Globally, essential oils (EOs) have been established in the spotlight because of their adaptability and the growing interest of consumers. Citations indeed represent the most significant contributions made in a specific field. With this concern, we performed a bibliometric analysis to describe the 100 most cited articles about plant-derived EOs. The relevant information was retrieved from the Scopus database and scrutinized manually. The selected data was then analyzed and visualized through Microsoft Excel, Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software. A total of 100 documents were reviewed from a total of 48,998 publications. The citation counts of these articles ranged from 541 to 6482. These articles were published in 57 journals among which Phytotherapy Research, Food Chemistry and Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry were the most productive journals in terms of number of publications. In the case of contribution of countries and institutions, the USA (n = 12), and Agriculture University of Athens (n = 5) ranked first. The statistical analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation (R2 = 0.5137) between the publication year and number. This analysis revealed critical themes, including the biological potential of EOs and their wide-ranging applications in aromatherapy, edible coatings, and food preservation – areas that were consistently highlighted in the leading cited studies. Overall, this study delineates the developments, research dynamics, and emerging trends in EO research, providing a significant reference for future studies.
{"title":"Analysis of global research trends in essential oils: A bibliometric study of the top 100 most cited articles in the scopus database","authors":"Baby Gargi , Pooja Singh , Sakshi Painuli , Shabaaz Begum , Jigisha Anand , Prabhakar Semwal , Haroon Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100488","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100488","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Globally, essential oils (EOs) have been established in the spotlight because of their adaptability and the growing interest of consumers. Citations indeed represent the most significant contributions made in a specific field. With this concern, we performed a bibliometric analysis to describe the 100 most cited articles about plant-derived EOs. The relevant information was retrieved from the Scopus database and scrutinized manually. The selected data was then analyzed and visualized through Microsoft Excel, Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software. A total of 100 documents were reviewed from a total of 48,998 publications. The citation counts of these articles ranged from 541 to 6482. These articles were published in 57 journals among which <em>Phytotherapy Research, Food Chemistry</em> and <em>Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry</em> were the most productive journals in terms of number of publications. In the case of contribution of countries and institutions, the <em>USA</em> (n = 12), and <em>Agriculture University of Athens</em> (n = 5) ranked first. The statistical analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.5137) between the publication year and number. This analysis revealed critical themes, including the biological potential of EOs and their wide-ranging applications in aromatherapy, edible coatings, and food preservation – areas that were consistently highlighted in the leading cited studies. Overall, this study delineates the developments, research dynamics, and emerging trends in EO research, providing a significant reference for future studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100488"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability, with limited access to costly rehabilitation, especially in developing regions. Sesame (Sesamum indicum), known for its health benefits, shows promise as a neuroprotective agent. This systematic review evaluates current evidence on its potential in stroke treatment and recovery in animal models (In vivo).
Method
The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar identified original research on the effects of sesame on stroke and related disorders. Studies were screened in stages, and their quality was evaluated using Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias tool.
Results
19 studies were included (18 from Asia, 1 from Africa). Sesame derivatives especially sesamin and sesamol demonstrated strong, multi-targeted neuroprotection in stroke models by reducing infarct volume, brain edema, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal damage, while improving neurological recovery. Mechanisms involve enhancing antioxidant enzymes, lowering oxidative markers, suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators, inhibiting apoptosis, and modulating key pathways like (PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, Notch1/NLRP3). Advanced formulations such as sesamol-loaded nanocarriers and the sesamin derivative BBD further enhanced efficacy. Overall, the evidence supports sesame compounds as potent neuroprotective agents against cerebral ischemia.
Conclusion
Overall, sesame shows potential as a therapeutic agent for stroke through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-edematous actions. These effects highlight its potential as a natural, supportive treatment for stroke.
{"title":"Sesame-based interventions for stroke and stroke-related disorders: A systematic review","authors":"Nasiru Suleiman , Abdulbariu Ogirima Uhuami , Bulama Ibrahim , Fatima Sanusi , Nafisa Abdulazeez , Onyinoyi Bethel Onimisi , Lawal Suleman Bilbis","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100495","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100495","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability, with limited access to costly rehabilitation, especially in developing regions. Sesame (<em>Sesamum indicum</em>), known for its health benefits, shows promise as a neuroprotective agent. This systematic review evaluates current evidence on its potential in stroke treatment and recovery in animal models (In vivo).</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar identified original research on the effects of sesame on stroke and related disorders. Studies were screened in stages, and their quality was evaluated using Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias tool.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>19 studies were included (18 from Asia, 1 from Africa). Sesame derivatives especially sesamin and sesamol demonstrated strong, multi-targeted neuroprotection in stroke models by reducing infarct volume, brain edema, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal damage, while improving neurological recovery. Mechanisms involve enhancing antioxidant enzymes, lowering oxidative markers, suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators, inhibiting apoptosis, and modulating key pathways like (<em>PI3K</em>/<em>AKT</em>, <em>MAPK</em>/<em>ERK</em>, <em>Notch1</em>/<em>NLRP3</em>). Advanced formulations such as sesamol-loaded nanocarriers and the sesamin derivative BBD further enhanced efficacy. Overall, the evidence supports sesame compounds as potent neuroprotective agents against cerebral ischemia.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Overall, sesame shows potential as a therapeutic agent for stroke through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-edematous actions. These effects highlight its potential as a natural, supportive treatment for stroke.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100495"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Phospholipids (PLs) are crucial membrane components and interact with membrane proteins and cellular receptors to mediate signal transduction and influence metabolic processes. Dietary phospholipids from natural origin, such as those from soybean, egg yolk, krill, squid, and others, are increasingly gaining scientific attention due to growing evidence of their health-enhancing potential. Notably, PLs having long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing PLs, have been shown to alleviate experimentally induced conditions such as neurological and metabolic disorders, including liver, kidney, and intestinal damage, heat/UV-radiation-induced stress, and aging. In elderly humans with depression and animal models of neurodegenerative disorders, PLs are reported to alleviate depression and anxiety and improve cognitive abilities. This review discusses the preparation and mechanisms of health promotion by PLs as reported in the scientific literature, mainly within the last two decades. Inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fat accumulation in tissues and prevention of gut mucosa dysbiosis were among the significant modes of action of PLs. Despite the interesting results reported from in vitro and in vivo studies, there is a lack of consensus on the quantity of PLs to be added to the diet or ingested for optimal health. More clinical studies are needed to clarify the benefits of dietary PLs in humans since most of the recent studies were conducted in rodents.
{"title":"Therapeutic potentials of dietary phospholipids against neurological and metabolic disorders: A review","authors":"Innocent Uzochukwu Okagu, Rita Ngozi Aguchem, Chidera Peace Ogbu, Andy Ugunna Omeje","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100510","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100510","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phospholipids (PLs) are crucial membrane components and interact with membrane proteins and cellular receptors to mediate signal transduction and influence metabolic processes. Dietary phospholipids from natural origin, such as those from soybean, egg yolk, krill, squid, and others, are increasingly gaining scientific attention due to growing evidence of their health-enhancing potential. Notably, PLs having long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-containing PLs, have been shown to alleviate experimentally induced conditions such as neurological and metabolic disorders, including liver, kidney, and intestinal damage, heat/UV-radiation-induced stress, and aging. In elderly humans with depression and animal models of neurodegenerative disorders, PLs are reported to alleviate depression and anxiety and improve cognitive abilities. This review discusses the preparation and mechanisms of health promotion by PLs as reported in the scientific literature, mainly within the last two decades. Inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fat accumulation in tissues and prevention of gut mucosa dysbiosis were among the significant modes of action of PLs. Despite the interesting results reported from <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> studies, there is a lack of consensus on the quantity of PLs to be added to the diet or ingested for optimal health. More clinical studies are needed to clarify the benefits of dietary PLs in humans since most of the recent studies were conducted in rodents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100510"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge requiring novel, safe, and effective therapeutic agents. Trigonelline (1-Methylpyridinium-3-carboxylate), a naturally occurring bioactive compound, has gained growing attention for its potential anticancer properties. In this study, we systematically investigated the molecular characteristics and pharmacological profile of trigonelline using a suite of integrated computational methods, including density functional theory (DFT), molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic (ADMET) assessments. Trigonelline’s geometry was optimized at the B3LYP/6–311 + +G (d, p) level, and quantum descriptors such as HOMO-LUMO gap, molecular electrostatic potential, and Mulliken charge distribution were evaluated to elucidate its stability and reactive behavior. Docking analyses against breast cancer-relevant targets (AKT1, BCL2, BRCA1, Caspase6, GSK3β, PARP1) demonstrated favorable binding, with the strongest affinity observed for BCL2 (-6.3 kcal/mol), highlighting its potential modulatory activity. Pharmacokinetic evaluation through ADMET profiling and BOILED-Egg modeling indicated good gastrointestinal absorption and oral bioavailability, alongside minimal toxicity concerns with no predicted hERG inhibition. Overall, these integrative computational findings underscore trigonelline’s potential as a multitarget anticancer candidate and support its advancement to experimental validation in breast cancer research.
{"title":"Computational investigation of Trigonelline (1-methylpyridinium-3-carboxylate) through DFT, docking and pharmacokinetic studies for Breast cancer treatment","authors":"Swetha Murugesan , Azar Zochedh , Kaliraj Chandran , Mohana Priya , Sureba Sukumaran , Thimma Mohan Viswanathan , Anbarasu Krishnan , Asath Bahadur Sultan , Thandavarayan Kathiresan","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100507","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100507","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge requiring novel, safe, and effective therapeutic agents. Trigonelline (1-Methylpyridinium-3-carboxylate), a naturally occurring bioactive compound, has gained growing attention for its potential anticancer properties. In this study, we systematically investigated the molecular characteristics and pharmacological profile of trigonelline using a suite of integrated computational methods, including density functional theory (DFT), molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic (ADMET) assessments. Trigonelline’s geometry was optimized at the B3LYP/6–311 + +G (d, p) level, and quantum descriptors such as HOMO-LUMO gap, molecular electrostatic potential, and Mulliken charge distribution were evaluated to elucidate its stability and reactive behavior. Docking analyses against breast cancer-relevant targets (AKT1, BCL2, BRCA1, Caspase6, GSK3β, PARP1) demonstrated favorable binding, with the strongest affinity observed for BCL2 (-6.3 kcal/mol), highlighting its potential modulatory activity. Pharmacokinetic evaluation through ADMET profiling and BOILED-Egg modeling indicated good gastrointestinal absorption and oral bioavailability, alongside minimal toxicity concerns with no predicted hERG inhibition. Overall, these integrative computational findings underscore trigonelline’s potential as a multitarget anticancer candidate and support its advancement to experimental validation in breast cancer research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100507"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100501
Alice König , Georg Sandner , Gerald Klanert , Lisa Pühringer , Tina Karimian , Jonas Schurr , Kostas Syriopoulos , Rolf Tona , Julian Weghuber
Evidence suggests that citrus flavonoids activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) that regulates cellular defense against oxidative damage. The effects of citrus flavonoids on the homologous transcription factor skinhead-1 (SKN-1) in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans are insufficiently studied. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms behind the biological activity of a biotransformed citrus extract (FermCAE) and related flavonoids in THP-1 macrophages and in C. elegans. FermCAE upregulated the expression of the Nrf2 target genes heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) and NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in THP-1 macrophages. The formation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) was reduced in stressed cells and nematodes. Transcriptome analysis further indicated that FermCAE modulates stress-response pathways in C. elegans, particularly mitochondrial energy metabolism, nucleotide biosynthesis and ribosome biosynthesis, correlating with improved worm motility and reduced ROS levels. Notably, FermCAE could counteract the paraquat-induced reduction in worm motility in wild-type worms but not in SKN-1 loss-of-function mutants. An elevated GCS-1P::GFP signal in transgenic nematodes further confirmed SKN-1 involvement. These findings suggest that FermCAE protects against oxidative stress by inducing Nrf2/SKN-1 and modulating energy and metabolic pathways to enhance stress resilience.
有证据表明,柑橘类黄酮激活核因子红系2相关因子2 (Nrf2),调节细胞防御氧化损伤。柑橘类黄酮对秀丽隐杆线虫同源转录因子skinhead-1 (SKN-1)的影响研究尚不充分。在这里,我们研究了生物转化柑橘提取物(FermCAE)和相关黄酮类化合物在THP-1巨噬细胞和秀丽隐杆线虫中生物活性的分子机制。FermCAE上调THP-1巨噬细胞中Nrf2靶基因血红素加氧酶1 (HMOX1)和NAD(P) h -醌氧化还原酶1 (NQO1)的表达。过度活性氧(ROS)的形成在应激细胞和线虫中减少。转录组分析进一步表明,FermCAE调节秀丽隐杆线虫的应激反应途径,特别是线粒体能量代谢、核苷酸生物合成和核糖体生物合成,与蠕虫运动能力改善和ROS水平降低相关。值得注意的是,FermCAE可以抵消百草枯引起的野生型蠕虫运动减少,但在SKN-1功能丧失突变体中不起作用。转基因线虫中GCS-1P::GFP信号的升高进一步证实了SKN-1的参与。这些研究结果表明,FermCAE通过诱导Nrf2/SKN-1和调节能量和代谢途径来增强应激恢复能力,从而防止氧化应激。
{"title":"Biotransformed citrus extract counteracts oxidative stress in THP-1 macrophages and Caenorhabditis elegans via Nrf2/SKN-1 dependent mechanisms","authors":"Alice König , Georg Sandner , Gerald Klanert , Lisa Pühringer , Tina Karimian , Jonas Schurr , Kostas Syriopoulos , Rolf Tona , Julian Weghuber","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100501","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100501","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Evidence suggests that citrus flavonoids activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) that regulates cellular defense against oxidative damage. The effects of citrus flavonoids on the homologous transcription factor skinhead-1 (SKN-1) in the nematode <em>Caenorhabditis elegans</em> are insufficiently studied. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms behind the biological activity of a biotransformed citrus extract (FermCAE) and related flavonoids in THP-1 macrophages and in <em>C. elegans</em>. FermCAE upregulated the expression of the Nrf2 target genes heme oxygenase 1 (<em>HMOX1</em>) and NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (<em>NQO1</em>) in THP-1 macrophages. The formation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) was reduced in stressed cells and nematodes. Transcriptome analysis further indicated that FermCAE modulates stress-response pathways in <em>C. elegans</em>, particularly mitochondrial energy metabolism, nucleotide biosynthesis and ribosome biosynthesis, correlating with improved worm motility and reduced ROS levels. Notably, FermCAE could counteract the paraquat-induced reduction in worm motility in wild-type worms but not in SKN-1 loss-of-function mutants. An elevated GCS-1P::GFP signal in transgenic nematodes further confirmed SKN-1 involvement. These findings suggest that FermCAE protects against oxidative stress by inducing Nrf2/SKN-1 and modulating energy and metabolic pathways to enhance stress resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100501"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-11DOI: 10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100502
P. Roshan Ali , Gottimukkala Rakshitha , V.V. Rajesham , Kavirayani Naga Lakshmi Shivani , Rajinikanth Sagapola , S. Sravanthi
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a major contributor to end-stage renal disease, demands therapeutic approaches that can address its complex and multi-pathway progression. This study evaluates the synergistic renoprotective potential of Gallic Acid and berberine hydrochloride using a multi-target in-silico strategy aimed at providing a more comprehensive intervention against DN. Molecular docking revealed strong interactions of both compounds with several DN-related proteins, including human pancreatic alpha-amylase (1B2Y), GSK-3β (1UV5), RXR-α/PPAR-γ (1FM6), DPP-IV (3BJM), ERK2 (4IZ5), PPAR-γ (5U5L), maltase-glucoamylase (2QMJ), GFPT1 (2V4M), insulin receptor kinase (1GAG), 11β-HSD1 (3CH6), and AKT1 (3O96). Berberine HCl showed strong affinity for TGF-β (-11.4 kcal/mol) and PPAR-γ (-8.5 kcal/mol), suggesting effects on fibrotic modulation and improved insulin response. Gallic Acid demonstrated considerable binding to NF-κB (-9.0 kcal/mol) and aldose reductase (-6.6 kcal/mol), indicating its potential to reduce inflammatory activity and oxidative stress. Together, these findings highlight the ability of the two compounds to influence multiple pathological mechanisms, including inflammation, oxidative injury, fibrotic processes, and glucose dysregulation. Pharmacokinetic evaluation indicated favourable drug-likeness, minimal predicted hepatotoxicity, and compatibility for combined oral delivery. Comparative analysis further suggested that this dual-compound approach may offer greater predicted therapeutic benefit than standard DN therapies such as ACE inhibitors. These results support the development of this combination as a promising multi-mechanistic strategy for DN and provide a foundation for future in-vitro and in-vivo validation.
{"title":"In-silico molecular docking of berberine HCl and gallic acid: A multi-targeted approach for diabetic nephropathy","authors":"P. Roshan Ali , Gottimukkala Rakshitha , V.V. Rajesham , Kavirayani Naga Lakshmi Shivani , Rajinikanth Sagapola , S. Sravanthi","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100502","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100502","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a major contributor to end-stage renal disease, demands therapeutic approaches that can address its complex and multi-pathway progression. This study evaluates the synergistic renoprotective potential of Gallic Acid and berberine hydrochloride using a multi-target <em>in-silico</em> strategy aimed at providing a more comprehensive intervention against DN. Molecular docking revealed strong interactions of both compounds with several DN-related proteins, including human pancreatic alpha-amylase (1B2Y), GSK-3β (1UV5), RXR-α/PPAR-γ (1FM6), DPP-IV (3BJM), ERK2 (4IZ5), PPAR-γ (5U5L), maltase-glucoamylase (2QMJ), GFPT1 (2V4M), insulin receptor kinase (1GAG), 11β-HSD1 (3CH6), and AKT1 (3O96). Berberine HCl showed strong affinity for TGF-β (-11.4 kcal/mol) and PPAR-γ (-8.5 kcal/mol), suggesting effects on fibrotic modulation and improved insulin response. Gallic Acid demonstrated considerable binding to NF-κB (-9.0 kcal/mol) and aldose reductase (-6.6 kcal/mol), indicating its potential to reduce inflammatory activity and oxidative stress. Together, these findings highlight the ability of the two compounds to influence multiple pathological mechanisms, including inflammation, oxidative injury, fibrotic processes, and glucose dysregulation. Pharmacokinetic evaluation indicated favourable drug-likeness, minimal predicted hepatotoxicity, and compatibility for combined oral delivery. Comparative analysis further suggested that this dual-compound approach may offer greater predicted therapeutic benefit than standard DN therapies such as ACE inhibitors. These results support the development of this combination as a promising multi-mechanistic strategy for DN and provide a foundation for future <em>in-vitro</em> and <em>in-vivo</em> validation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100502"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977484","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100519
Pallavi Sharma , Limasenla , Bhaben Tanti
The genus Hedychium J. Koenig (Zingiberaceae) comprises over 100 accepted species distributed across Madagascar, South China, and Tropical Asia. In Northeast India, these species hold substantial ethnomedicinal value and are traditionally used to manage inflammation, wounds, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, and several other ailments. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of both phytochemical and pharmacological research on Hedychium species, with emphasis on their ethnomedicinal applications in Northeast India and a global overview of their essential oils, bioactive constituents, and experimentally validated biological properties. This review synthesizes findings from 312 published articles retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (search period: 1980–2024). Of these, 147 studies specifically address ethnomedicinal uses, 128 examine phytochemical or essential-oil composition, and 96 evaluate pharmacological activities. Evidence indicates that species such as H. spicatum, H. coronarium, and H. coccineum exhibit notable anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing activities. Across the genus, more than 120 phytochemicals have been reported, including essential oils (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes), flavonoids, diterpenes, diarylheptanoids, and labdane-type diterpenoids. Quantitative analyses reveal that the essential oil content ranges from 0.5 to 2.8 % (w/w), dominated by compounds such as 1,8-cineole (12–38 %), linalool (6–25 %), and characteristic labdane diterpenes. Among all species, H. coronarium, H. spicatum, and H. coccineum are most frequently reported, contributing to 58 % of all pharmacological studies reviewed. Experimental evidence (in vitro and in vivo) demonstrates potent antioxidant (up to 85 % DPPH inhibition), antimicrobial (MIC values ranging 64–512 μg/mL), anti-inflammatory (NO inhibition 40–78 %), and cytotoxic/cancer-related activities (IC₅₀ 5–40 μg/mL in various cancer cell lines). Despite this, only 3 species have undergone preliminary toxicity screening and none have been evaluated in clinical trials. Overall, Hedychium species represent a promising but underexplored source of therapeutic compounds. Critical research gaps remain in phytochemical standardization, mechanistic pharmacology, chronic toxicity assessments, and pharmacokinetics. Future studies integrating ethnobotany with modern biological validation will be essential for advancing Hedychium-derived drug discovery.
姜科姜花属(Hedychium J. Koenig)有100多种,分布在马达加斯加、华南和热带亚洲。在印度东北部,这些物种具有重要的民族医学价值,传统上用于治疗炎症、伤口、呼吸和胃肠道疾病以及其他几种疾病。本文综述了黑草属植物化学和药理研究的综合概况,重点介绍了其在印度东北部的民族医药应用,以及其精油、生物活性成分和实验验证的生物学特性的全球概况。本综述综合了从PubMed、Scopus、ScienceDirect、Web of Science和b谷歌Scholar(检索期:1980-2024)检索的312篇已发表文章的发现。其中,147项研究专门针对民族医药用途,128项研究检查植物化学或精油成分,96项评估药理学活性。有证据表明,spicatum、H. coronarium和H. coccineum等物种具有显著的抗炎、抗菌、抗氧化和伤口愈合活性。在整个属中,超过120种植物化学物质已被报道,包括精油(单萜、倍半萜)、类黄酮、二萜、二烷基庚烷和labdane型二萜。定量分析表明,其精油含量为0.5 ~ 2.8 % (w/w),主要化合物为1,8-桉树脑(12-38 %)、芳樟醇(6-25 %)和特征叶丹二萜。在所有物种中,冠状芽孢杆菌、棘状芽孢杆菌和尾骨芽孢杆菌是最常被报道的,占所有药理学研究的58% %。实验证据(体外和体内)证明了有效的抗氧化(高达85 % DPPH抑制),抗菌(MIC值范围为64-512 μg/mL),抗炎(NO抑制40-78 %)和细胞毒/癌症相关活性(IC₅0 5-40 μg/mL)在各种癌细胞系中。尽管如此,只有3种进行了初步毒性筛选,没有一种在临床试验中进行评估。总的来说,Hedychium代表了一种有前途但尚未开发的治疗化合物来源。在植物化学标准化、机械药理学、慢性毒性评估和药代动力学方面仍存在重大研究空白。将民族植物学与现代生物学验证相结合的未来研究将对推进钕衍生药物的发现至关重要。
{"title":"Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological potential of Hedychium J. Koenig in Northeast India: A comprehensive review","authors":"Pallavi Sharma , Limasenla , Bhaben Tanti","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Hedychium</em> J. Koenig (Zingiberaceae) comprises over 100 accepted species distributed across Madagascar, South China, and Tropical Asia. In Northeast India, these species hold substantial ethnomedicinal value and are traditionally used to manage inflammation, wounds, respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, and several other ailments. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of both phytochemical and pharmacological research on <em>Hedychium</em> species, with emphasis on their ethnomedicinal applications in Northeast India and a global overview of their essential oils, bioactive constituents, and experimentally validated biological properties. This review synthesizes findings from 312 published articles retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar (search period: 1980–2024). Of these, 147 studies specifically address ethnomedicinal uses, 128 examine phytochemical or essential-oil composition, and 96 evaluate pharmacological activities. Evidence indicates that species such as <em>H. spicatum</em>, <em>H. coronarium</em>, and <em>H. coccineum</em> exhibit notable anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing activities. Across the genus, more than 120 phytochemicals have been reported, including essential oils (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes), flavonoids, diterpenes, diarylheptanoids, and labdane-type diterpenoids. Quantitative analyses reveal that the essential oil content ranges from 0.5 to 2.8 % (w/w), dominated by compounds such as 1,8-cineole (12–38 %), linalool (6–25 %), and characteristic labdane diterpenes. Among all species, <em>H. coronarium</em>, <em>H. spicatum</em>, and <em>H. coccineum</em> are most frequently reported, contributing to 58 % of all pharmacological studies reviewed. Experimental evidence (in vitro and in vivo) demonstrates potent antioxidant (up to 85 % DPPH inhibition), antimicrobial (MIC values ranging 64–512 μg/mL), anti-inflammatory (NO inhibition 40–78 %), and cytotoxic/cancer-related activities (IC₅₀ 5–40 μg/mL in various cancer cell lines). Despite this, only 3 species have undergone preliminary toxicity screening and none have been evaluated in clinical trials. Overall, <em>Hedychium</em> species represent a promising but underexplored source of therapeutic compounds. Critical research gaps remain in phytochemical standardization, mechanistic pharmacology, chronic toxicity assessments, and pharmacokinetics. Future studies integrating ethnobotany with modern biological validation will be essential for advancing <em>Hedychium</em>-derived drug discovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100519"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146026153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-25DOI: 10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100531
Rapuru Rushendran , Pavithra Lakshmi Narayanan , M. Jeevan Kumar , J. Manoj, Manoah Mathew , K. Gayathiri , Chitra Vellapandian
Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss driven by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and protein misfolding. Natural products like ginger (Zingiber officinale) contain neuroprotective sesquiterpenes that may modulate these processes. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of ginger extract and its key bioactive compounds, α-santalol and β-eudesmol, using integrated computational approaches.
Methods
Ginger extract was profiled using GC-MS and LC-MS to identify major constituents. Network pharmacology tools (STRING, Metascape) were used to identify PD-related targets and construct protein-protein interaction networks. Pharmacokinetic and ADMET properties of α-santalol and β-eudesmol were predicted using SwissADME and pkCSM. Molecular docking was performed against PD-associated targets, including LRRK2, to explore potential binding interactions.
Results
Chemical profiling identified major bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpenes like α-santalol and β-eudesmol, with significant neuroprotective properties. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed favorable BBB permeability, intestinal absorption, and low toxicity. Molecular docking demonstrated strong interactions with PD-related targets, particularly LRRK2, with binding energy values indicating effective target engagement. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of key pathways including NF-κB and Nrf2/ARE in mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Biomolecule-target-pathway (B-T-P) networks confirmed the therapeutic relevance of the identified compounds.
Conclusion
Using a fully computational framework, this study identifies α-santalol and β-eudesmol as promising natural molecules with potential relevance to PD-associated pathways. These results are hypothesis-generating, and future biological validation through neuronal survival assays, oxidative-stress and inflammation models, and LRRK2-related functional studies is warranted.
{"title":"Neuroprotective potential of ginger-derived α-santalol and β-eudesmol in Parkinson’s disease through network analysis","authors":"Rapuru Rushendran , Pavithra Lakshmi Narayanan , M. Jeevan Kumar , J. Manoj, Manoah Mathew , K. Gayathiri , Chitra Vellapandian","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss driven by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and protein misfolding. Natural products like ginger (<em>Zingiber officinale</em>) contain neuroprotective sesquiterpenes that may modulate these processes. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of ginger extract and its key bioactive compounds, α-santalol and β-eudesmol, using integrated computational approaches.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ginger extract was profiled using GC-MS and LC-MS to identify major constituents. Network pharmacology tools (STRING, Metascape) were used to identify PD-related targets and construct protein-protein interaction networks. Pharmacokinetic and ADMET properties of α-santalol and β-eudesmol were predicted using SwissADME and pkCSM. Molecular docking was performed against PD-associated targets, including LRRK2, to explore potential binding interactions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Chemical profiling identified major bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpenes like α-santalol and β-eudesmol, with significant neuroprotective properties. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed favorable BBB permeability, intestinal absorption, and low toxicity. Molecular docking demonstrated strong interactions with PD-related targets, particularly LRRK2, with binding energy values indicating effective target engagement. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of key pathways including NF-κB and Nrf2/ARE in mitigating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Biomolecule-target-pathway (B-T-P) networks confirmed the therapeutic relevance of the identified compounds.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Using a fully computational framework, this study identifies α-santalol and β-eudesmol as promising natural molecules with potential relevance to PD-associated pathways. These results are hypothesis-generating, and future biological validation through neuronal survival assays, oxidative-stress and inflammation models, and LRRK2-related functional studies is warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100531"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100539
Daniel Hassan Mhya , Asiya Muhammad Kabir , Evelyn Bulus Nkarina , Fatima Muhammad Dambam , Theophilus Tagun Dawus
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate extract mixture of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Citrus paradisi on glucose-induced cataract and glomerulopathy.
Methodology
Hibiscus sabdariffa (HPE) and Citrus paradisi (CPE) samples were collected from local farmers in Bauchi and Plateau States. The samples were air-dried and aqueous-extracted. The extracts obtained were screened for antioxidant molecules (phenolic, carotenoids, vitamin A, C and E) before re-extracted for anthocyanins from HPE and naringin from CPE, and tested for anti-cataractogenic and anti-glomerulopathic activities alone and in combination on rats' lens and glomeruli exposed to high glucose solution. Malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzymes were assayed spectrophotometrically while the morphology of the lens was analyzed microscopically.
Results
The results revealed that extracts of HPE and CPE are high in antioxidants such as phenolics, carotenoids, and vitamins A, C, and E. Lens exposed to high glucose developed cataracts, and treatment with extracts of HPE and CPE alleviated cataracts by reducing oxidative stress and preventing lens opacity. Treatment of glomeruli exposed to high glucose with the mixed extracts (HPE and CPE) enhanced its glucose absorption at 6.07 ± 1.31 mM compared to 1.87 ± 0.62 mM (negative control), antioxidant enzyme activities: CAT (µmol H₂O₂/min) 8.65 ± 0.43 against negative control (3.67 ± 0.32), SOD (U/mL) 14.75 ± 0.84 against negative control (6.12 ± 0.54), Peroxidase (μM tetraguaiacol/min) 11.89 ± 0.60 against negative control; 5.28 ± 0.48 and lower malondialdehyde (µM/L) at 3.97 ± 0.24 against negative control; 9.73 ± 0.65.
Conclusion
The study concluded that the efficacy of HPE and CPE extracts in preventing cataracts and glomerulopathy may be augmented through their combination.
{"title":"Impact of combining Hibiscus sabdariffa and Citrus paradisi extracts on glucose-induced cataracts and glomerulopathy","authors":"Daniel Hassan Mhya , Asiya Muhammad Kabir , Evelyn Bulus Nkarina , Fatima Muhammad Dambam , Theophilus Tagun Dawus","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100539","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100539","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate extract mixture of <em>Hibiscus sabdariffa</em> and <em>Citrus paradisi</em> on glucose-induced cataract and glomerulopathy.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div><em>Hibiscus sabdariffa</em> (HPE) and <em>Citrus paradisi</em> (CPE) samples were collected from local farmers in Bauchi and Plateau States. The samples were air-dried and aqueous-extracted. The extracts obtained were screened for antioxidant molecules (phenolic, carotenoids, vitamin A, C and E) before re-extracted for anthocyanins from HPE and naringin from CPE, and tested for anti-cataractogenic and anti-glomerulopathic activities alone and in combination on rats' lens and glomeruli exposed to high glucose solution. Malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzymes were assayed spectrophotometrically while the morphology of the lens was analyzed microscopically.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results revealed that extracts of HPE and CPE are high in antioxidants such as phenolics, carotenoids, and vitamins A, C, and E. Lens exposed to high glucose developed cataracts, and treatment with extracts of HPE and CPE alleviated cataracts by reducing oxidative stress and preventing lens opacity. Treatment of glomeruli exposed to high glucose with the mixed extracts (HPE and CPE) enhanced its glucose absorption at 6.07 ± 1.31 mM compared to 1.87 ± 0.62 mM (negative control), antioxidant enzyme activities: CAT (µmol H₂O₂/min) 8.65 ± 0.43 against negative control (3.67 ± 0.32), SOD (U/mL) 14.75 ± 0.84 against negative control (6.12 ± 0.54), Peroxidase (μM tetraguaiacol/min) 11.89 ± 0.60 against negative control; 5.28 ± 0.48 and lower malondialdehyde (µM/L) at 3.97 ± 0.24 against negative control; 9.73 ± 0.65.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study concluded that the efficacy of HPE and CPE extracts in preventing cataracts and glomerulopathy may be augmented through their combination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100539"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100555
Akua Gyamfi , De-youngster Wereko Brobbey , Michael Konney Laryea , Mercy Badu , Isaac Asiamah , Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye
Essential oils have shown considerable promise in combating antimicrobial resistance, due to their complex multicomponent composition. However, their clinical application is limited by high volatility and susceptibility to degradation under stressors such as light and heat. Nanoemulsion formulation offer a potential strategy to enhance the stability and efficacy of essential oils. This study investigated the emulsification of essential oils extracted from the leaves and stembark of Cleistopholis patens and Vitex simplicifolia, as well as the antimicrobial activity of the resulting nanoemulsions. V. simplicifolia essential oil yielded the highest extraction percentage (0.135 %), followed by C. patens (0.050 %). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 19 and 20 constituents in the leaf and stembark oils of C. patens, and 10 and 7 in those of V. simplicifolia, respectively. Major components included β-eudesmol (16.06 %) and β-cubebene (10.58 %) in C. patens, and hexadecane (32.26 %) and 1-octen-3-ol (44.48 %) in V. simplicifolia. Nanoemulsions were formulated using surfactant-to-oil ratios of 7:3, 8:2, and 9:1. All formulations exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to the pure essential oils, with the 9:1 nanoemulsion demonstrating the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs: 3.9–8.7 mg/mL). Characterization of the 9:1 emulsion revealed nanometric particle sizes (51.8–188.2 nm), low polydispersity indices (0.206–0.359), and favorable zeta potentials, indicating high stability and monodispersity. Additionally, both the essential oils and the 9:1 nanoemulsions significantly enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy of ciprofloxacin, with modulation factors ranging from 0.06 to 16. These findings support the potential of nanoemulsified essential oils as stable, effective antimicrobial agents and adjuvants in antibiotic therapy.
{"title":"Nanoemulsification of Cleistopholis patens and Vitex simplicifolia essential oils enhances antimicrobial action and ciprofloxacin synergy","authors":"Akua Gyamfi , De-youngster Wereko Brobbey , Michael Konney Laryea , Mercy Badu , Isaac Asiamah , Lawrence Sheringham Borquaye","doi":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100555","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prenap.2026.100555","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Essential oils have shown considerable promise in combating antimicrobial resistance, due to their complex multicomponent composition. However, their clinical application is limited by high volatility and susceptibility to degradation under stressors such as light and heat. Nanoemulsion formulation offer a potential strategy to enhance the stability and efficacy of essential oils. This study investigated the emulsification of essential oils extracted from the leaves and stembark of <em>Cleistopholis patens</em> and <em>Vitex simplicifolia</em>, as well as the antimicrobial activity of the resulting nanoemulsions. <em>V. simplicifolia</em> essential oil yielded the highest extraction percentage (0.135 %), followed by <em>C. patens</em> (0.050 %). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 19 and 20 constituents in the leaf and stembark oils of <em>C. patens</em>, and 10 and 7 in those of <em>V. simplicifolia</em>, respectively. Major components included β-eudesmol (16.06 %) and β-cubebene (10.58 %) in <em>C. patens</em>, and hexadecane (32.26 %) and 1-octen-3-ol (44.48 %) in <em>V. simplicifolia</em>. Nanoemulsions were formulated using surfactant-to-oil ratios of 7:3, 8:2, and 9:1. All formulations exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity compared to the pure essential oils, with the 9:1 nanoemulsion demonstrating the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs: 3.9–8.7 mg/mL). Characterization of the 9:1 emulsion revealed nanometric particle sizes (51.8–188.2 nm), low polydispersity indices (0.206–0.359), and favorable zeta potentials, indicating high stability and monodispersity. Additionally, both the essential oils and the 9:1 nanoemulsions significantly enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy of ciprofloxacin, with modulation factors ranging from 0.06 to 16. These findings support the potential of nanoemulsified essential oils as stable, effective antimicrobial agents and adjuvants in antibiotic therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101014,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Natural Products","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100555"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}