Americana Extract Research Articles

Investigation of the effects of Periplaneta americana (L.) extract on ischemic stroke based on combined multi-omics of gut microbiota

Investigation of the effects of Periplaneta americana (L.) extract on ischemic stroke based on combined multi-omics of gut microbiota

Biochemical Analysis of Persea americana Extract for Mitigating Cadmium-Induced Liver Damage in Rats

This research investigated the effects of methanol seed extract of Persea americana Mill on the liver of Wistar rats exposed to cadmium toxicity. The liver, known for its critical role in metabolism and interaction with the gastrointestinal tract, is predisposed to damage caused by drugs and other harmful chemicals. According to research, P. americana is rich in secondary metabolites with hepatoprotective properties. The seeds of P. americana were obtained from its fruits, procured from a local seller. The seeds were cut, air-dried under shade until crisp, pounded into powder, and extracted in methanol for 72 hours. Exactly 20 rats were subdivided into four groups, each containing five rats. The normal control group was given normal saline. The second group received 20 mg/kg bw CdSO4, the third group received 20 mg/kg bw CdSO4 with 400 mg/kg bw extract, and the fourth group received 20 mg/kg bw CdSO4 with 100 mg/kg bw silymarin. The results showed a significant difference in AST, ALT, ALP, and GGT levels in group 1 compared to the second group, which exhibited an increase. The treated groups demonstrated a considerable decrease in these marker enzymes relative to the induced group. There was no statistically significant difference in the protein levels among the groups. However, albumin levels decreased in group 2 compared to the other groups. MDA levels increased significantly in group 2, while SOD and CAT levels showed a significant decrease in group 2. The plant extract exhibited a promising hepatoprotective effect on the liver of animals induced with cadmium (CdSO4).

Eco-friendly corrosion inhibition of copper in NaCl media using Perseana americana extract: Insights from quantum and electrochemical studies

Corrosion of copper in saline environments, particularly in 3.5% sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions, poses significant challenges across various industries, leading to substantial economic losses and safety concerns. Traditional corrosion inhibitors, often synthetic and toxic, raise environmental issues that necessitate the exploration of sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the use of Perseana americana extract (PAE) as an eco-friendly inhibitor for copper corrosion, demonstrating an impressive inhibition efficiency of 96.53% at an optimal concentration of 300 mg/L. Electrochemical assessments, including potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), reveal that PAE functions as a mixed-type inhibitor, significantly reducing the corrosion current density (icorr) from 3.59 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm2 (without inhibitor) to 1.83 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm2 at 100 mg/L, and further to 0.12 × 10⁻⁵ A/cm2 at 300 mg/L. The adsorption behavior of PAE on the copper surface adheres to the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer adsorption with a Gibbs free energy of adsorption (ΔGads) of −18.84 kJ/mol, suggesting a predominantly physisorption mechanism. Additionally, Monte Carlo simulations confirm strong interactions between PAE molecules and the copper surface, with the highest adsorption energy recorded for phloretin at −3778.338 kcal/mol, highlighting the extract's potential as a green alternative to conventional inhibitors. This research underscores the viability of utilizing natural plant extracts for effective corrosion control, contributing to more sustainable practices in metal protection.

A novel oral film of carbomer/Poly(vinyl alcohol)/hydroxypropyl cellulose triple polymer loaded with Periplaneta Americana extract for enhancing the oral ulcer treatment

The liquid formulation of Periplaneta Americana extract (PAE) demonstrates significant efficacy in the treatment of oral ulcers. However, its limited ability to adhere to the oral cavity leads to a diminished therapeutic effect. This study aims to address this limitation by developing a Periplaneta Americana extract oral film (PAEOF) designed to extend the PAE ‘s duration of action through enhanced adhesion. Utilizing a one-factor analysis approach, the optimal oral film incorporating Periplaneta Americana extracts, based on polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and carbomer, was developed. The resulting oral film exhibited an elongation at break of 548.86 ± 279.78 % and an adhesive force of 2.34 ± 0.47 N/cm2. Furthermore, the mucoadhesion time of PAEOF was quantified at 89.00 ± 2.83 min, demonstrating favorable bioadhesion properties. Pharmacodynamic studies in Sprague-Dawley rats revealed that the high PAEOF group, containing 20 % Periplaneta Americana extract, exhibited the most significant healing effect. After 5 days of administration, ulcer areas decreased from 52.43 ± 10.53 mm2 to 16.92 ± 2.33 mm2, and ulcer burning points decreased from 10.00 ± 0.00 to 4.00 ± 1.46. Additionally, levels of various biomarkers including SOD (superoxide dismutase), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha), IL-6 (interleukin 6), IL-2 (interleukin 2), and IFN-γ (interferon gamma) in the PAEOF-treated groups approached those found in the healthy group, indicating a satisfactory therapeutic effect. In conclusion, PAEOF presents a novel approach for the treatment of oral ulcer diseases, offering enhanced adhesion and prolonged therapeutic efficacy.

Periplaneta americana extract CII-3 triggers cell senescence through activating ROS-p38 MAPK-p53 signaling pathway in SKOV3 cells

This study aimed to investigate effect of Periplaneta americana extract CII-3 (CII-3) in senescence of SKOV3 cells. Proliferation, colony forming and cell senescence of SKOV3 cells were determined. ROS production was evaluated by flow cytometry. Transcription of telomerase (TERT), p38 MAPK and p53 gene and protein expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-p53, were identified. CII-3 at different concentrations significantly inhibited SKOV3 proliferation, and 80 μg/ml demonstrated the highest inhibitory effect. CII-3 significantly blocked cell cycle in G0/G1 phase (P<0.01) and reduced colony forming efficiency (P<0.001) of SKOV3 cells compared to those in Control group. CII-3 significantly increased SA-β-Gal positive staining SKOV3 cells (P<0.001) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01) compared to those in Control group. CII-3 markedly decreased TERT gene transcription of SKOV3 cells compared to that in Control group (P<0.001). CII-3 also triggered significantly higher ROS levels in SKOV3 cells compared to that in Control group (P<0.001). CII-3 significantly increased p-p38 MAPK (P<0.001), p-p53 (P<0.001) and p21 (P<0.001) expressions of SKOV3 cells compared to those in Control group. In conclusion, CII-3 triggered cell senescence of SKOV3 cells through activating ROS-p38 MAPK-p53 signaling pathway. This study would provide a promising strategy for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation by including cell senescence.

Phytolacca americana extract as a quality-enhancing factor for biodegradable double-layered films based on furcellaran and gelatin – Property assessment

For the first time, novel active double-layered films based on furcellaran (FUR) and gelatin (GEL) with the addition of Phytolacca americana (PA) extract were obtained. The 1st layer consisted of FUR and GEL, while the aqueous extract of P. americana berries was added in three different concentrations to the 2nd FUR-based layer. The films were characterised by good mechanical (TS range of 0.0011–0.0013 MPa, EAB range between 30.38 %–33.51 %) and water properties (WVTR range of 574.74–588.49 g/m2xd). Structural analysis (SEM and AFM) confirmed good film structure: regular, without cracks or air bubbles. The films showed antioxidant activity tested via the Folin-Ciocâlteu method (4.77–20.70 mg GAExg−1), FRAP assay (0.18–3.40 mM TExg−1) and CUPRAC assay (48.63–53.99 mM TExg−1). The film with the highest PA concentration (6 %) demonstrated the ability to neutralise free radicals, DPPH• and ABTS2+•, at the levels of 1.97 % and 17.34 %, respectively. The ecotoxicity test performed on Lepidium sativum seeds confirmed the lack of ecotoxic film aspects. The biodegradation test indicated that the films are biodegradable. The obtained films can be a good alternative to plastic packaging films (used in the food packaging industry), which are currently a global problem related to the development of post-consumer plastics.

Characterization studies of Genipa americana extract and its granules: phytochemical, physicochemical and thermal properties

Characterization studies of Genipa americana extract and its granules: phytochemical, physicochemical and thermal properties

Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activity In Vitro of Individual and Combined Extracts of Tagetes nelsonii Greenm, Agave americana and Aloe vera

Currently, there are various physical and mechanical agents that can cause skin wounds, which are still traditionally treated with plant extracts. It has been reported that the genus Tagetes has a wide range of biological properties, including antibacterial and wound healing activity. Likewise, Agave americana extract and Aloe vera gel have shown potential in the treatment of burn wounds and other skin conditions both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the antibacterial and wound healing activities of each of these plants were investigated, as well as the possibility of enhancing these activities by combining them. First, the secondary metabolites of the extracts were quantified, the antibacterial activity was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer method, and their cytotoxicity was measured in 3T3 and HaCaT cells using the sulforhodamine B assay. The results revealed that Tagetes nelsonii extract had a higher amount of secondary metabolites, which is why it exhibited antibacterial activity. Finally, the scratch assay showed that the individual extracts of T. nelsonii and A. americana demonstrated greater cell migration and proliferation starting from 12 h, as well as when using the combination of A. americana extract and A. vera gel, which almost completely closed the wound compared to the control.

Periplaneta americana extract promotes infectious diabetic ulcers wound healing by downregulation of LINC01133/SLAMF9

Wound healing in diabetic ulcers remains a significant clinical challenge, primarily due to bacterial infection and impaired angiogenesis. Periplaneta americana extract (PAE) has been widely used to treat diabetic wounds, yet its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to elucidate these mechanisms by analyzing long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expressions in the wound tissues from diabetic anal fistula patients treated with or without PAE, using high-throughput sequencing. Peripheral blood monocytes from patients were differentiated into M0 macrophages with human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hM-CSF) and subsequently polarized into M1 macrophages with lipopolysaccharide. The results indicated that LINC01133 and SLAMF9 were downregulated in wound tissues of patients treated with PAE. Furthermore, PAE suppressed M1 macrophage polarization and enhanced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. These effects were diminished when LINC01133 or SLAMF9 were overexpressed. Mechanistically, LINC01133 was shown to upregulate SLAMF9 through interaction with ELAVL1. Overexpression of SLAMF9 reversed the effects of LINC01133 silencing on macrophage polarization and HUVEC functions. In conclusion, PAE facilitates the healing of infected diabetic ulcers by downregulating the LINC01133/SLAMF9 pathway.

Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activities of Persea americana and Musa sikkimensis

The goal was to know about the anthelmintic properties of the leaves of P. americana and peels of M. sikkimensis. An ethanolic extract from the leaves of P. americana and aqueous extract of M. sikkimensis was used to screen for phytochemicals and analyse the anthelmintic activity on Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma to determine its therapeutic capabilities. The experiment was carried out by preparing standard drug solution (Albendazole), P. americana leaf extract and M. sikkimensis peel extract in a concentration range of 5mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 20mg/ml respectively for each. The earthworms were placed in a beaker with solutions of varying concentrations. The time of paralysis and death was noted and plotted in a graph. From the results, it was found that P. americana and M. sikkimensis extract caused paralysis in less time in a dose-dependent manner, as well as the death was caused much earlier compared to the control group. This suggests that P. americana and M. sikkimensis extract exhibited strong anthelmintic activity. Furthermore, a link has been found between anthelmintic activity and high levels of flavonoids, terpenoids and tannins. Flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids found in various extracts have been proven to have anthelmintic properties in earlier investigations. Persea americana have been reported to have alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins, proteins, and Musa sikkimensis have been reported to have alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, tannins, proteins. These results lead to the conclusion that P. americana and M. sikkimensis extract may possess anthelmintic activity. Keywords: Anthelmintic activity, Helminth, Musa, Avocado

Antibacterial activity of avocado extract (Persea americana Mill.) against aminoglycoside-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important etiological agent of nosocomial infections. This study focuses on the antibacterial activity of Persea Americana extract against K. pneumoniae strains containing aminoglycoside genes. Broth microdilution technique was used to examine the antibacterial activity of P. americana extract on K. pneumoniae isolates. The phenolic components of its leaves were analysed by the HPLC-DAD system. The binding potential of the major phytochemical component of the extract, chlorogenic acid, to the KsgA was investigated by molecular docking. The stability of the resulting enzyme-ligand complexes was also assessed through molecular dynamics simulation. The result obtained showed that P. americana extract had antibacterial activity on aminoglycoside resistant strains. The binding potential of chlorogenic acid (main phenolic compound) to KsgA was found to be higher than the binding of gentamicin. Since chlorogenic acid had lower binding energy and formed higher number of H-bonding as well as other interactions in the docking analysis. The higher binding potential of the major component with the enzyme that was involved in resistance development against aminoglycoside indicated its possible role in overturning the condition. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulation study revealed that chlorogenic acid formed a complex with relatively higher stability. The higher binding potential of the major component with higher stability implied that the computational results confirmed the experimental findings.

Exploration of the antifungal potential of aqueous extracts from two agave species against major postharvest diseases in apples

The apple tree, belonging to the Rosaceae family producing pome fruit, holds global economic significance. Despite this, apples face considerable postharvest disease challenges, particularly blue mold caused by Penicillium expansum and gray mold Botrytis cinerea. Synthetic fungicides are traditionally used for control, but their drawbacks necessitate exploring environmentally friendly alternatives. The current research investigates the antifungal activity of Agave americana and Agave sisalana aqueous extracts against these post-harvest diseases. In vitro tests demonstrated a concentration-dependent antifungal effect, with A. americana completely inhibiting mycelial growth and spore germination at 50 g L−1. A. sisalana exhibited a 75% reduction at the same concentration. A. americana at 6 g L−1 inhibited 50% of spore germination, while A. sisalana at 8 and 9 g L−1 achieved the same for B. cinerea and P. expansum. Regarding In vivo tests, both extracts reduced infection severity, particularly A. americana, which lowered gray mold and blue mold incidences to 23 and 26%. High polyphenol and flavonoid content in Agave extracts likely contributed to their efficacy. Phytochemical analyses identified 35 metabolites, including citric acid and piscidic acid, which are potential inhibitors of the fungal cell enzyme sterol 14 α-demethylase (CYP51), according to the results of molecular Docking analyses. Similarly, FTIR results indicated compounds with significant antimicrobial activity. Importantly, these biological treatments preserved apple quality during storage, suggesting their potential as effective and sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides.

Analysis of the electrophoretic profiles of the protein extracts of the species Manihot esculenta (Crantz, 1975), Persea Americana (Mill., 1768) and Actinidia delicious (A. Chevalier., 1984), and their association with the latex-fruit syndrome for searching for potential allergens

Determine the electrophoretic profiles of the extracts of Manihot esculenta, Actinidia Deliciosa and Persea Americana and their possible relationship with Latex-Fruit Syndrome. Protein extracts of M. esculenta, P. Americana and A. Deliciosa were prepared through the processes of maceration and solvent extraction from plant samples. In the case of the avocado, a prior extraction by soxhlet was carried out to eliminate the fat. The extracts were vacuum filtered, dialyzed and finally lyophilized. Separation of proteins based on molecular weight was performed by SDS PAGE electrophoresis. The electrophoretic profiles obtained were compared with the allergenic proteins previously identified in the latex extract, in order to determine a possible relationship with Latex-Fruit Syndrome, depending on the molecular weight. The extracts of M. esculenta and P. Americana showed a wide range of protein fractions with molecular weights varying from 10 to 250 KD, finding that the region with the highest concentration of bands was between 20 and 89 KD, (60 and 65%), respectively. A 20-band profile was obtained for the M. esculenta extract (Figure 1), with seven bands sharing similar weights with the latex allergens (Hev b 1, Hev b 2, Hev b3, Hev b 4, Hev b 5, Hev b 6.03, Hev b 8 and Hev b 10) (3-5). For the P. Americana extract, 20 bands were also observed (Figure 2), seven of which presented approximate weights to the Latex allergens (Hev b 1, Hev b 2 Hev b 4 Hev b 6.01 Hev b 6.03 Hev b 8 , Hev b 10 Hev b 11 Hev b 14). The Kiwi extract showed two bands of 19.1 and 22.9 KD, with weights close to latex proteins (figure 3), (Hev b 3 and Hev b 6.01), and allergens (Act d 2 and Act d 6), reported in the literature for this fruit. When analyzing the relationship between the separated protein fractions and the latex allergens described in the literature, a possible association of 35% was found for the extracts of M. esculenta and P. Americana, and 10% for A. Delicious, with great relevance being the association found with the allergens Hev b 4, Hev b 2, Hev 8 and Hev b 11, which are involved in Latex-Fruit Syndrome. The electrophoretic profiles of the prepared extracts were determined and compared with the Latex allergens. This information generates a contribution for the development of new research and advances in the standardization of these extracts on a large scale and for their future use in diagnostic tests.

Effect of Mammea americana Aqueous Extract on the Control of the Coffee Red Spider Mite

The coffee red spider mite, Oligonychus ilicis, stands out as one of the main pests of Conilon coffee. The use of synthetic chemical control has led to an increase in the population of this mite and a reduction in its natural enemies. Aiming to find viable alternatives, this study aimed to evaluate the acaricidal potential of “abricó” peel extract, Mammea americana, in the management of O. ilicis. Each treatment consisted of 7 repetitions, with 10 individuals per repetition. They were placed in Petri dishes (10.0 x 1.2 cm), containing coffee leaf disks (4 cm diameter) inside, and moistened cotton at the bottom of the dish and around the disks. The peels of M. americana were dried, crushed, and diluted in aqueous solution to obtain extracts at concentrations of 2; 2.57; 3.30; 4.24; 5.45; and 7 %. The application was done by spraying, using an Alfa 2 model airbrush connected to a compressor calibrated with a constant pressure of 1.3 psi. 1 mL of solution of each concentration was applied for each repetition. Distilled water and the surfactant Tween® 80 (0.05 % v/v) were used as control treatments. The acaricidal effect was evaluated 24, 48, and 72 hours after spraying, and the lethal concentrations LC50 and LC90 were calculated. The results of the toxicity tests indicated an increase in the mortality of O. ilicis with the increase in the concentrations of aqueous extracts of M. americana, resulting in 100 % mortality. The LC90 was estimated at 3.83 %. In the chemical analysis of the M. americana extract, the presence of phenolic acids, tannins, and flavonoids was observed at concentrations of 39.150, 40.783, and 0.0349 mg-1, respectively. We conclude that the aqueous extract of M. americana peels demonstrated acaricidal potential in a controlled environment for the coffee red spider mite.

To Explore the Mechanism of Periplaneta americana Extracts and Rebeprazole Intervention in Gastric Mucosal Injury Based on ERS Pathway

The mechanism of Periplaneta americana extracts and rabeprazole in treating gastric mucosal injury were explored through ER stress pathway. Acute gastric mucosal injury model rats were made by intragastric administration of anhydrous ethanol. The rats were then randomly assigned to different groups: model group, Periplaneta americana extracts group, rabeprazole group and combined drug group of rabeprazole and Periplaneta americana extracts, with 6 rats in each group. A normal control group, comprising of six rats, was fed a standard diet. Drug groups were treated with intragastric administration for 3 days. The apparent morphological changes of gastric mucosal injury repair in each group of rats were observed. The length and width of the damaged erosion bands were measured and recorded by vernier caliper, and the index of gastric mucosal damage of rats was calculated using the Guth 57 standard method. Pathological repair of gastric mucosal damage was visualized using hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE). The protein expression of gastric mucosa glucose regulated protein (GRP 78), transcriptional activator 6 (ATF 6), C/EBP (CHOP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by protein immunoblot (Western Blot, WB). The content of prostaglandin 2 (PGE 2) in the gastric mucosa and serum was observed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results were compared between the other groups and the model group. Intervention treatment in each experimental group demonstrated effective improvement of gastric mucosal injury, reduction in the index of gastric mucosal injury, downregulation of the protein expression of GRP 78, ATF 6, CHOP, and IL-6 in the gastric mucosa. Increasing the content of PGE2 in gastric mucosa and serum, and promoting the repair of inflammation. Notably, the combined drug group exhibited the most significant intervention effect, with a statistically significant difference (P &gt; 0.05). Periplaneta americana extracts, Rabeprazole alone and in combination have different degrees of protection and repair effect on gastric mucosal injury. The regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) may affect the mechanism of action, reducing the protein expression of inflammatory factors, increasing the expression level of PGE2, and promoting the recovery of normal physiological metabolic environment of gastric mucosa.

Antidepressant-Like Activity and Molecular Docking Analysis of a Sesquiterpene Lactone Isolated from the Root Bark of Ximenia americana (L.).

Depression, a global cause of disability and premature death, is often treated by traditional healers in Africa using medicinal herbs such as Ximenia americana (L.). With recent pharmacological studies showing the potential antidepressant properties of X. americana extract, this study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of the compound(s) isolated from X. americana extract using the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) models predictive of depression. The extracts, administered orally within a dose range of 100-400 mg/kg, notably decreased the immobility time in both the FST and the TST. The most significant reduction occurred at the highest dose of 400 mg/kg, with a decrease of 117.66 s in FST and 53.5 s in TST. However, this reduction in immobility was not linked to changes in movements, as observed in an open-field test (OFT), suggesting that the effect of the extracts was not due to activation of locomotion. Subsequently, a sesquiterpene lactone, dehydrocostus lactone (1) was isolated through solubility-based fractionation and column chromatography of the active root bark extract of X. americana. Dehydrocostus lactone (400 mg/kg) demonstrated a 46.50 s reduction in immobility time in the FST, which was comparable to the positive control, imipramine (30 mg/kg). With a highly favorable docking score of -8.365 kcal/mol on an antidepressant target, monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A; pdb ID: 2BXS), dehydrocostus lactone (1) potentially outperforms the standard MAO-A inhibitor drug, isocarboxazid (-5.847 kcal/mol). Dehydrocostus lactone (1) displayed strong interactions involving hydrogen bond and hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions with specific MAO-A binding site residues. These findings highlight that the antidepressant-like activity of X. americana is partly attributed to the presence of dehydrocostus lactone. Additionally, it also supports the traditional medicinal use of the plant for treating depression.

Periplaneta americana extract attenuates hepatic fibrosis progression by inhibiting collagen synthesis and regulating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.

Liver fibrosis is the damage repair response following chronic liver diseases. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells and key regulators in liver fibrosis. Periplaneta americana shows prominent antifibrotic effects in liver fibrosis; however, the underlying mechanisms remain undetermined. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of P. americana extract (PA-B) on liver fibrosis based on the regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway. HSCs and Sprague Dawley rats were treated with TGF-β1 and CCl4, respectively, to establish the hepatic fibrosis model in vitro and in vivo. The effect of PA-B on liver rat fibrosis was evaluated by biochemical (serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), collagen type IV (Col-IV), pro-collagen type III (PC-III)) and histological examinations. Further, fibrogenic markers expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (Col-I), and collagen type III (Col-III), and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway-related factors were assessed by immunofluorescence (IF), real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and western blotting (WB). Treatment of HSC-T6 cells with PA-B suppressed the expression of α-SMA, Col-I, and Col-III, downregulated the expression of TGF-β1 receptors I and II (TβR I and TβR II, respectively), Smad2, and Smad3, and upregulated Smad7 expression. PA-B mitigates pathologic changes in the rat model of liver fibrosis, thus alleviating liver index, and improving liver function and fibrosis indices. The effects of PA-B on the expression of α-SMA, Col-I, Col-III, TβR I, TβR II, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad7 were consistent with the in vitro results, including reduced TGF-β1 expression. The therapeutic effect of PA-B on liver fibrosis might involve suppression of the secretion and expression of TGF-β1, regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, and inhibition of collagen production and secretion.

Traditional use, phytoconstituents, and pharmacological effects of Persea americana: A recent review

Persea americana is a native American plant most known as avocado, aguacate, abacate, or palta. It is considered a commercially valuable fruit tree cultivated worldwide for its rich oil content. It has various medicinal properties throughout the plant, including fruits, roots, leaves, and seeds. Conventionally, it has been used to treat malaria, obesity, urinary incontinence, and anemia, and protect against sunlight and skin diseases. However, as avocado is a plant species with worldwide knowledge, it is necessary to constantly review recently published articles, according to the topic of interest. Therefore, the objective of this review is to compile and discuss recent studies (2010–2024) on ethnomedicinal, pharmacological, and chemical information of P. americana. Articles were searched from the following electronic databases: Scopus (n = 62), ScienceDirect (n = 70), and PubMed (n = 194). Regarding the in vivo pharmacological effects, studies suggest potential benefits for diabetes, gastric ulcers, and others, likely due to reduced glucose levels. In vitro studies mainly focused on antioxidant/anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. These findings demonstrate a high diversity of pharmacological activities achievable with P. americana extracts through various administration forms (decoction, juice extract, and infusion) and plant parts. Overall, P. americana shows promise as an effective alternative treatment for various health issues.

Predictive Study of the Active Components and Potential Targets of Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) Extracts for the Treatment of Immunocompromised Diseases Based on Network Pharmacology

Predictive Study of the Active Components and Potential Targets of Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) Extracts for the Treatment of Immunocompromised Diseases Based on Network Pharmacology

Formulation and evaluation of hair dye shampoo using Genipa americana L. (Huito) fruit extract

Natural dyes are in demand due to their inherent goodness and minor side effects. However, color fastness and poor reproducibility after application in human hair still need to be improved for natural hair dyeing. This study investigates the efficacy of Genipa americana fruit coloring extracts for hair dyeing. The dye was extracted from green fruit using a hydroalcoholic solution of 70% ethanol and 30% water. The study analyzed the physicochemical properties of the shampoo dye and evaluated its microbiological quality. The study also assessed the ability of the coloring shampoo to dye bleached hair by measuring the total color difference using a tristimulus colorimeter. The shampoo was applied for one month, with different numbers of applications (30, 15, and 10) and concentrations of 7.5% and 10% of the extract. A tress of bleached hair was also used as a control, but it did not receive any treatment. The results showed that the physicochemical characteristics were within the parameters established for this type of formulation. Likewise, the microbiological quality was satisfactory. Regarding the coloring capacity, it was shown that the 10% formulation presented the most significant color difference concerning the hair of the bleached tresses after 30 applications of 45 minutes each compared to the control. It was also shown that the concentration of G. americana extract directly affected the coloring.