Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is a naturally occurring compound having anti-cancer properties. We investigated the effect of BDMC on DMBA-induced mammary toxicity in female Wistar rats. Forty-eight virgin female rats were divided into six groups at random. Group 1 received corn oil, group 2 received DMBA (50 mg/kg), groups 3 and 4 received DMBA and BDMC (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg), group 5 received BDMC (50 mg/kg), and group 6 received DMBA and vincristine. A single dosage of DMBA was administered (i.p.) at six weeks, followed by BDMC (orally) and vincristine (i.p.) three times a week for thirteen weeks. The DMBA significantly increased lactate dehydrogenase activity by 1.3 folds. Similarly, DMBA increased nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and myeloperoxidase activities by 12, 204, and 6.3%, respectively. DMBA-rats decreases glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that B-cell lymphoma-2, estrogen receptor, and human epidermal receptor-2 were strongly expressed in DMBA-rats, but progesterone receptor and Bcl-2 associated protein were weakly expressed. In DMBA rats, histology revealed mammary glands with moderate proliferating ducts and fibrosis. Co-treatment with BDMC reduces hormone receptors activities, improved antioxidant and apoptotic status. BDMC protected the mammary gland from DMBA toxicity by targeting cellular pathways involved in oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women worldwide and continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Patients may present with either localized or advanced disease, with clinical outcomes increasingly influenced by molecular subtype and genetic profile. This review highlights the key genetic factors involved in breast cancer, current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and promising emerging approaches that may shape future clinical management. Breast cancer diagnosis typically involves clinical breast examination, imaging techniques such as mammography and ultrasound, and confirmatory biopsies. Genetic mutations in specific genes are strongly linked to the development, progression, and metastasis of the disease. Treatment options for localized breast cancer continue to include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) and radiotherapy, combined with systemic therapies tailored to tumor biology, such as endocrine therapy, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy, and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4/6 inhibitors. For advanced or metastatic breast cancer, recent therapeutic advances include the use of immunotherapy (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors), Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors for Breast Cancer gene (BRCA)-mutated cancers, antibody–drug conjugates, and novel targeted agents, which have significantly improved patient outcomes in selected populations. Recent findings in breast cancer genetics have highlighted the critical role of germline and somatic mutations, particularly in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), and TP53, in driving tumor initiation, progression, and therapeutic response. Molecular profiling and next-generation sequencing technologies have enabled more precise tumor classification and facilitated the development of personalized treatment strategies. Despite these advances, treatment resistance and disease recurrence remain major challenges, particularly in aggressive subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer. Consequently, ongoing research is exploring alternative and complementary approaches, including nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, gene editing techniques such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) (CRISPR-Cas9), cancer vaccines, and the integration of traditional and plant-derived compounds. These strategies aim to enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce systemic toxicity, and overcome resistance mechanisms.

Compared with curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, a dimethoxy derivative of curcumin, is a bioactive compound with greater anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. However, its hydrophobic nature, rapid metabolism, and poor bioavailability have limited its application in cancer therapy. This study investigates the modulatory effects of bis-demethoxycurcumin-conjugated silver/selenium nanoparticles (BDMC-AgSeNPs) on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced tumorigenesis. BDMC-conjugated bimetallic spherical Ag templates decorated with Se nanodots were fabricated and characterized via solid-state techniques. The BDMC-AgSeNPs were employed as nanocarriers, and their anticancer efficacy was evaluated. The results revealed that the viability of MCF-7 cells decreased with increasing concentrations of BDMC, AgSeNPs, and BDMC-AgSeNPs, with IC₅₀ values of 22.41, 10.20, and 8.07, respectively. In vivo, BDMC-AgSeNPs significantly decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity by 52%. In the same manner, BDMC-AgSeNPs reduced the serum malondialdehyde level by 35%. Additionally, BDMC-AgSeNPs drastically increased mammary superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities by 52% and 47%, respectively. In contrast, mammary nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels decreased in BDMC-AgSeNPs-rats. Immunohistochemistry showed mild expression of progesterone and human epidermal receptors in BDMC-AgSeNPs-treated rats. In addition, BDMC-AgSeNPs and AgSeNPs reduced Bcl-2-associated X-protein (BAX) levels. Histological examination revealed mammary glands with moderate proliferating ducts and fibrosis in DMBA-rats, while post-treatment with BDMC-AgSeNPs appeared to reveal normal ductal epithelial cells with stromal hyalinization foci. Overall, post-treatment with BDMC-AgSeNPs enhanced antioxidant status and apoptosis, with decreased levels of inflammatory biomarkers. In conclusion, BDMC-AgSeNPs mitigate mammary tumorigenesis by targeting cellular inflammation and apoptotic pathways. Graphical Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal loss. This study evaluated the neuroprotective potential of berberine chloride (BC) against D-Galactose (D-Gal) and aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced Alzheimer-like neurodegeneration models in rats using donepezil as a standard drug. Animals were randomly assigned into four groups: control, AD-model (D-Gal 60 mg/kg/day, i.p.+AlCl₃ 200 mg/kg/day, orally), BC-treated (100 mg/kg/day), and donepezil-treated (2 mg/kg/day). The AD model exhibited significant cognitive deficits, evidenced by reduced spontaneous alternation (39%↓), prolonged escape latency (38%↑), and diminished locomotor activity. BC markedly enhanced endogenous antioxidant defense, elevating superoxide dismutase and catalase activities by 165% and 145% (p < 0.05), while reducing lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels in brain tissue (67%↓). BC also markedly suppressed advanced glycation end (AGEs) products by 37% (p < 0.05). Furthermore, BC improved cholinergic function by significantly lowering serum acetylcholinesterase activity (30%↓) and ameilorated hepatic and renal biochemical indices-AST (42%↓), ALT (55%↓), and urea (55%↓). Histopathological examination revealed preservation of hippocampal and cortical neuronal architecture, with reduced neurodegeneration and gliosis in BC-treated animals. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that BC exerts potent neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-glycation, and anti-inflammatory effects, highlighting its promise as a multi-target candidate for cognitive impairment.

Background/Objectives: Fisetin (3,3′,4′,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a naturally occurring flavonol present in strawberries, apples, grapes, onions, cucumbers, and other plant sources. It has attracted considerable interest because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and senolytic properties. This review comprehensively evaluated the pharmacological activities, mechanisms of action, translational challenges, and global research trends associated with fisetin. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to synthesise evidence on the traditional uses, pharmacological properties, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of fisetin. Bibliometric analysis of publications from 2005 to 2024 was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection. A total of 664 records were retrieved using the keywords “fisetin” and “3,3′,4′,7-tetrahydroxyflavone”. Following refinement using Bibliometrix (version 5.0) and the Biblioshiny interface in RStudio, 658 publications were included in the final analysis. Results: Fisetin exhibited diverse biological activities through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, mitochondrial function, and cellular senescence. Experimental evidence supports its therapeutic potential against cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, and infectious diseases. However, poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and limited clinical evidence continue to impede its clinical translation. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems, computational modelling, and multi-omics approaches show promise for improving its pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic efficacy. Bibliometric findings revealed substantial growth in fisetin research, with China leading scientific output and Africa contributing comparatively few publications. Conclusions: Fisetin is a promising multifunctional phytochemical with broad therapeutic potential. Future research should emphasise advanced formulations, rigorous clinical trials, and international collaboration to accelerate its translation into evidence-based clinical practice.

The genus Calliandra (Leguminosae: Mimosoideae) encompasses over 200 species, many of which hold significant ethnobotanical value. However, a critical and comprehensive review consolidating their phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge is currently lacking. This article aims to provide a detailed and analytical overview of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of the most studied Calliandra species, identifying trends, gaps, and future research priorities. A systematic literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed from 1986 to 2025. The review focuses on Calliandra portoricensis, Calliandra haematocephala, and Calliandra surinamensis due to the relative abundance of scientific literature concerning their medicinal applications. These species produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites, including distinctive galloylated flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenes. Extracts and isolated compounds demonstrate a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects, providing a scientific basis for their traditional uses. The genus Calliandra represents a promising source of bioactive compounds. However, future research must focus on compound isolation, mechanistic studies, rigorous toxicological profiling, and clinical trials to fully realize its therapeutic potential.