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QUALITY
A Quantifiable Grading Standard for Codonopsis Radix Based on the Multidimensional Quality Evaluation System of Phenotype, Chemistry, and Bioactivity
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42143989/
Summary: A comprehensive methodology for determining the quality of Codonopsis Radix incorporated phenotypic traits, chemical constituents, and in vivo bioactivity. Analysis of 50 samples resulted in three grades (excellent, good, and general), with quality grade associated with immunomodulatory activity. In particular, an excellent grade was shown to significantly increase body weight growth rate and thymus and spleen indices, while regulating serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in immunosuppressed mice.
Citation: Liu C-L, Chen J-M, Jiang Y, Li H-J. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. 2026 Aug 1:1280:125125. doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2026.125125. Epub 2026 May 16.
Construction of a Multidimensional Quality Evaluation System for Scutellariae Radix: Integrated Research on Chemical Components, Biological Potency, Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Technology, and Intelligent Algorithms
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41619610/
Summary: To assess the quality of Scutellariae Radix, an approach included chemical profile analysis of 10 biomarker compounds and anti-inflammatory bioactivity that was then evaluated by technology that combed near-infrared spectroscopy with an algorithm. The novel methodology addressed quality issues which may arise due to differing commercial specifications and processing methods and that may not be identified by single-component quantitative analysis.
Citation: Peng G, Xue Q, Liu H, et al. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc. 2026 May 5:352:127514. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2026.127514. Epub 2026 Jan 21.
Study on Quality Markers for Hypoglycemic Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaves by the Integration of Network Pharmacology, Fingerprint, and Multi-Index Quantitative Analysis
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42021113/
Summary: Qualitative and quantitative analysis using fingerprint, chemometric analysis, and network pharmacology was employed to determine markers for quality control and therapeutic use of Moringa oleifera leaves for hyperglycemia. After assessing 12 samples, four constituents were identified that could be used as quality markers and to support further pharmacological research.
Citation: Zhou L, Ma X, Zhang Z, et al. Biomed Chromatogr. 2026 Jun;40(6):e70460. doi: 10.1002/bmc.70460.
Quality Evaluation of Epimedii Folium from Different Species Based on Spectrum-Efficacy Relationship
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41529484/
Summary: A four-part approach to analyze the quality of four Epimedium species included UPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS for fingerprinting, an adenine-induced Kidney Yang deficiency model for biochemical markers and morphology, multivariate statistical analysis, and UPLC-QTRAP MS/MS to identify potential biomarkers. Results showed 12 common peaks in 40 samples; significant improvement in rat kidney and testicular lesions in all four species compared with control; icariin, quercitrin, and epimedin B as potential biomarkers. However, epimedin B and icariin were significantly higher in one species compared to the other three, which correlated with pharmacological tests.
Citation: Cai Z, Xue J, Zhou Y, et al. Comput Biol Chem. 2026 Jun:122:108892. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2026.108892. Epub 2026 Jan 9.
Discrimination of the Significance of Astragalosides in Astragalus Radix Based on the in Vivo Exposure Levels and Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of Prototype Saponins and Their Metabolites: A Strategy for Discovering and Confirming Quality MarkersQuick Link:
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41734824/
Summary: In an attempt to confirm that additional astragalosides besides astragolside IV contribute to the quality and pharmacological activities of Astragali Radix, a multi-component method utilized ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem with evaporative light scattering detector (UHPLC-ELSD) methods along with pharmacokinetic evaluation after oral administration in rats. Most, notably, astragolideⅠand astragolide Ⅲ exhibited superior conversion kinetics to cycloastragenol compared to astragolide IV and astragolideⅡ.
Citation: Jiamg H, Liu W, Zheng L, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2026 May 23:363:121415. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2026.121415. Epub 2026 Feb 22.
RESEARCH
Safety and Efficacy of Ashwagen (A Standardized Withania somnifera Extract) in Stress and Anxiety with Hypertension and Associated Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42105298/
Summary: A 60-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III trial (N=60) investigated the efficacy and safety of the Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) extract Ashwagen® (standardized to 2.5% withanolides; 300 mg 2x/day), in patients diagnosed with stress, anxiety, and pre-existing hypertension with cardiometabolic risk profiles. The extract was shown to significantly decrease the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) psychological scale scores, while also lowering cortisol levels by 28.99% and triglycerides by 13.00%. LDL cholesterol and systolic and diastolic blood pressure moderately decreased. No serious adverse events were reported.
Citation: Pattojoshi A, Patra SK, Idrees SA, et al. Stress. 2026 Dec 31;29(1):2669544. doi: 10.1080/10253890.2026.2669544. Epub 2026 May 9.
Benefit of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide Supplementation in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Pre-Post Study
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40746172/
Summary: A pre-post-intervention clinical trial (N=13) assessed the potential benefits of oral Lycium barbarum polysaccharide capsules (300 mg daily for 12 weeks) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Among the results, gamma-glutamyltransferase, albumin, total protein, and direct bilirubin levels significantly decreased. In addition, microbiota diversity positively altered, along with changes in lipid metabolites.
Citation: Fan Y, Pu Y, Xu X, Yang J. Nutr Health. 2026 May;32(3):1045-1054. doi: 10.1177/02601060251357979. Epub 2025 Aug 1.
Effects of Perilla Oil on Platelet and Inflammatory Responses in Healthy Smokers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Trial
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42132779/
Summary: An 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study determined the effects of perilla oil (4.8 g/day), a source of the omega-3 fatty acid α-linolenic acid (ALA), on blood coagulation and inflammation in healthy smokers. Among the results, the intervention was shown to modulate blood coagulation and inflammatory responses by significantly prolonging collagen-induced ADP-closure time and reducing mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and T-box transcription factor 21. As well, significant increases were observed in the proportion of ALA in plasma and red blood cells, along with plasma eicosapentaenoic acid.
Citation: Lee S, Kim KJ, Park MJ, et al. Food Funct. 2026 May 13. doi: 10.1039/d6fo01112h. Online ahead of print.
A Standardized Eleutherococcus senticosus Stem Extract Attenuates Dexamethasone-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42142558/
Summary: In rats with dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy, perioral administration for three weeks of Eleutherococcus senticosus stem aqueous extract (standardized to eleutheroside B and eleutheroside E; 100 and 300 mg) dose-dependently ameliorated functional and structural deteriorations, including grip strength, muscle mass, and myofiber morphology. Mechanisms of action were associated with muscle protein turnover.
Citation: Lee J, Shin S, Park J, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2026 Sep 15:368:121835. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2026.121835. Epub 2026 May 15.
Epimedium brevicornu Flavonoids Alleviate Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer's Disease Pathology via Immune-Related Pathways
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42166973/
Summary: Pretreatment for 14 days with Epimedium brevicornu flavonoids (1.0 mg/kg) prior to lipopolysaccharide injection provided neuroprotection to a cognitively impaired Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Behavioral performance benefits, assessed based upon the open field, Y-maze, and Morris water maze tests, were correlated with modulations in neuroinflammation, amyloid-beta (Aβ) generation, and tau phosphorylation.
Citation: Li S, Xiao D, Yusufu R, et al. Phytomedicine. 2026 May 16:157:158299. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2026.158299. Online ahead of print.
Amelioration of Disease Manifestations by Saffron Extract in a Mouse Model of Collagenase-Induced Osteoarthritis
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42196156/
Summary: An in vivo study investigated the effects on immune cell function, osteoclast differentiation, and joint pathology of a saffron (Crocus sativa) alcohol extract (50 mg/kg daily orally) in a collagenase-induced osteoarthritis mouse model. Results showed the extract significantly improved histological manifestations of the knee joints, while contributing to an anti-inflammatory immune profile, reducing T-cell apoptosis and proliferation, and inhibiting osteoclast differentiation.
Citation: Todorova B, Dyakova N, Ganova P, et al. Int J Mol Sci. 2026 May 7;27(10):4165. doi: 10.3390/ijms27104165.
Protective Role of Vaccinium myrtillus's (Bilberry) Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Experimental Lower Limb Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42163232/
Summary: In ischemia-reperfusion skeletal muscle injury rats, Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) extract (Herbal Liquids, HealthAid®, London, UK) administered intraperitoneally (100 mg/kg) resulted in histopathogical benefits as measured by significantly lower scores for muscle fiber degeneration, vascular congestion, nuclear internalization, and leukocyte infiltration. Effects were associated with significant antioxidant activity.
Citation: Dursun AD, Demirtas H, Yildirim AK, et al. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2026 May 21. doi: 10.1186/s12906-026-05414-2. Online ahead of print.
Sub-Acute Toxicity Evaluation and Antiurolithiatic Activity of Tribulus terrestris Ethanol Extract in Rats
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42158402/
Summary: Tribulus terrestris ethanol extract (150, 300, and 450 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) significantly decreased calcium oxalate crystal deposition and preservation of renal structure, especially at higher doses, in nephrolithiasis rats, with effects comparable to potassium citrate. After 28-day repeated oral administration (500 and 1,000 mg/kg) no mortality or treatment-related toxicity was observed, including no significant changes in body weight, relative organ weights, hematological indices, or serum biochemical parameters, with histological examination showing normal tissue architecture.
Citation: Al-Mohamadi A, Eldin IMT, Ibrahim D, Alwossabi AM. J Exp Pharmacol. 2026 May 14:18:609388. doi: 10.2147/JEP.S609388. eCollection 2026.
SAFETY
Low-Dose Cannabidiol Increases Plasma Concentrations of Amitriptyline: A Clinical Drug-Drug Interaction Study
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41398552/
Summary: An open-label crossover study with healthy subjects (N=13) examined the potential pharmacokinetic interactions of oral co-administration of a single dose of cannabidiol (CBD) (30 mg) prior to amitriptyline (25 mg) or tramadol (50 mg). Results showed CBD to significantly increase the AUC0-24h and the Cmax of amitriptyline while not significantly affecting the AUC0-24h and Cmax of tramadol or the active metabolites nortriptyline and O-desmethyltramadol for up to 24-hours post-dose.
Citation: Gorbenko AA, Post TE, Strugala PK, et al. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2026 Jun;92(6):1595-1606. doi: 10.1002/bcp.70415. Epub 2025 Dec 15.
Risk of Adverse Events Associated with Co-Administration of Quetiapine and Bupleuri Radix: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42150732/
Summary: A retrospective study investigated the acute adverse effects, including central nervous system depression, orthostatic hypotension, and tachycardia, of concomitant use Bupleuri Radix formulations and the antipsychotic medication quetiapine. Results of the cohort study. including 7,552 exposed individuals and 30,091 controls, showed co-administration to be associated with a clinically significant increased risk of adverse events.
Citation: Mu X, Tian W, Song S, et al. Pharmacol Res. 2026 May 17:229:108251. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2026.108251. Online ahead of print.
Genotoxicity Studies of Milk Thistle Fruit (Silybum marianum Fructus) Dry Extracts: No Hints of Mutagenicity
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41534860/
Summary: As a response to an EU list entry not being recommended by Herbal Medicinal Product Committee (HMPC) of the European regulatory agency EMA, a comprehensive assessment evaluated the potential genotoxicity of Silybum marianum. As such, six fruit extracts covering the entire polarity range of extraction solvents in accordance with the "bracketing and matrixing" approach recommended by the HMPC underwent bacterial reverse mutation testing according to OECD test guideline 471. Based upon no signs of mutagenicity when tested up to 5 mg per plate or up to the solubility or cytotoxicity limits, the authors concluded that the extracts have no genotoxic potential.
Citation: Ringel PD, Feistel B, Kelber O, Nieber K. Planta Med. 2026 May;92(6):647-654. doi: 10.1055/a-2731-9622. Epub 2026 Jan 14.
Genotoxicity Assessment of Hypericum perforatum Dry Extracts in the Ames Test Based on the "Bracketing and Matrixing" Concept
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41218646/
Summary: To provide further evidence of genotoxic safety of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort), five dry extracts were tested in accordance with HMPC and EMA "bracketing and matrixing" guidelines, which include the entire spectrum of extract constituents and represent the full range of potential extraction solvent polarities. No mutagenic effects were observed based upon the Ames test, plate incorporation, and pre-incubation at the highest concentrations (5,000 µg/plate), thus providing safety evidence within OECD guidelines.
Citation: Flade J, Kelber O, Nieber K, Feistel B. Planta Med. 2026 May;92(6):639-646. doi: 10.1055/a-2727-1619. Epub 2025 Nov 11.
Back to the Roots: Safety and Tolerability of Standardised Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Root Extract in Healthy Adults-A Systematic Review of Biomarkers and Adverse Events
Quick Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42198398/
Summary: A review of 23 randomized trials (N=2,317) assessed the safety of standardized ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root extracts in healthy adults at doses from 125-600 mg/day at a single dose or up to 180 days. Results showed no reports of serious adverse events, with hepatic, renal, hematological, endocrine, and cardiovascular biomarkers within normal clinical ranges. Infrequent mild adverse events, which occurred in both ashwagandha and control groups, included gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and transient drowsiness.
Citation: Coope OC, Willems MET, Levington A, et al. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2026 May 2;19(5):725. doi: 10.3390/ph19050725.
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