in enhancing the stability and applicability of seagrass extract capsules.

The stem bark of Tamarind is a rich source of fibre and phytochemicals, making it a potential feed additive for chickens. The study assessed the effect of yeast-mediated solid-state fermentation (SSF) on the chemical composition of tamarind stem bark and the impact of fermented tamarind bark (FTB) on the growth performance of broilers aged from 1 to 21 days. Two hundred broilers were partitioned into four groups (T0, T0.5, T1.0, and T1.5) of 50 chicks, and each group was replicated five times. Birds on T0 received a diet without FTB supplementation and served as the control, while birds on T0.5, T1.0, and T1.5 received the same control diet but supplemented with FTB at 0.5, 1.0. and 1.5 g/kg feed, respectively, in a completely randomized design. A quadratic optimisation model was used to determine the FTB supplementation levels for optimal growth performance. Results revealed that yeast-mediated SSF improved (p<0.05) dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash, flavonoids, phenol content, and DPPH activity in tamarind bark. In contrast, fermentation decreased (p<0.05) the fibre, oxalate, phytate, alkaloids, and saponins content in tamarind bark. Broilers on T0.5, T1.0, and T1.5 had higher (p < 0.05) final live weight (FLW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) than the T0, and were optimised at 3.05 and 3.03 g FTB/kg feed, respectively. In conclusion, yeast-mediated SSF improved the feed additive quality of tamarind bark, and FTB should be supplemented in the starter broiler diet at 3.05 and 3.03 kg feed for the best FLW, ADG, and ADFI.

Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) results from inflammation and apoptosis, leading to mucosal damage in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3 are key biomarkers in these processes. Kaempferia galanga L., a traditional Southeast Asian medicinal plant, has been documented to have anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. This study assessed the effect of K. galanga L. extract on these biomarkers in a rat ABRS model. Thirty Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normal control (KN), ABRS control (K-), amoxicillin-treated (K+), K. galanga extract-treated (P1), and combination therapy (P2). ABRS was induced using Staphylococcus aureus, and serum TNF-α and caspase-3 levels were measured 14 days later. ABRS induction increased TNF-α (22.10 ± 0.60 pg/mL) and caspase-3 (14.82 ± 0.38 pg/mL) levels compared with normal controls (p < 0.001). Both K. galanga extract monotherapy (P1) and amoxicillin treatment (K+) significantly reduced TNF-α (8.00 ± 0.50 and 9.20 ± 0.40 pg/mL, respectively) and caspase-3 (3.35 ± 0.02 and 4.00 ± 0.00 pg/mL, respectively) levels. Combination therapy (P2) restored TNF-α (6.90 ± 0.40 pg/mL) and caspase-3 (2.80 ± 0.00 pg/mL) to control levels, with effects superior to monotherapy. These results indicate that K. galanga L. extract suppresses inflammation and apoptosis in an ABRS model. Its synergistic effect with amoxicillin suggests a promising combined approach for mucosal healing and clinical outcomes.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of permanent vision loss worldwide. It results from continuous disruption to the sensory cells of the retina and optic nerve tissue. Caffeine, a stimulant of the central nervous system, is extensively ingested for its ability to do away with drowsiness and fatigue. The present study investigated the roles of caffeine as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in relation to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) subsequent to the administration of hyaluronic acid (H.A.) and hypertonic saline (H.S.) injections. 30 adult Male Long-Evans rats were allocated into six (n=6) groups. Control rats received 50 μL of dH20. H.A. rats received 0.025 mL of hyaluronic acid at the corneoscleral junction. H.S. rats received 0.05 mL of hypertonic saline into the episcleral vein. Post-hyaluronic acid (PHA) and post-hypertonic saline (PHS) rats were administered 20 mg/kg of caffeine intraperitoneally. 20 mg/kg of caffeine was given to the caffeine group. IOP were recorded before and after the experiment. Oxidative stress was assessed through malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). An immunohistochemistry procedure was performed to evaluate NLRP3 activity in the retina. Our result showed that. H.A. and H.S. injections caused oxidative stress by upregulating and downregulating MDA and SOD levels, respectively. H.A. and H.S. injection significantly elevated the IOP, and NLRP3 activation was seen in the retina. However, caffeine mitigated this inflammatory response. In summary, our study shows that caffeine may be beneficial in managing ocular health associated with elevated IOP, by lowering IOP, and mitigating inflammatory and oxidative stress responses.

Gladiolus psittacinus, commonly known as Maid of the Mist, is a perennial bulb-bearing plant traditionally used for managing diabetes and oxidative stress-related disorders. Despite its ethnomedicinal relevance, its antioxidant potential remains underexplored. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of the aqueous bulb extract of G. psittacinus. Fresh bulbs were obtained from Oja Oba Market, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, in September 2023, air-dried, powdered, and extracted with distilled water (1:10) for 48 hours. The extract was analyzed for its phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties using DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Quantitative analyses revealed high total phenolic (50.33 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (43.22 ± 0.03 mg QE/g) contents. The extract exhibited strong, concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity against DPPH (4.82 ± 0.01–8.38 ± 0.02), ABTS (0.29 ± 0.04–0.62 ± 0.01), hydroxyl radicals (4.94 ± 0.02–10.62 ± 0.01), and FRAP (45.86 ± 0.01–94.61 ± 0.33). These findings suggest that the antioxidant capacity of G. psittacinus bulb extract is linked to its abundant phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The study provides scientific support for its traditional use and highlights its potential as a natural source of antioxidants for managing oxidative stress-related conditions.

Excessive alcohol drinking leads to chronic kidney injury (CKI). Bidens pilosa, as a medicinal plant, has promising antibacterial, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic activities. There is a dearth of information on the therapeutic effect of ethanol extract of Bidens pilosa leaves (EEBP) against alcohol-induced CKI. The exploration of EEBP as renoprotection was evaluated through a comprehensive experimental and pharmacoinformatics analysis. Alcohol (10 ml/kg) was administered for 6 weeks or in combination with EEBP (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg). Induction of alcohol significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, creatinine, and uremic levels. Furthermore, kidney tissue abnormalities were observed in the alcohol group. The data indicated that EEBP improved the kidney histology and decreased the levels of lipid profile and kidney function parameters. The compounds have the flexibility and stability to bind to active sites of protein, consisting of PPARG, SIRT, HIF1A, and NQO1. This study shows that EEBP exerted an ameliorative effect in alcohol-induced kidney injury.