Targeting PI3K/AKT signaling in NSCLC: Dual in silico and in vitro validation of Withanolide B as a potent AKT modulator.

Celastrol induces liver cancer cell death via TFEB-mediated lysosome activation and ROS-dependent ferroptosis.

The pursuit of eco-friendly nanomaterials with both antibacterial and anticancer properties is gaining momentum in biomedical research. This study reports the green synthesis of Silver and Zinc oxide (Ag/ZnO) nanocomposite using Coleus amboinicus leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. Characterization via UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed absorption peaks at approximately 280 nm and 370 nm, indicative of Ag and ZnO nanoparticles, respectively. FTIR analysis identified phytochemical-derived functional groups responsible for particle stabilization, while SEM imaging showed agglomerated nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 100 to 150 nm. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the nanocomposites. The biosynthesized Ag/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited potent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant strains including Enterococcus faecalis , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , MRSA, and Klebsiella pneumoniae , with significant zones of inhibition observed at a concentration of 80 μg/mL. Furthermore, the nanocomposite displayed promising anticancer activity against A549 lung cancer cells, achieving an IC₅₀ of 60 μg/mL after 24 h, as determined by MTT assay. Morphological features of apoptosis, such as membrane blebbing and nuclear condensation, were observed, while AO/EtBr, DCFDA, and Rhodamine 123 staining confirmed elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings suggest a ROS mediated mechanism underlying the dual antibacterial and anticancer activities of the Ag/ZnO nanocomposite. This green synthesis approach provides a sustainable strategy for developing multifunctional nanomaterials, although further in vivo studies are required to confirm efficacy and elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved for future therapeutic applications. • Green synthesis of Ag/ZnO nanocomposite using Camboinicus leaf extract • Potent activity against MDR bacteria at 80 μg/mL concentration • Anticancer efficacy against A549 lung cancer cells • ROS-mediated mechanism confirmed via multiple fluorescence staining assays.

Fucoidan-based nanoparticles for colorectal cancer therapy: Mechanisms and preclinical insights.

Ethyl cellulose nanoparticles loaded with lyophilized Ocimum tenuiflorum: development and assessment for anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties

Three new Zn(II) coordination compounds derived from chrysin and 1,10-phenanthroline were synthesized using microwave-assisted methodology: a mononuclear complex ( 1 ), a two-dimensional coordination polymer ( 2 ), and a tetranuclear cluster ( 3 ). Fine-tuning of reaction parameters enabled selective access to these distinct architectures, with single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirming the structures of 1 and 3 . Positive-ion nanospray mass spectrometry showed that complexes 1 and 2 predominantly generate well-defined mononuclear Zn–chry–phen units upon ionization, a behavior consistent with the formation of such units under the experimental conditions, whereas cluster 3 undergoes extensive fragmentation into Zn–phen-based dicationic species, limiting biological evaluation to complexes 1 and 2 . Both compounds displayed enhanced, though moderate, radical-scavenging activity relative to free chrysin, consistent with electronic modulation and stabilization of phenoxyl radicals upon metal coordination. Their anticancer properties were assessed in vitro against human melanoma (A375), hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), and non-tumoral keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell lines. Complexes 1 and 2 exhibited pronounced time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with IC 50 values in A375 and HepG2 markedly lower than those of free chrysin and comparable to phen. Cytotoxicity in HaCaT keratinocytes occurred within the same micromolar range, indicating modest selectivity while still providing meaningful insight into the biological behavior of Zn(II)–chrysin–phen systems. Mechanistic studies indicated S phase cell cycle arrest and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, suggesting oxidative stress as a key contributor to cytotoxicity against the tumor cell-lines. Overall, these findings highlight the versatility of microwave-assisted synthesis for generating structurally diverse Zn(II)–flavonoid architectures and advance understanding of their coordination chemistry and structure–activity relationships. • MWAS yields three distinct Zn(II)–chrysin–phen complexes. • Reaction control enables selective crystalline architectures. • Complexes 1–2 form stable mononuclear Zn–chry–phen units. • Complexes 1–2 show notable cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines. • ROS increase and S phase arrest drive cytotoxic effects.

Microfluidics-assisted Aprotinin-based nano-carrier for Valproic acid delivery.

Immobilization of Bacillus-derived protease onto carboxymethyl chitosan aerogel: A bioactive platform for bacterial inactivation, skin cancer therapy, and accelerated wound healing.

Copper potentiates PUFA-mediated antitumor activity by activating Lipophagy.

Alisol B as a novel inhibitor of TβRs suppresses the growth and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer by inhibiting TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Levistolide A induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-triggered apoptosis via ATF6 in triple-negative breast cancer.

Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor that predominantly affects adolescents and young adults. Despite advances in treatment modalities, including surgery and chemotherapy, the prognosis for osteosarcoma patients remains challenging. Therefore, there is growing interest in exploring alternative or adjunctive therapeutic approaches, including dietary interventions utilizing phytoactives found in plant-based foods. Secondary metabolites found in plants, or phytoactives, have a variety of biological effects, one of which is the prevention of cancer in humans. Their multitarget mechanism of action includes cell apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation, and anti-oxidant and anti-mutagenic effects. A growing number of people are interested in bioactive plant-derived compounds due to their potential to treat cancer. Furthermore, several naturally-derived substances have the potential to greatly increase the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy medications, and in certain circumstances, even lessen the side effects that the medication causes. Notably, flavonoids, such as quercetin, apigenin, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, exhibit potent anti-cancer properties by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing metastasis in preclinical models. Furthermore, curcumin, resveratrol, and berberine demonstrate multifaceted effects, including cell cycle modulation and angiogenesis inhibition. Importantly, dietary phytoactives may synergize with conventional therapies, enhancing efficacy while mitigating adverse effects. In the present review, we summarize the effects of various naturally occurring bioactive compounds against osteosarcoma.

Therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW18 postbiotic in alleviating hepatocellular carcinoma.

Antiviral potential of galactose-binding lectin from Vatairea macrocarpa seeds against SARS-CoV-2.

A facile synthetic approach was established for producing high yields of novel chromone derivatives with an indolizine moiety at the C-3 position of the chromone framework. This was accomplished using a multicomponent reaction of chromone analogues with a terminal alkyne motif at C-3, pyridine-2-carboxyaldehyde, and dimethylamine, catalyzed by a Pd/TiO2 nanocomposite and 1,4-diaza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) under ultrasonic irradiation in water. The Pd/TiO2 nanocatalyst revealed remarkable catalytic activity with considerably higher yields of the obtained products. Optimization experiments revealed that no product developed in the absence of the catalyst, which emphasizes its critical function. Several reaction conditions were tested, and the Pd/TiO2@DABCO catalytic system under ultrasonic irradiation effectively generated the chromone-indolizine conjugates in 3h. The synthesized derivatives were readily isolated using a simple work-up process. Furthermore, the Pd/TiO2 nanocatalyst was recoverable and reusable with a slight loss of activity. A feasible reaction mechanism was provided, and the anticancer properties of the produced compounds were studied. The anticancer study demonstrated that the presence of morpholine and piperazine groups in compounds 4e and 4f significantly enhances their anticancer activity. Introducing nitrogen or oxygen atoms into the heterocyclic substituents notably improves this activity.

BackgroundSulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from red algae have attracted considerable interest due to their antioxidant and anticancer properties. Gracilaria corticata is a rich source of sulfated polysaccharides with notable antioxidant and anticancer potential.ObjectivesThis study aimed to optimize the extraction process of SPs from G. corticata, determine their chemical and structural features, and evaluate their antioxidant and anticancer activities.Materials and methodsThe SPs were extracted from G. corticata using ultrasound-assisted extraction. The chemical composition, molecular weight (230 kDa), and structure of the extracted SPs were characterized using standard biochemical assays and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. Cytotoxicity was assessed against HT-29 colon cancer cells and normal CCD-841 cells via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis induction was further examined through Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and gene expression analysis of apoptosis-related markers.ResultsUltrasound-assisted extraction was optimized at 12 min, 800 W power, and a solvent-to-biomass ratio of 30 mL/g, yielding 34.8% SPs. The SPs contained 84.4% carbohydrates, 8.7% sulfate, and 2.55% protein, with galactose identified as the predominant sugar. Molecular weight was determined to be 230 kDa. Antioxidant assays demonstrated dose-dependent activity, reaching 81.92% (DPPH) and 86.34% (ABTS) radical scavenging. SPs inhibited HT-29 cell viability with an IC₅₀ of 171 μg/mL and a selectivity index (SI) of 3.48. Apoptosis was induced via increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and altered expression of key genes, including upregulation of Bax, P53, and Caspase 3, and downregulation of BCL2.ConclusionsSPs extracted from G. corticata, show strong antioxidant and selective anticancer activity through ROS-mediated apoptosis. These findings support their potential use as natural therapeutic agents in pharmaceutical development.

Anti-proliferative performance of nano-chitosan and nano-silver Moringa oleifera on breast cancer cells through the Wnt signalling pathway.

Scutellaria barbata D. Don is an important plant for the phytopharmaceutical industry, and scutellarin is one of the key compounds produced in its shoots with confirmed anticancer properties. However, there is a lack of studies focused on obtaining phytochemically and genetically homogeneous, sterile plant material that is free from bacterial and fungal contamination and has a high scutellarin content. This study aimed to assess the effect of the biotic elicitor fungal chitosan, derived from Aspergillus niger, on the morphology of microcuttings, scutellarin content, concentrations of plant pigments (anthocyanins, carotenoids, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b), and selected oxidative stress biomarkers (free proline and catalase activity). Additionally, the study assessed genetic stability using Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism (SCoT) molecular markers in three genotypes of S. barbata (L5, L6, and L7). The addition of chitosan from A. niger to the medium influenced the morphological features, concentrations of anthocyanins, carotenoids, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, scutellarin, and free proline content, as well as the genetic stability of S. barbata microcuttings, with the effects depending on its concentration and genotype. However, catalase activity was not affected.

Ecological and Biomedical Functions of Parasitofauna: Mechanistic and Evolutionary Perspectives.

Extraction methods, structural characteristics, biological activities, nutritional value, and potential applications of polysaccharides from Caulerpa racemosa: A review.