Mario D’Ambrosio¹, Elisabetta Bigagli^1,*, Lorenzo Cinci¹, Cecilia Brunetti^2,*, Edgardo Giordani³, Francesco Ferrini³, Cristina Luceri¹

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.073250 - 30 January 2026

Abstract Moringa oleifera (MO) is traditionally used to mitigate inflammatory-mediated disorders; however, the influence of ecotypic variation on its anti-inflammatory activity remains poorly understood. In this study, we compared the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extracts obtained from fresh and dried leaves of four MO ecotypes (India, Paraguay, Mozambique, and Pakistan), all grown under the same outdoor conditions, as well as two commercial powders (Just Moringa and WISSA), using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Extracts from fresh leaves were 19–43% more cytotoxic than those from dried leaves, depending on the ecotype, likely due to higher cyanogenic… More >

Lucija Galić, Zdenko Lončarić, Miroslav Lisjak^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3297-3318, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.072504 - 01 December 2025

Abstract Phenolic compounds represent a broad and structurally diverse class of plant secondary metabolites with importance for both plant biology and human health. This review provides a comprehensive overview of their biosynthesis, chemical diversity, multifaceted functions in plants, roles in the wider ecosystem, and significance in human nutrition and biotechnology. Primarily synthesized via the phenylpropanoid pathway, these compounds encompass major classes such as lignin, flavonoids, and tannins. Within the plant, they perform critical functions including providing structural support (lignin), defending against biotic stresses (e.g., pathogens, herbivores), mediating ecological interactions (pollination, symbiosis, allelopathy), and protecting against abiotic… More >

Zoran S. Ilić^1,*, Ljiljana Stanojević², Lidija Milenković¹, Ljubomir Šunić¹, Dragana Lalević¹, Aleksandra Milenković², Žarko Kevrešan³

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.8, pp. 2515-2527, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.069082 - 29 August 2025

Abstract This study aims to determine the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity (AA) of different plant parts (bulbs, stalk, leaves and flowers) of wild rosy garlic (Allium roseum) from Montenegro. The flower exhibited the highest concentration of total phenols (55.7 GAE/g d.e.), followed by the leaf (25.6 mg GAE/g d.e.). The leaf displayed the highest concentration of total flavonoids (41.48 mg RE/g d.e.), followed by the flower (36.26 mg RE/g d.e.) and top part of the stalk (26.80 mg RE/g d.e.). The AA of different parts of A. roseum after 60 min of incubation decreased in the following… More >

Raffaele Carrano^1,#, Carlotta Zucca^1,#, Nicla Cristina¹, Martina Grande¹, Eleonora Leti Maggio¹, Riccardo Bei², Antonio Infante², Chiara Focaccetti¹, Valeria Lucarini³, Loredana Cifaldi¹, Laura Masuelli⁴, Luciano Mutti⁵, Camilla Palumbo¹, Monica Benvenuto¹, Roberto Bei^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.9, pp. 2181-2204, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.066708 - 28 August 2025

Abstract Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Despite recent advances, conventional treatment approaches remain largely ineffective due to late diagnosis, chemoresistance and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This review reports the latest studies on combination therapies for mesothelioma, focusing on the potential of integrating chemotherapeutic agents, molecularly targeted agents, vaccines and natural bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. Clinical and preclinical studies demonstrate that integrating immune-modulating drugs or molecular inhibitors with chemotherapy can improve survival and reduce tumor progression in mesothelioma models and patients. Vaccine-based strategies show potential for inducing More > Graphic Abstract

David A de la Garza-Kalife¹, Verónica L Loaiza-Gutiérrez¹, Esther Alhelí Hernández-Tobías², Carlos A González-Villarreal³, Jose Francisco Islas¹, Michelle G Santoyo-Suárez¹, Elsa N Garza-Treviño^1,*, Paulina Delgado-Gonzalez^1,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.9, pp. 2243-2262, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.065222 - 28 August 2025

Abstract Emerging evidence highlights the potential of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, as adjunctive therapeutic agents in the treatment of pancreatic cancer (PC), one of the most aggressive malignancies. This review focuses on epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and resveratrol due to their extensively documented anticancer activity, favorable safety profiles, and their unique ability to modulate multiple signaling pathways relevant to pancreatic tumorigenesis. Among polyphenols, these two have shown superior anti-cancer activity, epigenetic regulatory effects, and synergy with standard chemotherapies in preclinical pancreatic cancer models. Resveratrol exhibits anti-proliferative effects by modulating key signaling pathways, including phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein… More > Graphic Abstract

Lesya Voytenko^1,*, Mykola Shcherbatiuk¹, Valentyna Vasyuk¹, Kateryna Romanenko¹, Lidiya Babenko¹, Oleksandr Smirnov^2,3, Iryna Kosakivska¹

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.7, pp. 2195-2214, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.067772 - 31 July 2025

Abstract Prolonged lack of rain and high-temperature lead to soil water deficits, inhibiting cereal crop growth in early ontogenesis and reducing grain quality and yield. Rye (Secale cereale L.) is a key grain crop, particularly in regions where wheat cultivation is challenging or unfeasible. To clarify its drought adaptation mechanisms, we analyzed the effects of moderate soil drought on growth, hormonal homeostasis, and the dynamics and distribution of free amino acids and phenolic compounds in rye at early vegetative stages and post-recovery. Drought triggered both general and organ-specific changes in endogenous phytohormones. A nonspecific response involved the… More >

Antonela Markulj Kulundžić^1,*, Daniela Horvat², Marija Kovačević Babić², Anto Mijić¹, Aleksandra Sudarić¹, Maja Matoša Kočar¹, Tomislav Duvnjak¹, Ivica Liović¹, Ivana Varga³, Marija Viljevac Vuletić^2,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.7, pp. 2075-2095, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.065961 - 31 July 2025

Abstract Sunflower leaf photosynthesis strongly depends on the leaf position in the plant stem conditioning, which directly affects other physiological processes. Therefore, a study of the leaf’s physiological status regarding the leaf position in the stem was performed on sunflowers in the flowering stage. Eight differently positioned leaves were investigated, starting with the youngest leaf on the top of the stem to the leaves of the stem bottom, assigned as the oldest senescent leaves. According to chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) parameters connected to photosystem II (PSII) processes, significant changes in PSII functioning occurred only in the senescent… More >

Bismillah Mubeen^1,2,#, Ammarah Hasnain^2,3,#,*, Syed Atif Hasan Naqvi⁴, Fahad Hakim⁵, Syed Sheharyar Hassan Naqvi⁶, Muhammad Zeeshan Hassan⁴, Muhammad Umer Iqbal⁷, Mahmoud Moustafa⁸, Mohammed O. Alshaharni⁸, Mingzheng Duan^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.7, pp. 1941-1971, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064056 - 31 July 2025

Abstract Plants have long served as a cornerstone for drug discovery, offering a vast repertoire of bioactive compounds with proven efficacy in combating oxidative stress, a pivotal driver of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. This review synthesizes current knowledge on plant-derived antioxidants, emphasizing their mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and quantitative efficacy validated through standardized assays. Key phytochemicals, including polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) through radical scavenging, enzyme modulation, and gene regulation. For instance, lutein, a carotenoid found in leafy greens, demonstrates potent antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values… More >

YA-LING YEH¹, YING-JAN WANG¹, SHOEI-YN LIN-SHIAU^2,3,*

Oncology Research, Vol.33, No.7, pp. 1781-1796, 2025, DOI:10.32604/or.2025.063717 - 26 June 2025

Abstract Background: The increasing incidence of cancers and infectious diseases worldwide presents a significant public health challenge that requires immediate intervention. Our strategy to tackle this issue involves the development of pharmaceutical formulations that combine phytopolyphenols (P), targeted drugs (T), and metal ions (M), collectively referred to as PTM regimens. The diverse pharmacological properties of PTM regimens are hypothesized to effectively reduce the risk factors associated with both cancers and infectious diseases. Methods: The effects of the pharmaceutical agents on the proliferation of cultured cancer cells and pathogens were assessed after 72 h and 48 h,… More >

Juan Francisco Zamora Natera^1,*, Mario Felipe González González¹, Javier Vioque², Julio Girón-Calle², Manuel Alaiz²

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.5, pp. 1533-1544, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.064966 - 29 May 2025

Abstract Jarilla caudata Standl. (Caricaceae) is a wild herbaceous plant native to Mexico recognized for its edible fruits. It is considered to be the closest taxonomically species to Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae), whose seeds have good nutritional and functional properties. This study analyzes and compares the seed chemical compositions of J. caudata and C. papaya to study the nutritional and functional potential of J. caudata seeds. The analysis of the proximate composition was based on standard methods. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the free amino acid profile, gas chromatography to quantify the fatty acid content, and inductively coupled plasma–optical… More > Graphic Abstract