The five elements are associated with the heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys, forming the basis of the meridian-based synergy concept.
The multi-target approach views the body as an interconnected network. A diverse phytochemical formula is designed to act across several targets rather than focus on an isolated symptom.
Five Botanicals brings together different polyphenols, phytochemicals and fermentation metabolites from five plants to provide complementary nutrition through different physiological pathways.
Different phytochemical systems in one formula Some compounds are studied in free radical chain reactions, others in cellular antioxidant signaling, inflammation or metabolic regulation. Our multi-target approach considers these connected systems rather than a single ingredient alone.
A multi-target approach offers a scientific rationale for diverse, complementary mechanisms. Demonstrating actual synergy in humans still depends on formulation, dosage, absorption and studies of the finished product.
First confirm the phytochemicals actually present or quantified in the raw materials.
Integrate databases, existing research and computational predictions to propose possible targets.
Confirm predictions progressively through in vitro, animal or human studies. A prediction is not a demonstrated result.
The review examines how network pharmacology (NP) is applied to plant secondary metabolites. It evaluates predicted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of flavonoids, polyphenols and other natural compounds, comparing computational findings with cell studies, animal experiments and molecular docking.
Plants contain many structurally diverse secondary metabolites, often with multi-target activity. A single compound may be associated with several genes, proteins and physiological pathways. Studying one compound against one target can therefore be slow and costly while missing the wider network.
Network pharmacology combines bioinformatics, large datasets and computational modeling to connect plant compounds, biological states and gene or protein targets. It helps researchers identify network hubs, predict pathways and prioritize experiments.
The review covers network pharmacology in botanical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory research from 2015 to 2025. It examines agreement between computational predictions and experimental findings and identifies frequently reported signaling pathways, protein targets and compound classes.
Despite differences in plant metabolites' structures and sources, studies repeatedly identify several important redox and inflammatory regulatory networks.
Nrf2／KEAP1／ARE The most frequently predicted and experimentally supported mechanism; PI3K/AKT, MAPK and NF-κB also recur.
Research frequently points to NF-κB、MAPK、PI3K／AKT and other signaling pathways involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses.
Plant secondary metabolites occur in fruits, leaves, seeds, rhizomes and aromatic tissues. The three groups below are illustrated with common food and botanical sources. Actual levels vary by species, plant part, cultivation and processing.
Found widely in dark-colored fruits, citrus, tea, legumes and vegetables. Subgroups include anthocyanins, flavonols, flavanones and isoflavones.
Common examples include caffeic, ferulic and p-coumaric acids. Free and esterified forms occur in fruits and vegetables; whole grains often contain more bound phenolic acids.
This broad class includes monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and carotenoids. These compounds contribute to plant color, aroma and defense, with citrus peel and aromatic herbs among their notable sources.
Food source reference: Review of Natural Antioxidants and Plant Sources 、 Review of dietary phenolic acid sources 、 Review of plant terpenoids
