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QUALITY
HPLC-DAD Method Development and Validation for the Quantification of CBD, CBDA, Δ9-THC AND Δ9-THCA in Cannabis-Based Products
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41886906/
Summary: HPLC-DAD methodology was used for the identification and quantification of four cannabinoids (CBD, CBDA, Δ9-THC, and Δ9-THCA) in three oil and marijuana samples. Recovery values ranged from 81.2% to 107.9% for oil samples and from 80.3% to 107.7% for plant material, with the identification of one CBD-rich oil and two Δ9-THC/Δ9-THCA-predominant samples, one oil and one plant material.
Citation: Figueiredo J, Pereira A, Almeidados J, et al. Forensic Sci Int. 2026 Mar 18:384:112930. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112930. Online ahead of print.
Integrated GC-MS and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS Untargeted Metabolomics for the Comprehensive Identification of Metabolites and Characterization of Metabolic Pathways in Key Tissues of Cinnamomum cassia
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41853597/
Summary: GC-MS and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS analysis identified a total of 71 volatile and 2,882 non-volatile metabolites, predominantly terpenoids, in Cinnamomum cassia bark, fruits, and leaves. The highest volatile oil content (2.30%), mainly trans-cinnamaldehyde, was found in bark, which also contained carbohydrates, phenylpropanoids, and terpenoids. Fruits showed higher levels of fatty acids, terpenoids, and alkaloids compared to leaves.
Citation: Yao S, Lomg L, Zhu Y, et al. Food Chem X. 2026 Mar 3:35:103716. doi: 10.1016/j.fochx.2026.103716. eCollection 2026 Apr.
Impact of Scutellonema curcumae sp. n. (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae) on the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41900021/
Summary: Scutellonema curcumae, a new spiral nematode species, was identified from the rhizosphere of turmeric (Curcuma longa) in the Western Highlands of Vietnam. Importantly, a significant inverse correlation was found between the nematode population density and the phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic activities of the host. For example, higher infestation levels were associated with lower total curcuminoid content, while lower levels were associated with much higher bisdemethoxycurcumin content. In addition, lower infestation levels resulted in significantly higher antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic activity.
Citation: Dinh TT, Pham QM, Pham LQ, et al. Molecules. 2026 Mar 10;31(6):920. doi: 10.3390/molecules31060920
Projecting Future Distribution of Glycyrrhiza uralensis under Climate Change: Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Management
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41826819/
Summary: A study to determine how climate change may affect current and future habitat suitability and sustainability for Glycyrriza uralensis in China and Mongolia used species distribution modeling under different climate change scenarios. Among the results, current climate conditions showed altitude, mean annual precipitation, and mean temperature, but not soil-related variable, of the driest quarter to significantly impact habitat suitability. A consistent significantly decreasing trend for distribution was seen under future scenarios.
Citation: Zhang M, Wang H, Huang S, et al. BMC Plant Biol. 2026 Mar 14. doi: 10.1186/s12870-026-08529-3. Online ahead of print.
RESEARCH
Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract Sustained-Release (AshwaSR) Capsules in Healthy Adult, Stressed Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, 3-Arm Clinical Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41824889/
Summary: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied the potential stress reducing efficacy of an ashwagandha root extract (AshwaSR; 150 or 300 mg daily for 60 days) in 135 healthy stressed adults. Significant improvements were seen in Mean Perceived Stress Scale scores, as well as sleep quality, psychological well-being, and eating behavior with both dosages. Significant reductions in serum cortisol were observed with the higher dosage. No safety issues were reported.
Citation: Thanawala S, Shah R, Alluri KV, et al. Medicine (Baltimore). 2026 Mar 13;105(11):e47990. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000047990.
The Effect of Ginseng Extract on Fatigue in Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41838185/
Summary: In a 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 65 gastrointestinal cancer survivors, Panax ginseng extract (250 mg/day) significantly reduced moderate-to-severe fatigue as measured by the Brief Fatigue Inventory score. In addition, general activity, walking ability, mood, and enjoyment of life were reportedly significantly improved with no adverse effects.
Citation: Rahmani Z, Sanaat Z, Nazamiyeh H, et al. Support Care Cancer. 2026 Mar 16;34(4):327. doi: 10.1007/s00520-026-10398-3.
Long-Term Beetroot Extract Supplementation Improves Morphological Muscle Quality and Rate of Force Development in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41830030/
Summary: The benefits of 12-week supplementation with a nitrate-rich beetroot extract (20 g/day with 548 mg or 43 mg nitrate/day; Sabeet®, Sabinsa Corporation, East Windsor, NJ, USA) on muscle morphology and function, rate of force development, and maximal strength was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with postmenopausal women (N=20). Results showed the nitrate-rich extract to significantly improve morphological muscle quality and rate of force development, while also significantly increasing serum nitrate levels. No significant difference was found in functional muscle quality between the extracts with different nitrate content.
Citation: Junior O, Folho C, Majeed S, Alvares TS. Nutrients. 2026 Mar 7;18(5):860. doi: 10.3390/nu18050860.
Effects of Long-Term Supplementation with Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Extract (CA-HE50) on Macular Pigment Optical Density: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41901080/
Summary: A standardized Centella asiatica ethanol powdered extract (CA-HE50; 300 mg/day; asiaticoside quantified and controlled at 14.1 mg/g) taken for 6 months was shown to significantly increase macular pigment optical density in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with men and women aged 45-65 years (N=80). The effects, which were time-dependent, were observed with no serious adverse effects.
Citation: Baek H-I, Kin I, Bae J, et al. Nutrients. 2026 Mar 12;18(6):905. doi: 10.3390/nu18060905.
Efficacy and Safety of Standardized Ethanol Extract of Purple Perilla (Perilla frutescens Britton var. acuta Kudo) Leaves in Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41901135/
Summary: In a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adults with cognitive impairment (N=100), purple perilla (Perilla frutescens Britton var. acuta Kudo) leaves ethanol extract (500 mg/day; standardized to contain 12.7 mg/g of rosmarinic acid) significantly improved cognitive function based upon the Korean mini-mental status examination-2 (K-MMSE-2) and the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog). No significant differences between intervention and placebo were seen in plasma amyloid β (Aβ) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
Citation: Baek H-I, Joo JC, Kim S-K, et al. Nutrients. 2026 Mar 18;18(6):960. doi: 10.3390/nu18060960.
Evaluation of the Effect of Olive Extracts on Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health Markers in Adults: Findings from a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomised Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41805711/
Summary: While an olive dry extract (Tensiofytol®; 440 mg/day; 123.5 ± 9.4 mg oleuropein, 25.0 ± 3.8 mg hydroxytyrosol) taken for 8 weeks reduced systolic blood pressure, it did not result in significant differences compared to placebo in a double-blind study with 56 subjects with a systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg. As well, while decreases were seen in total cholesterol, LDL, and apo B levels with the extract, the differences in reduction were not significant compared to placebo.
Citation: Lauwers S, Breynaert A, Verlaet A, et al. PLoS One. 2026 Mar 10;21(3):e0344278. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0344278. eCollection 2026.
Effectiveness of Rosemary Extract on the Cardiovascular Risk of Emergency Nursing Professionals - An Intervention Study
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41861393/
Summary: An 8-week study assessed the potential cardiovascular benefits of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) dry extract capsules (500 mg twice/day) in nursing professionals working in emergency and urgent care services who were predominantly obese and had elevated total cholesterol (N=36). At the end of the study, significant reductions were observed in blood pressure, total cholesterol, and the Framingham Global Risk Score for cardiovascular risk.
Citation: Pretto CR, da Silva RM, Tamiozzo J, et al. Rev Esc Enferm USP. 2026 Mar 16:60:e20250167. doi: 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2025-0167en. eCollection 2026.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Phase 3 Study of AG NPP709 Compared with Ivy Leaf Extract in Patients with Acute or Chronic Respiratory Symptoms
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41807028/
Summary: A 5-day, randomized, double-blind, controlled study assessed the efficacy of an extract formula (AG NPP709) containing ivy (Hedera helix) leaf dried 30% ethanolic extract and dried water-saturated butanolic extract of Coptis chinensis rhizomes compared to an ivy leaf extract in symptomatic patients with acute upper respiratory infections (URIs) or chronic inflammatory bronchitis (N=236). Symptom clearance rates for cough and sputum improved in both groups with no significant differences in clinical improvement between interventions.
Citation: Cho Y-J, Yoon HJ, Lim DH, et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2026 Mar 9;41(9):e97. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e97.
SAFETY
A Pilot, Dose-Finding, Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Study of Orally Administered Botanical Kratom
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41837407/
Summary: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (N=8) study assessed the safety of a single dose of kratom (1-12 g) containing trace levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) on healthy recreational polydrug users. Results were determined based upon adverse events (AE) monitoring, laboratory tests, vital signs, ECG assessments, physical examination findings, and assessment of suicidality. No deaths or serious AEs were reported. Common adverse effects included somnolence, vomiting, and nausea, while doses ≥3 g resulted in pupillary constriction and increases on several subjective measures such as ratings of "drug liking" seen with the highest dose.
Citation: Reissig CJ, Chen L. Nallani SC, et al. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2026 Mar 16. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000002158. Online ahead of print.
Liver Injury Associated with Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): A Systematic Review
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41803068/
Summary: Thirty-one studies reporting 32 cases of kratom-associated liver injury were reviewed. The cases were mostly with adult males in the US with co-occurring polysubstance use and comorbid condition, including baseline liver disease in 3 cases. While kratom was reportedly associated with the onset of liver injury (mostly cholestatic), kratom dose, form, frequency, and duration of use were inconsistently reported. Liver enzymes and function mostly improved when kratom use ended, although in 4 cases, liver function did not improve and resulted in liver transplantation.
Citation: Calicdan, Kopczynski A, Medina E, et al. J Addict Med. 2026 Mar 10. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001663. Online ahead of print.
Increases in Kratom-Related Reports to Poison Centers - National Poison Data System, United States, 2015-2025
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41886310/
Summary: Based upon reports to the National Poison Data System (NPDS) during 2015-2025, poison centers received a total of 14,449 kratom exposure reports with 3,434 reports in 2025 representing an increase of approximately 1,200% compared with 258 reports in 2015. Among the statistics, most cases involved males and young adults (20-39 years) with reports among those aged 40-59 years increasing. Single-substance exposure accounted for 62% of reports. while multiple-substance reports were associated with more hospitalizations, serious outcomes, and majority of kratom-associated deaths.
Citation: Towers EB, Thomas YT, Holstege CP, Farah R. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2026 Mar 26;75(11):139-145. doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7511a1.
Safety Assessment of the Ethanolic Seed Extract of Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens: Acute and Chronic Oral Toxicity Studies in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41901268/
Summary: A study in the acute and chronic oral toxicity of the ethanolic seed extract of Mucuna pruriens var. pruriens showed single oral administration of 5,000 mg/kg resulted in no mortality or treatment-related behavioral abnormalities or clinical signs (i.e., hematological, blood chemistry, gross pathological, and histopathological) in female rats. Doses of 100, 500, and 2,500 mg/kg administered daily for 270 days to female and male rats resulted in no mortality. Significant changes were observed in body weight, organ weight, and hematological and blood biochemical parameters; however, all values remained within established reference ranges.
Citation: Intatham S, Jaijoy K, Chansakaow S, Sireeratawong S. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2026 Mar 4;19(3):421. doi: 10.3390/ph19030421.
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