Current advances in restoring intestinal barrier homeostasis by natural medicines.

Bifunctional magnetic and fluorescent lanthanide ion composites were coated simply with the PPARγ receptor for trapping bioactive compounds from an herbal extract

Effects of Chinese herbal mixture extract on growth, immunity, antioxidant status, and modulates rumen microbiota in weaned lambs.

Immunorestorative effects of caraway and marjoram extracts on Th2-mediated inflammation in house dust mite-triggered asthma.

The effects of various herbal extract combinations on Eimeria Tenella infected broilers were investigated in battery experiments

Research progress on employing medicinal plants and their active compounds to target autophagic pathways for Parkinson's disease therapy.

Target-directed discovery is widely used in modern drug development, and protein-directed screening of natural products is an effective route for identifying bioactive small molecules. However, crude natural product extracts present substantial analytical challenges due to compositional complexity and matrix interference. Common affinity-based mass spectrometry approaches, such as affinity ultrafiltration-mass spectrometry, rely on centrifugation and washing steps that may reduce throughput and weaken reversible interactions, leading to incomplete interaction profiling. Here we developed a Natural Product-Dialysis and Mass Spectrometry (NP-DiaMS) workflow for protein-directed screening of small molecules in complex natural product systems. The method uses diffusion-controlled equilibrium partitioning combined with small-molecule-selective separation to reduce matrix effects while preserving weak binding events. Using pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) as an initial model target, the workflow was established with standard alkaloid mixtures and applied to crude herbal extracts, leading to the identification of three PKM2-associated small molecules with different binding strengths. The binding interactions were validated by surface plasmon resonance measurements, and the cellular relevance of the identified ligands was further examined by cell-based assays. Comparative experiments indicated that the equilibrium dialysis workflow retained additional interaction-related features while maintaining overall screening consistency, corresponding to an approximately 12-16-fold increase in sample processing throughput compared with tube-based ultrafiltration workflows. These results indicate that NP-DiaMS is well suited for active component discovery from complex extracts, with practical advantages in throughput, weak-interaction retention, and matrix tolerance.

Peptic ulcers, a common digestive disorder, are characterized by an inflammatory response with necrotic lesions of the stomach mucosa. Peptic ulcers severely damage the mucosal lining of the stomach and duodenum. Numerous factors, such as smoking, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), acid and pepsin, genetics, and Helicobacter pylori, might contribute to it. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), Histamine (H2) receptor antagonists, antacids, potassium-competitive acid blockers, and antibiotics are among the common drugs shown to have antiulcer properties. However, many studies have shown that herbal medicines can successfully treat peptic ulcers in preclinical and clinical models using a range of techniques. Many herbal medications and extracts from various parts, such as the root, stem, leaf, flower, and seed, have shown substantial ulcer-protective properties in experimental settings. The review also highlights the potential of herbal medicinal extracts.

The gut microbiota, as the "second genome" of the human body, plays a central regulatory role in maintaining host physiological homeostasis; conversely, its dysbiosis can impair male reproductive function via the "gut-testis axis", leading to a series of pathological manifestations such as abnormal semen quality, sexual dysfunction, and reproductive organ damage. Gut microbiota exerts multidirectional effects on host metabolism, immunity, endocrinology, and the neural system, collectively forming a complex regulatory network for male reproduction. Among these, microbiota-derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), serotonin (5-HT), and secondary bile acids, function as systemic signaling molecules that exert direct and indirect effects on the testis through blood circulation and modulation of gut barrier integrity, regulation of systemic inflammation, epigenetic reprogramming, respectively. The potential and limitations of microbiota-targeted intervention strategies, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, traditional natural herbal extracts, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), are also discussed. Finally, we propose that future interventions should be tailored to individual gut microbiota profiles to achieve precise regulation of male reproductive function. This review aims to provide a new systems biology perspective for understanding the complex etiology of male infertility and to lay a theoretical foundation for the development of innovative microbiome-based diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.

This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of dichloromethanic, methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts of seventeen different selected Balkan medicinal herbs with ethnopharmacological interest, with the goal of identifying the most bioactive candidates for further investigation of their therapeutic efficacy in human diseases. A total of fifty-four extracts were initially screened; due to the high sample number, only the most active samples were advanced to subsequent assays in order to identify bioactive candidates with potential therapeutic efficacy in human diseases. The methanolic extract of Cotinus coggygria showed the highest radical scavenging activity (DPPH: 96.4% inhibition), the hydroalcoholic extract of Hypericum empetrifolium exhibited the most potent iron chelation (IC50: 5.0 μg/mL) and the methanolic extract of Sedum sediforme presented the best anti-inflammatory activity in in vitro assays (LOX IC50: 39.4 μg/mL, COX-1 inhibition: 93.1% and COX-2 inhibition: 94.0%). Furthermore, significant inhibition of tyrosinase and collagenase was observed for the methanolic extract of Cistus creticus (94.2% tyrosinase inhibition, 86.8% collagenase inhibition) and the methanolic extract of Cotinus coggygria (83.1% tyrosinase inhibition, 96.1% collagenase inhibition). In vivo, five promising plant extracts were selected and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in female C57BL/6 mice. The study aimed to assess the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential of these extracts under acute inflammatory conditions. The methanolic extract of Cotinus coggygria proved the most active, significantly reducing paw edema by 34% compared to the non-treated control, indicating a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect and supporting its potential as a source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic relevance. The results of this study indicate that several selected herbal extracts exhibit notable pharmacological activities. Given their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and inhibitory properties against enzymes related to skin function, these extracts warrant further in vivo and (pre)clinical investigation for potential use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products targeting skin disorders associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.

Traditional Chinese medicine-based self-assembled nanomaterials for cancer therapy.

The increasing consumer preference for natural health-promoting products has fueled the development of herbal-extract-enriched functional beverages. These products bridge the gap between nutrition and therapy, offering bioactive compounds that contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and gut health benefits. This review explored the integration of herbal extracts into hot and cold beverages, focusing on the challenges and innovations in food processing. Physicochemical parameters and emerging encapsulation techniques to enhance bioavailability are discussed. Sensory properties have been analyzed in recent hedonic and descriptive sensory studies, emphasizing consumer acceptance and strategies for improving palatability. Preclinical and clinical evidence has demonstrated the health benefits of widely used herbs. In addition, safety profiles, dosage recommendations, potential herb-drug interactions, and regulatory frameworks were critically examined. This review concludes with insights into future directions, including personalized herbal nutrition, AI-assisted formulation, and sustainable ingredient sourcing, highlighting the potential of herbal beverages in functional food systems and preventive health care.

Determination of fifteen compounds in rat plasma by UHPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS for pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Euonymi herba extract.

Titanium platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) usage as sustained drug delivery system (SDDS) has been recently started. Hence present study aimed to evaluate hard tissue regenerative efficacy of T-PRF clots incorporated with amoxiclav (AMX)/metronidazole (MET)/neem (NE) gels individually in osseous defects created in Wistar rats. In this in vivo animal model trial, 12 female Wistar rats were procured and subjected to ligature induced periodontitis. Bone defects were created and incorporated with T-PRF plain, T-PRF clots+AMX/MET/NE gels individually. Rats were sacrificed after 2 months and checked under light microscopy and micro (μ)-computed tomography analysis for bone regeneration. Frequency distribution percentages, chi-square test, ANOVA and un-paired t-test were used for conducting the statistical analysis. Inflammatory response was reported in T-PRF+MET Group followed by AMX Group and no inflammatory response was recorded for T-PRF plain with statistical significance (P=0.008), for mineralized and un-mineralized bone formation there was no significant difference (P=0.133). Mean comparisons of bone density there was no significant difference (P=0.545) among all (AMX=551.00±18.68, MET=578.00±18.25, NE=569.00±24.58, T-PRF plain=507.67±118.50). For gene expression significantly (P<0.001) higher alkaline phosphatase and bone morphogenetic protein-2 levels were recorded for T-PRF+NE Group (7.60±3.04, 10.85±1.28) followed by MET (4.65±1.52, 4.64±0.45)>AMX (2.47±0.84, 1.89±0.18)>T-PRF plain (1.00±0.00, 1.00±0.00). Research results showed that T-PRF can be a SDDS and addition of antibiotics or herbal extract didn't alter the hard tissue healing property of T-PRF and resulted in new bone formation.

Memory impairment is a progressive neurocognitive condition characterized by a decline in learning, retention, and recall abilities, often associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Existing synthetic nootropics such as piracetam show efficacy but are limited by adverse effects and cost, highlighting the need for safer alternatives. Medicinal plants like Salvia officinalis and Centella asiatica possess bioactive constituents such as eugenol and thymol with known neuroprotective, antioxidant, and cholinergic-modulating properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the memory enhancing potential of a polyherbal formulation combining S. officinalis and C. asiatica using the rectangular maze model in mice. Swiss albino mice (25–30 g) were divided into four groups (n = 6 each). Group I served as the normal control (0.9% w/v normal saline), Group II received the standard drug piracetam (150 mg/kg), and Groups III and IV received the test formulations (polyherbal powder of S. officinalis + C. asiatica in a 50:50 ratio) at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses, respectively. The rectangular maze apparatus was used to assess learning and memory based on latency time the duration taken by each mouse to travel from the start box to the goal box. Trials were conducted at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after administration. Control animals exhibited the highest latency (63.75 ± 1.50 s at 2 h), while the standard piracetam group showed a significant reduction in latency time (47.50 ± 2.08 s). Both test groups demonstrated a dose-dependent improvement, with Group III (100 mg/kg) showing moderate reduction (52.00 ± 1.63 s) and Group IV (200 mg/kg) exhibiting further decline (53.25 ± 1.26 s initially, reduced to 41.75 ± 1.71 s at 24 h). The decreasing latency across successive trials indicates enhanced learning and retention. These findings suggest that the polyherbal formulation improves spatial memory comparable to the standard drug. The combination of Salvia officinalis and Centella asiatica significantly enhanced learning and memory in mice, as evidenced by reduced latency time in the rectangular maze paradigm. The observed effects may be attributed to the synergistic antioxidant, cholinergic, and neuroprotective actions of the phytoconstituents. This study supports the potential of the polyherbal formulation as a promising natural alternative for cognitive enhancement and management of memory impairments.

The current study investigates the antibacterial properties and plasmid-curing effects of Anacyclus pyrethrum extract in conjunction with Ginkgo biloba extract on Streptococcus mutans and other Streptococcus species in patients with dental caries and periodontitis. The antibacterial evaluation was performed utilising Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). While Ginkgo biloba extract necessitated 9 mg/mL to attain comparable results, Anacyclus pyrethrum extract achieved this at 8 mg/mL with S. mutans. The extract activation rate exceeded 81%. The experiment revealed that G. biloba required a dosage of 24 mg/mL, but A. pyrethrum necessitated 20 mg/mL to eradicate all the germs. Among all Streptococcus species, S. mutans demonstrated the most significant resistance to tetracycline and the least resistance to ciprofloxacin, while other Streptococcus species showed varying antibiotic resistances. The plasmid elimination assays revealed that the herbal extracts effectively eradicated plasmids in S. mutans, hence inhibiting plasmid replication and resulting in a diminished band intensity on plasmid staining compared to the ampicillin-treated samples. A. pyrethrum and G. biloba have shown their efficacy as anti-resistance therapeutic agents against oral infections owing to their antibacterial properties and plasmid-curing capabilities. The study demonstrates how these herbal extracts may serve as an alternative to conventional antibiotics in the natural treatment of tooth infections. They must possess clinical relevance, necessitating additional research involving actual individuals.

Aim:To evaluate the effect of chemical and herbal disinfectants on the surface roughness of gutta-percha cones. Materials and Methods:Eighty F3 ProTaper gutta-percha cones were randomly divided into five groups (n = 16): control, lemongrass oil, basil oil, licorice oil, and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Antimicrobial activity of the herbal extracts was assessed against Enterococcus faecalis using the agar diffusion test. The cones were immersed in the respective disinfectants for 5 minutes and evaluated under scanning electron microscopy at 100× and 300× magnifications. Surface changes were categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or no changes. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chisquare test. Results:The control group showed no surface alterations. Sodium hypochlorite produced predominantly moderate surface changes. Licorice oil exhibited minimal surface alterations, whereas lemongrass oil and basil oil caused severe surface changes in most samples. The differences among the groups were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion:The type of disinfectant significantly influences the surface roughness of gutta-percha cones. Licorice oil demonstrated minimal surface alterations and may be considered a safer herbal alternative for chairside disinfection.

Liquid-filled stick microextraction with a built-in acidifier enabling pH-adjustment-free analysis of illegal NSAIDs in herbal extracts

Roxburgh fig (Ficus auriculata Lour.), an underutilised fruit species native to Asia, possesses high nutritional value and bioactive compounds, offering significant health benefits. Despite the recognised nutritional and medicinal value of F. auriculata, there is limited scientific evidence on its utilization for standardised wine production, particularly in combination with functional herbal extracts. Hence, the study aims to utilize Roxburgh fig to produce wine enriched with leaf extracts of gotu kola (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.) and vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty) root extracts and to optimise fermentation parameters, as well as to develop pilot-scale production technology. The study was conducted using eight different concentrations of herbal blends (2, 4, 6 and 8 % of gotu kola and vetiver) along with a control (fruit pulp). During the standardisation of herbal blended wine, T2 and T6 (2 % gotu kola and vetiver extract, respectively) resulted in significantly high alcohol (9.08-9.12 %) and lower reducing sugar content (6.91-6.93 mg/mL). It was comparable with the control (9.28 % alcohol and 6.40 mg mL-1 reducing sugar). However, the highest overall acceptability score (4.1) was obtained in T2 (fruit pulp with 2 % gotu kola leaf extract). Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MTCC 178) culture at a 3 % concentration, with a pH level of 4.5 and a temperature of 30 °C, was found to be optimum for maximum alcohol production, resulting in higher sensory evaluation scores. This study demonstrates that roxburgh fig, combined with moderate concentrations of herbal extracts, can produce high-quality, sensory-appealing wine.

Exploring efficient strategies to discriminate bioactive natural isomers using nucleic acids is of great importance to advanced biosensing platform development and pharmaceutical discovery. The DNA duplex-based strategy gets trouble in discriminating isomers containing conjugated multicycles like natural protoberberine alkaloids due to their comparable affinities with the universally retentive helix structure. Herein, we developed an isomerization transmission-to-G-quadruplex (IT2G4) strategy to discriminate protoberberine alkaloid isomers, as exemplified using coptisine (COP) and isocoptisine (iCOP) that involve only one adjacent positional isomerization. COP binds in a 2:1 mode with the human telomeric G-quadruplex (htG4) without structural alteration, whereas iCOP transmits its isomerization feature to htG4 by uniquely switching the hybrid folding to an antiparallel chair structure via a 3:1 binding manner. This G4 remodeling, validated by CD, PAGE, and ITC, enables highly selective discrimination of iCOP from COP and even other alkaloid congeners. Based on this distinction, a dual TAMRA-labeled htG4 with self-quenched fluorescence was employed to develop a sensitive discrimination method. The iCOP-stabilized chair structure exhibits pronounced resistance to DNase I digestion, preventing fluorescence recovery in contrast to the facile digestion of htG4 upon binding with COP and other congeners. Finally, the method was successfully applied to quantify iCOP in herbal extracts. This work proves the IT2G4 strategy as a versatile, structure-switch-based platform for high-performance isomer discrimination and advances the potential regulation of htG4 bioactivity by designing iCOP-like anticancer pharmaceuticals in the future.