The NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a vital part of the innate immune response, whilst its aberrant activation drives the progression of several noncommunicable diseases. It induces caspase-1 activation and the downstream substrates involved with the processing and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and TNF-α. Activation of this complex often involves the adapter ASC and upstream sensors including NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, and pyrin, which are activated by different stimuli including infectious agents and changes in cell homeostasis, and play key roles in inflammation, development, and related cell death. However, the molecular mechanisms that integrate multiple inflammasome sensors to facilitate optimal host defense remain unknown; therefore, treatment is challenging. Natural medicine and small molecule-based therapies have been well-documented for their effectiveness in modulating inflammatory pathways and reestablishing the lost proteostasis inside the cells to combat several chronic diseases related to inflammation. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have potent clinical effects against NLRP3 inflammasome activation and could be used as complementary therapy. Therefore, this review summarizes various similar reports and highlights the important effects of nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and their possible mechanisms of action. Thus, TCM prescriptions, herbs, and bioactive compounds can be considered novel, practical, and accessible agents in chronic inflammatory diseases by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
In this review, a comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the phytochemical constituents, traditional medicinal applications, current pharmacological research, toxicity, and nanobiotechnology of black cumin has been undertaken. An exhaustive database retrieval was conducted to collect scientific information about Nigella sativa L. from 1956 to 2025 using PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, SciFinder, and CABI. Search was carried out using the keywords “Nigella sativa,” “Nigella oil,” “Ethnobotany,” “Phytochemistry,” “Pharmacological activity,” “Toxicity,” and “Nanotechnology.” Several important phytochemicals are found in the seeds of N. sativa L., and many of which seem to have a good impact on human health and are put to important use in the Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems of medicine. Among the active compounds, thymoquinone is the most important, forming about 30%-48% of the oil fraction. Besides thymoquinone, a wide range of phytochemicals such as thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, p-cymene, sabinene, carvacrol, 4-terpineol, kaempferol (glucoside) t-anethol, longifolene (sesquiterpene), α-pinene, α-hederin (pentacyclic triterpene), and thymol have also been reported. Current research has provided scientific evidence for the traditional uses of black cumin, especially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, and antiarthritic effects. The review provides an in-depth analysis of the phytochemistry, traditional uses as well as potential pharmacological properties of N. sativa L. Since the plant is being extensively investigated for its medicinal properties, this review provides valuable up-to-date information on the current research status and will act as a reference for future research and applications of this important medicinal plant.
Objective: This study aims to analyze the formulation rules of Ciwujia (Acanthopanax Radix et Rhizoma)-containing health products and investigate the potential mechanisms.
Methods: By searching the Ciwujia-containing health products from the special food information inquiry platform of the State Administration for Market Regulation and MedSciNet, the basic information, including efficacy, tropism of taste, dosage form, health function etc., was analyzed using R language software packages and Excel. The formulation rules and core drug combinations were analyzed using the Apriori algorithm of IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0. By searching TCMID and other databases and reviewing relevant literature, the chemical components and potential targets database of Ciwujia was constructed. The protein–protein interaction network was analyzed using R package, String database, and Cytoscape software to screen for key components and targets related to health functions. Gene ontology functional annotation and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed. Finally, molecular docking was used to verify the binding affinity of core targets and key components.
Results: A total of 315 cases of Ciwujia-containing health products were collected. The major health functions were to relieve physical fatigue and immune enhancement. A total of 205 effective components and 775 targets related to Ciwujia were obtained. By intersecting the genes related to Ciwujia and immune enhancement, 212 key target genes were identified. Ciwujia has an effect on immune enhancement through signaling pathways such as C-type lectin receptor, toll-like receptor, and NOD-like receptor. Molecular docking results also indicated a spontaneous and stable binding between the key components of Ciwujia and the core targets.
Conclusions: Through data mining, network pharmacology, and molecular docking research, this study analyzed the relevant information of Ciwujia-containing health products, preliminarily revealing its potential targets and mechanism pathways of immune enhancement and providing a theoretical basis for the development of future health products.