Alcoholic Extract Research Articles

Lignans of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill inhibits Parkinson's disease progression through mediated neuroinflammation-TRPV1 expression in microglia

BackgroundSchisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (S. chinensis), a member of the Magnoliaceae family, is renowned for its distinctive medicinal attributes and is commonly employed in the treatment of disorders affecting the CNS. PurposeThe potential therapeutic effects of a lignan-enriched extract derived from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (LSC) on PD is assessed, which focuses on its mechanisms of action in addressing neuroinflammation. MethodsThe LSC has been obtained by purifying the ethyl alcohol extract of S. chinensis. The Orbitrap-MS method has been employed to analyze the chemical composition of the LSC. In LPS-induced BV2 cells, LSC-induced changes in M1/M2 type inflammatory cytokines have been examined using the Griess reaction, Elisa, JC-1, flow cytometry, IF, and WB methods. A model of PD has been established by treatment of MPTP in C57BL/6 mice. The effect of LSC on behavioral changes, inflammatory factor levels, expression of TH and IBA-1, and production of autophagy in the midbrain has been investigated by TEM, immunohistochemistry, Elisa, and WB. ResultsLSC has relieved sports injuries and pathological damage, and targeted the TRPV1-AMPK-NLRP3 signaling pathway, which affected neuroinflammation and autophagy in vivo. Furthermore, in vitro investigations demonstrated that LSC has activated M1/M2 transformation, its related inflammatory factors, and protein expressions of the NLRP3-Caspase1 signaling pathway in LPS-BV2 cells. The research notably demonstrated that the LSC promoted autophagy and suppressed inflammation through targeting TRPV1. ConclusionIn the investigation, LSC focused on TRPV1 and controlled neuroinflammation-autophagy by regulating AMPK-NLRP3, which has been proven for the first time. The study has presented molecular data supporting the use of LSC in treating PD and offers references for developing drugs. Remarkably, LSC has the potential to be utilized as a therapeutic or health medication that could significantly decrease PD.

Synergistic Effect of Aloe Vera L. Extract Methanolic With Some Antibiotics Against S. Aureus, E-Coli and Klebslia Isolated From the Eye Affected by Inflammation

The current study included the collection of (300) samples from (150) people from patients visiting Balad General Hospital and some private clinics in Balad District - Salah Al-Din Governorate, a sample was taken from both the right and left eyes using special dry and sterile cotton swabs that can be disposed of later, for the period ranging from November 2022 to January 2023, (235) positive samples for bacterial growth were obtained, constituting 78.3% of the total samples collected, positive growth samples were diagnosed depending on their morphological, farming and biochemical properties, and the diagnosis was confirmed for a number of them using the Vitek2 system technology. The results showed obtaining 140 isolates out of a total of (235) positive samples for the Gram stain by (59.6%), while the negative isolates of the Gram stain were (95) isolates and amounted to (40.4%) of the total isolates, S. aureus was 27.65% and E-coli 10.63%, while Klebsiella was 8.51% of the total bacterial isolates isolated from the eye, including (staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus, Streptococcus Viridians, Diphtheria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, E-coli, Neisseria). The results showed the synergistic effect of the alcoholic extract (methanol) of the aloe vera plant (Aloe Vera L.) with antibiotics a significant effect compared to methanol alcoholic extract alone, the results of the study also showed that the antibiotic Ciprofloxone synergistically with the alcoholic extract methanolic of the aloe vera plant (Aloe Vera L.) it had the highest effect already synergistically with most of the bacterial species under study.

Effects of Pleurotus Eryngii (DC.) Quél. Mushroom Extracts on Cell Proliferation in Breast and Colon Cancer Cell Lines

This study was aimed to collect Pleurotus eryngii (DC.) Quél. edible/medicinal mushroom from Çanakkale/Kumkale and to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of alcoholic extracts on breast and colon cancer cell lines. For this purpose, the Soxhlet method prepared methanol and ethanol:H2O (70:30) extracts by gradually increasing solvent polarities. Then, breast (MDA-MB-231, BT-549, BT-20, MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines were treated with the extracts in increasing concentrations (0.05-0.5 mg/mL) for 48 h. In conclusion, methanol and aqueous ethanol extracts exhibited significant antiproliferative effects in cancer cell lines, according to the MTT assay. The cell viability in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA-MB-231 cell line was highly decreased by methanol extract at a very low concentration (0.1 mg/mL). Furthermore, methanol extract at 0.3 mg/mL reduced the percentage of cell viability in the HT-29 cell line. Aqueous ethanol extract showed antiproliferative activity in breast and colon cancer cell lines at 0.25 mg/mL concentration for 48 h applications. In addition, some bioactive components such as 4-hydroxy flavone, chrysin, and tannic acid of aqueous ethanol extract have been determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. As a result, this study may increase interest in the studies on the anti-cancer activities and the mechanisms of P. eryngii mushroom.

Detection of Microscopic Characters And Evaluation Of The Anti-Inflammatory Effect Of Anagallis Arvensis L. Wildly Grown In Karbalaa’ Countryside

Anagallis arvensis is a well-known herb wildly grown in Karbalaa’ countryside. The aim of the study was to detect some microscopic features for the dried-grinded roots, leaves, flowers and seeds of the plant and evaluate the effect of the alcoholic extract of the aerials part (AEAP) on acute inflammation induced by egg-white model. Microscopic identification was done using an optical microscope. For the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effect, rats were divided into 4 groups (n=6), the negative control group, the positive control (Diclofenac sodium) group, AEAP 4 mg/kg was applied to group 3 individuals and AEAP 7 mg/kg was applied to group 4. The extracts and the positive control were I.P. injected. The results of the microscopic test revealed several diagnostic characters, such as cluster oxalate crystals and xylem vessels with pitted walls in the roots. Glandular trichomes composed of one- or two-celled stalk and a spherical, unicellular head and Fragments of the fibrous layer of the anthers in the flowers, Anomocytic stomata in the leaves. The (AEAP) of A.arvensis showed an anti-inflammatory effect in both 4mg/kg and 7 mg/kg doses compared to the negative control [p<0.01], while no statistically significant differences were noticed between the results of extract’s groups and the results of the positive control group.

Utilization of azamacrocyclic ionophores as recognition elements for the potentiometric determination of gallic acid in various matrices

Gallic acid is a naturally occurring low molecular weight triphenolic molecule identified as a potent antioxidant, protecting against various types of reactive species and non-radicals. Three novel carbon paste electrodes were developed for the potentiometric determination of gallic acid. Azamacrocyclic ionophors; cyclen, hexacyclen, and kryptofix-22 were utilized as recognition ionophores separately. A multi-walled carbon nanotubes/titanium oxide nanocomposite was employed as the ion-to-electron transducer in the designed sensors. The prepared transducer was characterized by FT-IR and TEM. Molecular docking was implemented to study the recognition mechanism between these ionophores and the gallic acid molecule. It revealed promising binding interactions between gallic acid and the three recognition ionophores, especially hexacyclen and Kryptofix-22. In studying the potentiometric response of the proposed sensors, they exhibited high stability, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision in the quantitation of gallic acid. Gallic acid can be accurately quantified over the linearity range of 1 × 10−1–1 × 10−3 M, 1 × 10−2–1 × 10−6 M, and 1 × 10−2–1 × 10−6 M with a Limit of detection (LOD) 4 × 10−4 M, 3 × 10−7 M, and 7 × 10−7 M, for CPE1, CPE 2 and CPE 3, respectively. The electrodes showed high efficiency in determining gallic acid in Krameria lappacea root alcoholic extract, black tea, green tea, and human plasma without sophisticated pretreatment steps.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Novel Herbal Endodontic Irrigant Against Enterococcus Faecalis in Root Canals of Permanent Teeth: An in Vitro Study

Background: A successful endodontic treatment is aimed at the sterilization of the entire pulp space. The use of extracts from Rhamnus prinoides as a novel irrigating material for root canal has not been studied . Hence, the antimicrobial efficacy of the alcoholic extract of Rhamnus prinoides as an irrigation material against E. faecalis was evaluated in comparison with the 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCL) solution used for root canals of permanent teeth. Methods: A total of 30 single-rooted human permanent teeth were thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected. Then, each tooth was subjected to a two-week infection with Enterococcus faecalis at 37 °C . Afterward, the samples were divided into three groups (10 teeth per group): 0.9% normal saline, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, and 250 µg/ml Rhamnus prinoides. Paper points were used before and after irrigation to collect samples. Bacterial growth was evaluated after 24 h. Bacterial colonies were counted. The data were examined statistically via one-way analysis of variance, Dunnett’s T3 post hoc test, and Shapiro–Wilk test. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 250 µg/ml Rhamnus prinoides demonstrated higher effectiveness against biofilm of Enterococcus faecalis than normal saline (p<0.05). The percentage of antibacterial effectiveness were 94.094 ±3.342, 93.685 ±5.280, and 25.603 ±3.912. Conclusions: Rhamnus prinoides, when used as root canal irrigant solution, was effective the sodium hypochlorite against the E. faecalis biofilm.

Development of technology for pita bread with increased nutritional value

The majority of the population living in large cities and some regions of the Russian Federation show signs of decreased immunity, most often manifested in colds. One of the ways to strengthen the human body’s immune system is to eliminate the deficiency of vitamins that have immunomodulatory properties. While developing the technology for the pita bakery product, dough has been prepared from a mixture of high-grade rye and wheat flour in equal quantities. As a source of vitamins that have a beneficial effect on the human immune system, a solution of pine needles has been added instead of half the amount of water. As a source of vitamin C, black currant and cranberry puree are used in the ratio of 1 : 1. An additional source of nutrients with immunomodulatory properties is dry ginger root powder added to the stuffing in an amount of 2 % by weight of the stuffing. Apple pectin has been used to stabilize the stuffing. A solution of pine needles is prepared by mixing an alcoholic infusion of pine needles and an aqueous decoction of pine needles in a ratio of 1 : 4. The pine needle solution has been used to replace half the amount of water used to prepare the dough. The developed bakery product "Pita with berry stuffing" is prepared with a ratio of pita to stuffing of 1 : 2 by weight. The developed bakery product can be recommended for stimulating and strengthening the immune system due to the additional inclusion of vitamins (C, K, A, B2, B6, B12) in the diet with beneficial effect on the human immune system, including for residents of the northern regions of Russia.

Effect of the exposure period and concentration of aqueous and alcoholic zingiber (Zingiber officinale) extract on the mean of mortality for hydatid cyst's protocolises.

To determine the anti-protocolises effect of aqueous and alcoholic zingiber extract. The present experimental study was conducted from 01, July 2021 to 15. December, 2021 at the College of Education for Pure Sciences, Iraq, and comprised 25mg/mL, 50mg/mL, 100mg/mL and 200mg/mL concentrations of both aqueous and alcoholic extracts of zingiber officinale that were prepared and used in vitro on hydatid cyst protocolises with 10min, 20min, 30min, 40min, 50min and 60min exposure times. The data was analysed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 10 by using ANOVA and t- test to determine the differences between groups. The concentration of 200mg/ml was more efficient against the protocolises for aqueous extract, while the alcoholic extract was effective at both 100mg/ml and 200mg/ml concentrations. There was a positive relationship of the degree of killing with both exposure time and concentration. Zingiber officinale could be a potential bioactive natural product and its active constituents could be isolated and used as anti-protoscolex without any side effects.

Inhibition mechanism of buckwheat hulls polyphenols on α-amylase and α-glucosidase using kinetics, spectroscopics and molecular docking approaches

The work investigated the activity inhibition of phenolic compounds in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) hulls (BH) on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and clarified their possible mechanisms based on kinetics, spectroscopics and molecular docking analysis. The total polyphenols (BHP) from BH using an ultrasound-assisted alcohol extraction method was 210.50 mg GAE/g DW. The study identified a total of 33 polyphenolic compounds in the extracts of BH using UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS, revealing that sixteen of these were novel polyphenolic substances not previously documented in this plant. BHP demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, with IC50 values recorded at 27.16 μg/mL and 7.00 μg/mL, respectively, suggesting noncompetitive and mixed-type inhibition mechanisms. The fluorescence intensity of the enzymes was effectively quenched by BHP through a combination of dynamic and static quenching mechanisms, driven predominantly by hydrophobic interactions. BHP's interaction with the enzymes resulted in conformational changes that reduced their enzymatic activities. Molecular docking further revealed that six polyphenolic components of BHP had a strong affinity for binding with the active sites nestled in the enzymes' hydrophobic cavities, inhibiting their activity and potentially contributing to a reduction in blood glucose levels. The results could provide perspective for using BHP in the functional components of sugar-controlling foods.

Saffron improves the efficacy of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer through the IL-17 signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSaffron is one of the traditional medicinal herbs, which contains various active ingredients, such as safranal, crocin, saffron acid, etc. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties, and is widely used in clinical practice. The anti-cancer efficacy of saffron has been previously confirmed, but its anti-cancer mechanism in colorectal cancer remains unclear. ObjectiveWe investigated the effect of active compounds of saffron on the efficacy of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer. MethodsTCMSP and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MS), GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases were used to identify the active compounds of saffron, drug targets and the disease targets of colorectal cancer. They were then subjected to Gene Ontology Enrichment (GO) and Signalling Pathway Enrichment (KEGG) analyses. The core targets and corresponding compounds were selected for molecular docking. The effect of active components of saffron on the proliferation of CT26 and HCT116 cells was investigated using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). In vitro experiments were conducted by subcutaneous injection of CT26 cells to establish a colon cancer model. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting (WB), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry (FCM) were employed to validate the effects of saffron on colorectal cancer immunotherapy. Results1. LC-MS analysis revealed that the main active component of saffron extract was crocin. The active chemicals of saffron intersected with 170 colorectal cancer targets, with 17 predicting targets for saffron treatment. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that the active components of saffron can prevent colorectal cancer development by enhancing Th17 cell differentiation and the IL-17 signaling pathway. 2. In vitro studies revealed that saffron alcohol extract, crocin, and safranal can suppress the proliferation of CT26 and HCT116 cells. 3. In vivo studies showed that crocin and safranal can increase the body mass and decrease the tumor mass of loaded mice, decrease the serum level of IL-17, and lower the mRNA expression level of IL-17, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, and PD-L1 and IL-17, PD-L1 protein in tumors. This inhibitory effect was strengthened after combined immunotherapy. In addition, saffron modulated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the CD4+/CD8+T ratio in mouse spleens. ConclusionThe active components of saffron can reduce the expression of inflammatory factors and ameliorate the immunological microenvironment of tumors via the IL-17 signaling pathway, thereby improving the efficacy of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer. This study provides pharmacological support for the application of saffron in enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.

Lactation-promoting ingredients of Hemerocallis citrina Borani and the corresponding mechanisms.

Hemerocallis citrina Borani is a traditional folk food used to promote the lactation of postpartum mothers in China; however, the active ingredients and corresponding mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, the lactogenic effect of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of H. citrina was primarily evaluated, and the aqueous extract (1,000 and 2,000mg/kg) displayed significant lactation-promoting effects. Three eluates of the aqueous extract (0%, 30%, and 50%HCW) were further evaluated for their lactogenic effect, and 30% and 50% HCW showed significant lactation-promoting activity. Nineteen ingredients, including those with a high content of rutin and isoquercetin, were then identified from 30% and 50%HCW using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) method. Finally, the lactogenic effect of rutin and isoquercetin was evaluated, and both compounds displayed significant lactation-promoting activity. The mechanisms relative to the lactation-promoting active ingredients for H. citrina extracts and compounds are to stimulate the release of prolactin (PRL) and progesterone (P), as well as to induce the expression of prolactin receptor (PRLR) and improve the morphology of mammary tissue. This study first clarified the lactation-promoting active ingredients of H. citrina and the corresponding mechanisms, which provide a new insight into the new lactation-promoting drug and promote the high-value utilization of H. citrina resources.

Differential cytotoxic effects of Garcinia mangostana pericarp extract on leukaemic versus normal human cell lines: insights into selective anticancer activity

IntroductionGarcinia mangostana L. is widely recognised for its traditional medicinal uses and growing relevance in the nutraceutical sector. This research endeavour is designed to scrutinise the phytochemical composition and cytotoxic effects of an alcoholic extract derived from the pericarps of G. mangostana (ME) on leukaemic cell lines. MethodsG. mangostana L. pericarps were subjected to ethanol extraction, and subsequent compound identification was conducted via Capillary Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionisation-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry (CapLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS). In parallel, the extract was fractionated through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, U937, Jurkat and normal human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) lines were exposed to varying concentrations of the extract to assess cell proliferation, viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptotic DNA damage. ResultsInvestigations confirmed the presence of various xanthones, including β-mangostin, α-mangostin, and garcinone E. Significantly, ME displayed pronounced cytotoxic effects specifically on leukaemic cells, distinguishing its impact on malignant cells as opposed to non-malignant ones, and facilitated apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Moreover, the whole extract consistently displayed greater cytotoxicity compared to individual fractions. ConclusionAccording to the results obtained ME selective cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines and greater biological activity than the single compounds in the extract. These findings underscore ME's potential in cancer prevention, complementing dietary strategies ahead of pharmaceutical interventions.

Evaluation of the phytochemicals and antimicrobial properties of Tetrapleura Tetraptera and Piper Nigrum

The search for new substances with antibacterial activities has become an urgent necessity due to the resistance of many bacteria of medical importance to antibiotics. In an attempt to seek out new antibacterial agents from plants, E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella spp susceptibility to the seed extracts of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Piper nigrum were assessed. A Qualitative phytochemical screening was also done to establish the various phytochemicals found in the plants. To achieve these findings, the dried seeds of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Piper nigrum were collected in the Bamenda food market and ground. Further, the powder obtained was subjected to aqueous and alcoholic extractions separately in which the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Tetrapleura teraptera and Piper nigrum seeds were evaluated for their antibacterial potential against E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella spp using agar diffusion. The obtained results indicated that S. aureus and E. coli were susceptible to the alcoholic and aqueous extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera (with a MIC of 50mg/ml; 100mg/ml) respectively, for S.aureus and (25mg/ml; 50mg/ml) for E.coli. For S. aureus, susceptibility to aqueous extract of Piper nigrum shows sensitivity (with MIC of 100mg/ml). Complete resistance was registered with the alcoholic extracts of Piper nigrum. Furthermore, the phytochemical screening results indicated the presence of resins, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids (present in all powder), and saponins (absent only in Piper nigrum). In conclusion, the alcoholic and aqueous extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera seeds has antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. It was proposed that further studies should be carried out on the susceptibility of Tetrapleura tetraptera to other bacteria.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-hyperlipidemic Effect of Tridax Procumbens L. Flower Extract by in Vitro Method

This study assessed the in vitro antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic properties of Tridax procumbens Linn methanolic and hydro alcoholic flower extract. The amount of antioxidant activity was measured using techniques including DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl) and nitric oxide. We analyzed the percentage of different free radicals that were scavenged using ascorbic acid, a common antioxidant. Using the TBARS assay and lipid peroxidation measurements, the extracts anti-hyperlipidemic potential was also assessed. Furthermore, the phytochemical analysis of the floral extracts that were methanolic and hydroalcoholic revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, triterpenes, alkaloids, glycosides, and tannins in substantial amounts. Significant antioxidant activity was found (P<0.001) for DPPH scavenging at various flower extract doses. The methanolic extract's IC50 value and % inhibition were higher than hydro-alcoholic extracts.

An Integrated Strategy of UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS Combined with Bioactivity-Based Molecular Networking for Identification of Antitumoral Withanolides from Athenaea fasciculata (Vell.) I.M.C. Rodrigues & Stehmann.

Athenaea fasciculata, a Brazilian native species from the Solanaceae family, is recognized as a promising source of bioactive withanolides, particularly Aurelianolide A and B, which exhibit significant antitumoral activities. Despite its potential, research on the chemical constituents of this species remains limited. This study aimed to dereplicate extracts and partitions of A. fasciculata to streamline the discovery of bioactive withanolides. Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), various extracts-including n-hexane, methanol, and ethanol-were analyzed, and their mass spectrometry data were processed through the GNPS platform for the generation of molecular networking. The results indicated that crude extracts displayed comparable cytotoxicity against Jurkat cells, by treatment at 150 µg/mL, while alcoholic extracts achieved approximately 80% inhibition of K562 cells and K562-Lucena 1 at the same concentration. Notably, the dichloromethane partition exhibited the highest cytotoxicity across leukemia cell lines, particularly against Jurkat cells (IC50 = 14.34 µg/mL). A total of 22 compounds were annotated by manual inspection and different libraries, with six of them demonstrating significant cytotoxic effects. This research underscores the therapeutic potential of A. fasciculata and highlights the effectiveness of integrating advanced analytical methods in drug discovery, paving the way for further exploration of its bioactive compounds.

Róża (Rosa L.) w polskim ziołolecznictwie ludowym od drugiej połowy XIX do początków XXI wieku

The rose is a versatile plant, it provides “jam and wine”, surrounds us with beauty and a pleasant scent, which in the form of essential oil is also a valuable cosmetic. The flowers, fruits, leaves, roots and galls, and even the soil in which it grew, were used in traditional herbal medicine in rural communities. These raw materials were used to prepare infusions, decoctions, jams, juices, water and alcohol extracts, ointments and smoke, which were used to fumigate the sick person or diseased places. They were used to treat eye diseases, dermatological diseases, diarrhea, dysentery, consumption, fever, cough, ulcers, wounds, bone, tooth, head and eye pain, and even to treat madness. Most often, however, rose was used to treat erysipelas, in Polish the name of the disease and the plant was identical, according to the principle “like cures like”. The multitude of obtained “medicines” and the variety of ways of preparing and using these raw materials indicate the ability of traditional communities to observe, draw conclusions, and also cope with situations when access to medical care was very limited. These observations, often supported by long practice, can inspire us to conduct further research on the medicinal properties of this valuable plant.

A Hirsutella sinensis Alcohol Extract Exerts Bidirectional Immunoregulatory Effects by Regulating Macrophage Polarization.

For background, Hirsutella sinensis, the only anamorphic fungus considered an effective substitute for Cordyceps sinensis, possesses immunoregulatory properties. However, the specific mechanism underlying the immunoregulatory function of Hirsutella sinensis remains unclear. The purpose is to investigate the therapeutic effects of Hirsutella sinensis alcohol extract (HSAE) on immune dysregulation and elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. For methods, we established inflammatory and immunosuppression models in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the bidirectional immunoregulatory function of HSAE via qRT-PCR and immunoblotting. We also studied its potential mechanism via RNA sequencing and transcriptional analysis. We further established M1 and M2 cell models to explore the effect of HSAE on M1/M2 polarization using qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry. For results, our data demonstrated enhanced proliferation, phagocytosis, and antipathogenic activities of macrophages. Treatment with HSAE led to increases in the proportions of CD3+ and CD4+ immune cells in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. Additionally, HSAE reduced the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of Il1b, Il6, Ifnb1, and Cxcl10 by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways in vitro and improved mouse survival by reducing the proportion of M1/M2 macrophages in septic mice. Finally, we found that HSAE inhibited M1 polarization by decreasing the expression of iNOS and CD86 and promoted M2 polarization by increasing the expression of ARG1 and CD206. For conclusions, our study provides evidence that HSAE has the potential to enhance immune responses and suppress excessive inflammation. These effects were realized by modulating macrophage polarization, providing novel insights into the fundamental mechanism underlying the bidirectional immunomodulatory effect of HSAE.

Effects of Rubus idaeus extracts on some Cancerous Cell Lines in vitro Study Using MTT Assay

Our study investigated the cytotoxicity of Rubus idaeus alcoholic and aqueous extracts prepared from ripe blackberries were collected from the farmlands north of Baghdad, the extracts prepared at the same starting concentration, and tested on two cell line, the result show high toxic effects increase with the increase of concentration. The three extracted components from Rubus idaeus (purified flavonoid, polysaccharides, and carotenes) showed cytotoxic effect towards both: the primary cell culture of normal hepatic cells (HepG2 and L20B cell), and cancer hepatic cell lines (HepG2 and L20B cell) at 100μg/ml concentration for 24 hours treatment. Purified flavonoid exerted the potent effect on both cell lines among the other two extracted components. The cytotoxicity assay was held only for the purified flavonoid to investigate the mechanism by which the purified flavonoid affected living cells toward apoptosis. The most significant reduction (p≤0.05) in cell viable count was at the concentration 100μg/ml which appear to cause the induction of cell death via mitochondrial pathway for HepG2 and L20B cell line after 24 hours exposure. The purified flavonoid had no effect on the HepG-2 cell cycle. The Immunomodulation effect for the purified flavonoid and the extracted polysaccharides on normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes showed that the purified flavonoid suppress lymphocytes proliferation, while the later increased lymphocytes proliferation significantly. The immune stimulating effect of the polysaccharides caused alteration in IL-17 and level estimated by ELISA technique towards IL-2 elevation for the normal human blood lymphocytes against IL-17 level after 4 hours exposure at concentrations (250 and 500 μg/ml), while toxicity results were shown after 4 hours.

Efficiency of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extract of Calotropis Procera in Resisting the Fungus Rhizoctonia solani, the Causative Agent of Black Scurf Disease on Potatoes

Efficiency of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extract of Calotropis Procera in Resisting the Fungus Rhizoctonia solani, the Causative Agent of Black Scurf Disease on Potatoes

Comparative UV-Spectroscopic and Chemical estimations of Atropine Alkaloid present in Datura stramonium found in Saudi Arabia

Aim: To find out the concentration of Atropine alkaloid in Datura stramonium of Saudi Arabian Region and to develop a new method of the Atropine estimation. Methods: The presence of Atropine in the alcoholic extract of leaves of Datura stramonium was known by Qualitative TLC profile. Quantitative estimation of Atropine in the extract was done with UV Spectrophotometric Method (new proposed method for determination of Atropine in plant extract) and Titrimetric Method (Pharmacopoeial method) and results were compared. Results: Qualitative (TLC) Result showing the presence of Atropine in the Datura stramonium extract. After applying the calculations the concentration of Atropine was found to be 0.3% (w/w). Since the both quantitative results were comparable and the values of the results were approximately equal supporting the validation of New Method. Conclusion: The Saudi Arabian geographical variety of Datura stramonium contains the Atropine Alkaloid as 0.3% (w/w) which is close to the reported value. The new method for the quantitative estimation of Atropine i.e. UV spectroscopic method was developed successfully.