Herbal Medicine Research Articles

A Non-Standard Finite Difference Discretization Scheme Applied to a Malaria Model

In this research work, a dynamically consistent non-standard finite difference (NSFD) scheme is developed to solve a continuous-time model of malaria transmission with herbal medicine as control strategy. We compared results from NSFD scheme with the standard finite difference methods (4th order Runge-kutta and forward Euler methods). The numerical investigation showed that the proposed NSFD method remains consistent, preserves the positivity of solutions and converges to true equilibrium points of the continuous model independent of the step size h.

Bibliometric Analysis of Herbal Treatments for Male Infertility: Trends, Efficacy, and Future Directions

Male infertility, which affects approximately 7% of men worldwide, contributes significantly to overall infertility rates. This condition stems from complex genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Conventional treatments, including pharmacological and surgical options, often have limited efficacy and can cause adverse side effects, prompting growing interest in alternative treatments, particularly herbal medicine. This bibliometric analysis investigates trends, efficacy, safety, and future directions in the use of herbal treatments for male infertility. Using Scopus data and Biblioshiny for network visualization, the analysis evaluates publication trends, geographical and institutional contributions, funding sources, and the primary themes addressed in the field up to 2024. Findings indicate increasing research interest, particularly in China, Iran, and India, where traditional medicine systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are culturally significant. Despite promising results, especially from herbs such as Withania somnifera and Tribulus terrestris, the field lacks standardized formulations and rigorous clinical trials that confirm these remedies’ efficacy and safety. This study highlights the need for standardized methodologies and expanded international collaborations to ensure the global applicability of findings. Further research is essential to integrate these herbal treatments effectively into mainstream medical practices, offering culturally sensitive and scientifically validated treatment options.

Traditional Plants Based Treatment for Kidney Stones: Insight into Herbal Drugs

The deposition of hard crystals created by mineral or salt buildup in the urine canal leads to kidney stones, a frequent urinary tract issue. Urine flow obstruction and excruciating discomfort can be caused by kidney stones. Numerous processes can lead to oxidative stress, which raises the probability of kidney stones developing. The inflammatory response that results from kidney stones forming exacerbates oxidative stress further, creating a vicious cycle. This urological condition, which affects both male and female populations, is becoming more widespread worldwide. Planning the volume of urine produced is a crucial stage in the elimination of kidney stones. Surgery such as shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) is used to treat conditions when the stone has ceased passing through and is causing excruciating discomfort. Because of their medicinal and antioxidant properties, as well as their active substances, medicinal plants have positive benefits on human health. Regrettably, end-stage renal disease is frequently the consequence of side effects brought on the traditional medications used to treat nephrolithiasis. Kidney stones can be avoided by controlling nutrition intake, medication usage, and diet. Agents that are urolithotriptic are medicinal herbs. Examining the natural plants that are utilized to treat the illness is the goal of this review. Finding natural plants that can be used to cure kidney stones was made easier by this review. Keywords: Kidney stones, Urolithiasis, diuresis, herbal drug, calcium oxalate stone

Chinese herbal medicine, Tongxieyaofang, alleviates diarrhea via gut microbiota remodeling: evidence from network pharmacology and full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing

BackgroundTongxieyaofang (TXYF) was a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of diarrhea with liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome, but the potential targets and mechanisms have not been fully clarified. This study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of TXYF in alleviating diarrhea using network pharmacology and full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing.MethodsNetwork pharmacology was applied to identify bioactive compounds and potential targets involved in the role of TXYF in alleviating diarrhea. Meanwhile, a model of diarrhea with liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome was constructed by intragastric administration of Folium senna extract combined with restraint and tail pinch stress. The effect of TXYF on intestinal mucosal microbiota of diarrhea mice was analyzed by full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis showed that kaempferol, wogonin, naringenin, and nobiletin were compounds associated with the efficacy of TXYF. TXYF may alleviate diarrhea via multiple BPs and pathways, including TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, which are involved in TCM-gut microbiota-host interactions. Then, we found that TXYF administration reshaped the diversity and composition of the intestinal mucosal microbial community of diarrhea mice. Lactobacillus, primarily Lactobacillus johnsonii, was enriched by the administration of TXYF. After TXYF administration, the abundance of Lactobacillus, particularly Lactobacillus johnsonii, was enriched.ConclusionOral administration of TXYF may alleviate diarrhea through remodeling intestinal mucosal microbiota. Promoting the colonization of beneficial commensal bacteria in the intestinal mucosa through gut microbiota-host interactions may be a potential mechanism of TXYF in the treatment of diarrhea.

Depression, stress, and tryptophan metabolism through the kynurenine pathway: treatment strategies from the perspective of Chinese herbal medicine.

The pathogenesis of depression is complex, involving abnormalities in tryptophan (TRP) metabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP). Moreover, depression is closely related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the gut-brain axis, neuroinflammation, and stress. These factors collectively influence the multidimensional pathological mechanisms of depression. TRP, a fundamental amino acid, serves as a precursor for neuroactive metabolites vital to physiological functions. Central to TRP metabolism is the KP, and the imbalance between neurotoxic and neuroprotective metabolites is closely related to the onset and progression of depression. Therefore, maintaining the balance of KP metabolites is important. In this review, we have investigated the role of the KP in depression and explored the complexity of KP dysregulation and its therapeutic importance. Here, we highlight how a deeper understanding of the KP and its regulation can pave the way for new treatment strategies. Specifically, we have summarized the latest advances in elucidating the key mechanisms of rate-limiting enzyme inhibitors, providing insights into their potential therapeutic efficacy. In addition, we have explored the emerging field of Chinese herbal medicine, discussing its potential to regulate KP metabolites and alleviate depressive symptoms, thereby expanding the treatment options for depression. Our findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of depression and the necessity of interdisciplinary research to fully utilize KP regulation and Chinese herbal medicine as strategies to advance the treatment of depression.

Utilization of complementary and alternative medicine by patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease in Taiwan: a descriptive investigation.

Despite the paucity of scientific evidence, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used for the prevention and treatment of chronic illness, holistic care, and counteracting the adverse effects of conventional therapies. This study aims to determine the prevalence of CAM use and its associated factors among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in Taiwan. This quantitative study was conducted from August 2022 to July 2024 in the HD unit at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. Face-to-face questionnaire-based interviews were held with 154 of 163 eligible patients (response rate, 94.5%) at the bedside during HD. The completed questionnaires were entered into a secure computer database. Data was performed by descriptive analysis, Chi-square, and Fisher tests. More than half of the patients were CAM users (n = 86; 56%), and women was associated with significantly more usage of CAM. Fifty-six CAM users took Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), 52.3% (n = 45) used dietary supplements, and 19.8% (n = 17) used acupuncture. The benefit in the effectiveness of CAM was the main reason for use, the need of CAM to improve the well-being and HD-related complication was high. 32.7% of patients had used CAM based on recommendation from their family and friends. More than one-third (33.7%) of patients did not disclose their use of CAM to their doctors, most of them think it is unnecessary. The use of CAM by patients with maintenance HD was relatively frequent. Of these, most used CHM, of which are shown to the trend into routine HD care is inevitable by high coverage and utilization in Taiwanese national health insurance system. These findings indicate that it is important for health care providers working in dialysis to assess CAM use.

Herbal Drug Use to Treat Urolithiasis: An Updated Review

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 12% of the world's population suffers from urolithiasis, a disorder that causes stones to develop in the kidney, bladder, and/or urethra (the urinary system). The illness increases the likelihood of developing chronic renal illnesses in addition to impairing kidney function. Three phases make up the mechanism for the production of stones: nucleation, growth, and aggregation of crystals. Because of their medicinal and antioxidant properties, as well as their active substances, medicinal plants have positive benefits on human health. The traditional medicinal herbs' diuretic qualities are increasingly being backed by scientific research. Urinary calculi patients complain of hematuria, discomfort, or infection. Individuals with tiny, non-obstructing stones or staghorn calculi have moderate, easily managed symptoms in addition to other symptoms. The illness increases the likelihood of developing chronic renal illnesses in addition to impairing kidney function. Therefore, a plant's or a herbal formulation's antiurolithiatic effect may be the result of a combination of its antioxidant, diuretic, and crystallization-inhibiting properties. Keywords: Urolithiasis, diuresis, herbal drug, calcium oxalate stone

Prediction of the potentially suitable areas of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver in China under climate change based on optimized Biomod2 and MaxEnt models

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is a medicinal plant of significant economic importance. Its cortex has been employed for centuries to alleviate various conditions such as lumbar pain, knee pain, and osteoporosis. Additionally, E. ulmoides possesses substantial industrial value. With the growing demand for this medicinal herb, ensuring its sustainable supply has become imperative. Climate change has caused habitat restrictions or migration of medicinal plants. Therefore, predicting the impact of climate change on the distribution of E. ulmoides is crucial for its conservation and sustainable use. This study evaluated the potential distribution of E. ulmoides across China under various climate change scenarios since the last interglacial period by modeling suitable areas based on 257 distribution records and 19 major environmental factors related to E. ulmoides. The model selection process initially identified the MaxEnt model as the most suitable. The optimized MaxEnt model, with RM = 2.0 and FC = LQHPT settings, generated the most precise predictions. Results indicate that the minimum temperature of the coldest month, annual mean temperature, and annual precipitation significantly affect the distribution of E. ulmoides. Under current environmental conditions, highly suitable areas for E. ulmoides are found in Southwest and Southeast China, with a total suitable habitat area of 23.12 × 104 km2. However, the range of suitable habitat has shifted due to global warming’s negative impact. Under different climate scenarios, suitable areas for E. ulmoides have either increased or decreased, with expansions primarily in high-latitude regions. Future climate scenarios predict shifts in the centroid of suitable E. ulmoides habitat towards Yichang City in Hubei Province. The findings of this study support the development, artificial cultivation, and conservation of E. ulmoides resources.

Astilbin improves the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells in AKI-CKD mice by regulating macrophage polarization through PTGS2-mediated pathway.

Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proven to be appropriate candidates for the treatment of AKI-CKD, their efficacy is limited and variable. Astilbin (AST) had a protective effect on MSCs from oxidative stress via ROS-scavenging, however, whether it can improve MSCs' renoprotection and the underlying mechanism need to be elucidated. AST-pretreated MSCs were administered intravenously into the ischemia-reperfusion injury mice models and the renal function, pathological changes and inflammation. Were evaluated. In addition, DARTS, molecular docking, surface plasma resonance(SPR), dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and the ChIP-PCR were utilized to explore the potential signaling pathways through which AST exert renal protective effects on MSCs. AST-pretreated MSCs markedly improved kidney function, reduced kidney pathological injury and inflammation in AKI and AKI-CKD mice. RNA-seq results showed that PTGS2 related pathway was significantly up-regulated in MSCs after AST pretreatment. DARTS assay, molecular docking and SPR assay revealed that AST could bind with the transcriptional factor of Kruppel-Like Factor 4(KLF4) protein. The promoter of PTGS2 had the binding and transcriptional activation by KLF4. Furthermore, AST pretreatment promoted the secretion of PGE2 in MSCs. And then the westren blot results showed that the protein levels of CD163 and CD206 were upregulated after coculture in AST-pretreated MSCs, indicating that the polarization of RAW264.7 cells towards M2-like macrophages was induced. Knockdown of PTGS2 reversed the ability of AST-pretreated MSCs in converting macrophages to M2 phenotype and reducing their therapeutic effects on AKI-CKD mice. AST pretreatment enhances the efficacy of MSCs on AKI and AKI-CKD mice by inducing of M2-like phenotype polarization in macrophages through the PTGS2-mediated pathway. This approach not only provides a novel strategy to strengthen the capability of MSCs but also helps elucidate the beneficial effects of the Chinese herbal medicine AST.

Complete chloroplast genomes of three Polygala species and indel marker development for identification of authentic polygalae radix (Polygala tenuifolia).

In Korea, only Polygala tenuifolia is registered as Polygalae Radix in the pharmacopoeia, while in China, both P. tenuifolia and P. sibirica are used equally. Accurate identification of herbal medicines is crucial for their safety and efficacy, but commercial products are typically sold in dried form, making morphological distinction difficult. Therefore, a quick and accurate method to distinguish P. tenuifolia is necessary for proper utilization of medicinal herb. We aimed to identify specific molecular markers for P. tenuifolia to avoid confusion regarding its pharmacological efficacy and to evaluate the classification of Polygala using plastid phylogenetic data. We analyzed the sequences of three species distributed in Korea, P. tenuifolia, P. japonica, and P. sibirica, and assembled their chloroplast genome sequences. Comparative analysis revealed regions of local divergence, and six molecular markers were developed from these hotspots. Additionally, a phylogenetic tree was constructed to determine the phylogenetic positions of the three Polygala species. The marker successfully identified the three Polygala species, and all commercial products and breeding lines tested were confirmed to be P. tenuifolia and recognized as authentic. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. tenuifolia forms a distinct cluster from P. sibirica and P. japonica. We determined the chloroplast genomes of the three Polygala species and performed phylogenetic tree analysis and marker development. Indel markers were developed to identify the critical herbal species, P. tenuifolia. This comprehensive study of the Polygala chloroplast genome provides useful information for P. tenuifolia identification.

Volatolomics in Fritillarias and Their Identification by Orientation Controlled cMOF Thin Film Chemiresistors

Comprehensive SummaryAs one of the famous traditional Chinese herbal medicines, Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (FCB) is widely used in the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases and has the best curative effect among the known fritillarias medicines. Due to the variety, complex sources, similar appearance and shape, it is difficult to distinguish FCB with high curative effect (h‐FCB) from other common fritillarias (c‐FCB) in the market. In this paper, a very simple chemiresistor is used to identify FCB from three commonly used fritillarias drugs. The sensors are fabricated by anisotropic electrically conductive metal‐organic framework (cMOF) thin film Cu3(HHTP)2 (Cu‐HHTP[001] and Cu‐HHTP[100]) as active materials owing to their ability to detect specific groups of volatile organic compounds (volatolomics) as the functional motifs of chemiresistor. As a result, the sensors show orientation‐dependence identification ability to FCB. Cu‐HHTP[001]‐ based sensor shows the highest response (344.17%) to 0.5 g h‐FCB powder volatiles among its three other c‐FCB which is much higher than Cu‐HHTP[100] (135.50%). Ultimately, Cu‐HHTP[001] can realize the identification of FCB with an accuracy of 97.2% in a simple and real‐time manner.

Rhus verniciflua stokes extract, a traditional herbal medicine, combined with first-line chemotherapy for unresectable locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer: a prospective observational pilot study

Rhus verniciflua stokes extract, a traditional herbal medicine, combined with first-line chemotherapy for unresectable locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer: a prospective observational pilot study

Clinical efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine formula for Graves' hyperthyroidism: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine,Graves' disease (GD) is called 'Ying Bing', which is a kind of goiter. Haizao Yuhu decoction, originated from the medical book of the Ming Dynasty 'Waikezhengzong', is a classic Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of 'Ying Bing' for more than 400 years. Pingkang granules, modified from the Chinese herbal formula Haizao Yuhu decoction specialized in GD, has shown effectiveness in several single-centre studies. However, high-quality clinical evidence for the management of GD using Pingkang granules remains insufficient. To obtain high-quality medical evidence for the treatment of GD with Pingkang granules through randomized controlled clinical trial. A multicentre, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was designed. A total of 186 patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism from five medical centers were randomly assigned to receive methimazole [MMI] and Pingkang granules placebo (group A), MMI and Pingkang granules (group B), or MMI placebo and Pingkang granules (group C) in a 1:1:1 ratio for 12 weeks. The primary clinical outcomes were serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels from baseline until the end of the research. Secondary clinical outcomes included serum thyrotrophin receptor antibody (TRAb) levels at 4- and 12-weeks post-intervention, thyroid volume, peak systolic velocity of the superior thyroid artery (STA-PSV), 39-item version of Thyroid-Related Patient-Reported Outcome (ThyPRO39) scores, and safety assessment included blood routine, liver and kidney function tests from baseline to the endpoint. 150 patients were included in the full analysis set for efficacy analysis, including 48, 50, and 52 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. At the endpoint, three regimens significantly reduced serum FT3 levels (group A, p=0.0027; group B, p<0.0001; group C, p=0.0028) and FT4 levels (group A, p<0.0001; group B, p<0.0001; group C, p<0.0001), and the combination of MMI and Pingkang granules markedly reduced serum TRAb levels (p=0.0014). The thyroid volume in group A was significantly larger than that at baseline at week 12 (p=0.0370), and there were no statistically significant differences in the thyroid volume among groups at week 4 (p=0.7485) and 12 (p=0.1333). STA-PSV values in group B were significantly higher than those in group A at week 4 (p=0.0409). The STA-PSV levels in groups A (p<0.0001) and C (p=0.0025) were significantly lower than those at baseline at week 4, and STA-PSV levels in all groups were significantly lower than those at baseline at week 12 (group A, p=0.0095; group B, p=0.0138; group C, p=0.0423). Pingkang granule monotherapy significantly ameliorated symptoms related to hyperthyroidism (p<0.0001), eye (p=0.0490), tiredness (p<0.0001), cognition (p<0.0001), depression (p=0.0478), and susceptibility (p=0.0052). No severe adverse events were reported in either group or three regimens showed similar safety. Pingkang granules significantly reduced serum FT3, FT4 and STA-PSV levels, improved ThyPRO39 scores, and lowered serum TRAb levels when combined with MMI in patients with Grave's hyperthyroidism.

Jinwu Jiangu capsule attenuates rheumatoid arthritis via the SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 pathway in M1 macrophages.

JinWu JianGu capsule (JWJGC) is a Chinese herbal medicine that alleviates the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism of action requires further investigation.. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of JWJGC on RA via the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ferroptosis. JWJGC was administered to rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) via oral gavage for 28 days. In vitro, M1 macrophages were pre-treated with JWJGC-containing serum. After assessing joint swelling and physiologic, the M1/M2 macrophage ratio was detected in CIA rats. The levels of ROS markers were assessed in the serum and cell supernatants. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses were employed to check lipid metabolism, and changes in mitochondrial morphology during ferroptosis were detected by transmission electron microscopy. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR were performed to validate these results. JWJGC ameliorated CIA by reducing ROS levels in rats. It also restored the balance of the M1/M2 macrophage ratio and reduced the levels of macrophage-related inflammatory markers. Additionally, JWJGC affected lipid metabolism to alleviate inflammation by downregulating lipids associated with ferroptosis. It attenuated ferroptosis by modulating glutathione (GSH)/ Glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) expression in CIA rats. In vitro, JWJGC targeted M1 macrophages via the solute carrier family 7a member 11 (SLC7A11)/GSH/GPX4 signaling pathway. This study showed that JWJGC improved RA, primarily through the integrated regulation of the SLC7A11/GSH/GPX4 pathway in M1 macrophages. These findings provide an innovative therapeutic basis for RA treatment and expanding the clinical applications of JWJGC.

Self-Medication with Herbal Medicine Among Young Adult Cancer Patients: A Prospective Monocentric Study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of the self-use of plants in cancer patients and its impact on overall survival (OS). Methods: This was a prospective study including young adult patients collected between January 15, 2018 and January 15, 2019 in the department of medical oncology at the Habib Bourguiba University Hospital. All patients were questioned about the concept of taking herbs. We compared OS among those who received plants versus the nonusers. Results: A total of 223 patients were included. The average age was 35 ± 4 years. Ninety-seven patients had taken plants. Sixty patients had consumed alenda (61.8%), and 36 patients had received graviola (37.1%). Ten patients have had diarrhea (10.3%), 10 cytolysis (10.3%), 11 cholestasis (11.3%), 15 thrombocytosis (15.4%), 17 leukocytosis (17.5%), and 13 anemia (13.4%). OS at 5 years was 67.1%. It was lower in patients consuming the plants (54% vs. 83%, p = 0.023). Conclusion: Factors associated with a decrease in the 5-year OS were metastatic stage and plant consumption.

Elucidating the gastroprotective mechanisms of Imperata cylindrica Beauv.var. major (Nees) C.E.Hubb through UHPLC-MS/MS and systems network pharmacology.

Imperata cylindrica Beauv.var. major (Nees) C.E.Hubb., commonly known as BaiMaoGen (BMG), a medicinal and edible traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) herb commonly used in health supplements, has been observed to offer protective effects against gastrointestinal disorders. However, the specific bioactive compounds and their molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study employed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and systematic network pharmacology to analyze and identify the key active components and their interactions with biological targets. Thirty-six main active compounds, including 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, were identified and analyzed for their interaction with key protein targets using molecular docking and dynamic simulations. This combined approach highlighted the therapeutic pathways involved, particularly the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, providing new insights into the molecular basis of BMG's gastroprotective effects. Our findings suggested that BMG's complex multi-target action can potentially be harnessed to develop effective treatments for gastrointestinal toxicity.

Mechanism of medical hemorrhoid gel in relieving pruritus ani via inhibiting the activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway

BackgroundPruritus ani (PA), a neurofunctional dermatosis, is one of the most common complications of hemorrhoids, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Medical hemorrhoid gel (MHG), a product mainly composed of herbal medicine, is widely used for treatment of PA clinically. This study aim to assess the alleviating effect and mechanism of MHG on PA based on rectal epidermis-spinal cord-brain axis using animal models.MethodsA chloroquine-induced mouse itching model and a croton oil preparation-induced rat hemorrhoid model were established to evaluate anti-PA effect of MHG. Scratching behaviors of mice were recorded, and histopathology of mice skin and rat ano-rectal tissues was observed through H&amp;amp;E staining. Network pharmacology and western blotting were employed to explore potential mechanism of MHG.ResultsThe study indicated that MHG significantly alleviated chloroquine-induced skin itching and improved pathological injuries in mice skin and rat ano-rectal tissues. Network pharmacology suggested that MHG might regulate the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Experimental findings showed that MHG significantly downregulated TRPV1 and TRPA1 in rectal tissue, c-Fos and GRPR in spinal cord tissue, and 5-HT1a protein in brain tissue, while upregulating TRPM8 protein in rectal tissue. Furthermore, MHG inhibited the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the rectal epidermis-spinal cord-brain axis.ConclusionMHG improves PA by inhibiting the transmission of itching signals in rectal epidermis-spinal cord-brain axis via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, providing experimental evidence for its clinical application.

In vitro antifungal activities of medicinal plants used for treatment of candidiasis in Pader district, Northern Uganda.

The emergence of multidrug resistant Candida species to available drugs has led to renewed interest in the use of herbal medicines globally. This study scientifically verified antifungal effectiveness of five commonly used plant species in Pader district, against selected pathogenic candida strains. Powdered roots of Momordica foetida, Sansevieria dawei and Distimake dissectus; and stem barks of Khaya anthotheca and Mitragyna rubrostipulatawere extracted sequentially using petroleum ether and methanol, respectively; and total water extraction at 24.4°C (maceration), 60°C (decoction) and boiling water at 87°C (hot water infusion). Extracts and their combinations, positive controls (amphotericin B, and fluconazole) and negative control (80% dimethyl sulfoxide, verified to be tolerable concentration to the tested Candida species) were screened and verified for their antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC: American Type Culture Collection reference strain 10231, ATCC 90028, 0770a and 0796), C. glabrata (VVc 004, ATCC 2950) and C. tropicalis (ATCC 750 and 0210) using agar well diffusion and broth micro-dilution, respectively. Aqueous extract (24.4°C) of M. rubrostipulata (ZOI: 18.00 ± 1.00 to 38.33 ± 0.17; MIC: 3.13 ± 0.00 to 20.83 ± 4.17; MFC: 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00), methanol extract of K. anthotheca (10.11 ± 0.31 to 15.11 ± 0.65; 1.04 ± 0.26 to 12.50 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 100.00 ± 0.00), and combination of aqueous extract (60°C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca (7.89 ± 0.26 to 19.67 ± 0.37; 0.78 ± 0.00 to 50.00 ± 0.00; 12.50 ± 0.00 to 200.00 ± 0.00) exhibited broad spectrum antifungal activities and were fungistatic against all tested Candida species, which comprised 8 clinical/control and susceptible/resistant strains. None of the conventional drugs used demonstrated broad spectrum antifungal activity across all tested Candida species/strains. Methanol extract of K. anthotheca, aqueous extract (24.4°C) of M. rubrostipulata, and combination of aqueous extract (60°C) of D. dissectus + methanol extract of K. anthotheca could be effective in the treatment of candidiasis. They demonstrated potential broad spectrum antifungal activity against different species and strains of tested Candida than the fluconazole and amphotericin B drugs. Their fungistatic nature showed their ability to inhibit fungal growth. Hence, these extracts/extract combination can offer better treatment option for candidiasis if they are standardized and also their active curative compounds isolated and made into antifungal drugs.

Revealing the potential therapeutic mechanism of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos in Alzheimer’s disease: a computational biology approach

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disease without a cure. Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, possesses a neuroprotective effect, but its mechanisms for AD are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate potential targets and constituents of LJF against AD.MethodsNetwork pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses were performed to screen potential compounds and targets. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets related to AD patients were used to screen core targets of differential expression. Gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) was used to validate the correlation between core target genes and major causative genes of AD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of core targets based on GEO datasets. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation were conducted to analyze the binding affinities of effective compounds with core targets.ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis showed that 112 intersection targets were identified. Bioinformatics analysis displayed that 32 putative core targets were identified from 112 intersection targets. Only eight core targets were differentially expressed based on GEO datasets. Finally, six core targets of MAPK8, CTNNB1, NFKB1, EGFR, BCL2, and NFE2L2 were related to AD progression and had good predictive ability based on correlation and ROC analyses. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation analyses elucidated that the component of lignan interacted with EGFR, the component of β-carotene interacted with CTNNB1 and BCL2, the component of β-sitosterol interacted with BCL2, the component of hederagenin interacted with NFKB1, the component of berberine interacted with EGFR and BCL2, and the component of baicalein interacted with NFKB1, EGFR and BCL2.ConclusionThrough a comprehensive analysis, this study revealed that six core targets (MAPK8, CTNNB1, NFKB1, EGFR, BCL2, and NFE2L2) and six practical components (lignan, β-carotene, β-sitosterol, hederagenin, berberine, and baicalein) were involved in the mechanism of action of LJF against AD. Our work demonstrated that LJF effectively treats AD through its multi-component and multi-target properties. The findings of this study will establish a theoretical basis for the expanded application of LJF in AD treatment and, hopefully, can guide more advanced experimental research in the future.

Detection and discovery of plant viruses in Disporopsis through high-throughput sequencing

BackgroundDisporopsis, a member of the Liliaceae family and a perennial herb, is predominantly cultivated in southwestern and southeastern China. Its rhizome, referred to as Zhugenqi, serves as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for the treatment of bone injuries. However, viral diseases have emerged as a significant challenge in the cultivation of Disporopsis.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify and characterize viruses present in diseased samples of Disporopsis spp. using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to enhance the understanding of the virome associated with Disporopsis and to inform diagnostic and control strategies for viral diseases in this plant.MethodsDiseased samples of Disporopsis spp. were subjected to HTS and RT-PCR for virus identification. A total of five viruses were detected, including three novel viruses and two known viruses. The novel viruses were provisionally named Disporopsis chlorotic stripe virus (DCSV), Disporopsis pernyi-associated partitivirus (DaPTV), and Disporopsis pernyi-associated lispi-like virus (DaLV). Sequence identity and phylogenetic analyses were performed to confirm the novelty and taxonomic placement of these viruses.ResultsDCSV exhibited polyprotein sequence identities ranging from 47.6% to 83.6% with other potyviruses, with the highest identity (83.6%) shared with Polygonatum kingianum virus 5 (PKgV5). DaLV shared an amino acid sequence identity of 34.59% with maize suscal virus (MSV), and DaPTV shared an identity of 76.18–85.10% with Paris alphapartitivirus (ParAPV). Phylogenetic analyses supported the potential classification of the three novel viruses as new members of their respective genera. Two isolates of polygonatum mosaic-associated virus 1 (PMaV1) were identified in Disporopsis for the first time, showing divergences of 96.33% and 98.86% from existing isolates. RT-PCR analysis of 67 Disporopsis field samples collected from four cities in China revealed that more than half of the samples tested positive for at least one of the five viruses. PMaV1 and DaLV were the most prevalent, detected in 22 and 34 out of the 67 samples, respectively. Other viruses were detected at low rates and/or had limited distribution.ConclusionThis study provides insights into the virome infecting Disporopsis and offers valuable information for the diagnosis and control of viral diseases in this plant. The identification of five viruses, including three potential new members of their respective genera, contributes to the understanding of the viral threats to Disporopsis cultivation.