Phytochemical Study of Orchidaceae: Composition, Bioactivity and Potential Application in Functional Foods

Phytochemical Diversity, Bioactivity and Bioeconomic Potential of Selected Woody Flora from the Karditsa Region (Central Greece): A Comprehensive Review

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and bioeconomic potential of five selected woody species occurring in the Karditsa region and identifies future research directions for the sustainable exploitation of selected woody flora from the Karditsa region.

Phytochemical Landscape, Pharmacological Activities, and Translational Prospects of Callistemon citrinus: An Integrative Review

Callistemon citrinus (Myrtaceae), a traditional medicinal herb, has been used to treat various disorders associated with metabolism, digestion, inflammation, and respiration. Recent discoveries in pharmacology, together with the herb's diverse phytochemistry, have raised the possibility of multiple targets for medicinal interventions. This review attempts to critically analyse the phytochemical profile and pharmacology of C. citrinus. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases were used to do a systematic literature search until 2025. PRISMA-based guidelines were used to screen and analyze peer-reviewed research, including in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. Information on biological activity, mechanisms, safety profiles, and phytochemistry was retrieved. Flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and sterols are just a few of the many bioactive components found in C. citrinus. Pharmacological research demonstrates the antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties. While other activities remain restricted to experimental models with inconsistent methodological quality, antioxidant and antibacterial benefits are supported by rather consistent preclinical data. Mechanistically, oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators, and metabolic pathways are all modulated. However, there is little experimental confirmation; new in silico research points to multi-target interactions. In acute and subacute models, toxicological research shows a favourable safety profile. C. citrinus has various pharmacological properties due to its unique phytochemistry. Although there is substantial research on its antioxidant and anti-microbial properties, all the information is based on experimental data. There is a need for clinical trials to prove its potential therapeutic benefits. Although C. citrinus has remarkable therapeutic promise, the paucity of clinical studies and pharmacokinetic data, and the lack of standardization hinder its clinical translation. Welldesigned clinical trials, bioavailability improvement, and mechanistic validation should be the top priorities for future research.

A comprehensive review on phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of genus Saussurea

Sechium edule: Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, Potential Health Effects, Food-Industry Applications, and Future Perspectives

Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. (chayote), a neglected and underutilized Cucurbitaceae crop widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions, has drawn growing interest as a source of health-promoting food components. This review critically synthesizes studies published between 2000 and 2026 on its botanical features, genome characterization, nutritional value, phytochemistry, bioactivities, safety, and food-industry applications, based on literature retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. Different plant parts (fruits, leaves, seeds, tuberous roots, and peels) contain diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, cucurbitacins, pectin polysaccharides, and carotenoids. Reported bioactivities include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, cardioprotective, antiproliferative, and geroprotective effects, mediated in part through Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signaling and sirtuin (SIRT1/3/5/6) upregulation. Notably, a systematic meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in serum glucose (MD = −20.56; 95% CI: −29.35 to −11.77) and HbA1c following three months of chayote intake in patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Industrially, chayote has been developed into fermented products, starch- and peel-derived bioactive films, ultrasound-extracted pectin, α-amylase inhibitory seed protein isolates, and probiotic encapsulation systems. Recent genomic work has further revealed a chromosome-level genome assembly, whole-genome duplication events, and a domestication history tracing to Mexico’s Oaxaca region. Collectively, this evidence positions chayote as a promising underutilized resource for food, nutraceutical, and biomedical use, while highlighting key gaps: the need for standardized clinical trials, bioavailability studies, and comprehensive safety evaluation.

Pulai Leaves (Alstonia scholaris) as a Source of Bioactive Compounds: Phytochemistry, Bioactivities, and Application Prospects

The reviewed literature indicates that the leaves are rich in monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and steroids, which should emphasize raw material standardization, extraction optimization, toxicological evaluation, and preclinical and clinical validation to facilitate the development of safe, effective, standardized, and sustainable products.

Research Advances in Gastrodia elata Endophytes: Diversity, Secondary Metabolites and Pharmacological Activities

Gastrodia elata, a medicinal and edible plant of the Orchidaceae family, has a long history of medicinal application and extensive development value in China. Endophytes permanently colonize G. elata and form a stable long-term symbiotic relationship with the host. The secondary metabolites produced by these fungi possess diverse structures and multiple biological activities, which are important sources for discovering novel bioactive ingredients that provide natural materials for screening and developing medicinal compounds. This article reviewed the research and development progress of endophytes associated with G. elata, including endophytes’ sources, biological functions, compound classification and pharmacological activities. The results showed that more than 296 secondary metabolites were reported—mainly terpenoids, polyketides, alkaloids, anthraquinones, phenolics—with prominently characterized antifeedant and antibacterial activities. Our work aims to provide scientific references for the in-depth exploration and efficient utilization of G. elata endophytic fungal resources.