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QUALITY
Microscopy Combined with LC-UV Analysis as a Tool for Authentication of Ginseng Species Used in Traditional Medicine and Detection of Their Adulterants
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42262747/
Summary: A combination analysis incorporating microscopic techniques with chemical profiling successfully distinguished Panax species (P. ginseng, P. quinquefolius, P. japonicus, and P. notoginseng) with two common adulterants (Codonopsis pilosula and Platycodon grandiflorus). Among the diagnostic traits found by examining intact roots, rhizomes, and their powders, were secretory ducts and abundant starch grains consistent in Panax species but absent or scarce in adulterants. In addition, starch grains and xylem vessels morphology differed between ginseng species and both adulterants.
Citation: KulKamp J, Osman AG, Katragunta K, et al. J Diet Suppl. 2026 Jun 9:1-15. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2026.2680314. Online ahead of print.
Evaluation of Ganoderma lucidum Across Varieties and Growth Stages: Integrating Chromatographic Profiling, Bioactivity Correlation, and In Silico Simulations
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42354038/
Summary: A quality control approach for Ganoderma lucidum across varieties and growth stages utilized quantitative fingerprinting and chemometrics to screen anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) triterpenoids acting on 5α-reductase type 2 (SRD5A2). Three principal bioactives which demonstrated significant in vitro SRD5A2 inhibition were structurally identified as ganoderic acids DM and Band ganoderenic acid A. Ten samples reached Grade 6 or above, with the H3 variety at the initial stage exhibiting the highest active triterpenoid content and overall quality.
Citation: Miao X, Zhou S, Wang J, et al. Foods. 2026 Jun 8;15(12):2071. doi: 10.3390/foods15122071.
Screening and Validation of Q-Markers for Daodi Authenticity of Lycium barbarum L. Using Multi-Component Quantification and Chemometrics
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42357458/
Summary: To determine the origin and quality of Lycium barbarum based on the traditional daodi approach, 45 samples from four areas of China were assessed using UV-vis spectrophotometry, HPLC-CAD, and UPLC-MS/MS. Included in the analysis were appearance traits (50-fruit weight, moisture, and color) and the contents of polysaccharide, total sugar, betaine, zeaxanthin dipalmitate, and 27 small-molecule compounds. Among the results, total sugar, polysaccharides, scopoletin, and scopolin were identified as key discriminatory variables.
Citation: Hu Y, He K, Luo Q, et al. Molecules. 2026 Jun 12;31(12):2059. doi: 10.3390/molecules31122059.
Study on the Material Basis of the "the Older, the Better" Phenomenon in Aurantii Fructus Using Fingerprinting Combined with Chemometric Analysis
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42009616/
Summary: To understand the reason that traditional medicine texts describe Aurantii Fructus as "the older, the better," changes in volatile and nonvolatile compounds during aging were investigated using long-term natural aging and accelerated aging models of raw and four processed samples. Overall, flavonoid glycosides such as naringin gradually decreased and stabilized during long-term aging, while small-molecule flavonoids and polymethoxyflavonoids increased. Key active constituents were better preserved in processed samples compared with raw samples during aging. Notably, high-temperature processing accelerated volatile loss with accelerated aging resulting in more drastic compositional changes.
Citation: Wu R, Yao G, Zhao H, et al. Biomed Chromatogr. 2026 Jun;40(6):e70449. doi: 10.1002/bmc.70449.
RESEARCH
Effect of Boswellia serrata on Pain Intensity, Central and Peripheral Sensitization, and Pain Modulation in Healthy Volunteers-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Pilot Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42356227/
Summary: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 12 healthy participants investigated the effects of Boswellia serrata extract (300 mg 2x/day for 28 days) on pain and sensitization along with mood, anxiety, and sleep. Included in the outcomes were spontaneous pain intensity, mechanical allodynia, pinprick hyperalgesia, thermal thresholds, and conditioned pain modulation as induced by topical capsaicin. No significant difference was found in acute spontaneous pain intensity between the extract and placebo. In addition, a non-significant trend towards secondary mechanical hyperalgesia was observed.
Citation: Hammer S, Reiser M, Bader M, et al. Nutrients. 2026 Jun 6;18(12):1839. doi: 10.3390/nu18121839.
Effect of Citrus aurantium Capsules on Peripartum Anxiety and Postpartum Blues: A Randomized Triple-Blind Clinical Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42332631/
Summary: In a randomized placebo-controlled trial with 100 pregnant women diagnosed with mild-to-moderate anxiety according to the Beck Anxiety Questionnaire, Citrus auruntium (bitter orange flower powder) (500 mg capsules) taken for 6 weeks was shown to significantly lower postpartum anxiety. The frequency of postpartum labor grief/blues in the intervention group was also significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group at two weeks postpartum.
Citation: Ahmadinia F, Sharifi F, Ghaderi H, et al. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2026 Jun 22. doi: 10.1186/s12906-026-05437-9. Online ahead of print.
Combined Effect of Withania somnifera and Syzygium cumini on Hyperlipidemic Patients
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42170977/
Summary: A 3-month study with 60 hyperlipidemic patients assessed the effects of Withania somnifera (500 mg) and Syzygium cumini (500 mg), either or alone or combined (1,000 mg), on lipid profile. Significant improvements in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) were seen with W. somnifera, while S. cumini significantly reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure. The greatest efficacy was observed when the two were combined, with the combination significantly reducing LDL, VLDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as improving high-density lipoproteins (HDL). No adverse effects were reported.
Citation: Zubair K, Zafar F, Saif S, et al. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2026 Jul;39(7):2120-2126. doi: 10.36721/PJPS.2026.39.7.200.1.
Tinnitus Outcomes after Ginkgo biloba Extract in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Dose-Comparative and Prognostic Study
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41830490/
Summary: A study compared the effects of different dosages of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB 761) (120 mg/day vs. 240 mg/day for one month) in patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL)-associated newly onset tinnitus. Based on 195 data sets, the mean baseline Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score of 48.99 significantly decreased to 28.33 at 1 month, 16.97 at 6 months, and 10.54 at 18 months. Significant differences in improvement were not seen between dosages.
Citation: Chen Nm Ma X, Huo Y, et al. Acta Otolaryngol. 2026 Jun;146(6):718-727. doi: 10.1080/00016489.2026.2629608. Epub 2026 Mar 14.
AMBER Trial (Amla-Based Extract for Endobronchial Ultrasound Cough Reduction): A Randomized Controlled Study
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41887337/
Summary: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (N=118) investigated the potential cough suppression benefits of Emblica officinalis extract (amla) (600 mg) and dextromethorphan (60 mg), both alone and in combination, when administered prior to endobronchial ultrasound. Results showed all treatments to significantly reduce cough compared to placebo, with amla efficacy comparable to dextromethorphan. In addition, amla reduced oxygen desaturation. No adverse events were reported.
Citation: Boonfueang W, Savigamin C, Thanthitaweewat V, et al. Complement Ther Med. 2026 Jun:98:103361. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103361. Epub 2026 Mar 24.
Ginkgo biloba and Longitudinal Changes in Amyloid PET and Plasma Amyloid-β Oligomerization in Amyloid-Positive Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Retrospective Analysis
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41984497/
Summary: A retrospective cohort included 35 amyloid PET-positive mild cognitive impairment patients who underwent baseline and 18-month clinical evaluations to determine amyloid (Aβ)-related biomarkers after Gingko biloba (n=21; 240 mg/day) or non-gingko cognitive enhancement (n=14) interventions. Among the results, at 18 months, all ginkgo patients remained clinically stable, while 57.1% of non-ginkgo patients showed cognitive decline. In addition, Alzheimer's disease dementia occurred in none of the ginkgo group and in 28.6% of the non-ginkgo group. Furthermore, ginkgo was associated with reduced plasma Aβ oligomerization tendency, and attenuation of amyloid PET progression.
Citation: Yang YS, Kwak YT. J Alzheimers Dis. 2026 Jun;111(3):1224-1233. doi: 10.1177/13872877261441816. Epub 2026 Apr 15.
Effects of Lavender Essential Oil Inhalation on Sleep Quality and Fatigue in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41499426/
Summary: An open-label randomized study (N=80) assessed the effects of lavender essential oil compared to placebo (coconut oil) inhalation in improving sleep quality and reducing fatigue levels in patients with chronic heart failure. The patients received the inhalation therapy for 8 hours per night for 4 weeks. Based upon the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), lavender essential oil significantly lowered PSQI and FAS scores, with no adverse effects.
Citation: Hu J, Chong MS, Jia Y, et al. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2026 Jun 16;25(3):619-629. doi: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvag006.
Comparative Evaluation of the Antidiabetic, Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Polygonum persicaria L. Herb and Vaccinium myrtillus L. Leaves in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42357479/
Summary: In a streptozotocin-induced diabetes model, mice received either Polygonum persicaria herb or Vaccinium myrtillus leaves hydroalcoholic tinctures orally for 35 days. V. myrtillus resulted in a significant antihyperglycemic effect from day 14 and improved lipid parameters, while P. persicaria resulted in a delayed glycemic effect, significant only at day 35, without significant hypolipidemic activity. However, P. persicaria provided significant antioxidant effects, increasing GPx activity and reducing MDA levels.
Citation: Roxana K, Vasilica P, Trasca D-M, et al. Molecules. 2026 Jun 13;31(12):2080. doi: 10.3390/molecules31122080.
Fruit Extract of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Ameliorates Male Reproductive Dysfunction in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41618665/
Summary: A study with alloxan-induced hyperglycemic diabetic rats showed administration for 8 days of Piper nigrum fruit (black pepper) extract (122.5 mg/kg or 245 mg/kg) to significantly improve sexual dysfunction and reproductive impairment. The lower dosage increased total penile reflexes, improved libido, decreased courtship latency and increased mounting frequency, as well as significantly increased the number of Leydig cells; the higher dosage increased sperm, progressive sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology. No significant changes were observed in spermatogonia count.
Citation: Hadibrata E, Sutyarso S, Busman H, et al. Urol J. 2026 Jun 20;23(2):60-66. doi: 10.22037/uj.v23i00.8546.
Superior in Vivo Efficacy of Fermented Over Aqueous Astragalus membranaceus in Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Pharmacological Evaluation and Mechanistic Study
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42009593/
Summary: In an 8-week study in which streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy rats received either Astragalus membranaceus fermented broth or aqueous extract, the fermented broth exhibited greater antioxidant, metabolic, and renoprotective effects. Among the enhanced effects were superior body weight recovery; greater reductions in fasting blood glucose, serum BUN, ALT, and TG; enhanced renal antioxidant capacity (elevated SOD/GSH-Px and reduced MDA); and alleviated glomerular/tubular injury and interstitial inflammation. The benefits were associated with increased constituent bioavailability.
Citation: Wu R, Yao G, Zhao H, et al. Biomed Chromatogr. 2026 Jun;40(6):e70449. doi: 10.1002/bmc.70449.
SAFETY
Pharmacokinetic Assessment of Atazanavir and Favipiravir Following Echinacea Supplementation: A Controlled Herb-Drug Interaction Investigation
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42216677/
Summary: A study with rats investigated the pharmacokinetics and potential herb-drug interactions of favipiravir and atazanavir with echinacea in which echinacea (250 mg/kg) was administered once daily for 10 days, followed by a single oral dose of favipiravir (70 mg/kg) or atazanavir (35 mg/kg). Results showed echinacea co-administration did not significantly alter favipiravir exposure (Cmax: 39,677 ± 5385 vs. 36,364 ± 5379 ng/mL; AUC0-t: 144,457 ± 17,267 vs. 104,840 ± 27,001 ng h/mL) or atazanavir exposure (Cmax: 3274 ± 256 vs. 4004 ± 629 ng/mL; AUC0-t: 8962 ± 1667 vs. 10,645 ± 2949 ng h/mL). In addition, no relevant changes were seen in clearance, half-life, or mean residence time for either drug.
Citation: Gajula S, Kallam JS, Kanukolanu A, et al. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2026 May 30. doi: 10.1002/bdd.70034. Online ahead of print.
Rarely Reported Cases of Hepatotoxicity Associated with Turmeric- and Curcuminoid-Containing Dietary Supplements: A Comprehensive Review by USP
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42364655/
Summary: To evaluate the safety of turmeric and curcuminoids, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Dietary Supplement Admission Evaluation and Labeling Expert Committee (DSAEL EC) extensively reviewed safety and toxicology data. Based upon USP guidelines, the committee reported that hepatotoxicity was seen with high-dose turmeric rhizome powder or extract in a few rodent toxicology studies; however, organ toxicity or serious adverse events involving turmeric- or curcuminoid-containing supplements have not reported in clinical trials. Case reports of apparent liver injury often involve co-administration with pharmaceuticals or other supplements, while acute liver failure cases have been rarely reported. In addition, reported hepatotoxicity mostly occurs after 1 to 4 months of use and typically resolves upon discontinuation. The committee proposed that while hepatoxicity may be idiosyncratic, immune-mediated, or genetic, they recommended a cautionary statement be added to its turmeric and curcuminoids monographs.
Citation: Akhtar N, Barnes J, Gardner P, et al. Pharm Bio. 2026 Dec;64(1):866-901. doi: 10.1080/13880209.2026.2693375.
A Retrospective Pharmacovigilance Disproportionality Analysis of Possible Nephrotoxicity and Natural Products Using Data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42274044/
Summary: A retrospective review of Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data from 2004-2021 found 231 nephrotoxic event-natural product pairs. According to the analysis, this represented disproportionate reporting signals for 63 natural products, including three significant signals from 15 cases (n=11 for ginger, n=2 for butcher’s broom, and n=2 for valerian). While the authors noted that definitive associations could not be made between the products and nephrotoxicity, they encouraged further investigations and clinician monitoring.
Citation: Lukan CJ, Karimazadeh I, Tran TL, et al. J Integr Complement Med. 2026 Jun 11:27683605261456017. doi: 10.1177/27683605261456017. Online ahead of print.
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