Long Gu (Os Draconis): Textual research, modern scientific evaluation, and quality control challenges.

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and its active component scutellarin alleviate asthma in rats by modulating the gut microbiota-bile acid axis.

Haematostaphis barteri Hook.f. (Anacardiaceae) is widely used in African traditional medicine for the management of malaria and other ailments. However, its active antiplasmodial constituents remain insufficiently characterized. To evaluate the antiplasmodial and antioxidant activities of the stem bark extract of H. barteri, identify its major bioactive constituents, and explore their potential interactions with falcipain-2 through exploratory docking studies in order to better understand compounds that may contribute to its traditional medicinal use. A hydroethanolic stem bark extract was evaluated for in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum Dd2 (multidrug-resistant) and 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) strains. The extract was fractionated by column chromatography into four fractions (A-D), which were similarly tested. Further chromatographic purification of fractions A, B, and C yielded six known compounds: 3-O-methylellagic acid-4'-O-α-rhamnopyranoside (1), stigmast-4-en-3,6-dione (2), stigmast-3,6-dione (3), β-sitosterol (4), 6-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one (5), and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (6). Structures were elucidated using NMR and MS techniques. Exploratory molecular docking was conducted to investigate potential binding modes toward falcipain-2. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays, and isolated compounds were screened for antiplasmodial activity against both parasite strains. The crude extract exhibited good antiplasmodial activity with IC50 values of 13.0±2.0μg/mL (PfDd2) and 8.6±2.3μg/mL (Pf3D7). Among the fractions, fraction C showed the highest activity (12.7±0.2μg/mL; 8.0±1.5μg/mL), followed by fraction B, A, and D. Six known compounds were isolated, with compounds 1, 3, and 5 reported for the first time in the Anacardiaceae family. Docking analysis yielded modest predicted binding energies (-5.4 to -6.8kcal/mol) and did not show a clear correlation with experimental antiplasmodial activity, suggesting that strong falcipain-2 inhibition is unlikely to represent the primary mechanism of action. All samples demonstrated antioxidant activity, and compound 1 exhibited the strongest effect (DPPH IC50=59.6±10.4μg/mL; FRAP IC50=69.1±0.2μg/mL). In antiplasmodial assay, the isolated compounds exhibited weak to moderate activity, with compound 1 showing the lowest IC50 values among them (31.6±2.9μM for PfDd2 and 22.1±0.1μM for Pf3D7). The findings provide preliminary pharmacological support for the traditional antimalarial use of H. barteri. In vitro assays indicate that several constituents may contribute to the observed inhibition of Plasmodium growth, with compound 1 showing moderate activity. Compounds 1, 3, and 5 were identified in the Anacardiaceae family for the first time, highlighting their potential as phytochemical markers.

The double-edged sword of Dioscorea bulbifera L.: Recent advances in its pharmacological benefits and hepatotoxicity, and the quest for detoxification strategies.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and biological activity of polysaccharides from Dendrobium huoshanense: A review.

The reform of laws surrounding the cultivation of cannabis ( Cannabis sativa L.) in recent years has sparked the revitalization of its use for fiber, food, medicine, and recreational purposes. Although the cultivation of high-cannabidiol (CBD) cannabis is now legal with proper documentation, growers face challenges associated with decades of prohibition, creating a gap in knowledge and the need for novel cultivation techniques to improve production standards. A significant determinant of quality and potentially yield in cannabis is the density of glandular trichomes and the concentration of cannabinoids these structures contain. Techniques that could manipulate these properties would be inherently valuable to cultivation outcomes. A field experiment was conducted in the summers of 2021 and 2022 to assess the effects of methyl jasmonate (1 mM MeJA), cultivars (Cherry Citrus, Baox, Super CBD in 2021; Cherry Citrus, Stout, Super CBD in 2022), and insecticide treatment on yield-related traits and cannabinoid concentration in cannabis. The insecticide treatment aimed to suppress herbivory, which can independently trigger MeJA release and thereby introduce unwanted variation into the study. Exogenous MeJA increased trichome density in 2022 but not 2021; however, no increases in cannabinoid concentration [CBD or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] accompanied this response in either year. Cultivars significantly differed for plant height and width (both years) and for biomass (wet, dry, and bucked) in 2022, with Stout producing the greatest size and biomass of the three cultivars. Cultivar effects were also significant for trichome density, total CBD, and total THC. Interactions between cultivar and insecticide affected CBD in 2022, and a marginal cultivar × insecticide interaction occurred for total THC in 2022. Insecticide application reduced herbivory damage in 2021. Overall, these results indicate that MeJA can stimulate trichome formation without necessarily increasing cannabinoid accumulation, suggesting genotype-dependent regulation of MeJA-responsive pathways. Further research can focus on detecting how MeJA timing, rate, and cultivar choice interact with pest management to optimize final yield and quality.

2D-to-spheroid transition rewires BK channels to regulate endometrial stem/stromal cell migration during spheroid reactivation.

Anti-inflammatory properties of Dendrobium: A systematic review of pharmacological mechanisms.

Haemonchosis is a disease caused by the blood-sucking nematode Haemonchus contortus. The present study therefore aimed to analyse the phytochemical compounds present in Erigeron floribundus and evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic efficacy of its aqueous and ethanolic extracts on the parasite. Quantification of condensed tannins and flavonoids was carried out using a spectrophotometer with tannic acid and quercetin, respectively. The E. floribundus extracts were obtained by macerating the plant powder in distilled water and ethanol, respectively. The extracts were then filtered, concentrated in a rotary evaporator at 40°C, and dried. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts were tested on adult female H. contortus, achieving an LC50 of 0.29 ± 0.02mg/mL and 0.17 ± 0.04mg/mL, respectively, after a 24-h incubation period. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts were tested on H. contortus L3 larvae after 24 and 48h of incubation, achieving an LC50 of 1.49 ± 0.28mg/mL and 0.92 ± 0.17mg/mL, respectively. The respective inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for egg hatching were 22 ± 0.013mg/mL and 0.021 ± 0.014mg/mL for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Neither the aqueous nor the ethanolic extract of E. floribundus induced any signs of toxicity in mice at a dose of 3000mg/kg. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of plant extracts against H. contortus and their potential as an alternative to synthetic anthelmintics. These in vitro results confirm the traditional medicinal use of E. floribundus.

Organ toxicity of Paris polyphylla in mice and the underlying hepatotoxic mechanism uncovered by an integrated network toxicology and transcriptomics.

Medicinal plants are central to primary healthcare and cultural identity, especially in remote areas with limited access to modern health services. Ethnomedicinal knowledge in the study area has not yet been documented. This study aimed to document indigenous medicinal plant knowledge, assess sociodemographic influences on its distribution, and compare plant use patterns with previous Ethiopian studies to identify novel insights. Primary ethnobotanical data on medicinal plant use and indigenous knowledge were collected between June and September 2023 from 364 informants using semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and guided field walks. Demographic information and plant-use details (including plant species, parts used, preparation methods, and therapeutic applications) were systematically recorded, and the data were analyzed quantitatively using t-tests, ANOVA, informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), Jaccard similarity index (JSI), and Rahman similarity index (RSI). A total of 102 medicinal plant species belonging to 48 families were documented. Fabaceae (8%), Asteraceae (7%), and Solanaceae (6%) were the most represented families. Herbs constituted the dominant growth form (36.3%), and leaves were the most frequently used plant part (37.4%). Oral administration (56.2%) was the primary route of remedy application, whereas grinding and crushing were the most commonly employed preparation methods. ICF values were highest for external injuries (0.89) and neurological disorders (0.86). Multipurpose species, such as Cordia africana and Olea europaea, are under high pressure due to agricultural expansion and wildfires, which represent major anthropogenic threats. Medicinal plant knowledge differed across sociodemographic factors, with key informants, men, older participants, and illiterate informants reporting higher numbers of species than other groups (p ≤ 0.001, t-tests and ANOVA). Cross-cultural comparison demonstrated moderate to low similarity with other Ethiopian studies (JSI: 2.55-48.39%; RSI: 0.64-24.27%). The WBANP and surrounding districts harbor rich medicinal plant diversity and indigenous knowledge for treating human ailments. However, anthropogenic pressures threaten these resources and their cultural heritage. Future research should prioritize community-based conservation, pharmacological validation, and phytochemical studies of culturally and therapeutically important species to support evidence-based healthcare integration.

Gardenia jasminoides, an evergreen shrub in the Rubiaceae family, is widely cultivated across southern China, particularly in regions south of the Yangtze River. With a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, its fruits and flowers are valued for their rich diversity of bioactive compounds. In this study, Oxford Nanopore (ONT) sequencing produced 37-34 Gb of long-read data (60-66× coverage) per accession. Complementary PacBio HiFi sequencing generated 28-32 Gb (50-58× coverage), while Hi-C sequencing provided 61-67 Gb (108-119× coverage) to support chromosome-scale assembly. To ensure accuracy, contigs were polished through multiple iterations using Medaka (ONT-based) and Racon (HiFi-based). The final assemblies resolved all 11 chromosomes at telomere-to-telomere continuity, with no gaps. Functional annotation assigned roles to more than 94% of predicted genes (34,397-34,440) through homology and domain-based searches. This high-quality genome resource enables the study of structural variation underlying agronomic traits and supports advances in molecular breeding, bioactive compound biosynthesis, and comparative genomics in Gardenia.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle) is a widely consumed medicinal plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. This systematic review critically examines the mechanistic basis underlying its therapeutic effects by integrating evidence from experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct from January 2000 to March 2025. Studies included explored molecular and cellular mechanisms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Findings indicate that bioactive phytochemicals especially anthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and organic acids—modulate key pathways such as nuclear factor 2, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhacer of activated B cells, mitogen-activated protein kinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma (Nrf2, NF-κB, MAPK, and PPARγ). The pleiotropic activities of H. sabdariffa suggest potential roles in preventing and managing chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Despite promising preclinical evidence, human clinical trials remain limited, highlighting the need for standardized dosing, pharmacokinetic studies, and long-term safety assessments. This review provides a mechanistic framework supporting the therapeutic relevance of H. sabdariffa and underscores the necessity of rigorous translational research.

Gloriosa superba, a member of the Liliaceae family and commonly known as flame lily. The plant's most popular and widespread use in traditional medicine is primarily directed against rheumatism and gout. Solanum nigrum Linn., commonly known as black nightshade, is a frequently consumed medicinal herb belonging to the Solanaceae family. Grewia hirsute vahl belonging to the extensive flowering plant family Malvaceae. G. hirsuta has revealed a significant presence of phenolics, alkaloids, and flavonoids, the bioactive compounds analysis of the ethyl acetate (ETOAC) solvent extract of plants were analysed by standard methods. The extract were analysed for the presence of secondary metabolites (alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, carbohydrate, reducing sugar, and proteins). Overall these plants are holds significance both botanically and medicinally, serving as a valuable resource within its ecosystem and contributing to traditional healthcare systems. Across millennia, humanity has depended on an extensive range of plant components to combat and forestall ailments. The vast assortment of medicinal plants and herbs, each harboring an array of phytochemicals with robust biological properties, signifies substantial therapeutic promise. These phytochemicals manifest a wide spectrum of effects, enhancing resilience against chronic diseases. This analysis offers valuable information for further exploration of its medicinal properties and development of novel therapeutic agents.

Background Medicinal mushrooms have a long history of use in traditional medicine and are increasingly investigated in modern oncology as supportive care agents. In recent decades, clinical research has explored their immunomodulatory properties and potential to mitigate chemotherapy-related adverse effects when used as adjuncts to conventional cancer treatment. Objective This review aims to critically evaluate the clinical evidence supporting the use of medicinal mushrooms in oncology, with particular emphasis on immunological modulation, treatment tolerability, safety, and their integration with chemotherapy. Methods A narrative review of clinical trials, cohort studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses was conducted. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2000 to 2026 were considered, Clinical trials, experimental studies and relevant review articles focusing on medicinal mushrooms, chemotherapy and cancer-related mechanisms were included. Mushroom focusing on species with documented clinical evaluation in cancer patients, including Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd (Turkey tail), Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler (Shiitake), Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) Gray (Maitake), Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst. (Reishi), Cordyceps species, Pleurotus species , and selected additional fungi. Outcomes assessed included immune parameters, hematological indices, quality of life, chemotherapy tolerance, and safety. Results Clinical evidence indicates that polysaccharide-rich mushroom extracts exert immunomodulatory effects through interactions with innate immune receptors such as Dectin-1 and complement receptor 3, leading to enhanced natural killer cell activity, improved antigen presentation, and modulation of Th1-associated immune responses. Adjunctive use during chemotherapy is associated with favorable trends in immune preservation, reduced severity of myelosuppression, mitigation of gastrointestinal and systemic inflammatory effects, and improvements in patient-reported quality of life. Serious adverse events are rare, and standardized mushroom preparations demonstrate a favorable safety profile when used appropriately. Conclusion Medicinal mushrooms should be viewed as supportive, rather than cytotoxic, interventions in oncology. When integrated responsibly alongside chemotherapy, selected mushroom extracts may enhance immune resilience, improve treatment tolerability, and support continuity of care. Although evidence is strongest for specific compounds such as PSK and lentinan, further high-quality randomized trials and standardized formulations are required to clarify optimal use and define their role within evidence-based integrative oncology.

Cough is the primary clinical symptom of respiratory diseases in children and represents the most common reason for seeking medical care in pediatric practice. Although acute respiratory infections are predominantly benign, cough may persist or become chronic, necessitating a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and a syndrome-based therapeutic approach. This article reviews current concepts regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms of cough in children, including the role of mucociliary clearance disorders and alterations in the rheological properties of bronchial secretions. Clinical variants of cough are discussed considering their duration and productivity, along with key aspects of differential diagnosis in acute, subacute, and chronic presentations. Emphasis is placed on rational therapeutic principles aimed at restoring bronchial drainage, reducing inflammation, and minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use. The article also examines the use of standardized herbal medicines with established clinical efficacy and favorable safety profiles in pediatric practice. Experimental and clinical evidence indicate that combined extracts of thyme and ivy exhibit multicomponent mechanisms of action, including mucolytic, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Their favorable safety profiles support considering these herbal medicinal products as promising components in the comprehensive management of cough and respiratory tract inflammatory diseases.

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat to human health and agriculture. Sulfur-containing compounds and elemental sulfur have a long history as antimicrobials, but challenges related to solubility have limited their use. Recent advances in sulfur polymer chemistry have enabled the development of novel sulfur-rich materials with antimicrobial activity. However, most of these materials are water-insoluble, limiting their use in medicine and crop protection. Here, we report the synthesis of a linear poly(trisulfide) via photochemical ring-opening polymerization of a cyclic trisulfide monomer bearing a carboxylic acid. Deprotonation of the carboxylic acid renders the poly(trisulfide) water soluble, with concomitant chain scission via S-S cleavage. The resulting poly(trisulfide) oligomers exhibited potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans (CAF 2.1, MIC90 < 8 µg mL-1; SAH 1.1, MIC90 = 128 µg mL-1) and Candida auris (SAH 2.1, MIC90 = 128 µg mL-1). The poly(trisulfide) oligomers also exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (USA300, MIC90 = 16 µg mL-1; SH1000, MIC50 < 32 µg mL-1). In control experiments, the monomer alone had much lower antimicrobial activity against C. albicans and S. aureus. Toxicity assays of the poly(trisulfide) oligomer revealed it was not harmful to mammalian cells at these concentrations. The findings are a new direction for biological applications of sulfur polymers and a new strategy to support the battle against antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most pressing global health and ecological challenges of the twenty-first century. Resistant organisms and genes move freely across humans, animals, food systems, and the environment, with wastewater, soil, and wildlife acting as critical reservoirs. This interconnectedness highlights the need for a coordinated One Health framework that recognises AMR as both a medical and ecological crisis. In this review, we examine the mechanisms driving the emergence and dissemination of AMR and explore how stewardship, ecological management, and policy interventions can be integrated to mitigate its spread. We particularly consider how selective pressures operating across clinical and environmental settings influence resistance persistence and transmission. Evidence shows that judicious antimicrobial use in healthcare and veterinary medicine, coupled with environmental safeguards such as wastewater management and effluent regulation, can reduce selective pressure and transmission risk. Case studies illustrate how coordinated surveillance across sectors provides early warning of emerging resistomes, while stewardship programmes prolong the efficacy of existing antibiotics. Together, these findings highlight the importance of integrated responses that address resistance across interconnected human, animal, and environmental systems. By situating AMR within the broader human-animal-environment interface, this review underscores the critical importance of ecological thinking in designing sustainable solutions. Embedding One Health principles into global and national action plans is essential to safeguard biodiversity, strengthen resilience, and preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials for future generations.

Across the globe, traditional medicine, particularly herbal remedies, is a cornerstone of healthcare. While the medicinal uses of ferns are widely recognized globally, their therapeutic potential in Uganda remains significantly underexplored compared to higher plants. This limited research creates a critical gap in our understanding of the medicinal capacities of ferns, leading to their neglect in drug development. The main aim of this study, therefore, was to document the medicinal fern species and their uses in communities bordering Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve (KCFR). An ethnobotanical survey was conducted for 3 months (October, November, and December), 2024 in 20 villages bordering Kalinzu Central Forest Reserve (KCFR) in Kyamuhunga. The study utilized a semi-structured questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with 71 key informants to collect data on the use of ferns in herbal medicine. The questionnaire data was analyzed using various ethnobotanical indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV), Relative Importance (RI), Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Combination Use Diversity Index (CUDI). Six fern species were documented for use in herbal medicine by communities around KCFR, and Pteridium capense was the most cited species. The use value (UV) index was highest for P. capense (0.72). The informant consensus factor (ICF) was highest for musculoskeletal illnesses (1.00), and the fidelity level (FL) was highest for Hypolepis sparsisora for treating burns (100%). Fronds were the most used part of the ferns in herbal medicine (76.06%), and dermal (smearing and rubbing) was the most common route of administration (57.75%). Medicinal ferns are an important component of traditional herbal medicine in communities bordering KCFR. The study documented different medicinal fern species for treating various ailments in communities bordering KCFR. Pteridium capense was the most frequently cited species, used to treat various illnesses. These findings highlight the significant ethnobotanical knowledge of the local communities and suggest that further research into the pharmacological properties of these fern species, especially P. capense, is warranted. Further research should characterize and elucidate bioactive compounds responsible for such therapeutic values.

Cadherin-engineered microspheres enable scalable biofabrication of multilineage liver organoids.