Ibrahim Hassan

Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a naturally occurring flavanonol predominantly found in medicinal plants like Ampelopsis grossedentata, has emerged as a promising source of natural antioxidants with multi-target pharmacological activities relevant to drug discovery. DHM exhibits a strong redox-modulating capacity, effectively attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation central drivers of chronic disease pathogenesis. Beyond direct radical scavenging, DHM regulates multiple redox-sensitive and kinase-mediated signalling pathways, thereby influencing key cellular processes involved in disease initiation and progression. This review synthesizes current evidence on the therapeutic potential of DHM, critically evaluating its mechanistic basis and translational prospects, with emphasis on its dual redox-driven and kinase-mediated modes of action. We detail its roles in metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, and liver diseases, neuroprotection, cardio protection, and cancer prevention, focusing on the modulation of critical networks such as AMPK, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-κB, and Nrf2. The interplay between these pathways underpins DHM’s efficacy across disease models. Furthermore, we highlight structure–activity relationship (SAR) analyses and molecular modelling studies that elucidate how the flavanonol scaffold, hydroxylation pattern, and stereochemistry of DHM govern its biological activities and target engagement. Key pharmacokinetic limitations, advances in extraction techniques, bioavailability challenges, and emerging formulation strategies including advanced delivery systems are discussed to address translational hurdles. Despite compelling preclinical data, the clinical translation of DHM remains constrained by limited human studies and incomplete mechanistic resolution. This review underscores the need for integrated pharmacological studies and innovative delivery approaches to translate the multifaceted promise of DHM into viable clinical interventions.

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and graphene oxide (GO) are two promising nanomaterial that have attracted considerable attention for their unique properties and applications. However, the conventional synthesis methods of SiNPs and GO often involve hazardous chemicals and high energy consumption, which pose environmental and economic challenges. Therefore, green and sustainable synthesis methods of SiNPs and GO are highly desirable. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the green synthesis of SiNPs and GO using various natural sources, such as plants, fungi, bacteria, algae, clay, etc. We also discuss the functionalization of SiNPs and GO with acrylic resin to form hybrid nanocomposites for anti-corrosion applications. The advantages and challenges of these green methods are highlighted, and the future prospects are outlined. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in the green synthesis of SiNPs and GO-based nanocomposites for anti-corrosion applications, and to inspire further research in this emerging field. Graphical abstract