Psidium guajava: is a tropical tree that is widely used in traditional medicine, especially for treating diarrhea. While P. guajava has been the subject of numerous reviews, none have specifically examined its ethnobotany, pharmacology, and phytochemistry in relation to its antidiarrheal activity. This review aims to summarize the evidence of effectiveness and safety of P. guajava in the treatment of diarrhea. Literature searches were conducted through Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect by using keywords \"Psidium guajava\" and \"diarrhea\" in October 2022. A total of 189 studies were included in this review. P. guajava is widely used in traditional medicine in 44 countries. Decoction and oral were the most represented method of preparation and administration, respectively, while leaves represented the most frequently cited part of the plant. Around 27 antidiarrheal or antibacterial compounds have been isolated and identified, including benzophenone glycosides, terpenes, polysaccharides, phenols, and flavonoids. This article presents ethnobotanical and pharmacological evidence for the efficacy of P. guajava leaves in the treatment of diarrhea and provides reference information for further investigation of this plant. However, despite the large number of publications on the topic, there are still some questions to answer: are quercetin and its glycosides the only ones to act as antidiarrheal agents? What is the mechanism of action of P. guajava antidiarrheal compounds? are the use of guava leaves safe in all types of populations including children, and at what dosage? To answer these questions, more complete phytochemical studies and systematic clinical trials are needed.

Coronary heart disease is a prevalent cardiovascular ailment globally, with myocardial infarction (MI) being one of its most severe manifestations. The morbidity and mortality of MI are escalating, showing an increasing trend among younger, highly educated individuals, thereby posing a serious threat to public health. Currently, thrombolysis, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass grafting are the primary clinical treatments for MI. Although these methods significantly reduce patient mortality, complications often result in poor prognoses. Due to limitations in chemical synthetic drug research, the focus has shifted towards developing herbs based on natural substances. Natural medicines represent a novel approach for safer and more effective MI management and treatment. They can control multiple pathogenic variables by targeting various pathways and systems. This paper investigates the molecular mechanisms of MI and evaluates the application of natural products and medicinal plants in MI treatment over the past 5 years, demonstrating their specific good therapeutic potential and superior tolerance. These natural therapies have been shown to mitigate myocardial cell damage caused by MI through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, myocardial fibrosis, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitophagy, and pyroptosis. This review offers the latest insights into the application of natural products and medicinal plants in MI treatment, elucidating their mechanisms of action and serving as an important reference for MI prevention.

Memory loss is becoming an increasingly significant health problem, largely due to Alzheimer\'s disease (AD), which disrupts the brain in several ways, including causing inflammation and weakening the body\'s defenses. This study explores the potential of medicinal plants as a source of novel therapeutic agents for AD. First, we tested various plant extracts against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in vitro, following molecular docking simulations with key AD-related protein targets such as MAO-B, P-gp, GSK-3β, and CD14. Rosemary extract was found to be the most inhibitory towards AChE. The compounds found in rosemary (oleanolic acid), sage (pinocembrin), and cinnamon (italicene) showed promise in potentially binding to MAO-B. These chemicals may interact with a key protein in the brain and alter the production and removal of amyloid-β. Luteolin (from rosemary), myricetin (from sage), chamigrene, and italicene (from cinnamon) exhibited potential for inhibiting tau aggregation. Additionally, ursolic acid found in rosemary, sage, and chamigrene from cinnamon could modulate CD14 activity. For the first time, our findings shed light on the intricate interplay between neuroinflammation, neuroprotective mechanisms, and the immune system\'s role in AD. Further research is needed to validate the in vivo efficacy and safety of these plant-derived compounds, as well as their interactions with key protein targets, which could lead to the development of novel AD therapeutics.

UNASSIGNED: Shirakiopsis indica (Willd)., commonly known as Sa-Mor-Ta-Lay in Thailand, is a mangrove plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. As mangrove plants\' medicinal potentials are less explored, this study sought to qualitatively and quantitatively verify the bioactive components of Shirakiopsis indica fruits methanolic extract (SIF-ME) at the side of its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects followed by in-silico studies.
UNASSIGNED: The in-vivo assessments of analgesic activity involved the hot plate test, acetic acid-induced writhing test, and formalin-induced licking test. The anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed through the human RBC membrane stabilization assay (HRBC), protein denaturation assay, and xylene-induced ear edema methods. Antioxidant potential was implemented by the DPPH scavenging method.
UNASSIGNED: The SIF-ME consistently displayed significant anti-nociceptive activity in a dose-dependent pattern (p < 0.05). The maximum analgesic activity was found in the highest dose (200 mg/kg; p < 0.001) in a hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing test 43.47%, and in formalin-induced licking test in both early phase (43.3%; p < 0.01) and late phase (61.84%; p < 0.001%). The extract provided optimal protection against hemolysis (83.41% decrease) at 1000 µg/mL and significantly inhibited protein denaturation (67.34-26.05%) at doses of 1000-62.5 µg/mL. At 200 mg/kg, the extract showed dose-dependent and substantial inhibition (54.07%; p < 0.01) of xylene-induced ear edema. The in-vitro DPPH (IC50 = 469.5 µg/mL) results showed remarkable scavenging activity and concentration-dependent reducing power. The extract demonstrates no acute oral toxicity, as indicated by an LD50 value exceeding 1000 mg/kg body weight. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analysis was performed which yielded sixty bioactive compounds. In-silico and molecular docking studies revealed favorable pharmacological properties, including good binding affinities and ADME/T profiles.
UNASSIGNED: These results support the medicinal use of the plant, which makes it a potential source of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant candidates.

In recent years, the supercritical CO2 extraction method has gained attention due to its use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic solvents, ability to operate at lower temperatures that do not cause the degradation of bioactive compounds, and capacity for rapid extraction. This method is particularly notable for isolating bioactive compounds from plants. The extracts obtained have shown superior properties due to their activity against diseases such as cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The aim of this study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the supercritical CO2 extraction method, as well as to discuss its advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the study includes specific data on various plant materials, detailing the following parameters: plant name and region, bioactive compounds or compound classes, extraction temperature (°C), pressure (bar), time (minutes), co-solvent used, and flow rate. Additionally, this study covers extensive research on the isolation of bioactive compounds and the efficacy of the obtained extracts against cancer.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, represents an important and worldwide public health issue, particularly in Latin America. Limitations of conventional treatment with benznidazole and nifurtimox underscore the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies for this disease. Schinus molle, a tree used in traditional medicine for various ailments, has demonstrated promising antiparasitic activity. The in vitro anti-T. cruzi activity of Schinus molle crude methanol extract, partitions, and fractions, as well as their cytotoxicity in Vero cells and Artemia salina, and hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes were assessed. Most of the extracts possessed anti-T. cruzi effects, with Sm-CF3 being the fraction with the highest activity (IC50 = 19 µg/mL; SI = 6.8). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 20 compounds, with fatty acyls comprising the predominant chemical class (55%). We also identified the antiparasitic compounds cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid and trans-Z-α-bisabolene epoxide, suggesting their potential contribution to the observed anti-T. cruzi activity. In conclusion, our findings support the therapeutic potential of S. molle as a source of novel antiparasitic agents against T. cruzi.

Medicinal plants produce various bioactive molecules with potential anti-cancer properties with favorable safety profiles. We aimed to investigate the comprehensive composition of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and its cytotoxic effects via apoptosis in HeLa cells. The metabolomics approach using LC-MS/MS was conducted to gather the metabolite profile of the extract. Proteomics was performed to understand the comprehensive mechanistic pathways of action. The apoptosis was visualized by cellular staining and the apoptotic proteins were evaluated. V. amygdalina leaf extract exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on both HeLa and Vero cells after 24 h of exposure in the MTT assay with the IC50 values of 0.767 ± 0.0334 and 4.043 ± 0.469 µg mL-1, respectively, which demonstrated a higher concentration required for Vero cell cytotoxicity. The metabolomic profile of 112 known metabolites specified that the majority of them were alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and steroids. Among these metabolites, deacetylvindoline and licochalcone B were suggested to implicate cytotoxicity. The cytotoxic pathways involved the response to stress and cell death which was similar to doxorubicin. The upstream regulatory proteins, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), were significantly altered, supporting the regulation of apoptosis and cell death. The levels of apoptotic proteins, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), p53, and caspase-9 were significantly increased. The novel insights gained from the metabolomic profiling and proteomic pathway analysis of V. amygdalina leaf extract have identified crucial components related to apoptosis induction, highlighting its potential to develop future chemotherapy.

Senna rugosa is a species found in the Cerrado and used in folk medicine as a vermifuge and in the treatment of poisonous snakebites accidents. In this work, we identified the main secondary metabolites present in ethanolic extracts of the leaves (ELSR) and roots (ERSR) of S. rugosa and evaluated the potential cytoprotective effect against cellular macromolecular damage, as well as the cytotoxic properties of the extracts on the K562 and Jurkat leukemic cell lines. The identification of metabolites was carried out by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activities were investigated by direct ABTS•+ and DPPH• radical scavenging methods, protection against oxidative damage in proteins, and DNA. Cytotoxic properties were investigated against healthy cells, isolated from human peripheral blood (PBMC) and leukemic cell lines. The leaf extracts contained catechin, rutin, epigallocatechin derivatives, kaempferol glycosides, luteolin, and dimeric and trimeric procyanidins, while the root extract profile showed obtusichromoneside derivatives, 2-methoxystypandrone, stilbene derivatives, naphthopyranones, and flavanone derivatives. The extracts showed antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 4.86 ± 0.51 μg/mL and 8.33 ± 0.90 μg/mL in the ABTS assay for ELSR and ERSR, respectively. Furthermore, in the DPPH• assay, the IC50 was 19.98 ± 1.96 μg/mL for ELSR and 13.37 ± 1.05 μg/mL for ERSR. The extracts protected macromolecules against oxidative damage at concentrations of 5 μg/mL. The cytotoxicity test against leukemic strains was observed after 24 and 48 h of treatment. After 48 h, results against the K562 cell line demonstrate an IC50 of 242.54 ± 2.38 μg/mL and 223.00 ± 2.34 μg/mL for ELSR and ERSR, respectively. While against the Jurkat cell line, these extracts showed an IC50 of 171.45 ± 2.25 μg/mL and 189.30 ± 2.27 μg/mL, respectively. The results pertaining to PBMC viability demonstrated that the extracts showed selectivity for the leukemic cell lines. Together, our results reveal that the leaves and roots of S. rugosa have completely distinct and complex chemical compositions and expand their significant pharmacological potential in oxidative stress and leukemia conditions.

Intercropping medicinal plants plays an important role in agroforestry that can improve the physical, chemical, and biological fertility of soil. However, the influence of intercropping medicinal plants on the Camellia oleifera soil properties and bacterial communities remains elusive. In this study, five intercropping treatment groups were set as follows: Curcuma zedoaria/C. oleifera (EZ), Curcuma longa/C. oleifera (JH), Clinacanthus nutans/C. oleifera (YDC), Fructus Galangae/C. oleifera (HDK), and Ficus simplicissima/C. oleifera (WZMT). The soil chemical properties, enzyme activities, and bacterial communities were measured and analyzed to evaluate the effects of different intercropping systems. The results indicated that, compared to the C. oleifera monoculture group, YDC and EZ showed noticeable impacts on the soil chemical properties with a significant increase in total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK). Among them, the content of TN and AK in the rhizosphere soil of Camellia oleifera in the YDC intercropping system was the highest, which was 7.82 g/kg and 21.94 mg/kg higher than CK. Similarly, in the EZ intercropping system, the content of NN and OM in the rhizosphere soil of Camellia oleifera was the highest, which was higher than that of CK at 722.33 mg/kg and 2.36 g/kg, respectively. Curcuma longa/C. oleifera (JH) and Clinacanthus nutans/C. oleifera (YDC) had the most effect on soil enzyme activities. Furthermore, YDC extensively increased the activities of hydrogen peroxide and acid phosphatase enzymes; the increase was 2.27 mg/g and 3.21 mg/g, respectively. While JH obviously increased the urease activity, the diversity of bacterial populations in the rhizosphere soil of the intercropping plants decreased, especially the Shannon index of YDC and HDK. Compared with the monoculture group, the bacterial community abundance and structure of JH and YDC were quite different. The relative abundance of Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes was increased in YDC, and that of Acidobacteriota and Myxococcota was increased in JH. According to the redundancy analysis (RDA), pH, total potassium, and soil catalase activity were identified as the main factors influencing the microbial community structure of the intercropping systems. In conclusion, intercropping with JH and YDC increased the relative abundance of the dominant bacterial communities, improved the microbial community structure, and enhanced the soil nutrients and enzyme activities. Therefore, in the future, these two medicinal plants can be used for intercropping with C. oleifera.

The genus Amomum includes over 111 species, 6 of which are widely utilized as medicinal plants and have already undergone taxonomic revision. Due to their morphological similarities, the presence of counterfeit and substandard products remains a challenge. Accurate plant identification is, therefore, essential to address these issues. This study utilized 11 newly sequenced samples and extensive NCBI data to perform molecular identification of the six medicinal \"Doukou\" species. The plastomes of these species exhibited a typical quadripartite structure with a conserved gene content. However, independent variation shifts of the SC/IR boundaries existed between and within species. The comprehensive set of genetic sequences, including ITS, ITS1, ITS2, complete plastomes, matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, and ycf1, showed varying discrimination of the six \"Doukou\" species based on both distance and phylogenetic tree methods. Among these, the ITS, ITS1, and complete plastome sequences demonstrated the highest identification success rate (3/6), followed by ycf1 (2/6), and then ITS2, matK, and psbA-trnH (1/6). In contrast, rbcL failed to identify any species. This research established a basis for a reliable molecular identification method for medicinal \"Doukou\" plants to protect wild plant resources, promote the sustainable use of medicinal plants, and restrict the exploitation of these resources.