Pub Date : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.021
Haiyan Chen , Zefei Qi , Danna Wang , Difeng Zhao , Fang Li
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common and highly lethal malignancy of the digestive tract, with poor patient prognosis. Although current therapeutic strategies can prolong survival to some extent, drug resistance, adverse effects, and tumor recurrence remain major clinical challenges, highlighting the urgent need for novel anti-GC approaches. This study aimed to investigate the active components of Dendrobium nobile, Dendrobium chrysotoxum, and Dendrobium fimbriatum and their potential anti-GC mechanisms, providing a basis for new therapeutic strategies. GC-related genes and Dendrobium target genes were first retrieved from the Genecards and ETCM databases, followed by Venn analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, and network pharmacology analysis. A “component–target–disease” network was subsequently constructed, and 10 hub genes were identified using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Among them, NFKB1 and NR3C1 were significantly overexpressed in GC and were closely associated with immune infiltration. Single-cell analysis revealed that these two genes were primarily distributed in myeloid cells and T cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knockdown of NFKB1 or NR3C1 significantly inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, with inhibition rates of approximately 40–55 %. Molecular docking further showed that 24-Hydroxy-11-Deoxyglycyrrhetic Acid, an active component of Dendrobium, could stably bind to NFKB1 and NR3C1 through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. In summary, this study systematically elucidates the potential anti-GC mechanisms of Dendrobium genus and provides a theoretical basis for drug development and GC therapy.
{"title":"Employing network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the anti-gastric cancer mechanisms of Dendrobium Nobile, Dendrobium Chrysotoxum, and Dendrobium Fimbriatum","authors":"Haiyan Chen , Zefei Qi , Danna Wang , Difeng Zhao , Fang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastric cancer (GC) is a common and highly lethal malignancy of the digestive tract, with poor patient prognosis. Although current therapeutic strategies can prolong survival to some extent, drug resistance, adverse effects, and tumor recurrence remain major clinical challenges, highlighting the urgent need for novel anti-GC approaches. This study aimed to investigate the active components of <strong><em>Dendrobium nobile, Dendrobium chrysotoxum,</em></strong> and <strong><em>Dendrobium fimbriatum</em></strong> and their potential anti-GC mechanisms, providing a basis for new therapeutic strategies. GC-related genes and <em>Dendrobium</em> target genes were first retrieved from the Genecards and ETCM databases, followed by Venn analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, and network pharmacology analysis. A “component–target–disease” network was subsequently constructed, and 10 hub genes were identified using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Among them, NFKB1 and NR3C1 were significantly overexpressed in GC and were closely associated with immune infiltration. Single-cell analysis revealed that these two genes were primarily distributed in myeloid cells and T cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knockdown of NFKB1 or NR3C1 significantly inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, with inhibition rates of approximately 40–55 %. Molecular docking further showed that 24-Hydroxy-11-Deoxyglycyrrhetic Acid, an active component of <em>Dendrobium</em>, could stably bind to NFKB1 and NR3C1 through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. In summary, this study systematically elucidates the potential anti-GC mechanisms of <strong><em>Dendrobium</em></strong> genus and provides a theoretical basis for drug development and GC therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"188 ","pages":"Pages 219-229"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.008
K. Balkwill
Glossochilus was described to accommodate a single species, G. burchellii. A second species, G. parviflora, was described, but has correctly been synonymised with Asystasia mysorensis. Glossochilus burchellii shares many features with Asystasia and especially with A. atriplicifolia. These similarities are best reflected by making Glossochilus a section within Asystasia, transferring G. burchellii to Asystasia and adding A. atriplicifolia to section Glossochilus. Asystasia burchellii is endemic to the north-east of Northern Cape and A. atriplicifolia occurs in the north of Limpopo and south-eastern Botswana.
{"title":"Demise of an African genus: Glossochilus Nees reduced to a section of Asystasia Blume (Acanthaceae: Justicieae: Graptophyllinae)","authors":"K. Balkwill","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Glossochilus</em> was described to accommodate a single species, <em>G. burchellii</em>. A second species, <em>G. parviflora</em>, was described, but has correctly been synonymised with <em>Asystasia mysorensis. Glossochilus burchellii</em> shares many features with <em>Asystasia</em> and especially with <em>A. atriplicifolia</em>. These similarities are best reflected by making <em>Glossochilus</em> a section within <em>Asystasia</em>, transferring <em>G. burchellii</em> to <em>Asystasia</em> and adding <em>A. atriplicifolia</em> to section <em>Glossochilus. Asystasia burchellii</em> is endemic to the north-east of Northern Cape and <em>A. atriplicifolia</em> occurs in the north of Limpopo and south-eastern Botswana.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"188 ","pages":"Pages 191-206"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.022
Sabrina Goudjil , Samira Boussekine , Sarra Goudjil , Hanane Goudjil , Sevgi Kolaylı , Yakup Kara , Nadjiba Zegheb
This investigation evaluated the multifunctional therapeutic potential of Algerian Crataegus monogyna Jacq. ethanolic extract focusing on its antioxidant and urease-inhibitory properties. An ethanolic extract was otained through a green extraction process specifically ultrasound-assisted extraction, and subsequently characterized using a developed reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (RP-HPLC-PDA). The analysis identified eight key phenolic constituents, notably epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, chrysin, and pinocembrin. Quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid contents further highlighted the extract’s chemical richness.
Antioxidant efficacy was determined via seven complementary in vitro assays, including DPPH, FRAP, β-carotene bleaching, phenanthroline, DMSO alkaline, superoxide radical scavenging (pyrogallol), and hydroxyl radical inhibition, all of which confirmed the extract’s substantial free radical neutralizing capacity. Additionally, the extract demonstrated marked urease inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 9.54 ± 0.37 μg/mL. Molecular docking studies provided further support, showing strong binding interactions between rutin and the urease active site. These results align with the traditional medicinal uses of C. monogyna, particularly in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal therapies, and suggest that its bioactivity is largely due to its phenolic profile. Collectively, the combined antioxidant and urease inhibitory activities position Algerian C. monogyna as a promising natural candidate for the development of multi target therapies against oxidative stress and urease mediated disorders.
{"title":"Combined therapeutic strategy through antioxidant and urease inhibitory activities of Algerian Crataegus monogyna ethanolic fraction: UAE extraction, RP-HPLC-PDA metabolite profiling, and molecular Insights","authors":"Sabrina Goudjil , Samira Boussekine , Sarra Goudjil , Hanane Goudjil , Sevgi Kolaylı , Yakup Kara , Nadjiba Zegheb","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This investigation evaluated the multifunctional therapeutic potential of Algerian <em>Crataegus monogyna</em> Jacq. ethanolic extract focusing on its antioxidant and urease-inhibitory properties. An ethanolic extract was otained through a green extraction process specifically ultrasound-assisted extraction, and subsequently characterized using a developed reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (RP-HPLC-PDA). The analysis identified eight key phenolic constituents, notably epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, chrysin, and pinocembrin. Quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid contents further highlighted the extract’s chemical richness.</div><div>Antioxidant efficacy was determined via seven complementary in vitro assays, including DPPH, FRAP, β-carotene bleaching, phenanthroline, DMSO alkaline, superoxide radical scavenging (pyrogallol), and hydroxyl radical inhibition, all of which confirmed the extract’s substantial free radical neutralizing capacity. Additionally, the extract demonstrated marked urease inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 9.54 ± 0.37 μg/mL. Molecular docking studies provided further support, showing strong binding interactions between rutin and the urease active site. These results align with the traditional medicinal uses of <em>C. monogyna,</em> particularly in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal therapies, and suggest that its bioactivity is largely due to its phenolic profile. Collectively, the combined antioxidant and urease inhibitory activities position Algerian <em>C. monogyna</em> as a promising natural candidate for the development of multi target therapies against oxidative stress and urease mediated disorders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"188 ","pages":"Pages 207-218"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527540","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.016
Kadry Z. Ghanem , Manal M. Ramadan , M. Fadel , Amira Taha Mohammed , Fatma M. Mousa , Wael M. Elmessery , Abdeldjalil Abbar , Tamer M. El-Messery
The study explores the potential benefits of synergistic interactions between different herbal extracts to reduce the required doses of individual herbs and minimize undesirable side effects. The research investigated the antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antibacterial effects of common herbs combinations (green tea (Camellia sinensis), turmeric (Curcuma longa), doum palm (Hyphaene thebaica), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), and sage herb (Salvia officinalis)) fortified with taurine (0.4 g/100ml) and vitamin C (0.125 g/100ml). Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), five polyherbal (HB) beverages were formulated and evaluated. HB1 (Mixture) showed superior efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma (IC50 = 53.7 µg/ml) and HB2 (Milk thistle) proved to be effective against breast cancer (IC50 = 31.4 µg/ml). The HB5 (Turmeric) extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with 97 % inhibition in ABTS radical assay and 95 % inhibition in DPPH radical assay. HB1 (Mixed polyherbal beverage) and HB5 (Turmeric) demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity with inhibition zones ranging from 19-27 mm against E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The optimized polyherbal beverage formulations provide a promising natural alternative for preventing oxidative stress-related diseases, cancer, and microbial infections while minimizing side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs.
{"title":"Optimization of synergistic combinations of polyherbal beverages fortified with taurine and vitamin C for antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial activities in vitro","authors":"Kadry Z. Ghanem , Manal M. Ramadan , M. Fadel , Amira Taha Mohammed , Fatma M. Mousa , Wael M. Elmessery , Abdeldjalil Abbar , Tamer M. El-Messery","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.016","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.016","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study explores the potential benefits of synergistic interactions between different herbal extracts to reduce the required doses of individual herbs and minimize undesirable side effects. The research investigated the antioxidant, anti-cancer, and antibacterial effects of common herbs combinations (green tea (<em>Camellia sinensis)</em>, turmeric (<em>Curcuma longa</em>), doum palm (<em>Hyphaene thebaica</em>), rosemary (<em>Salvia rosmarinus</em>), milk thistle (<em>Silybum marianum</em>), and sage herb (<em>Salvia officinalis</em>)) fortified with taurine (0.4 g/100ml) and vitamin C (0.125 g/100ml). Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), five polyherbal (HB) beverages were formulated and evaluated. HB1 (Mixture) showed superior efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma (IC<sub>50</sub> = 53.7 µg/ml) and HB2 (Milk thistle) proved to be effective against breast cancer (IC<sub>50</sub> = 31.4 µg/ml). The HB5 (Turmeric) extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with 97 % inhibition in ABTS radical assay and 95 % inhibition in DPPH radical assay. HB1 (Mixed polyherbal beverage) and HB5 (Turmeric) demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity with inhibition zones ranging from 19-27 mm against <em>E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus,</em> and <em>Candida albicans</em>. The optimized polyherbal beverage formulations provide a promising natural alternative for preventing oxidative stress-related diseases, cancer, and microbial infections while minimizing side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"188 ","pages":"Pages 165-179"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.036
Edwin Hlangwani, Bhekisisa C. Dlamini
Edible medicinal plant powders (EMPPs) have gained interest as ingredients in the production of fruit-based functional beverages. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of Devil’s Claw (DC) plant root powder and Moringa oleifera (MO) plant leaf powder on the fermentation performance of Metschnikowia pulcherrima for low alcohol marula fruit beer production under cold-contact fermentation conditions. Changes in cell viability and physicochemical properties were monitored. In addition, the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AA) were determined. The addition of EMPPs did not result in a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of the specific gravity (SG) of the marula fruit beers over time. Still, it significantly (p < 0.05) increased total sugar (glucose and fructose) utilisation, with MO-treated marula fruit beer showing significantly higher total sugar (glucose and fructose) utilisation (up to 94.27 %) after 312 h. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher free amino nitrogen and yeast assimilable nitrogen utilisation (up to 71.47 %) were observed in DC-treated marula fruit beer at the end of fermentation, highlighting the yeast’s metabolic switch to favour nitrogen sources for cell growth and viability. The addition of EMPPs produced acceptable alcohol concentrations (≤ 1.50 % v/v) for low alcohol fruit beers. Phytochemical analysis showed that a significantly (p < 0.05) higher concentration of EMPPs resulted in a higher final TFC at the end of the fermentation compared to the control (Ctrl). Specifically, MO-treated marula fruit beer treatment 2 (MO2) and DC-treated marula fruit beer treatment 2 (DC2) showed a TFC percentage increase of 14.49 % and 62.88 %, respectively. The TPC in the MO-treated marula fruit beers (MO1 and MO2) increased with fermentation after 312 h. A reverse trend was observed in the DC-treated marula fruit beers (DC1 and DC2) after 312 h. Additionally, all the EMPPs-treated marula fruit beers showed higher AA than the Ctrl at the end of the fermentation process. The AA in MO2 and DC1 showed consistent AA of 74 % DPPH inhibition between 24 and 312 h. Overall, the EMPPs enhanced the cell viability of M. pulcherrima by converting carbon and nitrogen sources into cellular components, organic acids, and a limited amount of alcohol. Moreover, the EMPPs enhanced the phenolic compound development and AA of the low alcohol marula fruit beer, with MO showing a more stable and sustained phenolic response compared to DC.
{"title":"Effect of Devil’s Claw and Moringa oleifera on cold-contact fermentation performance of Metschnikowia pulcherrima for low alcohol marula beer production","authors":"Edwin Hlangwani, Bhekisisa C. Dlamini","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.036","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.036","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Edible medicinal plant powders (EMPPs) have gained interest as ingredients in the production of fruit-based functional beverages. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of Devil’s Claw (DC) plant root powder and <em>Moringa oleifera</em> (MO) plant leaf powder on the fermentation performance of <em>Metschnikowia pulcherrima</em> for low alcohol marula fruit beer production under cold-contact fermentation conditions. Changes in cell viability and physicochemical properties were monitored. In addition, the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (AA) were determined. The addition of EMPPs did not result in a significant (<em>p</em> < 0.05) reduction of the specific gravity (SG) of the marula fruit beers over time. Still, it significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.05) increased total sugar (glucose and fructose) utilisation, with MO-treated marula fruit beer showing significantly higher total sugar (glucose and fructose) utilisation (up to 94.27 %) after 312 h. Significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.05) higher free amino nitrogen and yeast assimilable nitrogen utilisation (up to 71.47 %) were observed in DC-treated marula fruit beer at the end of fermentation, highlighting the yeast’s metabolic switch to favour nitrogen sources for cell growth and viability. The addition of EMPPs produced acceptable alcohol concentrations (≤ 1.50 % v/v) for low alcohol fruit beers. Phytochemical analysis showed that a significantly (<em>p</em> < 0.05) higher concentration of EMPPs resulted in a higher final TFC at the end of the fermentation compared to the control (Ctrl). Specifically, MO-treated marula fruit beer treatment 2 (MO2) and DC-treated marula fruit beer treatment 2 (DC2) showed a TFC percentage increase of 14.49 % and 62.88 %, respectively. The TPC in the MO-treated marula fruit beers (MO1 and MO2) increased with fermentation after 312 h. A reverse trend was observed in the DC-treated marula fruit beers (DC1 and DC2) after 312 h. Additionally, all the EMPPs-treated marula fruit beers showed higher AA than the Ctrl at the end of the fermentation process. The AA in MO2 and DC1 showed consistent AA of 74 % DPPH inhibition between 24 and 312 h. Overall, the EMPPs enhanced the cell viability of <em>M. pulcherrima</em> by converting carbon and nitrogen sources into cellular components, organic acids, and a limited amount of alcohol. Moreover, the EMPPs enhanced the phenolic compound development and AA of the low alcohol marula fruit beer, with MO showing a more stable and sustained phenolic response compared to DC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"187 ","pages":"Pages 672-685"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145517212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.043
Brice Landry Koloko , Hamza Anjum , Maryam Malik , Ayesha Azeem , Mariam Naveed , Somayya Tariq , Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua , Olawale Samuel Adeyinka , Dieudonné Massoma Lembè , Andrea Ferrigno , Bushra Ijaz
Rauvolfia vomitoria (Afzel.) is a famous indigenous medicinal plant in Africa and Asia that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is extensively used in both traditional and conventional medicine to treat various ailments. The current review provides an up-to-date report on available findings on the botany, geographical distribution, traditional use, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and clinical trials of R. vomitoria. Relevant information on R. vomitoria published from 1955 until March 2025 was collected from several popular databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, African Journal Online, Scopus, and Semantic Scholar, using a combination of various meaningful keywords. All parts of R. vomitoria are used in traditional medicine in many African countries to treat various human ailments. The plant can be prepared by maceration, decoction, infusion, or powder form. Several in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated various pharmacological properties of R. vomitoria, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiarrheal, aphrodisiac, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anticonvulsant, and antidepressant. Phytochemical investigations identified over a hundred active secondary metabolites from R. vomitoria, including alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, and tannins. The bioactive effects of R. vomitoria have been mainly ascribed to its indole alkaloids, such as reserpine, yohimbine, serpentine, reserpiline, and rauvomine. Clinical studies have shown that reserpine is effective in the treatment of chronic psychiatric conditions; it is also an approved cardiovascular medicine with an antihypertensive effect. The present systematic review highlights R. vomitoria as a rich source of naturally active principles for developing new drugs. This exhaustive analysis offers the opportunity to explore the potential of R. vomitoria bioactive compounds as next-generation therapies for various ailments. However, intensive investigations regarding the safety of its bioactive principles and their mechanism of action are needed before their incorporation into therapeutic practices.
罗布麻（Rauvolfia vomitoria）是产于非洲和亚洲的著名药用植物，属于夹竹桃科。它在传统和常规医学中广泛用于治疗各种疾病。本文从植物学、地理分布、传统用途、药理学、植物化学和临床试验等方面综述了呕吐草的最新研究成果。从1955年到2025年3月，我们从PubMed、b谷歌Scholar、Web of Science、African Journal Online、Scopus和Semantic Scholar等几个流行的数据库中收集了关于R. vomitoria的相关信息，并结合了各种有意义的关键词。在许多非洲国家，吐菇的所有部分都在传统医学中用于治疗各种人类疾病。该植物可通过浸渍、煎煮、浸渍或粉末形式制备。几项体外和体内研究表明，呕吐草具有多种药理特性，包括抗菌、抗癌、止泻、壮阳、抗糖尿病、保护心脏、保护肝脏、抗惊厥和抗抑郁。植物化学研究鉴定了百余种有效的呕吐草次生代谢物，包括生物碱、类固醇、萜类、皂苷和单宁。呕吐草的生物活性主要归因于其含有的吲哚类生物碱，如利血平、育亨宾、蛇形碱、利血平和红马碱。临床研究表明，利血平对慢性精神疾病的治疗有效；它也是一种被批准的心血管药物，具有抗高血压作用。本系统综述强调吐霉是开发新药的天然活性成分的丰富来源。这种详尽的分析提供了机会，以探索潜力的呕吐杆菌的生物活性化合物作为下一代治疗各种疾病。然而，在将其纳入治疗实践之前，需要对其生物活性原理及其作用机制的安全性进行深入研究。
{"title":"Rauwolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae): A comprehensive insight into its botany, ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and clinical trials","authors":"Brice Landry Koloko , Hamza Anjum , Maryam Malik , Ayesha Azeem , Mariam Naveed , Somayya Tariq , Laura Giuseppina Di Pasqua , Olawale Samuel Adeyinka , Dieudonné Massoma Lembè , Andrea Ferrigno , Bushra Ijaz","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.043","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.043","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rauvolfia vomitoria</em> (Afzel.) is a famous indigenous medicinal plant in Africa and Asia that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is extensively used in both traditional and conventional medicine to treat various ailments. The current review provides an up-to-date report on available findings on the botany, geographical distribution, traditional use, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and clinical trials of <em>R. vomitoria</em>. Relevant information on <em>R. vomitoria</em> published from 1955 until March 2025 was collected from several popular databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, African Journal Online, Scopus, and Semantic Scholar, using a combination of various meaningful keywords. All parts of <em>R. vomitoria</em> are used in traditional medicine in many African countries to treat various human ailments. The plant can be prepared by maceration, decoction, infusion, or powder form. Several <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> studies demonstrated various pharmacological properties of <em>R. vomitoria</em>, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiarrheal, aphrodisiac, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, anticonvulsant, and antidepressant. Phytochemical investigations identified over a hundred active secondary metabolites from <em>R. vomitoria</em>, including alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, and tannins. The bioactive effects of <em>R. vomitoria</em> have been mainly ascribed to its indole alkaloids, such as reserpine, yohimbine, serpentine, reserpiline, and rauvomine. Clinical studies have shown that reserpine is effective in the treatment of chronic psychiatric conditions; it is also an approved cardiovascular medicine with an antihypertensive effect. The present systematic review highlights <em>R. vomitoria</em> as a rich source of naturally active principles for developing new drugs. This exhaustive analysis offers the opportunity to explore the potential of <em>R. vomitoria</em> bioactive compounds as next-generation therapies for various ailments. However, intensive investigations regarding the safety of its bioactive principles and their mechanism of action are needed before their incorporation into therapeutic practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"187 ","pages":"Pages 645-671"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145517215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.013
Jinghan Zhang , Jiajia Yu , Tao Zuo , Guoqing Yang , Yanhua Jiang , Lei Zhao
Background
Myopia is a global concern, with current treatments targeting only symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers potential, but its mechanism is unclear.
Objective
To explore the therapeutic effect of Yiqi Congming Decoction (YQCM) in myopia and identifies its mechanisms using network pharmacology and experimental validation.
Methods
A lens-induced myopia (LIM) rat model was used. YQCM was administered daily for 4 weeks, with a control group receiving 0.01 % atropine. After 4 weeks, ocular axial length was measured, scleral ultrastructure was analyzed by electron microscopy, and histological changes were assessed. Active YQCM components and their targets were identified using the TCMSP database and matched with myopia-related targets from GeneCards, OMIM, DisGeNET, and DrugBank. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were built using STRING and Cytoscape, and pathways were enriched with Metascape. Western blot and immunohistochemistry confirmed key protein expressions.
Results
YQCM treatment significantly reduced axial elongation in the LIM rat model, with enhanced scleral collagen synthesis. Network pharmacology identified 126 common targets, including AKT1, TP53, IL1B, EGFR, TNF, and HIF1A, involved in pathways like HIF-1, MAPK, and TNF signaling. KEGG and GO analyses revealed key processes such as cancer, HIF-1α signaling, and gene expression regulation. Experimental validation confirmed YQCM's effects on reducing inflammatory markers and increasing P-AKT expression, suggesting its therapeutic action via the AKT/TP53/HIF-1α pathway.
Conclusion
YQCM may treat myopia through a multi-component, multi-target effect, likely involving anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.
{"title":"Therapeutic effects and mechanistic insights of herbal medicine in myopia: integration of network pharmacology and in vivo experiments","authors":"Jinghan Zhang , Jiajia Yu , Tao Zuo , Guoqing Yang , Yanhua Jiang , Lei Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Myopia is a global concern, with current treatments targeting only symptoms. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers potential, but its mechanism is unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore the therapeutic effect of Yiqi Congming Decoction (YQCM) in myopia and identifies its mechanisms using network pharmacology and experimental validation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A lens-induced myopia (LIM) rat model was used. YQCM was administered daily for 4 weeks, with a control group receiving 0.01 % atropine. After 4 weeks, ocular axial length was measured, scleral ultrastructure was analyzed by electron microscopy, and histological changes were assessed. Active YQCM components and their targets were identified using the TCMSP database and matched with myopia-related targets from GeneCards, OMIM, DisGeNET, and DrugBank. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were built using STRING and Cytoscape, and pathways were enriched with Metascape. Western blot and immunohistochemistry confirmed key protein expressions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>YQCM treatment significantly reduced axial elongation in the LIM rat model, with enhanced scleral collagen synthesis. Network pharmacology identified 126 common targets, including AKT1, TP53, IL1B, EGFR, TNF, and HIF1A, involved in pathways like HIF-1, MAPK, and TNF signaling. KEGG and GO analyses revealed key processes such as cancer, HIF-1α signaling, and gene expression regulation. Experimental validation confirmed YQCM's effects on reducing inflammatory markers and increasing P-AKT expression, suggesting its therapeutic action via the AKT/TP53/HIF-1α pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>YQCM may treat myopia through a multi-component, multi-target effect, likely involving anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"188 ","pages":"Pages 105-120"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.058
Wilka Maria do Nascimento Silva , João Victor de Oliveira Alves , Luzia Abílio da Silva , João Ricardhis Saturnino de Oliveira , Wêndeo Kennedy Costa , Katharina Marques Diniz , Bruno Oliveira de Veras , Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz Navarro , Vera Lúcia de Menezes Lima , Márcia Vanusa da Silva , Maria Tereza dos Santos Correia
The exploration of natural products has gained momentum due to the increasing demand for alternative or complementary therapies with fewer adverse effects than conventional drugs. In this context, plant-derived compounds with therapeutic potential have attracted growing scientific interest, particularly within traditional medicine. Essential oils (EO), extracted from various plant species, stand out as promising research targets owing to their complex chemical profiles and bioactive properties. This study investigated the antinociceptive and antioxidant potentials of Psidium salutare essential oil (PSEO), as well as its possible mechanisms of action. The oil’s chemical composition was determined by GC-MS and GC-FID analyses, identifying 56 compounds. Major constituents included 1,8-cineole (14.05 %), E-caryophyllene (8.86 %), α-eudesmol (6.51 %), α-panasinsen (6.39 %), selina-3,7(11)-diene (5.94 %), and α-pinene (4.38 %). Antinociceptive activity was assessed using the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests. PSEO exhibited significant antinociceptive effects, primarily through modulation of central nociceptive pathways. At an oral dose of 250 mg/kg, PSEO reduced abdominal writhing by 73.52 % and inhibited paw-licking behavior by 57.76 % (early phase) and 80.31 % (late phase) in the formalin test. These findings support the potential of PSEO as a source of bioactive compounds with relevant antinociceptive properties.
{"title":"The essential oil of Psidium salutare (Kunth) O. Berg exerts antinociceptive effects through central and peripheral mechanisms","authors":"Wilka Maria do Nascimento Silva , João Victor de Oliveira Alves , Luzia Abílio da Silva , João Ricardhis Saturnino de Oliveira , Wêndeo Kennedy Costa , Katharina Marques Diniz , Bruno Oliveira de Veras , Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz Navarro , Vera Lúcia de Menezes Lima , Márcia Vanusa da Silva , Maria Tereza dos Santos Correia","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.058","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.10.058","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The exploration of natural products has gained momentum due to the increasing demand for alternative or complementary therapies with fewer adverse effects than conventional drugs. In this context, plant-derived compounds with therapeutic potential have attracted growing scientific interest, particularly within traditional medicine. Essential oils (EO), extracted from various plant species, stand out as promising research targets owing to their complex chemical profiles and bioactive properties. This study investigated the antinociceptive and antioxidant potentials of Psidium salutare essential oil (PSEO), as well as its possible mechanisms of action. The oil’s chemical composition was determined by GC-MS and GC-FID analyses, identifying 56 compounds. Major constituents included 1,8-cineole (14.05 %), E-caryophyllene (8.86 %), α-eudesmol (6.51 %), α-panasinsen (6.39 %), selina-3,7(11)-diene (5.94 %), and α-pinene (4.38 %). Antinociceptive activity was assessed using the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests. PSEO exhibited significant antinociceptive effects, primarily through modulation of central nociceptive pathways. At an oral dose of 250 mg/kg, PSEO reduced abdominal writhing by 73.52 % and inhibited paw-licking behavior by 57.76 % (early phase) and 80.31 % (late phase) in the formalin test. These findings support the potential of PSEO as a source of bioactive compounds with relevant antinociceptive properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"188 ","pages":"Pages 99-104"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-12DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.020
Serkan Kapancık , Esra Ucar , Burak Tüzün , Hüseyin Aşkın Akpulat , Carlos J. Bethencourt-Estrella , Javier Chao-Pellicer , Rubén L. Rodríguez-Expósito , Atteneri López-Arencibia , Jacob Lorenzo-Morales , José E. Piñero
Introduction
Hypericum scabrum and Hypericum perforatum are traditionally used medicinal plants known for their therapeutic properties, including wound healing and mood regulation. This study aims to validate their traditional uses by investigating their anticancer and antiparasitic activities. To characterize the bioactive compounds of H. scabrum and H. perforatum extracts and evaluate their potential anticancer and antiparasitic mechanisms, gene expression profiling, and in silico modeling.
Methods
Ethanolic extracts of both species were analyzed to determine phytochemical composition. Anticancer effects were tested on colon adenocarcinoma and lung carcinoma cells using MTT assay and flow cytometry. Antiparasitic activity was assessed against Leishmania amazonensis, Trypanosoma cruzi, Acanthamoeba castellanii, and Naegleria fowleri. Gene expression of apoptosis and polyamine synthesis markers were evaluated by RT-PCR. Molecular docking and ADME/Tox predictions were conducted to identify active compounds and assess their drug-likeness.
Results
Both extracts reduced cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis in cancer cells. H. scabrum showed potent activity against T. cruzi, L. amazonensis, and Acanthamoeba, while H. perforatum was active against N. fowleri, T. cruzi, and L. amazonensis. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of pro-apoptotic BAX and downregulation of ODC. Molecular docking identified rutin, hesperidin, kaempferol, and gallic acid as key binders to cancer and parasite target proteins. Kaempferol and gallic acid displayed favorable ADME profiles.
Conclusions
The study supports the traditional use of H. scabrum and H. perforatum by confirming their antiparasitic and anticancer potential. Kaempferol and gallic acid emerge as promising candidates for drug development.
{"title":"Exploring the antiprotozoal and anticancer potential of medicinal Hypericum species through molecular and pharmacological approaches","authors":"Serkan Kapancık , Esra Ucar , Burak Tüzün , Hüseyin Aşkın Akpulat , Carlos J. Bethencourt-Estrella , Javier Chao-Pellicer , Rubén L. Rodríguez-Expósito , Atteneri López-Arencibia , Jacob Lorenzo-Morales , José E. Piñero","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Hypericum scabrum</em> and <em>Hypericum perforatum</em> are traditionally used medicinal plants known for their therapeutic properties, including wound healing and mood regulation. This study aims to validate their traditional uses by investigating their anticancer and antiparasitic activities. To characterize the bioactive compounds of <em>H. scabrum</em> and <em>H. perforatum</em> extracts and evaluate their potential anticancer and antiparasitic mechanisms, gene expression profiling, and in silico modeling.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ethanolic extracts of both species were analyzed to determine phytochemical composition. Anticancer effects were tested on colon adenocarcinoma and lung carcinoma cells using MTT assay and flow cytometry. Antiparasitic activity was assessed against <em>Leishmania amazonensis, Trypanosoma cruzi, Acanthamoeba castellanii</em>, and <em>Naegleria fowleri</em>. Gene expression of apoptosis and polyamine synthesis markers were evaluated by RT-PCR. Molecular docking and ADME/Tox predictions were conducted to identify active compounds and assess their drug-likeness.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both extracts reduced cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis in cancer cells. <em>H. scabrum</em> showed potent activity against <em>T. cruzi</em>, L. <em>amazonensis</em>, and <em>Acanthamoeba</em>, while <em>H. perforatum</em> was active against <em>N. fowleri, T. cruzi</em>, and L. <em>amazonensis</em>. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of pro-apoptotic BAX and downregulation of ODC. Molecular docking identified rutin, hesperidin, kaempferol, and gallic acid as key binders to cancer and parasite target proteins. Kaempferol and gallic acid displayed favorable ADME profiles.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study supports the traditional use of <em>H. scabrum</em> and <em>H. perforatum</em> by confirming their antiparasitic and anticancer potential. Kaempferol and gallic acid emerge as promising candidates for drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"188 ","pages":"Pages 121-134"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.018
Coert J Geldenhuys , Eugene J Moll , Rudi C Swart
<div><div>South African forests are organized into eight Forest Groups and 26 National Forest Types and have a long history of biogeographical inter-relationships, that drove the ecological adaptation of their plant and animal species to survive diverse disturbance-recovery processes. Such relationships have been assessed in various studies to provide a better understanding of the ecology of their biota, within their assemblages, in widely fragmented species associations. The derived concept is that their biodiversity, productivity and value, for the benefit of current and future generations, can be maintained through active resource use practices that simulate natural, disturbance-recovery processes underlying their ecology. These forests are confined to fire-shadow areas within a larger suitable climatic-edaphic landscape; with large parts of the landscape being fire-prone. These fire-adapted vegetation systems, such as grassland, shrubland (Fynbos), bushland and woodland, with their own species assemblages, biodiversity and functionality, developed in potentially suitable evergreen forest landscapes. Economic development through agriculture, forestry, conservation, and infrastructure has changed to cooler fires or fire exclusion. This has contributed to the widespread establishment of invasive alien plant (IAP) species and the invasion of evergreen forest species (naturalizing) into the broader landscape. These evergreen forest species either expanded directly or became established via the light-demanding IAPs that nurse the more shade-tolerant, indigenous forest species. Forestry plantations in the fire-prone landscapes have also facilitated the expansion of natural forest. This better understanding of the ecology and functionality of the natural forest systems can be used in sustainable forest management practices to benefit from the products, values, and services they provide to society. Bottlenecks to the application of the knowledge gained into diverse sustainable resource use practices exist due to fortress conservation mindsets and strategies, and the national and provincial policies and regulations that are not aligned with the contemporary ecological realities. For example, (i) it is necessary to allow variable harvesting practices of timber and poles based on the ecology and regeneration strategies of targeted species and not insisting on one universal system of minimizing disturbance; (ii) a changed approach is needed towards using IAP stands strategically (selective ringbarking or thinning) to facilitate forest recovery and not simply clearing them, taking account of historic vegetation systems; (iii) participatory management in the sustainable harvesting of non-timber products (such as poles, firewood, timber for wood carving, etc.) and non-wood forest products (bark for traditional medicine and fibre, ferns for florist greenery, fruit and other foods, etc.) should become the norm rather than applying restrictive law enforcement o
{"title":"Evergreen forests in South Africa – their composition, biogeography, ecological dynamics and sustainable use management","authors":"Coert J Geldenhuys , Eugene J Moll , Rudi C Swart","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.11.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>South African forests are organized into eight Forest Groups and 26 National Forest Types and have a long history of biogeographical inter-relationships, that drove the ecological adaptation of their plant and animal species to survive diverse disturbance-recovery processes. Such relationships have been assessed in various studies to provide a better understanding of the ecology of their biota, within their assemblages, in widely fragmented species associations. The derived concept is that their biodiversity, productivity and value, for the benefit of current and future generations, can be maintained through active resource use practices that simulate natural, disturbance-recovery processes underlying their ecology. These forests are confined to fire-shadow areas within a larger suitable climatic-edaphic landscape; with large parts of the landscape being fire-prone. These fire-adapted vegetation systems, such as grassland, shrubland (Fynbos), bushland and woodland, with their own species assemblages, biodiversity and functionality, developed in potentially suitable evergreen forest landscapes. Economic development through agriculture, forestry, conservation, and infrastructure has changed to cooler fires or fire exclusion. This has contributed to the widespread establishment of invasive alien plant (IAP) species and the invasion of evergreen forest species (naturalizing) into the broader landscape. These evergreen forest species either expanded directly or became established via the light-demanding IAPs that nurse the more shade-tolerant, indigenous forest species. Forestry plantations in the fire-prone landscapes have also facilitated the expansion of natural forest. This better understanding of the ecology and functionality of the natural forest systems can be used in sustainable forest management practices to benefit from the products, values, and services they provide to society. Bottlenecks to the application of the knowledge gained into diverse sustainable resource use practices exist due to fortress conservation mindsets and strategies, and the national and provincial policies and regulations that are not aligned with the contemporary ecological realities. For example, (i) it is necessary to allow variable harvesting practices of timber and poles based on the ecology and regeneration strategies of targeted species and not insisting on one universal system of minimizing disturbance; (ii) a changed approach is needed towards using IAP stands strategically (selective ringbarking or thinning) to facilitate forest recovery and not simply clearing them, taking account of historic vegetation systems; (iii) participatory management in the sustainable harvesting of non-timber products (such as poles, firewood, timber for wood carving, etc.) and non-wood forest products (bark for traditional medicine and fibre, ferns for florist greenery, fruit and other foods, etc.) should become the norm rather than applying restrictive law enforcement o","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"188 ","pages":"Pages 63-98"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145527534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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