Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources (IJNPR) [Formerly Natural Product Radiance (NPR)]

Comprehensive review on the pharmacological potential of Astilbe rivularis (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) in diabetic complications, evidenced by computational analysis

Tanya Gupta, Muhammed Amanat, Randhir Singh — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Astilbe rivularis is a rare plant with numerous traditional medicinal values, predominantly found in North America and Asia. For centuries, A. rivularis has been traditionally employed in regional ethnomedicinal practices to address several health issues. It contains various phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, and glycosides, and is recognised for its diverse biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. However, research on this plant and its role in diabetic complications remains limited. Moreover, phytoconstituents present in A. rivularis might be promising candidates for the treatment of diabetic complications involving oxidative stress, the polyol pathway, the PKC-DAG pathway, the hexosamine pathway, and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Therefore, in silico studies were performed targeting RAGE (receptor for AGE), aldose reductase (ALR), and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), which revealed significant interactions with bioactive compounds from A. rivularis, emphasising the potential of this plant for the development of therapeutic strategies to manage diabetes-associated complications. This article presents a narrative review supported by in silico analyses, primarily focusing on the pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and ethnopharmacological attributes of A. rivularis, while further exploring its potential relevance in the context of diabetic complications.

Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Cassia fistula: A medicinal plant

Urvashi Bhardwaj, Jaismine Brar, Ramandeep Kaur — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Cassia fistula L., locally known as amaltas, is a deciduous flowering ornamental tree of the family Fabaceae. It is commonly called a “golden shower” for its bright yellow flowers. C. fistula is a time-tested remedy and is a well-accepted drug in Ayurvedic and Unani Pharmacopoeia, as well as in the traditional medicinal system in India. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botany and ethnomedicinal uses of this plant. The various plant parts are used medicinally by local people throughout their geographical distribution as remedies for various diseases. In this review, the available information on the phytochemistry and biological studies of different parts of C. fistula is assessed and systematically organised. All the literature on C. fistula was critically reviewed with an emphasis on the qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of the extract. Chemically, C. fistula is enriched with phenolic compounds, viz., flavonoids, anthraquinones, and chromones. The bioactivity is attributed to the plant's secondary metabolites. Many commercial formulations have been standardised by researchers with respect to the plant part used in medicine for their enhanced activity.

Therapeutic potential of Cissus quadrangularis L.: An evidence-based review of Ayurvedic claims

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Cissus quadrangularis L. (Hadjod or Harjor), which belongs to the family Vitaceae, is one of the most significant medicinal herbs/plants used in Ayurveda and folk medicine since primaeval times. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine. The entire herb is utilized to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. Ayurveda recommends it to reinforce bones, relieve constipation, improve digestion, and act as an aphrodisiac. In Unani medicine, it is employed to alleviate gastritis. The entire plant is used to cure asthma, while the powdered root is administered specifically to treat bone fractures. It may also help calm the stomach when gastrointestinal problems occur. According to different studies, scurvy and irregular menstruation can also be treated with C. quandrangularis. A lot of work, including taxonomy, ethnobotany, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and clinical aspects, has been done on different parts and aspects of C. quadrangularis, and different activities have been proven on the basis of experimental research studies carried out by different workers across the world. The details of the comprehensive review are presented in the present paper.

A comprehensive review of the therapeutic potential of the ingredients of Aya Bringaraja Panitham, a Siddha medicine for iron deficiency anaemia

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Anaemia due to iron deficiency is a serious medical condition, especially in children, adolescent girls, and women of reproductive age. Aya Bringaraja Panitham (ABP) is a classical Siddha medicine used to treatiron-deficiency anaemia (IDA). The goal of this study is to compile results from relevant publications, with emphasis on the toxicity, safety, preclinical, and clinical studies of the ingredients in ABP for the treatment of IDA. Data from electronic databases like PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, published in English, were collected. The outcome of this article demonstrates the effectiveness of the materials in the ABP formulation and provides evidence of ABP's efficacy & safety in treating IDA. Among 111 articles listed from said databases, 93 were included, and the remaining articles were excluded because they were not related to anaemia, did not discuss the ingredients of ABP, or the haematinic action of ABP ingredients. The included articles comprised 28 literature reviews, 17 studies focused on clinical trials, 23 examined the efficacy, safety, and toxicity of the ingredients, and 25 articles related to IDA.

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of Boerhaavia diffusa-derived sitosteryl oleate and its derivatives in human glioblastoma (U-87) cells

Rakhi Srivastava, Nalini Yadav, Lucky, Daman Saluja, Madhu Chopra — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Phytosterols present in free form and in esterified form with fatty acids, sugar moieties, or phenolic acids show antiproliferative properties on several cancers. This study reports the isolation, characterisation, and evaluation of the bioactive anticancer ester, sitosterol oleate (BDPT-3), from Boerhaavia diffusa, which induced significant cell death in U-87 MG cells with an IC₅₀ of 184 µM. A cell viability assay showed that it significantly inhibited U-87 cell proliferation. Morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, AO/EB staining, and cell cycle analyses in U-87 cells confirmed that it induced apoptosis. It altered the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio by decreasing BCL-2 expression while Bax expression was relatively constant. Further, sitosteryl oleate and its analogues were synthesised, characterised, and evaluated for antiproliferative activity. Among them, butanoate (2c), pentanoate (2d), and decanoate (2h) derivatives showed IC50 values between 60 and 70 µM, and benzoate (2j) showed an IC50 value of 91.77 µM after 72h. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to validate their therapeutic potential against glioblastoma.

Neuroprotective potential of Vicia faba seed extract in haloperidol-induced Parkinsonian rats

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Parkinsonian disorders are characterised by dopaminergic depletion and motor dysfunction, prompting growing interest in plant-derived dopamine precursors as supportive therapies. Although Vicia faba L. seeds are known to contain L-DOPA, evidence linking standardised extracts to functional neurobehavioral improvement, together with demonstrated central dopaminergic activity, remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the neurobehavioral efficacy of a standardised hydro-alcoholic V. faba seed extract and assess its dopaminergic contribution in a haloperidol-induced Parkinsonian rat model. Extract-treated animals showed progressive improvements in paw withdrawal latency, locomotor activity, and exploratory behaviour across treatment levels compared with disease controls, with paw withdrawal time showing strong statistical significance (p <0.001) and locomotor parameters also demonstrating statistically significant improvement across treatment groups. Chromatographic profiling indicated dopaminergic constituents, while brain tissue chromatographic profiles suggested the presence of centrally available levodopa-like constituents following treatment. By integrating behavioural findings with phytochemical and neurochemical evidence, this study supports the functional dopaminergic activity of V. faba extract beyond simple confirmation of its L-DOPA content and highlights its potential as a plant-derived adjunct for Parkinsonian symptom management. Further studies are needed to identify active constituents, clarify pharmacokinetics, and evaluate translational therapeutic relevance.

Anti-ulcer activity of polyphenols of Eleusinian corocana (L.) Gaertn, in Aspirin plus pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcer in Wistar albino rats

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

The polyphenols of Eleusinian corocana (L.) Gaertn have various nutraceutical and therapeutic values in human health. It has been reported to possess potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and gastroprotective effects. However, there is no experimental evidence to reveal its gastroprotective action. The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of polyphenols from Ragi (PPR) against Aspirin plus pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar albino rats. The Aspirin plus pyloric ligation induced a significant increase in the ulcer index, pH, total and free acidity of the gastric juice in the ulcer control group rats. Macroscopic examination of the internal aspects of stomach tissue in the ulcer control group rats showed more severe mucosal erosion, with large areas of haemorrhagic streaks. Histopathological examination of stomach tissue showed marked destruction of the epithelial layer (EL), submucosal oedema, cell infiltration, and severe congestion of blood vessels in ulcer control rats. Pre-treatment with polyphenols of Ragi and Pantoprazole significantly reduced pH (p <0.01), total acidity, and Ulcer index as compared to the ulcer control group (p <0.05). Aspirin plus pyloric ligation induced mucosal erosion and haemorrhagic streaks, which were significantly attenuated with polyphenols of Ragi and Pantoprazole group as compared with ulcer control (p <0.05). Histopathological examination revealed moderate protection in the polyphenols of the Ragi-treated group. The reference standard and polyphenols of Ragi group rats showed almost normal cytoarchitecture of the stomach. There was no epithelial destruction; however, we observed mild submucosal oedema and mild congestion in the blood vessels, and the severity of ulceration was considerably less in comparison to the ulcer control group. These results show that the polyphenols of Ragi have the potential to protect gastric tissue against NSAIDs and stress. The gastroprotective actions of polyphenols in Ragi might be due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. Further studies are required to elucidate its dose-dependent actions and mechanism of action at the molecular level.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of polyherbal toothpaste against oral pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Maintaining oral health is essential for preventing dental plaque, and toothpaste is a primary tool for supporting oral hygiene. Herbal-based toothpaste is considered a safer alternative due to its natural bioactive compounds, which have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to assess the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of a toothpaste formulation containing royal jelly, black cumin, ginger, and cinnamon extracts. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, H₂O₂, and NO scavenging assays, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans. The polyherbal toothpaste mix exhibited the highest scavenging activity in the DPPH (50.89%), ABTS (15.71%), NO (33.97%), and H₂O₂ (23.04%) assays, and showed significant antimicrobial activity against three representative oral pathogens at 100% concentration. The polyherbal toothpaste mix demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, supporting its potential application as a natural dental care product.

Isolation and functional characterisation of honey bee gut bacteria with probiotic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties

Suneeta Panicker, Rashi Sahu, Joel Varghese, Sanjeevani Wandre — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host, particularly by modulating the gut microbiota. Honey bees possess a unique gut microbiome that may harbour novel probiotic strains with potential therapeutic applications. This study isolated and characterised probiotic bacteria from the gut of two honey bee species (Apis mellifera and Tetragonula iridipennis). Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Yakult) was used as a probiotic positive control. Out of the total isolates, 12 were analysed for probiotic traits, including bile and acid tolerance, starch and arginine hydrolysis, antimicrobial activity, beta-galactosidase activity, antioxidant activity, and adhesion ability. All isolates were negative for amylase and arginine dihydrolase but positive for Bile Salt hydrolase. Every isolate showed antibacterial activity, with three of them being more promising. Only 7 isolates demonstrated antifungal activity. Ten isolates were positive for β-galactosidase. Four isolates exhibited antioxidant activity comparable to that of the Lactobacillus casei Shirota. The control strain exhibited a hydrophobicity of 73.54%, while the highest hydrophobicity of 43.80% was observed in one of the gut isolates. Nine isolates exhibited apparent inhibitory effects against E. coli in non-neutralised supernatant, confirming that lactic acid is a potential antimicrobial substance. The isolates demonstrate potential probiotic properties based on in vitro evaluations, comparable to those of Lactobacillus casei Shirota.

Comparative study of essential oil composition and biological activities of pink pepper (Schinus molle L.) plant organs from Tunisia

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

The antioxidant, antibacterial, and repellent activities of essential oils from different plant parts of Tunisian Schinus molle were determined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses revealed that the stems' essential oils are dominated by Geraniol (20.94%), α-eudesmol (28.42%), and Germacrene B (13.6%). Leaves and seeds were characterised by α-limonene (30.43 and 37.66%, respectively) and α-eudesmol (12.48 and 8.55%, respectively) as the most abundant compounds. The antioxidant activity of essential oils was assessed using two techniques: inhibition of the free radical DPPH and the iron reduction effect (FRAP). Considerable levels of antioxidant activities of the investigated essential oils were highlighted. Stems essential oils revealed the best activity with 0.42 mg/mL for the antiradical capacity and 35.52 µmoL TROLOX/g HE for the FRAP assay. Based on the determination of the diameter of inhibition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), a high antibacterial activity was observed against Gram-positive strains Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus feacium (57 and 53 mm, respectively) in the presence of stems' essential oils. For repellent activity, the essential oils of stems showed the best potential, followed by the oils of seeds. The differences in the biological activities of the tested essential oils were attributed to their essential oil compositions. Consequently, S. molle stems essential oil can serve as a natural source of bioactive compounds for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Post-harvest handling effect on chemical composition and antibacterial properties of rose-scented geranium essential oil cultivated in the Western Himalayas

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of various post-harvest drying intervals on the essential oil yield and chemical composition of rose-scented geranium. This study also assessed the antibacterial efficacy of essential oil extracted from rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L′Her.) cultivated under mid-hill agro-climatic conditions of the Western Himalayas. In this study, four post-harvest drying intervals were evaluated: T1 (0 h), T2 (24 h), T3 (48 h), and T4 (72 h). The essential oil extraction was conducted by hydro-distillation, and the chemical profiling was performed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The principal constituents identified in the essential oil included citronellol (44.2–49.4%), geraniol (17.0%), linalool (2.1–3.3%), iso-menthone (6.3–7.14%), and citronellyl propanoate (4.3-6.3%). The highest essential oil yield was observed after 24 hours of drying (T2), accompanied by a desirable citronellol to geraniol (C: G) ratio of approximately 3:1 (citronellol 49.4%; geraniol 17.4%). The antibacterial activity of the essential oil was evaluated against six bacterial strains: three Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) and three Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus aureus). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the essential oil ranged from 0.625% to 10% (v/v), indicating significant antimicrobial potential. In conclusion, a post-harvest drying duration of T2 (24 h) was found to optimise essential oil yield, maintain a favourable compositional profile and enhance its antibacterial efficacy. These findings suggest that properly timed post-harvest processing can enhance the pharmaceutical applicability of P. graveolens essential oil.

Exploring HPLC-mapped variations of marker compounds in commercially cultivated Withania somnifera from Andhra Pradesh, India

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

The study aimed to assess five marker compounds (Withanoside IV, Withanoside V, Withaferin A, Withanolide A, and Withanone) extracted from the root of the indigenous medicinal plant Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) across 125 different cultivars in Andhra Pradesh, India. This is the first report of the simultaneous determination of these markers using a novel buffer-free HPLC method. Results showed dynamic variations in marker levels across different mandals and villages, likely influenced by microclimate and soil conditions. Notably, Withanoside IV was most prevalent in Alur, Aspiri, Pattikonda, and Holagunda mandals of Kurnool, followed by Withanolide A and Withaferin A. Conversely, Withaferin A exhibited dominance in the Halharvi mandal. The integration of PCA added a deeper layer of understanding, shedding light on the interrelationships between these compounds and the regional cultivation variances of Ashwagandha in Andhra Pradesh. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), the first two components accounted for over 97.24% of the variance, with eigenvalues of 0.0083 and 0.0012, respectively. The first PCA explained a significant amount of variability. Withanoside IV, Withanoside V, and Withaferin A notably contribute to the first principal component, explaining 84.92% of its variability. Withaferin A stands out as the primary contributor to the second principal component.

Proximate constituents and L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine levels in Mucuna pruriens seed powder and baked biscuits therefrom

V R Remya, R A Shenoi, K Jayachandran, K P Mohanakumar — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Seeds of Mucuna pruriens (Mp), a leguminous plant, are known for their high content of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and are used in the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in Indian traditional medicine. These seeds also contain valuable nutrients and phytochemicals with potential health benefits. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical, phytochemical, nutritional, and certain neuroactive constituents of Mp seed powder and to assess its application in neuro-nutraceutical development. Dried Mp seed powder and baked biscuits prepared using the dough made of this seed powder are chemically analysed for contents of moisture, ash, water- or alcohol-soluble extract, phytochemical constituents (phenols and tannins), and nutritional value compounds (protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrate, sources of bioenergy). L-DOPA contents in both Mp powder and Mp biscuits were quantified using a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection method. Mp powder is rich in proteins, fibres, and phytochemicals, and contains a significant amount of L-DOPA, the precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Upon baking, the biscuits retained L-DOPA, albeit with a 55% reduction during thermal processing. The presence of appropriate bioactive/pharmaceutical compounds, such as phenols and tannins, was confirmed by phytochemical screening. Mp seed powder is a promising functional ingredient for the development of nutraceutical foods. The successful retention of L-DOPA in baked biscuits suggests its potential application as a medicinal food in the management of Parkinsonian syndromes in PD patients. Further clinical validation is needed to confirm L-DOPA bioavailability for therapeutic relevance, which is in progress.

Passionfruit (Passiflora edulis Sims. f. flavicarpa O.Deg.) rind powder: Potential substrate for food and pharmaceutical applications

Sreeja Parvathy, Bindu R. Nair — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Agro-waste valorisation offers a sustainable pathway for resource recovery, with numerous applications across diverse industrial sectors. This study explores the biochemical and structural characteristics of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa (yellow passionfruit) rind to assess its potential as a value-added substrate. The rind was subjected to comprehensive characterisation, including mineral profiling by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), structural evaluation by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Physicochemical, nutritional, and antinutritional analyses were also performed. The structural properties of the rind powder align with previous reports and display favourable characteristics. TGA indicates that the material maintains chemical stability up to 800°C. The rind was rich in starch, carbohydrates, and essential minerals such as potassium, while the levels of antinutritional factors were considered safe and acceptable. These findings underscore the potential of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa (yellow passionfruit) rind for utilisation in various industrial applications.

Preparation of low-sugar fruit jams with microcrystalline cellulose and a multicomponent fluid matrix containing leaf-based pectic substances

Rajendran Neravathu Sivan — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

Pectic substances were extracted from the leaves of Holarrhena pubescens. Various factors affecting yield were studied. The liquid-to-solid ratio, pH, oxalate concentration, and treatment time were found to affect the yield. A multicomponent fluid matrix was produced using the pectic substances, sucrose, calcium chloride, histidine, and ascorbic acid. The optimum concentration of each component required to form the matrix with the highest average apparent viscosity was estimated. The multicomponent fluid matrix was then used to produce a pineapple jam with microcrystalline cellulose as a filler. FTIR–ATR spectroscopy was used to study the mechanism of gel and jam formation and was found to include the formation of hydrogen bonds between the components. Both the multicomponent fluid matrix and the microcrystalline cellulose affected the textural properties of the jam, making it possible to produce jams with a predetermined textural property. The low-sugar jam contained only 0.1% of sucrose in the finished product, making it useful for diabetic patients. The leaf-based pectic substances, with a low concentration of galacturonic acid, can be used as an effective gelling agent after transforming into a composite multicomponent fluid matrix. Thus, the flow and textural properties of pectic substances may be modified by mixing with suitable ingredients to suit various applications in food and other industries. Future projects should aim to utilise pectin from other sources as well for the production of similar low-sugar food products for the welfare of the diabetic community.

Antibacterial potential of selected medicinal plant leaf extracts against some pathogens

Muskan Sheikh, Shahnoor Khan, Achal Chole, Sharda Dhadse — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0530

This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts from selected medicinal plants, Cinnamomum tamala (bay leaf), Polyalthia longifolia (Ashoka), Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Amomum subulatum (black cardamom), and Andrographis paniculata (bhui neem) against pathogenic bacterial strains: Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. Using the agar well diffusion assay, different extract concentrations (100–250 µL) were tested for antimicrobial efficacy. Results revealed that A. subulatum exhibited the strongest activity against P. mirabilis (Zone of inhibition: 20 mm at 150 µL), while C. citratus demonstrated remarkable inhibition against E. coli (39 mm at 250 µL) and E. faecalis (25 mm). A. paniculata showed potent activity against P. aeruginosa (26 mm at 250 µL), and P. longifolia was highly effective against S. aureus (30 mm). These findings suggest the potential of these plant extracts as promising natural antimicrobials and support further pharmacological investigations for clinical application in managing bacterial infections.