Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutics Commons^™

Comparison Of Analytical Techniques From The Extraction Of Bioactive Compounds From Kratom, Curry, Ginger, And Turmeric, Riley Bruno

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Plants, herbs, and spices have been used as medicines for thousands of years. Early civilizations often attributed healing properties of plants to magical or divine forces. However, as chemistry and analytical technology advanced between the 16th and 18th centuries, scientists began to understand that bioactive compounds within the plants actually caused these effects. Today, natural products remain extremely important in drug discovery. As the number of newly developed synthetic drugs declines, there has been renewed interest in identifying biologically active molecules from plants. Bioactive molecules are a group of diverse chemical compounds that stimulate a response in living tissues. The …

Analysis Of Active Ingredients In Medicinal Herbs With High-Performance Liquid Chromatography And Related Technologies: A Review, T.-H. Tsai, C.-Y. Hong, C.-F. Chen

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

An increasing number of analytical techniques have been brought to bear on the herbal drugs used in traditional Chinese medicine. This in turn has led to improved quality control of medicinal herbs, ingredient stability and shelf-life tests, ensurement of the concentrations of herbal drug ingredients in biological fluids, and pharmacokinetic studies. In the past decades, gas chromatography has been the method of choice for the analysis of volatile compounds, while liquid chromatography is a highly successful separation technique for nonvolatile molecules. Recently, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with various column and detection systems have become some of the most important techniques …

Absolute Quantification And Identification Of Rna From Rna-Lipid Nanoparticles Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry, Jason C. Funderburk, Yasir A. Alshehry, Matthew S. Halquist Phd, Sandro R.P. Da Rocha Phd

Graduate Research Posters

Background

RNA therapeutics are a rising drug category with potential use for a range of conditions encompassing infectious diseases to therapies for cancer, diseases, and genetic disorders. RNA-lipid nanoparticles (RNA-LNPs) are the prominent delivery method for these therapeutics approved products include mRNA vaccines and polyneuropathy treatments. The emergency use authorizations and orphan drug status of current RNA-LNP drugs has allowed approval without finalization of the regulatory analytical procedures for quality monitoring. The objective of the study was to develop an LC-MS assay to simultaneously measure identity and concentration of two therapeutically relevant intact RNA constructs extracted from RNA-LNPs to enhance …

Absolute Quantification And Identification Of Rna From Rna-Lipid Nanoparticles Using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry, Jason C. Funderburk

Theses and Dissertations

RNA therapeutics are a rising drug category with potential use for a range of conditions encompassing infectious diseases to therapies for cancer, diseases, and genetic disorders. RNA-lipid nanoparticles (RNA-LNPs) are the prominent delivery method for these therapeutics approved products include mRNA vaccines and polyneuropathy treatments. The emergency use authorizations and orphan drug status of current RNA-LNP drugs has allowed approval without finalization of the regulatory analytical procedures for quality monitoring. The objective of the study was to develop an LC-MS assay to simultaneously measure identity and concentration of two therapeutically relevant intact RNA constructs extracted from RNA-LNPs to enhance quality …

Investigating The Role Of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine For Cancer Symptom Management In Older Adults: A Rapid Review, Isabelle C. Karshner

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: Patients with cancer often experience symptoms related to disease, complications, and treatment. One potential method of alleviating these symptoms is traditional Chinese herbal medications (TCHM). This rapid review explores the role of traditional Chinese herbal medications in treating cancer-related symptoms in older adults.

Purpose: The purpose of this rapid review is to gain and provide a better understanding of the effects of TCHM on cancer-symptom management in the older adult population. This review explores the association between TCHM and effects on cancer symptoms in older adults, including interactions, toxicity, and signs/symptoms of TCHM use that may be useful information …

Biofunctional Characterization Of A Polyherbal Formulation, Muhammad Ameer Qarib Naqvi, Iqra Saleem, Fatma Hussain

Journal of Bioresource Management

Polyherbal formulations (PHFs) have greater medicinal importance due to their enhanced bioactivities. To check whether a combination of several plants enhances bioactivities, the current study was designed. Methanol, aqueous and n-hexane solvents were used to prepare PHF of Syzgium cumini, Origanum vulgare, Aloe vera barbadensis Miller and Gymnema sylvestre. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging) assay was used to analyze antioxidant activity. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) estimations were done by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and AlCl₃ colourimetric techniques, respectively. Bactericidal activity was measured by agar well diffusion method, anti-diabetic profile was assessed by …

Pediatric Glioblastoma Molecular Mechanisms, Ariana Trabachino, Joshua Owens

Student Scholar Symposium

Powerpoint presentation

Corrigendum To “Yi-Qi-Xuan-Fei Formula Ameliorate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease By Remodeling Lung And Intestinal Florase In Rat Models” [J Food Drug Anal 33(3) (2025) 252-276]

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

No abstract provided.

Economic Evaluation Of Ai-Assisted Technologies In Healthcare: A Systematic Review, Wen-Tung Wu, Yi-Wen Chao, Tsung-Kun Lin, Ching-Kuo Huang, Ping-Hsuan Hsieh

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly integrated into healthcare, yet their economic value remains uncertain. Traditional economic evaluation methods may not adequately capture the unique features of AI, including dynamic model evolution, scalability, and broader societal impacts. This systematic review synthesized existing evidence on the cost-effectiveness of AI-based healthcare interventions and assessed the methodological rigor of published studies. A comprehensive search identified health economic evaluations of AI applications published between September 2019 and March 2025, following PRISMA and SWiM guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025641230). Eligible studies were full economic evaluations comparing AI-based interventions with non-AI alternatives, and data were …

Combination Treatment Of Cordycepin And Radiation Induces Apoptosis Accompanied By Protective Autophagy In Tm3 Mouse Leydig Progenitor Cells, Yu-Yan Lan, Yi-Ping Lee, Wei-Ru Huang, Chun-Ying Yu, Lyh-Jyh Hao, Chun-Hung Lin, Bu-Miin Huang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Leydig cells are anatomically located in the testicular interstitial tissue, and their main function is to produce and secrete testosterone and indirectly support spermatogenesis. We previously reported that the combination treatment of cordycepin and radiation can effectively induce Leydig tumor cell apoptosis through cell cycle arrest, caspase activation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and DNA damage. However, there is still a lack of scientific evidence for the susceptibility of normal Leydig cells to the combination treatment. In the present study, mouse TM3 Leydig progenitor cells were used as a model to evaluate the effects and mechanisms …

Development Of An Untargeted Metabolomics Analytical Protocol For Fecal Samples By Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, Tsai-Wei Ting, Chih-Ning Cheng, Chieh-Chang Chen, Ching-Hua Kuo

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Gut microbiota has recently gained attention for its role in regulating multiple host pathways and contributing to disease developments. Fecal metabolomics using liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry (LC—MS) offers a promising approach to study gut microbial metabolites; however, it remains technically challenging due to the complex, heterogeneous nature of fecal samples and the lack of standardized protocols. This study aimed to establish a robust and reproducible untargeted fecal metabolomics workflow. We systematically evaluated sample preparation parameters―including sample amount, extraction solvent, numbers of extraction, and sample-to-solvent ratio―and assessed method reproducibility. Additionally, we compared three LC—MS data acquisition workflows using 10 samples from inflammatory …

Dna Tetrahedron-Au Nps-Go For Enhanced Fluorescence Detection Of Serotonin, Zhang Yun, Wu Qiong, Gao Hui, Zhang Hua, Miao Xiang-Min

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Evidence had accumulated that serotonin (5-HT), a hormone and neurotransmitter, was not only involved in a variety of different physiological and central nervous system functions but also in the development and manifestation of psychiatric diseases. Here, DNA tetrahedron-Au NPs-GO for enhanced fluorescence sensor was designed for detecting serotonin. Au NPs-GO was used as a fluorescence quencher, while fluorophore-labeled DNA tetrahedron was used as a donor, resulting in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the fluorophore to Au NPs-GO (signal off). With the strong binding ability of aptamer to serotonin, S5 was released from Aptamer: S5 duplex, then reacted with the …

Carotenoids Identified From Slipper-Shaped Oyster Magallana Bilineata Powder Residue Exhibit Potent Biological Activities, Rhoda Mae C. Simora, Raymund B. Parcon, Andrea Roxanne J. Anas, Tatsufumi Okino

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Carotenoids are a diverse class of biologically active compounds that contribute significantly to human health, serving vital functions in nutrition and overall well-being. Magallana bilineata, a commercially important oyster species, yields a shelf-stable powder residue possessing bioactivities with unknown specific compounds. Carotenoids are key marine bioactive compounds, but their presence in oysters remains underexplored. The present study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds from oyster powder residue through mass spectrometry for optimum utilization and value creation as a biomedical resource. The study employed solvent extraction of oyster powder residue, followed by fractionation using octadecylsilyl (ODS) column chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass …

Selective Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter Two Inhibitor Empagliflozin Ameliorates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy By Activating The Ampk/Tfeb Signaling Pathway., Man-Chen Hsu, Ru-Wen Chang, Mu-Chun Wang, Chia-Hui Chen, Wen-Hua Chen, Tzong-Shyuan Lee, Chih-Hsien Wang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

The highly selective SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) is reported to have beneficial effects on diabetic cardiac hypertrophy; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardioprotection of SGLT2i are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of the SGLT2 Inhibitor empagliflozin (EMPA) on diabetic hearts and its regulatory mechanisms in high-fat-diet (HFD)- and streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats. Male rats orally administered HFD/STZ treatment for eight weeks, with or without EMPA (10 mg/kg), were used as our in vivo model. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used for histological examination. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expression of …

Targeting Chemical Carcinogenesis: Α-Pinene And D-Limonene As Chemopreventive Agents Against Nnk/ Tcdd- And Urethane-Induced Lung Tumorigenesis, Kuo-Ching Huang, Vui-Hyen Chew, Yu-Ying Chen, Huey-Jen Su, Hao-Ting Chang, Rong‑Jane Chen, Ying‑Jan Wang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, driven by carcinogens such as tobacco-derived nitrosamines, dioxins, and urethane. This study evaluated the chemopreventive effects of two monoterpenes, α-pinene and D-limonene, using NNK/TCDD- and urethane-induced lung tumor models and A549 lung cancer cells. Both compounds significantly reduce tumor number and size, with enhanced effects when combined. Mechanistic studies revealed suppression of PRC1, β-catenin, and c-Myc, alongside activation of p53, Bax, and caspase-3, indicating inhibition of the PRC1—Wnt/β-catenin pathway and induction of apoptosis. These findings suggest α-pinene and D-limonene as safe, promising agents for lung cancer chemoprevention.

Fish Oil Rich In Ω-3 Fatty Acid Alleviates Long-Term High Fructose Consumption-Induced Fatty Liver And Kidney Dysfunction In Rats, Shing-Hwa Liu, Ruoh-Wenn Hung, Ting-Yu Chang, Meng-Tsan Chiang

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Excessive fructose intake leads to fatty liver and kidney dysfunction, with associated inflammation and metabolic disturbances. This study evaluated the effects of fish oil rich in ω-3 fatty acid on these conditions in rats fed a high- fructose diet. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: normal diet, high-fructose (HF) diet, and high- fructose diet with 5% fish oil supplementation. The experiment lasted for 21 weeks. Fish oil supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in HF-fed rat. It also improved liver function markers and kidney function indicators. Mechanistically, fish …

Effects Of Chamomile And L-Theanine Beverage On Menstrual Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, Mood, And Sleep Quality In Young Women Experiencing Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study, Ziqing Soh, Soo Cing Tan, Tak Hiong Wong, Seok Tyug Tan, Seok Shin Tan, Chin Xuan Tan

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Primary dysmenorrhea is one of the most common complaints among young women. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chamomile and L-theanine beverage intake on menstrual symptoms, pain intensity, mood, and sleep quality in young adult females with primary dysmenorrhea, using a two-phase continuous study design. In the first phase, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea. In the second phase, participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n =15), which consumed chamomile and L- theanine beverage (CTT), or the control group (n =15), which consumed chamomile-flavored beverage (non-CTT). Beverages …

Cordycepin In Cancer Therapy: A Bibliometric Analysis And Review Of Mechanisms, Zhiwei Ouyang, Yufei Zhang, Jianghan Ning, Yayi Tu, Bin He

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

Cordycepin (3’-deoxyadenosine), a major bioactive component derived from fungi of the genus Cordyceps, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its potent antitumor properties. Drawing on literature indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2004 to 2025, this study employs bibliometric tools―specifically CiteSpace and VOSviewer―to systematically examine developmental trends, research hotspots, and emerging frontiers in the field of cordycepin-related cancer research. The analysis maps a shift in focus from early-stage pharmacological validation to more advanced investigations into molecular mechanisms, with particular emphasis on cell cycle regulation. Keyword burst analysis highlights bursts in terms such as “apoptosis,” “cell …

Distinguishing Avocado Oil Quality Based On Fatty Acid Profile Using Pca: A Review Of Influencing Factors And Research Gaps, David Fernando, Ali Ridho Arif Madja, Nur Azizah, Agustina Ari Murti Budi Hastuti, Abdul Rohman

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis

The quality of avocado oil is influenced by multiple factors, including cultivar, growing region, drying method, harvest season, fruit maturity, extraction technique, and storage conditions. This review aims to show how fatty acid profiles (FAP), combined with principal component analysis (PCA), can be used to characterize avocado oil based on various established factors. A total of 23 peer-reviewed articles were included, encompassing 143 data points. PCA was applied as an exploratory tool to reduce dimensionality and visualize patterns in the data. Among the evaluated variables, the fruit part emerged as the most influential determinant, allowing clear categorization of avocado oils …

The Cytotoxicity And Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of 1’S-1’-Acetoxychavicol Acetate (Aca) On Oral Cells, Nur Umairah Atiqah Sabri, Nor Syazwani Muhammad Zahidan, Zulfahmi Said, Siti Noor Adnalizawati Adnan, Normaliza Ab Malik

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Objective: Mouthwash is widely used to maintain oral health by reducing the prevalence of pathogenic microbiomes. Nonetheless, chlorhexidine, a common active ingredient, is associated with side effects including teeth staining, mucosal peeling, mouth and tongue numbness. This has prompted interest in natural alternatives. This study aimed to identify the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory properties of 1’S-1’-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) isolated from Alpinia conchigera rhizome against human primary gingival fibroblast and keratinocyte (HPGF and HPGK). Methods: Cytotoxicity of ACA (1.57 mg/mL) against HPGF and HPGK was assessed using the MTT assay. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory property of ACA was analyzed based on …