Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (579 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Concentrated pharmaceutical preparations of plants obtained by removing active constituents with a suitable solvent, which is evaporated away, and adjusting the residue to a prescribed standard.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Extracts, Plant; Plant Extract; Extract, Plant; Herbal Medicines; Medicines, Herbal.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Plant Preparations; Pharmaceutical Preparations
- Narrower topics
- Curare; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Flower Essences; Ginkgo Extract; Grape Seed Extract; Ipecac; Lecithins; Opium; Pectins; Picrotoxin; Podophyllin; Psyllium; Senna Extract
- See also
- Phytotherapy
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 251,007 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Plant Extracts” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 78,460 of them (31.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 93,118 records.
Reviews account for 19,258 records (7.7%) and meta-analyses for 2,184. Randomized controlled trials number 9,390 (3.7%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 33,377 |
| 2000-2009 | 46,052 |
| 2010-2019 | 93,118 |
| 2020 onward | 78,460 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 19,258 | 7.7% |
| Meta-analyses | 2,184 | 0.9% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 9,390 | 3.7% |
Method: PubMed query "Plant Extracts"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in drugs and chemicals
Studies of a chemical or drug can answer very different questions: what it is and how it behaves in cells and animals, how the body handles it, and whether it changes outcomes in people. Laboratory and animal findings often do not carry over to patients, and observational studies of exposures are confounded by who uses a substance and why. Nothing on this page is a recommendation to use, avoid, start or stop any substance or medicine; talk to a qualified clinician or pharmacist about your own situation. Check the dose, the species, the comparison group and whether a patient-relevant outcome was measured.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Biochemistry and Histopathological Profiles of Normoglycemic and Streptozotozin-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats Treated with Mace Water Extract from Myristica fragrans Houtt | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42654266 · DOI · PMC13516800 |
| Shao Di Pa Ning Decoction Attenuates Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease via PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42669032 · DOI · PMC13526254 |
| Phytotoxic Effects of Ethanolic Extracts of Magonia pubescens A.St.-Hil. (Sapindaceae) on the Germination of Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. Seeds | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42707039 · DOI · PMC13551150 |
Serum Biochemistry and Histopathological Profiles of Normoglycemic and Streptozotozin-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats Treated with Mace Water Extract from Myristica fragrans Houtt [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Background/Objectives: This in vivo study was conducted to investigate the effects of mace water extract from Myristica fragrans Houtt (ME) on serum biochemical and histopathological profiles of normoglycemic and streptozotozin-induced hyperglycemic rats.
- Closing excerpt
- Conclusions: The findings in this study emphasize the potential of ME to be used as a therapeutic agent and functional ingredient.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (155 words)
Background/Objectives: This in vivo study was conducted to investigate the effects of mace water extract from Myristica fragrans Houtt (ME) on serum biochemical and histopathological profiles of normoglycemic and streptozotozin-induced hyperglycemic rats. Methods: Biochemical parameters (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, AST, ALT, and albumin) from all groups of experimental rats were analyzed. Histopathological analysis was also performed on the kidney, liver, and pancreatic tissues. Results: The results showed that administration of ME (1.84 mg total phenolics from ME/kg BW) was able to prevent serum biochemical changes that are indicators of metabolic disorders and organ tissue damage due to hyperglycemia. ME significantly reduced LDL (31.85%), creatinine (13.78%), AST (58.97%), and ALT (60.04%) levels in hyperglycemic rats. ME also showed promising performance in protecting the kidney and liver from damage due to hyperglycemia. Conclusions: The findings in this study emphasize the potential of ME to be used as a therapeutic agent and functional ingredient.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42654266 · DOI · PMC13516800
Shao Di Pa Ning Decoction Attenuates Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease via PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with limited therapeutic options.
- Closing excerpt
- This discovery provides a robust theoretical foundation and pinpoints a strategic target for refining clinical PD therapeutics.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (245 words)
BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with limited therapeutic options. Shao Di Pa Ning Decoction (SDPND), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound formula for PD, has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.PurposeThis research aims to systematically investigate the mechanisms of SDPND, focusing on its anti-inflammatory effects and related pathways in PD.MethodsThe bioactive components of SDPND were first characterized to establish its material basis. Subsequently, A53T mice were administered SDPND to evaluate therapeutic improvements in motor dysfunction and neuroinflammatory responses, followed by transcriptomic profiling to identify potential pathways. Network pharmacology analysis was employed to validate biological pathways associated with these therapeutic effects. Molecular docking was used to study binding interactions between components and inflammatory, thereby offering mechanistic insights, with western blotting ultimately confirming the modulation of PI3K/AKT pathway activity.ResultsChemical composition analysis revealed 91 compounds. SDPND alleviated motor deficits and mitigated neuroinflammatory responses in A53T mice. Transcriptomic profiling revealed significant downregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Network pharmacology analyses independently reaffirmed the enrichment of PI3K/AKT signaling as a pivotal hub. Molecular docking demonstrated robust binding affinities between bioactive components and core targets within the PI3K/AKT pathway, while western blotting analysis confirmed SDPND mediated suppression of PI3K/AKT phosphorylation, further validating pathway inhibition as a key mechanistic driver.ConclusionOur findings first revealed a novel anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism of SDPND via PI3K/AKT pathway suppression, which underlies its efficacy in mitigating PD symptoms. This discovery provides a robust theoretical foundation and pinpoints a strategic target for refining clinical PD therapeutics.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42669032 · DOI · PMC13526254
Phytotoxic Effects of Ethanolic Extracts of Magonia pubescens A.St.-Hil. (Sapindaceae) on the Germination of Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. Seeds [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Emilia sonchifolia (L.
- Closing excerpt
- Further investigations could elucidate the mechanisms of action and identify the specific compounds responsible for the phytotoxic and stimulatory effects.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (179 words)
Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. is a weed characterized by seed production and efficient wind dispersal. This study evaluated the allelopathic potential of extracts from the leaves, stem bark, and fruit pericarp (EECFMp) of Magonia pubescens on E. sonchifolia seed germination. HPLC-DAD analysis identified caffeic acid in all extracts, while p-coumaric and ferulic acids were detected in the stem bark and fruit pericarp extracts. The extracts exhibited concentration-dependent activity. The leaf extract was the most phytotoxic, reducing germination to 33% at the highest concentration and outperforming glyphosate under the same conditions. Higher concentrations delayed germination (T50), reduced the germination speed index, and inhibited radicle and shoot growth. Lower concentrations stimulated germination, with the 50% stem bark extract achieving the highest germination rate (82%), indicating hormesis. These effects are likely associated with phenolic compounds, particularly caffeic acid. Overall, M. pubescens is a promising source of allelochemicals with potential application as a bioherbicide for weed management and as a seed germination biostimulant. Further investigations could elucidate the mechanisms of action and identify the specific compounds responsible for the phytotoxic and stimulatory effects.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42707039 · DOI · PMC13551150
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article The Effect of Fiber Supplementation on Chronic Constipation in Adults: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials [4]
- Research article The Herbal Medicine Suanzaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) for Sleep Quality Improvements: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis [5]
- Research article Systematic review and meta-analysis: Foods, drinks and diets and their effect on chronic constipation in adults [6]
- Research article Psyllium is a natural nonfermented gel-forming fiber that is effective for weight loss: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis [7]
- Research article The carcinogenicity of opium consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis [8]
- Research article Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of perimenopausal insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis [9]
References
- Hasbullah, Dewi FNA, Faridah DN, Indrasti D, Prabandari SA, Andarwulan N, et al.. Serum Biochemistry and Histopathological Profiles of Normoglycemic and Streptozotozin-Induced Hyperglycemic Rats Treated with Mace Water Extract from Myristica fragrans Houtt. . 2026. PMID 42654266 · DOI · PMC13516800
- Huang P, Tao Z, Hu J, Dong W, Wang M, Wang H, et al.. Shao Di Pa Ning Decoction Attenuates Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease via PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. . 2026. PMID 42669032 · DOI · PMC13526254
- Viturino JJF, Nascimento JBD, Leite DOD, Sousa MEM, Caetano JC, Santos FAGD, et al.. Phytotoxic Effects of Ethanolic Extracts of Magonia pubescens A.St.-Hil. (Sapindaceae) on the Germination of Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. Seeds. . 2026. PMID 42707039 · DOI · PMC13551150
- van der Schoot A, Drysdale C, Whelan K, Dimidi E. The Effect of Fiber Supplementation on Chronic Constipation in Adults: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022. PMID 35816465 · DOI · PMC9535527
- Yang M, Wang H, Zhang YL, Zhang F, Li X, Kim SD, et al.. The Herbal Medicine Suanzaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) for Sleep Quality Improvements: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Integr Cancer Ther. 2023. PMID 37014010 · DOI · PMC10084578
- Van Der Schoot A, Katsirma Z, Whelan K, Dimidi E. Systematic review and meta-analysis: Foods, drinks and diets and their effect on chronic constipation in adults. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2024. PMID 37905980 · DOI
- Gibb RD, Sloan KJ, McRorie JW. Psyllium is a natural nonfermented gel-forming fiber that is effective for weight loss: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2023. PMID 37163454 · DOI · PMC10389520
- M Filho A, Turner MC, Warnakulasuriya S, Richardson DB, Hosseini B, Kamangar F, et al.. The carcinogenicity of opium consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol. 2023. PMID 36773182 · DOI · PMC10082119
- Li Z, Yin S, Feng J, Gao X, Yang Q, Zhu F. Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of perimenopausal insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023. PMID 37960761 · DOI · PMC10637479
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.