Journal of Phytochemical Insights is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by BioLuster Research Center Ltd. The journal focuses on advancing research in natural products derived from plants, including phytochemicals, plant extracts, and their applications in drug discovery and traditional medicine. It provides a platform for studies on herbal medicine, scientific validation of local medicinal practices, and computational approaches to phytochemistry and drug design. With a commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the journal aims to bridge traditional knowledge and modern science, promoting innovation in phytochemical research and sustainable health solutions. ISSN (Online): 3080-0005 | ISSN-L: 3080-0005 Journal DOI: https://doi.org/10.71193/jpci Indexed by: Google Scholar, Crossref, Scilit, WorldCat, Semantic Scholar, ResearchRib, ScienceOpen, ROAD, Zenodo, OpenAIRE
Assessment of Phytochemical Screening, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Thrombolytic Potential of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Clerodendrum indicum
Clerodendrum indicum is a traditional medicinal plant known for its therapeutic properties. Its leaves contain various bioactive compounds that may exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and thrombolytic activities. This study aimed to identify major phytochemicals in C. indicum leaves and evaluate their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and thrombolytic effects. Ethanolic leaf extract was screened for phytochemicals using standard tests. Antimicrobial activity was assessed via the disc diffusion method against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay. Thrombolytic activity was tested by measuring clot lysis in vitro and comparing it with streptokinase. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, steroids, and gums. The extract showed moderate antibacterial activity, particularly against Salmonella enterica (27 mm at 500 µg/disc) and Streptobacillus moniliformis (24 mm at 500 µg/disc). Antioxidant analysis revealed a dose-dependent scavenging effect with an IC50 of 82 µg/mL. Thrombolytic activity showed 43.87% clot lysis at 20 mg/mL concentration, compared to 69.37% with streptokinase. C. indicum leaves possess promising bioactive properties, supporting their traditional use. The extract demonstrated moderate antimicrobial and thrombolytic effects and notable antioxidant potential. Further studies are needed to isolate specific compounds and understand their mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dipongkar Ray Sobuj, Tamanna Rashid, Asit Baron Sarker, Monotosh Kumar Sarkar, Rafiqul Islam, Rumel Dey, Chandana Rani Mridha, Md Reaz Uddin, Keerthi Gazula, Iffat Ara Zabeen, Salehin Sheikh (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessments of membrane stabilizing and clot lysis capacity of Canna indica flower aqueous extract: In vitro study
This study aims to investigate the membrane-stabilizing and clot-lysis activities of an aqueous extract derived from the flowers of Canna indica (CIFA) on human blood in vitro. In this experiment, erythrocyte lysis was induced by a hypotonic solution, and clot formation was created by incubating the blood sample at 37 °C for 45 minutes. We conducted experiments using varying amounts of acetyl salicylic acid 6.25–100 µL and a fixed amount of streptokinase 100 µL as the positive control groups. The group designated as the negative control treated the vehicle. CIFA was treated at doses ranging from 6.25 to 100 µL. CIFA demonstrated dose-dependent membrane stabilizing and clot lysis abilities. The CIFA exhibited a wide range of membrane stabilizing capabilities, with a percentage of 71.03 ± 0.02 at a concentration of 100 µL. The EC50 of the test extract was calculated to be 47.43 ± 1.02 µL. In contrast, CIFA demonstrated clot lysis capabilities of 60.38 ± 2.37% at the same concentration, with the EC50 of the test extract calculated at 91.42 ± 1.86 µL. CIFA demonstrated significant membrane stabilizing and clot lysis activity in human blood, suggesting that they could be promising candidates for the treatment of atherothrombosis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Raihan Chowdhury, Md. Sakib Al Hasan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anticancer Potential of Diazepam: Pharmacological Relevance and Clinical Evidence
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies often face challenges like severe side effects, drug resistance, and high costs. Repurposing existing medications is a promising strategy to improve treatment outcomes. Diazepam (DZP), a benzodiazepine commonly used for anxiety, has recently shown potential anticancer effects. This study explores the anticancer activity of DZP, focusing on its mechanisms of action, pharmacological relevance, immunotherapy, pharmacokinetics profile, toxicological profile, and clinical evidence through literature review from articles and journals in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science. DZP exerts antitumor effects by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, and modulating oxidative stress and cell cycle dynamics against various cancers: blood cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, lung cancer, and skin cancer. DZP also demonstrates synergistic potential with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, enhancing their effectiveness while reducing patient anxiety and stress. Its pharmacokinetic profile, characterized by rapid absorption, extensive tissue distribution, and a prolonged half-life, supports its utility as a sustained anticancer agent. A significant gap in our investigation is the lack of clinical data on DZP; additional clinical evidence is required to validate its anticancer potential and establish it as an anticancer drug in the near future. Its sedative and CNS depressant effects necessitate cautious use, particularly in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. This review highlights the potential of DZP as a cost-effective, repurposed therapeutic option for cancer treatment. Additionally, it demonstrates how DZP may be a viable anticancer medication with a potential mechanism, maybe providing a better safety profile and less serious side effects than traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Mizan, Noshin Tasnim Yana, Ali Mohamod Wasaf Hasan, Mohammed Burhan Uddin, Md Abu Sayeed, Akayed Hasan, Shafayatun Nahar Tinu, Imam Hossen Rakib, Md. Sakib Al Hasan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anticancer Activity of Scutellarein Against Several Cancer Types with Possible Mechanisms: A Mini Review
Scutellarein (STN), a bioactive flavone found in various medicinal plants such as Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria lateriflora. It has a variety of pharmacological actions, including anticancer properties. This study explores STN’s anticancer activity against various cancer cell lines. A literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, focusing on research evaluating STN’s anticancer efficacy. The results showed that STN has significant anticancer properties against various types of cancer, such as blood, colon, colorectal, gastric, liver, lung, ovarian, and renal cancers. STN reduces cell growth by cell cycle arrest, triggers apoptosis through caspase activation, and inhibits metastasis by suppressing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. It modulates important pathways such as ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/NF-κB. Together, these systems prevent the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. The compound has exhibited prominent cytotoxicity in diverse cancer cell lines.
Copyright (c) 2025 Imam Hossen Rakib, Rakib Hossan, Md. Sakib Al Hasan, Noshin Tasnim Yana, Fowjia Ahmed Safa, Umme Habiba Sumaya (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Recent Advances in Plant‑Derived Anti‑Cancer Compounds: Promising Leads
Copyright (c) 2025 Md Shimul Bhuia (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical Profiling and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Thrombolytic Activities of Ethanolic Extract of Tarenna campaniflora Leaves
Discovery of the genus Tarenna campaniflora and its traditional uses was obtained by living in forest or semi-forest areas and by close observations of the indigenous populations. This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial efficacy, and thrombolytic activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Tarenna campaniflora. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various bioactive metabolites. DPPH assay demonstrated notable antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.877 µg/mL), comparable to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.839 µg/mL). Disc diffusion assay showed antimicrobial activity, with the highest inhibition against Escherichia coli (18 mm). The extract also exhibited clot lysis (22.42%), compared to streptokinase (31.17%). The findings support the therapeutic potential of T. campaniflora, warranting further pharmacological investigations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Mizan, Md. Shawon Miah, Umme Habiba Sumaya, Noshin Tasnim Yana, Mst Muslima Khatun, Proma Mandal, Ali Mohamod Wasaf Hasan, Mohammed Burhan Uddin, Md Abu Sayeed, Khadija Akter, Mohammad Aslam, Emon Mia, Md. Sakib Al Hasan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sub-acute Cinnamaldehyde rectal administration induces non-toxic effects in neurological and physiological responses in C57BL/6 mice
Trans-Cinnamaldehyde, the main component of cinnamon essential oil, is widely used in food and traditional herbal medicine. The objective of this study was to investigate the subacute toxic effects of trans-Cinnamaldehyde (Cinn; 2000 mg/kg/day) administered intrarectally for 15 consecutive days in male C57BL/6 mice, a route of administration not previously evaluated in this model. Mice were monitored for survival, preclinical signs, and behavior. Neurotoxic potential was assessed using a functional observational battery (FOB), ambulatory activity, and spontaneous locomotion. Physiological parameters included sperm motility, liver function, relative liver weight, and macroscopic and microscopic liver morphology. Food and water intake were recorded and considered in the analysis. Subacute intrarectal administration of Cinn did not produce neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, or reproductive adverse effects. The treatment was well tolerated and associated with reduced body weight gain without changes in food or water intake. In conclusion, these results support the safety of Cinn and suggest potential applications in metabolic research, particularly in the context of obesity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Emanuel Bottino, Yesica Paola Zaio, Natalia A. Saavedra Larralde , Victoria B. Occhieppo , M. Paula Zunino, Andres A. Ponce (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of the Anticancer Activity of Aegle marmelos Leaf Extracts Against Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) Cell Line in Swiss Albino Mice
Cancer remains a significant health threat globally, and as a result, the demand for safer and more effective alternatives keeps growing. In this current study, we have assayed the anticancer activity of Aegle marmelos extract on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells on Swiss Albino mice. Three extracts were prepared: a methanolic (APME), chloroform (APCE), and n-hexane (APHE) extract. These extracts were administered intraperitoneally in doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg per dose on 6 consecutive days to mice. The anticancer activity was assessed from viable tumor cell count, with percentage (%) inhibition of cell growth, and changes in body weight of the mice that had been treated with extracts. Of all the extracts, APHE exhibited the most tumor growth inhibition (62.2% at 100 mg/kg), followed by APME (59.25%) and APCE (54.86%), compared to the standard chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (81.6% inhibition at 0.8 mg/kg/day). Mice treated with the extracts experienced less weight loss than the control group, with an approximate effect of 0.50 ± 0.06 g/day. A Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay demonstrated a cytotoxic dose-dependent impact, with LC50 values of 18.38, 36.79, and 46.45 micrograms per milliliter for n-hexane, methanolic, and chloroform extracts, respectively. The tumor suppression and cytotoxicity effects of Aegle marmelos extracts are probably attributable to the bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils that have known apoptotic and antiproliferative activities. The extracts were not as effective as doxorubicin; however, the extracts’ natural composition and ability to reduce weight loss due to cancer indicate potential to be used in combination with or as an alternative to cancer-treating medications. Further research includes that mechanistic studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm their therapeutic potential.
Plant Leaf Extracts Ehrlich’s Ascites Carcinoma (EAC)
Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Arafat Hossain, Md. Takdir Hossain (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phytochemical Screening, FT-IR and GC-MS Analysis of Extracts from Aloe Aculeata Pole-Evans Leaves used for Managing Poultry Health in Drylands of Zimbabwe
Due to limited veterinary facilities, farmers in remote areas of Zimbabwe rely heavily on herbal ethnoveterinary medicines as a feasible alternative to conventional veterinary operations. Medicinal plants may be the best prospects for developing drugs to treat animal health problems. The medicinal properties of medicinal plants are attributable to the existence of diverse bioactive compounds with varying compositions that arise as secondary metabolites. According to research conducted in the drylands of Zimbabwe's Masvingo province, Aloe aculeata was the most commonly utilized Aloe species for managing poultry health. However, the scientific basis for the curative properties of Aloe aculeata had not yet been established. As a result, this study was done to address the aforementioned knowledge gap with the objective of performing a preliminary investigation of potential phytochemicals and to identify and characterize potential phytochemicals using FT-IR analysis and the GC-MS technique. Tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and phlobatannins tests gave positive results across extracts from shade-dried and fresh leaves from all three solvents (hexane, distilled water, ethanol). Flavonoids had the highest concentration in the leaf samples (5.6%), followed by alkaloids (3.2%) and saponins (3.15%). FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of phenols, amines, aromatics, alkynes, alkenes, and quinones due to the functional groups that were detected. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 32 compounds, and 17 have reported pharmacological activity. The high number of phytochemicals and compounds with pharmaceutical value justifies the use of Aloe aculeata in managing poultry diseases. The findings of the present study offer the ethnomedical use of this plant for the development of herbal drugs for the management of poultry health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Vimbai Gobvu, Dr Xavier Poshiwa, Zakio Makuvara, Professor Mudadi A. Benhura (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anti-diarrheal and thrombolytic activity of the leaf extract of Phyla nodiflora
Phyla nodiflora (PNF), a medicinal plant, may offer a safer, more accessible alternative to synthetic drugs with fewer side effects. This study aimed to investigate the anti-diarrheal and thrombolytic properties of PNF leaf extract using in vivo and in vitro models, respectively. The anti-diarrheal activity of PNF was evaluated in Swiss albino mice using a castor oil-induced diarrhea model. Mice were administered PNF orally at 300 and 600 mg/kg, with loperamide (LOP) (3 mg/kg) as the positive control and distilled water (DW) as the negative control (NC). For thrombolytic activity, an in vitro clot lysis assay was conducted using human blood samples. Our result demonstrated that PNF possesses significant anti-diarrheal effects in a dose-dependent manner, reducing defecation by 27.27% and 63.64% at 300 and 600 mg/kg, respectively (p < 0.05), compared to 72.73% inhibition by LOP. Additionally, PNF exhibited notable clot lysis activity (44.59%), surpassing the NC (8.06%) but lower than streptokinase (STK) (74.25%) (p < 0.005). However, PNF leaf extract shows promising anti-diarrheal and thrombolytic activities, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. Further research is needed to clarify its mechanisms and confirm clinical effectiveness.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nishat Bahadur, Asit Baron Sarker, Dipongkar Ray Sobuj, Feroz Khan Nun, Khadija Akter Khadija Akter, Md. Arif Hossain, Proma Mandal, Farhana Israt Jahan, Tamanna Rashid, Mohammad Aslam, Md. Sakib Al Hasan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anticancer Potential of Oleandrin: Preclinical Mechanisms, Botanical Origins, and Pharmacokinetic Insights
Oleandrin (OLD) is a lipid-soluble cardiac glycoside derived mainly from the leaves of Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae), traditionally used in herbal medicine. Among the various parts of the plant, the leaves contain the highest concentration of OLD. Red-flowered varieties contain higher levels of cardiac glycosides. Although Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander) belongs to the same family, it does not produce OLD. Recent studies show that OLD has significant anticancer potential against various cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, colon, pancreatic, endometrial cancers, melanoma, and osteosarcoma. It works by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) via caspase activation, arresting the cell cycle, reducing oxidative stress, and lowering mitochondrial membrane potential. These actions are regulated by key signaling pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/nuclear factor-kappa B (PI3K/Akt/NF-κB), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Pharmacokinetic studies reveal that OLD is rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa and gastrointestinal tract, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and has a half-life of about 2.3 hours. It is mainly metabolized in the liver and intestine, and excreted mostly through feces (66%) and partly through urine (8%). Due to its strong anticancer mechanisms, OLD shows promise as a novel anticancer agent. However, further in vivo studies and clinical trials are necessary to confirm its therapeutic efficacy and safety in humans. Future research should also focus on optimizing its pharmacokinetic properties and minimizing toxicity to enable its transition from experimental models to clinical application.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maisa Rahman, Md. Shadin, Jakia Sultana, Md Sabbir Hosain, Most. Israt Jahan Oni (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Toxicological Profiling of Natural Bioactive Compounds Using PubChem Database and Relevant Literature
Natural bioactive compounds have gained increasing attention for their pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential. However, understanding their toxicological profiles is crucial for assessing their safety and potential applications. This study aimed to assess the toxicological profiles of selected natural compounds using LD50 values and literature-based evaluations. Toxicity data were collected from the PubChem database and scientific literature, covering various administration routes and model organisms. The toxicological assessment revealed varying LD50 values among bioactive compounds, with toxicity influenced by structure, organism, and administration route. Compounds like ellagic acid, swertiamarin, and verbascoside exhibited high safety margins, whereas angelicin, xanthotoxol, and senegenin showed lower LD50 values, indicating greater toxicity. Route of administration significantly influenced toxicity; for example, bakuchiol and osthol were more toxic via intraperitoneal or intravenous injection than oral administration. Literature findings further supported these trends, highlighting species and dose-dependent effects. Some compounds also showed model-specific toxicity despite therapeutic potential. Toxicity varied significantly depending on the route of administration; for example, bakuchiol and osthol exhibited higher toxicity when administered intraperitoneally or intravenously compared to oral administration, indicating the importance of the administration route in toxicity profiling.
Copyright (c) 2025 Md. Sakib Al Hasan, Khadija Akter, Mohammad Aslam, Proma Mandal, Imam Hossen Rakib, Nasimul Haque Shipon (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Apigenin: A Natural Flavonoid with Therapeutic Potential in Cancer Mechanisms, Physiochemical and Biopharmaceutical Properties, and Future Perspectives
Apigenin (APG), a flavonoid found in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs, has gained attention for its anticancer properties. This review summarizes the various botanical origins, physiochemical & biopharmaceutical properties of APG and its anticancer activity across different cancer types by investigating its effects on various cancer cell lines, underlying mechanisms, and effective doses. Studies indicate that APG exerts its anticancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and promoting autophagy. Additionally, APG has been shown to trigger necroptosis in cancer cells, contributing to its anticancer potential. The data highlights the ability of APG to suppress cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion, with varying effective doses depending on the cancer type. This review exhibits the potential of APG as a promising anticancer agent, revealing its therapeutic applications. However, further research, particularly clinical trials, is needed to optimize dosing and assess its full therapeutic potential in cancer treatment
Copyright (c) 2025 Jakia Sultana, Most. Israt Jahan Oni , Md. Shadin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anticancer activity of Magnifera indica through the caspase activation: A short review
Cancer is one of the major global health concerns. Although several treatment processes are available for cancer, they have many side effects. Several natural plants, like Mangifera indica, have gained attention for cancer treatment due to their fewer side effects. This paper aims to review the anticancer effects of M. indica by analyzing its role in activating caspase. A literature review was carried out using databases like PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar directly, with a focus on in vitro and in vivo investigations to demonstrate caspase activation in cancer treatment. Our findings revealed that M. indica extracts significantly enhance caspase-3, -8, and -9 activity, which induces apoptosis in breast, cervical, and colon cancer cells. This plant extract fights against cancer by stopping the spread of cancer cells and their growth. M. indica exhibited significant anti-cancer activity via caspase activation, proving its potential as a natural anti-cancer therapy.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sumaya Akter Bithi, Afiya Ajmee, Md Faisal Amin, Moushumi Afroza Mou, Rituparna Biswas Suma, Rakib Hossan, Md. Arif Hossain, Abida Sultana (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Hypoglycemic, Antidiarrheal, and Anxiolytic Effects of Curculigo orchioides Leaf Extracts
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn., commonly known as Talamuli in Bangladesh and widely distributed across Asia, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac and for treating asthma and jaundice. Our study aimed to perform a comparative phytochemical analysis and evaluation of some biological effects using in vitro and in vivo approaches of its leaf’s ethanol (ECO), n-hexane (HCO), and chloroform (CCO) fractions. After extraction and fractionation, a phytochemical analysis was followed by different tests for anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, and anxiolytic effects. Phytochemical screening revealed high concentrations of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and reducing sugars. Acute toxicity tests confirmed ECO’s safety up to 3000 mg/kg in Swiss mice. Antibacterial assays indicated ECO and CCO exhibited moderate inhibition against tested bacteria, while HCO showed no activity. HCO demonstrated superior antioxidant, α-amylase inhibitory, and anti-diarrheal effects, whereas CCO effectively suppressed protein denaturation, stabilized membranes, and exhibited significant hypoglycemic and anxiolytic effects. Taken together, C. orchioides might be a good source of phytotherapeutic agents.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tuz Mia Nur Akhi, Tawhida Islam, Irin Sultana, Abdullah Al Faruq, M Mohi Uddin Chowdhury, Md. Abid Hasan, Imam Hossen Rakib, Ali Mohamod Wasaf hasan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Research Perspectives on Plant Materials and Their Derivatives Align with the Journal of Phytochemical Insights
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Torequl Islam (Author)