Medicinal Plants from Around the World

These are work-in-progress ethnobotany pages. Follow research on plants used in traditional medicine.

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Chemical Content and Cytotoxic Activity on Various Cancer Cell Lines of Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) Growing on Betula pendula and Betula pubescens.

Chaga mushroom extracts from birch species have moderate cytotoxic activity on various cancer cell lines. Extracts from certain species show stronger effects due to higher content of specific compounds. Chaga shows potential as a source of selective anticancer compounds.

Raal A et al (2024).
Pharmaceuticals (Basel).
PubMed:
39204121

Therapeutic Evaluation of Unani Medicine, Including Single Drugs and Polyherbal Formulations with Special Reference to Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Unani remedies offer safer alternatives to conventional drugs for treating neurodegenerative disorders, with evidence supporting their efficacy in alleviating symptoms and providing neuroprotective benefits from natural phytoconstituents.

Imran S, Ahmad W and Saltanat S (2024).
Altern Ther Health Med.
PubMed:
39212516

Psidium exotic and native's species from Brazil abolish depression-like behavior and oxidative stress induced by corticosterone in mice.

Scientists studied the antidepressant and antioxidant effects of Psidium leaf extracts on mice. Results show potential in treating depression and diseases with high oxidative stress. Antioxidants could be beneficial.

Zeni ALB et al (2024).
Planta Med.
PubMed:
39191412

Chemical Characterization of Pruning Wood Extracts from Six Japanese Plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) Cultivars and Their Antitumor Activity.

Researchers analyzed the chemical composition of Japanese plum tree wood extracts, finding significant antiproliferative activity in certain cultivar extracts and individual phenolic compounds. This study highlights potential value in utilizing agricultural wood residues for medicinal purposes.

Ortega-Vidal J et al (2024).
Molecules.
PubMed:
39202966

Vicia faba L. Pod Valves: A By-Product with High Potential as an Adjuvant in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease.

Researchers studied lucan broad bean pod valves (BPs) rich in L-dopa and polyphenols for Parkinson's treatment. BP extracts showed higher L-dopa content than seeds, with neuroprotective polyphenols, antioxidants, and no harmful metabolites. BP extracts were more effective than synthetic L-dopa in preventing oxidative stress.

Tesoro C et al (2024).
Molecules.
PubMed:
39203021

Innovative treatments for obesity and NAFLD: A bibliometric study on antioxidants, herbs, phytochemicals, and natural compounds.

Scientists analyzed research trends on antioxidants, herbs, and natural compounds for obesity and NAFLD. China, Korea, and USA are main contributors. Key compounds include resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin. Study provides valuable insights for future research on obesity and NAFLD treatments.

Pezzino S et al (2024).
Heliyon.
PubMed:
39220898