https://www.jrnls.org/pc New articles published in Pharmacognosy Communications. en Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/4/163 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/4/163 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Gagan Tiwana, Ian Edwin Cock, Matthew James Cheesman Pharmacognosy Communications Background: The increasing prevalence of β-lactamase-mediated antimicrobial resistance has substantially reduced the effectiveness of β-lactam antibiotics, highlighting the need to identify novel β-lactamase inhibitors. Medicinal plants are rich sources of structurally diverse phytochemicals and represent promising candidates for the discovery of natural antibiotic adjuvants capable of overcoming bacterial resistance mechanisms. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the β-lactamase inhibitory… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/4/171 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/4/171 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Xiayi Guo, Junyu Liu, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Autoimmune inflammatory diseases are debilitating conditions for which limited safe and effective therapeutic options exist. A re-examination of traditional medicines may highlight leads for therapies against those diseases. Terminalia ferdinandiana has strong antibacterial activity against several bacterial pathogens, and has noteworthy COX-2 and iNOS inhibitory activity. However, the effects of Terminalia ferdinandiana extracts on bacterial triggers of autoimmune inflammatory diseases is… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/4/186 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/4/186 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Victor Akpe, Temiyefunolu Akuchukwu Ngwu, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Background: Perfused Three-dimensional (3D) tumor co-culture systems are increasingly recognized as valuable platforms for pharmacognostic assessment, providing microenvironmental fidelity that enhances evaluation of natural product bioactivity, drug transport, and resistance development. Conventional Two-dimensional (2D) assays lack the architectural complexity and spatial gradients that govern compound penetration, immune cell access, and microenvironment-driven therapeutic outcomes. In… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/4/196 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/4/196 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications The accumulation of lipids in skeletal muscle as the result of high fat diets, physical inactivity and during aging can result in metabolic dysfunction. This may result interfere with the ability of the cells to efficiently use glucose and fatty acids for energy metabolism, which can contribute to insulin-resistance. Therefore, the discovery of therapeutics to limit the storage of lipids in muscle cells may improve the health of older individuals, and may reduce the incidence of lifestyle and… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/2/76 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/2/76 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Xu You Duan, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction: Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. and Sherff is used in several medicinal systems (including traditional Chinese medicine) for multiple purposes, including to treat bacterial infections. Despite this, B. biternata extracts, fractions and isolated compounds have not been rigorously examined for antibacterial properties against many pathogens. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activity of B. biternata whole plant extracts was investigated by disc diffusion assays and the MIC… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/2/85 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/2/85 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Temiyefunolu A. Ngwu, Oluwaseun. O Olasunkanmi, Victor Akpe, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Background: The global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has created an urgent need for alternative therapeutic agents, particularly from medicinal plants used in traditional medicine. Terminalia avicennioides Guill. and Perr. is widely used in West Africa for treating bacterial infections. Objectives: To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and in vitro cytotoxicity of Terminalia avicennioides Guill. and Perr. stem bark extract. Materials and Methods: Stem bark was extracted using… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/2/95 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/2/95 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Marie-Elisabeth Cordon, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Background: Recent increases in antibiotic-resistant bacteria infections has focussed researcher’s attention on alternative therapies, including traditional plant-based medicines. The rapid development β-lactam resistant bacterial strains with resistance to later generation antibiotics including methicillin is particularly worrisome due to the reliance of medical science on β-lactam antibiotics to treat many common infections. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity of Syzygium… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/2/109 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/2/109 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Ian E Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Melatonin is commonly used to assist in with sleep disorders and its use is generally regarded as harmless. However, a recent report by the American Heart Association1 has highlighted previously unreported risks to cardiac function with its use. Indeed, patients that used melatonin continuously for a year or more were 3.5 times as likely to be hospitalised with cardiac failure than the rest of the population. Furthermore, cardiac-related mortality was reported to be approximately twice as… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/1/14 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/1/14 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT Gagan Tiwana, Ian Edwin Cock, Matthew James Cheesman Pharmacognosy Communications Background:The global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified the search for alternative therapeutic agents derived from natural sources. This study investigated the antibacterial potential of four Ayurvedic medicinal plants Aconitum heterophyllum, Tephrosia purpurea, Tinospora cordifolia, and Swertia chirayita. Traditionally, these plants have been used in the management of various infectious diseases. Objectives:The ability for extracts of these pants to inhibit a panel of… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/1/39 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/16/1/39 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT Gagan Tiwana, Ian E. Cock, Matthew J. Cheesman Pharmacognosy Communications Background:Ayurvedic medicines have been used for thousands of years. Bacterial infections comprise the conditions that are treated by the plant-based medicinal therapy. Due to the increasing levels of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, new therapies are desperately needed, and Ayurvedic plants offer an alternative source of new treatment modalities in this regard. Aim:Two Ayurvedic plants, Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. (OT) and Solanum nigrumLinn. (SN), have received little attention for their… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/4/153 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/4/153 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT Jinwoo Kim, Ian Edwin Cock, Matthew James Cheesman Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction: Ptaeroxylon obliquum (Thunb.) Radlk. That is a medium tree native to South Africa. It has been traditionally used for centuries to treat a wide range of disorders. Objectives: This study reviews the pharmacological profile of South African Ptaeroxylon obliquum (Thunb.) Radlk., including its ethnobotanical use, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-proliferative bioactivities, with the aim of encouraging additional research in this field. Materials and Methods: Scientific… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/4/163 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/4/163 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT Joseph Shalom, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Background: High antioxidant foods have been linked to multiple therapeutic properties, including the anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite this, the anticancer activities of many Australian native plants with high antioxidant capacities are yet to be adequately explored. Materials and Methods:The antiproliferative activity of extracts prepared from the fruits and leaves of a selection of high antioxidant Australian plants against human HeLa cervical and Caco-2 colorectal… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/4/172 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/4/172 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT Veronica Winnett, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction: Streptococcus pyogenes is a gram positive pathogenic bacterium which causes a variety of diseases including streptococcal pharyngitis, impetigo and rheumatic heart disease, depending on which tissue it infects. Tasmannia lanceolata (Poir.) A.C.Sm. pepperberries were used therapeutically by the first Australians, including for the treatmenbt of bacterial infections. This study focuses on the growth inhibitory activity of T. lanceolata pepperberry extracts against S. pyogenes.… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/4/179 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/4/179 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a skin conditions that affects most adolescents and also afflicts some adults. Medicinal plant extracts may provide leads for the development of new topical and/ or oral therapies for acnes vulgaris, yet many traditional medicine plants are yet to be screened for growth inhibitory activity against Cutibacterium acnes (the major bacterial cause of acne). Materials and Methods:Methanolic and aqueous Tasmannia insipida R.Br. ex DC. Leaf extracts were investigated by… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/4/186 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/4/186 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT Ian E Cock Pharmacognosy Communications The use of medicinal cannabis in patients with chronic illnesses has risen significantly in recent years globally, particularly in people suffering from chronic illnesses. A recent study Published in PLOS One examined the long-term effects of cannabis use on health-related quality of life metrics, including pain, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression, and motor function in a large Australian cohort.1 The patients suffered from a variety of chronic conditions, including muscloskeletal pain,… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/3/88 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/3/88 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Gagan Tiwana, Matthew James Cheesman, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Background: Traditional Ayurvedic medicine offers a promising and largely untapped resource for the development of novel antibacterial therapies, especially in the context of gastrointestinal (GI) infections, which are increasingly complicated by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These plants are rich in secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and terpenoids, many of which have demonstrated significant bioactivity against a range of pathogens. Objectives:This review… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/3/125 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/3/125 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Joseph Shalom, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Background: Syzygium australe (H.L.Wendl.) B.Hyland and Syzygium leuhmannii (F.Muell.) L.A.S.Johnson fruit and leaves have high antioxidant capacities and high levels of therapeutic phytochemicals. Despite this, the anticancer activity of T. lanceolata extracts has not been adequately explored.Materials and Methods: This study examined the antiproliferative of S. australe and S. leuhmannii fruit and leaf extracts against Caco2 colorectal and HeLa cervical carcinoma cell lines using MTS assays.… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/3/141 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/3/141 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a skin condition that mostly adolescents, although it also afflicts some adults. Medicinal plant extracts may provide leads for the development of new topical and/or oral therapies for acnes vulgaris, yet many traditional medicine plants are yet to be screened for growth inhibitory activity against Cutibacterium acnes (the major bacterial cause of acne). Materials and Methods: Methanolic and aqueous Ficus racemosa leaf extracts were investigated by disc diffusion… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/2/49 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/2/49 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT Freya Jemmet Gavel, Alan White, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction: Vanilla is popular for its flavour and aroma characteristics, although its long and labour-intensive curing period impede its commercial production and result in high commercial prices. This manuscript focuses on the cultivation and processing (curing) of Vanilla planifolia beans, their phytochemistry, and vanillin biosynthetic pathways. We also discuss quality parameters and their analytical determination, with the aim of focussing future studies in this field.Materials and… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/2/62 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/2/62 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT Rebecca Van Zyl, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Background: Larrea tridentata leaves are used traditionally to treat bacterial infections and inflammation. Despite the traditional uses, relatively few studies have examined the ability of L. tridentata leaf extracts to inhibit the growth of the bacterial triggers of autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Materials and Methods: Larrea tridentata extracts were screened for growth inhibitory activity against bacterial triggers of selected autoimmune inflammatory diseases and the activity was… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/2/72 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/2/72 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT Linn Baghtchedjian, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction: Plant-based preparations have potential to replace synthetic antiperspirant/ deodorant additives as growth inhibitors of malodour producing bacteria and may thus be useful deodorant components. However, relatively few plant species have yet been tested against the bacteria.Materials and Methods: Methanolic S. chippendalei and C. glauca fruit extracts, as well as F. racemosa and M. alternifolia leaf extracts were investigated by disc diffusion and liquid dilution MIC assays against… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/1/2 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/1/2 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT Jinwoo Kim, Ian Edwin Cock, Matthew James Cheesman Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction:The rise in bacterial resistance has caused significant global health challenges and reduced the effectiveness of antibiotics. For thousands of years, plants have been used in traditional medicine to combat disease associated with infections, serving as natural remedies due to their antimicrobial properties. Aim of the Study: This study aimed to review and summarise the antibacterial properties of selected South African plant species and its ethnobotanical use, with the aim of… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/1/11 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/1/11 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT Aiden Wood, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction:Eucalyptus spp. extracts inhibit the growth of many bacterial pathogens. They may also inhibit the growth of malodour producing bacteria and thus be useful deodorant components, although this is yet to be tested.Materials and Methods:Methanolic and aqueous Eucalyptus major (Maiden) Blakely leaf extracts were investigated by disc diffusion and liquid dilution MIC assays against the most significant bacterial contributors to axillary and plantar malodour. Toxicity was determined… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/1/21 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/1/21 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT Audric Puisais, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Background: Lythrum salicaria L. has been used traditionally to treat a variety of conditions including bacterial infections and inflammation. Despite this, only preliminary studies have examined L. salicaria extracts for therapeutic properties relevant to these traditional uses.Materials and Methods:Dried L. salicaria whole plant material was extracted with solvents of various polarities and tested for the ability to modulate the release of IFN-γ, IL-6 and TNF-α from RAW 264.7 cells using a… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/1/36 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/1/36 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT Nahashon Mwaura, Justus Wambua Mukavi, Beth Ndunda1, Joyce Gatiiria Njagi Kithure, Leonidah Kerubo Omosa Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction: Dragon fruits are widely used for their preventive and therapeutic effects against many chronic conditions due to the wide range of biological qualities associated with betalains and phenolic compounds. However, detailed reports on the antioxidant properties of various parts of the white and red dragon fruits and preferable post-harvest treatment modes are lacking and hence the current study.Objectives:To evaluate the antioxidant properties of air and oven-dried red and white… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/1/43 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/15/1/43 Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT Ian E Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections are nowadays managed effectively using modern antiretroviral therapies (ART). Notably, these therapies are do not cure the infection, and the virus may remain latent in reservoirs throughout the body. The latent virus can reactivate at any time, and disease progression may proceed. ART treatment must be ongoing, generally for the lifetime of the patient. However, even with correct treatment, the virus may still reactivate. Additionally, the latent… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/14/4/138 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/14/4/138 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT Joy Gararawa Usman, Usman Ngamarju Gadzama, Ishaku Leo Elisha, Monday Michael Onakpa, Olatunde Peter Ajagbonna, Saka Sanni Pharmacognosy Communications Background: Plants' secondary metabolites have great potential as anti-oxidants for slowing or alleviating various diseases. Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. Ex. Naudin Curcubitaceae has been consumed by man and animals as food and used as alternative treatment for some diseases by traditional farmers. However, there is little information on its phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties. This study was carried out to investigate the quantitative phytochemicals and in vitro anti-oxidant… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/14/4/144 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/14/4/144 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT Audric Puisais, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Background: Curcumin, lupeol and piperine are plant compounds that have been reported to be effective against numerous medical conditions, including inflammation and against pathogenic infections. However, these compounds are yet to be tested for the ability to inhibit the growth of bacterial triggers of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and multiple sclerosis. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activity was assessed using disc diffusion and liquid dilution minimum inhibitory… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/14/4/155 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/14/4/155 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT Kun Wang, Mengqi Xiao, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Introduction:An increase in antibiotic resistance and a corresponding decrease in antimicrobial drug discovery have focused researchers on alternative therapies, including plant-based medicines. However, synergistic combinations of plant extracts with conventional antibiotics may be a far more effective approach in overcoming resistance and potentiating the activity of antibiotics that are otherwise ineffective against resistant bacterial strains. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial… https://www.jrnls.org/pc/14/4/168 https://www.jrnls.org/pc/14/4/168 Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT Veronica Winnett, Ian Edwin Cock Pharmacognosy Communications Background: Tasmannia lanceolata (Poir.) A.C. Sm. pepper berries were used as a nutritious food and natural medicine by the first Australians. This study focuses on the growth inhibitory activity of T. lanceolata pepper berry extracts against the bacterial skin pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Materials and Methods: Tasmannia lanceolata pepper berry powder was extracted with solvents of varying polarity and screened for inhibition of bacterial growth against S.…