Francisco Les

This study has investigated the phytochemical composition and therapeutic potential of the Red Sea soft coral Sinularia levi .

Natural products keep earning their place in molecular science for a simple reason: they are chemically inventive, biologically “opinionated”, and often arrive with a legacy of pre-existing relationship to human use that invites hypotheses instead of guesswork

Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable surge in research focused on bioactive compounds, reflecting their growing importance in fields such as pharmacology, nutrition, and disease prevention

Jasonia glutinosa (L.) DC., commonly known in Spain as “Rock Tea”, is a medicinal plant native to the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and Morocco. It has traditionally been used as a digestive, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidepressant, or for respiratory diseases. This narrative review aims to scientifically validate the ethnopharmacological uses of J. glutinosa as a medicinal plant, emphasizing the relationship between its traditional applications, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action based on experimental evidence. A comprehensive search was conducted in various electronic databases to gather information on its traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies related to pharmacological properties. The literature review uncovered significant findings regarding the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of this medicinal plant in various experimental models, particularly highlighting its spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) are one of the most consumed fruits around the world with a high production of peels as wastes and by-products.

The increasing presence of Anisakis spp. in fish is having significant implications for public health due to a rise in cases of anisakiasis. Given this situation, there is a critical need to develop new strategies to fight this parasite. Satureja montana L., commonly known as savory, is a plant recognized in folk medicine for its therapeutic activity, such as being antispasmodic and digestive, among other properties. The aim of this study was to assess the nematicide activity against A. simplex larvae of the essential oil from two varieties of S. montana (subsp. montana (SMM) and variegata (SMV)). The essential oils were obtained via hydro-distillation of the flowering aerial parts. In vitro assays demonstrated the complete inactivation of anisakis larvae after 24 h when exposed to both essential oils, along with a significant reduction in their penetration capacity. Moreover, both essential oils showed an inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase (AChE). No differences between the subspecies were observed in any of the assays. Hence, the nematicidal activity of essential oils could be attributed to their capacity to inhibit AChE. These findings suggest the potential of S. montana essential oil for therapeutic and food industry applications.

Natural products are substances found in nature that have not been significantly modified by humans

Date fruit is a highly important crop cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions, known for its nutritional value and health benefits. Dates' benefits extend beyond their edible portion and include seeds, which are a by-product of different industries, often considered waste, and have untapped potential. This work aimed to optimize the extraction conditions of antioxidant compounds from date seeds and assess their ability to inhibit disease-related enzymes. The optimization was carried out by examining the main parameters, including solvent type (acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water), solvent concentration (25–100%), sample-to-solvent ratio (10–60/20 mg/ml), and extraction time (15–90 min). Phenolic content (PC) was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS and DPPH scavenging assays, as well as ferric reducing power (FRP). Based on the statistical analysis, 75% acetone, 10 mg/20 ml, and 45 min were found to be the best extraction conditions, manifesting a PC of 128.65 mg GAE/g dw, antiradical powers of 244.91 mg TE/g dw (ABTS) and 64.27 mg GAE/g dw (DPPH), and a FRP of 64.27 mg GAE/g dw. Moreover, the extract of date seed demonstrated a promising inhibitory property against some key enzymes such as tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase, and α-glucosidase, which may be considered a good candidate for managing diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.