The phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. f.) Lindau: current evidence, mechanistic insights, and future therapeutic perspectives

A systematic review of Clerodendrum (Lamiaceae): Ethnobotany, bioactive compounds, therapeutic potential and toxicological insights

Clerodendrum , a historically circumscribed diverse genus of over 500 species, now delimited to around 150-190 species on account of molecular-phylogenetic studies, distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, many of which are integral to traditional medicine systems such as ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and African ethnomedicine. This review compiles and critically analyses updated data on the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicological profiles, and food as well as non-food applications of prominent Clerodendrum spp . These species exhibit a broad range of bioactive properties including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects, primarily due to the presence of terpenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids. Moreover, its toxicological studies also indicate the overall safety for most species at therapeutic doses, although certain extracts (e.g., C. myricoides ) demonstrate dose-dependent toxicity. The multifaceted roles of various Clerodendrum spp . are underscored, emphasizing their pharmacological potential and industrial value, along with a call for standardized research, sustainable utilization, and bioprospecting.

Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch.: a narrative review of phytochemistry, pharmacology, ethnopharmacology, botany, and comprehensive utilization

Imperata cylindrica is a perennial botanical drug with both ecological impacts and diverse utilization values. As a traditional Chinese medicine, its rhizome is widely applied in traditional medical systems of various countries, which can cool blood to arrest bleeding and clear away heat to induce diuresis. Modern research has isolated and characterized 141 chemical metabolites from Imperata cylindrica, mainly including flavonoids and triterpenoids. These metabolites have been associated with multiple bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, and many proprietary Chinese medicines containing its rhizome have been applied in clinical practice. Imperata cylindrica also shows good application prospects in food processing, agriculture and animal husbandry, and ecological restoration. However, current research is limited by insufficient characterization of active metabolites, inadequate studies on isolated metabolites, and a predominance of in vitro and preclinical evidence. In the future, efforts should focus on the in-depth development and pharmacological verification of active metabolites, improving the cell-animal experimental system, promoting industrial application in multiple fields, and counteracting its invasion status through resource utilization to achieve a win-win situation of ecology and economy.

A Recent Review on Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L) as a Multifunction Medicinal Plant; Phytochemistry, Pharmacology an Pharmaceutical Formulations

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a nutrient-dense plant widely recognized for its rich content of vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids, and unsaturated fatty acids. Extensive research over the past decade has highlighted its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, cardioprotective, and anticancer activities. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, the oral bioavailability of many bioactive constituents is limited due topoor solubility, rapid metabolism, and first-pass hepatic effects. Recent advancements in formulation strategies, such as nanoemulsions, liposomes, and phytosome complexes, have significantly improved the absorption and systemic availability of these compounds. Additionally, sea buckthorn finds widespread application in cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods. This review consolidates current knowledge on its phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological activities, clinical evidence, and pharmaceutical applications, providing insights into its therapeutic potential and future research directions.

Oroxylum indicum (L.) Benth ex Kurz medicinal plant: A review of its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, therapeutic potentials and safety perspectives

Oroxylum indicum (l.) Benth. ex Kurz is an edible medicinal plant found in the South and Southeast Asian regions. Local populations utilise various parts of the plant including its pendulous-sword-like fruits, night-blooming flowers, thin-papery seeds and compound leaves as sources of medicine and food. Among its numerous phytochemicals, flavonoids, particularly the baicalein, are the most abundantly found compound. The baicalein is recognised for its potent antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, showing promises for the treatment of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Despite these benefits and potentials, it is dangerous to assume all the natural plant-derived compounds are non-toxic and safe for consumption without proper scientific investigation focusing on their potential chronic toxicity for long term consumption. Therefore, a literature search was conducted using selected databases, namely PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus, with the keyword “Oroxylum indicum” and “baicalein” to collate relevant peer-reviewed literature for critical appraisal. The retrieved articles were critically reviewed to provide a comprehensive overview of the O. indicum, covering its ethnopharmacological uses, therapeutic potentials, scientific extraction techniques and toxicological evaluation of its major phytoconstituent – baicalein, for the benefit of future research. The insights gathered here could provide a critical information and knowledge for the regulatory agencies, consumers and manufacturers interested in food and natural products derived from O. indicum, helping to mitigate the risk associated with potential misuse and ensuring safer consumption.

Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacological Activities of Orthosiphon stamineus: A Review

Phytochemical insights and pharmacological advances of Lepidium sativum L. (garden cress): bridging traditional medicine and evidence-based therapeutics

Background Lepidium sativum L. is a medicinal plant in the Brassicaceae family that has been used for the production of food and medicine. Scientists are becoming interested in it because of its rich phytochemical profile and ethnomedical uses. Nonetheless, a comprehensive understanding of its conventional use, bioactive components, pharmacological actions, and therapeutic significance is still crucial. Objective This review examines Lepidium sativum's traditional uses, phytochemical profile, pharmacological actions, and toxicological and safety considerations. Methods A literature search was conducted via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. This review was conducted in accordance with SANRA, and the findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results This review shows Lepidium sativum has a variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, osteoprotective, wound-healing, reproductive, and anticancer effects. Bioactive components such as glucosinolates, alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, coumarins, and lignans are mostly responsible for these activities. These compounds affect cellular signaling, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and metabolic pathways. Nevertheless, differences in phytochemical content, extraction techniques, dosage, bioavailability, and lack of standardization limit clinical translation. Traditional dosages of Lepidium sativum are usually harmless, but excessive doses or extended exposure to concentrated formulations may be harmful. Conclusion Lepidium sativum is a promising multipurpose medicinal plant that combines traditional knowledge with contemporary pharmacological research. Phytochemical bioactives and biological effects enable its growth as a source of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and medicinal agents. To determine its therapeutic potential, more research on molecular pathways, safety assessment, and clinical validation is necessary.