Natural Products Journal, The - Current Issue

Worldwide, Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) are common, although their prevalence varies among cultures, ethnic groups, and geographic regions. FGIDs, now referred to as Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions (DGBIs), encompass a variety of chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms that are not related to structural or morphological abnormalities. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Dyspepsia are two of the most common examples of FGIDs. According to the Rome IV criteria established in 2016, these disorders are classified based on specific diagnostic guidelines. The Rome Foundation is expected to launch the updated Rome V criteria in 2026. IBS is one of the most common types of FGID. The causes of IBS include a range of factors such as dietary habits, psychological influences, and genetic predispositions. The role of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, histamine, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been identified in the development of IBS. Due to gender differences, it is anticipated that the symptoms and treatment approaches for men and women with IBS may vary. Studies have shown that IBS is more frequent in women than in men. Various treatment strategies are used for the management of IBS, including medications (such as laxatives, antidepressants, and analgesics), lifestyle modifications, and herbal approaches. Increasing emphasis is being placed on plant-based products and probiotics. Management often differs from one individual to another; a treatment that works for one person may not be effective for another. Different studies have suggested an association between obesity and FGIDs, particularly IBS. Some research indicates that obesity could exacerbate the inflammatory processes associated with IBS, while other studies suggest a bidirectional link between IBS and obesity. Common pathophysiological features found in both obesity and IBS include alterations in the gut microbiome, changes in intestinal permeability, visceral hypersensitivity, and low-grade inflammation.

Peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a well-known impediment of diabetes mellitus. That is one of the common kinds of neuropathy, categorized by reduced neuronal function in the minor limbs including excruciating neurological pain. A medical examination is used to subclassify asymmetric and symmetric neuropathy. Diabetes is associated with several pathways, one of which is the activation of the polyol route, the production of oxidative stress, poly ADP-ribose polymerase, the formation of advanced glycation outputs, and the pathways of hexosamine. Although there are a few symptomatic and supportive treatments in use, like antiarrhythmics, tricyclic medications, aldose reductase, opioid analgesics, protein kinase C inhibitors, and incretin the results are unimpressive. To bridge this space, herbal product-based treatment can be a very successful replacement. This narrative review tries to understand the research currently accessible on the function of different biological entities in the treatment of PDN. These chemicals are essential for lowering aldose reductase activity, oxidative-nitrosative stress, and neuronal death. They improve axonal regeneration, nerve transmission velocity, as well as antioxidant molecules while controlling glucose and HbA1c%. (Malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase). They are renowned for their ability to reduce heat and mechanical hyperalgesia as well as tactile allodynia. Thus, these substances need to have their animal study and clinical efficiency assessed. Natural compounds may be auspicious participants in the fight against PDN that provide a glimpse of optimism to those in need.

Carnosic acid (CA), a polyphenolic diterpene naturally found in Rosmarinus officinalis, has demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities according to scientific research, making it a key candidate for new therapeutic product development. The aim of this manuscript is to present an updated review of the literature on the latest research findings about carnosic acid, emphasizing its most relevant biological functions. Accordingly, this work highlights the main reported pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiobesity, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. We conducted a systematic search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed literature based on a specific review question, utilizing scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar published since 1990. Numerous studies have highlighted the extensive therapeutic applications of carnosic acid. Among others, carnosic acid was found to have antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiobesity, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities. Further, carnosic acid displayed low toxicity levels and few side effects. CA shows great promise as a therapeutic agent in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, such as numerous cancers, infectious diseases, and newly emerging illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In recent times, there has been a significant push to improve PBMs, proposing their application as natural drugs for several pathological conditions, with a focus on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. Carnosic acid exhibits antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiobesity, and neuroprotective effects, as well as antitumor, anti-infectious, CNS, and endocrine system activities. However, further research on its precise pharmacological mechanisms is required before it can be reliably used to treat human diseases.

Paper sheet materials and written compositions are complex multi-component mixtures, including dyes, solvents and resins, preservatives, and antioxidants, i.e., complex organic mixtures that change over time. Technical examination of materials and documents is in demand in the judicial and archival industry. Determining the actual date of appearance of a particular inscription on a sheet of paper is one of the most important and complex expert tasks. The task is divided into two components: analysis of the processes of temporary degradation of paper pulp and processes of temporary degradation of organic writing materials.

Managing acne presents a multifaceted challenge for teenagers, impacting their physical appearance and emotional well-being. The multifactorial nature of acne, which involves hyperactive oil glands, follicular hyperkeratinization, bacterial activity, and inflammation, emphasizes the importance of effective treatment strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of natural bio-actives and their Nano-formulations in addressing acne. Additionally, this review highlights numerous anti-acne formulations composed of natural components and the methods used to formulate Nano-formulations with anti-acne properties. Potential mechanisms of action for natural elements used in Nano-formulations, such as aloe Vera, green tea extract, grape extract, cucumber extract, lavender essential oil, and tea tree oil, are explored. These natural components contain phytoconstituents that play key roles in skin repair and the treatment of several skin conditions, such as acne, aging, UV-induced skin damage, surgical wounds, psoriasis, and eczema. Furthermore, the review discusses patents filed for acne treatment using natural components and addresses challenges in formulating anti-acne products such as quality, availability, cost, and method validations.

Carbohydrates, the most prevalent class of organic substances in living systems, play a variety of important roles, such as in the creation of energy, the construction of biological structures, and the synthesis of paper and food. More advanced uses of modified starch have been introduced over the past millennium, demonstrating that modified starches are promising excipients in drug delivery, an area in which their role and range of utility continuously increase. Technological advancements in the pharmaceutical field have led to the development of new and highly stable molecules with enhanced properties for novel drug delivery systems. Innovative starches from various sources present exclusive support in the development of novel dosage forms.

Cynometra cauliflora Linn. (C. cauliflora), a member of the Fabaceae family within the Cynometra genus, is an underrated medicinal plant in Malaysia. It features frog-like fruits and is known locally as Namnam. The plant grows in tropical regions and is used in the traditional treatment of various medical conditions. Previous studies have revealed a broad range of its pharmacological benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-lipase, anti-diarrheal, cytotoxic, anti-microbial, and anti-cholinesterase properties. The active constituents identified in C. cauliflora are thought to contribute to its diverse range of biological activities. Research shows that different parts of C. cauliflora contain phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. The leaves and bark also have cardiac glycosides, while the fruit is rich in flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, and tannins. Furthermore, ethanol extracts of its leaves were found to contain vitamin C and its major constituent, vitexin. In this review, the biological activities of C. cauliflora are explored and reviewed through various literature sources, aiming to highlight the mechanisms and compounds that underlie its potential as a source for natural therapies.