Natural antioxidants derived from plants have shown a tremendous inhibitory effect on free radicals in actively metabolizing cells. Overproduction of free radicals increases the risk factor of chronic diseases associated with diabetes, cancer, arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Andrographis paniculata, Cinnamon zeylanicum, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Eugenia polyantha and Orthosiphon stamineus are ethnomedicinal plants used in the Asian region to treat various illnesses from a common fever to metabolic disease. In this study, we have quantified the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) in these plants and its inhibitory effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals as well as the cytotoxicity effect on cell lines proliferation and zebrafish embryogenesis. Results showed that Cinnamon zeylanicum and E. polyantha have the highest phenolic and flavonoid content. Furthermore, both herbs significantly inhibited the formation of DPPH and ABTS free radicals. Meanwhile, O. stamineus exhibited minimum cytotoxicity and embryotoxicity on tested models. Good correlation between IC50 of 3T3-L1 cells and LC50 embyrotoxicity was also found. This study revealed the potent activity of antioxidant against free radical and the toxicology levels of the tested herbal plants.

Deep sea water (DSW) commonly refers to a body of seawater that is pumped up from a depth of over 200 m. It is usually associated with the following characteristics: low temperature, high purity, and being rich with nutrients, namely, beneficial elements, which include magnesium, calcium, potassium, chromium, selenium, zinc, and vanadium. Less photosynthesis of plant planktons, consumption of nutrients, and organic decomposition have caused lots of nutrients to remain there. Due to this, DSW has potential to become a good source for health. Research has proven that DSW can help overcome health problems especially related to lifestyle‐associated diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and skin problems. This paper reviews the potential health benefits of DSW by referring to the findings from previous researches.

Primarily, optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions of Orthospihon stamineus was evaluated and verified using a central composite design (CCD) based on three factors including extraction time (minutes), ultrasound amplitude (A), and solvent concentration (%). The response surface methodology (RSM) was performed to develop an extraction method with maximum yield and high rosmarinic acid content. The optimal UAE conditions were as follows: extraction time 21 min, ultrasound amplitudes 62 A, and solvent composition 70% ethanol in water. The crude extract was further fractionated using solid-phase extraction (SPE), where six sequential fractions that varied in polarity (0–100% Acetonitrile in water) were obtained. Next, the six fractions were evaluated for their antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. This study found that Fraction 2 (F2) contained the highest rosmarinic acid content and showed the strongest antioxidant activity. Additionally, F2 showed an anti-proliferative effect against prostate cancer (DU145) with no harmful effect on normal cells.

In this study, a magnetic core–shell modified tumor-targeting nanocarrier (MNPs-PEG–TRA) was engineered and demonstrated for the efficient in vitro and in vivo hyperthermia treatment of breast cancer. Magnetic nanoparticles were used as the initial nanocarriers and modified via PEGylation followed by immobilization of Trastuzumab (TRA) with tumor-targeting function towards cancer cells. The hyperthermia performance of the developed targeting drug delivery system was explored using an in vitro study with SK-BR-3 cancer cells and an in vivo study using animal models (mouse) with DMBA-induced breast cancer. The average size of the engineered system was about 100 nm and its zeta potential was about +13 mV, whereby the stability of the system in biological media is enormously enhanced while the possibility of it being removed via the immune system is diminished. The investigation was pursued based on comparing the changes in growth inhibition rates of HSF 1184, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and SK-BR-3 cell lines at different temperatures (37 °C, 40 °C, 42 °C, and 45 °C). Compared with bare MNPs and MNPs-PEG, a remarkably enhanced hyperthermia effect using MNPs-PEG–TRA was observed not only in cultured SK-BR-3 cells in vitro but also in an in vivo DMBA tumor bearing mice model. These results are attributed to an about 4 fold higher concentration of MNPs-PEG–TRA carriers in the tumor site compared to the other organs confirming the considerable potential of the magnetic tumor-targeting hyperthermia concept for breast cancer treatment.

Seaweed belongs to marine biota and contains nutrients and secondary metabolites beneficial for health. This study aimed to determine the antidiabetic activity of extracts and fractions of green seaweed Halimeda tuna. The H. tuna sample was extracted with the maceration method using methanol and then partitioned using ethyl acetate and water to obtain ethyl acetate and water fractions. The methanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction, and water fraction of H. tuna were tested for their inhibitory activity against α-amilase and α-glucosidase. The methanol extract and the fractions with the highest inhibitory activity were phytochemically tested and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction (IC₅₀ = 0.88 ± 0.20 mg/mL) inhibited α-amylase relatively similar to acarbose (IC₅₀ = 0.76 ± 0.04 mg/mL). The methanol extract (IC₅₀ = 0.05 ± 0.01 mg/mL) and the ethyl acetate fraction (IC₅₀ = 0.01 ± 0.00 mg/mL) demonstrated stronger inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase than acarbose (IC₅₀ = 0.27 ± 0.13 mg/mL). Phytochemical testing showed that the methanol extract and the ethyl acetate fraction contained secondary metabolites: alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and phenol hydroquinone. The compounds in methanol extract predicted to have inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase were Docosanol, Neophytadiene, Stigmasta-7,22-dien-3-ol,acetate,(3.beta.,5.alpha.,22E), Octadecanoic acid,2-oxo-,methyl ester, and phytol, while those in the ethyl acetate fraction were n-Nonadecane, Phytol, Butyl ester, 14-.Beta.-H-pregna, Octadecenoic acid, and Oleic acid.

Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, and Momordica charantia are medicinal plants that are commonly used in the form of herbal tea, which is formulated to strengthen the immune system, especially against COVID-19 infection. Excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory properties have been reported for their bioactive compounds, which have been shown to aid in stimulating immune systems as well as lowering the risk of severe COVID-19 such as lung injury. Yet, no bibliometric study on the subject is available. Hence, the purpose of this study is to quantitatively examine the existing articles related to the therapeutic potential of these three herbs, as well as their mechanisms of action in combating the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A total of 121 papers were retrieved from Scopus database up to 14^th March 2023. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software. Based on the literature search, Z. officinale was the most researched plant. India appeared as the most prolific country, with the highest number of articles contributed by two authors from India (Rathi, R. and Gayatri Devi, R.). In terms of keywords, the plants were associated with immune modulation, management of symptoms, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities. Several important bioactive compounds were responsible for these effects such as gingerol, paradol, shogaol, curcumin, calebin A, momordicoside, karaviloside and cucurbitadienol. These compounds were hypothesized to prevent and cure COVID-19 by regulating inflammatory response, downregulating oxidative stress and modulating immunostimulatory activity. This review paper therefore supports the potential of Z. officinale, C. longa, and M. charantia to be formulated as a herbal blend for treating and preventing COVID-19 infection.