Journals
2026 EN
Bramki Amina · Barboucha Ghozlane · Mahdjoub Sara
+9 more
ABSTRACT This work aimed to valorize Vitex agnus‐castus by evaluating the biological and cosmetic potential of its hydroalcoholic leaf extract. The study encompassed phytochemical profiling, assessment of antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and the formulation of a topical cream incorporating the extract. Phytochemical screening demonstrated a substantial presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, triterpenes, and anthocyanins. Quantitative analysis indicated high levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, and flavonols. GC–MS analysis further supported the extract's rich chemical composition. The extract exhibited notable antioxidant activity, particularly in the phenanthroline and ABTS •+ assays. Also, it demonstrated significant in vitro efficacy against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus . To elucidate the antibacterial mechanism, molecular docking was conducted targeting enoyl‐acyl carrier protein reductase (FabI). Among the eleven identified phytochemicals, phytol, palmitic acid, and linolenic acid showed the highest binding affinities. Phytol exhibited the strongest interaction with S. aureus FabI (−7.6 kcal/mol), while palmitic acid was most active against B. subtilis FabI (−7.0 kcal/mol), suggesting their potential as FabI‐targeting antibacterial agents. Furthermore, the extract displayed a promising sun protection factor (30.84 ± 0.21), justifying its incorporation into a topical cream formulation. These results highlight the multifunctional properties of V. agnus‐castus and its potential use in both pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Journals
2026 EN
Andrade João · AlmeidaApolonio Adriana Araújo · Dantas Fabiana Gomes da Silva
+12 more
ABSTRACT The genus Schinus L. includes plants used in folk medicine with important pharmacological effects. However, little is known about Schinus weinmanniifolia Mart. ex Engl. This study evaluated the antioxidant, photoprotective, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of its ethanolic extracts and identified bioactive compounds. Phytochemical analysis confirmed saponins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins in leaves, stems, and roots extracts. Syringic acid, epicatechin, and rutin were identified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector. The leaves extract showed the lowest IC 50 in the DPPH method, and all extracts effectively scavenged ABTS radicals, outperforming BHT. All extracts demonstrated sun protection and antimicrobial action against Gram‐positive bacteria and yeasts but lacked antiprotozoal activity. They showed no hemolytic potential or cytotoxicity in Vero cells at active concentrations. These findings highlight S. weinmanniifolia as a promising focus for future investigations aimed at further exploring its bioactive properties.
Journals
2026 EN
Kahwa Ivan · Seel Christina · Ikiriza Hilda
+7 more
ABSTRACT Medicinal plants such as Centella asiatica , Conyza sumatrensis , and Justicia betonica are widely used in Uganda for traditional wound healing. However, the impact of cultivation conditions on their therapeutic potential remains poorly understood. This study compared the phytochemical profiles and bioactivities of hydroponically cultivated and wild‐collected material of these species from Lugazi Diocese, Uganda. Extracts were prepared using ethanol, methanol, and water, and analyzed by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC‐UV), headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐GC–MS), and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). TLC and HPLC‐UV indicated terpenoids, flavonoids, and steroids, while HS‐GC–MS revealed predominantly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. LC–MS/MS annotated flavonoids, including quercetin‐3‐O‐glucuronoside, kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside, and kaempferol, as well as triterpenoids such as asiatic acid and katononic acid. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Bacillus subtilis , Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas fluorescens , and Saccharomyces cerevisiae using the agar well diffusion method. Anti‐inflammatory effects were assessed by IL‐6 and IL‐8 secretion, and cytotoxicity by MTT assay. Ethanol and methanol extracts exhibited moderate antibacterial activity, while aqueous extracts of wild C. asiatica and hydroponic C. sumatrensis significantly reduced IL‐6 secretion. No cytotoxic effects were detected. These findings suggest hydroponic cultivation preserves essential phytochemicals and bioactivities, supporting sustainable production of medicinal plants for therapeutic applications.
Journals
2026 EN
Tomou EkaterinaMichaela · Anagnostou Maria · Battisti Francesco Cesare
+4 more
ABSTRACT The genus Stachys (Lamiaceae) comprises numerous species recognized for their ethnopharmacological importance and rich chemical profiles. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and biocompatibility of both wild‐growing Cretan samples and asexually propagated samples of Stachys cretica L. subsp. cretica that were ex situ cultivated in the same region (Crete). The methanol (MeOH) extracts and infusions were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐photodiode array detection coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC‐PDA‐MS) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H‐NMR) spectroscopy. A total of 23 compounds were identified in the analyzed samples by HPLC‐PDA‐MS, classified as flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and phenolic acids. The NMR screening confirmed the presence of chlorogenic acid, acteoside, lavandulifolioside, and leucosceptoside A in the MeOH extract of wild‐growing S. cretica subsp. cretica . Methanol extracts exhibited higher chemical diversity compared to infusions, particularly in flavonoids. Moreover, biocompatibility is crucial for most biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, ensuring that drugs, drug delivery systems, and cosmetics avoid possible side effects or cytotoxicity. Thus, normal human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) were cultivated and cell viability (%) was estimated. This confirmed that S. cretica subsp. cretica extracts are biocompatible. The limited phytochemical variation observed between wild‐growing and cultivated samples suggests that cultivation within the species’ native range may preserve its chemical composition.
Journals
2026 EN
Correia Victoria Marcelle de Sena · da Silva Ana Carine · da Silva Maria Gabriela Gomes
+7 more
ABSTRACT Medicinal plants exhibit rich chemical diversity and therapeutic potential, accounting for their broad applications in traditional medicine and the growing number of studies documented in literature. Among the most used species, Lippia spp. are aromatic plants of notable therapeutic interest, with L. alba and L. origanoides predominantly found in the Cerrado and Caatinga regions of Brazil. Despite their traditional use, studies focusing on the hydroalcoholic fractions of these species remain limited yet are crucial for understanding their full phytochemical profiles. This work aims to present an integrative review of the phytochemistry of the leaves of L. alba and L. origanoides , along with a brief overview of their reported bioactivities. The databases used for the literature survey were ScienceDirect, PubMed, and SciELO. A total of 37 articles about the nonvolatile fraction and 65 about the volatile fraction were selected after screening. For L. alba , verbascoside is the primary marker described, whereas for L. origanoides , naringenin and eriodictyol are predominant. The presence of pinocembrin has also been reported in extracts of L. origanoides . Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and cardiovascular‐related activities have been documented in the literature for these species extracts and essential oils. Given the relative scarcity of studies on their hydroalcoholic profiles compared to volatile compounds, this review highlights the potential of Lippia spp. to contribute to scientific advancement and the development of new natural products.
Journals
2026 EN
Coelho Gonçalves Cicera Alane · Oliveira Souza Geane Gabriele · Fernandes Duarte Ana Maria
+4 more
ABSTRACT Hymenaea courbaril L., commonly known as jatobá, is a plant traditionally used by native populations for medicinal purposes, in addition to providing edible fruits and durable wood for construction. In Brazilian traditional medicine, products from this species are employed to treat wounds, inflammations, bacterial infections, rheumatism, anemia, respiratory and gastric disorders, bronchitis, and prostate conditions. This review aimed to summarize the phytochemical composition and biological activities of H. courbaril L., establishing a foundation for future studies. The species is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenes, phenols, and coumarins present in its leaves, fruits, bark, and resin. Scientifically validated bioactivities include antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, muscle‐relaxant, and antiproliferative effects. Low acute toxicity has been demonstrated in in vivo assays. Despite these promising results, gaps remain regarding its chemical characterization, medicinal, and nutraceutical potential. This review highlights the need for further research to validate traditional uses, ensure safe applications, and explore new therapeutic prospects.
Journals
2026 EN
Bekkai Douaa · Miceli Natalizia · Taviano Maria Fernanda
+4 more
ABSTRACT Salvia ceratophylloides Ard. ( Sc ), a rare endemic species from Southern Italy, has been chemically unexplored. We report the first analysis of its polyphenolic profile, antioxidant potential, and preliminary toxicity, compared with the well‐studied Salvia officinalis L. ( So ). Plants were cultivated under identical Mediterranean conditions to minimize variability. Leaf hydroalcoholic extracts were examined for polyphenols (high‐performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry [HPLC‐PDA/ESI‐MS]), antioxidant activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl [DPPH], reducing power, Fe 2+ chelation), and toxicity ( Artemia salina lethality bioassay). Although differing qualitatively, both species showed nearly identical total phenolic content ( So 274.59 mg/g; Sc 274.27 mg/g). Notably, Sc was rich in rosmarinic acid and consistently exhibited superior antioxidant activity. It was also nontoxic against A. salina , in contrast to So (LC 50 = 79.27 ± 11.62 µg/mL). These findings highlight Sc as a promising source of bioactive compounds and warrant further pharmacological and conservation studies.
Journals
2026 EN
Rangel Josefa · Liberal Ângela · Finimundy Tiane C.
+7 more
ABSTRACT Annona species (Annonaceae family) are valued for their nutritional and medicinal importance, especially in traditional medicine. This study investigated the phenolic profiles of the Angolan Annona muricata , Annona squamosa , and Annona senegalensis leaves, stem barks, and seeds hydroethanolic, infusion, and decoction extracts, also evaluating their antioxidant, antimalarial, and antimicrobial potential. Our results showed a vibrant phenolic profile in all the studied species, with A. muricata standing out with 44 compounds identified, with leaves containing the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds, particularly in A. senegalensis . Procyanidin trimer was the primary compound found in A. muricata leaf and stem bark hydroethanolic extract and infusion preparation, while in A. squamosa , epigallocatechin and catechin prevail. In A. senegalensis , quercetin‐3‐ O ‐rutinoside was primarily detected in the leaves and isorhamnetin‐3‐ O ‐rutinoside in the stem barks. Extracts from A. senegalensis performed a higher antioxidant capacity, while the hydroethanolic extract of A. muricata displayed better antimalarial activity. A. senegalensis showed the highest antioxidant activity, while A. muricata extract was most effective against malaria; all extracts displayed antibacterial effects. These results reveal the remarkable phenolic richness and bioactive potential of the studied species, supporting their traditional medicinal uses and emphasizing the pharmaceutical and industrial relevance of Annona species.
Journals
2026 EN
Bouzenozza · Horchani Mabrouk · Dhibi Sabah
+8 more
ABSTRACT Herbal medicine is an important field focused on the treatment and prevention of various health conditions that may occur due to oxidative stress. Our investigation aimed to determine the chemical composition, antioxidant, and the protective activity of polysaccharides isolated from Cinnamomum cassia (Cc‐Ps). Cc‐Ps underwent thorough characterization through various analytical methods, including UV, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and HPLC. Our analysis showed that the Cc‐Ps exhibited highest amount of uronic acid. In addition, Cc‐Ps extract showed high ability to scavenge 2,2 diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH ● ), 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3 ethylbenzothiazoline‐6 sulfonic acid radical (ABTS •+ ), and NO free radicals in reaction system. There was a noticeable decrease in the activity of key antioxidant enzymes such a superoxide dismutase and glutathione (GSH) peroxidase accompanied by an increase in malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress. MET led to a clear impairment of the histopathological structure of both the liver and kidneys. Pretreatment with the polysaccharide extract normalized all biochemical and oxidative parameters. Virtual screening using docking simulations against “ Drosophila melanogaster Acetylcholinesterase” was conducted to assess the bio‐insecticidal properties of specific polysaccharide compounds derived from C. cassia . Polysaccharides were effectively protective in the liver and kidneys against the toxic effects of MET under our experimental conditions.
Journals
2026 EN
Maciel Nylton Ferreira · do Lago Gleice VasconcelosPereira · da Silva Pereira Glauce Vasconcelos
+15 more
ABSTRACT The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods by replacing toxic chemical reagents with natural sources. These methods utilize microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, or natural plant extracts rich in secondary metabolites that act as reducing and stabilizing agents during nanoparticle formation. In this study, we biosynthesized AgNPs using an ethanolic extract of Piper nigrum seeds and isolated piperine (PPN), the main bioactive compound. Furthermore, we evaluated the cytotoxic properties of PPN and its interaction with AgNPs (Np‐AgPPN) in gastric cancer cells. The samples were characterized using UV–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results suggest successful functionalization of AgNPs with piperine (Np‐AgPPN). UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a hypsochromic shift of the maximum peak and a hypochromic effect, suggesting electronic interactions between PPN and Ag. FTIR‐attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectra revealed shifts in the carbonyl and aromatic bands, confirming PPN–Ag complex formation. SEM micrographs displayed rectangular crystals characteristic of PPN, whereas Np‐AgPPN exhibited amorphous clusters. XRD analysis revealed a decrease in crystallinity and peaks characteristic of metallic Ag. Thermal analyses (TG/DTG and DSC) demonstrated the reduced thermal stability of Np‐AgPPN compared to PPN, in addition to altered endothermic and exothermic transitions. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that Np‐AgPPN had superior antitumor activity compared to PPN, with IC 50 in the range 23.1–33.9 µg/mL, particularly against the gastric cell line AGP01 PIWIL1 − / − . These results demonstrate that piperine‐functionalized AgNPs can be synthesized from a piperine‐rich extract and that Np‐AgPPN exhibits superior cytotoxic effects against gastric cancer cells. In conclusion, this work highlights the feasibility of producing piperine‐functionalized AgNPs through a green synthesis approach and demonstrates their enhanced cytotoxic activity against gastric cancer cells, reinforcing the therapeutic potential of this strategy.