This study aims to biosynthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles using aqueous leaf extracts of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and investigate their biological activities. UV–Vis Spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM and TEM were used for characterization. The antioxidant properties were determined using H₂O₂, NO, ABTS, FRAP and DPPH scavenging assays. For anti-inflammatory activities, membrane stabilization, albumin denaturation and proteinase inhibitory activity were assayed. The antibacterial effect was tested using well diffusion method. Statistical analyses were done using ANOVA. Synthesized nanoparticles showed an intensity peak at 378 nm in UV–Vis Spectroscopy. FT-IR shows the presence of O-H stretching, C = C bending, O-H bending and C–N stretching functional groups of the stabilizing action of the plant extract on the surface of the nanoparticles. NPs were shown to be spherical by SEM analysis, and the sizes were 100 nm by TEM analysis. The antioxidant properties of ZnO NPs compared to ascorbic acid standard showed significant antioxidant potential in H₂O₂, NO, ABTS, FRAP and DPPH scavenging assays. ZnO NPs showed excellent anti-inflammatory activity with the synthesized ZnO NPs performing better in membrane stabilization. Clinical pathogens were inhibited by ZnO NPs when compared with Cefuroxime, a standard drug. These efficient biological activities could be utilized in several biological applications. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The present study synthesised and characterised zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using spinach tree, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and investigated its potential use as nanofertilizer. The synthesised nanoparticles showed UV-Vis absorption peak at 378 nm which is a feature of ZnO NPs. FT-IR analysis further revealed the presence of O-H stretching, C = C bending, O-H bending and C-N stretching functional groups of the stabilising action of the plant extract on the surface of the nanoparticles. SEM images displayed the shape of NPs to be spherical whereas TEM images showed their distribution sizes to be 100 nm. Synthesised ZnO NPs were used as a nano fertilizer on Sorghum bicolour plant. An increase in the shoot leaf length with an average length of 16.13 ± 0.19 cm as compared to the control group of 15.13 ± 0.07 cm was observed. The rate of photosynthesis also showed a significant increase with total chlorophyll content of 0.2806 ± 0.006 mg/mL as compared with control of 0.2476 ± 0.002 mg/mL. The activity of antioxidative enzymes was measured with an increase in the specific activity of SOD in the plant when ZnO NPs were used over NPK whereas, the specific activities of CAT were similar in all cases.

This present study carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of peptide nanoparticles in diabetes management for improved patient outcomes from 201

Background Network pharmacology and molecular docking have emerged as important in modern herbal drug discovery, offering systems-level understanding into phytochemical interactions and therapeutic mechanisms. This review aimed to evaluate the application of integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking in herbal medicine research Methods A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2010 and August, 2025. Eligible studies included both network pharmacology and molecular docking in medicinal plants, botanical formulations, or isolated phytochemicals. Screening and selection followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Data were extracted on study characteristics, computational platforms, biological validation strategies, phytochemical profiles, protein targets, and mechanistic pathways. Results 36 studies met the eligibility criteria. Publications increased significantly after 2020, with most originating from Asia, particularly China (55.6%) and India (25.0%). Majority (61.1%) employed purely in silico pipelines, while 22.2% combined computational and in vitro validation, and 16.7% incorporated in vivo models. Flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, and luteolin accounted for most docked phytochemicals. Key molecular targets included ESR1, EGFR, AKT1, TNF, CASP3, and PTGS2, aligning predominantly with cancer, inflammatory, and metabolic pathways. Key signaling cascades PI3K-Akt, MAPK/ERK, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin were consistently reported. Almost half of the studies (47.2%) integrated molecular dynamics simulations, while ADMET screening was reported in 71.4% of cases. Conclusion This review demonstrates that integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking have become foundational in herbal medicine research and growing with advances in computational biology. These approaches reveal multi-target mechanisms supporting the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, yet translational progress is constrained by inconsistent pipelines. Strengthening validation frameworks, broadening phytochemical discovery beyond common flavonoids, and enhancing global research participation will be essential to accelerate clinically relevant herbal drug development.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: For decades, patients in East Africa have used herbal medicine as an alternative and affordable therapeutic option for the treatment of diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus (DM). As a result, the primary objective of this research was to thoroughly investigate the plants employed for treating DM in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and gather pertinent ethnopharmacological and ethnomedicinal knowledge that could be applied in the development of therapies for DM. Aim of the study: The study is aimed at critically reviewing the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of medicinal plants used for treating diabetes in East African countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Method: A search for relevant articles was conducted on PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Open Theses, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus, and the identified articles were evaluated for quality, relevance, and taxonomical accuracy before undergoing review. Results: The study identified 140 plant species used by local communities for the management of DM in East Africa, with decoction and infusion being the most common preparation methods. The leaves, root, and stem bark were the most frequently used parts. The in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the antidiabetic effect of medicinal plants such as Kigelia Africana, Hagenia abyssinica (Rosaceae), Physalis peruviana among other plants used for herbal treatment elicited via stimulation of insulin release, and gluconeogenesis. Phytochemicals present were mainly flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and glycosides. Conclusion: The local communities in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo use herbal medicine for managing DM, but only a fraction of these species have scientific evidence. This necessitates additional research to establish the effectiveness, safety and potentially develop novel therapeutics for the management of DM.