The Curcuma longa plant is endowed with multiple traditional and therapeutic utilities and is here explored for its phytochemical constituents and cytotoxic potential. Turmeric rhizomes were extracted from three different solvents and screened for the presence of different phytochemical constituents, observation of which indicated that the polar solvents favoured extraction of greater versatile phytochemical constituents. These extracts were investigated for their cytotoxic potential by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay on three different of cell lines including SCC-29B (oral cancer cell line), DU-145 (prostate cancer cell line) and the Vero cell line (healthy cell line/non-cancerous cell line). This assay was performed by taking three extracts from isolated curcuminoids and a pure bioactive compound bisdemethoxycurcumin (BD). Bisdemethoxycurcumin was isolated from curcuminoids and purified by column and thin-layer chromatography, and its structural characterisation was performed with different spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, NMR (¹H Proton and ¹³C Carbon-NMR) and LC-MS. Amongst the extracts, the ethanolic extracts exhibited stronger cytotoxic potential against the oral cancer cell line (SCC-29B) with an IC₅₀value of 11.27 μg/mL, and that this was too low of a cytotoxicity against the Vero cell line. Although, curcuminoids have also shown a comparable cytotoxic potential against SCC-29B (IC₅₀ value 16.79 μg/mL), it was not as potent against the ethanolic extract, and it was even found to be cytotoxic against healthy cell lines at a very low dose. While considering the isolated compound, bisdemethoxycurcumin, it also possessed a cytotoxic potential against the prostate cancer cell line (DU-145) (IC₅₀ value of 93.28 μg/mL), but was quite safe for the healthy cell line in comparison to doxorubicin.

Since ancient times, Chrysopogon zizanioides has been utilized as a traditional medicinal plant for the treatment of numerous ailments, but neither its plant extract form nor its phytoconstituents have been fully explored. With this in mind, the present research was designed to isolate and structurally characterize one of its chemical constituents and evaluate its cytotoxic potential. Therefore, an ethanolic extract of roots was prepared and subjected to column chromatography using solvents of varying polarities. The obtained pure compound was characterized using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), carbon and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and identified as longifolene. This compound was evaluated for its cytotoxic potential using an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay on the prostate (DU-145), oral (SCC-29B) cancer cell line and normal kidney cell line (Vero cells), taking doxorubicin as a standard drug. The obtained outcomes revealed that longifolene possesses cytotoxic potential against both prostate (IC₅₀ = 78.64 µg/mL) as well as oral (IC₅₀ = 88.92 µg/mL) cancer cell lines with the least toxicity in healthy Vero cells (IC₅₀ = 246.3 µg/mL) when compared to doxorubicin. Hence, this primary exploratory study of longifolene exhibited its cytotoxic potency along with wide safety margins in healthy cell lines, giving an idea that the compounds possess some ability to differentiate between cancerous cells and healthy cells.

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complicated endocrinemetabolic disorder that occurs in between 6-13% of women of reproductive age. There is a growing body of evidence that dysregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is a major factor in the pathophysiology of PCOS. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Original research articles, clinical studies, and relevant reviews in English were included, while duplicate, non-English, and irrelevant studies were excluded Results: There is evidence that MAPK kinase families, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and phosphorylated p38 (p38), play a role in insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, follicular dysfunction, and chronic inflammation in PCOS. Interactions with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways and signals also enhance metabolic and reproductive pathological changes. Some molecules related to MAPK that include phosphorylated ERK and MAPK-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) have become diagnostic biomarkers. It is also shown through preclinical research that MAPK modulators have therapeutic effects, be it synthetic or natural compounds (curcumin, resveratrol, and berberine). Discussion: Modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway can be effective in treating the multifactorial PCOS. MAPK pathways can be modulated to enhance insulin sensitivity, lower androgen excess, and restore normal ovarian functioning. Conclusion: Altogether, MAPK signaling is a highly important molecular target in the pathogenesis of PCOS and can become an available biomarker and therapeutic target in the future, and be used in making a personalized treatment strategy

This review addresses herbal and nutritional interventions as important for maintaining women’s health between menarche and menopause, particularly in relation to the physiological and hormonal changes that occur at these milestones. During adolescence, adequate intake of iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B is critical for physical development and reproductive maturation. During the reproductive years, folates, vitamin B 12, omega-3 fatty acids, and isoflavones are known to have an effect on fertility, hormone balance, and brain health. Perimenopausal and menopausal stages demand more calcium, vitamin D, antioxidants and phytoestrogens provided by soy and flaxseed to ease vasomotor symptoms, bone health and the risk of chronic ailments. Medicinal plants such as Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), and Moringa oleifera (Moringa) are adaptogenic and hormone-modifying and are even more effective in supporting the health of women. The comprehensive approach of nutrient-rich foods and evidence-based herbal treatments should be used as a life-stage approach to enhance overall well-being. Ensuring that the general population is made aware and has easy access to natural interventions can support women in coping with hormonal changes successfully. Major Findings: The review reveals that stage-specific herbal and nutritional interventions significantly support women’s hormonal, physiological, and psychological health from menarche to menopause. Nutrients and herbs like calcium, folate, omega-3s, Shatavari, and Ashwagandha promote balance, resilience, and overall well-being throughout women’s life stages.