It is documented that regular exercise is beneficial for improving the antioxidant system, metabolic system, cardiac autonomic function, and blood pressure in those with hypertension. In this regard, low‐intensity exercise is recommended for older adults, particularly those with chronic diseases. This study aimed to compare the effects of long‐term regular continuous walking with intermittent walking on oxidative stress, metabolic profile, heart rate variability, and blood pressure in older adults with hypertension. Forty‐three participants with hypertension aged 60–80 years were randomly divided into the continuous or intermittent walking (CON or INT) groups. Participants in the CON group walked for 30 min, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Participants in the INT group split 30 min walking into 3 identical sessions punctuated by a 1 min rest after each session, 3 days/week for 12 weeks. Antioxidant and oxidative stress markers, metabolic markers, heart rate variability, and blood pressure were evaluated before and after the exercise program. Glutathione (GSH), GSH to GSH disulfide (GSSG) ratio, and total GSH increased significantly, and GSSG and malondialdehyde decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.05) without significant differences between groups. Triglycerides, ratio of total cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and atherosclerogenic index were significantly lower in the CON group than those in the INT group (p < 0.05). The standard deviation of the NN intervals and root mean square of the successive differences were significantly higher, and low‐frequency power was significantly lower in the INT group than that in the CON group (p < 0.05). No significant changes in blood pressure were noted in both groups, and nor were there any significant differences between groups. Long‐term regular continuous and intermittent walking may comparably increase antioxidants, reduce oxidative stress, and be beneficial for improving important blood pressure‐related outcomes, including metabolic profile or cardiac autonomic function in older adults with hypertension.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Rat Lungworm) is a major pathogen of Eosinophilic Meningitis in humans worldwide. A. cantonensis completes its life-cycle in two hosts: the rodent definitive and the gastropod intermediate hosts. Among the wide range of intermediate gastropod hosts, the invasive Pomacea canaliculata (Golden apple snails), which have caused numerous outbreaks of neuroangiostrongyliasis worldwide, especially China and Taiwan. While there have been numerous surveys on the prevalence of A. cantonensis larvae in P. canaliculata in China, there are an inadequate number of studies in Taiwan. This review gives an overview of the current status of A. cantonensis prevalence and infection in general, along with focusing on the status and developments regarding neuroangiostrongyliasis in Taiwan. Additionally, the present study concentrated on the implications of a well-known invasive vector of the parasite, Pomacea spp. and its effects on disease transmission to humans. Results show that P. canaliculata has been the source of approximately 15.5% infections in Taiwan. Furthermore, due to rapidly growing invasive Pomacea spp. populations in waterlogged areas, disease transmission through water cannot be neglected. Thus, as a precautionary measure, we suggest that environmental DNA-based monitoring should be implemented to detect parasites.

Mitragyna speciosa (commonly known as Kratom) is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and a member of the Rubiaceae family. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of crude M. speciosa leaf extracts against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Dried leaves were extracted using 95% ethanol or 95% methanol at a 1:10 w/v ratio via maceration. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts were evaluated using the MTT assay, and results were expressed as IC50 values. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using wound healing and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. All experiments were conducted in triplicate. The MTT assay revealed that both ethanolic and methanolic extracts significantly reduced the viability of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The methanolic extract exhibited greater potency, with an IC50 of 283 µg/mL, compared to 295 µg/mL for the ethanolic extract. In the wound healing assay, both extracts inhibited A549 cell migration, with the methanolic extract showing stronger suppression at concentrations of 50, 100, and 250 µg/mL. The ethanolic extract also reduced migration but required higher concentrations to achieve similar effects. Transwell invasion assay results further demonstrated that both extracts suppressed cell invasion, with the methanolic extract being more effective at lower concentrations (50 and 100 µg/mL). Furthermore, real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that the extracts upregulated E-cadherin and, in the methanolic group, downregulated MMP-2 expression, suggesting suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated invasion. These findings highlight the potential of M. speciosa as a source of bioactive compounds with anti-migratory and anti-invasive properties. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and evaluate its potential for development as a natural anticancer agent. HIGHLIGHTS This study investigates anti-metastatic effects of Mitragyna speciosa extract on NSCLC cell. The methanolic extract demonstrated higher efficacy compared to the ethanolic extract. The extract modulates key signaling pathways related to cancer metastasis. Findings suggest potential therapeutic implications for lung cancer treatment. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Based on the study, extracts from sea lettuce (Ulva rigida) or UR show significant promise as a natural anti-aging ingredient for skincare products. The research, conducted on specimens from Phetchaburi, Thailand, compared three extraction methods: juice squeezing (J), boiling (B), and maceration (M) by using 95% ethanol. The results demonstrated that these extracts contain beneficial compounds like phenolics and flavonoids, including rutin, catechin, and quercetin, which contribute to their biological properties. Furthermore, all extracts (UR-J, UR-B, and UR-M) exhibited powerful anti-aging effects. Specifically, the UR-M extracts effectively inhibited anti-melanogenesis activity (5.88 ± 1.25%) and the tyrosinase activity (IC₅₀ of 1.38 ± 0.68 mg/ml), and also promoted collagen biosynthesis (37.68 ± 2.24%). All UR extract was particularly notable for its ability to stimulate key anti-aging gene, SIRT1, which is superior to resveratrol (87.8 ± 1.8%). Importantly, none of the extracts showed cytotoxicity at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL, confirming their safety for use on human skin. These findings suggest that the sea lettuce (UR) extracts are a strong candidate for future development as an anti-aging agent in the cosmetic industry.

This study characterized the in vitro properties of a Hom pathum rice extract and explored the clinical performance of a facial mask containing the extract. In this single-center, assessor-blinded, two-arm randomized controlled trial, 60 patch-test-negative healthy adults aged 30–50 years were allocated 1:1 to a no-treatment control group or to a treatment group that applied a multi-ingredient facial mask containing 0.27% (w/w) Hom pathum rice extract for 30 min twice weekly for 12 weeks. Hydration, elasticity, oiliness, melanin, and erythema were assessed at the forehead, cheek, and chin. Complete-case week-12 comparisons used ANCOVA adjusted for the corresponding baseline value, age, and sex, followed by Benjamini–Hochberg correction across the 15 between-group comparisons. Forty-nine participants completed follow-up (control, 24; treatment, 25). The ethanolic extract showed 55% DPPH radical-scavenging activity, an IC₅₀ of 2.29 ± 0.02 mg/mL, and a total phenolic content of 0.01 ± 0.00 mg GAE/mg extract; total flavonoids were below the assay detection limit at 5 mg/mL. Six comparisons were nominally significant, of which three remained significant after false-discovery-rate correction: higher forehead hydration (adjusted mean difference, 9.42 AU; 95% CI, 2.79 to 16.06; p = 0.007; q = 0.033), lower chin oiliness (−33.15 μg/cm²; 95% CI, −52.40 to −13.89; p = 0.001; q = 0.022), and lower cheek melanin (−68.65 AU; 95% CI, −112.89 to −24.41; p = 0.003; q = 0.026). However, none of the 15 comparisons reached nominal or FDR-adjusted significance in the intention-to-treat multiple-imputation sensitivity analysis (all p ≥ 0.092). No intervention-related adverse effects were recorded among the enrolled patch-test-negative participants. These findings apply to the formulation and application procedure as a whole and were not statistically confirmed in the intention-to-treat sensitivity analysis; they therefore warrant confirmation in an adequately powered, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial with a prespecified primary outcome. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06475222. Funding: Burapha University, Thailand Science Research and Innovation, and the National Science Research and Innovation Fund.