A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical Constituents and Diverse Pharmacological Applications of Diospyros kaki (Persimmon) Across Traditional and Modern Medicine Talha Bin Emran, Md Al Amin, Baishakhi Sutradhar, Sherouk Hussein Sweilam, Thukani Sathanantham Shanmugarajan, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun, Akiladevi Durairaj, Ponnammal Ganesan Mahesh, M. Immanuel Jebastine, P. Dharani Prasad, Muath Suliman, Md. Zia Uddin Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 2026 Persimmon, a tropical shrub yielding fibrous, meaty fruits, is conventionally used in traditional medicine to address angina, stroke, hypertension, infectious disorders, and atherosclerosis. In recent decades, multiple studies have shown that various significant classes of functional bioactive chemicals, including proanthocyanidins, flavonoid oligomers, tannins, phenolic acids, catechin, and carotenoids, are prevalent in the leaves and fruits of Diospyros kaki (D. kaki). These phytochemicals are responsible for several biological actions. A significant number of published studies demonstrate that the bioactive compounds of this plant possess anticancer, antiinflammatory, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and cosmeceutical properties. Persimmon extract has therapeutic properties and little documented adverse effects, making it a reliable and safe botanical for widespread usage, with some traditional uses being examined in pharmacological studies. Moreover, Persimmon is nutritionally valuable due to its abundance of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins A, B6, B12, D, E, and K, as well as ascorbic acid. This review examines the potential phytochemicals in D. kaki that may be effective in treating various diseases, alongside in vitro pharmacological studies, in vivo pre-clinical research, toxicological assessments, and future research prospects for this plant, which is rich in multifunctional nutrients.
Quercetin and Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathway Modulation for Therapeutic Benefits Md. Al Amin, Mehrukh Zehravi, Hasna Bouhenni, Kurratul Aiun Siddika, Jeetendra Kumar Gupta, Rajeshwar Vodeti, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun, Patibandla Jahnavi, Gayathri K, Ramenani Hari Babu, Abdul Ajeed Mohathasim Billah, P. Dharani Prasad, Safia Obaidur Rab, Koula Doukani, Talha Bin Emran Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 2026 Quercetin, a natural flavonoid found in vegetables and fruits, has been demonstrated to have potential anticancer properties. This review investigates the molecular mechanisms of quercetin's effectiveness in cancer prevention and treatment. The diverse effects of quercetin on key molecular signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin, are investigated for their roles in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and metastasis. Quercetin effectively targets specific cancer signaling pathways, demonstrating promising therapeutic benefits such as the inhibition of proliferation, apoptosis, and suppression of metastasis. The review highlights the synergistic effects of quercetin in combination with conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, underscoring its potential to overcome drug resistance and enhance treatment efficacy. It investigates the underlying molecular complexities of quercetin's anticancer effects, providing valuable insights for developing targeted therapeutic strategies and optimizing quercetin-based cancer management interventions. The review explores quercetin's potential to combat drug resistance and enhance treatment efficacy, suggesting further research on optimal dosages, treatment regimens, and targeted patient populations. Furthermore, this review highlights quercetin's potent anticancer properties, suggesting further exploration for targeted therapies and improved cancer management strategies.
Natural Agents Modulating Ferroptosis in Cancer: Molecular Pathways and Therapeutic Perspectives Md. Al Amin, Mehrukh Zehravi, Sherouk Hussein Sweilam, Patibandla Jahnavi, Jeetendra Kumar Gupta, Varikalla Rajashakar, Rajeshwar Vodeti, Abdul Ajeed Mohathasim Billah, G. Dharmamoorthy, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun, Voleti Vijaya Kumar, Muath Suliman, Talha Bin Emran Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 2025 Ferroptosis, a controlled cell death influenced by iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation, presents potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment due to its unique molecular pathways and potential drug resistance. Natural compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids and alkaloids, can influence ferroptosis via important signalling pathways, such as Nrf2/Keap1, p53, and GPX4. These are promising for combinational therapy due to their ability to cause ferroptotic death in cancer cells, exhibit tumour‐specific selectivity and reduce systemic toxicity. Furthermore, these compounds, when combined with traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can enhance therapeutic efficacy and overcome resistance. Natural compounds targeting ferroptosis offer innovative cancer treatment, particularly for resistant malignancies, due to their ability to interact with signalling pathways and produce specific cytotoxic effects. This review explores natural compounds' molecular mechanisms controlling ferroptosis in cancer, their interactions with traditional chemotherapeutics, translational hurdles, and clinical application directions, potentially leading to novel nature‐inspired anticancer treatments. Further research and clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety, bioavailability, and effectiveness of ferroptosis medicines, focusing on improved formulation and transport methods.
The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Connection: A New Horizon in Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders Md. Faysal, Mehrukh Zehravi, Baishakhi Sutradhar, Md Al Amin, Thukani Sathanantham Shanmugarajan, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun, Susithra Ethiraj, Akiladevi Durairaj, Girija Dayalan, Shaik Khadeer Ahamad, Safia Obaidur Rab, Kannan Raman, Talha Bin Emran CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics, 2025 IntroductionThe microbiota‐gut‐brain axis (MGBA), a complex two‐way connection between the gut microbiota and the brain, has become a key regulator of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurological disorders and gut microbiota dysbiosis are linked to these diseases. Changes in gut microbiota can lead to neurotransmitter imbalances, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Gut dysbiosis may contribute to the development of diseases such as depression, autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders through immunological regulation, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter metabolism changes.MethodThis review systematically sourced articles related to microbiota gut brain axis, neurological disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders and clinical studies from major medical databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science.ResultsThis review explores the molecular processes underlying MGBA interactions, including vagus nerve signaling, systemic immunological responses, and metabolites produced by microorganisms. The discussion explores the potential of microbiome‐targeted treatments like fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, and prebiotics as effective treatment methods. The comprehension of the MGBA can revolutionize neurology and psychiatry, introducing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Multiple elements, including diet, metabolism, age, stress, and medications, shape the human gut microbiota, and intestinal imbalances can lead to CNS diseases. The MGBA interacts with gut bacteria, and gut dysbiosis is associated with neurological disorders.ConclusionsThe review demonstrates the correlation between gut microbiota and neurologically associated diseases, highlighting its importance in neurogenesis, mental development, emotions, and behaviors. MGBA, mediated by microbial metabolites, affects brain function and neuroinflammation. Interventions like fetal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, and prebiotics can improve microbial balance, but more clinical research is needed.
Natural bioactive compounds as notch signaling modulators: cutting-edge strategies for cancer therapy Hasna Bouhenni, Mehrukh Zehravi, Faruk Reza, Sherouk Hussein Sweilam, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun, Thukani Sathanantham Shanmugarajan, Ponnammal Ganesan Mahesh, Akiladevi Durairaj, Patibandla Jahnavi, Venkatesan Natarajan, Ali G. Alkhathami, Koula Doukani, Talha Bin Emran Medical Oncology, 2025
Unraveling Berberine's Molecular Mechanisms in Neuroprotection Against Neurodegeneration Md. Zamshed Alam Begh, Md Al Amin, Mst Maharunnasa Shatu, Sherouk Hussein Sweilam, Sachin Puri, Rathod Bhagyashri Ramesh, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun, Thukani Sathanantham Shanmugarajan, Nagaveni Pommala, Akiladevi Durairaj, Susithra Ethiraj, Nagarajan Shenbakadurai, Irfan Ahmad, Talha Bin Emran Chemistry and Biodiversity, 2025 Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) exhibit significant global public health challenges due to the lack of effective treatments. Berberine (BBR), a natural alkaloid compound in various plants, has been recognized for its potential neuroprotective properties. This review explores the current understanding of BBR's mechanisms of action and its therapeutic potential in preventing and treating NDs such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. BBR's neuroprotective properties are attributed to its multifaceted actions, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and neurotrophic effects. In addition, BBR can influence many signaling pathways involved in neurodegeneration, including AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor pathways. Furthermore, BBR targets vital signaling pathways, including AMPK, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK, which are essential for developing NDs. In addition, BBR's efficacy in reducing neurodegenerative pathology and improving cognitive function has been demonstrated through preclinical studies using cellular and animal models. Clinical trials demonstrating BBR's therapeutic potential in NDs have yielded promising results, but further research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in humans.
Alkaloids as neuroprotectors: targeting signaling pathways in neurodegenerative diseases Biswajit Kumar Utpal, Md Al Amin, Mehrukh Zehravi, Sherouk Hussein Sweilam, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun, Y. Bala Madhuri, Jeetendra Kumar Gupta, Lavanya Yaidikar, Tanuja Tummala, R. Suseela, Akiladevi Durairaj, Konatham Teja Kumar Reddy, Ali Audah Fahaid Al Fahaid, Safia Obaidur Rab, Mohammed Saeed Almahjari, Talha Bin Emran Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, 2025
Exploring natural products as apoptosis modulators in cancers: insights into natural product-based therapeutic strategies Biswajit Kumar Utpal, Hasna Bouenni, Mehrukh Zehravi, Sherouk Hussein Sweilam, Mohammad Rakib Mortuza, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun, Thukani Sathanantham Shanmugarajan, Ponnammal Ganesan Mahesh, Pathakota Roja, Ravi Kalyan Dodda, E. Thilagam, Mohammed Saeed Almahjari, Safia Obaidur Rab, Doukani Koula, Talha Bin Emran Naunyn Schmiedeberg S Archives of Pharmacology, 2025
Therapeutic potential of flavonoids in neuroprotection: brain and spinal cord injury focus Md. Faysal, Md Al Amin, Mehrukh Zehravi, Sherouk Hussein Sweilam, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun, Jeetendra Kumar Gupta, Thukani Sathanantham Shanmugarajan, Sarandeep Shanmugam Prakash, Girija Dayalan, Saravanakumar Kasimedu, Y Bala Madhuri, Konatham Teja Kumar Reddy, Safia Obaidur Rab, Ali Audah Fahaid Al Fahaid, Talha Bin Emran Naunyn Schmiedeberg S Archives of Pharmacology, 2025
Plant-Derived Pathway Modulators: A Natural Strategy to Combat Cervical Cancer Md. Zamshed Alam Begh, Mehrukh Zehravi, Sherouk Hussein Sweilam, Thukani Sathanantham Shanmugarajan, Uppuluri Varuna Naga Venkata Arjun, Susithra Ethiraj, Ponnammal Ganesan Mahesh, E. Thilagam, Baghyashree Muniappan, Sharukh L Khan, Ali Audah Fahaid Al Fahaid, Safia Obaidur Rab, Talha Bin Emran Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 2025