New insights into the cytotoxic effects of Thymus vulgaris essential oil on the human triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231.

Thyme essential oil (EO) inhibited the growth and spread of triple-negative breast cancer cells. It induced apoptosis, increased oxidative stress, and activated Nrf2 pathway. Use of thyme EO may be beneficial for treating triple-negative breast cancer.

Benedetti S et al (2023).

Toxicol In Vitro.

DOI:

10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105705

PubMed:

37775061

Multi-Chromosomal Mitochondrial Genome of Medicinal Plant Acorus tatarinowii (Acoraceae): Firstly Reported from Acorales Order.

Scientists analyzed the mitochondrial genome of Acorus tatarinowii, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, revealing unique genes, complex chromosome structures, codon usage, repetitive sequences, and RNA editing sites. This enriches mitochondrial genome knowledge for Acoraceae and benefits other species as a reference.

Tang J et al (2023).

Gene.

DOI:

10.1016/j.gene.2023.147847

PubMed:

37774807

Insights into the phenolic composition and in vitro bioactivity of cardoon capitulum: A nutraceutical-oriented valorization study.

Scientists studied the polyphenolic composition and bioactive properties of cardoon cultivars' capitulum constituents. Corolla and bracts of certain cultivars showed strong inhibitory effects on reactive substances, antihaemolytic activity, and antimicrobial potential, suggesting potential medical applications.

Mandim F et al (2023).

Food Chem.

DOI:

10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137480

PubMed:

37774613

Matrine mediated neuroprotective potential in experimental multiple sclerosis: Evidence from CSF, blood markers, brain samples and in-silico investigations.

Researchers investigated the role of JAK/STAT and PPAR-gamma signaling pathways in multiple sclerosis (MS). They found that matrine, a compound derived from a plant, showed potential neuroprotective effects by inhibiting STAT-3 and mTOR and promoting PPAR-gamma expression. Matrine treatment improved MS symptoms by modulating these pathways.

Chhabra S et al (2023).

J Neuroimmunol.

DOI:

10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578200

PubMed:

37774554

Favorable effect of herbal extract on androgenic alopecia: A case report.

Qian Y et al (2023).

Medicine (Baltimore).

DOI:

10.1097/MD.0000000000034524

PubMed:

37773795

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of a Traditional Herb, Strobilanthes Cusia (Nees) Kuntze.

Scientists found that using solvent-free microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to extract bioactive components from Hom herbs yielded extracts with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anticancer properties. Distilled water, ethanol, and 50% ethanol were effective solvents for extracting these components. The extracts showed potential for treating bacterial infections and exhibited anticancer effects. Ethanol-extracted Hom showed high cytotoxicity.

Susawaengsup C et al (2023).

Mol Biotechnol.

DOI:

10.1007/s12033-023-00897-7

PubMed:

37773314

Overexpression of BAPT and DBTNBT genes in Taxus baccata in vitro cultures to enhance the biotechnological production of paclitaxel.

Scientists overexpressed two bottleneck enzymes (BAPT and DBTNBT) in Taxus baccata roots, resulting in higher paclitaxel production. DBTNBT line produced over four times more paclitaxel (310 mg/L) than wild type, while BAPT line almost doubled the taxane content (135 mg/L). Increased expression of key biosynthetic genes was observed.

Perez-Matas E et al (2023).

Plant Biotechnol J.

DOI:

10.1111/pbi.14182

PubMed:

37772738

Curculigoside mitigates dextran sulfate sodium‑induced colitis by activation of KEAP1‑NRF2 interaction to inhibit oxidative damage and autophagy of intestinal epithelium barrier.

Curculigoside (CUR) has anti-inflammatory effects and helps maintain intestinal barrier function. It activates Nrf2 via Keap1/Nrf2 interaction, reducing oxidative stress and promoting autophagy. CUR can effectively treat colitis and may be used in UC therapy.

Li F et al (2023).

Int J Mol Med.

DOI:

10.3892/ijmm.2023.5310

PubMed:

37772380