Cissus populnea represents a species of climbing shrubs within the family Vitaceae, and is referred to as ‘oro okoho’ by the Igala tribe of Central Nigeria. This plant serves as a multifaceted medicinal resource, found extensively throughout tropical Africa. The extract derived from its stem bark has attracted considerable attention owing to its possible therapeutic benefits. This research offers an in-depth comparative examination of the phytochemical, proximate, and nutritive characteristics of Cissus populnea stem bark extracts with differing peel content, illuminating its prospective uses in the fields of Medicine and Nutrition. The extracts from the stem bark were meticulously prepared utilizing samples categorized as stem with peel, stem without peel, and peel alone. Systematic quantitative phytochemical screening and analysis were performed to discern and measure the bioactive compounds inherent in each extract. Furthermore, an analysis of proximate composition was conducted to evaluate the nutritional content present in each sample. The results demonstrated notable variations (p ≤ 0.05) in the phytochemical composition, proximate composition, and vitamin contents of the extract.

Background: Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty (vetiver) is a perennial medicinal grass with deep aromatic roots traditionally used for several ailments. Its root essential oil (CZEO) is rich in phytochemicals with documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Although its anticancer potential remains underexplored, the complex phytochemical profile of CZEO positions it as a promising multi-target therapy, particularly for colorectal (CRC) and lung cancers where resistance and pathway redundancy often limit conventional treatments. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and antiproliferative activity of CZEO from Qatar against colorectal (HCT-116) and lung (A549) cancer cells and to elucidate its molecular targets and mechanisms of action in CRC and lung cancer using network pharmacology and in silico approaches. Methods: CZEO was extracted by steam distillation and characterized using GC–MS. In vitro proliferation assays with HCT-116 colorectal and A549 lung cancer cells were conducted using the Alamar Blue assay. The ten most abundant phytochemicals identified by GC–MS were assessed for drug-likeness and ADMET properties and further analyzed through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate the molecular targets and mechanisms underlying CZEO’s anticancer activity. Results: GC-MS profiling identified 40 compounds, predominantly sesquiterpenoids (93%), including khusimol, β-eudesmol, α-vetivone, and rosifoliol. CZEO inhibited cancer cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values of 62.95 ± 2.19 µg/mL for HCT-116 and 167.82 ± 6.51 µg/mL for A549 cells, demonstrating greater potency against colorectal cancer. CZEO did not affect the growth of normal human neonatal fibroblasts (HDFn), suggesting potential selectivity for cancerous cells. ADMET predictions indicated favorable pharmacokinetics and low toxicity of CZEO’s top 10 abundant compounds (TACs). Network pharmacology revealed 373 and 394 overlapping gene targets between TACs and lung and colorectal cancer, respectively. The overlapping genes were used to construct a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network to identify hub genes. STAT3 and AKT1 consistently emerged as common top-scoring hub genes in both cancers. Molecular docking of TACs showed strong binding affinities of rosifoliol and α-vetivone to AKT1 (−6.20 and −5.93 kcal/mol, respectively) and STAT3 (−5.19 and −5.09 kcal/mol, respectively), surpassing reference inhibitors. MD simulations confirmed stable ligand–protein interactions and structural stabilization, particularly with α-vetivone. Conclusions: CZEO from Qatar exhibits potent antiproliferative activity against colorectal and lung cancer cells, supported by a sesquiterpenoid-rich phytochemical profile. Integrative computational analyses highlight AKT1 and STAT3 as key molecular targets, with rosifoliol and α-vetivone emerging as promising lead compounds. These findings support CZEO as a natural, multi-target anticancer agent, warranting further mechanistic and in vitro and in vivo validation.

A review of ethnoveterinary botanical medicines used in Uganda: Their phytochemistry, bioactivity and toxicity.

In vitro antiplasmodial activity, acute toxicity and phytochemical quantification of selected medicinal plants used for the management of uncomplicated malaria in eastern Uganda.

How wheat bran color gradients shape phenolic acid profiles and antioxidant activity: A comparative and analytical study.

Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological potential of Hedychium J. Koenig in Northeast India: A comprehensive review

Seasonal variation in phytochemical composition, quantitative analysis, and antioxidant activity of bulb extract from Urginea indica (Roxb.) Kunth

A review on Centella asiatica (L.) nutrient and phytochemical composition and its potential neuroprotective effect in Alzheimer’s disease

The therapeutic potential of herbal medicines has long been recognized, but consistent quality, safety, and efficacy are hampered by variations in phytochemical composition. The intricacy of medicinal plants is frequently not well captured by conventional standardized techniques, which rely on macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical assessment. Precision phytomedicine is the focus of contemporary methods, which combine molecular, biological, and chemical instruments for thorough quality control. While spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, NMR, NIR) provide for quick, non-destructive analysis, advanced chromatographic techniques (HPTLC, HPLC, and LC–MS) allow for multi-marker quantification and fingerprinting. Species verification is guaranteed by PCR-based markers and DNA-based authentication, while metabolomics in conjunction with chemometrics offers systems-level understanding of bioactive profiles. Furthermore, predicted quality surveillance and mechanism-linked standardization are made easier by artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and bioassay-guided evaluation. Global compliance increasingly depends on harmonized legal frameworks, quality-by-design principles, and digital traceability. This study provides a roadmap toward dependable, secure, and customized herbal therapies in the age of evidence-based phytomedicine by critically analyzing these contemporary standardization procedures, their uses, drawbacks, and new developments.

Lubumbashi's medicinal plants against female infertility and the beneficial effects of Parinari curatellifolia Planch. Ex Benth., in the letrozole induced polycystic ovary syndrome in the female albino rats.

Analgesic efficacy and subacute toxicity of Moroccan Aqueous Moringa oleifera leaf extract in a chronic constriction injury mouse model of neuropathic pain.

Electrochemical multi-drug sensors: Current advances, challenges, and future perspectives.

Effect of processing methods on the phytochemicals, digestion behaviors, and nutraceutical potential of Yunnan large-leaf tea: A combined in vitro and in vivo study.

Assessment of acute dermal toxicity of Croton pulegiodorus Baill. leaf essential oil in mice.

Prolonged exposure to petrol fumes has been implicated in oxidative stress-related renal dysfunction. This study evaluated the nephrotoxic effects of petrol fume inhalation and assessed the protective potential of aqueous extracts from Bridelia ferruginea and Emilia sonchifolia leaves as well as Rhizophora racemosa stem bark. Wistar rats(adult-male) were exposed to petrol fumes for 28 days, during which serum urea and creatinine levels, as well as renal antioxidant enzyme activities, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, were monitored. Petrol fume exposure significantly elevated serum urea and creatinine levels, suppressed CAT, SOD, and GPx activities, and increased MDA, indicating oxidative renal injury. However, treatment with the plant extracts at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly ameliorated these changes in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, E. sonchifolia at 400 mg/kg showed the most pronounced reno-protective effect, comparable to that of the standard antioxidant, vitamin E (200 mg/kg). The findings suggest that the protective effects of the extracts may stem from their antioxidant-rich phytochemical composition, which mitigates oxidative damage, enhances endogenous antioxidant defenses, and improves renal function. Histological analysis revealed renal architectural distortions in the petrol-exposed group. This was restored by the extracts. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of these medicinal plants against petrol fume-induced nephrotoxicity and supports further exploration of their bioactive compounds in clinical contexts.

Gardenia obtusifolia, a traditional medicinal plant from Southeast Asia, was investigated for its phytochemical composition and bioactivity using methanol extracts and solvent-partitioned fractions from the leaves, fruit pulp, and rind. The plant material was authenticated morphologically and confirmed through matK gene analysis. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and alkaloids. Among the fractions tested, the rind ethyl acetate fraction exhibited strong antibacterial activity against clinical pathogens, high phenolic content, and potent antioxidant capacity. GC-MS profiling identified key bioactive compounds, including vanillic acid, octadecane, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, which likely contribute to the observed bioactivities. Among the solvent fractions, the rind ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated strong anti-tyrosinase activity. This fraction consistently exhibited high phenolic content and potent antioxidant capacity, suggesting that these bioactivities are attributable to key phytochemicals known for antioxidant effects. Purification and GC-MS profiling identified bioactive compounds in the rind ethyl acetate fraction, revealing vanillic acid as a major contributor to antioxidant activity. G. obtusifolia shows great promise for application in the cosmetic industry as a natural ingredient for skin-whitening and anti-aging formulations. However, further in vivo and clinical studies are required, as in vitro results may not directly reflect clinical efficacy.

Geranium robertianum L. is used in traditional medicine to treat different systemic disorders and holds great therapeutic potential but remains understudied. To this aim, an ethanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of G. robertianum L. (GR) was investigated in terms of phytochemical composition and biological activity. GR extract exhibited high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity was determined by means of three different colorimetric assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP), and the results obtained indicate that the ABTS assay showed the highest antioxidant capacity. Metal analysis was also performed. Fe was found to be the most abundant element in the analyzed extract, with a concentration of 363.65 ± 4.18 μg/g, followed by Zn, Mn, Ni, and Cr. Four potentially hazardous heavy metals, As, Co, Pb, and Cd, were found to be under the detection limit. The GR extract exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with inhibition zones generally comparable to those of levofloxacin. However, the extract was significantly less effective against the P. aeruginosa strain. On A253 human salivary gland carcinoma cells, GR extract elicited a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect, produced morphological changes, and increased ROS and both caspase-3/7 and caspase-9 levels.

Liver disorders constitute a major global health challenge due to their increasing prevalence and limited therapeutic options in conventional medicine. Chronic exposure to hepatotoxins, viral infections, alcohol consumption, and metabolic imbalances often leads to progressive liver damage, including hepatitis, fatty liver disease, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. In recent years, herbal drugs have gained considerable attention as alternative or complementary therapies because of their multi-targeted actions, better safety profiles, and long history of traditional use. Medicinal plants rich in bioactive phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, lignans, tannins, and polyphenols exhibit significant hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. Among these, Phyllanthus amarus has emerged as a well-recognized hepatoprotective herb widely used in traditional systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda, for the treatment of jaundice and other liver disorders. The therapeutic efficacy of P. amarus is attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, especially lignans such as phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin, which play a crucial role in protecting hepatocytes from oxidative stress and toxin-induced damage. Experimental studies have demonstrated its ability to normalize liver enzymes, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and enhance endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms. Furthermore, clinical investigations suggest its potential in managing chronic hepatitis B by suppressing viral replication and improving liver function parameters.

Introduction: Nigella sativa (black cumin) is a widely recognized medicinal plant known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties and potential role in enhancing transdermal and systemic drug delivery. Among its phytoconstituents, thymoquinone has been identified as the principal bioactive compound responsible for its therapeutic efficacy and drug permeationenhancing effects. Methods: This review comprehensively explores the phytochemical composition of Nigella sativa, with emphasis on the isolation and quantification of thymoquinone using gas chromatography– mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Extraction techniques, particularly cold pressing, were analyzed for their impact on yield and purity. Pharmacological mechanisms, including inhibition of inflammatory enzymes, modulation of cytokine expression, and reduction of oxidative stress, were evaluated. Additionally, literature was reviewed on the capacity of Nigella sativa oil and thymoquinone to enhance drug penetration across biological membranes. Results: The findings confirm that cold-press extraction significantly influences thymoquinone concentration. GC-MS remains the gold standard for its precise quantification. Thymoquinone exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects and demonstrates the capacity to enhance drug permeation through biological barriers, indicating its potential in synergistic drug delivery systems. Discussion: The dual role of Nigella sativa in exerting anti-inflammatory activity and enhancing drug delivery underscores its promise in pharmaceutical formulations. However, variations in extraction methods affect compound consistency, highlighting the need for standardization to ensure therapeutic reliability. Conclusion: Nigella sativa, particularly its thymoquinone content, holds substantial potential for anti-inflammatory therapy and as a natural permeation enhancer. Optimizing extraction and analytical methodologies is critical for its successful application in novel drug delivery platforms.

Background: The eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing medicinal flora presents a viable strategy for the development of multifunctional agents exhibiting antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This investigation aims to elucidate the phytochemical composition of Calotropis gigantea and its contribution to the synthesis of CG-AgNPs that demonstrate efficacy against Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer cell lines. Methods: The aqueous plant leaf extract of C. gigantea underwent comprehensive analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying a total of 25 bioactive constituents, including oleic and oxalic acid derivatives. The fabrication and analysis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were performed utilizing methodologies including ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and assessments of zeta potential. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated through methods including agar well diffusion, time-kill kinetics, and biofilm assays. The cytotoxic impact on AGS gastric cancer cells was investigated using MTT assays, DAPI staining, and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) staining techniques. The assessment of antioxidant potential was performed utilizing DPPH and ABTS assays. The anti-inflammatory properties were analyzed through protein denaturation and membrane stabilization tests. Results: CG-AgNPs exhibited a spherical morphology (11–17 nm) with commendable stability, denoted by using zeta potential analysis measurement of −30.2 mV. The antibacterial activity showed a significant inhibition zone of 16.00 ± 0.17 mm at a concentration of 50 µg/mL against H. pylori, in addition to notable biofilm disruption. The viability of AGS cells was reduced by 61% at a concentration of 100 micrograms per milliliter, with apoptosis being confirmed through relevant assays. The antioxidant potential varied from 18% to 83% (DPPH) and reached 74% (ABTS) at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. The anti-inflammatory assays indicated a BSA denaturation inhibition ranging from 45% to 80% and a membrane stabilization effect between 54% and 85%. Conclusions: CG-AgNPs exhibit substantial antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, underscoring their pharmaceutical potential, particularly for combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens and gastric malignancies.