Sciences of Phytochemistry Archives (Volume 4 Issue 2)

Harshal Shivaji Patil, Ashwini Sanjay Baviskar, Jaysing Mahavirsing Dinore, Ajeet Appasaheb Yelwande. Advances in Terpenoid Biosynthesis: Chemical Diversity and Emerging Industrial Applications. Sciences of Phytochemistry. 2025; 4(2):62-75.

Abstract: Terpenoids are the largest and most chemically diverse class of natural products, essential for plant functions such as growth regulation, defense, and ecological interactions. Their extensive chemical variety and functional versatility have also sparked significant industrial interest across many s Show more...

Abstract: Terpenoids are the largest and most chemically diverse class of natural products, essential for plant functions such as growth regulation, defense, and ecological interactions. Their extensive chemical variety and functional versatility have also sparked significant industrial interest across many sectors. This review highlights recent progress in terpenoid biosynthesis, especially focusing on the mevalonate (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways, which are the main routes for isoprenoid precursor production. It explores the enzymatic processes that create complex terpenoid skeletons, including detailed cyclization and rearrangement steps carried out by terpene synthases and modifying enzymes. Advances in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology now allow the reconstruction and improvement of terpenoid pathways in microbial and plant systems, greatly increasing production yields. The use of bioinformatics and systems biology tools has further supported pathway discovery, enzyme analysis, and strain development. Beyond their traditional uses in drugs, nutraceuticals, flavors, and fragrances, terpenoids are also promising for biofuels and renewable materials, emphasizing their industrial value. This review addresses challenges such as pathway complexity, precursor supply, and regulatory control, and suggests strategic directions for future research. Overall, these insights reinforce the importance of terpenoids as key targets for sustainable biotech innovations. Show less...

Terpenoid biosynthesis Isoprenoid metabolism Mevalonate (MVA) pathway Terpene synthases Industrial applications of terpenoids

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Garba Dauda, Bila Hassan Ali, Bashar Bawa, Maryam Abdullahi, Asmau Nasiru Hamza, Yahaya Mohammed Sani, Muhammad Garba Magaji, Musa Isma’il Abdullahi, Aliyu Muhammad Musa, Halimatu Sadiya Hassan. Antimalarial Activity of Globimetula oreophila Compounds: In Silico Docking Investigations on Plasmodium falciparum Protease. Sciences of Phytochemistry. 2025; 4(2):76-84.

Abstract: Malaria remains a major global health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality, further complicated by growing antimalarial drug resistance. Natural products are being increasingly explored as potential sources of new therapies, with malarial proteases emerging as promising targets due to t Show more...

Abstract: Malaria remains a major global health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality, further complicated by growing antimalarial drug resistance. Natural products are being increasingly explored as potential sources of new therapies, with malarial proteases emerging as promising targets due to their essential roles in parasite development, invasion, egress, and hemoglobin degradation. This study evaluates the inhibitory potential of five compounds, quercetrin (DG1), dihydrostilbene (DG2), 4′-methoxy-isoliquiritigenin (DG3), stigmasterol (DG4), and quercetin (DG5), isolated from Globimetula oreophila leaves, using in silico docking against Plasmodium falciparum enzymes. Targets included falcipain-2 and falcipain-3 (cysteine proteases), SERA5 (hemoglobin-processing enzyme), PfDHFR-TS (bifunctional enzyme), and PfCDPK2 (kinase). Docking revealed strong binding affinities through hydrogen bonds, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions. DG4 showed a high affinity for PfDHFR (-10.3 kcal/mol), comparable to cycloguanil (-10.7 kcal/mol), while DG1 bound firmly to falcipain-2 (-7.9 kcal/mol), falcipain-3 (-7.5 kcal/mol), and PfCDPK2 (-9.0 kcal/mol). Binding to SERA5 ranged from -6.0 to -6.8 kcal/mol. These findings suggest that the tested compounds may act as inhibitors of vital P. falciparum enzymes, holding promise for the development of antimalarial drugs. Show less...

Pharmacological activities Anticancer potential Anti-inflammatory effects Antimicrobial activity Neuroprotective properties Clinical applications

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Tawakaltu Omolara Tijani, Akeem Ayodele Olaiya, Dauda Garba, Ibrahim Atiku, Muhammed Ibrahim Sule. Exploring the Anti-Malarial Potential of Terminalia brownii Fresen: A Phytochemical and Biological Activity Study. Sciences of Phytochemistry. 2025; 4(2):85-90.

Abstract: Terminalia brownii is a widely distributed African tree traditionally used to treat ailments such as cough, malaria, hepatitis, and microbial infections. The growing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to Artemisinin combination therapy and other antimalarial drugs highlights t Show more...

Abstract: Terminalia brownii is a widely distributed African tree traditionally used to treat ailments such as cough, malaria, hepatitis, and microbial infections. The growing resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to Artemisinin combination therapy and other antimalarial drugs highlights the need for new therapies with improved potency and fewer side effects. This study analyzed the phytochemical constituents and antiplasmodial activity of T. brownii leaf extracts. The leaves were air-dried, powdered, and macerated in 70% methanol, followed by fractionation with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. Qualitative analysis of the methanol crude extract (MCE) revealed tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpenes, steroids, saponins, phenols, and cardiac glycosides, but not anthraquinones. Quantitative analysis showed phenols (195.45 mg/g), tannins (156.10 mg/g), and flavonoids (135.10 mg/g) as the most abundant. The ethyl acetate fraction contained phenols (103 mg/g) and tannins (69.56 mg/g) but lacked steroids and triterpenes. Antiplasmodial activity was evaluated in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. The LD50 of the crude extract exceeded 5000 mg/kg, and significant dose-dependent suppression of parasitemia (p<0.05) was observed at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg. These findings support the traditional use of T. brownii against malaria and encourage further studies on its bioactive fractions and compounds. Show less...

Phytochemical analysis Antiplasmodial activity Terminalia brownii Methanol leaf extract Plasmodium berghei Medicinal plants

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Phenyo Shathani, Enoch Nifise Ogunmuyiwa, Babatunde Abiodun Obadele, Oluseyi Philip Oladijo. Phytochemical characterization of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) ethanolic leaf extract: A Precursor for Green Corrosion Inhibitor Development. Sciences of Phytochemistry. 2025; 4(2):91-97.

Abstract: In the search for environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors, medicinal plants rich in various phytochemicals present promising options due to their natural ability to adsorb onto metal surfaces, forming protective barriers against corrosive agents. This study examines the phytochemical profile o Show more...

Abstract: In the search for environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors, medicinal plants rich in various phytochemicals present promising options due to their natural ability to adsorb onto metal surfaces, forming protective barriers against corrosive agents. This study examines the phytochemical profile of the ethanolic extract of Sclerocarya birrea using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The UV-Vis spectrum displayed distinct absorption peaks characteristic of the extract’s components. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups associated with alkanes, alkenes, phenols, amines, aromatics, esters, ketones, and aldehydes. GC-MS detected 17 phytochemical compounds, including notable components such as γ-sitosterol (39.44%), l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate (17.37%), pagicerine (14.66%), hexadecanoic acid derivatives (10.45%), octadecanoic acid (4.34%), and phytol (3.46%). These compounds are known for their medicinal properties and chemical structures that support effective corrosion inhibition. The phytochemicals primarily contribute to corrosion protection by adsorbing onto metal surfaces, creating protective films that impede both anodic and cathodic reactions, thus reducing metal dissolution and increasing resistance. The detailed phytochemical analysis provides a solid basis for further research into S. birrea as a sustainable and effective corrosion inhibitor for various metals in different corrosive environments. This work emphasizes the extract’s potential as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional synthetic inhibitors. Show less...

Spectroscopic characterization Organic functional groups Natural antioxidants Surface passivation Protective film formation Sustainable materials

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