OBJECTIVES

Herbal plants can be an alternative source of therapy especially against hypertension, which is a prevalent burden in the Philippines. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE-1) inhibitory activity of Mayana (Coleus scutellarioides Benth.) leaf extract, a plant ethnobotanically reported to be used for its potential antihypertensive properties and yet still lacking in in-vitro investigations.

Employing a laboratory experimental research design and standard procedures for phytochemical screening and ACE-1 inhibitory assay, the study compares a crude ethanolic dehydrated leaf extract of Mayana with the positive control, Captopril.

Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. ACE-1 inhibitory activity of Mayana at 10 μg/mL, 25 μg/mL, 50μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, 500 μg/mL, 1000 μg/mL were 0.00% ± 0.0000, 12.40% ± 2.7094, 18.76% ± 0.7232, 27.31% ± 2.2159, 30.44% ± 1.6022, 40.12% ± 2.4385, respectively. Mayana exhibited an IC50 value of 55.9154 μg/mL compared to Captopril which was 7.7232 μg/mL, indicating potency disparities.

Mayana has been shown to contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds that exhibit preliminary anti- hypertensive potential through the inhibition of ACE-1. However, the bioactivity of Mayana is lower when compared with a positive control. As such, more research is needed. Despite that, this research contributes to our under- standing of Mayana as a medicinal plant and its potential contribution to complementary and alternative healthcare, with implications for patient care, community awareness, farmer livelihood, education, and future research.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate the potential anti-angiogenic effects of acetone extracts from Annona squamosa leaves in vivo.

Crude acetone extract of A. squamosa leaves was prepared via simple maceration. Physicochemical and phytochemical screening of the extract were also performed. The anti-angiogenic effect of A. squamosa was assessed using in vivo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, with quantitative analysis performed using ImageJ software (U. S. National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA). The eggs were treated with 1000 ppm, 500 ppm, and 250 ppm doses of the extract. Quercetin was utilized as the positive control while distilled water was used as the negative control.

The results of the study showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds in the leaves of A. squamosa. CAM assay revealed a significant (PCONCLUSION

The acetone extract of A. squamosa leaves possesses anti-angiogenic properties in vivo, suggesting its potential for developing anti-angiogenic agents. Further research to identify and isolate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for this activity is recommended.

BACKGROUND

The Philippines has a wide variety of plant species with potential to produce allergenic pollen grains. Most of the study subjects which are residents in Manila tested positive to Fabaceae and Amaranthaceae. Weeds, especially the Amaranthaceae and Fabaceae families, are relevant triggers of allergy as they are highly adaptive and can grow despite adverse weather conditions. However, only a few allergens have been identified among these families and listed in the International Union of Immunological Societies allergen nomenclature database. Currently, local pollen grains are being processed at the Medical Research Laboratory of our institution to produce crude pollen extracts for use in specific diagnostic skin tests and in subcutaneous immunotherapy of patients with respiratory allergies all over the country. However, these extracts have not been characterized and data of cross-reactivity is limited.

This study aimed to evaluate the IgE binding activity of allergen extracts from Philippine weeds and trees, and determine their cross-reactive components.

Pollen extracts from Amaranthus spinosus (pigweed), Mimosa pudica (makahiya), Tridax procumbens (wild daisy), Albizia saman (acacia), Leucaena leucocephala (ipil-ipil), Mangifera indica (mango), and Cocos nucifera (coconut) were extracted and analyzed for crossreactivity using ELISA and Western blot. 

Cross-reaction was observed between ipil-ipil and coconut, and between makahiya and wild daisy. IgE bound to protein components at ~20, 18, and 15 kDa of the weeds, while for the trees, IgE bound to protein components at ~35 and ~15 kDa which may be responsible for the cross-inhibitions observed.

Data may contribute to the development of immunotherapeutic strategies and diagnostic applications for respiratory allergies, comprising the production of standardized panel of allergens thus eliminating unwanted side effects and providing patients with safer diagnosis and therapy.

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) imposes significant negative consequences upon excessive exposure. It is a common misconception in darker skin types that there is no need for photoprotection, hence studies have been done on other adjuncts of photoprotection. Cocoa is naturally-occurring antioxidant rich in flavanols that absorbs UV radiation and scavenge reactive oxygen species.

The study aimed to determine the UVB photoprotective activity through minimal erythema dose determination of 100% cocoa powder versus chocolate flavored powder drink.

This study was a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, wherein sixty (60) Filipino subjects aged 18 years old to 59 years old with Fitzpatrick skin type IV-IV were equally divided into two groups using computer generated randomization. Group I received 100% cocoa powder, one (1) tablespoon dissolved in hot water daily for 12 weeks, while Group II received chocolate flavored drink powder, one (1) tablespoon dissolved in hot water daily for 12 weeks. Minimal erythema dose (MED) were assessed for both groups at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Laboratory testing for fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, SGPT and SGOT was done baseline and at week 12.

In the 100% cocoa powder group, the mean MED increased from baseline to week 6 at an average of 5.5% (p-value 0.64) which were not statistically significant, while from baseline to week 12 an statistically significant increase in mean MED was noted at 21% (p-value < 0.01). These results showed that there is significant photoprotective activity of 100% cocoa powder for intake of 12 weeks as compared to 6 weeks. In the chocolate flavored powder drink, MED remained unchanged. No significant adverse clinical symptoms and laboratory test changes were seen in this study.

Intake of 100% cocoa powder for 12 weeks have significant photoprotective activity compared to baseline among Filipinos with Fitzpatrick skin type IV-V. While chocolate flavored drink powder has no such effect.

OBJECTIVES

Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebae commonly found in aquatic environments, with pathogenic genotypes capable of causing severe diseases such as acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis. Environmental factors, particularly pH, influence their survival and distribution. Tadlac Lake located at Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines is a Class C freshwater body used for aquaculture, recreation, and irrigation. To date, no study has specifically assessed Acanthamoeba colonization in Tadlac Lake.

In this study, detection of the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. and evaluation of pH as a potential factor influencing their persistence in Tadlac Lake was conducted. One-time sampling was conducted from nine sites of the lake. Surface water samples were collected at a depth of 10–20 cm, filtered through 1.2 μm glass microfiber filters, and cultured on non-nutrient agar plates lawned with live Escherichia coli. Plates were incubated at 30°C for 14 days and examined daily under light microscopy, while pH was measured in situ.

Cyst-like structures resembling amoebae were observed, but these did not exhibit definitive Acanthamoeba morphology under light microscopy. No Acanthamoeba spp. were confirmed and the recorded pH levels ranged from 8.72 to 10.51, exceeding the optimal growth range (7.0–9.0) reported for the organism.

Findings of this study suggest alkaline conditions may have inhibited the proliferation and persistence of Acanthamoeba spp. in the lake. These findings highlight pH as a potential limiting factor for Acanthamoeba survival in alkaline freshwater bodies and underscore the importance of integrating physicochemical monitoring into pathogen surveillance frameworks.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the comparative efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii and Bacillus clausii in the treatment of acute diarrhea

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EBSCO, Clinical Key, the Cochrane Library, Academia, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify clinical trials using Saccharomyces boulardii and Bacillus clausii as interventions. The primary outcome measure was the duration of diarrhea. Risk of bias was assessed using the CEBM Critical Appraisal tool and the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Four studies involving 411 participants were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. All studies demonstrated a weighted mean decrease in the duration of diarrhea, ranging from 4.70 to 25.20 hours, favoring Saccharomyces boulardii. The pooled analysis revealed a significant reduction of 24.98 hours in the duration of diarrhea, favoring Saccharomyces boulardii (p < 0.0001).

A systematic review and meta-analysis of four clinical trials showed that Saccharomyces boulardii is more effective than Bacilus clausii in reducing the duration of diarrhea among patients with acute diarrhea. These findings support the use of Saccharomyces boulardii as a preferred probiotic intervention for the treatment of acute diarrhea.

The thought of medicine and food homology and substances with both edible and medicinal values are an important part of China's excellent traditional culture and medicine treasure, playing an important role in human diet and health maintenance for thousands of years. Substances with both edible and medicinal values are a standardized name governed by existing regulations, and many substances with both edible and medicinal values in the list lack important information such as original plants and edible and medicinal parts. Some substances change as the relevant regulations change, which confuses the use and regulation. According to the definition and inclusion conditions of substances with both edible and medicinal values in the Regulation of Substances with Both Edible and Medicinal Values Catalogue, this paper comprehensively reviewed the first batch of 87 substances with both edible and medicinal values published in 2002 by collecting information and investigating the practical application. Some substances supplemented, deleted, and revised were analyzed and discussed, and a complete revised list was compiled, encompassing a total of 90 substances, which were when combined with the 19 substances of the last three batches(published in 2019, 2023, and 2024), amounted to a total of 109 substances. In addition, the substances not currently in the published list but have both edible and medicinal values according to the latest definition were summarized, which revealed at least 27 other substances. Therefore, there were at least 136 substances with both edible and medicinal values. Additionally, the potential substances that could be included in the list of substances with edible and medicinal values were prospected, providing a focus for future expansion of the list. This paper systematically reviewed and revised the list of substances with both edible and medicinal values to lay a foundation for the regulatory authorities to revise the catalog of these substances and provide basic information for promoting the new quality productive forces in the health field and boosting the orderly and rapid development of the big health industry.
China ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards* ; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Germplasm degeneration occurs during the long-term cultivation of root-and rhizome-derived traditional Chinese medicine(RR-TCM), which seriously restricts the high-quality development of their industry. Therefore, it is urgent to solve the problem of germplasm degeneration through variety breeding. In this paper, based on previously published research articles, monographs, and news reports, the research progresses on the number and origins, breeding methods, and selection of new varieties of RR-TCM listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(Edition 2020) were summarized and analyzed. The results show that there are 169 kinds of RR-TCM listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(Edition 2020), originated from 223 origins with three breeding methods(i.e., seed propagation, vegetative reproduction, and tissue culture), and there are 215 species derived from seed propagation, 177 species derived from vegetative reproduction, and 164 species derived from tissue culture. To date, there are 62 origins breeding new varieties through conventional breeding, cross breeding, mutation breeding, ploidy breeding, or modern biotechnology breeding methods, including 57 origins breeding 145 new varieties through conventional breeding, 10 origins breeding 43 new varieties through mutation breeding, and seven origins breeding 12 new varieties through cross breeding method. They are used mainly to improve yield, disease resistance, and active ingredient content, but only a few new varieties have been widely used. This review will provide useful references in variety breeding, quality breeding, and standardized planting of RR-TCM.
Plant Breeding/methods* ; Plant Roots/growth & development* ; Rhizome/growth & development* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Plants, Medicinal/classification* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

This paper aims to contribute to guaranteeing the stable development and enhancing the understanding of ecological agriculture of Chinese materia medica so that the national strategy and industrial demand can be better served. It first introduces current traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)policy and industrial development status from five aspects, including policy guarantee, theoretical support, technological innovation, standardization system, and brand influence. Then, the paper analyzes the development dilemma of TCM agriculture in production and quality increase and ecological environment protection. It also proposes the development goals of ecological agriculture of Chinese materia medica that meet the current industrial development demand, which are reducing chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and carbon emissions, improving quality, increasing efficiency, and protecting ecological environment. In addition, the new development goals are interpreted through case studies. Finally, this paper proposes four development strategies for ecological agriculture of Chinese materia medica: conducting research on the pattern and spatial and temporal variations of nationwide TCM production areas; studying the internal and external ecological memories of medicinal plant growth from the perspectives of genetic variations and environmental adaptation variations and elucidating their contributions to the formation of quality; carrying out selection and breeding of stress-resistant varieties for ecological agriculture of Chinese materia medica, the optimization of key technologies for soil improvement and restoration and green prevention and control against diseases and pests, and the improvement of quality; carrying out research on the quality assurance and value realization of ecological products made from TCM. This research can provide guidance for policy formulation, theoretical development of the discipline, and the enhancement of industrial technology for ecological agriculture of Chinese materia medica.
Agriculture/methods* ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry* ; Ecosystem ; Materia Medica ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Flavoprotein monooxygenases(FPMOs) and cytochrome P450(CYP450) oxygenases are pivotal monooxygenases in nature, catalyzing crucial redox reactions in diverse biological processes and contributing to the synthesis of highly complex natural products. While CYP450 enzymes have been extensively reported and studied, numerous FPMOs have also been discovered in past research endeavors, yet their classification, catalytic reactions, and catalytic mechanisms remain to be systematically analyzed. This paper comprehensively reviews the latest advancements in FPMOs research, initiating with a classification based on sequence similarities and distinct structural features. It delves into the catalytic characteristics of three subfamilies(FMO, BVMO, and NMO) within Class B FPMOs of plants, which are integral to biosynthetic pathways of natural products. Class B FPMOs encompass two canonical Rossmann fold motifs(FAD-binding GxGxxG and NADPH-binding GxGxxA), along with a central FMO recognition motif FxGxxxHxxxF/Y/W. These enzymes play a key role in regulating various metabolic routes and precisely modulate plant growth and development. Furthermore, the review summarizes the applications of Class B FPMOs of plants, showcasing through concrete examples their potential in synthesizing natural products such as auxins, indigo, and cyanogenic glycosides. These insights will broaden and deepen our understanding of FPMOs, fostering their transition from fundamental research to practical applications. More optimized biosynthetic pathways can be devised by leveraging FPMOs, conducive to the development of novel strategies and tools for agriculture, plant protection, natural product biosynthesis, and synthetic biology.
Biological Products/metabolism* ; Mixed Function Oxygenases/chemistry* ; Flavoproteins/chemistry* ; Plants/metabolism* ; Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics*