As the global population ages, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is steadily on the rise. PD demonstrates chronic and progressive characteristics, and many cases can transition into dementia. This increases societal and economic burdens, emphasizing the need to find effective treatments. Among the widely recognized causes of PD is the abnormal accumulation of proteins, and autophagy dysfunction accelerates this accumulation. The resultant Lewy bodies are also commonly found in Alzheimer’s disease patients, suggesting an increased potential for the onset of dementia. Additionally, the production of free radicals due to mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to neuronal damage and degeneration. The activation of astrocytes and the M1 phenotype of microglia promote damage to dopamine neurons. The drugs currently used for PD only delay the clinical progression and exacerbation of the disease without targeting its root cause, and come with various side effects. Thus, there is a demand for treatments with fewer side effects, with much potential offered by natural products. In this study, we reviewed a total of 14 articles related to herbal medicines and natural products and investigated their relevance to possible PD treatment. The results showed that the reviewed herbal medicines and natural products are effective against lysosomal disorder, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, key mechanisms underlying PD. Therefore, natural products and herbal medicines can reduce neurotoxicity and might improve both motor and non-motor symptoms associated with PD. Furthermore, these products, with their multi-target effects, enhance bioavailability, inhibit antibiotic resistance, and might additionally eliminate side effects, making them good alternative therapies for PD treatment.

The increased global prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in recent years has caused a substantial public health burden. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 and Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJH) extracts can alleviate respiratory symptoms and improve lung function in vitro and in vivo. However, the clinical efficacy and safety profile of this combination in patients with respiratory diseases remain unclear. Therefore, this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of L. plantarum KC3 and LJH extracts in adults with respiratory discomfort. This mixture was termed ‘CKDB-315’. Participants, randomly assigned to the CKDB-315 or placebo groups, were treated for 12 weeks. Assessments included the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT). The CKDB-315 group showed considerably improved SGRQ and CAT scores compared with the placebo group. Secondary outcomes, including dyspnea, pulmonary function, total antioxidant status, and inflammatory cytokine levels, were consistent with the primary outcomes. Exploratory analyses of the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid contents revealed the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of CKDB-315. Finally, safety analysis indicated that CKDB-315 was well tolerated and caused few adverse events. Our findings indicate that CKDB-315 is a promising therapeutic option for respiratory discomfort in adults.

Sarcopenia is a condition marked by a significant reduction in muscle mass and strength, primarily due to the aging process, which critically impacts muscle protein dynamics, metabolic functions, and overall physical functionality. This condition leads to increased body fat and reduced daily activity, contributing to severe health issues and a lower quality of life among the elderly. Recognized in the ICD‐10‐CM only in 2016, sarcopenia lacks definitive treatment options despite its growing prevalence and substantial social and economic implications. Given the aging global population, addressing sarcopenia has become increasingly relevant and necessary. The primary causes include aging, cachexia, diabetes, and nutritional deficiencies, leading to imbalances in protein synthesis and degradation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hormonal changes. Exercise remains the most effective intervention, but it is often impractical for individuals with limited mobility, and pharmacological options such as anabolic steroids and myostatin inhibitors are not FDA‐approved and are still under investigation. This review is crucial as it examines the potential of natural products as a novel treatment strategy for sarcopenia, targeting multiple mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis. By exploring natural products' multi‐targeted effects, this study aims to provide innovative and practical solutions for sarcopenia management. Therefore, this review indicates significant improvements in muscle mass and function with the use of specific natural compounds, suggesting promising alternatives for those unable to engage in regular physical activity.

Sung Wook Kim, Jun Ho Lee, Hyeonjin Kim, Seong Hoon Lee, Dajeong Jeong, Hyuk Soon Kim, Cheol-Jung Lee, Dae Yong Kim, Tae Han Yook, Gabsik Yang. J Pharmacopuncture 2022;25:396-403. https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2022.25.4.396

The use of Indigo naturalis in treating inflammatory diseases is clinically restricted by severe adverse events, including pulmonary arterial hypertension and hepatotoxicity. Tryptanthrin, a major indoloquinazoline alkaloid of Indigo naturalis , exhibits potent anti‐inflammatory activity; however, its specific safety profile relative to the crude extract remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the intravenous pharmacokinetics and acute safety of purified tryptanthrin to validate its potential as a safer pharmacological alternative. Following a single intravenous injection of 30 mg/kg—a dose range relevant to its pharmacological efficacy—in ICR mice, plasma concentrations were quantified using a validated LC–MS/MS method. Tryptanthrin exhibited rapid systemic distribution and biphasic elimination, characterized by a large volume of distribution (V _ss 23.1 L/kg) and rapid clearance (6.54 L/h/kg), indicating extensive tissue penetration and efficient systemic elimination. Importantly, over a 14‐day observation period, no mortality, behavioral abnormalities, or significant alterations in hepatic (AST, ALT, total bilirubin) and renal (BUN, creatinine) biochemical parameters were observed. These findings indicate that purified tryptanthrin does not induce the acute hepatic or renal toxicity frequently associated with crude Indigo naturalis preparations. This study provides the first pharmacokinetic characterization and safety validation of tryptanthrin at a therapeutic dose, supporting its preclinical development as a safe, single‐chemical entity for systemic administration.