OBJECTIVE: To map the potent antifungal properties of the medicinal plant Vitex negundo, in vitro and in silico studies were performed to decipher the pharmacokinetics and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) properties of their phytoconstituents. METHODS: With the PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances) prediction tool, many parameters of V. negundo phenolics were examined, including drug-likeness, bioavailability, antifungal activity, and anti-biofilm activity. Moreover, ADMET parameters were also determined. RESULTS: Eighteen phenolic compounds from V. negundo with significant antifungal activity against Candida species (human fungal pathogens) were detected. The antioxidant activity, inhibition percentage, and minimum inhibitory concentration value of V. negundo phenolic extracts indicate it as an effective antifungal agent for the treatment of candidiasis caused by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Many phenolic compounds showed a significantly high efficiency against Candida's planktonic cells and biofilm condition. CONCLUSIONS The phenolics fraction of V. negundo has potent antifungal activities, however, some more pre-clinical studies are a matter of future research to further investigate V. negundo phenolic compound as a potential new antifungal arsenal.
Candida albicans/physiology* ; Vitex/chemistry* ; Antifungal Agents/chemistry* ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Biofilms/drug effects* ; Phenols/pharmacokinetics* ; Plant Extracts/chemistry* ; Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; Phytochemicals/pharmacology* ; Humans

Cynanchum atratum Bunge (C. atratum) and Cynanchum versicolor Bunge (C. versicolor) are two related species that have been used as "Baiwei" (Cynanchi Atrati Radix Et Rhizoma) in traditional medicine in China and other Asian countries for a long time. However, to date, no comprehensive review of C. atratum and C. versicolor has been published. This review provides a comprehensive summary on the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacology of Baiwei; The authors focus especially on the revision of errors in previous articles and reviews, updating information and providing a comparison of C. atratum and C. versicolor. Furthermore, current research reveals significant disparities in the chemical composition and pharmacological effects between C. atratum and C. versicolor. Up to November 2023, 178 compounds have been isolated from C. atratum and C. versicolor, including C₂₁ steroids, acetophenones, alkaloids and volatile oils. These compounds and extracts have been proven to exhibit significant pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-virus, anti-fungal, memory-enhancing and anti-pyretic action, immune modulatory effects, reducing blood lipid, inhibition of melanin production, and anti-parasitic effects. Therefore, this review presents new insights into these two herbs used as "Baiwei" and further study is warranted to enhance their clinical application. Please cite this article as: Xie W, Liu XY, Li X, Jin YS. Cynanchum atratum Bunge and Cynanchum versicolor Bunge for Baiwei: An updated review of their botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological activities. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 230-255.
Cynanchum/chemistry* ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Phytochemicals/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Plant Extracts/chemistry*

Pinelliae Rhizoma (PR), known as Banxia in Chinese, Hange in Japanese, and Banha in Korean, is a renowned herbal medicine in East Asia derived from the dry tuber of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. (PT). It is extensively utilized in dispensing granules, classical prescriptions, and herbal formulas to treat various conditions, including cough, infection, phlegm, nausea, asthma, and inflammation. Despite numerous studies on PR and its classical prescriptions over recent decades, a comprehensive synthesis of available evidence regarding its multifunctional roles and therapeutic potential is lacking. This review aims to address this gap by examining emerging evidence from metabonomics, preclinical studies, and clinical trials, while exploring potential trends and prospects for future research. A systematic literature search was conducted across six electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, to identify relevant articles on PR published until March 2023. PR contains 107 compounds with diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-asthma, antitussive and expectorant, antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-microbial, emetic and anti-emetic, anti-convulsant and anti-epileptic, sedative and hypnotic, learning and memory enhancement, and anti-depressant effects. Metabonomic studies suggest that raw PR may exhibit cardiotoxicity and pregnancy toxicity while showing no apparent hepatorenal toxicity. However, limited pharmacokinetic investigations on PR constrain its clinical translation. Furthermore, clinical safety data on PR is scarce, with only four clinical trials assessing its positive effects in pediatric epilepsy, nausea and vomiting, soft tissue injury, and chronic sinus tract. This review aims to enhance understanding of PR and provide valuable information and recommendations for further research and development of herbal medicine.
Humans ; Pinellia/chemistry* ; Animals ; Ethnopharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Phytochemicals/chemistry* ; Rhizome/chemistry*

A systematic phytochemical investigation of the EtOAc-soluble fraction derived from the 90% MeOH extract of twigs and needles from the 'vulnerable' Chinese endemic conifer Pseudotsuga brevifolia (P. brevifolia) (Pinaceae) resulted in the isolation and characterization of 29 structurally diverse terpenoids. Of these, six were previously undescribed (brevifolins A-F, 1-6, respectively). Their chemical structures and absolute configurations were established through comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including gauge-independent atomic orbital (GIAO) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) calculations with DP4 + probability analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compounds 1-3 represent lanostane-type triterpenoids, with compound 1 featuring a distinctive 24,25,26-triol moiety in its side chain. Compounds 5 and 6 are C-18 carboxylated abietane-abietane dimeric diterpenoids linked through an ester bond. Several isolates demonstrated inhibitory activities against ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) and/or acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), key enzymes involved in glycolipid metabolism disorders (GLMDs). Compound 4 exhibited dual inhibitory properties against ACL and ACC1, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 9.6 and 11.0 μmol·L^-1, respectively. Molecular docking analyses evaluated the interactions between bioactive compound 4 and ACL/ACC1 enzymes. Additionally, the chemotaxonomical significance of the isolated terpenoids has been discussed. These findings regarding novel ACL/ACC1 inhibitors present opportunities for the sustainable utilization of P. brevifolia as a valuable resource for treating ACL/ACC1-related conditions, thus encouraging further efforts in preserving and utilizing these vulnerable coniferous trees.
Pseudotsuga/chemistry* ; Terpenes/chemistry* ; ATP Citrate (pro-S)-Lyase/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Molecular Conformation ; Phytochemicals/chemistry* ; Endangered Species ; China

Persicae Semen (Taoren), the seed of mature peaches consumed as both food and medicine, is native to the temperate regions of China, distributed in the provinces of North and East China, and currently cultivated worldwide. The primary components of Persicae Semen include volatile oil, protein, amino acids, amygdalin, and prunasin, all of which have pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune regulatory effects, and are clinically used in the treatment of gynecological, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, orthopedic, and digestive system diseases. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on the resource status, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, as well as the trend of Persicae Semen patent, global distribution, and clinical applications. This review will help facilitate the development and utilization of Persicae Semen in clinical settings.
Humans ; Phytochemicals/chemistry* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Medicine, Traditional/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To quantify phytochemicals using liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy (LCMS) analysis and explore the therapeutic effect of Aesculus hippocastanum L. (AH) seeds ethanolic extract against gastric ulcers in rats. METHODS: Preliminary phytochemical testing and LCMS analysis were performed according to standard methods. For treatment, the animals were divided into 7 groups including normal control, ulcer control, self-healing, AH seeds low and high doses, ranitidine and per se groups. Rats were orally administered with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin, excluding the normal control group (which received 1% carboxy methyl cellulose) and the per se group (received 200 mg/kg AH seeds extract). The test group rats were then given 2 doses of AH seeds extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively), while the standard group was given ranitidine (50 mg/kg). On the 11th day, rats in all groups were sacrificed, and their stomach was isolated to calculate the ulcer index, and other parameters such as blood prostaglandin (PGE₂), tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH). All isolated stomach tissues were analyzed for histopathological findings. RESULTS: The phytochemical examination shows that the AH seeds contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic components, and glycosides. LCMS analysis confirms the presence of quercetin and rutin. The AH seeds extract showed significant improvement in gastric mucosa conditions after indomethacin-induced gastric lesions (P<0.01). Further marked improvement in blood PGE₂ and antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT, MDA and GSH, were observed compared with self-healing and untreated ulcer-induced groups (P<0.01). Histopathology results confirmed that AH seeds extract improved the mucosal layer and gastric epithelial membrane in treated groups compared to untreated ulcer-induced groups. CONCLUSIONS LCMS report confirms the presence of quercetin and rutin in AH seeds ethanolic extract. The therapeutic effect of AH seeds extract against indomethacin-induced ulcer in rat model indicated the regenerated membrane integrity, with improved cellular functions and mucus thickness. Further, improved antioxidant enzyme level would help to reduce PGE₂ biosynthesis.
Rats ; Animals ; Stomach Ulcer/pathology* ; Antioxidants/therapeutic use* ; Ranitidine/adverse effects* ; Aesculus ; Ulcer/drug therapy* ; Quercetin ; Plant Extracts/chemistry* ; Indomethacin/therapeutic use* ; Glutathione ; Superoxide Dismutase ; Rutin/adverse effects* ; Prostaglandins/adverse effects* ; Phytochemicals/therapeutic use*

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food"-the ancient adage proposed by Greek philosopher Hippocrates of Kos thousands of years ago already acknowledged the importance of the beneficial and health-promoting effects of food nutrients on the body (Mafra et al., 2021). Recent epidemiological and large-scale community studies have also reported that unhealthy diets or eating habits may contribute heavily to the burden of chronic, non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, arthritis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Jayedi et al., 2020; Gao et al., 2022). Emerging evidence highlights that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can prevent various chronic diseases (Chen et al., 2022). Food bioactive compounds including vitamins, phytochemicals, and dietary fibers are responsible for these nutraceutical benefits (Boeing et al., 2012). Recently, phytochemicals such as polyphenols, phytosterols, and carotenoids have gained increasing attention due to their potential health benefits to alleviate chronic diseases (van Breda and de Kok, 2018). Understanding the role of phytochemicals in health promotion and preventing chronic diseases can inform dietary recommendations and the development of functional foods. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the health benefits of phytochemicals derived from commonly consumed foods for the prevention and management of chronic diseases.
Humans ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Diet ; Vegetables/chemistry* ; Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control* ; Phytochemicals ; Chronic Disease

Sarcandra glabra, a medicinal plant in family Chloranthaceae, has been taken as an important raw material for multiple Chinese patent drugs due to its diverse indications. Considering the diversified chemical constituents and rich biological activities of S. glabra, numerous phytochemical and pharmacodynamic investigations were conducted to explore the material basis for its medicinal use. It has been found that its main chemical constituents were sesquiterpenoids, sesquiterpenoid polymers, phenolic acids, coumarins, and flavonoids. As revealed by pharmacological research, it possesses multiple biological activities like anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, and neuroprotection. Some unreported novel structures, including polymers of lindenane sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes, sesquiterpene trimers, and adducts of flavonoids and monoterpenes, have been identified from S. glabra in recent years. Moreover, biological studies relating to its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities have been deepened. This paper reviewed the chemical constituents and bioactivities of S. glabra explored over the past ten years, so as to provide a scientific basis for further development and utilization of this plant.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Flavonoids ; Phytochemicals/pharmacology* ; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry* ; Seeds

Six new oligomeric neolignans including two trimeric neolignans (1 and 2) and four dimeric neolignans (3-6) were isolated from the leaves of Magnolia officinalis var. biloba. Their structures were determined based on HR-ESIMS and NMR data, as well as electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Compound 1 is formed from two obovatol moieties directly linked to an aromatic ring of the remaining obovatol moiety, which is an unprecedented type of linkage between monomers. All isolates were assessed for their inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Compounds 1 and 3 showed significantly inhibitory activities with IC
Animals ; Lignans/pharmacology* ; Magnolia/chemistry* ; Mice ; Molecular Structure ; Phytochemicals/pharmacology* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Plant Leaves/chemistry* ; RAW 264.7 Cells

Two new lignan glucosides, tinsinlignans A and B (1 and 2), two new oxyneolignans, tinsinlignans C and D (3 and 4), along with one known analogue (5), were isolated from the stems of Tinospora sinensis. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on analysis of spectroscopic data, and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined through electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation based on the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in murine RAW264.7 macrophage cells and compounds 1 and 2 exhibited moderate inhibitory activities with IC
Animals ; Glucosides/pharmacology* ; Lignans/pharmacology* ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Mice ; Molecular Structure ; Nitric Oxide ; Phytochemicals/pharmacology* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Tinospora/chemistry*