Therapeutic potential of plant-derived small extracellular vesicles in sepsis: A network meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #humans #anti-inflammatory-agents #antioxidants #cytokines

Therapeutic potential of plant-derived small extracellular vesicles in sepsis: A network meta-analysis

Lai et al., 2025 | Pharmacol Res | Narrative Review

Citation

Lai Wen-Yi, Chuang Ching-Wei, ... Huang Chun-Jen. Therapeutic potential of plant-derived small extracellular vesicles in sepsis: A network meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res. 2025-Jul;217:107795. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2025.107795

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic inflammation and multi-organ dysfunction. Plant-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. This study conducted a network meta-analysis to identify the most effective plant-derived sEVs for reducing sepsis-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. The analysis included 13 studies evaluating 10 plant-derived sEVs in sepsis-mimicking conditions, with primary outcomes focused on cytokine levels and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro and in vivo. Secondary outcomes included nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and cell viability. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251011005). Ginger-derived sEVs were identified as the most effective, significantly reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α), increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10), and suppressing ROS production. They also enhanced Nrf2 expression and improved cell viability, highlighting their role in antioxidant defense and cytoprotection. In conclusion, ginger-derived sEVs are the most effective plant-derived sEVs for mitigating sepsis-induced inflammation and oxidation in both in vitro and in vivo sepsis-mimicking models.

Key Findings

In conclusion, ginger-derived sEVs are the most effective plant-derived sEVs for mitigating sepsis-induced inflammation and oxidation in both in vitro and in vivo sepsis-mimicking models.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 13
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Cytokines
  • Extracellular Vesicles
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Sepsis
  • Zingiber officinale

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Narrative Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Network Meta-Analysis, Review
  • Vertical: ginger

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09