Background: Coleus amboinicus (Lour.) (syn Plectranthus amboinicus) from the Lamiaceae family—a large family of aromatic herbs with many medicinally important species—is a frequently cited species within the Plectranthus genus, renowned for its traditional uses, phytochemical composition, biological activities, and applications in skin care. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to provide an in-depth understanding of P. amboinicus’ phytochemical composition and biological activity, particularly in dermatological contexts, underscoring its significance in traditional medicine and modern phytochemical research. Results: P. amboinicus extracts and essential oils exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and notable antifungal properties, particularly against dermatophytes. Additionally, the species demonstrates remarkable mosquito repellent and anti-parasitic effects, comparable to DEET, and potent anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. The plant’s rich polyphenolic content contributes to its significant antioxidant properties, preventing conditions like hyperpigmentation and premature aging. P. amboinicus also exhibits cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines and promotes wound healing through its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant abilities. Conclusions: This comprehensive exploration of P. amboinicus validates its diverse therapeutic potential across infectious diseases, oncology, and wound care. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action and optimize its therapeutic applications, paving the way for its integration into mainstream medical practices.

This comprehensive study was dedicated to augmenting the sensing capabilities of Ni@GP_PEDOT@H₂S through the strategic functionalization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur heteroatoms. Governed by density functional theory (DFT) computations at the gd3bj-B3LYP/def2svp level of theory, the investigation meticulously assessed the performance efficacy of electronically tailored nanocomposites in detecting H₂S gas—a corrosive byproduct generated by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), bearing latent threats to infrastructure integrity especially in the oil and gas industry. Impressively, the analysed systems, comprising Ni@GP_PEDOT@H₂S, N_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H₂S, P_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H₂S, and S_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H₂S, unveiled both structural and electronic properties of noteworthy distinction, thereby substantiating their heightened reactivity. Results of adsorption studies revealed distinct adsorption energies (− 13.0887, − 10.1771, − 16.8166, and − 14.0955 eV) associated respectively with N_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H₂S, P_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H₂S, S_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H₂S, and Ni@GP_PEDOT systems. These disparities vividly underscored the diverse strengths of the adsorbed H₂S on the surfaces, significantly accentuating the robustness of S_Ni@GP_PEDOT@H₂S as a premier adsorbent, fuelled by the notably strong sulfur-surface interactions. Fascinatingly, the sensor descriptor findings unveiled multifaceted facets pivotal for H₂S detection. Ultimately, molecular dynamic simulations corroborated the cumulative findings, collectively underscoring the pivotal significance of this study in propelling the domain of H₂S gas detection and sensor device innovation.

The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance necessitates novel therapeutic agents. This study investigated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of dehydroabietic acid (DHA) and its azo-functionalized derivatives against clinically relevant microorganisms. DHA exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC as low as 0.49 µg/mL) and significant antibiofilm effects (MBIC down to 7.81 µg/mL). Conversely, azo-functionalized derivatives showed markedly reduced efficacy across all tested parameters. Comparative analysis revealed that structural modifications compromised both antimicrobial and antibiofilm potency. Light-induced isomerization under UV and blue light did not influence significantly the activity of the tested derivatives. These findings underscore the importance of the native DHA scaffold for biological activity and highlight its potential as a lead compound for developing novel antimicrobial agents. The specific azo-functionalization approach employed herein was detrimental to efficacy, emphasizing the need for alternative strategies in designing improved derivatives based on natural bioactive compound scaffolds