Periodontitis is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory disease driven by microbial dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and dysregulated host immune responses, resulting in progressive destruction of periodontal tissues and, ultimately, tooth loss. Traditional treatments, including scaling and root planing and systemic antibiotics, have limitations due to incomplete bacterial elimination, poor site specificity, short drug retention, systemic side effects, and limited regenerative support. Recently, chitosan (CS)-based hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials for localized periodontal treatment owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, mucoadhesive nature, and ease of chemical modification. This review critically discusses recent developments in CS-based hydrogel systems functionalized with antibiotics, phytochemicals, anti-inflammatory agents, nanoparticles, regenerative molecules, and stimuli-responsive materials for the management of periodontitis. It primarily focuses on periodontal pathophysiology, therapeutic strategies, and drug-polymer interactions that affect its performance. Furthermore, it highlights emerging smart hydrogel systems that respond to pH, reactive oxygen species, temperature, and enzymatic activity within the periodontal microenvironment for controlled, targeted drug delivery. Future perspectives involve the development of multi-stimuli-responsive, microbiome-preserving, self-healing, and personalized hydrogel platforms capable of sequential drug delivery and periodontal regeneration. On the whole, this review bridges the gap between materials chemistry and clinical applicability, providing insights into design of next-generation CS-based hydrogels for targeted periodontal therapy.

A series of novel furan-chalcone derivatives (Na1-Na8) were synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, DNA gyrase inhibitory, and computational properties using integrated in vitro and in silico approaches. Among the synthesized compounds, Na5 exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity with low MIC values against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Antioxidant studies revealed significant free radical scavenging activity for Na3, Na4, and Na5. Molecular docking studies against DNA gyrase B demonstrated favorable binding interactions within the ATP-binding pocket. Enzyme inhibition studies against Escherichia coli DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV confirmed that Na5 showed the strongest inhibitory activity among the tested compounds. ADME predictions indicated acceptable drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. Furthermore, DFT analysis of Na5 revealed a suitable HOMO-LUMO energy gap and favorable electronic properties supporting its biological activity. Overall, the results identify Na5 as a promising lead candidate for the development of novel antimicrobial agents targeting bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.

Celosia argentea, a therapeutic plant belonging to the Celosia genus, has been used in the treatment of various diseases. This study isolated essential oil (EO) from stems (CASO), leaves (CALO) and flowers (CAFO) which demonstrated that palmitic acid (16.93%), cis-phytol (14.97%), hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (13.71%) were the main components in CAFO, α-cadinene (44.42%), cis-phytol (20.73%), linalool (8.86%) in CALO and (3Z)-hexen-1-ol (41.90%), n-hexanol (38.52%), (2E)-hexenal (7.31%) in CASO. The main compounds in C. argentea EOs bound to inflammatory proteins, including inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2, with scores ranging from -4.6 kcal/mol to -9.0 kcal/mol. Especially, α-cadinene exhibited the best binding affinity toward iNOS (-9.0 kcal/mol), while demonstrating a binding affinity for COX-2 (-8.3 kcal/mol) comparable to that of the positive controls. In an in vitro assay, CASO and CALO effectively inhibited nitric oxide production, exhibiting 92.53% ± 2.34% and 92.44% ± 1.95% inhibition at 100 µg/mL and IC50 values of 9.18 ± 0.65 µg/mL and 15.94 ± 1.18 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, CASO and CALO exhibited cytotoxicity against cancer cells, with IC50 values of 7.39 ± 0.29 to 32.53 ± 4.04 µg/mL. These findings provide preliminary evidence of the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of C. argentea EOs and support the need for further investigation of its biological activities and underlying mechanisms.

New thiosemicarbazones bearing Schiff base (1-7) were prepared from 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde and thiosemicarbazides. The reaction of various isothiocyanates with hydrazine monohydrate resulted in the thiosemicarbazides. The structural frameworks of the newly developed derivatives were confirmed by elemental analysis and conventional spectroscopic methods, namely, FT-IR, [1]H, and [13]C NMR. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the synthesized series was evaluated using the DPPH[•] (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging method. The results indicated that the inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of the compounds ranged from 8.50 ± 0.14 to 31.44 ± 1.39 µg/mL, with compound 6 exhibiting the most potent antioxidant activity. Additionally, the inhibitory activities of urease and xanthine oxidase (XO) were assessed, and the interactions of the compounds with these enzymes were also analyzed. Molecular docking was performed to assess the interactions between each molecule and the active sites of urease and XO.

Meroterpenoids are a class of hybrid natural products, biosynthesized from terpenoid fragments and non-terpenoid precursors, exhibiting a wide range of biological activities, that provide an important source of compounds for new drug development. This review firstly summarizes the update of meroterpenoids from February 2020 to December 2025 by applying a new classification method based on twelve key non-terpene precursors. A total of 906 new meroterpenoids were reported from 214 studies, while recent synthetic and biosynthetic investigations have further expanded both the accessible chemical space and our mechanistic understanding of this compound class. Among them, biosynthetic pathways originating from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and 3,5-dimethylorsellinic acid were found to be the highest proportion. Statistical analysis shows that over 40% of the cataloged compounds exhibit broad biological activities, with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects being the top three. The significant structural variety and potent bioactivity of fungal meroterpenoids serve as a sustainable source for novel drug lead compounds.

This study aimed to characterize the chemical constituents of the methanolic extract of Euphorbia anacampseros using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. The cytotoxic activity of the extract was assessed using the MTT assay, and its light-enhanced cytotoxic effects were evaluated to investigate its potential for future photodynamic applications. Additionally, molecular docking analysis was performed to evaluate interactions between the identified compounds and the porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD) enzyme. The mean inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were 54.72 µg/mL for HT-29, 50.34 µg/mL for MCF-7, and 58.97 µg/mL for A549 cell lines. In the dark, the extract exhibited moderate and nonselective baseline cytotoxicity across all tested cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 46.95 to 58.97 µg/mL. However, the cytotoxic activity of the extract in HT-29 cells was significantly enhanced following irradiation with blue, green, yellow, or red light, suggesting its potential for future photodynamic applications. Molecular docking targeting PBGD revealed that rutin and epicatechin exhibited the highest binding affinities, with binding energies of -9.9 and -7.8 kcal/mol, respectively. These findings suggest that E. anacampseros constituents may act as photosensitizing agents, potentially enhancing photodynamic therapy through interactions with enzymes involved in porphyrin metabolism.

A pharmacological survey of Argyreia species in Vietnam was conducted to investigate their chemical constituents and biological activities. Here, we report for the first time the essential oil (EO) composition and bioactivity of Argyreia capitiformis and Argyreia nasirii. GC-MS analysis showed marked interspecific variation. The oil of A. capitiformis was rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, mainly (E)-caryophyllene (38.580%), aromandendrene (11.595%), humulene (7.312%), α-copaene (6.360%), and bicyclogermacrene (5.380%). In contrast, A. nasirii oil was dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes, especially caryophyllene oxide (34.432%), longiverbenone (9.291%), aromadendrene oxide-(2) (8.284%), and β-copaen-4-ol (6.574%). Biologically, A. capitiformis oil showed cytotoxicity against MCF7, SK-LU-1, and HepG2 cells, with IC50 values of 33.76-57.61 µg/mL, while A. nasirii oil inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages (IC50 = 87.91 ± 4.87 µg/mL). These findings highlight distinct chemical profiles and pharmacological potential in both species.

Hyperpigmentation disorders motivate the search for structurally defined and effective natural depigmenting agents from plant-derived polysaccharides. The present study characterized the structural features and evaluated the anti-melanogenic activity of ACP-II-1, a novel pectic polysaccharide isolated from Alhagi camelorum Fisch. ACP-II-1 had a molecular weight of 26.145 kDa and contained GalA, Rha, Gal, Ara, GlcA, and Xyl at respective molar proportions of 0.798, 0.072, 0.053, 0.052, 0.016, and 0.009. Integrated monosaccharide, methylation, FT-IR, and NMR analyses indicated a GalA-rich structure dominated by homogalacturonan (HG)-type →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→ sequences, with less abundant branched rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I)-type motifs and heterogeneous neutral side-chain motifs. In forskolin-stimulated B16F10 cells, ACP-II-1 significantly lowered melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity; it also decreased pigmentation and tyrosinase activity in zebrafish. These effects in B16F10 cells coincided with lower MITF, TYR, TRP-1, and TRP-2 protein levels, together with altered readouts associated with GSK-3β/β-catenin, PKA/CREB, and p38/JNK signaling. Collectively, these findings support the anti-melanogenic potential of ACP-II-1 and warrant further validation in mammalian and human-relevant skin models, together with comprehensive safety evaluation.

Propolis is a resinous, aromatic substance collected by worker bees from various plant species. Evidence suggests that propolis is a promising candidate for the treatment of ulcerative colitis due to its antioxidant properties and ability to modulate immune responses and the gut microbiota. This review aimed to analyze studies on the efficacy of propolis and its main active compounds in ulcerative colitis, highlighting mechanisms of action, safety and limitations. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases using the keywords "propolis" AND "colitis". Original articles presenting in vivo analyses, published in English up to June 2025, were included. Propolis extracts improved clinical and histopathological parameters, particularly by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, inflammatory cell infiltration, and restoring epithelial barrier integrity. These effects mainly involve modulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, particularly suppression of NF-κB activation, resulting in reduced expression of inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS. Propolis also reduced TLR4 expression, potentially contributing to the control of the exacerbated immune response characteristic of ulcerative colitis. These findings support the potential of propolis as an adjuvant agent in disease management; however, its clinical efficacy in humans remains to be validated in well-controlled and standardized studies.

In this study, ten previously undescribed compounds, including nine esters (1-9) and one alkaloid (10), are isolated from the flowers of Trollius chinensis Bunge as part of an ongoing investigation into biologically active natural products with diverse structures. The structures and absolute configurations of the isolated compounds are determined based on extensive spectroscopic analyses, including one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. In vitro assays are conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the compounds on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and their cytotoxicity against HeLa, HepG2, and HCT 116 cell lines.

Endophytic fungi are non-pathogenic symbionts that represent a rich source of structurally diverse bioactive secondary metabolites. However, genome-mining studies reveal that most of their biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) remain transcriptionally silent under standard laboratory conditions, leaving much of their chemical diversity unexplored. This review examines antibacterial natural products from endophytic fungi by integrating three complementary aspects: metabolite chemistry, biosynthetic pathways, and strategies for activating cryptic BGCs. Endophytic fungi produce polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, terpenoids, phenylpropanoid-derived compounds, and hybrid metabolites with antibacterial activities mediated through inhibition of ribosomes, cell wall and membrane biosynthesis, and bacterial resistance mechanisms. Their genomes encode diverse PKS, NRPS, TPS, and hybrid biosynthetic systems, many of which remain cryptic. Advances in chemical elicitation, co-cultivation, epigenetic modulation, CRISPR-based engineering, genome mining, and machine learning are accelerating the activation of silent clusters and the assignment of BGCs to their metabolites. Several fungal metabolites exhibit potent activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens, including MRSA, and some enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics. This review highlights current progress, identifies remaining challenges in metabolite production and BGC annotation, and outlines future directions for translating endophytic fungi into a sustainable platform for next-generation antibacterial drug discovery.

A series of quinoxaline-1,2,4-triazole derivatives (6a-6l) was synthesized and characterized by NMR and mass spectrometry; yields reached 80% for the long-chain alkyl members, which points to substituent architecture as the determining factor in synthetic efficiency. MTT assays against MCF-7, HeLa, and HepG2 cells identified 6e and 6k as the most active compounds, with IC50 values of 50.83-62.69 µg/mL across the three lines. Docking against the adenosine A1 receptor gave binding energies of -9.02 kcal/mol for 6e and -9.24 kcal/mol for 6k, driven by hydrophobic and π-π interactions with key binding-site residues. Ligand-receptor complexes remained stable through 600 ns of molecular dynamics, and umbrella sampling estimated binding free energies of -129.46 and -88.46 kJ/mol, respectively. ADMET predictions indicated drug-likeness and favorable gastrointestinal absorption. 6e and 6k are therefore taken forward as lead candidates for mechanistic, pharmacological and in vivo evaluation.

Cancer remains a major global health burden, with millions of new cases reported annually. Plant-based products are gaining popularity due to their remarkable biological activity and fewer side effects. The Convolvulaceae family exhibits promising anticancer effects; Ipomoea hederifolia is one of the species rich in bioactive secondary metabolites. This is the first study that aims to investigate the anticancer potential of the plant against HepG2 cells. The LC-HRMS assay was performed, and 17 compounds were tentatively identified by comparing the extract fragmentation pattern in positive ion mode against reference compound spectra and the literature. The five most potent anticancer compounds (pheophorbide, partheolide, chlorogenic acid, theobromine, and ethyl 3-indoleacetate) were molecularly docked to elucidate the molecular basis of the observed anticancer activity. The root extract showed activity against HepG2 liver cancer cells (IC50 = 328 ± 0.04 µg/mL) and low toxicity in a brine shrimp assay (LC50 = 0.20 mg/mL). During this study, docking experiments suggested strong binding affinities between pheophorbide and EGFR (-9.315 kcal/mol), chlorogenic acid and ERBB2 (-8.71 kcal/mol), and chlorogenic acid and MET (-7.76kcal/mol), supporting their mechanistic relevance in cancer inhibition. Therefore, the expansion of this research may facilitate the development of cheaper and safer products.

Peumus boldus Molina (boldo) is a slow-growing tree endemic to central Chile and the only South American representative of the Monimiaceae family. Adapted to Mediterranean climatic conditions, it possesses sclerophyllous leaves and deep root systems that allow tolerance to drought and high solar radiation. Ecologically, plays an important role in the Chilean sclerophyllous forest and contributes to post-fire regeneration processes. The species is widely recognized for its medicinal value due to its rich phytochemical composition, particularly the presence of boldine, an aporphine alkaloid associated with several pharmacological properties. In addition, contains phenolic compounds and terpenoid rich volatile fractions that contribute to its biological activity. Studies have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of its extracts and isolated compounds. These effects are mainly associated with free radical scavenging, modulation of inflammatory pathways, and inhibitory activity against bacterial and fungal strains. Other potential activities, including hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects, have also been reported. This review also integrates current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, highlighting the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling pathways. In addition, extraction technologies, safety considerations, and existing knowledge gaps are critically discussed. Future pharmaceutical development should focus on isolating beneficial compounds like boldine to minimise systemic risks. At the same time, public health guidelines should emphasize avoiding self-medication with concentrated extracts and the strict monitoring of patients with pre-existing liver conditions or who are pregnant.

This study reports design and synthesis of novel highly functionalized furan analogues bearing imidazole-thiazole hybrids with potential antimicrobial activity. The synthesized compounds were prepared and characterized using spectroscopic tools and elemental analyses. The antimicrobial activity of all the synthesized compounds was evaluated against a panel of bacterial strains vs ciprofloxacin as the positive control. The results revealed a highly structure- and strain-dependent profile. However, compound 9b emerged as the most potent activity. To enhance the physicochemical and biological performance, selected bioactive compounds (6b, 8a,c; 9b,c; and 11a) were formulated into nanoparticles and characterized, performing acceptable sizes, stability and distribution profiles, while 9b exhibited the favorable parameters. The antimicrobial evaluation for the 6-nanoformulations was assessed and compared with their parent compounds. Nano-compounds 9b > 9c > 8c demonstrated the most potent activity, and lowest MIC values, comparable and even superior to ciprofloxacin in several cases. Molecular docking studies and molecular dynamic simulations were conducted to 9b to get a detailed view including its proposed binding behavior, interaction patterns, conformational rearrangements, and stability within the DNA gyrase B active site compared with that of novobiocin. The findings validate 9b as the most promising candidate for further development as a DNA gyrase B inhibitor.