Medicinally valuable components derived from natural resources are highly desirable as prospective alternatives to synthetic drugs to treat fatal diseases, such as cancer and diabetes mellitus. Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort (Amaranthaceae) (S. maritima) is a halophyte plant that can thrive in saline environments and possesses excellent medicinal properties. Hence, for the present investigation, S. maritima has been chosen, and its phytochemical constituents have been extracted utilizing various solvents, including hexane, acetone, and methanol, and identified by GC-MS, LC-MS, and HPLC analyses. The antioxidant activity of the compounds using DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power assays demonstrated that all three extracts of S. maritima possessed significant radical scavenging activity comparable to standard ascorbic acid with lower IC₅₀ values (69.20–95.58 μg/mL). In addition, the evaluation of antidiabetic activity by α-amylase inhibition and α-glucosidase inhibition methods revealed that the acetone extract of S. maritima (SMAE) displayed equipotent activity of standard acarbose with an IC₅₀ of 32.6 μg/mL. Advantageously, SMAE also exhibited better inhibition activity against the growth of lung cancer cells with an IC₅₀ of 78.19. μg/mL and less toxicity on the noncancerous HUVEC cells with a high IC₅₀ of 300 μg/mL. In addition, the cancer cell death mechanism via the apoptotic pathway induced by SMAE was confirmed by DAPI staining and ROS analysis. The analysis of ADME properties, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, witnessed that the physicochemical and druglikeness factors were best catered by stigmasterol, γ-sitosterol, and vitamin E. Further, the key phytochemicals identified from SMAE were docked with CtBP1 and SOX2 bound to importin-α target proteins associated with carcinogenic pathways using Schrodinger software. The results showed that the phytochemicals, scilicet, stigmasterol, γ-sitosterol, octadecadienoic acid, and vitamin E, showed a good binding affinity with Glide scores in the range −2.845–4.018 kcal/mol. Overall, the findings support that the least investigated traditional edible medicinal mangrove-related S. maritima is high in pharmacologically active constituents and might be one of the finest sources of naturally derived molecules for drug development and delivery systems.

Traveler’s diarrhea (TD), manifested by loose stools, is a critical health issue affecting the digestive system. It poses a significant health risk with documented mortality and morbidity. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella are primary causative organisms. The emergence of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamases (NDM-1), initially reported in E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, has driven the rapid dissemination of antibiotic-resistant strains. The bla NDM-1 gene encodes NDM-1, an enzyme that confers resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. Traditionally, Cucumis anguria L., which is native to Africa and is widely distributed in East and Southern Africa, has been used to alleviate various stomach disorders. The NDM-1 metallo-β-lactamase protein is involved in the production of β-lactams. In this study, we have conducted in silico screening of natural bioactive compounds, including ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), to identify potential inhibitors of metallo-β-lactamase protein. Molecular docking is performed to evaluate the binding interactions between the compounds and NDM-1. Subsequently, the ADME/Tox properties of the lead compounds and EDTA are predicted. The phytocompounds homogentisic acid, caffeic acid, and protocatechuic acid have Glide g-scores of −8.818, −8.663, and −8.121 kcal/mol, respectively. They form hydrogen bonds with GLN 123 and ASN 220, along with metal coordination involving Zn²⁺ ions. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, including RMSD, RMSF, R _g, and hydrogen bond analyses, are conducted on the top-ranked protein–ligand complexes and EDTA. The results indicate that the protein–ligand complexes remained stable throughout the 100 ns simulation period. This assessment provides the first evidence supporting the specificity and compatibility of potential phytochemicals in C. anguria against TD by inhibiting β-lactam proteins.

Fabaceae, commonly known as the legume or pea family, comprises a diverse group of plants with considerable ecological and economic significance. While several leguminous species have been extensively cultivated for their nutritional value and agricultural benefits, a multitude of underutilized fruits within this family remain largely overlooked. This review aims to shed light on the largely untapped medicinal potential of cultivated and underutilized wild legumes. With a focus on both indigenous and exotic leguminous species, the phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and traditional uses of these fruits across different cultures and regions. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, including ethnobotanical records, phytochemical analyses, and in vitro and in vivo studies. The phytochemical constituents, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, are assessed for their potential bioactivity, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. A holistic approach to exploring and harnessing the medicinal potential of Fabaceae has the potential to open up new avenues for drug discovery and natural healthcare, while also promoting the cultivation of resilient and underutilized crops for food security and economic development. In conclusion, this research provides a comprehensive overview of the medicinal potential of legumes and enhances the secondary metabolite production from the Fabaceae. Emphasizing the need for further scientific investigation and conservation efforts to unlock the full spectrum of benefits these drugs may offer to both traditional and modern medicine. <!----> <!----> <!----> <!---->