The Japanese pearl tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), an ornamental species native to East Asia, has long been valued in traditional Chinese medicine and is now gaining renewed attention for its multifaceted pharmacological potential. This review synthesizes the current knowledge of its bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids such as genistein, rutoside, quercetin, and sophoricoside, and their broad-spectrum biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and wound-healing effects. These phytochemicals contribute to protective mechanisms against oxidative stress, skin photoaging, osteoporosis, cardiovascular dysfunction, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. Emerging evidence also supports their role in managing neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases, alopecia, and postmenopausal symptoms. Despite its promise, the clinical translation of S. japonicum remains limited by gaps in safety, pharmacokinetic characterization, and standardized extraction protocols. Looking ahead, integrative approaches combining phytochemistry, pharmacogenomics, and advanced biotechnology are expected to unlock its full therapeutic potential. By bridging traditional use with precision medicine and sustainable bioprocessing, S. japonicum stands as a prospective source of next-generation plant-based therapeutics for modern healthcare.

Plants have been a central source of natural resources for humanity with all kinds of uses and applications: food, cosmetics, natural remedies and medicines, dyes, textiles, construction materials, ornamental uses, and the extraction of various compounds, including natural pigments. Within pigments, there are four major groups of interest: anthocyanins, chlorophylls, betalains, and carotenoids. Carotenoids are characterized by being formed by relatively long hydrocarbon chains (25 - 50 C), which can end in linear or cyclic structures. In the carotenoid group, bixin and norbixin are two compounds of undeniable relevance as food and cosmetic pigments. However, in recent years, these compounds have been studied to understand other possible effects, mainly in the field of health, yielding promising results. This review features results from studies published in recent years with a focus on possible applications in the field of public health, mainly related to metabolic problems such as sugar and fat metabolism. Additionally, various other health applications are analyzed, and the results are summarized. The main conclusions reached by the authors are also mentioned for a better understanding of the importance of each study. Finally, general conclusions and perspectives are provided in order to continue exploring the possible applications of bixin and norbixin as potential bioactive and functional compounds.

Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen whose virulence factors, such as polymorphism and biofilm formation, facilitate infection. Due to rising antifungal resistance, essential oils (EOs) from Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis are being investigated for their antimicrobial potential. This study analyzes the chemical composition, antifungal activity against Candida albicans in planktonic and biofilm forms, cytotoxicity on human erythrocytes, and pharmacokinetic properties of Citrus limon and Citrus sinensis essential oils. The essential oils were extracted from the leaves by hydrodistillation, and their composition was analyzed by GC-MS. Antifungal activity was assessed using broth microdilution and time-kill kinetics. Combined effects were assessed using checkerboard assays, while antibiofilm tests were evaluated using polystyrene plate assays and microscopy. Hemolytic activity tests were performed using percentage hemolysis. C. limon essential oil had limonene 40.8%, β-pinene 16.5%, and citronellal 12.3%, while C. sinensis had limonene 36.7%, β-pinene 14.6%, and eucalyptol 10.5% as its main constituents. The MIC was 0.312 - 1.25 mg/mL, with kill kinetics of up to 10 h. It showed additive effects for C. limon/fluconazole and synergistic effects for C. sinensis/fluconazole. It exhibited anti-adhesion and anti-polymorphism effects, inhibiting biofilm formation. It also exhibited low cytotoxicity, with an LC50 of 14 000 µg/mL for C. limon and 13 000 µg/mL for C. sinensis. ADMET and BOILED-egg pharmacokinetic predictions indicated safety for systemic use, with caution for topical application of limonene, citronellal, and eucalyptol. Both EOs exhibited strong anti-Candida activity with minimal cytotoxicity. Its additive/synergistic effects with fluconazole highlight its potential as an alternative or adjuvant therapy against C. albicans infections.