We aimed to develop a simple, fast, and inexpensive colorimetric approach for detecting lead(II) ions in solution by forming a complex with 1-(1-benzyl-2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)thiosemicarbazide. A detailed description of spectrophotometric lead(II) determination is provided. When combined with the N-benzyl-isatin-thiosemicarbazone ligand (L) in a slightly acidic solution (pH 12), lead(II) produces a yellow chelate. The molar absorptivity of the complex at 253 nm (λmax) is 1.9 × 103 L mol−1 cm−1, and the quantification limit is 2.28 µg mL−1 (11 µM), whereas the detection limit is 0.73 µg mL−1 (3.5 µM). The concentration range when Beer's law is observed is from 9.7 × 10−6 to 1.9 × 10−4 M. We studied the structure and stoichiometry of the Pb(II) and L complex in solution through the synthesis of the solid complex (PbL) and proved using the analytical techniques such as FTIR, NMR, UV-vis spectroscopy, SEM, and thermal analysis. Lead(II) recovery percentages in lipstick samples were determined using the developed method, with results ranging from 88.1 ± 1.9 to 117.3 ± 1.1%. The high lead(II) recovery rate from the samples indicates the effectiveness of the developed method and its potential use for accurate measurement and quality assessment of lead(II) in various samples.

This study explores the potential of bioactive peptides derived from hydrolyzed goat milk casein as α-amylase inhibitors, with implications for diabetes management. Goat milk casein was hydrolyzed using trypsin at varying enzyme-to-protein ratios to achieve different degrees of hydrolysis (DH). The optimal enzyme-to-protein ratio of 1:40 yielded the highest DH (31.31%). The resulting hydrolyzates were fractionated using strong cationic exchange solid-phase extraction (SCX-SPE), and their α-amylase inhibitory activity was evaluated. The fraction collected at pH 5 exhibited the highest α-amylase inhibition, with an inhibition value of 76.88% and an IC50 of 221.69 μg/mL. This fraction also contained the highest total peptide mass (1,208.9 μg). The enzyme kinetic study demonstrates an uncompetitive inhibition by fraction 5. Molecular docking simulations revealed that peptides from the most active fractions, including EGIEELLTGTIR, SSPSKHQPPPIR, and LLPRKAK, interact with key residues in the active site of α-amylase. The docking results demonstrated favorable binding energies and stable interactions with critical binding pockets, indicating the peptides strong potential as α-amylase inhibitors. Furthermore, the docking analysis revealed that these peptides interact with both the active site and other regions outside the active site, indicating an uncompetitive inhibition mechanism.

In this study, two novel ester derivatives of simvastatin were synthesized via a convenient one-pot esterification method using acetic acid and propanoic acid. The synthesized compounds were fully characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and mass spectrometry. Their safety profiles were evaluated through acute toxicity (LD50) and cytotoxicity tests, affirming their biocompatibility. To assess their hypolipidemic potential, both derivatives (A1 and A2) were administered to a cholesterol-induced hyperlipidemic rat model. Lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), were measured post-treatment. The results revealed that both compounds significantly improved lipid parameters, with the propanoate derivative (A2) exhibiting the most potent lipid-lowering activity, surpassing even the reference drug, simvastatin. Furthermore, biochemical assays demonstrated a substantial reduction in hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity, particularly in the A4-treated group, suggesting a direct inhibitory effect on cholesterol biosynthesis. These findings suggest that the synthesized derivatives may serve as promising candidates for the development of safer and more effective lipid-lowering agents.

Dyes from laboratory wastewater are considered a potential source of water contamination. In this study, natural clay and activated carbon were used to remove a colored indicator (phenolphthalein). Both adsorbents were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the colored indicator was characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometer. The effects of various parameters, such as initial phenolphthalein concentration, contact time, temperature, pH, and decolorization, were studied. Dye removal increased with decreasing initial phenolphthalein concentration and solution contact time. The percentage of phenolphthalein removal increased accordingly, reaching 99% for activated carbon and 98% for natural clay. Langmuir and the Freundlich adsorption models were used to describe the adsorption equilibrium. The data very well fitted with these models. The monolayer adsorption capacities were equal to 31 mg g−1 at pH 8.0 and temperature 27 °C. The adsorption measurements show that the adsorption process is rapid and physical in nature. The results explain that the adsorption process isexothermic and spontaneous physisorption.

Brown rice (BrR) is a nutrient-rich staple food and a potential source of γ-oryzanol, which has the potential to promote health effects in hypercholesterolemia. However, the availability and biological mechanism of γ-oryzanol in Indonesian BrR remain unexplored. This study aimed to characterize γ-oryzanol content in three Indonesian BrR varieties, Black Madras, Lawang, and UB BrR, and evaluate its biological functions for hypercholesterolemia. γ-Oryzanol was identified using HPLC, antioxidant activity by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method, and anticholesterol activity by the Lieberman-Burchard method. In silico analysis was performed to assess γ-oryzanol derivatives' interaction with microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). Black Madras BrR showed the highest γ-oryzanol content (0.3007 ± 0.0011 g). γ-Oryzanol was comprised of four main derivatives: cycloartenyl ferulate, 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate, campesteryl ferulate, and β-sitosteryl ferulate. Black Madras BrR exhibited strong antioxidant (IC50 18.89 ± 0.37 μg/mL) and anticholesterol (IC50 14.02 ± 0.23 µg/mL) activities. Docking simulations revealed that γ-oryzanol derivatives interact with MTP lipid-binding residues (Leu643, Ile666, Phe813, Val817) with the same binding energy as lomitapide. Molecular dynamics indicated γ-oryzanol stable interaction, closer to lomitapide. These findings proposed the potential bioactivity of γ-oryzanol from Black Madras BrR as antioxidant, anticholesterol, and a natural MTP inhibitor for hypercholesterolemia treatment.

In this study, a new azo ligand, 8-hydroxy-7-iodo-6-((4-sulfophenyl)diazinyl)quinoline-5-sulfonic acid (HAQ), was synthesized from 8-hydroxy-7-iodo-quinoline-5-sulfonic acid using a diazotization-coupling procedure and then complexed with La(III), Ni(II), and Ce(IV) ions. The ligand and its metal complexes were analyzed using elemental analysis, FTIR, UV-vis, 1H-NMR, TGA, SEM, ICP, and XRD techniques. Spectral and analytical results indicated the effective coordination of oxygen and nitrogen donor atoms, resulting in stable 1:1 (metal:ligand) of [La(HAQ)Cl2(H2O)2]·5H2O, and (1:2) of [Ce(HAQ)2(SO4)]·H2O and [Ni(HAQ)2(H2O)2]·4H2O complexes. Thermal analysis has revealed that metal complexes are more thermally stable than their corresponding free ligands. SEM showed significant morphological modifications during complexation, whereas XRD patterns revealed an increase in crystallinity in the metal complexes. The antioxidant characteristics of the synthesized compounds were evaluated using the phosphomolybdate technique, with the Ce(IV) complex displaying the highest activity, most likely due to its redox capacity. Overall, the results highlight the potential of HAQ and its metal complexes as promising candidates for antioxidant and anticancer applications. These findings warrant further mechanistic studies and in vivo evaluations.

Chisocheton macrophyllus is a medicinal plant that contains sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, limonoids, steroids, and phenolic compounds. This research aimed to assess the effect of Dysobinol, a limonoid compound from the seed of C. macrophyllus, on MCF-7 cell growth. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTS colorimetric assay, DNA fragmentation was assessed by agarose electrophoresis, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were determined by flow cytometry, and gene expression levels were evaluated using qRT-PCR. Dysobinol was also analyzed in silico using drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic, and molecular docking analysis. Dysobinol demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells, with an IC50 of 148.20 μg/mL. Dysobinol induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest that was not accompanied by the induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. In silico studies showed that the EGFR/AKT/cyclin D1 proteins were affected by Dysobinol. Furthermore, drug-likeness and pharmacokinetics analysis showed that Dysobinol is bioavailable orally and has high gastrointestinal absorption and low penetration into the blood-brain barrier. Together, these results indicate that Dysobinol can regulate breast cancer cell proliferation through cell cycle arrest rather than apoptosis, and its pharmacological profile highlights its potential as a promising lead compound for anticancer drug development.

Current food consumption patterns are a significant concern in the field of health. For example, the habit of consuming high-calorie, high-saturated-fat, and high-sugar junk food contributes to various health problems. Fat, as a molecule required by the body as a source of energy, has adverse effects if its levels exceed the amount needed by the body. One of these effects is an increase in cholesterol levels, a condition known as hypercholesterolemia. Manilkara kauki is a plant that has the potential as an antihypercholesterolemic agent. The objective of this study is to evaluate their antihypercholesterolemic activity both in vitro, using the Liebermann-Burchard method, and in silico, by assessing the inhibition of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme (PDB ID: 1HW9), which plays a key role in cholesterol synthesis. The antihypercholesterolemic activity assessed via the Liebermann-Burchard assay revealed that the ethanol extract exhibited significant activity, with an IC50 value of 108.91 ppm. Furthermore, LC-MS analysis identified 117 compounds in the extract, which were subjected to molecular docking studies. Three flavonoid compounds, lanaroflavone (−8.69 kcal/mol), sequoiaflavone (−9.28 kcal/mol), and sumaflavone (−8.55 kcal/mol), demonstrated higher binding affinities to HMG-CoA reductase than the positive control, simvastatin (−8.53 kcal/mol).

Spent bleaching earth (SBE), a waste generated from palm oil bleaching, contains residual oil and organic matter that block its pore structure and pose environmental disposal concerns. Regeneration of SBE is therefore essential to enable its reutilization. In this study, SBE was regenerated by calcination and further modified via KOH impregnation at concentrations of 1.00, 0.10, and 0.01 M. The regenerated materials were characterized using XRF, SEM, TEM, XRD, and BET surface area analysis. Calcination combined with 0.10 M KOH impregnation increased the surface area from 8.70 to 93.81 m2/g, approaching the value of activated bleaching earth (94.29 m2/g), and significantly altered pore volume and pore size distribution. These findings indicate that calcination restores the basic structure of SBE, while subsequent KOH impregnation enhances its morphological properties, highlighting the potential of regenerated SBE as a low-cost adsorbent or catalyst support.

Strobilanthes crispus leaf extract was investigated as a green corrosion inhibitor for aluminium in varying pH media (HCl pH 2, NaCl pH 7, NaOH pH 10). FTIR confirmed C–O and C=O functional groups are critical for inhibition. Weight loss measurements after 20 d in NaOH showed corrosion rates of 0.00061 mm/y at 0.2 mg/L inhibitor and 0.00038 mm/y at 0.8 mg/L, with efficiencies of 46.8 and 67.05%, respectively. Inhibition was weaker in NaCl (0.0003–0.0024 mm/y) and HCl (0.0037–0.0005 mm/y). Tafel polarization revealed a reduced corrosion rate in NaOH (0.00022 mm/y vs. 0.019 mm/y uninhibited) and a positive Ecorr shift. EIS demonstrated peak efficiency (75.5% at 0.8 mg/L in NaOH), supported by high charge transfer resistance Rct with about 6.80 × 104 Ω and oxide film resistance Rof with about 1.19 × 10⁶ Ω. SEM confirmed smoother surfaces in inhibited NaOH versus pitting in blanks. The extract’s efficacy in alkaline conditions rivals that of plant-derived inhibitors, though neutral/acidic performance was limited. These findings position S. crispus as a sustainable inhibitor for alkaline environments.