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Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C

A Journal of Biosciences

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Language: English

First published: February 20, 1973

Publication Frequency: 12 issues per year

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About this journal
A Journal of Biosciences: Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C ( ZNC) is an international scientific journal and a community resource for the emerging field of natural and natural-like products. The journal publishes original research on the isolation (including structure elucidation), bio-chemical synthesis and bioactivities of natural products, their biochemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, and their biological activity and innovative developed computational methods for predicting the structure and/or function of natural products. A Journal of Biosciences: Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C welcomes research papers in fields on the chemistry-biology boundary which address scientific ideas and approaches to generate and understand natural compounds on a molecular level and/or use them to stimulate and manipulate biological processes.

Topics

Bio-chemical synthesis and bioactivities of natural products
Isolation (including structure elucidation)
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Pharmacology
Chemistry
Biology

Article formats
Original research articles, rapid communications, letters and review articles

Complete Archive Access
As of 2026, all De Gruyter journal subscriptions include access to every issue, from Volume 1, Issue 1 through to today, meaning subscribers can access even more research at no additional cost.

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Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C – A Journal of Biosciences is proud to announce a new feature, the Editor’s Choice free access article. To download the featured article free of charge, please click the link below.

Vol. 76, Iss. 3-4: Design and synthesis of novel n-butyphthalide derivatives as promising botanical fungicides by Zhongfu Luo, Yu Deng, Bilan Luo, Yong Li, Qing Lan, Judi Fan, Wei Xue, Lei Tang and Lingling Fan

Vol. 76, Iss. 3-4: Synergistic antibacterial combination of Lavandula latifolia Medik. essential oil with camphor by Nursenem Karaca, Görkem Şener, Betül Demirci and Fatih Demirci

Vol. 76, Iss. 1-2: Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) characterization and evaluation of antibacterial bioactivities of the essential oils from Piper arboreum Aubl., Piper aduncum L. e Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth by Ana Cristina A. da Silva, Edinardo F. F. Matias, Janaína E. Rocha, Ana Carolina Justino de Araújo, Thiago S. de Freitas, Fábia F. Campina, Maria do S. Costa, Luiz E. Silva, Wanderlei do Amaral, Beatriz Helena L. N. S. Maia, Aurea P. Ferriani, Camila F. Bezerra, Marcello Iriti and Henrique D. M. Coutinho

Vol. 76, Iss. 1-2: Ethyl acetate extract from Cistus x incanus L. leaves enriched in myricetin and quercetin derivatives, inhibits inflammatory mediators and activates Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by Mario D’Ambrosio, Elisabetta Bigagli, Lorenzo Cinci, Antonella Gori, Cecilia Brunetti, Francesco Ferrini and Cristina Luceri

Vol. 75, Iss. 11-12: Modulation of antibiotic resistance by the essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum L. in association with light-emitting diodes (LE D) lights by Maria Karollyna do N. Silva Leandro, Janaína E. Rocha, Camila F. Bezerra, Priscilla R. Freitas, Jessica Horana F. Feitosa, Viviane B. Bezerra, Rizelle de O. Barros, Livia Maria G. Leandro, José Junior dos S. Aguiar, Paulo S. Pereira, Marcela Christofoli, Jaime Ribeiro-Filho, Marcello Iriti, Henrique Douglas M. Coutinho and Edinardo Fagner F. Matias

Vol. 78, Iss. 3-4: Special Issue on Organic Chemistry and Medicinal Applications

Vol. 75, Iss. 7-8: Special Issue on Essential Oils

Vol. 74, Iss. 9-10: Special Section on Chemistry of Social Insects

Vol. 74, Iss. 3-4: Special Issue on Chemo-enzymatic cascade reactions

Vol. 72, I ss. 9-10: Special Issue on Insect Biotechnology

Vol. 72, Iss. 7-8: The Special Section is dedicated to the memory of Professor Lothar Jaenicke

Vol. 71, Iss. 9-10: The issue is dedicated to the memory of Professor Peter Böger

Your Benefits

International outreach of A Journal of Biosciences: Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C (ZNC)
Cross-disciplinary contributions from chemistry-biology boundary
Authoritative and recognized reviewers

Complete Archive Access

As of 2026, all De Gruyter journal subscriptions include access to every issue, from Volume 1, Issue 1 through to today, meaning subscribers can access even more research at no additional cost.

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Elucidating the biodegradation potential of Nudix hydrolase from Bacillus paranthracis via different approaches

April 7, 2026

Muhammad Naveed, Nimra Hanif, Minahil Zahid, Muhammad Asjad Haseeb, Maida Salah Ud Din, Muhammad Nouman Majeed, Ayaz Ali Khan, Manal F. Elkhadragy, Ashwag Shami, Hayam A. Alwabsi

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The Nudix hydrolase from Bacillus paranthracis MBBL1 was investigated using in silico approaches. Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants associated with serious health and ecological risks because of their stable chemical nature and strong resistance to breakdown. The enzyme sequence was retrieved from NCBI (Accession No. MFQ6175622.1), and its secondary structure revealed 33 alpha-helices, 50 beta-strands, and 66 coil regions, suggesting a balanced structural conformation. Tertiary structure prediction using AlphaFold3 achieved a high-confidence model with 94.5 % residues in the most favored regions of the Ramachandran plot and an ERRAT quality score of 96.99 %, validating its stereochemical reliability. Physicochemical profiling indicated a molecular weight of 17 kDa, a theoretical pI of 4.86, and a GRAVY index of −0.245, confirming its hydrophilic and slightly acidic nature. Two active-sites were predicted by PrankWeb, with Pocket 1 showing a high binding score of 6.46. Molecular docking against twelve PFAS derivatives showed favorable binding affinities ranging from −6.4 to −9.5 kcal/mol. Perfluorodecanoic acid demonstrated the strongest interaction (−9.5 kcal/mol), followed by H-PFOS (−9.0 kcal/mol) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (−8.8 kcal/mol). Interaction analysis identified key residues such as ALA22, THR40, ASP42, and ASN133 forming multiple hydrogen, halogen, and electrostatic bonds. These findings suggest that Nudix hydrolase may have structural and functional attributes relevant to PFAS biodegradation. Acknowledging the computational nature of this study, experimental validation will be required to confirm biodegradation activity.
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Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles by the aerial part of Artemisia roxburghiana extract and assessment of their biological activities

March 13, 2026

Ruchika Sharma, Ghazala Shaheen, Indra Rautela, Sheetal Tyagi, Rakesh Kumar Bachheti, Archana Bachheti, Limenew Abate Worku

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The zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnONPs) used in this study were synthesized using Artemisia roxburghiana extract (aerial part). The absorption peak at 353 nm in UV spectroscopy indicates the production of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The synthesis of ZnONPs using extracts of the aerial part of A . roxburghiana is also supported by FTIR peaks around 622 cm −1 . DLS analysis showed the synthesis of A-ZnONPs (zinc oxide nanoparticle synthesized by extracts of aerial part A. roxburghiana ) with a particle size of 6–10 nm. XRD pattern’s detection of a hexagonal crystal structure of A-ZnONPs. HRTEM image confirming the preparation of irregularly shaped A-ZnONPs. The preparation, capping, and stabilization of A-ZnONPs are facilitated by bioactive compounds in the plant’s aerial parts. This gives a plant with high total phenol content (TPC) of 93.4 ± 0.53 μg GAE/mg and total flavonoid content (TFC) of 23.22 ± 0.23 μg CE/mg, both of which are responsible for antioxidant activities. A-ZnONPs exhibited more significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 147.4 μg/mL) and antibacterial activity against Salmonella abony , Escherichia coli , Bacillus subtilis , and Staphylococcus aureus . A-ZnONPs exhibited improved inhibition as their concentration increased. A maximum inhibition zone of 23 mm is observed for E. coli , suggesting that it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties to combat illnesses.
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Phytochemical and antibacterial studies of the ethanolic stem barks extract of Anthocleista vogelii planch, and the in silico study of its secondary metabolites on two bacteria strains Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi

March 12, 2026

Tengu Awazi, Judith Caroline Ngo Nyobe, Baruch Ateba Amana, Clemencia Iwo, Maraf Mbah Bake, Hans Merlin Tsahnang Fofack, Pierre Roger Koliye, Haydar Mohammad-Salim, Jesus Vicente de Julian-Ortiz, Pierre Mkounga

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This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antibacterial efficacy, and molecular interactions of Anthocleista vogelii stem barks extracts. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenes, phenols, saponins, and other bioactive compounds in 95 % ethanol and hydro-ethanol extracts, while coumarins, steroids, and anthraquinones were absent in aqueous extracts. The 95 % ethanol extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Esherichia coli (MIC: 64 μg/mL) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC: 8 μg/mL), with moderate effects against Staphylococcus aureus , A. baumannii , and Salmonella Spp. (MIC: 512 μg/mL). Bactericidal activity (MBC/MIC ≤ 4) paralleled ciprofloxacin, particularly against Gram-positive pathogens. LC-MS analysis identified nine bioactive flavone derivatives, including fabiatrin, kaempferitrin, quercitrin, and naringin. Molecular docking revealed these compounds exhibited superior binding affinities (−6.6 to −11.7 kcal mol −1 ) to S. aureus and Salmonella typhi targets compared to ciprofloxacin (−3.6 to −5.4 kcal mol −1 ), forming hydrogen bonds and π -interactions critical for inhibition. ADMET predictions indicated poor gastrointestinal absorption and AMES toxicity risks but favorable plasma protein binding and cardiac safety. Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO) analysis highlighted quercetin’s high reactivity (ΔEgap: 3.70 eV) and naringin’s stability. These findings position A. vogelii as a rich source of antimicrobial phytochemicals, though further optimization is needed to address pharmacokinetic limitations.
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Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of secondary metabolites from the leaves of Pleiocarpa bicarpellata Stapf (Apocynaceae)

February 26, 2026

Aurore M. Bella, Guy R. Ebede, Gaetan B. N. Bayiha, Christelle Tsaffo, Lauve R.Y. Tchokouaha, Rabia Farooq, Fabrice F. Boyom, Muhammad I. Choudhary, Josephine N. Mbing, Joseph T. Ndongo, Christian G. Bochet, Hartmut Laatsch

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Phytochemical studies of the leaves of Pleiocarpa bicarpellata led to the isolation of a new indole C-glycoside, Bicarpellatoside A ( 1 ), along with eight known compounds ( 2–9 ), including three indoles, two indolines, an iridoid monoterpenoid, a triterpenoid, and a phenolic acid. The structures of all isolated compounds were elucidated using NMR, MS, and IR spectroscopic data, in comparison with the literature. Compounds 1 , 3 , and 9 are reported in this genus for the first time. In vitro antiplasmodial activity tests were conducted against both chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum , using the crude extract and isolated compounds 1–4 . The crude extract exhibited promising activity, with IC 50 values of 4.07 ± 0.78 μg/mL (Dd2) and 4.32 ± 0.42 μg/mL (3D7). Bicarpellatoside A ( 1 ) showed good activity, with IC 50 values of 2.24 ± 0.05 µM and 2.74 ± 0.05 µM against Dd2 and 3D7 strains of P. falciparum , respectively. Compound 4 showed moderate activity (IC 50 of 40.93 ± 3.39 µM and 48.13 ± 5.63 µM on Dd2 and 3D7 strains of P. falciparum , respectively, with a high selectivity index of 34.48, indicating potential for further development. Overall, these findings highlight and confirm the antiplasmodial potential of compounds from P. bicarpellata .
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Structure-based drug discovery targeting fmhA in Staphylococcus warneri using extracts of Calliandra harrisii: an integrated ethnobotanical and in silico approach

February 26, 2026

Nouman Ali, Muhammad Naveed, Muhammad Waseem, Muhammad Nouman Majeed, Mengue Ngadena Yolande Sandrine, Abeer S. Aloufi, Ashwag Shami, Maher S. Alwethaynani

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Staphylococcus warneri is a Gram-positive bacterium increasingly associated with urinary tract and skin infections and shows emerging multidrug resistance. In this study, S. warneri was cultured, and the virulence-associated fmhA gene was amplified, sequenced, and submitted to GenBank, representing the first reported molecular characterization of fmhA in this species. An ethnobotanical approach guided the selection of Calliandra harrisii for antimicrobial evaluation. Methanolic Soxhlet extraction followed by GC-MS analysis identified multiple bioactive phytochemicals. The three-dimensional structure of the Aminoacyl-transferase FemA ( fmhA ) protein was modeled and validated, showing acceptable structural quality. Selected phytochemicals were screened using ADME criteria, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Among them, spiro[1,3-dioxolane-2,2′-[6,7] diazabicyclo[3.2.2] non-6-ene] demonstrated favorable binding affinity, structural stability during 100 ns simulations, and energetically favorable MM/GBSA and MM/PBSA profiles. Density functional theory analysis revealed a moderate HOMO–LUMO gap, supporting balanced chemical reactivity and stability. Pharmacophore modeling and in silico toxicity prediction further suggested acceptable drug-likeness and low oral toxicity. Collectively, this integrated ethnobotanical and in silico framework identifies C. harrisii as a promising source of antibacterial agents and highlights spiro[1,3-dioxolane-2,2′-[6,7]diazabicyclo[3.2.2] non-6-ene] as a potential lead compound targeting fmhA in S. warneri . Experimental validation is warranted to confirm its therapeutic potential.
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Chemical composition and in vitro antifungal activity of essential oils from the fruits of Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae)

February 25, 2026

Isabela Maria Grossi Leal, Chrystiaine Helena Campos de Matos, Marcelo Henrique Reis Carvalho, Alex Oliveira Botelho, Gracielle Oliveira Sabbag Cunha, Andreia Pereira Matos, Moacir Rossi Forim, Cristiane de Melo Cazal

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This study explored the chemical composition and antifungal properties of the essential oil extracted from the fruits of Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae), focusing on its activity against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides , a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for anthracnose in several economically important crops, causing pre- and postharvest losses. Essential oils were obtained from fruits collected in preserved (PAEO) and urbanized (UAEO) areas by hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The antifungal activity was assessed by calculating the mean mycelial growth inhibition of the fungus treated with essential oils, compared to the growth in the control. The major compounds identified were terpinen-4-ol (28.61 %), α -pinene (15.26 %), and γ -terpinene (12.45 %) in PAEO and limonene (39.12 %) and sabinene (35.70 %) in UAEO. At a concentration of 250 μL mL −1 , PAEO completely inhibited fungal growth. For UAEO, the inhibition of mycelial growth was 64.7 %, 48.4 %, and 42.3 % at concentrations of 500, 250, and 125 μL mL −1 , respectively.
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In silico inhibition mechanism of α-amylase and α-glucosidase by fragransinic acid and bellericagenin B, two compounds from Combretum fragrans F. Hoffm (Combretaceae)

February 25, 2026

Jean Noël Nyemb, Shafi Ullah Khan, Isaac Silvère Gade, Gaétan Bayiha Ba Njock, Paul Sakava, Lafya Bodeboret Djimtoingar, Samuelson Martin Luther King Boum Bindebe, Alex De Theodore Atchadé, Emmanuel Talla, Marcello Iriti

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Diabetes mellitus remains a global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies to manage postprandial hyperglycemia. Inhibition of carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes represents a key approach. This study investigates the inhibitory potential of phytochemicals from Combretum fragrans , a Cameroonian medicinal plant traditionally used for diabetes, against these enzymes. Five triterpenoids fragransinic acid ( 1 ), betulin ( 2 ), betulinic acid ( 3 ), bellericagenin B ( 4 ), and a mixture of β -sitosterol ( 5 ) and stigmasterol ( 6 ) were evaluated via molecular docking using HYBRID and FRED protocols. The crystal structures of α -amylase (PDB ID: 1B2Y) and α -glucosidase (PDB ID: 2QMJ) were prepared, and acarbose served as a reference inhibitor. Docking validation confirmed the reliability of the protocols (RMSD < 2 Å). Compounds 1 and 4 exhibited notable binding affinities, with HYBRID scores of −5.6 and −3.7 kcal/mol for α -glucosidase, and −8.1 and −7.3 kcal/mol for α -amylase, respectively. Key interactions included hydrogen bonds with catalytic residues (ASP443, THR205) and extensive Pi–alkyl interactions with aromatic residues (TYR299, TRP539, PHE575). All the compounds demonstrated selective binding modes, suggesting competitive inhibition. This study highlights the potential of C. fragrans triterpenoids as α -amylase and α -glucosidase inhibitors, providing a structural basis for further phytochemical optimization in antidiabetic drug discovery.
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Formulation of pullulan-assisted nanoparticles for improved dasatinib cytotoxicity in A549 lung carcinoma cells

February 20, 2026

Sunita S. Shinde, Aishwarya A. Lohar, Avinash H. Hosmani, Sameer J. Nadaf, Rohit R. Shah

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Dasatinib (DAS) exhibits therapeutic potential for the treatment of lung cancer. However, its clinical utility is marred owing to poor solubility, low oral bioavailability, and rapid systemic clearance. Therefore, the current investigation is aimed to develop and optimize a polymeric nanoparticulate delivery system for DAS to increase its physicochemical properties and anticancer potential. Herein, pullulan was used as a stabilizer and encapsulating agent because of its biocompatibility and structural flexibility, allowing for effective DAS entrapment and controlled release. DAS-loaded nanoparticles were optimized employing a Box–Behnken design. The formulation was characterized for particle size, entrapment efficiency (% EE), zeta potential, in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity against A549 lung cancer cells. The optimized formulation exhibited the particle size of 135.3 nm, EE of 92.8 %, and a zeta potential of −7.9 mV. FTIR and DSC analyses confirmed no significant drug-excipient incompatibility and corroborated successful drug encapsulation. The in vitro release studies demonstrated sustained release of DAS over 48 h at pH 7.4 (71.84 ± 3.12 %) and 6.8 (84.65 ± 4.10 %) . DAS-loaded nanoparticles exhibited significantly higher cytotoxicity (65.49 %) compared to plain DAS (42.23 %). Overall, a pullulan-based nanoparticulate system offers a promising technique for improving DAS delivery and therapeutic efficacy in lung cancer treatment.
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Multiparameter optimization of broad-spectrum thymidine phosphorylase inhibition, ADMET properties, molecular docking, and DFT screening of novel pyrazole-based thiadiazole/thiazole derivatives

January 9, 2026

Reem Nabil Hassan, Hina Sarfraz, Rafaqat Hussain, Asma Sardar, Ayaz Ali Khan, Ammena Y. Binsaleh, Nawal Al-Hoshani, Maher S. Alwethynani, Shaza N. Alkhatib, Fakhria A. Al-Joufi, Rania Ali El Hadi Mohamed, Manal F. Elkhadragy

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Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is a key enzyme involved in pyrimidine nucleoside metabolism and plays a significant role in angiogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. In this study, we synthesized 12 pyrazole-based thiadiazole and thiazole derivatives and evaluated their in vitro TP inhibitory activity. The compounds exhibited IC 50 values ranging from 36.67 ± 3.50 μM to 61.23 ± 3.20 μM, with several derivatives showing comparable or superior activity to the standard inhibitor 7-deazaxanthine (IC 50 = 38.68 ± 1.12 μM). Structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that electron-withdrawing halogen substituents on the aromatic ring enhanced TP inhibition, likely due to increased binding affinity at the TP active site. Molecular docking studies highlighted interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and hydrophobic interactions, which support the observed inhibitory activity. Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies revealed electronic properties consistent with the observed activity, showing that compounds with smaller energy gaps exhibited higher reactivity. These findings suggest that pyrazole-based thiadiazole/thiazole hybrids are lead candidates for the development of novel TP inhibitors with anticancer applications.
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An overview of the biosynthesis, production, and quantitative analysis of commercially valuable alkaloids: vinblastine, vincristine, ajmalicine, and serpentine

January 8, 2026

Gauri Srivastava, Deepak Ganjewala

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Monoterpene indole alkaloids are recognized as the most important natural products isolated from plants, with plethora of distinct structures identified to date. Among these, vinblastine, vincristine, ajmalicine, and serpentine are the most popular alkaloids known for their exceptional pharmacological properties. These compounds are employed in the treatment of various cancers, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes. Over the years, significant advancement has been made in the biosynthesis, methods of production and quantitative analysis of these alkaloids. Among the various production methods, microbial biotransformation has emerged as a particularly promising approach for producing novel products for human use in recent years, offering substantial potential to produce these alkaloids. Our recent research has reported the development of microbial biotransformation systems to produce vincristine from vinblastine and serpentine from ajmalicine. Given their vast pharmaceutical applications, this review aimed to provide an overview of their biosynthesis, various production methods, and recent developments in the quantitative analysis of these compounds. To compile information on these aspects, a comprehensive literature review was performed utilizing several platforms, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, DOAJ, and Elsevier. This review encompasses advancements and prospects concerning four alkaloids, which are opening new vistas for their production and applications in the medicinal and pharmaceutical sectors.
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Phytomicronutrients in neurodegeneration: modulating microglial dynamics for neuroprotection

January 7, 2026

Krishnendu Adhikary, Gari Prameela, Joy Das, Mohhammad Ramzan, Krishnendu Ganguly, Nilanjana Datta, Pradipta Banerjee, Saurav Barman, Sathvik Belagodu Sridhar, Tahreen Taj, Mohini Mondal, Sumel Ashique, Shivani Chopra, Hitesh Chopra

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Microglial dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Emerging evidence suggests that targeting microglial activation could be a promising therapeutic strategy. This review critically examines recent studies investigating the effects of medicinal plant extracts and their bioactive compounds on microglial function. Relevant data from experimental and preclinical studies were analyzed to assess their neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential. Phytochemicals that are found in plants, especially flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, demonstrate important modulatory effects on microglials. These compounds control microglial polarization, inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines, and alleviate oxidative stress, thus, alleviating neuroinflammation and enhancing neuro-restoration. The results suggest that medicine plant extracts have effects on major molecular pathways associated with neuroinflammation, which provide new adjunctive treatment to neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, there are still problems in the translation of these preclinical successes into clinical practice. The limited bioavailability, variability in phytochemical composition, and the absence of standardized formulations are some of the challenges that discourage clinical use. Also, thorough safety assessments should be conducted to achieve therapeutic effectiveness with no adverse effects. The medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds hold potential promise in regulating the dysfunction of microglia and in decreasing neuroinflammation. Future studies are needed to enhance the pharmacokinetic characteristics, to provide consistency in formulations, and to perform stringent clinical studies that would substantiate these findings and allow their use in therapeutic regimens of neuroinflammatory disorders.
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In-vivo hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the whole plant methanolic extract of Neptunia prostrata Linn

December 18, 2025

Honey Jajo, Diksha Sharma, Bhupendra Shrestha, Subhajit Mandal, Priya Das, Gouhar Jahan Ashraf, Suraj Mistri, Ankrita Thapa, Partha Pratim Maiti, Ritu Khanra, Tarun Kumar Dua, Paramita Paul, Gouranga Nandi, Ranabir Sahu

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This study investigates the in vivo hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic extract of the whole plant Neptunia prostrata (NPME) using the Wistar albino rat model. Acute toxicity evaluation confirmed the safety of the extract, with no behavioral or physiological abnormalities observed. In the paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity model, treatment with NPME significantly lowered serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to silymarin. The antidiabetic activity of NPME was evaluated in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats, where NPME significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved oral glucose tolerance over a 21-day period. Restoration of serum α-amylase, SGPT, SGOT, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase levels further supported its metabolic efficacy. Histopathological studies of liver, kidney, and heart tissue in treated rats revealed improved cellular architecture and reduced pathological alterations. Anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed by significantly inhibiting carrageenan-induced paw edema, indicating possible modulation of cyclooxygenase-mediated pathways. Treatment with NPME downregulated IL-6 and upregulated IL-10. Overall, the findings highlight the broad-spectrum pharmacological activity of N. prostrata in the rat model, supporting its potential use as a plant-based therapeutic for managing metabolic and inflammatory conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hepatotoxicity, and inflammation.
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Electrospun nanotextured Ln@TiO₂ fibers for effective pathogen eradication: a comparative and mechanistic microbiological approach

December 18, 2025

Touseef Amna

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The escalating projected demand to battle antibiotic resistant bacteria and Candida infestation guarantee public safety has led focus on development of advanced antimicrobial nanomaterials. Owing to their special qualities and prospectives in a variety of fields, doped titania nanotextured fibers especially those implanted with rare earth elements like cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium have attracted a lot of attention. In current research rare earth (Ln = La, Ce and Nd) doped titania nanofibers have been formulated using facile sol-gel electrospinning, illustrated by XRD, SEM, EDX and TEM. Antibacterial action of doped nanofibers was appraised against representative organism Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans . XRD assessment established that pristine and doped TiO 2 nanofibers possess anatase and rutile phase at 700 °C. It also confirmed that Ln doped TiO 2 probably supports phase alteration. The diameter range of all doped nanofibers spans between 200 and 700 nm. Conclusively, current study demonstrated that Ln@TiO 2 nanofibers possess better antimicrobial activity than pristine TiO 2 . The order of antimicrobial activity was observed as Ce@TiO 2 > Nd@TiO 2 > La@TiO 2 > TiO 2. The Ce@TiO 2 nanofibers demonstrated highest activity among tested Ln@ TiO 2 nanofibers. The mechanism of action is likely interceded by inducing oxidative stress that targets components of bacterium and C. albicans .
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Anti-dengue fever activity of a polyherbal extract from medicinal plants of Vietnam

December 12, 2025

Vo Hoai Bac, Le Thi Xoan, Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Vu Thi Bich Hau, Hayeong Kim, Dong Van Quyen, Doman Kim, Nguyen Thi Phuong Trang, Nguyen Van Tam, Nguyen Van Dung, Nguyen Thi Mai Phuong

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This study investigated the anti - dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and anti-dengue virus (DENV) properties of an extract containing six Vietnamese medicinal plants (HemoShield – HE ). HE in water (WE) and in 25 % ethanol (EE) exhibited anti-DENV activity against all four tested DENV serotypes (1, 2, 3, and 4), with the strongest effect observed with DENV2. Moreover, HE demonstrated apparent inhibitory activity against NS2B-NS3 pro enzyme responsible for viral replication with an IC 50 value of 48.5 ± 2.3 μg/mL. In the thrombocytopenia rats, HE -treated group showed a significant increase in platelet count (approximately 33.62 %; p < 0.05). Additionally, the bleeding time of 0.74  g/kg treatment group was significantly reduced by 33.4 % (p < 0.05). Antipyretic activity of HE in rabbits after 3-h treatment showed a significant reduction in body temperature (38.8 %; ΔT: 0.4 ± 0.1 °C) at a dose of 0.31 g/kg. Thus, our findings provided new in vitro and in vivo evidence demonstrating the effect of HE in alleviating DHF.
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Engineered living materials: emerging frontiers in therapeutic innovation and management of skin disorders

December 11, 2025

Rideb Chakraborty, Naureen Afrose, Sourav Ghosh, Bhupendra Prajapati, Biswajit Basu, Sudarshan Singh

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Engineered living material (ELM) is a new paradigm in biomaterials science that merges synthetic biology with materials engineering to create dynamic, responsive systems with living functionalities. This review explores to what extent ELMs can be developed as novel therapeutic agents for dermal complications including chronic wounds, burns, infections, and dermatological disorders. By integrating engineered microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, within biocompatible matrices, ELMs offer unprecedented capabilities for real-time sensing, adaptive responses, and localized therapeutic delivery. These materials can be formulated to release bioactive compounds, including antimicrobial, growth, or immunomodulatory peptides, in response to well defined environmental cues that address the underlying complexity of the pathophysiology of skin related conditions. ELMs have self-healing features and can remodel their structure to induce tissue regeneration and repair dynamically. This review summarizes recent progress in ELM design, including genetic circuit engineering, scaffold optimization, and biocompatibility enhancements that collectively enable precise control over their therapeutic functions. The clinical translation challenges including biosafety, scalability, and regulatory issues have been outlined. ELMs bridge the gap between synthetic biology and dermatology, by which ELMs have potential to be used as the next generation therapy platforms, empowered with personalized, sustainable, and efficacious treatments for dermal complications.
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Assessing the bioactive potential of Lysimachia atropurpurea extracts using HPLC-MS/MS, in vitro and in silico analysis

December 9, 2025

Gunes Ak, Nilofar Nilofar, Enver Saka, Abdullahi Ibrahim Uba, Maria J. Rodrigues, Eliana Fernandes, Luisa Custodio, Evren Yildiztugay, Ismail Yapıcı, Ilhami Gulcin, Orchid A. Mahmoud, Omayma A. Eldahshan, Abdel Nasser B. Singab, Yimao Wu, Meng-Yao Li, Gokhan Zengin

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The genus Lysimachia is of great interest to the scientific community, especially in terms of its potential anticancer effects. In this study, the aerial parts and roots of Lysimachia atropurpurea L. were collected and extracted by maceration using solvents of ethyl acetate (EA), ethanol (EtOH), ethanol/water, and water. The biological activities of the extracts, including antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and anticancer effects, were evaluated using various assays. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) analysis revealed a total of 32 compounds in the extracts of L . atropurpurea . The roots showed significantly the highest antioxidant activity compared to the aerial part. In case of cholinesterase inhibition, the aerial parts of the EtOH extract showed the highest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activity, measuring 3.05 mg galatamine equivalent (GALAE)/g. The EtOH and EtOH/water extracts exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity, reducing the viability of human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cancer cells to as low as 4.86–6.33 %. The results of network pharmacology and molecular docking suggest that the extract of L . atropurpurea exerts inhibitory effects on hepatocellular carcinoma through the modulation of SRC, PI3K, and HSP90, while it demonstrates potential inhibitory activity against neuroblastoma by targeting SRC, PI3K, HSP90, ESR1, AKT, and other related targets. In conclusion, the L . atropurpurea extracts showed potential antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and selective anticancer effects, which support their potential for further research as therapeutic agents in drug development.
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Syzydyerin A, a new unusual C-methylated chalcone isolated from the leaves of Syzygium dyerianum (King) Chantar. & J.Parn

December 9, 2025

Faezatul Alwani Mohd Rahim, Wan Mohd Nuzul Hakimi Wan Salleh, Nurunajah Ab Ghani, Abubakar Siddiq Salihu, Mohd Hafiz Arzmi, David Barker

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A new unusual C-methylated chalcone was successfully isolated from the leaves of Syzygium dyerianum (King) Chantaran. & J.Parn, identified as syzydyerin A ( 1 ), together with β -sitosterol, friedelin and lupeol. The characterisation and structural elucidation of the isolated compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and comparison with literature data. Compound 1 exhibited inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and lipoxygenase (LOX) with IC50 values of 50.4 ± 0.2 µm and 30.7 ± 0.25 µm, respectively, compared to the reference inhibitors galantamine (IC50 = 40.7 ± 0.12 µm) for AChE and quercetin (IC50 = 3.5 ± 0.13 µm) 5-LOX. Molecular docking analysis revealed that compound 1 exhibits strong binding affinities toward AChE (−11.0 kcal/mol) and 5-LOX (−9.1 kcal/mol), comparable to standard inhibitors, with key π – π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions stabilizing its binding at both active sites, highlighting its promising dual inhibitory potential. The study underscores the value of S. dyerianum as a source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in treating neuroinflammatory diseases.
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Natural deep eutectic solvents: composition, preparation, and applications in food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical sciences

November 28, 2025

Sangeeta Yadav, Alka Sharma, Akash Kumar, Tanbeer Kaur

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Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) have emerged as a green, sustainable alternative to conventional organic solvents due to their biocompatibility and non-toxicity. This review highlights the composition and structural diversity of NADES. The various techniques of NADES preparation are discussed, along with the critical factors that influence their stability and functionality. A wide range of NADES applications was discussed, such as their role in the extraction of bioactive compounds, food analysis, biocatalysis, and cryoprotection. Additionally, the review examines the potential applications of NADES in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, including their role in drug delivery, burn injury management, and wound treatment. Despite these potentials, there are certain limitations of NADES, such as high viscosity and difficulty in product recovery. Thus, there is a need for a standardized methodology to understand NADES interactions at the molecular level and to develop cost-effective commercial processes for product recovery.
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GC-MS analysis, anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulant, and antioxidant activities of Silybum marianum extracts

October 20, 2025

Ahlem Karbab, Nuha Sweidan, Ashok K. Shakya, Musa Abu Zarqa, Noureddine Charef, Waed Hammad, Mohammad S. Mubarak

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Synthetic medicinal products are expensive and may have serious side effects. In addition, other antimicrobial agents have become increasingly required due to antibiotic resistance. To overcome these problems, people have used medicinal plants for years as a source of medication. Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum L.) has been used for decades to treat various chronic illnesses. This study aimed to verify the chemical profile of S. marianum using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and evaluate the plant extracts’ anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antioxidant activities. Results revealed that extracts from the plant contain significant amounts of triterpenes, tetraterpenes, oxygenated hydrocarbons, and small amounts of hydrocarbons. Results also showed that at a dose of 0.5 mg/ear, the seed extract significantly reduced xylene-induced edema in mice; however, the water extracts reduced croton oil-induced edema with a percent inhibition of 84.61 ± 4.61 % at the same dose. Moreover, the results showed that the methanolic seed extract was the most potent in anticoagulant activity. In contrast, the n -butanol extract showed the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC 50 = 0.021 ± 0.006 mg/mL). This study highlighted the anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antioxidant potential of S. marianum L. and the medicinal importance of natural phytochemicals isolated from this medicinal plant.
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ST8SIA4-mediated N-glycosylation of hENT1 suppresses gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer

October 20, 2025

Chang Xin, Yifeng Wu, Haiming Li, Liping Ying, Jingjing Fang, Pan Chen, Jiye Feng, Jinbo Wang, Yuanhong Li, Nengyun Zhang

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Gemcitabine (GEM) serves as a first-line chemotherapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer (PC), but its clinical efficacy is significantly limited by the emergence of drug resistance, necessitating in-depth exploration of the underlying molecular mechanisms. This study employed the TCGA database to analyze ST8SIA4 expression, revealing consistent downregulation in PC tumor tissues compared to matched normal adjacent tissues. A GEM-resistant cell model (SW1990/GEM) was generated from SW1990 cells through incremental dose induction to further investigate resistance pathways. Experimental analyses included qPCR and Western blotting for gene and protein expression, CHX chase assays for protein stability, CO-IP for protein-protein interactions, CCK-8 tests for cellular proliferation, and flow cytometry for apoptotic rates. Results demonstrated that ST8SIA4 downregulation was prevalent in both PC tissues and the SW1990/GEM model. Overexpression of ST8SIA4 suppressed GEM resistance in SW1990/GEM cells and upregulated hENT1 protein expression; however, this effect was attenuated by an N-linked glycosylation inhibitor. Crucially, silencing hENT1 counteracted the resistance inhibition induced by ST8SIA4 overexpression. Collectively, these findings indicate that ST8SIA4 regulates N-linked glycosylation of hENT1, thereby stabilizing hENT1 protein expression and reversing GEM resistance in PC, offering a potential therapeutic target for overcoming chemotherapy resistance.
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Phytochemical characterization and multi-biological potentials of Inula viscosa: new in vitro evidence

October 20, 2025

Yasemin Celik Altunoglu, Mustafa Ocal, Mehmet Cengiz Baloglu, Alsideeq Abdulsalam Ahmed Aboujanah, Erdoğan Horuz, Eulogio J. Llorent-Martínez, Abdullahi Ibrahim Uba, Irina Lazarova, Gökhan Zengin, Kerim Güney

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Inula viscosa is a common medicinal plant and is mostly spread in Mediterranean countries. The current study analyses I. viscosa extracts for antimicrobial capacity, phenolic content, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and molecular modeling. The extracts’ anticancer potential in prostate and breast cancer cells was evaluated, and their anti-metastatic and molecular activities were analyzed through gene expression. The most prevalent substances in the methanol extract of I. viscosa are phenolic acids, which include derivatives of caffeic acid and mono-, di-, and tri-caffeoylquinic acids. Dicaffeoylquinic acids represented 88 % of the quantified phenolics. The methanol extract showed a 50 % inhibitor concentration (IC 50 ) of 101.4 μg/mL at 48 h in PC3 cells. Autophagy-related genes were found to be down-regulated in all three cancer cells. Regarding antimetastatic activity, the wound width remained ∼96 % at 48 h after ethyl acetate treatment in MCF-7 cells. The water extract had the highest total phenolic content and the strongest antioxidant capacity, followed by the methanol extract. Modest binding potential to B-cell leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) was observed with caffeoylquinic acid and caffeic acid derivatives, which may be related to pro-apoptotic/anticancer effects. Our results suggested that I. viscosa can be considered as an effective raw material for designing health-promoting applications.
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Flavonoid derivatives from red propolis: In silico predictions of their interactions with Staphylococcus aureus sortase A and studies on their antibiofilm potential

October 14, 2025

Dipto Kumer Sarker, Emma Ratcliffe, Fraser Burnett, Shaikh Jamal Uddin, Jamil A. Shilpi, Georgios Efthimiou, Veronique Seidel

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Sortase A (SrtA) is an enzyme essential for biofilm formation in Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus . In silico investigations were conducted to investigate the interactions of flavonoid derivatives from red propolis with S. aureus SrtA (PDB ID:1T2P). Molecular docking, MD and ADME/drug-likeness predictions used Autodock Vina, GROMACS-2021 and SwissADME, respectively. Chrysin, galangin, thevetiaflavone and vestitone showed the best size-independent ligand efficiency (SILE) scores–higher than those of the control ligand. The chrysin- and thevetiaflavone-protein complexes showed the most stable behaviour and compactness in MD analysis. Chrysin and thevetiaflavone exhibited high binding free energy values towards SrtA. Chrysin interacted strongly with eight active site residues (including two from the catalytic triad) while thevetiaflavone interacted with four active site residues (including one from the catalytic triad). An in vitro crystal violet staining assay confirmed that chrysin and galangin showed significant antibiofilm activity against S. aureus . It remains to be seen if thevetiaflavone displays any similar activity . Further studies are warranted to confirm if the binding of these flavonoids to sortase A is a possible mechanism of their antibiofilm activity. As such, they may prove useful for the discovery of new antibiofilm agents against S. aureus .
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Nucleic acid nanoscale constructs for transformative frontier in theranostics

October 9, 2025

Venkatakrishnan Kiran, Koyeli Girigoswami, Agnishwar Girigoswami

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Using the intrinsic qualities of nucleic acids-biocompatibility, programmability, and precise self-assembly - DNA and RNA nanostructures represent a revolutionary new frontier in theranostics, bridging the gap between diagnostics and treatment. With minimal systemic side effects, these nanoscale structures can be precisely engineered to interact with particular molecular targets, allowing for highly selective drug delivery and real-time molecular imaging. The development of ultrasensitive diagnostic platforms is further supported by their sequence-specific recognition and conformational adaptability. This review highlights the growing role of nucleic acid nanostructures in personalized medicine by synthesizing recent advancements in their structural design and functional integration. Additionally, it presents future directions for their clinical translation, establishing these intelligent biomaterials as crucial facilitators of next-generation therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
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Equisarmine, a new steroidal glycoalkaloid, from sterile stems of Equisetum arvense

September 30, 2025

Atsumi Shimada, Hiroshi Ueno, Kohei Kawabata, Masanori Inagaki

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Glutaminase is an important target that is often over expressed in neurodegenerative and lifestyle related diseases but few effective inhibitors of this enzyme have yet reached clinical trials. To select plants with high glutaminase inhibitory activities, this study was to compare glutaminase inhibitory activities of 20 plant extracts and investigate the isolation, structural elucidation and the inhibitory activity of an active compound from the selected extract of Equisetum arvense L. (horsetail). Equisarmine ( 1 ), a new steroidal glycoalkaloid, was elucidated by analyzing its nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) spectral data. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) values of 1 and 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) as control were 0.72 mM and 0.27 mM, respectively. The results suggest that the extract from horsetail shows the strongest biological activity among 20 tested plant extracts, and that 1 may serve as a lead compound for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative and lifestyle-related diseases by targeting glutaminase. This is the first report on the structure and glutaminase inhibitory activity of 1 .
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Oroxylum indicum root bark extract mitigates hepato-renal damage induced by acetaminophen and cisplatin

September 25, 2025

Seema Menon, Lincy Lawrence, Vipin P. Sivaram, Jose Padikkala, Shaji E. Mathew, Arunaksharan Narayanankutty

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Oroxylum indicum is an important Ayurvedic plant from the “Dasamoola” group, traditionally used as a detoxifying agent. This study evaluates the protective effects of the root bark methanol extract of O . indicum (ORX) against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity and cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The doses of ORX used in the study were selected based on the previous toxicity analysis (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses). Acetaminophen administration increased serum liver function markers (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin), while ORX and silymarin treatments significantly reduced these levels ( p < 0.01). ORX administration also reversed the acetaminophen-induced depletion in hepatic redox balance as indicated in terms of SOD, GPx, GSH and lipid peroxidation. Corroborating these, the changes in the hepatic normal architecture induced by acetaminophen were also reversed by the pre-treatment with ORX. Similarly, the cisplatin administration resulted in strong myelosuppression and nephrotoxicity. In cisplatin-exposed rats, renal oxidative stress markers worsened, and serum renal function parameters were elevated. On the contrary, the pre-treatment with ORX alleviated the cisplatin-induced myelosuppression and redox imbalance in the renal tissues; further, it also restored the renal histology to near normal. Overall, O . indicum root bark extract effectively mitigated drug-induced liver and kidney damage, likely through redox balance restoration.
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Cytotoxic isoflavones from the stem bark of Protea gaguedi

September 18, 2025

Diriba Borena Hunde, Dereilo Bekere Belitibo, Chaltu File, Zelalem Abdissa, Andrianambinina Andriamarolahy Razakarivony, Marcel Frese, Norbert Sewald, Negera Abdissa

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Protea gaguedi is widely used in Ethiopia for the treatments of diarrhea, tumor, urological diseases, and menorrhagia. Despite its extensive use by traditional healers, the pharmacological properties and chemical composition of this medicinal plant remain largely unexplored. Anticipated by these claims, the chromatographic separation of CH 2 Cl 2 /CH 3 OH (1:1) stem bark extract of P. gaguedi led to the isolation of a new isoflavone ( 1 ) together with five known compounds: jamaicin ( 2 ), 5-methoxydurmillone ( 3 ), dipteryxine ( 4 ), 4′- O -geranylisoliquiritigenin ( 5 ), and stigmasterol ( 6 ), whose structures were determined using IR, UV, MS, and NMR and comparison with literature data. The cytotoxic effects of the isolated compounds were evaluated using human cervical carcinoma cell line, KB-3-1. Compounds 1 , 2 , and 3 demonstrated remarkable cytotoxicity with IC 50 values of 24.6 nM, 3.09 µM, and 21.70 µM, respectively, while the other compounds demonstrated negligible or no inhibitory activities against the tested strain. Following the high cytotoxicity of compound 1 against KB-3-1, its activity against the multidrug-resistant subclone KB-V1 was also evaluated and revealing an IC 50 of 17.5 nM. In silico molecular docking analyses were performed for these active compounds and revealed relative binding energies (−10.0, −9.4, −9.5 kJ/mol for compounds 1 , 2 and 3 , respectively) against the ternary target protein complex HPV16 E6/E6AP/p53 (PDB ID: 4XR8). ADME analysis also revealed good cytotoxicity candidacy of these compounds, provided that in vivo activities have been performed for further confirmation.
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Exploring the potency of 6-bromo-3-methylquinoline analogues as prostaglandin F2α inhibitors

September 17, 2025

Kaushik Sarkar, Sandhya Yadav, Ammena Y. Binsaleh, Nawal Al-Hoshani, Rajesh Kumar Das

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Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is associated with preterm labor and preterm birth. PGF2α inhibitors have thus proven to be a promising target in the development of lead compounds to prevent preterm birth. In this work, Quantitative Structural Activity Relationship (QSAR) was implemented on a dataset of 77 compounds of 6-bromo-3-methylquinoline analogues using statistical approach and random selection in the QSARINS software. The Genetic Algorithm-Multiple Linear Regression (GA-MLR) approach was used to predict the best model ( R 2 = 0.8943 and Q 2 LOO = 0.8836). The inclusion of descriptors FNSA-2 and WV.mass resulted in a well‐fitted and highly predictable model. Artificial neural network (ANN) analysis was also carried out to validate the model effectiveness. Twenty eight new molecules with better predicted biological activity (pIC50) were designed. The binding energy from the docking study of seven compounds have shown higher binding activity than P10 into prostaglandin F synthase protein (PDB ID: 2F38). The stability of protein–ligand complex was further validated by 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA binding free energy. DFT and ADME-toxicity analysis also confirmed their drug-likeness properties. Collectively, our findings highlight novel quinoline derivatives as promising lead candidates, warranting further validation through collaborative in vitro and in vivo studies.
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Exploring the chemical composition and anti-cancer potential of Matricaria recutita L. essential oil

September 15, 2025

Serkan Yilmaz, Hafize Fidan, Mine Çağlayan, Stanko Stankov, Selma Yazar, Albena Stoyanova

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This study aims to investigate the chemical composition and assess the anti-cancer potential of Matricaria recutita L. essential oil against various cancer cell lines. The chemical profile of the essential oil was determined through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying major constituents such as (Z)- β -farnesene, α -bisabolol oxides, and chamazulene. The anti-cancer activity was evaluated using in vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTT assay) on human lung adenocarcinoma (A549), human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231), and mouse fibroblast (L929) cell lines. The experiments were performed in triplicate, and data were analyzed using ANOVA to determine statistical significance. The main constituents of the essential oil included (Z)- β -farnesene (33.90 %), α -bisabolol oxide B (11.60 %), and others. The oil demonstrated considerable cytotoxic effects across all tested cancer cell lines, with IC 50 values indicating strong anti-proliferative activity, particularly at higher concentrations and longer exposure times. The results showed dose-dependent reductions in cell viability, with significant decreases in cell proliferation observed especially at concentrations over 7.81 μg/mL. These findings support its potential as a natural, complementary agent in cancer therapy, warranting further in vivo studies for clinical application.
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Plant-derived secondary metabolites for malaria treatment: extraction, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential

September 10, 2025

Addisu Tamir Wassie, Ibrahim Nasser Ahmed, Rakesh Kumar Bachheti, Mesfin Getachew Tadesse, Aselefech Sorsa Wotango, Archana Bachheti, Yilma Hunde Gonfa, Ayalew Hussen Assen

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Medicinal plants have long been used as a primary healthcare resource for treating malaria and other diseases globally. Malaria, caused by Plasmodium species, remains a serious health threat, with the World Health Organization reporting that over 40 % of the global population lives in malaria-endemic regions. The rise of drug-resistant strains has further complicated treatment efforts, necessitating the search for new therapeutic agents. This review emphasizes the antimalarial potential of plant-derived secondary metabolites, which exhibit diverse pharmacological activities. Several compounds, such as ceramicine R (IC 50 = 2.80 μM), knipholone clooxanthrone (IC 50 = 14.58 μM for D6 and 9.42 μM for W2), joziknipholone A (IC 50 = 0.17 μM), joziknipholone B (IC 50 = 0.26 μM), and cajachalcone (IC 50 = 7.4 μM), have shown potent activity against Plasmodium falciparum . Data were collected from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. A total of 34 medicinal plants were identified, along with details on extraction techniques and factors influencing metabolite efficacy. Key secondary metabolites include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and their derivatives (e.g., quinine, artemisinin, quercetin, chalcones). This review highlights their mechanisms of action and their promise as templates for developing novel drugs to combat both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant malaria strains.
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Utilizing olive leaves as a rich source of multifunctional bioactive compounds to fight oxidative stress, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer using in vitro, in silico, and bioinformatics techniques

September 9, 2025

Gunes Ak, Nilofar Nilofar, Nadire Pelin Bahadirli, Agnese Santanatoglia, Giovanni Caprioli, Gianni Sagratini, Ismail Koyuncu, Idris Kirhan, Jasmina Glamočlija, Dejan Stojković, Abdullahi Ibrahim Uba, Savaş Kaya, Mikhail M. Maslov, Sakina Yagi, Gokhan Zengin

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Olive leaves are of significant interest in traditional medicine and in the development of functional nutraceuticals. In this study, the leaves of four olive varieties (Halhali, arbequina, gemlik, karamani) were utilized to examine and compare the chemical composition and biological activities, particularly their role in enzyme inhibition, cancer prevention, and apoptosis induction. Results showed that among the tested varieties analyzed, Gemlik (77.79 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) and halhali (76.03 mg GAE/g) exhibited the phenolic contents while arbequina had the highest flavonoid content (36.51 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g). Similarly, these two varieties of extracts recorded strong antioxidant activity in several assays. Gemlik (2.70 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g) and arbequina (2.59 mg GALAE/g) demonstrated the highest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. The results of MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide)) assay showed arbequina provided the highest cytotoxic effect against HeLa cells (IC 50 value: 60.59 μg/ml) and annexin-V/PI staining confirmed the inducing of apoptosis by arbequina in HeLa cells. In conclusion, the studied olive varieties of leaf extracts appeared to have more potential as a health supplement rich in natural antioxidants and merit further intensive study.

Special Issue: CAZymes Structural and functional aspects of Glycoside Hydrolases and Glycosyl Transferases; Editors: Maria-Ortiz Soto and Jürgen Seibel

Special Issue: Chitin Structures and Pathways as Targets for Biopesticides and Drugs; Guest Editor: Klaus H. Hoffmann

Special Issue: Organic Chemistry and Medicinal Applications This issue is dedicated to the memory of Professor Wolfgang Voelter; Guest Editors: Raid Abdel-Jalil and Raphael Stoll

Special Issue: Essential oils; Editor: Klaus H. Hoffmann

Special Section: Chemistry of Social Insects / Special Section Editor: Wilhelm Boland

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Special Issue: Chemo-enzymatic cascade reactions / Editor: Uwe T. Bornscheuer

Special Issue: Insect Biotechnology / Editor: Klaus H. Hoffmann

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The Special Section is dedicated to the memory of Professor Lothar Jaenicke / Editor: Wilhelm Boland

This issue is dedicated to the memory of Professor Peter Böger / Editors: Nikolaus Amrhein, Gerhard Sandmann

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Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C publishes special and thematic issues focussed on important and emerging topics in the field of study. The journal has established a rigorous process to ensure that any special issue manuscripts follow the same high-quality standards and peer review processes as regular manuscripts. For further information on the journal’s peer review policy please see the "Instructions for Authors".

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Volume 80 | Issue 1-2 Special Issue: CAZymes Structural and functional aspects of Glycoside Hydrolases and Glycosyl Transferases; Editors: Maria-Ortiz Soto and Jürgen Seibel

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Editor-in-Chief
Prof Dr. Jürgen Seibel, Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Germany

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Jurgen Seibel, juergen.seibel@uni-wuerzburg.de

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Prof Dr. Achim Aigner, Rudolf Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, Leipzig University, Germany
Prof Dr. Uwe T. Bornscheuer, Department of Biotechnology & Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Germany
Prof Dr. Klaus H. Hoffmann, Department of Animal Ecology I, University of Bayreuth Animal Ecology I, Germany

Editorial Board
Prof Dr. David B. Berkowitz, Department of Ch emistry, University of Nebraska, USA
Prof Dr. Birgit Dräger, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Natural Sciences i, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
Prof Dr. Marcia González-Teuber, Departamento de Química Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de La Santísima and Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
Prof Dr. Srivatsan Seergazhi Gopalan, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India 　
Prof Dr. Jikai Liu, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, China
Prof Dr. Till Opatz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Department of Chemistry, Germany
Prof Dr. Esther S. Rösch, Faculty of Engineering, Baden-Württemberg Cooperative St ate University Karlsruhe, Germany
Prof Dr. Klaus-Dieter Spindler, Institute for General Zoology and Endocrinology, Ulm University, Germany
Prof Dr. Dieter Strack, Institut für Pharmazeutische Biologie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany
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Journal information

Additional information

eISSN:

1865-7125

ISSN:

0939-5075

Language:

English

Publisher:

De Gruyter

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First published:

February 20, 1973

Publication Frequency:

12 issues per year

eISSN: 1865-7125

ISSN: 0939-5075

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Readership: Academics and practitioners interested in the topic of ZNC

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Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C

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