Marigold—a cemetery flower that protects the eyes and repels parasites?

Aim of the study: Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics remain first-line antihypertensive agents, exerting their primary renal effect through inhibition of the Na+-Cl- cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule, producing natriuresis and saluresis with relative K+ and Ca2+ sparing.

Results: Of nine studies assessed across seven plant species, Tagetes erecta most closely approximated the thiazide-like fingerprint—natriuresis with relative K+ sparing and a partial Ca2+-sparing effect under HCTZ-referenced conditions—with an additive interaction with HCTZ. The other candidates showed broader saluretic profiles, natriuresis comparable to HCTZ through mechanistically distinct pathways, or mixed/loop-like electrolyte patterns, illustrating the pharmacological heterogeneity of herbal diuretics. Isoquercitrin and related flavonol scaffolds were identified as plausible candidates for NCC-targeted investigation. Genuinely thiazide-like electrolyte profiles are uncommon in the herbal diuretic literature, largely because studies rely on urine volume, electrolyte profiling is inconsistent, and HCTZ comparisons are infrequent. Electrolyte-based classification frameworks would improve mechanistic interpretation and help identify pharmacologically selective candidates. T.

Aim of the study: The effect of dry extract of T. erecta L. (DETe) in gastric healing and gastric ulcer recurrence was evaluated, contributing to the validation of the antiulcer potential of this medicinal plant.

Results: DETe accelerated the healing of gastric ulcers only at 300 mg/kg, reducing the ulcerated area by 66%. In parallel, DETe reduced LOOH levels and SOD, CAT, and MPO activities, while increasing GST activity and mucin amount. In the recurrence model, DETe reduced the lesion area by 94%, and in parallel decreased gastric wall thickness and TNF levels, while increasing IL-10 amount. Consistent with the traditional use of T. erecta, DETe supports the antioxidant system and reduces gastric inflammation, accelerating gastric healing and reducing ulcer recurrence.

Aim of the study: The antiulcer mechanisms of the dry extract of T. erecta flowers (DETe) were studied here.

Results: However, DETe did not change the volume, acidity, or peptic activity in rats and did not affect H. pylori. This study expands knowledge about the antiulcerogenic potential of DETe, showing the roles of nitric oxide, non-protein sulfhydryl groups, α2 adrenergic receptors, and prostaglandins, but not antisecretory or anti-H. pylori properties.

Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and the diuretic efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract from T. erecta (HETE) in normotensive (NTR) and hypertensive (SHR) rats.

Results: Saccharides and triterpenes, such as erythrodiol and β-amyrin, were the main compounds identified in HETE. Urine volume increased significantly in the groups treated with HETE, in both male and female NTR and SHR rats, compared with the respective vehicle-treated groups. In terms of electrolyte excretion, HETE treatment did not cause significant changes in urine K+ or Cl- levels, but it did show natriuretic and Ca2+-sparing effects. The beneficial effect of HETE in reducing Ca2+ excretion was confirmed by its protective effect against urinary calcium oxalate precipitation and crystallization. Combining HETE with HCTZ, a classic diuretic and saluretic medicine, significantly enhanced HETE-induced diuresis, natriuresis, and the Ca2+-sparing effect. On the other hand, the K+-sparing action was enhanced when HETE was combined with amiloride, a standard K+-sparing diuretic.

Aim of the study: Asteraceae species have been widely used in traditional medicines in Asian countries as sources of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to evaluate DPPH-scavenging capacities and antimicrobial activities of nine Asteraceae species collected from Southern Vietnam.

Results: This study revealed that A. conyzoides has good potential against uropathogenic E. coli and K. pneumoniae and could therefore be used for the prophylactic treatment of urinary infections.

Aim of the study: Malaria is a life-threatening disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Artemisinin combination therapy (ACT), used as an antimalarial treatment, has become less effective because of resistance, not only in the parasite but also in the vector. It is therefore important to find alternatives to address malaria through medicinal plants such as Ageratum conyzoides and other related plants in the Asteraceae family.

Results: A. conyzoides and other plants in the Asteraceae family are promising sources of natural compounds with antimalarial or insecticidal activity.

Aim of the study: Traditionally used medicinal plants, herbs, and spices in Latin America were investigated to determine their phenolic profiles, antioxidant activity, and in vitro inhibitory potential against key enzymes relevant to hyperglycemia and hypertension.

Results: Molle (Schinus molle), Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp), Caigua (Cyclanthera pedata), and ginger (Zingiber officinale) significantly inhibited the hypertension-related angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE). All the pepper (Capsicum) species evaluated showed potential against both hyperglycemia and hypertension. The main phenolic compounds in Matico (Piper angustifolium R.), Guascas (Galinsoga parviflora), and Huacatay were chlorogenic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Therefore, specific medicinal plants, herbs, and spices from Latin America have potential for preventing hyperglycemia and hypertension associated with Type 2 diabetes.

Aim of the study: Plants have commonly been used in the folk medicine of most cultures to treat disease. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of certain Argentine plants used in traditional medicine has been reported.

Results: Lycium chilense and Schinus fasciculatus were the most effective antimicrobial plant extracts (15.62 µg/ml and 62.50 µg/ml for Staphylococcus sp. Mcr1 and Bacillus sp. Mcn4, respectively). The highest anti-biofilm activity against Bacillus sp. Mcn4 (66%) was observed with T. absinthioides and L. divaricata extracts. The highest anti-biofilm activity against Staphylococcus sp. Mcr1 (68%) was observed with L. chilense extract. T. minuta, T. absinthioides, and L. divaricata showed anti-biofilm activity of between 55% and 62%. The anti-adherence effects of T. minuta and L. chilense observed in Bacillus sp. Mcn4 differed by only 22% and 10%, respectively, from their biofilm inhibition. Thus, biofilm inhibition could be related to cell adherence. All plant extracts showed low anti-adherence percentages in Staphylococcus sp. Mcr1.

Aim of the study: Seven medicinal plants from Chiapas, Mexico, used by Native Americans were analyzed to improve understanding of their medicinal properties by evaluating various biological activities, including bactericidal activity, antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase inhibition, and toxicity, and to provide a scientific basis for managing infectious and hyperglycemic diseases in southeastern Mexico.

Results: T. nelsonii and T. oliviformis extracts contained active antimicrobial compounds. At the same time, T. nelsonii could be a source of effective antineoplastic and antihyperglycemic compounds.