In recent years, there has been a significant surge in reports on the health-promoting benefits of winter cherry (Withania somnifera), also known as Ashwagandha. Its current research covers many aspects of human health, including neuroprotective, sedative and adaptogenic effects and effects on sleep. There are also reports of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties. Furthermore, there are reports of reproductive outcomes and tarcicidal hormone action. This growing body of research on Ashwagandha highlights its potential as a valuable natural remedy for many health concerns. This narrative review delves into the most recent findings and provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of ashwagandha’s potential uses and any known safety concerns and contraindications.

Hesperidin and hesperetin are polyphenols that can be found predominantly in citrus fruits. They possess a variety of pharmacological properties such as neuroprotective and antidiabetic activity. However, the bioavailability of these compounds is limited due to low solubility and restricts their use as pro-healthy agents. This paper described the limitations resulting from the low bioavailability of the presented compounds and gathered the methods aiming at its improvement. Moreover, this work reviewed studies providing pieces of evidence for neuroprotective and antidiabetic properties of hesperidin and hesperetin as well as providing a detailed look into the significance of reported modes of action in chronic diseases. On account of a well-documented pro-healthy activity, it is important to look for ways to overcome the problem of poor bioavailability.

Cannabis sativa L. turned out to be a valuable source of chemical compounds of various structures, showing pharmacological activity. The most important groups of compounds include phytocannabinoids and terpenes. The pharmacological activity of Cannabis (in epilepsy, sclerosis multiplex (SM), vomiting and nausea, pain, appetite loss, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), Parkinson’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, schizophrenia, glaucoma, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)), which has been proven so far, results from the affinity of these compounds predominantly for the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB₁), type two (CB₂), and the G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR₅₅)) but, also, for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), glycine receptors, serotonin receptors (5-HT), transient receptor potential channels (TRP), and GPR, opioid receptors. The synergism of action of phytochemicals present in Cannabis sp. raw material is also expressed in their increased bioavailability and penetration through the blood–brain barrier. This review provides an overview of phytochemistry and pharmacology of compounds present in Cannabis extracts in the context of the current knowledge about their synergistic actions and the implications of clinical use in the treatment of selected diseases.

Bearing in mind the growing interest in Yerba Mate, a comprehensive study has been prepared containing the most important aspects and possibilities of its use. The introduction of the work contains the species characteristics of Yerba Mate, as well as information about the origin and places of cultivation. The next part focuses on the analysis of the composition, pointing to purine alkaloids, polyphenols, saponins, and minerals as groups of active compounds responsible for the clinical activity of Yerba Mate. The review of the results of preclinical and clinical studies indicates activity in relation to the stimulating effect, reducing weight by stimulating lipolysis, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The information about the action of Yerba Mate is supplemented by the characteristics of its potential toxicity in terms of PAHs content (in particular benzo[α]pyrene) and preparation as a determinant of increased irritation. The current data on the effects of Yerba Mate and the wide safety margin of its use position this raw material as a valuable component of functional food. The growing frequency of consuming Yerba Mate, conditioned by the availability resulting from the globalization of the market and the information provided about it’s the pro-health effects, will position Yerba Mate’s popularity among wider population groups.

Lycopene is a compound of colored origin that shows strong antioxidant activity. The positive effect of lycopene is the result of its pleiotropic effect. The ability to neutralize free radicals via lycopene is one of the foundations of its pro-health effect, including the ability to inhibit the development of many civilization diseases. Therefore, this study focuses on the importance of the antioxidant effect of lycopene in inhibiting the development of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diseases within the nervous system, diabetes, liver diseases, and ulcerative colitis. According to the research mentioned, lycopene supplementation has significant promise for the treatment of illnesses marked by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the majority of the supporting data for lycopene′s health benefits comes from experimental research, whereas the evidence from clinical studies is both scarcer and less certain of any health benefits. Research on humans is still required to establish its effectiveness.

Centella asiatica, widely known as Gotu kola, is a traditional herb celebrated for its benefits in skin health and wound healing. Recent research has provided new insights into its efficacy, particularly through topical applications. This review highlights the plant’s mechanisms, focusing on its active compounds such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, which enhance collagen synthesis, modulate inflammation, and offer antioxidant protection. Clinical trials have been collected and summarized that innovative delivery systems, such as hydrogels, nanostructures or microneedles, can accelerate wound healing, reduce wound size, and improve recovery times in various wound types, including diabetic ulcers and burns. Future research will likely refine these technologies and explore new applications, reinforcing the role of C. asiatica in contemporary wound care. Advances in formulation and delivery will continue to enhance the plant’s therapeutic potential, offering promising solutions for effective wound management.