Current Issue : April-June Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 2 Articles : 5 Articles
Background/Objectives: Aldose reductase (AR) plays a crucial role in the accumulation of oxidative factors that lead to oxidative stress-related neuroinflammation. This study aims to find a novel agent from natural sources that can inhibit AR. Methods: Different extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth (OS) leaves and its active constituents, eupatorin (EUP), rosmarinic acid (RA), sinensetin (SEN) and 3-hydroxy-5,6,7,4-tetramethoxyflavone (TMF), were used to identify the potential inhibition effect of AR. A new high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to determine these phytochemicals using the Shimadzu LC-20AD HPLC system. In addition, the in vitro inhibition effect of OS ethanol extracts (95% and 50%) and OS components EUP, RA, and SEN was investigated in recombinant AR (AKR1B1). Results: In this study, the developed HPLC method was precise and accurate, and demonstrated clear separation of the four compounds—EUP, RA, SEN, and TMF—in the ethanolic extract. The contents of the four selected compounds—EUP, RA, SEN, and TMF—in 95% ethanolic extract were 2.35, 11.91, 0.94, and 0.18%, respectively. RA showed the highest concentration among the selected compounds, indicating that RA is the major constituent of this plant. The in vitro assay showed significant inhibition of the AR enzyme by RA and OS ethanol extracts 95% and 50% (IC50: 41.42 μM; 63.42 μg/mL and 93.22 μg/mL, respectively). Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of OS and RA could be a promising therapeutics option for the treatment of oxidative stress-related neuroinflammation disorders by inhibiting AR....
Carum carvi, commonly known as caraway, is a medicinal and culinary plant recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, primarily attributed to its essential oil components. However, the thermogenic potential of caraway—particularly the biological activity of its water-soluble extract—remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of caraway on Ucp-1 mRNA expression in beige adipocytes and on inflammation-mediated suppression of thermogenesis, by treating C3H10T1/2 adipocytes with caraway water extract (CWE) or caraway hexane extract (CHE) during both the induction and maturation phases, followed by isoproterenol stimulation, and measurement of mRNA levels of Ucp-1 and differentiation-related genes. Additionally, RAW264.7 cells were treated with CWE prior to stimulation with lipopolysaccharides followed by evaluation of inflammatory marker expression. CWE increased Ucp-1 mRNA expression directly by enhancing adrenergic sensitivity and promoting beige adipocyte differentiation during the induction phase of differentiation. Further, CWE mediated an indirect effect on Ucp-1 expression by suppressing macrophage inflammation, thus restoring Ucp-1 expression otherwise inhibited under inflammatory conditions. These results suggest that caraway extracts—especially the water-soluble compounds—may serve as therapeutic candidates for obesity-related conditions by enhancing energy expenditure and mitigating chronic inflammation....
Dandelion is an edible and medicinal plant that has beneficial effects in various complex disorders. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of dandelion leaf aqueous extract (DAE) on mice with hyperuricemia (HUA) and explored its underlying mechanisms. DAE exhibited a high total phenolic content (363.31 ± 0.61 mg GAC/g) and contained 20 identified polyphenolic compounds. The administration of DAE significantly reduced serum uric acid levels and exerted protective effects on both liver and kidney function in mice with HUA. Mechanistically, DAE inhibited the NLRP3/Caspase-1 and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways, leading to the downregulated mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), thereby alleviating renal inflammation. Additionally, DAE modulated the gut microbiota composition and increased SCFA-producing bacteria, along with increases in fecal SCFA contents. These findings suggest that DAE effectively mitigates HUA and its associated renal complications by regulating uric acid metabolism, suppressing renal inflammation, and restoring gut microbial homeostasis. Thus, DAE holds promise as a natural adjuvant therapy for HUA and related kidney inflammation....
Sisal (Agave sisalana) is a plant widely cultivated in Brazil for fiber extraction, generating large volumes of underutilized residues with pharmacological potential. In this study, an aqueous extract and its alcoholic fraction were obtained from the plant’s residual mucilage, aiming to investigate their antifungal activity, antioxidant capacity, and cellular safety. Phytochemical screening revealed high levels of phenols, flavonoids, and saponins, particularly in the aqueous fraction. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and for antifungal activity against the yeasts Candida albicans and Malassezia pachydermatis, as determined by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The aqueous extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity and inhibited 99% of C. albicans and M. pachydermatis growth at concentrations of 87 μg/mL and 1400 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, it showed low cytotoxicity in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. These findings indicate that sisal residue contains promising bioactive compounds with relevant pharmacological properties, reinforcing its potential as a sustainable source for the development of antifungal and antioxidant phytotherapeutics....
With growing concerns over the safety of synthetic substances, the development of plantderived alternatives with minimal adverse effects has gained significant attention. Carica papaya L. peel contains a rich profile of bioactive compounds, including papain, flavonoids, and vitamin C, which exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an ethanol extract of C. papaya peel (EECP) on inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction in a mouse model of contact dermatitis (CD) induced by 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). Mice were treated by applying EECP at three different levels (60, 80, and 600 μg) to dorsal skin for six days. Skin lesion severity, skin color, skin barrier function (SBF, as indicated by water content and water-holding capacity (WHC)), histopathological abnormalities, cytokine levels, filaggrin and Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, and phosphorylation of MAPK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase) signaling molecules were assessed. EECP treatment significantly alleviated the CD-associated dermal symptoms induced by DNFB, including skin fissures, scabbing, roughness, changes in color, water content, and WHC, as well as petechiae. EECP also prevented histopathological abnormalities such as epidermal hyperplasia, spongiotic changes, and immune cell infiltration. In addition, EECP suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, viz. TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and MCP-1. In addition, EECP restored filaggrin expression and inhibited ERK (Extracellular signal-regulated kinases) phosphorylation and ICAM-1 expression in HaCaT cells. In summary, C. papaya peel demonstrated therapeutic potential by effectively suppressing inflammation and restoring SBF. These findings support the potential use of EECP as a safe and effective botanical candidate for the treatment of CD and the promotion of overall skin health....
Loading....