South Asian Research Journal of Natural Products

Phytocompounds Profiling and Assessment of the Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Potentials of Methanol Extracts of Garcinia kola (Heckel)

Abdullatif Olufemi Giwa-Ajeniya, Abdulbaqi Okenla, Isiaka Ajani Ogunwande — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Nigeria is endowed with many medicinal plants which are yet to be exploited for their medicinal values. The purpose of this study is to investigate the chemical constituents using GC-MS and assess the antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of Garcina kola,

Aims: The aim of this study was to described the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities of methanol extracts of the leaf, stem and root of Garcinia kola (Heckel).

Study Design: The study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, antioxidants and anti-diabetic potentials of methanol extracts of the leaves, stem bark and root bark of Garcina kola (Heckel) grown in Nigeria.

Place and Duration of Study: Fresh leaves, stem barks and root barks of G. kola were collected from a location in Abeokuta, Ogun state Nigeria.

Methodology: Extract were obtained from the air-dried leaves, stem barks and root barks of Garcina kola by maceration in methanol for 48 h. Afterwards the various extracts were concentrated in vacuo. Phytochemical screenings were analysed by conventional methods while the various phytocompounds were determined by suing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. The antioxidant activity of the various extracts was tested by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The antidiabetic potential was assessed by evaluating the inhibitory effect of the extracts on the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.

Results: The main compounds identified by GC/MS in the leaf extract were hexadecanoic acid (15.28%), 2-butenedioic acid (14.23%), and 6-hydroxy-4,4,7a-trimethyl-5,6,7,7-tetrahydrobenzofuran-2(4H)-one (12.69%). The stem bark consists mainly of Phenol (20.88%), 1-propanone (18.06%) and 9-octadecenoic acid (11.21%), while ethyl 2-(5-methyl-5-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl) propan-2-yl carbonate (13.77%), phenol (13.34%), decanoic acid (8.79%) and hexadecanoic acid (7.74%) were the main compounds of the root extract. At a concentration of 100 µg/mL, the leaves, stem barks and root barks exhibited 80 ±0.01%, 82 ±0.00% and 79 ±0.01% DPPH radical scavenging activity. All the studied Garcina extracts displayed IC₅₀ value of 3.7 µgmL^-1, when compared with Ascorbic acid which exhibited IC₅₀ value of 2.5 µgmL^-1 against DPPH. The inhibitory potency of G. kola extracts against α-amylase activity were concentration dependent. All extracts showed higher potency at 100 µg/mL, with inhibitory percentages of 93 ±0.00 (leaves), 91 ±0.01 (stem bark) and 89 ±0.01 (root barks). At a concentration of 100 µg/mL, all the extracts displayed good inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme activity at percentages of 75 ±0.00, 74 ±0.01 and 72 ±0.01, respectively.

The extracts displayed almost equal and similar activity against the inhibition of α-Amylase enzymatic activity, with IC₅₀ values between 5.50 µgmL^-1- 5.80 µgmL^-1. While Acarbose exhibited IC₅₀ value of 1.70 µgmL^-1towards α-Glucosidase enzyme, the extracts showed values ranging from 4.80- 5.00 µgmL^-1α-Glucosidase enzyme.

Conclusion: G. kola contains phytochemicals with promising antidiabetic and antioxidant activities which can serve as a source of future lead drugs for combating oxidative stress related diseases.

FTIR spectrum of Starch from Sweet Potato and the Effects of Acid Treatment and Extrusion

K. Anyiam Chioma — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This work aims to study the effect of acid treatment and extrusion on the structure of starch using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Starch from white fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) tubers was extracted and subjected to acid treatment and physical treatment (extrusion). The unmodified starch, acid treated starch (ATS) and physical treated starch (PTS) where analysed with the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR spectra obtained for the treated starches showed changes as compared to the unmodified starch. The PTS showed reduced transmittance, while the ATS showed alternating increase and decrease transmittance with shift of the peaks at C-H and O-H stretching 2929 cm^-1 and 3393 cm-1, respectively indicating change of structure and hydrogen bonding.

Antibacterial and Phytochemical Evaluation of Plastotoma africana as a Potential Antipneumonitic Agent

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among pneumonia-causing bacteria has intensified the search for alternative therapeutic agents from medicinal plants. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of Plastotoma africana extracts against selected pneumonitic bacteria and investigated the phytochemical drivers of observed activity using correlation and regression analysis. Aqueous, ethanol, and methanol leaf extracts were tested against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae using agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. The methanol extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, with zones of inhibition ranging from 18.6 ± 0.6 mm (K. pneumoniae) to 22.1 ± 0.8 mm (S. aureus), compared to ethanol (14.2–17.5 mm) and aqueous extracts (9.6–13.1 mm). A dose-dependent response was observed, with inhibition increasing from 12.7 mm at 25 mg/mL to 22.1 mm at 100 mg/mL. MIC values for the methanol extract were 12.5 mg/mL for Gram-positive bacteria and 25 mg/mL for Gram-negative bacteria. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed higher concentrations of total phenols (52.4 ± 1.9 mg/g), flavonoids (41.2 ± 1.6 mg/g), and alkaloids (34.8 ± 1.3 mg/g) in the methanol extract. Strong positive correlations were observed between total phenols and antibacterial activity (r = 0.86–0.93), while regression models explained 84–89% of the variation, with total phenols emerging as the strongest predictor. These findings provide scientific validation for the ethnomedicinal use of Plastotoma africana and highlight its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for the development of alternative antipneumonitic therapeutics.

Comprehensive Investigation of Phytochemicals, Vitamins, and Antioxidant Properties of Ganoderma sichuanense, Using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID)

Chukwunonso Anthony Nsude, Hannah Oluchukwu Nsude, Ebere Immaculata Akpata — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ganoderma sichuanense are edible and cheap mushrooms that are rich in nutrients with the potential to be harnessed in traditional medicine as functional foods for disease prevention and treatment. This study assessed the quantitative phytochemicals, vitamins, and antioxidant properties of Ganoderma sichuanense. The GC-FID phytochemical analysis of the edible mushroom revealed high amounts of kaempferol (38.870 ppm), isorhamnetin (19.477 ppm), luteolin (14.359 ppm), and naringenin (8.812 ppm). Other phytochemicals detected were catechin, quercetin, artemetin, apigenin, retusin, ellagic acid, hesperidin, myricetin, lunamarin, gallocatechin, vanillic acid, daidzein, genistein, baicalin, epicatechin, and naringin. Estimation of the vitamin composition revealed the highest concentration of vitamin C (61.911±0.198 mg/100g), followed by vitamins D (56.98±0.198 mg/100g), E (17.961±0.099 mg/100g), A (14.179±0.112 mg/100g), B12 (6.259±0.077 mg/100g), B6 (0.10±0.099 mg/100g), B1 (0.052±0.012 mg/100g), and B2 (0.024±0.011 mg/100g). Ethanolic extracts of G. sichuanense showed a concentration-dependent rise in the scavenging activity. The DPPH free radical was scavenged maximally at a low concentration of the ethanolic extract (10 mg/ml). Also, the extract was equally effective in scavenging the FRAP radical in a concentration-dependent manner, showing a concentration-dependent rise up to the highest concentration used (80 mg/ml). The results of this study portray that G. sichuanense represents a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting properties like hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, and hypolipidemic actions.

Preliminary Phytochemical Profiling and Potential of Ricinus communis Leaf Extracts as Natural Sources of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing emergence of antimicrobial resistance and oxidative stress related diseases has intensified the search for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae) is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments including infections and inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of crude extracts obtained from the leaves of R. communis. The powdered leaves were successively extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol using maceration. Percentage recovery ranged from 1.44% (ethyl acetate) to 2.89% (methanol). Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins in all extracts, while saponins, anthraquinones, phenols, and cardiac glycosides varied depending on solvent polarity. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay at concentrations of 250–1000 µg/mL. The petroleum ether and methanol extracts demonstrated the highest radical scavenging activities of 82.59% and 73.42%, respectively, at 1000 µg/mL, compared with 93.80% for ascorbic acid. Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts showed moderate activities. Antimicrobial activity assessed by the disc diffusion method revealed that chloroform and methanol extracts exhibited strong inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while moderate activity was observed against Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values further confirmed the antibacterial potential of the extracts. The findings suggest that R. communis leaves contain bioactive secondary metabolites responsible for significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, supporting their traditional medicinal applications and highlighting their potential as sources of novel therapeutic agents. Further studies involving purification, structural characterization, and mechanistic investigations are necessary to identify the specific compounds responsible for the observed activity and to evaluate their potential for therapeutic development.

Electricity Generation Using a Zinc–copper Electrochemical Cell with Saltwater Electrolyte

Sat, 02 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing demand for clean, affordable, and sustainable energy has encouraged the exploration of alternative methods of electricity generation for domestic consumption. This study investigates the feasibility of harnessing electricity from sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H₂O) using electrochemical principles; It is important to note that the energy produced in this system originates primarily from electrode reactions, specifically the oxidation of the more reactive metal (zinc), rather than from the saltwater itself. The saltwater serves as a conductive medium that enables ion transfer and completes the electrical circuit. When salt dissolves in water, it forms free-moving ions that enable electrical conductivity. By immersing two dissimilar metal electrodes, such as zinc and copper, in a saltwater solution, an electrochemical reaction occurs, generating a measurable electric current. Experimental results showed that a single saltwater cell produced an average voltage of approximately 0.76 V, and the voltage increased proportionally when multiple cells were connected in series. The findings indicate that while the energy output is relatively low compared to conventional power sources, saltwater-based systems are simple, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and suitable for low-power domestic applications such as LED lighting and small electronic devices. Additionally, the study demonstrates that electricity generation from sodium chloride and water is technically feasible and holds potential as a supplementary or backup energy solution for households, particularly in rural and off-grid communities.

Antibacterial Activity, Phytochemical Screening, and GC MS Profiling of Annona senegalensis Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts Against Selected Bacterial Pathogens

Aisha Esther Ibrahim, Danjuma Bulus — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Antimicrobial resistance among bacterial pathogens continues to pose a serious global public health challenge, limiting the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics and necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic agents, including medicinal plants with documented antibacterial potential such as Annona senegalensis.

Aims: The study aims to investigate the antibacterial activity of Annona senegalensis leaf and stem‑bark extracts against selected bacterial pathogens and to characterise the phytochemical constituents and bioactive compounds responsible for the observed activity.

Study Design: Experimental laboratory study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, between January and June 2025.

Methodology: Fresh leaves and stem‑barks of A. senegalensis were collected from Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and extracted sequentially with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and hot water. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion at five concentrations (100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 mg/mL) and broth microdilution (MIC/MBC) against standard strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVIR), Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria. The two most active extracts were analysed by GC‑MS.

Results: Methanol stem‑bark extract (ASSM) gave the highest inhibition zone against S. pneumoniae (21.67 ± 0.58 mm at 100 mg/mL) and the lowest MIC (1.56 mg/mL). Methanol leaf extract (ASLM) also showed activity (MIC 1.56 mg/mL). Water and ethyl acetate extracts were considerably weaker. GC‑MS of the leaf hexane extract (ASLH) revealed phthalic acid ester (21.80%), phytol (16.50%), and sesquiterpenes; the stem‑bark methanol extract (ASSM) contained amide derivatives (1.49%), α‑acetobutyrolactone (1.28%), and an alkaloid‑related compound (1.21%). The MIC of erythromycin (positive control) was 0.78 mg/mL for all isolates.

Conclusion: Methanol extracts of A. senegalensis stem‑bark and leaf display significant antibacterial activity, attributable to high flavonoid content and identified bioactive compounds such as phytol and phthalic acid derivatives. These extracts merit further fractionation and toxicity assessment.

Phytochemical Profiling and Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation of Selected Nigerian Spices: Evidence of Synergistic Bioactivity beyond Phytochemical Abundance

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Spices, rich in bioactive phytochemicals, are widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes and are increasingly studied as potential natural alternatives to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects.

Aims: The study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory activities of selected Nigerian spices and determine the relationship between phytochemical abundance and biological activity.

Study Design: This is an Experimental laboratory-based study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Science Laboratory Technology/Directorate of Laboratory Services and Biosecurity, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria, between March 2025 and June 2025.

Methodology: Fresh samples of Ocimum viride (basil leaves), Allium sativum (garlic), Tetrapleura tetraptera (aidan fruit), Monodora myristica (African nutmeg), and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) were collected and extracted using aqueous maceration. Qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted for flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, and terpenes using standard methods. Quantitative analyses of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, and saponins were determined spectrophotometrically. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the protein denaturation inhibition assay with diclofenac as the standard drug. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test at p < 0.05.

Results: Qualitative screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, and terpenes in all spice extracts, while variations were observed for alkaloids, tannins, and phenolics. Monodora myristica recorded the highest flavonoids (156.43 ± 0.95 mg QE/g) and alkaloids (144.72 ± 1.20 mg QE/g) contents, whereas Cinnamomum zeylanicum exhibited the highest phenolic content (195.70 ± 1.30 mg GAE/g). Significant differences were observed among the extracts in anti-inflammatory activity (F (5,6) = 14.49, p = 0.0027). Ocimum viride showed the highest inhibition of protein denaturation (92.86 ± 10.12%), exceeding diclofenac (77.15 ± 8.06%), while Allium sativum and Cinnamomum zeylanicum demonstrated comparatively low inhibition (35.72 ± 10.10%).

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity of the selected spices was influenced more by phytochemical synergy and compound type than by total phytochemical concentration. Ocimum viride exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity comparable to diclofenac and may serve as a promising candidate for the development of natural anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals and phytomedicines.

Dietary Supplementation with Chlorella vulgaris Confers Protection against Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile Tilapia: An NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Disease outbreaks, particularly those caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, represent a significant challenge in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) aquaculture. While Chlorella vulgaris is recognized as a promising immunostimulant due to its rich nutrient profile, the molecular mechanisms underlying its protective effects during a live bacterial challenge require further elucidation.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a prophylactic diet incorporated with C. vulgaris in enhancing the survival of Nile tilapia challenged with Streptococcus agalactiae and to characterize the associated metabolic signatures using an NMR-based metabolomics approach.

Methodology: Juvenile Nile tilapia were fed a commercial diet supplemented with 125 mg/kg body weight of C. vulgaris biomass for 21 days. Each group of fish receiving treatment and the control group consist of six (6) fish and replicated three (3) times and one-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. Following the feeding period, the fish were subjected to a bacterial challenge via the immersion method using a 1x10⁸ CFU/mL concentration of S. agalactiae (exceeding the calculated LC₅₀ of 9x10⁷ CFU/mL). Spleen samples were collected on day 29 for ¹H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate data analysis (MVDA), including PCA and OPLS-DA, to identify differentiating biomarkers between control and treated groups. Data were expressed as Mean ± Standard Error of the Mean (SEM). Survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared via the Log-Rank test. For metabolomics data, normalized spectral intensities were subjected to one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD post-hoc test (q < 0.05). MVDA models (PCA and OPLS-DA) were validated using 7-fold cross-validation (Q²) and a 100-fold permutation test. All univariate statistical analyses were performed using Software, SPSS Version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and multivariate modeling was conducted using Software, SIMCA Umetrics 14.1 (Sartorius Stedim Biotech, Sweden) and an online database, MetaboAnalyst 6.0.

Results: The C. vulgaris treatment significantly improved survival rates, with the treated challenged group (CVC) exhibiting a 90% survival rate compared to only 13.3% in the control challenged group (CFC). Metabolomics analysis identified 21 metabolites in the spleen, with significant up-regulation of key biomarkers in C. vulgaris-fed fish, including palmitic acid (11.55-fold), riboflavin (6.51-fold), arginine (2.62-fold), and alanine (2.12-fold). Conversely, S. agalactiae challenge in control fish led to a severe down-regulation of essential metabolites, most notably linoleic acid (33.28-fold reduction) and stearic acid (18.46-fold reduction). This drastic metabolic depletion was effectively mitigated in fish previously fed with C. vulgaris, where metabolite levels remained stable despite the bacterial challenge.

Conclusion: Prophylactic supplementation with C. vulgaris at 125 mg/kg bw effectively primes the innate immune system of Nile tilapia, providing robust protection against S. agalactiae infection. The sustained levels of vital amino acids and fatty acids in treated fish suggest that C. vulgaris maintains metabolic homeostasis and immune cell viability, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional disease management in aquaculture.

Comparative Phytochemical, Antioxidant, and GC–MS Profiling of Polar Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts of Khaya senegalensis

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Medicinal plants are important sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential and are increasingly being investigated as alternatives to synthetic drugs for managing oxidative stress, microbial infections, and other health disorders. Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany), a widely used medicinal plant in tropical Africa, has a long history of ethnomedicinal use in the treatment of malaria, fever, diarrhea, jaundice, rheumatism, and infectious diseases.

Aim: To evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activities, and GC–MS bioactive profiles of aqueous and ethanol extracts of the leaves and stem bark of Khaya senegalensis.

Study Design: Experimental laboratory-based study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Science Laboratory Technology/Directorate of Laboratory Services and Biosecurity, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria, between July and October 2025.

Methodology: Fresh leaves and stem bark of Khaya senegalensis were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and separately extracted using distilled water and ethanol through cold maceration. Percentage extraction yield was determined gravimetrically. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins, glycosides, anthraquinones, and terpenoids using standard analytical procedures. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, while bioactive compounds were identified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p < 0.05.

Results: Extraction yield differed significantly among the extracts, with aqueous leaf extract showing the highest yield (9.80 ± 0.12%) and ethanol stem bark extract the lowest (8.00 ± 0.08%). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, glycosides, saponins, and anthraquinones in all extracts, while terpenoids were predominantly detected in stem bark extracts. Ethanol leaf extract exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (76.00 ± 0.38%), whereas aqueous stem bark extract showed the lowest activity at lower concentrations. GC–MS profiling identified forty-five bioactive compounds mainly comprising fatty acid esters, diterpenes, phytosterols, hydrocarbons, tocopherols, fatty alcohols, and phenolic compounds. Major metabolites identified included phytol, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, squalene, and vitamin E.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that Khaya senegalensis possesses substantial phytochemical richness, significant antioxidant potential, and diverse bioactive metabolites of pharmacological relevance, supporting its traditional medicinal applications and potential use in natural antioxidant and nutraceutical development.

Systematic Review of Multitarget Natural Products and Phytochemicals for Neurodegenerative Disease Therapy and Therapeutic Potentials

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are severe and incurable health issues that affect millions of people. Phytochemicals are being increasingly studied, for their multitarget effects.

Aim: The objective is to examine research studies on multitarget natural products and phytochemicals for neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Searches from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted for original research studies published from the year 2020 to 2026. Included studies demonstrated evidence of multitarget action from in vitro or in vivo based studies.

Results: The review showed that there is solid evidence for mulberroside A (a compound derived from mulberry), hesperetin and hesperidin (which are derived from citrus), extracts from Khaya grandifoliola, safflower yellow, alpha-terpinyl acetate (a compound derived from cardamom), and extracts from Atractylodes macrocephala. These compounds act on different mechanisms. They target harmful proteins (Aβ, tau, α-syn), reduce inflammation and oxidative damage. They also activate brain protective factors (PI3K/AKT, CREB/BDNF) and repair cholinergic function. In animal models, these compounds enhanced cognitive function, reduced neurodegenerative cell loss, diminished misfolded proteins, and reduced inflammation.

Conclusion: There is evidence from the early stages of research that multitarget natural products could be a valuable means to combat AD and PD. In order to translate these compounds from plants into clinically viable products, there must be considerable effort directed toward the development of more effective targeting systems, such as the use of nanoparticles, along with the initiation of clinically-based studies.

Epigenetic Toxicology of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Mechanisms, Transgenerational Effects, and Human Health Implications

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that threaten human and environmental health by interfering with hormonal signalling. A growing body of research indicates that EDCs have long-lasting biological effects through epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone changes, and non-coding RNA regulation, in addition to traditional receptor-mediated toxicity. These processes, which are especially important during delicate developmental windows like embryogenesis and the early postnatal period, control gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

The present understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms that support EDC toxicity is summarised in this review, with a focus on how these mechanisms interact with endocrine signalling pathways. Exposure to EDCs has been demonstrated to cause oxidative stress, damage chromatin architecture, and modify the activity of epigenetic enzymes, all of which result in long-lasting alterations in gene expression. According to new findings from epidemiological and experimental research, these changes may persist over generations and contribute to hormone-dependent, metabolic, neurodevelopmental, and reproductive diseases.

The study also emphasises the increasing importance of epigenetic biomarkers in illness prediction and exposure assessment, such as circulating non-coding RNAs and DNA methylation signals. Enhancing risk assessment and public health initiatives requires incorporating epigenetic endpoints into toxicological and regulatory frameworks. All things considered, comprehending the epigenetic underpinnings of EDC action offers vital insights into the genesis of disease and facilitates the creation of more successful environmental health regulations.

Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Properties, and Agri-Food Applications of Walnuts and Pomegranate Fruits

Aleksander Petre, Dritan Topi — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) and pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) are among the most nutritionally and pharmacologically significant fruits in the human diet, yet a comprehensive comparative review of their bioactive profiles and combined therapeutic potential remains lacking. This review systematically examines their nutritional composition, key biochemical constituents — including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidant compounds — and their established roles in functional food development, nutraceutical formulation, and food processing applications. Walnuts are characterized by high energy density and a favorable lipid profile, with documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Pomegranates, by contrast, are calorie-moderate and exceptionally rich in polyphenolic compounds, conferring anticancer, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects. Crucially, their complementary biochemical profiles position them as synergistic candidates for the development of health-promoting food and therapeutic products. Both fruits demonstrate significant potential in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions. Despite growing industrial interest, standardized dietary and therapeutic dosages remain undefined, and the bioavailability and mechanistic pathways of key bioactives remain to be further elucidated. This review highlights the emerging case for their combined application and identifies priority areas for future clinical and food science research.