Dexibuprofen–antioxidant conjugates were synthesized with the aim to reduce its gastrointestinal effects. The esters analogs of dexibuprofen 5a–c were obtained by reacting its –COOH group with chloroacetyl derivatives 3a–c. The in vitro hydrolysis data confirmed that synthesized prodrugs 5a–c were stable in stomach while undergo significant hydrolysis in 80% human plasma and thus release free dexibuprofen. The minimum reversion was observed at pH 1.2 suggesting that prodrugs are less irritating to stomach than dexibuprofen. The anti-inflammatory activity of 5c (p < 0.001) is more significant than the parent dexibuprofen. The prodrug 5c produced maximum inhibition (42.06%) of paw-edema against egg-albumin induced inflammation in mice. Anti-pyretic effects in mice indicated that prodrugs 5a and 5b showed significant inhibition of pyrexia (p < 0.001). The analgesic activity of 5a is more pronounced compared to other synthesized prodrugs. The mean percent inhibition indicated that the prodrug 5a was more active in decreasing the number of writhes induced by acetic acid than standard dexibuprofen. The ulcerogenic activity results assured that synthesized prodrugs produce less gastrointestinal adverse effects than dexibuprofen. The ex vivo antiplatelet aggregation activity results also confirmed that synthesized prodrugs are less irritant to gastrointestinal mucosa than the parent dexibuprofen. Molecular docking analysis showed that the prodrugs 5a–c interacts with the residues present in active binding sites of target protein. The stability of drug–target complexes is verified by molecular dynamic simulation study. It exhibited that synthesized prodrugs formed stable complexes with the COX-2 protein thus support our wet lab results. It is therefore concluded that the synthesized prodrugs have promising pharmacological activities with reduced gastrointestinal adverse effects than the parent drug.

Plant foods have been the cornerstone of human diets since ancient times, fueling civilization and shaping cultures. Plants became central to sustainable food systems, offering diverse and nutritious options for the future. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has attracted growing scientific interest due to the presence of bioactive compounds, polyphenols, fatty acids, phytosterols, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals in its fruit, seeds, and leaves. Moreover, sea buckthorn exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic regulatory properties supported by in vitro and in vivo models. The biological activity of these phytochemical compounds plays a crucial role in regulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Furthermore, its potential against microbial growth, including S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. intermedius, and S. pyogenes, among others, not only expands its applications in the pharmaceutical industry but also attracts researchers to incorporate it into food products. This could lead to the discovery of plant-based therapeutic products without significant adverse effects. However, further exploration of each component’s potential side effects is necessary to support the commercialization of formulated products in either the pharmaceutical or food industries, ensuring the highest safety standards for consumers. Including studies on bioavailability and pharmacodynamics could further strengthen the scientific evidence supporting the specific phytochemicals in sea buckthorn and their mechanistic interactions.

This manuscript presents original research on Salvadora persica fruit, investigating its antioxidant and metabolic properties using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches in high‐fat‐diet induced hyperlipidemic rat models. Nutritional profiling, phytochemical analysis (TPC, DPPH, FRAP, ABTS), and GC–MS analysis identified key bioactive compounds. The antioxidant tests revealed high activity of the methanolic extract, with TPC (62.1 mg GAE/g), DPPH (67.8%), FRAP (335.4 μmol Fe ²⁺ /g), and ABTS (540.2 μmol Trolox/g) assays. GC–MS analysis revealed oleic acid as the predominant compound (56.64%), followed by (9E,11E)‐octadecadienoic acid (18.10%) and n ‐hexadecanoic acid (10.92%). Molecular docking studies confirmed strong binding affinities with HMG‐CoA reductase. Furthermore, in vivo studies in male Wistar albino rats ( n = 5 per group) confirmed that S. persica significantly restored antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, Catalase, and GSH) and reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA and NO) in a dose‐dependent manner ( p < 0.05). Lipid parameters (TG, TC, LDL, and VLDL) in animals treated with S. persica were significantly reduced, and liver and kidney markers, including AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea, were significantly improved ( p < 0.05). Additionally, glucose levels in hyperlipidemic rats treated with S. persica methanolic extract were lower than those in the negative control ( p < 0.05). These results underscore the promising antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective potential of the methanolic extract of S. persica .

Liver fibrosis, a consequence of chronic liver injury, is characterized by excessive accumulation of the extracellular matrix, oxidative stress, and activation of hepatic stellate cells. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Ziziphus jujuba ( Z. jujuba ) seed powder and seed oil, both separately and in combination, in alleviating CCl ₄ -induced liver fibrosis, and linked the in vivo effects to their phytochemical profiles. The seed powder extracts, using acetone and ethanol, showed significant antioxidant activity, with DPPH values reaching up to 90.13%, and exhibited a high phenolic content of 79.57 mg GAE/g in the ethanol extract. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified several bioactive compounds, including derivatives of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (30.46% in powder, 20.43% in oil), hexanedioic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester (25.31% in powder, 20.78% in oil), and oleic acid (10.61% in powder, 16.06% in oil. In vivo, carbon tetrachloride (CCl ₄ ) administration led to elevated levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin, causing disruptions in oxidative, lipid, inflammatory, hematological, and nutritional parameters. All treatment groups showed improvements in these parameters, with Group 4 (G ₄ ) exhibiting the most pronounced hepatoprotective effects, including reductions in ALT (75.56 U/L), AST (125.76 U/L), ALP (125.43 U/L), and bilirubin (0.40 mg/dL) levels. Oxidative stress markers were reduced, with MDA at 5.47 nmol/g protein and NOx at 46.81 nmol/g protein, whereas antioxidant defenses were enhanced, as evidenced by SOD activity at 71.69 U/mg and catalase restoration. Lipid profiles were normalized, with triglycerides (TG) at 80.01 mg/dL, HDL at 34.60 mg/dL, and LDL at 22.30 mg/dL. Additionally, cytokine levels, specifically TNF-α and IL-6, decreased, red and white blood cell differentials were restored, and feed and water intakes and serum protein levels improved. These findings highlight the synergistic anti-fibrotic and hepatoprotective properties of Z. jujuba seed powder and oil, likely facilitated by the bioactive compounds in both the polar and lipid phases. However, further research into histopathology and confirmation of molecular pathways is crucial for clinical application.

Background and Objectives: This study investigated the antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and hepatoprotective effects of two fenugreek seed varieties, Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) and Trigonella corniculata (TC), and analyzed their bioactive potential using various solvents, doses, and biochemical parameters. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant analyses, including ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC), and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, were conducted, and interventional studies were performed on rats divided into groups receiving disease + standard basal diet (G₀), standard basal diet only (G₁), and disease + standard basal diet supplemented with TC or TFG at 400 mg/kg/day (G₂, G₃) and 800 mg/kg/day (G₄, G₅). Biochemical blood tests assessing lipid profiles and liver function parameters, coupled with histopathological examination of the liver and heart tissues, were also performed. Results: Antioxidant assessments indicated that TFG exhibited greater free radical scavenging ability, higher total phenolic content, and stronger ferric-reducing power than TC did. In the in vivo experiments, both TFG and TC significantly enhanced lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol VLDL-c, and triglycerides while boosting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (p < 0.001). Liver function tests indicated significant decreases in bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels with dose and plant effects, particularly at 800 mg/kg (G₅). Histopathological examination revealed that TFG at a dose of 800 mg/kg led to an almost normal liver structure and intact myocardial fibers with minimal inflammation, whereas TC groups displayed slight vacuolation of hepatocytes and some inflammatory responses. Conclusions: In conclusion, TFG shows the superior functional food properties of TFG in managing oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia in comparison to TC. Future studies should aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms, optimize dosing regimens, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy to support clinical applications.

Manilkara zapota (M. zapota), commonly known as sapodilla, is a tropical fruit recognized for its nutritional value and diverse phytochemical composition. This review critically summarizes recent evidence (2013–2026) regarding the phytochemistry, biological activities, safety profile, and food industry relevance of M. zapota, using literature retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and other scientific databases. Different parts of the plant, including its fruits, leaves, seeds, and bark, contain a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, catechin, myricetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, triterpenes, and glycosides. Experimental studies have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, gastroprotective, glucose homeostasis, and antiproliferative activities associated with these phytochemicals. Mechanistically, M. zapota extracts have been reported to modulate oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators, apoptotic pathways, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes in in vitro and animal studies. Available toxicological evidence suggests that certain extracts were well tolerated under specific experimental conditions; however, further standardized safety assessments and clinical investigations remain necessary. In addition to its pharmacological relevance, M. zapota has potential applications in functional foods and food processing industries, including jams, jellies, spreads, fruit bars, beverages, and nutraceutical formulations. Overall, M. zapota represents a promising underutilized plant with potential relevance for food, nutraceutical, and future biomedical applications.