Current Chemical Biology - Online First

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus, with a prevalence of 4–10% and a high risk of infection and limb amputation. This review explores the therapeutic potential of polyphenols, plant-derived secondary metabolites, in promoting wound healing in DFUs.

A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Databases including PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched for relevant studies from 1999 to 2025. Articles evaluating polyphenol-rich medicinal plants and their role in diabetic wound healing were selected based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Polyphenols such as curcumin, quercetin, gallic acid, resveratrol, and kaempferol demonstrated strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-angiogenic properties. These compounds modulate key molecular pathways—including VEGF, TGF-β, and NF-κB—resulting in enhanced fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and tissue regeneration. Plants like Curcuma longa, Punica granatum, and Vitis vinifera showed promising efficacy in both preclinical and limited clinical studies.

The evidence highlights the multi-targeted actions of polyphenols in addressing the impaired wound healing typical of diabetic conditions. However, limitations include variability in bioavailability, formulation inconsistencies, and a lack of standardized clinical trials.

Polyphenols offer a promising, natural approach to managing DFUs, particularly in resource-limited settings. Their integration into therapeutic regimens may improve wound healing outcomes, though further clinical validation is necessary to optimize their use in mainstream diabetic care.

The weaknesses of traditional drugs against fungi, such as resistance and adverse reactions highlight the urgent need for alternative therapies. Plant extracts offer great potential for developing alternative antifungal therapies against Candida albicans. The current systematic study aimed to introduce medicinal plants native to Iran that could effectively combat Candida albicans, the primary cause of oral candidiasis.

In this systematic review study, a search was performed for articles published in English from 2000 onwards in databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences, and Scopus with keywords (“Herbal medicines” or “Extract” or “Essential oil” or ” Iran” or “Plant”) and “In vitro”, “In vivo”, and “Clinical trials,” considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

From 170 studies initially retrieved from ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane databases, 124 duplicates were removed, and after this, 75 studies were transferred to EndNote software.

Using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 49 irrelevant studies were eliminated during the screening step once each study's title and abstract were assessed. Based on the availability of their full texts, the 45 remaining studies were evaluated. Finally, 37 studies were selected.

The study examined the impact of native plants from Iran on C. albicans, a common cause of oral candidiasis, and suggests that by conducting more extensive research in the future, these plants could be used to develop new compounds for the treatment of oral candidiasis.

Guggulu, an oleo gum resin obtained from the bark of Commiphora wightii, has been extensively researched for various medicinal and pharmacological applications, especially within the Indian Ayurvedic system. For human consumption, guggulu undergoes a shodhana process to create Shoddhit Guggulu. This refined form of guggulu contains several active phytomolecules that contribute to its pharmacological effects. Historically, guggulu has been used to address numerous health issues, including cardiovascular, dental, neurological, endocrine, reproductive, and infectious conditions.

Review articles and research papers from reputable journals regarding Commiphora wightii have been thoroughly analyzed. Extensive readings and discussions were conducted to summarize researchers' findings concerning the pharmacology and medicinal properties of the phytoconstituents present in the oleo gum.

The review explores research discussing the ethnobotanical uses of Commiphora wightii. With the rise in clinical studies and knowledge, guggulu has been thoroughly investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, platelet-regulating, thyroid-stimulating, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective, pulmonary-protective, cardioprotective, wound-healing, antimicrobial, and skin-healing properties.

The resin comprises a complex mixture of volatile oils, terpenoid constituents, minerals, amino acids, polysaccharides, and steroidal derivatives. Safety studies on guggulu have identified specific contraindications and drug interactions, particularly with blood thinners, hypolipidemic agents, and cardiovascular medications. However, the safety profile of guggulu remains limited regarding dosing and clinical studies in pregnant women.

Guggulu from Commiphora wightii shows significant pharmacological potential, especially in inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders. While its traditional use is well-documented, more clinical studies are needed to confirm its safety, efficacy, and to establish standardized dosing for broader therapeutic use.

The slipper-shaped oyster Magallana bilineata, a species commonly farmed in the Philippines, is being processed into oyster extract powder, a shelf-stable product that can be easily incorporated into various food applications. Oyster powder residue, a by-product of oyster extract processing, is rich in essential amino acids and proteins. Our innovative study, which is the first of its kind, focuses on the potential bioactivity of M. bilineata residue, a promising novel metabolite source with significant biomedical applications.

Our approach, which included solvent extraction, fractionation by octadecylsilyl (ODS) column chromatography, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-guided profiling of the active fractions, was meticulously designed to be robust and reliable. The crude and active fractions, including those with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities, were rigorously studied in bioactivity assays, further ensuring the reliability of our findings.

The results indicated that the solvent fractions of oyster M. bilineata residue may contain several bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, peptides, and cytotoxic macrolides, which are responsible for their notable biological activities. The 80% methanol fraction exhibited better anticancer activity against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 58.77 ± 1.26 µg/mL, compared to the positive control, cisplatin (97.56 ± 0.31 µg/mL). Moreover, the fractions also exhibited strong antibacterial activities against some pathogenic microorganisms and showed scavenging activity against the diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical.

The significant bioactive characteristics exhibited by the methanol fractions may be due to the existence and availability of the essential chemical components within each fraction. Oysters, as filter feeders, can accumulate bioactive compounds from their environment as they actively filter water by absorbing and concentrating a variety of substances, including biologically active ones.

Our study has demonstrated the competency of LC-MS profiling in conjunction with bioassays in identifying bioactive components in oyster powder residue. This approach offers a reliable and promising perspective on utilizing waste from oyster processing as a rich and untapped source of bioactive compounds with significant pharmaceutical potential, opening new avenues for research and application.

India glorifies an extensive array of plant species, many of which have been employed for medicinal purposes since ancient times, owing to the country's rich diversity of natural resources and remedies. Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Guduchi or Giloy, possesses several constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, glycosides and terpenes, which contribute to its pharmacological properties and therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, in contrast to other pharmaceuticals and allopathic treatments, these medicines are recognized for their distinctive characteristics, which include minimal side effects and a lack of toxicity.

The goal of this review is to raise awareness and share more information, the pharmacological importance and benefits of giloy in humans to safeguard various health issues.

Our research involved a comprehensive exploration, reviewing and systematize significant information from the published literature and scientific databases.

The improvement of human life reliance is achieved by utilizing T. cordifolia in therapeutics to improve metabolic, endocrine and other ailments. The current review is a description of the therapeutic employments of T. cordifolia against various types of disorders. It acts as an anti-HIV, anti-microbial agent, anti-diarrheal, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycaemic, hepatoprotective and as cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective and so on.

The present review highlights the pharmacological importance of T. cordifolia viz anticancer anti-HIV potential, immunomodulatory activity, antitoxic effects, Parkinson's disease, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity and hepatic disorder. The information given would be helpful for researchers, healthcare professionals, and Pharmaceutical companies in the design and development of effective medications, drugs, and healthcare products that influence the diverse and specific mode of action of T. cordifolia. Additionally, it would assist in the promotion and popularization of this valuable herb, which holds significant potential for the prevention and treatment of various health conditions. It may be an incredible opportunity for anticipation and treatment of different illnesses by using T. cordifolia.