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QUALITY
Metabolomics and Microbiomics Reveal the Cultivation-Dependent Divergence in Ginsenoside Biosynthesis and Rhizosphere Ecology of Panax ginseng
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41745619/
Summary: A study assessed the effect of simulated habitats compared to arched greenhouse cultivation of Panax ginseng ginsenosides and root microbiome composition. Significantly greater ginsenoside content, particularly ginsenoside Re, was found in simulative habitat cultivation compared to arched greenhouse cultivation, especially in long-term cultivation. Regarding microbiomes, simulated habitats were shown to increase certain taxa while greenhouse cultivation was shown to result in more complex microbial structures with increased negative interactions.
Citation: Liu S, Wu D, Ma W, et al. Metabolites. 2026 Feb 18;16(2):138. doi: 10.3390/metabo16020138.
Effects of Biochar on Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Ganoderma Lingzhi (Lingzhi) During Cultivation
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41693430/
Summary: Ganoderma lingzhi mycelium was used to determine how biomass charcoal in the substrate affects cultivation, growth, and physiology (e.g. mycelial growth rate, water retention, extracellular enzyme activity, and soluble sugar and protein content). Among the results, the addition of biochar dose-dependently significantly increased mycelial growth rate and enzyme activity, with improved capacity to decompose and utilize substarte nutrients.
Citation: Ning Z, Jiang Y, Duan X, et al. J Basic Microbiol. 2026 Feb;66(2):e70152. doi: 10.1002/jobm.70152.
HPTLC, GC-MS Profiling, and Biological Activity Comparison of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume (Stem Bark) Essential Oil between Indian and African Varieties
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41051494/
Summary: A comparative study analyzed the differences in phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of essential oils between Cinnamomum zeylanicum Indian (Shillong, Kolkata) and African (Tanzania) stem bark varieties with regional differences found. For example, eugenol was only found in the Tanzanian variety along with greater cinnamaldehyde dimethyl acetal content. In addition, DPPH and FRAP assays showed the Tanzanian variety to exhibit greater antioxidant activity.
Citation: Das M, Debnath S, Sar S, et al. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2026 Feb;399(3):3683-3697. doi: 10.1007/s00210-025-04664-0. Epub 2025 Oct 6.
Compendial Perspectives on Botanical Identity Testing
Quick Link: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5c01200
Summary: In a comprehensive overview of botanical identity and herbal quality control approaches, Sarma et al. (2026) highlighted current U.S. Good Manufacturing Practices requirements for dietary supplements. Included in the overview are perspectives on the importance of assessing identity for regulatory compliance, validating and reproducing research, and detecting adulteration. Along with a brief review of analytical methods used for identification, the authors included a fitness for purpose assessment for applying various methodologies, as well as guidelines for validation and identification tests used in USP botanical monographs along with the importance of reference standards.
Citation: Sarma ND, Mongas M, Giancaspro G, et al. J Nat Prod. 2026 Feb 27;89(2):339-351. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5c01200. Epub 2026 Jan 20.
RESEARCH
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract Improves General Health in Elderly Men and Women: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Efficacy and Safety Study
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41725116/
Summary: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with healthy elderly adults aged 60 to 85 years (N=50) investigated the effects of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extract (300 mg orally twice daily) on general health. A significant improvement was observed in scores on the Older People's Quality of Life (OPQOL) questionnaire after both weeks 4 and 8, with significant improvements also seen in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Senior Fitness Test (SFT) subscales at week 8. No adverse events were reported in the ashwagandha group with one (nausea and headache) in the placebo group.
Citation: Hommutagi R, Ingale A, Naikawdi A. Phytother Res. 2026 Feb 22. doi: 10.1002/ptr.70125. Online ahead of print.
Effects of Multi-Herb and Ashwagandha Root Formulas on Stress Modulation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41656269/
Summary: Ashwagandha root powdered hydroethanolic extract (350 mg twice daily), alone or combined in a formula with Rhodiola rosea root, Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) leaf, Avena sativa (milky oat) seed, and Schisandra chinensis berry, significantly reduced Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores. Sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, mood dysregulation, and anxiety, were also improved after 60 days compared to placebo in the randomized double-blind study in high-stress subjects (N=180). No serious adverse effects were reported.
Citation: McKinney E, Stewart J, Kewalramani R, Singh S. Trials. 2026 Feb 9. doi: 10.1186/s13063-026-09495-9. Online ahead of print.
Phase 1 Trial of Withania somnifera Leaf Extract (RH324) in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Including [18F]FDG PET/CT as a Short-Term Metabolic Biomarker to Assess Efficacy: A Novel Model for Assessment of Complimentary Therapies in Early Phase Human Clinical Trials
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41685666/
Summary: A phase 1 open label study investigated the potential benefits of RH324 (ReHeva Biosciences, Columbus, OH), a pharmaceutical-grade formulation derived from ashwagandha which has received FDA allowance for clinical development as a botanical drug in the treatment of cancer. In the study with nine advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients, five of whom completed study, oral RH324 monotherapy was administered for 28 days to assess safety and potential anti-neoplastic effects. At the end of the study, RH324 was shown to safely meet response rate goals as measured by changes in tumor metabolism using [18F]-labeled 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)-PET/CT scans.
Citation: Heo JU, Rao S, Newton HB, et al. Integr Cancer Ther. 2026 Jan-Dec:25:15347354251410182. doi: 10.1177/15347354251410182. Epub 2026 Feb 13.
Evaluation of Andrographis paniculata in a Mouse Model of Influenza A Viral Infection Using Oral Administration and a Translationally Relevant Dose
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41727542/
Summary: Oral administration for 8 days of an Andrographis paniculata aerial parts (250 mg/kg) extract standardized to ≥10% andrographolides significantly reduced lung viral load 3 days post influenza A infection in mice. The effects were associated with inhibiting NF-κB and iNOS while activating Nrf2.
Citation: Shamim K, Burnett GC, Zhang J, et al. Front Pharmacol. 2026 Feb 5:17:1749384. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1749384. eCollection 2026.
Astragalus membranaceus Improves Blood Glucose and Renal Function in Diabetic Kidney Disease Mice via Gut Microbial Metabolite Axis
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41435895/
Summary: Astragalus membranaceus extract was shown to significantly attenuate hyperglycemia and improve renal function in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic kidney disease mouse model. Among the results were lowered serum creatinine and blood urea, as well as suppression of pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Aerococcus urinaeequi) and increased probiotics (e.g. Thomasclavelia cocleata) in the gut. Effects were also associated with glycerophospholipid metabolism and bile acid synthesis.
Citation: Zhang P-P, Cui M-Y, Yang S-y, et al. Fitoterapia. 2026 Mar:189:107048. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2025.107048. Epub 2025 Dec 21.
Coptidis Rhizome Alleviates Dexamethasone- and Fructose-Induced Metabolic Disorder in Rats as an Inducer of HO-1 Agonist via Erythrocyte Metabolism
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41076148/
Summary: In a dexamethasone- and fructose-induced metabolic disorder rat model, berberine-rich Coptidis Rhizome significantly improved fasting glycemia; lipid metabolism by decreasing elevated TG, TC and LDL-C levels; insulin sensitivity; and antioxidant activity. In addition, histopathological deterioration was ameliorated in pancreatic and hepatic tissues, while elevated serum ALT and AST levels were reduced.
Citation: Xie X, Fu H, Ai Z, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2026 Jan 30;355(Pt B):120713. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.120713. Epub 2025 Oct 9.
Bupleurum chinense Ameliorates Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease by Modulating Sirtuin 6
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41666508/
Summary: Administration for 4 weeks of a Bupleurum chinense decoction (1.3, 0.65, 0.325 g/kg/d) attenuated metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in high-fat diet mice. Among the results were significantly lowered lipid accumulation and hepatic oxidative stress, along with dose-dependently reduced TG, ALT, and AST. Further in vitro investigations showed the effects to be associated with the constituent saikosaponin C and its activation of sirtuin 6 expression, which is involved with fatty acid metabolism.
Citation: Liu S, Chen P, Li Y, et al. Phytomedicine. 2026 Feb 2:153:157905. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2026.157905. Online ahead of print.
SAFETY
Comparative Subchronic Oral Toxicity of Gardeniae Fructus and Shuizhizi Water Extracts in Sprague-Dawley Rats Over 90 Days
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40898726/
Summary: A study to compare the subacute oral toxicity of Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi) aqueous extract and its counterfeit, Shuizhizi, rats were orally administered Zhizi and Shuizhizi (1.8 and 5.4 g/kg/day) for 28 and 90 days. While both substances induced dose-dependent adverse effects, including in hematological measures, liver/kidney function, altered organ coefficients, and histopathological damage, more significant effects were seen with Shuizhizi. After a 28-day recovery period, even greater and further toxicity disparities were seen with Shuizhihi, such as delayed recovery and significantly reduced body weight.
Citation: Lu C, Ye X, Gao S, et al. J Appl Toxicol. 2026 Feb;46(2):601-621. doi: 10.1002/jat.4916. Epub 2025 Sep 2.
Triptolide-Containing Tripterygium wilfordii Tablet Induces Male Reproductive Toxicity via Targeting the TGF-β1/Smad2/SF-1 Signaling Pathway
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41664493/
Summary: Intragastric administration for 21 or 42 days of Tripterygium wilfordii containing triptolide to male collagen-induced arthritis rats resulted in dose- and time-dependent reproductive changes, including reduced sperm count, increased sperm malformation, testicular/epididymal histopathological damage, and decreased serum testosterone. The reproductive toxic effects were associated with activation of TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling and inhibiting SF-1.
Citation: Guo L, Fan Y, Su X, et al. Drug Chem Toxicol. 2026 Feb 9:1-13. doi: 10.1080/01480545.2026.2626760. Online ahead of print.
Effects of Matcha Green Tea on the Pharmacokinetics of Nadolol in Rats
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41686841/
Summary: In a study on the pharmacokinetics of match green tea on P-glycoprotein substrates, male rats were orally administered either a single dose of the substrate nadolol (10 mg/kg), a single dose of matcha (250 mg/kg) followed by nadolol (10 mg/kg) after 30 min, itraconazole (50 mg/kg) followed by nadolol (10 mg/kg) after 30 min, or matcha (250 mg/kg daily for 21 days) before receiving nadolol (10 mg/kg) on day 21. Results showed single and multiple oral doses of matcha green tea to have no significant effects on most pharmacokinetic parameters of nadolol, except for an increased half-life in the multiple-dose group.
Citation: Mashaqbeh ET, El-Elimat T, Alshogran OY, et al. PLoS One. 2026 Feb 13;21(2):e0342857. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0342857. eCollection 2026.
Herbal Medicines and Drugs Interactions: Cytochrome P450 Responsibility
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41764614/
Summary: A comprehensive assessment of the potential effects of herbal medicines on CYP450 enzyme activity evaluated in silico, preclinical, and clinical data, along with meta-analyses. The review noted mechanisms of action and distinguishing factors in enzyme induction and inhibition, which may lead to increased drug concentrations and toxicity. Among the plant species included in the review were St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), echinacea (Echinacea purpurea), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), ginseng (Panax ginseng), and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Overall, the authors concluded that some botanicals or their constituents may induce or inhibit major CYP enzymes, specifically CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4.
Citation: Shanaida M, Oleshchuk O. Sheychuk O, et al. Curr Med Chem. 2026 Feb 26. doi: 10.2174/0109298673428595251209114801. Online ahead of print.
Role of Herbal Extracts in Modulating Drug Metabolism: Implications for Pharmacokinetics, Enzyme Regulation, and Therapeutic Outcome
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41392934/
Summary: A review of possible herb-drug interactions based upon effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes, particularly on cytochrome CYP450s and phase II conjugation pathways, focused on key enzymes such as CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs). While the authors reported that St. John's Wort, Ginkgo biloba, and turmeric can inhibit or induce enzyme activity, leading to altered drug metabolism, it was noted that results vary widely due to differences in extract composition, dosage, study design, and genetic factors among populations. Furthermore, as there is less clinical evidence compared to preclinical data, results must be carefully interpreted.
Citation: Khan A, Al-Hamoud GA, Amina M, et al. Drug Metab Rev. 2026 Feb;58(1):49-68. doi: 10.1080/03602532.2025.2603936. Epub 2025 Dec 27.
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