Study2025Open access

Ancient Remedies, Modern Medicine: A Review of Antidiabetic, Cardioprotective, and Antimicrobial Activities of Date Palm (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>), Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>), Fenugreek (<i>Trigonella foenum-graecum</i>), and Ashwagandha (<i>Withania somnifera</i>)

Al Raish SM, Almasri RS, Bedir AS

Biology · 5 citations

How it was studied

Design
Systematic review (classified by our AI screen)
Studied in
People, plus animal or lab work
Main outcome
Health markers and function

Who paid for it

Funding
Independent funding
University or hospital
United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE

Based on 1 listed funder(s) and full-text disclosure statement.

Publication

Published
2025-06-13 · Biology (Basel) · vol. 14 · issue 6 · p. 695
Publisher
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Cited
10 citations · more than 99% of similar papers · 11.5× the field average
Impact
Top 10% most cited in its field
References
164 works
Access
Open access (journal) · CC-BY
Research areas
Phytochemicals and Medicinal Plants · Food Science and Nutritional Studies · Date Palm Research Studies
Keywords
Trigonella, Withania somnifera, Biology, Phoenix dactylifera, Palm, Traditional medicine, Antimicrobial, Medicinal plants, Botany, Medicine

3 authors

From AE

  • Seham M. Al Raish · correspondingUnited Arab Emirates University
  • Razan S. AlmasriUnited Arab Emirates University
  • Alaa S. BedirUnited Arab Emirates University

Abstract

This review critically explores the pharmacological potential of four traditionally significant medicinal plants-Phoenix dactylifera, Solanum lycopersicum, Withania somnifera, and Trigonella foenum-graecum-with a specific focus on their antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial properties. In light of the escalating global burden of chronic metabolic diseases and the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent demand for alternative, sustainable therapeutic strategies. Drawing upon both ethnopharmacological evidence and contemporary biomedical research, this study identifies and characterizes the key bioactive constituents responsible for the observed therapeutic effects. These phytochemicals include flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and saponins, which modulate metabolic pathways, exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and inhibit microbial proliferation. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, covering peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025. Inclusion criteria emphasized both in vitro and in vivo experimental models to provide a holistic understanding of molecular mechanisms and biological efficacy. Importantly, this review does not propose these plant extracts as direct substitutes for clinically established therapies but rather as potential complementary agents or sources of novel compounds for future drug development. This integrative approach underscores the relevance of traditional medicinal knowledge in guiding the discovery of plant-based therapeutics. It highlights these species as promising candidates for innovative health interventions in the context of modern biomedicine and global public health.

Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY).

Community trust

Loading…

How much do you trust this study's findings?

0 · not at all10 · completely

Comments

Sign in to rate, comment on or flag this study.Sign in

Something wrong here?

Flag this study if its information, labels or funding look wrong. An editor reviews every flag.

Sign in to rate, comment on or flag this study.Sign in

Educational information about published research. Not medical advice, and not a recommendation to start or stop anything.