With the increase in human mean age, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) also rises. This negatively affects mental and physiological health. In recent years, evidence has revealed that anthocyanins could regulate the functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) through the microbiome-gut-brain axis, which provides a new perspective for treating NDs. In this review, the protective effects and mechanisms of anthocyanins against NDs are summarized, especially the interaction between anthocyanins and the intestinal microbiota, and the microbial-intestinal-brain axis system is comprehensively discussed. Moreover, anthocyanins achieve the therapeutic purpose of NDs by regulating intestinal microflora and certain metabolites (protocateic acid, vanillic acid, etc.). In particular, the inhibitory effect of tryptophan metabolism on some neurotransmitters and the induction of blood-brain barrier permeability by butyrate production has a preventive effect on NDs. Overall, it is suggested that microbial-intestinal-brain axis may be a novel mechanism for the protective effect of anthocyanins against NDs.

Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma (C. deserticola), a holoparasitic desert plant traditionally revered as “desert ginseng”, has emerged as a versatile resource with significant applications in both medicinal and dietary contexts. This comprehensive review systematically explores its bioactive constituents, including phenylethanol glycosides (PhGs), iridoids, lignans, and polysaccharides, and elucidates their multifaceted pharmacological properties. Contemporary research substantiates the therapeutic potential of C. deserticola, demonstrating its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Mechanism analysis elucidated its anti-fatigue and immune-enhancing activities, primarily through the modulation of pivotal signaling pathways, including NF-κB, AMPK, and TLR4. The review also highlights recent regulatory advancements in China, which have approved C. deserticola as a functional food ingredient, complementing its traditional uses in kidney yang tonification and promoting intestinal health. Despite its promising attributes, challenges related to sustainable cultivation and clinical application remain. By integrating ethnopharmacological wisdom with modern scientific evidence, this work lays a robust foundation for advancing the applications of C. deserticola in nutraceuticals and therapeutics.

Milk-clotting enzyme (MCE) is the essential active agents in dairy processing. The traditional MCE is mainly obtained from animal sources, in which calf rennet is the most widely used in cheese industry. Traditional MCE substitute is becoming necessary due to its limited production and increased cheese consumption. A novel traditional MCE substitute was produced from Bacillus velezensis DB219 in this study. The DB219 MCE exhibited a notable specific activity of 6,110 Soxhlet units/mg and 3.16-fold purification yield with 28.87% recovery through ammonium sulfate fractionation and DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow. The purified DB219 MCE was a metalloprotease with a molecular weight of 36 kDa. The DB219 MCE was weak acid resistance and stable at pH 6.0 to 10.0 and temperature <45°C. The highest milk-clotting activity was observed in substrate at pH 5.5 added with 20 to 30 mM CaCl₂. The Michaelis constant and maximal velocity for casein were 0.31 g/L and 14.22 μmol/min. The DB219 MCE preferred to hydrolyze β-casein instead of α-casein. The DB219 MCE hydrolyzed α-casein, β-casein, and κ-casein to generate significantly different peptides in comparison with calf rennet and ES6023 MCE (fungal MCE) through SDS-PAGE and reversed-phase HPLC analysis. The DB219 MCE mainly cleaved Thr124-Ile125 and Ser104-Phe105 bonds in κ-casein and had unique casein cleavage sites and peptide composition through LC-MS/MS analysis. The DB219 MCE was potential to be a new milk coagulant and enriched kinds of traditional MCE substitute.

Loquat ( Eriobotrya japonica ), a plant native to China and having extensive medicinal values, has recently drawn considerable attention. The current research on loquat mainly centers on its preservation, processing, and extraction of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, there are still challenges and problems in the medical research and application of loquat and its byproducts. This study intends to explore the pros and cons of various methods for extracting abundant bioactive substances from loquat and its byproducts. The crucial antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and hypoglycemic roles of these bioactive substances and their significance in the domains of medicine and healthcare were evaluated. A thorough examination of the functions and mechanisms of action of the bioactive compounds in loquat will provide new insights and opportunities for the enhancement of the medicinal potential of loquat. It will also act as an important reference for research and application in related fields.

Background: Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma (C. deserticola) is a widely recognized medicinal and edible homologous plant. Phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs), as its dominant bioactive components, are characterized by diverse chemical structures and prominent multi-target synergistic pharmacological activities. This review aims to systematically outline the structural characteristics, structure–activity relationships, and pharmacological mechanisms of typical PhGs from C. deserticola, so as to provide a scientific basis for their further development and application. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed. The structural features, structure–activity relationships, and multi-dimensional pharmacological mechanisms of representative PhGs, including echinacoside, verbascoside, and cistanoside A, were systematically summarized and analyzed. Results: PhGs exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antitumor, and hepatoprotective effects mainly by regulating multiple signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2/HO-1. These compounds display promising application potential in the prevention and amelioration of chronic inflammatory diseases, aging-related disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis, as well as oxidative stress-induced injury. Conclusions: PhGs from C. deserticola possess distinct pharmacological effects and broad application prospects. Future research should emphasize in-depth structure–activity relationship investigations, multi-component synergistic mechanisms, safety evaluation, and formulation design to enhance bioavailability, thus promoting the industrial development and application of PhGs.

Nystatin is a polyene macrolide antibiotic with broad-spectrum antifungal activity and serves as a key therapeutic agent for superficial fungal infections. This review systematically elaborates on its multicomponent chemical nature, its mechanism of action targeting ergosterol, and highlights the potential adverse effects, such as cardiotoxicity, associated with impurities like RT6 (albonoursin). The fundamental analytical techniques for quality control are outlined. Furthermore, the clinical applications and combination therapy strategies of nystatin in treating oral diseases, vaginitis, and otitis externa are summarized in detail. Regarding biosynthesis, the assembly mechanism of nystatin A₁ via the type I polyketide synthase pathway and its subsequent modification processes are thoroughly discussed. Emphasis is placed on the latest advances and potential of gene-editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, in the targeted knockout of genes responsible for toxic components and in optimizing production strains to enhance nystatin yield and purity. Finally, this review prospects the future development of nystatin towards improved safety and efficacy through structural optimization, innovative delivery systems, and synthetic biology strategies, aiming to provide a reference for its further research and clinical application.