Shogaol, a significant bioactive constituent of ginger, is present in several forms, including 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-shogaol, with 6-shogaol identified as the most potent among them. Notably, 6-shogaol can be metabolized into 6-paradol, a compound that lacks pungency but retains biological activity. The primary focus of this review is to trace the diverse pharmacological effects of 6-shogaol, such as its anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, and to document the molecular mechanisms underlying these actions. 6-Shogaol’s broad spectrum of benefits makes it valuable in the health, food, and beverage industries, where its unique taste, high biocompatibility, and ability to alleviate or prevent various health issues are particularly advantageous. Its multiple mechanisms of action, including the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation, contribute to its reputation as a promising natural compound. By highlighting the therapeutic potential of 6-shogaol, this review aims to provide a scientific foundation for its future development, clinical application, and incorporation into functional foods or pharmaceuticals, ultimately supporting its role as a versatile agent in promoting human health.

Background: Migraine, a complex neurological condition, poses significant challenges for both sufferers and healthcare providers. While prescription medications play a vital role in managing migraine attacks, the quest for natural, non-pharmacological alternatives has garnered increasing interest. This review explores the efficacy and safety of natural supplements as treatments for migraine relief, comparing them with conventional prescription medications. Methods: The review delves into herbal supplements, clinical studies on natural remedies, aromatherapy, dietary influences, and lifestyle modifications in the context of migraine management in several databases. Results: The findings shed light on the potential of natural supplements as complementary or alternative approaches to traditional migraine therapies, offering insights into a holistic and personalized treatment paradigm for migraine sufferers. Conclusions: Natural supplements have gained attention as potential treatments for migraine relief, often perceived as safer alternatives to conventional medications.

Diabetes mellitus is a major challenge for global health, and Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (B. spectabilis) is a widely used herbal remedy with diverse cultivars traditionally used for diabetes treatment. However, the comparative efficacy of these cultivars remains ambiguous. This study aimed to evaluate the D-pinitol content and DPPH radical-scavenging activity of methanolic leaves extracts of five B. spectabilis cultivars. Furthermore, the effects of these cultivars on various parameters, including blood glucose levels, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, lipid profiles, liver enzymes, renal function markers, and histopathological changes, were assessed in STZ-induced diabetic rats after one month of oral daily treatment. All tested cultivars demonstrated significant improvements in the measured parameters, albeit to varying extents. Notably, the LOE cultivar, distinguished by its orange bracts, exhibited the highest efficacy, surpassing the effectiveness of glibenclamide, an antidiabetic medication, and displayed the highest concentration of D-pinitol. These findings underscore the importance of carefully selecting the appropriate B. spectabilis cultivar to maximize the antidiabetic efficacy, with a particular emphasis on the correlation between antidiabetic activity and D-pinitol concentrations.

Infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria are a major public health concern worldwide, with the emergence of antibiotic resistance, biofilm-forming bacteria, viral epidemics, and the lack of effective antibacterial and antiviral agents exacerbating the problem. In an effort to search for new antimicrobial agents, this study aimed to screen antibacterial and antiviral activity of the total methanol extract and its various fractions of Pulicaria crispa (P. crispa) aerial parts. The P. crispa hexane fraction (HF) was found to have the strongest antibacterial effect against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including biofilm producers. The HF fraction reduced the expression levels of penicillin binding protein (PBP2A) and DNA gyrase B enzymes in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively. Additionally, the HF fraction displayed the most potent antiviral activity, especially against influenza A virus, affecting different stages of the virus lifecycle. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of the HF fraction identified 27 compounds, mainly belonging to the sterol class, with β-sitosterol, phytol, stigmasterol, and lupeol as the most abundant compounds. The in silico study revealed that these compounds were active against influenza A nucleoprotein and polymerase, PBP2A, and DNA gyrase B. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the chemical composition and mechanism of action of the P. crispa HF fraction, which may lead to the development of more effective treatments for bacterial and viral infections.

Background: Cervical cancer remains a global health challenge with persistently high incidence and mortality rates despite advancements in conventional treatments. The therapeutic potential of natural products has gained attention, particularly for their selective cytotoxicity and ability to modulate cancer pathways. Alnus incana (L.) Moench, a species-rich in bioactive compounds, shows potential as an anticancer agent; however, the cytotoxic effects of its leaves dichloromethane (DCM) extract remain underexplored. This study investigates the DCM fraction’s cytotoxicity on various cancer cell lines, with a primary focus on HeLa cells. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of the A. incana DCM fraction were evaluated in a dose-dependent manner using the MTT assay on several cancer cell lines, with particular emphasis on HeLa cells. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, while RT-qPCR quantified changes in the expression of apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, and p53). Chemical composition analysis was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/flame ionization detection (GC-MS/FID) to identify the major bioactive compounds within the fraction. Results: The DCM fraction exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity in HeLa cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 135.6 µg/mL and a selectivity index (SI) of 2.72 relative to normal cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, significantly hindering progression through the S and G2/M phases. Moreover, there was a significant increase in both early and late apoptotic cell populations, correlating with the upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and p53) and the downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2. The chemical analysis identified 22 compounds in the unsaponifiable fraction, chiefly terpenoids such as phytol (65.74%). The saponifiable fraction presented a balanced composition of saturated (48.69%) and unsaturated (51.29%) fatty acids, with palmitic acid, linolenic acid, and linoleic acid as the predominant compounds. Conclusion: While the DCM fraction’s relatively high IC₅₀ value may limit its utility as a standalone treatment, its ability to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis demonstrates its promise as a co-therapeutic agent with conventional anticancer drugs. Further research is essential to elucidate its precise mechanisms of action and to evaluate its efficacy in combination therapies, potentially advancing its role in cervical cancer treatment.