SPAGYRIC HERBALISM

Polygonum multiflorum: A traditional herb for androgenetic alopecia

KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.

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Schematic illustration of the multi-target mechanisms by which Polygonum multiflorum counteracts androgenetic alopecia.

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Credit: Han B, Xiao M, Xin T, et al

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss, affects millions worldwide.  While drugs like finasteride and minoxidil are commonly used, many patients seek safer, more holistic options. A new scientific review now shows that Polygonum multiflorum—a root used in traditional Chinese medicine for over a thousand years to “blacken hair and nourish essence”—may offer a powerful, multi-targeted alternative for treating AGA.

Unlike conventional treatments that focus on just one pathway, the herb works through several mechanisms at once: it helps block the dihydrotestosterone that shrinks hair follicles, protects follicle cells from dying, switches on key regrowth signals like Wnt and Shh, and even improves blood flow to the scalp to deliver more nutrients.

“Our analysis bridges ancient wisdom and modern science,” said Han bixian, the first author of a review on the topic recently published in the Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy. “What surprised us was how consistently historical texts—from the Tang Dynasty onward—described effects that align perfectly with today's understanding of hair biology. Modern studies now confirm that this isn't folklore; it's pharmacology.”

The review synthesizes evidence from lab studies, clinical reports, and centuries-old herbal records. It highlights that Polygonum multiflorum doesn't just slow androgenetic alopecia—it actively promotes regeneration through a network of growth factors and signaling pathways, offering a more comprehensive approach than single-action drugs.

“When properly processed—a key step in traditional preparation —the herb shows a favorable safety profile, making it more acceptable to patients wary of side effects like sexual dysfunction or scalp irritation linked to current medications”, This article highlights.

While high-quality clinical trials are still needed, this review shines a new light on how traditional remedies, when studied rigorously, can inspire next-generation therapies for common conditions like androgenetic alopecia.

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Contact the author:  Xu Bingqiang, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences; South China National Botanical Garden, Guangzhou 510650, China, bqxu@scbg.ac.cn

The publisher KeAi was established by Elsevier and China Science Publishing & Media Ltd to unfold quality research globally. In 2013, our focus shifted to open access publishing. We now proudly publish more than 200 world-class, open access, English language journals, spanning all scientific disciplines. Many of these are titles we publish in partnership with prestigious societies and academic institutions, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).

 

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Journal

Journal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy

DOI

10.1016/j.jhip.2025.12.005 

Article Title

Research progress on the application of Polygonum multiflorum in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

SPAGYRIC HERBALISM

No thyme wasted: Harnessing the medicinal benefits of thyme extract With small doses

Too much thyme can be irritating, making it important to nanodose

American Institute of Physics

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The process of the formation of the droplets as they detach from the fluid jets.

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Credit: Piskunov et al.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2026 — With a myriad of health effects, thyme extract may seem like a magic medicinal ingredient. Its biologically active compounds — thymol, carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid — provide anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune benefits.

But thyme extract also has downsides. It vaporizes quickly (a waste of thyme!), making it challenging to use, and too much of it can be irritating, causing rashes and digestive issues.

A solution to both problems is to encapsulate nanodroplets of thyme extract within another fluid, allowing for small doses and avoiding evaporation. Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University and Surgut State University, in Russia, developed a method to achieve encapsulated nanodoses of thyme, which they published in Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing.

The researchers’ process involved jets of thyme extract, gelatin, sodium alginate — a commonly used thickening agent in the food industry — and oil. They first created a solution of thyme extract and gelatin and then pushed this through a tiny chip simultaneously with a jet of sodium alginate. The chip focused the two fluids into a single flow, but with a clear boundary between the components. Next, a jet of oil sent in the perpendicular direction broke the multicomponent fluid apart into tiny, encapsulated droplets.

The key takeaway from this work isn’t the dose of the thyme itself, but the demonstration that accurate thyme extract nanodosing is possible. Additional work is needed to take the nanodose and place it into an oral capsule for pharmaceutical uses.

“The system tends to be self-regulating in order to deliver a relatively consistent dose, which is valuable for drug delivery,” said author Maxim Piskunov. “At the same time, changing and adjusting the diameter of the microdroplets containing a biologically active substance nanodose is only possible by varying the oil phase flow rate.”

The technique is not limited to thyme and can be extended even beyond the pharmacological industry into the food industry. Piskunov said incorporating machine vision and artificial intelligence can further help with real-time nanodosing analysis.

“We believe that this method can be used to encapsulate various aqueous extracts,” said Piskunov. “From our study, no significant limitations have been identified. Moreover, we are currently working on encapsulating a water-alcohol extract with a much higher concentration of biologically active substances.”

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The article “Mathematical model of nanodosing of water-thyme extract using droplet microfluidics” is authored by Maxim Piskunov, Alexandra Piskunova, Alexander Ashikhmin, Sofia Kuimova, Yuliya Petrova, and Elena Bulatova. It will appear in Physics of Fluids on Jan. 13, 2026 (DOI: 10.1063/5.0303637). After that date, it can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0303637.

ABOUT THE JOURNAL

Physics of Fluids is devoted to the publication of original theoretical, computational, and experimental contributions to the dynamics of gases, liquids, and complex fluids. See https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pof.

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Journal

Physics of Fluids

DOI

10.1063/5.0303637 

Article Title

Mathematical model of nanodosing of water-thyme extract using droplet microfluidics

Article Publication Date

13-Jan-2026

SPAGYRIC HERBALISM

Traditional herb offers new hope for antibiotic-free pig farming

Maximum Academic Press

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Multifaceted biological functions of Houttuynia cordata extract in swine health and production.

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Credit: Animal Diseases

Houttuynia cordata extract, a traditional medicinal plant-derived product, is emerging as a potential alternative to antibiotics in pig production. The extract demonstrates broad antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating effects, helping pigs fight bacterial and viral infections while improving gut integrity, growth, and reproductive performance. Rich in bioactive flavonoids such as quercetin and hyperoside, it reduces oxidative stress, suppresses inflammatory pathways, enhances intestinal barrier function, and reinforces immune response. Its multifunctionality suggests that this natural compound may help reduce antibiotic dependence in livestock systems and contribute to safer and more sustainable pig farming practices.

Overuse of antibiotics in livestock has accelerated antimicrobial resistance, threatening animal productivity, food safety, and global public health. Drug residues and resistant pathogens further raise concerns along the food chain. As regulatory restrictions tighten, the livestock industry urgently requires effective bio-based health interventions. Traditional medicinal plants have long served as natural remedies for infection and inflammation, and Houttuynia cordata has gained attention for its potent activity against both pathogens and oxidative damage. Based on these challenges, exploring plant-derived antimicrobial alternatives for pig production has become increasingly necessary.

A research team from Wuhan University of Bioengineering and Huazhong Agricultural University, together with collaborators, published (DOI: 10.1186/s44149-025-00203-9) a new review in Animal Diseases on January 2025, highlighting that Houttuynia cordata extract could serve as a multifunctional natural substitute for antibiotics in swine production. The study summarizes accumulating evidence that plant-derived flavonoids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides suppress pathogens including Salmonella, PRRSV, and Streptococcus suis, while simultaneously reducing inflammation and oxidative stress to support healthy growth in pigs.

The extract's efficacy stems from multiple synergistic mechanisms. Bioactive flavonoids—particularly quercetin, hyperoside, and rutin—exhibit strong antioxidant capacity by scavenging reactive oxygen species and activating Nrf2-mediated defense pathways. These compounds inhibit inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and NO by blocking TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK signaling. Meanwhile, volatile components including 2-undecanone demonstrate antimicrobial activity and protect tissues from oxidative injury.

In vitro and animal studies show that H. cordata extract suppresses Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and antibiotic-resistant MRSA. It also inhibits major swine viruses: quercetin blocks PRRSV and pseudorabies virus entry by binding viral proteins, and quercetin-7-rhamnoside reduces PEDV replication at extremely low concentrations.

For production performance, dietary supplementation improves intestinal barrier integrity, increases tight-junction proteins, alleviates weaning and transport stress, and enhances nutrient absorption. Trials further indicate reductions in fecal E. coli and improvement in growth metrics. Evidence also points to potential benefits in reproductive health through oxidative stress reduction, though dosage and long-term reproductive impacts require further evaluation.

“The multifunctional nature of Houttuynia cordata gives it unique potential as a natural feed additive,” the authors noted. “Its combined antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting actions provide systemic protection rather than targeting a single pathogen. This makes it a promising candidate for reducing antibiotic use in swine farming. However, optimal dosages, safety profiles, and reproductive impacts must be clearly established before large-scale adoption.”

The findings highlight Houttuynia cordata extract as a strong contender for antibiotic substitution in modern pig farms. By improving gut health, enhancing antioxidant capacity and lowering infection risk, the extract may reduce medical costs, prevent growth loss during stress periods, and support more sustainable animal husbandry. Its plant-derived properties also align with consumer demand for safer meat products and reduced antimicrobial resistance. Future work should include clinical validation, formulation optimization and combined use with probiotics or vaccination strategies for industry-ready application.

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References

DOI

10.1186/s44149-025-00203-9

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1186/s44149-025-00203-9

Funding information

This study was underpinned by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 32472981, 32172808), the Wuhan University of Bioengineering High-level Talent Research Start-up Fund (2024KQ03), and the open funds of the State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology (AMLKF202512).

About Animal Diseases

Animal Diseases (ISSN 2731-0442, CN 42-1946/S) is a peer-reviewed, free open access academic journal sponsored by Huazhong Agricultural University. The journal promotes the One Health initiative and is committed to publishing high-quality innovated and prospective works in animal disease research/application that are closely related to human health. The founding chief editors are Drs. Huanchun Chen (Huazhong Agricultural University, China) and Zhen F. Fu (University of Georgia, USA). It has been indexed by ESCI in 2024.

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Journal

Animal Diseases

DOI

10.1186/s44149-025-00203-9 

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. extract in pig production: a multifaceted alternative to antibiotics with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and health-promoting properties

 SPAGYRIC HERBALISM

Study proves the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic actions of a plant used in folk medicine

Alternanthera littoralis, also known as Joseph’s Coat, is native to the Brazilian coast and has traditionally been used to combat microbial infections and parasitic diseases.

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

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 In Brazil, researchers from the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), and São Paulo State University (UNESP) conducted a study that confirmed the safety and anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic properties of the Joseph’s Coat plant (Alternanthera littoralis). Native to the Brazilian coast, it has been used in folk medicine to combat inflammation, microbial infections, and parasitic diseases. Until now, there has been little pharmacological evidence to support these applications or analyze their safety. 

The first step of the study, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, was to conduct phytochemical analyses of the plant to identify the main bioactive compounds in the ethanolic extract of its aerial parts. This analysis was conducted by Marcos Salvador, a pharmacist from the Institute of Biology (IB) at UNICAMP. Next, the team led by pharmacologist Cândida Kassuya from the Faculty of Health Sciences at UFGD evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy in experimental models of arthritis. “Finally, we performed the toxicological analyses under my coordination,” explains Arielle Cristina Arena, associate professor in the Department of Structural and Functional Biology at the Institute of Biosciences at UNESP’s Botucatu Campus. 

The results showed that the ethanolic extract of A. littoralis significantly reduces inflammation in laboratory animals. “In the experimental models, we observed reduced edema, improved joint parameters, and modulation of inflammatory mediators, suggesting antioxidant and tissue-protective actions,” says Arena. 

According to the professor, the findings reinforce the plant’s medicinal potential and establish a solid scientific basis for future preclinical research and the possible development of herbal products. The conclusions suggest a safety profile at therapeutic doses that may also be promising for human use.

Despite the encouraging outcome, it is not yet possible to recommend its immediate clinical use. Further toxicological analyses, as well as clinical studies and the standardization of the extract, are needed to ensure safety, efficacy, and pharmacotechnical quality. Additionally, the path to therapeutic application requires further regulatory steps.

“This research is part of an ongoing line of investigation developed by UFGD, UNESP, and UNICAMP, and our purpose is to value Brazilian biodiversity and traditional knowledge, but with a rigorous scientific basis, promoting the safe and rational use of natural products,” says Arena. 

The work was supported by FAPESP (projects 06/06079-4, 09/05992-6, 15/03726-8, 16/06407-3, 17/19523-4, and 21/09693-5). 

About São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)
The São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) is a public institution with the mission of supporting scientific research in all fields of knowledge by awarding scholarships, fellowships and grants to investigators linked with higher education and research institutions in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. FAPESP is aware that the very best research can only be done by working with the best researchers internationally. Therefore, it has established partnerships with funding agencies, higher education, private companies, and research organizations in other countries known for the quality of their research and has been encouraging scientists funded by its grants to further develop their international collaboration. You can learn more about FAPESP at www.fapesp.br/en and visit FAPESP news agency at www.agencia.fapesp.br/en to keep updated with the latest scientific breakthroughs FAPESP helps achieve through its many programs, awards and research centers. You may also subscribe to FAPESP news agency at http://agencia.fapesp.br/subscribe.

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Journal

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

DOI

10.1016/j.jep.2025.120720 

Article Title

Ethanolic extract of Alternanthera littoralis P. Beauv. aerial parts: Safety assessment and efficacy in experimental models of articular

Antimicrobial effects of Syzygium aromaticum and Salvadora persica against common peri-implantitis pathogens in vitro

Xia & He Publishing Inc.

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Background and objectives

Clove essential oil (CEO) derived from Syzygium aromaticum and miswak (Salvadora persica) contains bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. Due to the growing interest in alternatives to conventional antibiotics, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of CEO, miswak, and their combination against key peri-implantitis pathogens.

Methods

The antimicrobial activities of CEO, miswak, and their combinations were tested against Fusobacterium nucleatum, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia. Disc diffusion and serial dilution methods were used to measure the inhibition zones and minimum inhibitory concentrations, respectively. Doxycycline served as a standard antibiotic for comparison, while ethanol was used as a negative control. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s honestly significant difference test, with significance set at α = 0.05.

Results

CEO exhibited inhibition zones of 10–16 mm, comparable to that of doxycycline (13–16 mm), whereas miswak (6–13 mm vs. 1–14 mm) and the CEO–miswak combination (8–14 mm vs. 0–14 mm) showed lower activity. Mean minimum inhibitory concentration values were lowest for doxycycline (1.73 ± 0.46 µg/mL), followed by CEO (2.37 ± 0.24 µg/mL) and CEO–miswak combination (2.92 ± 0.12 µg/mL). Statistical analysis showed that the CEO–miswak combination was less effective than CEO (p = 0.0326) and doxycycline (p = 0.0001), but not different from miswak (p = 0.9836). CEO showed slightly greater activity than miswak (p = 0.0605).

Conclusions

Although less potent than doxycycline, CEO exhibited promising antimicrobial activity, indicating its potential as a complementary treatment in situations where antibiotics are not preferred. Miswak has demonstrated selective efficacy, particularly against F. nucleatum; however, its effectiveness against other pathogens is limited. Given the significant individual effects of the combination of CEO and miswak, we hypothesized that combining them would enhance their antimicrobial efficacy. However, these results did not demonstrate a synergistic effect, indicating that the combination did not exceed the benefits observed when used alone. This lack of synergy underscores the complexity of interactions between natural compounds. This study provides preliminary evidence to support the use of CEO and miswak in peri-implantitis management. Optimization of natural antimicrobial treatments could offer safer and more effective alternatives for managing peri-implantitis and combating antimicrobial resistance.

 

Full text

https://xiahepublishing.com/2572-5505/JERP-2025-00034

 

The study was recently published in the Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology.

Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology (JERP) publishes original innovative exploratory research articles, state-of-the-art reviews, editorials, short communications that focus on novel findings and the most recent advances in basic and clinical pharmacology, covering topics from drug research, drug development, clinical trials and application.

 

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Journal

Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology

DOI

10.14218/JERP.2025.00034 

Article Title

Antimicrobial Effects of Syzygium aromaticum and Salvadora persica against Common Peri-implantitis Pathogens In Vitro