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QUALITY
Avoiding False Identification of 7-Hydroxymitragynine in Kratom Products Using a Multicriteria LC-MS Confirmation
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41989479/
Summary: An ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) method characterized and differentiated kratom alkaloids (MG, 7-OH, MGP) and related isomers in authentic leaf materials and 38 commercial kratom products representing multiple formulations. Among the results, substantial variability was found in alkaloid composition across commercial products, including the presence of 7-OH and MGP in several tablet and capsule formulations. In addition, untargeted metabolomic profiling distinguished kratom plant extracts, including authentic leaf materials, from processed products enriched in specific alkaloids.
Citation: Sheehan D, Li Y, Meckler E, Upton R, Zhang M. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom. 2026 Apr 16. doi: 10.1021/jasms.6c00088. Online ahead of print.
Pharmacopoeial Standardisation and Bioactive Metabolite-Based Identification of Elite Sources of Tribulus terrestris L. from Rajasthan and Adjoining Regions, India
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41941561/
Summary: An analysis of Tribulus terrestris identified and quantified pharmacologically active steroidal saponins via high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) methods. Fourteen wild populations from Rajasthan, India and nearby regions were evaluated for phytochemical variation, including for tribulosin and diosgenin, antioxidant activity, and source identification. Cluster analysis identified elite sources, supporting studied metabolites as potential chemotaxonomic markers for authenticating quality raw materials. Furthermore, significant differences were found in phytochemicals that were strongly associated with variations in antioxidant activity.
Citation: Limboo A, Pradhan D, Singh AL, Srivastava S. Nat Prod Res. 2026 Apr 6:1-12. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2026.2653209. Online ahead of print.
Detection of CITES-Listed Hoodia Species and Extracts Thereof in Herbal Supplements Using LC-HRMS/MS: Validation Study and qPCR Method Comparison
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41926684/
Summary: Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry with high-resolution acute mass detection (LC-HRMS/MS) was used to detect Hoodia species or their extracts in herbal supplements by targeting the oxypregnane steroidal glycoside P57AS3. The results were compared to a quantitative PCR (qPCR) method that reported on contents of 20 commercial herbal supplements, often originating from internet pharmacies, that either claimed or were reported to contain Hoodia sp. material or extracts. Overall, the authors concluded that the integration of both methodologies provides a more comprehensive, accurate, and reliable approach for identification
Citation: Vanhee C, Gobbo A, Guinot P, et al. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2026 May;43(5):683-694. doi: 10.1080/19440049.2026.2645431. Epub 2026 Apr 2.
Characterization of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Various Quantitative Characters for Future Breeding Programs
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42056144/
Summary: An investigation of 24 diverse genotypes of turmeric (Curcuma longa) over two growing seasons to quantify trait variability and determinants of yield, and to find approaches for future improvement, found substantial variability, including in plant height and rhizome weight. Most importantly, primary rhizome weight per clump was determined to be the most effective selection index for improving rhizome yield.
Citation: Das S, Dey P, Bandyopadhyay A. Sci Rep. 2026 Apr 29. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-43720-4. Online ahead of print.
RESEARCH
Asparagus racemosus Root Extract (SheVari4®) Alleviates Menopausal Symptoms in Pre-, Peri-, and Post-Menopausal Healthy Women
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41982372/
Summary: In an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-control trial (N=60), Asparagus racemosus (shatavari) root extract (SheVari4®; 100 mg/day) significantly reduced menopausal symptom severity at week 4 and week 8 in healthy pre-, peri-, and post-menopausal women. Among the improvements seen were in hot flash occurrence and sleep quality. Adverse effects were mild, most commonly gastrointestinal discomfort.
Citation: Swaroop A, Swaroop A. Cureus. 2026 Apr 13;18(4):e106987. doi: 10.7759/cureus.106987. eCollection 2026 Apr.
A Full-Spectrum Aqueous Extract of Black Cardamom (Amomum subulatum) Improves Focus/Alertness and Executive Function: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo- and Active-Controlled, Comparative Study in Healthy Working-Class Participants
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42027681/
Summary: Black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) fruit aqueous extract (MA2-24) was assessed for nootropic effects in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 96 healthy adults. Subjects received either placebo, MA2-24 (250 mg), caffeine (200 mg), or a combination of MA2-24 and caffeine with cognitive performance assessed after 1, 3, 5, and 8 hours. The extract was shown to result in a significantly improvement in a number response domains, including attention, working memory, and processing speed, particularly at 3 hours, with effects similar to caffeine. However, co-supplementation with caffeine was more effective than either alone, particularly after 5-8 hours.
Citation: Thomas JV, Mohan ME, Das, SS, et al. Front Neurosci. 2026 Apr 8:20:1786880. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2026.1786880.
Bacopa monnieri Confers Neuroprotection against Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO)-Induced Neurobehavioral and Biochemical Dysregulation in the Frontal Cortex and Hippocampus of Male Wistar Rats
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41990928/
Summary: Bacopa monnieri (brahmi) orally pre-administered at 40 mg/kg for 15 days to rats prior to temporary focal brain ischemia was shown to provide neuroprotection. Among the improvements observed were in motor coordination, grip strength, and spatial memory performance, as well as reduced brain tissue damage. In addition, oxidative stress markers (TBARS) and glutathione depletion were decreased while antioxidant enzyme activities in both hippocampal and frontal cortical areas of the brain were restored.
Citation: Khuwaja G, Makeen HA, Ashafaq M, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2026 Jul 15:366:121690. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2026.121690. Epub 2026 Apr 15.
Protective Effects of Crataegus monogyna against Cisplatin-Induced Liver and Kidney Toxicity in Rats
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42025193/
Summary: Crataegus monogyna orally pre-administered (200 mg/kg) for seven days, starting two days before a single cisplatin injection, ameliorated liver and kidney toxicity, including in liver enzymes (AST, ALT), kidney function markers (urea, creatinine), and liver and kidney tissue architecture, in rats. As well, fewer apoptotic and inflammatory cells were observed.
Citation: Akgol J, Sarman E, Cinar R. Drug Chem Toxicol. 2026 May;49(3):513-525. doi: 10.1080/01480545.2025.2600469. Epub 2025 Dec 25.
Coptidis Rhizoma Extract Mitigates Sleep Deprivation-Induced Cognitive Impairment and Neurodegeneration: Insights into Hormonal, Glymphatic, and Molecular Mechanisms
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42006489/
Summary: Oral administration of Coptidis Rhizoma extract (0.5-1.5 g/kg/day) for 15 days reversed sleep deprivation adverse effects, including significantly impaired cognitive function as well as oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal cell death, in mice. Benefits were associated with restoration of growth hormone, hemoglobin synthesis, and glymphatic function, along with reduced inflammation and neurodegeneration and the normalizing genes and proteins involved in neurotransmission, oxygen transport, DNA repair, cellular metabolism, structural integrity, and neuronal function.
Citation: Yang C-Y, Wang Y-H, Liou K-T, et al. J Tradit Complement Med. 2026 Jan 10;16(3):343-353. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.12.004. eCollection 2026 May.
Efficacy and Safety of Actaea racemosa for Relieving Climacteric Complaints
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41401209/
Summary: A review of the quality of clinical evidence on oral Actaea racemosa (black cohosh) for climacteric complaints based upon adherence to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extensions for herbal interventions and harms included 14 studies in humans. Results showed adherence to CONSORT ranged between 39% and 87%, with four studies receiving an adherence rating of 50% or less. Adherence to the Harms Extension for the CONSORT ranged between 6% and 90%, with three of the studies receiving an adherence rating of 50% or less.
Citation: Curtis S, Moore A, Breakspear I. Menopause. 2026 May 1;33(5):624-631. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002704.
Harnessing Herbal Power: A Systematic Review of Phytopharmaceuticals in Type 2 Diabetes Management
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42008388/
Summary: A review of preclinical and clinical evidence, including pharmacodynamics and mechanisms of action, assessed the efficacy of herbal medicines and their constituents for type 2 diabetes mellitus management. Symptom and complication alleviation were also discussed. Functional mechanisms were categorized as (1) insulin secretion and 2 -cell protection, (2) insulin signaling facilitation (PI3K/Akt, AMPK, GLUT4), (3) carbohydrate digestion inhibition (alpha -amylase, 3 -glucosidase), (4) lipid metabolism control, (5) carbohydrate oxidative stress, (6) 3 -cell inflammation, and (7) gut microbiota control.
Citation: Chattopadhyay K, Kumar P, Mani RR, et al. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2026 Apr 20:1-24. doi: 10.1080/27697061.2026.2650457. Online ahead of print.
Evidence and Tradition in Dialogue: Biological Sex Variability in Phytomedicine Research as a Foundation for Safety, Efficacy, and Robust Evidence Standards
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42029498/
Summary: An attempt to address the need for Incorporating sex as a biological variable (SBV) in phytomedicine safety and efficacy research, a review quantified sex/gender representation in recent preclinical and clinical studies, as well as included case studies of sexually dimorphic safety/efficacy. Results showed that in rodent and human studies females are under-represented compared to males, while sex is rarely reported for cell lines. However, case studies show plausible sex-associated differences in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and adverse event profiles. The authors provide an approach to improve SBV adoption as compatible with Traditional and Integrative Medical Systems (TIMS), as well as recommend expanding current guidelines to support diverse research environments while maintaining scientific rigor.
Citation: Turner H, Jansen C, Rice BG, et al. Medicines (Basel). 2026 Apr 7;13(2):15. doi: 10.3390/medicines13020015.
SAFETY
Safety Evaluation of an Aqueous Root and Leaf Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41987003/
Summary: A broad range of older legacy but Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test Guideline (TG)-compliant toxicology studies recommended in regulatory safety guidelines were used to evaluate the ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root and leaf aqueous extract Sensoril. According to the authors, based upon this preclinical evaluation, Sensoril was found not to be toxic or genotoxic with a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 4000 mg/kg/day in rats.
Citation: Summan M, Doepker CL, Brorby GP. Phytother Res. 2026 Apr 15. doi: 10.1002/ptr.70314. Online ahead of print.
Evaluation of the Association of Pseudoaldosteronism with Licorice-Containing Herbal Medicine Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) Database
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41534754/
Summary: An investigation into the potential association between herbal medicine preparations containing licorice and pseudoaldosteronism used data from the Japanese Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting System (JADER) database and was evaluated using the pharmacovigilance index as the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and logistic regression models. Among 537 reported cases of pseudoaldosteronism, the reporting ratio of pseudoaldosteronism was higher in the licorice-containing herbal medicines group than in the overall herbal medicines group with the risk of pseudoaldosteronism increasing with increasing licorice intake.
Citation: Nakao S, Liao J, Ino Y, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2026 Apr 6:360:121202. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2026.121202. Epub 2026 Jan 12.
Assessing the Safety of Herbal Medicine Use among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41539457/
Summary: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 cross-sectional studies from 19 countries showed the global prevalence of herbal medicines among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients to be 53%, with particularly high prevalence in the African region. Among 49 identified herbs, the most commonly used were Opuntia ficus-indica L., Trigonella foenum graecum L., Allium sativum L., and Cinnamomum verum J. When classified according to safety, 7 were reported as contraindicated herbs, 19 requiring caution, and 23 considered safe for use, with 12 reported to have potential pharmacological interactions.
Citation: Boulares E, Bragazzi NL, Yin T, et al. Complement Ther Med. 2026 May:97:103319. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103319. Epub 2026 Jan 13.
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 of Tripterygium wilfordii tablet (TWT) for 21or 42 days dose- and time-dependently induced reproductive dysfunction in collagen-induced arthritis rats, including reduced sperm count, increased sperm malformation, testicular/epididymal histopathological damage, and decreased serum testosterone. In vitro, triptolide, the core toxic constituent of TWT inhibited cell viability while inducing G1 phase arrest, apoptosis, and ultrastructural injury. Effects were associated with activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/SF-1 signaling pathway.
Citation: Guo L, Fan Y, Su X, et al. Drug Chem Toxicol. 2026 May;49(3):657-669. doi: 10.1080/01480545.2026.2626760. Epub 2026 Feb 9.
Pharmacovigilance Regulatory Requirements for the Natural Health Products (NHPs) Industry in World Health Organization-Defined High Health Expenditure Countries (2020): A Scoping Review
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42050312/
Summary: In an attempt to map, describe, and compare regulatory requirements for the natural health products (NHP) industry regarding pharmacovigilance in selected international jurisdictions, regulatory documents from 12 countries/regions (Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, UK, USA, and the EU) were reviewed. Overall, requirements were found to vary both between and within countries and regions, although a primary focus was on reporting serious adverse drug reactions. To note, in jurisdictions where separate medicine- and food-based primary legislation are applied to different NHP categories, pharmacovigilance requirements correspondingly vary with typically fewer (or no) requirements for products regulated as food compared with those included under medicine-based regulations.
Citation: Lim XY, Ram S, Scahill S, et al. Drug Saf. 2026 Apr 28. doi: 10.1007/s40264-026-01674-6. Online ahead of print.
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