Major Herb Research Articles

Ayurvedic Approaches to Managing Premature Greying of Hair: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract: Premature Greying of Hair (PGH) is attributed to reduced melanin levels and melanocyte degeneration, with conventional chemical treatments often linked to serious health risks, such as cancer and nephrotoxicity. This review introduces Ayurvedic remedies as a novel, natural approach for PGH, targeting the condition by rebalancing Bhrājaka Pitta. Central to this approach is the innovative Vedic plant taxonomy, a unique classification system based on ancient principles that ensures precise identification of Ayurvedic herbs, significantly advancing the accuracy and effectiveness of plant-based therapies for hair pigmentation. Major herbs like Bhṛñgarāja (Eclipta prostrata), Yaṣṭimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Āmrāsthi (Mangifera indica), Vibhītakī (Terminalia bellirica), Japākusuma (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and many others mentioned in classical texts for their ability to stimulate melanogenesis, strengthen hair follicles, and restore pigmentationare highlighted for their distinctive therapeutic properties. Integrating Vedic taxonomy with Ayurveda’s holistic remedies establishes a groundbreaking framework for PGH treatment and sets these natural therapies apart from conventional options. By enabling accurate plant identification, Vedic taxonomy facilitates the seamless integration of traditional plant knowledge into modern scientific frameworks, serving as a transformative tool for researchers and taxonomists. With rising interest in natural alternatives, these ancient Ayurvedic solutions, rich in active compounds such as alkaloids and flavonoids, offer a safe, effective, and innovative approach to PGH management. This review, thus, positions Vedic taxonomy and Ayurvedic remedies at the forefront of cosmetic science, bridging timeless wisdom with therapeutic innovation to redefine hair care.

Simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins in Radix Dipsaci and estimation of exposure risk for consumers

Like many traditional Chinese herbal medicines, preparations from Radix Dipsaci are at risk of contamination by harmful mycotoxins; however, there have been no reports of actual contamination. In this study, we developed an analytical method to simultaneously detect eight mycotoxins in Radix Dipsaci and estimate the exposure risk for consumers. We have developed an analytical method utilizing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to accurately determine the levels of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, OTA, ZEN, T-2 and ST mycotoxins in 45 batches of Radix Dipsaci sourced from major medicinal herb markets across five regions in China. We also analyzed migration of mycotoxins from the raw herbs into water decoction. Based on these results and data on human consumption of the herbal medicine, we estimated risk of exposure and acceptable exposure limits to mycotoxins in the Radix Dipsaci using the “margin of exposure (MOE)” method. Of the 45 batches of Radix Dipsaci, 48.89% contained at least one of the eight mycotoxins, 24.44% contained one, 17.78% contained two and 6.67% contained three. The most frequent mycotoxins were aflatoxin B1, present in 35.56% of batches (at 0.25–34.84 μg/kg); aflatoxin G1, 15.56% (1.99–44.05 μg/kg); and ochratoxin A, 22.22% (16.11–143.38 μg/kg). These three mycotoxins transferred from the raw herb into water decoction at respective rates of 20.20%, 29.14%, and 24.80%. The 95th percentile values of the MOE risk factors for health effects of AFB1 were below 10,000 at high doses but above 10,000 at low doses of Radix Dipsaci long-term treatment. With the reduction in duration of exposure years, the MOE values of AFB1 and AFG1 gradually reverted to within the acceptable range. The mean, 50th, and 95th percentile values of the MOE risk factors for health effects of OTA exceeded 10,000 regardless of whether consumers received a low or high dose of Radix Dipsaci treatment for durations ranging from 1 to lifetime. Based on this exposure and a typical human diet, we have estimated the respective 20-year exposure limits for Radix Dipsaci to be 5.821 μg/kg, 4.035 μg/kg, and 56.073 μg/kg for the three mycotoxins under consideration. Contamination with multiple mycotoxins is frequently observed in Radix Dipsaci, and the three most prevalent contaminants have been found to leach into water decoctions, thereby posing a potential health hazard for individuals consuming this herbal preparation. This work highlights the need to monitor herbal medicines for mycotoxin contamination in order to protect consumers.

Monitoring and analysis of the distribution of pests of major exportable herbs (Amla, Pakhanved, and Nagbeli) in Nepal

Monitoring and analysis of the distribution of pests of major exportable herbs (Amla, Pakhanved, and Nagbeli) in Nepal

Several major herb pairs containing Coptidis rhizoma: a review of key traditional uses, constituents and compatibility effects.

Herb compatibility is the soul of traditional Chinese Medicine prescriptions. Coptidis rhizoma (CR) (Coptis chinensis Franch., Coptis deltoidea C.Y.Cheng et Hsiao, or Coptis teeta Wall.; family Ranunculaceae), is a well-known herb. The bitter and cold nature of CR can irritate the spleen and stomach, and certain ingredients in CR may trigger allergic reactions. Herb combinations can help alleviate the side effects caused by CR. Through data analysis and literature research, there are many herbs combined with CR have a high frequency, but only a few are currently used as formulae in clinical practice. The results showed that these six herb pairs are usually widely studied or used as prescriptions in the clinic. This paper describes the six herb pairs from the key traditional uses, changes in bioactive constituents, and compatibility effects, especially with Euodiae fructus (family Rutaceae), Scutellariae radix (family Lamiaceae), Magnoliae Officinalis cortex (family Magnoliaceae), Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma (family Fabaceae), Ginseng radix et rhizoma (family Araliaceae), and Aucklandiae radix (family Asteraceae), and found that herbs are more effective when used in combination. Therefore, it is feasible to establish some methods to study herb pairs comprehensively from different perspectives. This paper aims to provide the latest and most comprehensive information on the six herb pairs and summarize the pattern of CR compatibility effects. It aims to attract more attention, and further experimental studies will be conducted to investigate and evaluate the effects of herb pairs containing CR. These data can also provide valuable references for researchers and also provide more possibilities for future applications in clinical practice and new drug development.

A robust set of qPCR methods to evaluate adulteration in major spices and herbs

Consumers and companies associated with food or pharmaceuticals rely on spices and herbs in various forms. Their intricate supply chains, elevated prices, and low-volume production render them vulnerable to fraudulent practices. However, comprehensive methodologies to detect adulterants remain scarce, impeding national control laboratories from enforcing European and national legislation. In this study, we present quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) methods designed to identify the top five adulterants of each of six commonly consumed spices and herbs: paprika/chili, turmeric, saffron, cumin, oregano and black pepper. The specificity of each method was confirmed by qPCR analysis of a large collection of relevant plant species. Each authentic sample was combined with its respective top five adulterants as identified in the European Union-wide coordinated control plan on herbs and spices in 2021 or in the existing literature. These binary mixtures were used to evaluate the method's performance with respect to sensitivity, linearity and trueness at four levels of adulterants concentration. Detection was also investigated in multi-adulterated samples. These SYBR™ Green-based qPCR methods enable the specific detection of adulterants, and their sensitivity allows for the distinction between inadvertent contamination and deliberate adulteration. Altogether, these methods contribute to safeguard the authenticity of these high-value commodities.

Ethnobotany and Phytochemical Composition of Alchornea Cordifolia in Abia State Nigeria

Alchornea cordifolia is one of the medicinal plants used in treatment of several medical challenges in Nigeria. The study was carried out to document the medicinal values of different parts of A. cordifolia in Ekebedi Oboro ancient Kingdom, and profile its bioactive constituents. The ethno-botanical survey involved oral interview of 81 randomly selected traditional medicine doctors and natives on medicinal values of A. cordifolia. The survey showed that A cordifolia is a major herb used in the treatment of various diseases in the ancient Kingdom and it is prescribed in different treatment regimens; coughs, bronchitis, post-partum bleeding, lacerations, wounds, vaginitis, diarrhea, sickle cell anaemia, venereal diseases including gonorhhea, and syphilis, and prostatitis. GC-MS fingerprinting was adopted to determine the bioactive constituents of methanol leaf extract of the plant. Phytochemical fingerprinting revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds as the major active ingredients of the plant. A total of 27 fatty acids and volatile hydrocarbons were detected in the leaf extract of the plant with 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- methyl ester (18.42%), 9-Octadecanoic acid methyl ester (19.93%), Dodecanoic acid 1,2,3-propanetrieyl (15.87%) as most abundant ingredients. These phytochemical compounds of A. cordifolia possibly underscored its antimicrobial and therapeutic action and explains why natives use them in traditional medicine.

Protective Effects of Coptis chinensis Rhizome Extract and Its Constituents (Berberine, Coptisine, and Palmatine) against α-Synuclein Neurotoxicity in Dopaminergic SH-SY5Y Cells.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and the presence of α-synuclein-immunoreactive inclusions. Gaucher's disease is caused by homozygous mutations in β-glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA). GBA mutation carriers have an increased risk of PD. Coptis chinensis (C. chinensis) rhizome extract is a major herb widely used to treat human diseases. This study examined the association of GBA L444P mutation with Taiwanese PD in 1016 cases and 539 controls. In addition, the protective effects of C. chinensis rhizome extract and its active constituents (berberine, coptisine, and palmatine) against PD were assayed using GBA reporter cells, LC3 reporter cells, and cells expressing mutated (A53T) α-synuclein. Case-control study revealed that GBA L444P carriers had a 3.93-fold increased risk of PD (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-11.24, p = 0.006) compared to normal controls. Both C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents exhibited chemical chaperone activity to reduce α-synuclein aggregation. Promoter reporter and endogenous GBA protein analyses revealed that C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents upregulated GBA expression in 293 cells. In addition, C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents induced autophagy in DsRed-LC3-expressing 293 cells. In SH-SY5Y cells expressing A53T α-synuclein, C. chinensis rhizome extract and its constituents reduced α-synuclein aggregation and associated neurotoxicity by upregulating GBA expression and activating autophagy. The results of reducing α-synuclein aggregation, enhancing GBA expression and autophagy, and protecting against α-synuclein neurotoxicity open up the therapeutic potentials of C. chinensis rhizome extract and constituents for PD.

Preliminary investigation on the analysis of the whole components of Pogejiuxin decoction and its formulation pattern based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Pogejiuxin decoction (PGJXD) is one of the most important formulas for the treatment of heart failure. However, there is a great lack of research on the material basis of this formula, especially research on its compatibility laws, which restricts its clinical use. Studying the complete ingredients and compatibility rules of PGJXD has great significance for guiding clinical medication. The entire formula, the major single herbs, the drug pairs and the disassembled formula were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOFMS/MS), matching the chemical composition database and global natural product social molecular networking to explain the chemical composition as well as the combination pattern of PGJXD. A total of 1048 chemical constituents were fully analyzed from the major single herbs, the drug pairs and the disassembled formula and 188 chemical constituents, including 13 potential novel compounds, were firstly identified from the whole formula. We found that the chemical compositions were reduced after the single herbs were matched to the other herbs, especially the significant reduction of highly toxic diester alkaloids after compatibility, indicating that the medicines of PGJXD were interdependent and controlled by each other. This study innovatively researches and compares the compositional differences between the entire formula of PGJXD, the single, paired and separated formulas, greatly extending our understanding of the chemical substance basis of these compounds, and preliminarily explores the compatibility laws of PGJXD, providing some theoretical guidance for clinical medication.

Developing EST-SSR Markers for Identifying and Evaluating Asparagus Germplasm Resources Based on Transcriptome Sequences

Radix asparagi is the dried root tuber of the Liliaceae plant Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., which is a major Chinese medicinal herb with high medicinal and edible value in China. The planting area of A. cochinchinensis is extensive, and there is blind introduction in various regions, leading to confusion the origin of Radix asparagi and impure germplasm. This study conducted morphological and karyotype analyses on cultivated Asparagus resources from seven main production areas in China and developed SSR molecular markers suitable for the identification of Asparagus germplasm resources based on the transcriptome sequencing results. The morphological results indicate that in addition to A. cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, there are also A. taliensis Wang et Tang and A. lycopodineus (Baker) Wang et Tang cultivated in China. All the tested Asparagus resources were diploid and had 20 chromosomes. A total of 8841 single genes containing SSR loci were identified using transcriptome sequencing of Neijiang Asparagus, including 761 SSR loci with trinucleotide repeat units. One hundred pairs of SSR primers were randomly designed from the trinucleotide repeat loci for PCR and polymorphism verification, and ten pairs were selected for identification of Asparagus germplasm resources. The genetic diversity results of ten pairs of primers in seven Asparagus-producing regions were consistent with the morphological identification. This study provides technical support for the comprehensive evaluation and utilization of Asparagus germplasm resources.

Therapeutic effects of Huayu Jiedu formula on endometriosis via downregulating GATA 6 expression

BackgroundEndometriosis (EMs) is a common chronic inflammatory disease which is characterized by multiple clinical symptoms and high recurrence rate due to the absence of effective therapies. Huayu Jiedu Formula (HYJDF), is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription with five major herbs. It has been used as traditional medicine to treat EMs for more than twenty years and exerted a good therapeutic effect. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here we aim to observe the effects of HYJDF on EMs and investigate the therapeutic mechanism. MethodsThe extract components of HYJDF were identified and quantified by an UHPLC-QE-MS method. Network pharmacology was used to obtain the core targets of HYJDF for the treatment of EMs and the specific biologic processes involved. A total of 68 EMs cases were randomly divided into control (gestrinone) and observation (HYJDF) groups. The overall effectiveness, pain scores, cyst-size changes, serum CA125 levels, quality-of-life scores, safety, and adverse events were evaluated before and after treatment. For the mechanism research, DNA methylation-chip analysis was performed to determine the differential genes. EMs mice models and human ectopic stromal cells (ESCs) were treated with HYJDF and its pharmaceutical serum, respectively. The ectopic foci was measured via H&E staining while the expressions of the target genes were verified by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. The inflammatory cytokine levels in the peritoneal fluid of mice were detected by ELISA. The proliferative potential of cells was analyzed by MTS whereas the apoptosis and cell cycle were determined through flow analysis. ResultsThe total number of components detected in positive and negative ion modes was 839 and 597, respectively. Network pharmacology suggested that HYJDF treated EMs through DNA methylation. We found that HYJDF and gestrinone exerted good therapeutic effect with no obvious difference, but the HYJDF treatment group had fewer side effects. GATA 6, which was hypomethylated and abundant in endometriotic cells, potently induced inflammatory response. This finding indicated the important role of GATA 6 in EMs development. Moreover, HYJDF ameliorated inflammatory response (i.e., reduced the levels of IL-1β and PGE2 in peritoneal fluid), suppressed ESCs proliferation, and increased cell apoptosis by down-regulating GATA 6 expression. ConclusionWe demonstrated that HYJDF has anti-inflammation activity and increased cell apoptosis through the reduction of GATA 6 expression in ectopic tissues, which showed good therapeutic effect without any obvious side effects. These findings suggest that HYJDF may be a new and efficient traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of EMs.

Exploring traditional Chinese medicine as a potential treatment for sarcopenia: A network pharmacology and data mining analysis of drug selection and efficacy.

Sarcopenia, as an increasingly pressing clinical issue, can be ameliorated through employment of traditional Chinese medicines. However, the current lack of specific pharmacological interventions for Sarcopenia necessitates further exploration of novel possibilities in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of this condition, utilizing advanced methodologies such as web pharmacology and data mining. Screening the essential targets of Sarcopenia, conducting matching between target and active molecules, as well as active molecules and herbs. Employing data mining techniques to analyze the screening outcomes, and molecular docking to compare the binding activities of active molecules with target proteins. The approach of using herbs for the treatment of Sarcopenia involves 13 targets, with 414 active compounds and 367 types of herbs. Data mining reveals that the herbs used in treating Sarcopenia are primarily characterized by their bitter taste, exerting their effects through dispelling dampness and promoting blood circulation. Moreover, 2 new formulas are postulated. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis indicates that the main active components of the herbs can be observed to tightly bind with the targets. Through network pharmacology and molecular docking, our findings reveal that herbs contain 15 key active components and 5 key targets, which correspond to 7 major herbs and 2 new formulas. Academically, these findings hold significant reference value for the development of novel drugs targeting Sarcopenia.

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Limits TLR-4-Triggered Inflammatory Response in Raw264.7 Macrophages by Activating RasGRP3.

Inflammation is an important immune response to pathogen invasion, but excessive inflammation leads to tissue injury and even cytokine storm. Therefore, proper response is needed depending on the intensity of the infection. Ras guanine nucleotide releasing protein 3 (RasGRP3) is a regulator of the TLR-mediated response. In low-intensity inflammation, it negatively regulates production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-6. Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, the peel of Citrus reticulata Blanco, is a major medicinal herb in Korean medicine. The present study aims to investigate whether the Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium extract (CRE) has immunomodulatory activity using the Raw264.7 macrophage. Also, we investigated the effect of CRE on RasGRP3 expression. In the present study, CRE reduced IL-6 production in the low-LPS environment (1 ng/mL) and did not in the high-LPS environment (100 ng/mL). The suppression of IL-6 production in the low-LPS environment (1 ng/mL) was abolished after the pretreatment of RasGRP3 siRNA. The reduced RasGRP3 protein content by 100 ng/mL LPS treatment was increased by CRE treatment. Additionally, nobiletin, a major component of CRE showed a suppressive effect on IL-6 production in the low-LPS environment (1 ng/mL). The present results suggest that CRE alleviates inflammatory response via activating RasGRP3 expression in low-intensity inflammation.

Correlation and Community Stability Analysis of Herbaceous Plants in Dashiwei Tiankeng Group, China

Studying the interspecific association and stability of herbaceous communities in different developmental stages of tiankeng is helpful to understand the relationship between tiankeng vegetation and the environment, and can provide an important theoretical basis for the protection and restoration of the karst tiankeng ecosystem. In this study, the herbaceous community of the Dashiwei Tiankeng Group in Guangxi was studied to analyze the interspecific relationships and community stability of herbaceous plants in four different habitats (the earlier stage, middle stage, late stage and the external forest of tiankeng), and to explore whether the herbaceous community structure gradually stabilized with the development of tiankeng. The variance ratio (VR), X2 test, association coefficient (JI) and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient test were used to analyze the interspecific association of the main herbaceous plants in different developmental stages of tiankeng. The stability of the herbaceous community was analyzed by the stability measurement method of M. Godron. The results showed that: (1) the logarithm of the middle stage of tiankeng negatively correlated species was the highest (56.7%), and the logarithm of the later stage of tiankeng positively correlated species was the highest (57.2%). The positive and negative correlation ratio of main herbs decreased first and then increased, indicating that the middle stage of development was the period of high competition among herbs and the biggest difference in resource utilization. The ecological habits of herbaceous plants will be changed from sciophiles to hygrophytes to heliophiles and drought-enduring plants. (2) The earlier stage and middle stage of tiankeng overall relevance had a significant negative correlation, the later stage and external forest of tiankeng overall correlation were not significant positive correlation, and the X2 test and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient of different developmental stages of tiankeng most major herbaceous species were not significant correlation, suggesting that the major herbs in tiankengs had weak association and strong independence. (3) The distance from the intersection point to the stable point (20, 80) was 19.799, 17.867, 18.922 and 17.706, respectively, of the four regression models of tiankengs herb community, which further indicated that the forest herb layers were in an unstable state. The forest outside is relatively more stable than the herbaceous community inside the tiankeng.

Triptolide attenuates irritable bowel syndrome via inhibiting ODC1

BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder of the gut-brain axis with significant morbidity. Triptolide, an active compound extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF), has been widely used as a major medicinal herb in the treatment of inflammatory disease.MethodsThe chronic-acute combined stress (CAS) stimulation was used to establish IBS rat model. The model rats were then gavaged with triptolide. Forced swimming, marble-burying, fecal weight and abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score were recorded. Pathologic changes in the ileal and colonic tissues were validated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The inflammatory cytokines and Ornithine Decarboxylase-1 (ODC1) in the ileal and colonic tissues were performed by ELISA and WB.ResultsTriptolide didn’t have antidepressant- and antianxiety- effects in rats caused by CAS, but decreased fecal weight and AWR score. In addition, Triptolide reduced the release of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α and the expression of ODC1 in the ileum and colon.ConclusionThe therapeutic efficacy of triptolide for IBS induced by CAS was revealed in this study, which may be related to the reduction of ODC1.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Natural Feed Additives for Meat Chickens.

Broiler chickens are increasingly kept in large numbers in intensive housing conditions that are stressful, potentially depleting the immune system. With the prohibition of the use of antibiotics in poultry feed spreading worldwide, it is necessary to consider the role of natural feed additives and antibiotic alternatives to stimulate the chickens' immune systems. We review the literature to describe phytogenic feed additives that have immunomodulatory benefits in broilers. We initially review the major active ingredients from plants, particularly flavonoids, resveratrol and humic acid, and then describe the major herbs, spices, and other plants and their byproducts that have immunomodulatory effects. The research reviewed demonstrates the effectiveness of many natural feed additives in improving the avian immune system and therefore broiler health. However, some, and perhaps all, additives have the potential to reduce immunocompetence if given in excessive amounts. Sometimes additives are more effective when given in combination. There is an urgent need to determine tolerance levels and optimum doses for additives deemed most suitable to replace antibiotics in the diet of broiler chickens. Effective replacement is most likely with readily available additives, such as olive oil byproducts, olive leaves and alfalfa. It is concluded that effective replacement of antibiotic function with plant-derived additives will be possible, but that further research is necessary to determine optimum doses.

Three decades of research on Centella asiatica: Insights and future trends from bibliometric analysis

IntroductionCentella asiatica (L.) Urb. (CA; Family: Apiaceae) remains a major herb in the indigenous medicines of many Asian and African countries. Scientists have been delving deeper to fully understand the rationale for the various anecdotal therapeutic claims ascribed to its usage. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the published research on CA within the past three decades. MethodsThe original articles and conference papers on CA research between 1991 and 2021 indexed on the Scopus® database were retrieved and analyzed by VOSviewer® software. ResultsThe ∼2000 published research articles have been cited > 38,000 times in the period under study. The dominance of India, Malaysia, China, Thailand, and Indonesia out of the 81 countries that contributed to CA research is obvious. These Asian countries altogether contributed more than two-thirds of the publication count. However, the Italian scientist, Belcaro GV affiliated with the Università Degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti – Pescara, Italy led the individual pack with 26 publications on CA while Kim OT of the Rural Development Administration, South Korea is the most cited author with 532 citations. The Thai universities – Chulalongkorn, Mahidol, Khon Kaen, Prince of Songkla, and Chiang Mai are actively involved in the research on CA having published ∼7 % of the total outputs and citations within the last 31 years. ConclusionsThe primary focus of the research on CA has been its efficacy in the management of wound healing and other chronic conditions. Recent investigations are expanding into cosmetics, phytoremediation, and food packaging.

Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Chinese Medicinal Herbs: Lonicerae flos, Lonicerae japonicae flos, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and Forsythia suspensa

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) represents a potent, safe, and efficacious reservoir of treatment options against an array of microbial infections and inflammatory diseases. It has a long history of positive clinical outcomes with minimal or no side effects while enhancing and bolstering the host's protection against infections. With its unique ability to prevent, treat, and manage a wide range of diseased conditions, CHM has been successfully practiced in China for thousands of years. In the modern medical era, where harsh therapeutic drugs and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) present a significant challenge, CHM warrants further exploration. The present review highlights and focuses on 4 major CHM-based herbs, that is, ( Lonicerae flos [ LF] , Lonicerae japonicae flos [ LJF] , Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi [ SBG] , and Forsythia suspensa [ FS]) in terms of their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory efficacies. A detailed literature survey was done by the team using a systematic electronic search from PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Research Gate, books, etc. This was followed by data collecting, pertinent data extraction, in-depth analysis, and composing the final review. Each herb has been discussed in detail describing its mechanism adopted and the bioactive components involved in alleviating bacterial infections and inflammatory damage. Further, proof of efficacy by detailing the major past studies and major findings has been discussed for each of the 4 herbs. This review will give the scientific community the opportunity to update their knowledge on the subject, which is crucial for heralding the process of bringing CHM-based medicines closer to clinical development given the area of alternative medicine's rapid advancements.

Urolithin M5 from the Leaves of Canarium album (Lour.) DC. Inhibits Influenza Virus by Targeting Neuraminidase.

Ganlanye (GLY), the leaf of Canarium album (Lour.) DC., is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for warm disease treatment. We found that its aqueous extract could inhibit the influenza A virus. To find and characterize anti-influenza virus phytochemicals from GLY, we performed (1) bioassay-guided isolation, (2) a cell and animal assay, and (3) a mechanism study. Bioassay-guided isolation was used to identify the effective components. Influenza virus-infected MDCK cell and BALB/c mouse models were employed to evaluate the anti-influenza virus activities. A MUNANA assay was performed to find the NA inhibitory effect. As a result, urolithin M5 was obtained from the crude extract of GLY. It inhibited influenza virus activities in vitro and in vivo by suppressing the viral NA activity. In the MDCK cell model, urolithin M5 could inhibit an oseltamivir-resistant strain. In a PR8-infected mouse model, 200 mg/kg/d urolithin M5 protected 50% of mice from death and improved lung edema conditions. GLY was recorded as a major traditional herb for warm disease treatment. Our study identified GLY as a potent anti-influenza herb and showed urolithin M5 as the active component. We first report the in vivo activity of urolithin M5 and support the anti-influenza application of GLY.

Determination of Pathophysiological Anti-Diarrhoeal Activity of the Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Ficus platyphylla

This study was motivated by the report of a survey of herbal remedies used by Fulani herdsmen in the management of cow diarrhoea in Plateau State, Nigeria. The report identified F. platyphylla stem bark amongst major herbs. Activity of aqueous stem extract of F. platyphylla against diarrhoea caused by physiological changes and by pathological infections was herein determined. Thirty albino rats were fasted for 18 hours. They were grouped into six and induced with diarrhoea using castor oil. The first two groups received distilled water (1 ml) and loperamide (5 mg/kg), while other groups were administered plant extract 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively. The severity of diarrhoea was assessed hourly for 4 hrs. Gastrointestinal motility experiment was carried out using atropine sulphate (5 mg/kg). In vitro anti-diarrhoeal test was carried out against E. coli clinical and laboratory isolates versus antibiotics. The extract inhibited defecation moderately, and regulated frequency of wet stool better than loperamide, the lowest dose (50 mg/kg b. w.) competed favourably with the loperamide. This dose produced the most remarkable activity considering the latent period, total stool frequency, purging indices and percentage inhibition of defecation. The dose showed remarkable activity in the propulsion of charcoal meal through gastrointestinal tract as displayed in the inhibition of diarrhoea. The results of in vitro anti-diarrhoeal test against E. coli showed that the plant extract was inactive on the microorganism. The results from the present study validated the anti-diarrhoeal potential of F. platyphylla via its physiological action.

Potential therapeutic effect of Shufeng Jiedu capsule and its major herbs on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A review.

The outbreak and rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a huge threat to human health and social stability. Shufeng Jiedu capsule (SFJDC), a patented herbal drug composed of eight medicinal plants, is used to treat different viral respiratory tract infectious diseases. Based on its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory activities in acute lung injury, SFJDC can be effectively used as a treatment for COVID-19 patients according to the diagnosis and treatment plan issued in China and existing clinical data. SFJDC has been recommended in 15 therapeutic regimens for COVID-19 in China. This review summarizes current data on the ingredients, chemical composition, pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy, and potential therapeutic effect of SFJDC on COVID-19, to provide a theoretical basis for its anti-viral mechanism and the clinical treatment of COVID-19.