Skin aging is one of the most concerning issues that occur after menopause. The Genistein Nutraceutical (GEN) product, containing genistein, vitamin E, vitamin B3, and ceramide, has been formulated as a topical anti-aging product for improving the health of postmenopausal women’s facial skin. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of the GEN product on postmenopausal women’s facial skin. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomly assigned 50 postmenopausal women to receive either the GEN product (n = 25) or the placebo (PLA) product (n = 25), topically applied twice daily for 6 weeks. The outcome assessments included multiple skin parameters related to skin wrinkling, color, hydration, and facial skin quality at baseline and week 6. The percentage mean changes or absolute mean changes, where appropriate, in skin parameters were compared between the two groups. The mean age of the participants was 55.8 ± 3.4 years. For skin wrinkling and skin color parameters, only skin redness was significantly higher in the GEN group when compared to the PLA group. Following the application of the GEN product, skin hydration increased while fine pores and their area decreased. Subgroup analysis of older women (age ≥ 56 years) with adequate compliance found significant differences between the two groups in the percentage mean changes of most skin wrinkle parameters. The GEN product has benefits for the facial skin of postmenopausal women, particularly those who are older. It can moisturize facial skin, lessen wrinkles, and enhance redness.

Gymnema inodorum (GI) is a leafy green vegetable found in the northern region of Thailand. A GI leaf extract has been developed as a dietary supplement for metabolic diabetic control. However, the active compounds in the GI leaf extract are relatively nonpolar. This study aimed to develop phytosome formulations of the GI extract to improve the efficiencies of their phytonutrients in terms of anti-inflammatory and anti-insulin-resistant activities in macrophages and adipocytes, respectively. Our results showed that the phytosomes assisted the GI extract’s dispersion in an aqueous solution. The GI phytocompounds were assembled into a phospholipid bilayer membrane as spherical nanoparticles about 160–180 nm in diameter. The structure of the phytosomes allowed phenolic acids, flavonoids and triterpene derivatives to be embedded in the phospholipid membrane. The existence of GI phytochemicals in phytosomes significantly changed the particle’s surface charge from neutral to negative within the range of −35 mV to −45 mV. The phytosome delivery system significantly exhibited the anti-inflammatory activity of the GI extract, indicated by the lower production of nitric oxide from inflamed macrophages compared to the non-encapsulated extract. However, the phospholipid component of phytosomes slightly interfered with the anti-insulin-resistant effects of the GI extract by decreasing the glucose uptake activity and increasing the lipid degradation of adipocytes. Altogether, the nano-phytosome is a potent carrier for transporting GI phytochemicals to prevent an early stage of T2DM.

Obesity, characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat, is a prevalent metabolic disorder that poses a significant global health concern. Triphala, an herbal combination consisting of Phyllanthus emblica Linn, Terminalia chebula Retz, and Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn) Roxb, has emerged as a potential solution for addressing concerns related to obesity. This study aimed to investigate the network pharmacology and molecular docking of Triphala to identify its bioactive ingredients and their interactions with pathways associated with obesity. The bioactive compounds present in Triphala and genes linked to obesity were identified, followed by an analysis of the protein-protein interaction networks. Enrichment analysis, including Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, was conducted. Prominent genes and compounds were selected for further investigation through molecular docking studies. The study revealed a close correlation between obesity and the AKT1 and PPARG genes. The observed binding energy between beta-sitosterol, 7-dehydrosigmasterol, peraksine, α-amyrin, luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, ellagic acid, and phyllanthin with AKT1 and PPARG indicated a favorable binding affinity. In conclusion, nine compounds showed promise in regulating these genes for obesity prevention and management. Further research is required to validate their specific effects.

Rice bran, a fiber-rich source of bioactive compounds, has gained attention for its potential health benefits, yet its effects on metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of rice bran consumption on anthropometric measures, blood pressure, glycemic control, and lipid profiles in individuals with MetS. A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Embase was conducted up to 30 January 2025, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing rice bran supplementation. Twenty-six RCTs involving 1255 participants (642 in rice bran groups, 613 in controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) with corresponding p values were calculated. Rice bran significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (WMD: −3.336 mmHg; p = 0.0006), diastolic blood pressure (WMD: −3.145 mmHg; p = 0.015), and HbA1c (WMD: −0.199%; p = 0.003). Lipid profiles improved, with reductions in total cholesterol (WMD: −13.594 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) and LDL cholesterol (WMD: −14.580 mg/dL; p < 0.0001), and an increase in HDL cholesterol (WMD: 3.074 mg/dL; p = 0.007). These findings suggest rice bran supplementation may be a promising natural dietary strategy for managing and preventing MetS.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, highlighting the need for safer and more effective therapeutic agents. This study investigated the potential anticancer compounds and mechanisms of Paris polyphylla against CRC using an integrated approach combining network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro validation. Bioactive compounds were screened from multiple databases, and their putative targets were intersected with CRC-related genes. Protein–protein interaction and enrichment analyses were performed to identify key targets and pathways, followed by the docking of selected compounds with major hub proteins. The cytotoxic and molecular effects of P. polyphylla rhizome extract (PPRE) were then evaluated in SW480 and HCT116 cells. A total of 74 compounds were identified, of which 12 were retained for target prediction, yielding 180 overlapping genes between P. polyphylla targets and CRC-associated genes. Network analysis highlighted STAT3, EGFR, SRC, IL-6, and AKT1 as key hub targets, with enrichment in cancer-related, EGFR resistance, and PI3K–Akt pathways. Docking showed favorable binding affinities, particularly between prosapogenin A and AKT1. Experimentally, PPRE reduced CRC cell viability and downregulated STAT3, EGFR, SRC, IL-6, and AKT1 expression. These findings suggest that P. polyphylla exerts anticancer effects through the coordinated modulation of multiple oncogenic pathways in CRC.