Phytochemical Research Articles

Identification of Bioactive Compounds and Potential Mechanisms of Fuzi in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Identification of Bioactive Compounds and Potential Mechanisms of Fuzi in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Integrating Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Recent Advances in Polysaccharide-Based Nanocomposite Films for Fruit Preservation: Construction, Applications, and Challenges

With the constantly escalating demand for safe food packaging, the utilization of biodegradable polysaccharide-based nanocomposite films is being explored as an alternative to traditional petrochemical polymer films (polyvinyl alcohol, polybutylene succinate, etc.). Polysaccharide-based films have excellent mechanical properties, water vapor transmission rates, and other physical characteristics. Films can fulfill numerous demands for fruit packaging in daily life. Additionally, they can be loaded with various types of non-toxic and non-biocidal materials such as bioactive substances and metal nanomaterials. These materials enhance bacterial inhibition and reduce oxidation in fruits while maintaining fundamental packaging functionality. The article discusses the design and preparation strategies of polysaccharide-based nanocomposite films and their application in fruit preservation. The types of films, the addition of materials, and their mechanisms of action are further discussed. In addition, this research is crucial for fruit preservation efforts and for the preparation of polysaccharide-based films in both scientific research and industrial applications.

Bioactivity Analysis of Chalcone-Derived Compounds Based on In-Silico Molecular Docking Study

Chalcone compounds are aromatic ketones and enones that have been found to have several activities, such as antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, anti-HIV, antifungal, antihyperglycemic, and carboxygenase inhibitors. A ligand's bioactivity can be predicted through in-silico tests using molecular docking. Molecular docking studies are conducted to study the interaction between ligand and receptor and identify the receptor's active site that matches the ligand when the ligand and receptor bind in a stable complex. This study can be a preliminary test before conducting in vitro and in vivo tests. This narrative review aims to analyze information on the bioactivity of chalcone-derived compounds and their derivatives through an in silico molecular docking approach in the form of binding affinity values and amino acid residues that bind. The method used is a literature study of 13 research articles found through the Semantic Scholar and Springer Link databases. The review results showed that the new compounds derived from chalcone compounds have a good range of bioactivity, as seen from the binding affinity values, which show lower values when compared to other test ligands and referenced ligands. The functional groups that have an important role in the interaction between ligands and proteins between ligands and receptors are triazole, methoxy, amine, halogen, carbonyl, hydroxyl, and thiol groups bound to the reactive structure of the α,β unsaturated ketone aromatic ring in the structure of the chalcone compound. The compounds that show promising activity can be further investigated as new drug candidates.

Review of plants as a promising source of bioactive peptides for the treatment of diabetes

Abstract The bioactive compounds found in plants offer numerous therapeutic properties through protein and peptide molecules. The occurrence of diabetes has developed into a significant worldwide healthcare crisis because this metabolic disease continues to affect millions of individuals throughout the world while growing in numbers annually. The uncontrolled nature of diabetes produces serious complications which include microangiopathy together with ketoacidosis followed by cardiovascular diseases. Drugs used in diabetes treatment exist yet their marketplace costs combined with side effects make researchers seek new therapeutic techniques. The use of bioactive peptides extracted from plants attracts researchers because they show proven ability to regulate diabetes-related metabolic pathways through insulin sensitivity enhancement and blood glucose control along with weight management activities, anti-inflammatory processes, and antioxidant properties. This review investigates plant-derived bioactive peptides with antidiabetic potential through detailed research on their biological mechanisms. current developments in their screening process, and their potential uses in killing diabetes through new treatment methods.

Molecular insights and RAPD profiling of bioactive compounds from Salacia oblonga wall: inhibition of mecA and beta-lactamase in drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Salacia oblonga Wall, a woody climber in the Celastraceae family, found across southern India and Sri Lanka, is widely used in traditional Indian medicine and Ayurveda to cure diabetes. The root bark of S. oblonga Wall is also used to treat rheumatism, gonorrhea, and skin problems. Our previous investigations have unraveled important bioactive substances, including β-amyrin, γ-sitosterol, and Ursa-9(11),12-dien-3-yl acetate, from S. oblonga Wall root extracts. This study explores the antibacterial potential of bioactive components of S. oblonga Wall against Staphylococcus aureus, which has become resistant to several antibiotics. Molecular docking demonstrated substantial binding affinities between bioactive chemicals and S. aureus drug-resistant genes. Additionally, RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) analysis was performed to analyze the genetic diversity and molecular alterations in S. aureus after treatment with S. oblonga Wall phytochemicals. The results demonstrated significant band pattern variations, showing the effectiveness of these bioactive chemicals in treating drug-resistant S. aureus. This work investigates the antibacterial mechanism of S. oblonga Wall phytochemicals, emphasizing their potential as alternative treatment agents against antibiotic-resistant infections.

Evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of seagrass Cymodocea serrulata

Seagrasses are known to produce bioactive metabolites with promising pharmacological potential. This study investigates the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of ethanol extracts from Cymodocea serrulata. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated using the agar disc diffusion method, where the extract against Escherichia coli, with the highest inhibition observed at concentrations of 200 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL, showing inhibition zones of 13 mm and 11 mm, respectively. In addition to E. coli, antibacterial activity was also observed against Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. The extract a maximum DPPH scavenging activity of 53.2 ± 2.7% at 100 µg/mL, compared to a standard value of 68.2 ± 2.2%. For hydrogen peroxide scavenging, the activity increased with concentration, 62.6 ± 2.6% at 100 µg/mL, while the standard exhibited 74.5 ± 2.4% although seagrass extract antioxidant activity is slightly lower than the standard. These results highlight the potential of C. serrulata as a source of bioactive compounds with significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The findings suggest its promising application in the development of environmentally safe therapeutic agents.

Enhancing HCV NS3 Inhibitor Classification with Optimized Molecular Fingerprints Using Random Forest

The classification of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 inhibitors is essential for identifying potential antiviral agents through computational methods. This study aims to develop an optimized machine learning (ML) model using random forest (RF) and molecular fingerprints to accurately classify HCV NS3 inhibitors. A dataset of 965 molecules was retrieved from the ChEMBL database, and 290 bioactive compounds were selected for model training. Twelve molecular fingerprint descriptors were tested, and the CDK graph-only fingerprint yielded the best performance. In addition to RF, performance comparisons of other classifiers such as instance-based k-nearest neighbor (IBk), logistic regression (LR), AdaBoost, and OneR were conducted using WEKA with various molecular fingerprint descriptors. The optimized RF model achieved an accuracy of 89.6552%, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.2114, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.3304, and a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.7950 on the test set. These results highlight the effectiveness of optimized molecular fingerprints in enhancing virtual screening (VS) for HCV inhibitors. This approach offers a data-driven method for drug discovery.

Medicinal Plants and Traditional Uses and Modern Applications

Medicinal plants have played a pivotal role in the development of traditional healing systems throughout history. Across diverse cultures, these plants have been used to treat a broad spectrum of diseases, ranging from minor ailments such as colds and digestive issues to more severe conditions like infections, cancer, and chronic inflammatory disorders. The use of medicinal plants is rooted in centuries-old knowledge, passed down through generations, that often combines both empirical observations and spiritual beliefs. In traditional medicine systems, these plants are typically utilized in the form of decoctions, infusions, poultices, or extracts, with specific dosage instructions determined by experienced practitioners. Despite their historical significance, modern pharmacological research has only recently begun to rigorously explore and validate the therapeutic potential of many of these plants, uncovering a wealth of bioactive compounds that contribute to their medicinal effects. This paper aims to examine the traditional uses of medicinal plants from a global perspective, highlighting specific plants that have shown consistent efficacy in the treatment of common and complex health conditions. Furthermore, it investigates how contemporary scientific advancements are reshaping the understanding and applications of these plants, from the isolation of active compounds to the formulation of plant-based pharmaceuticals. The paper also emphasizes the growing role of medicinal plants in modern healthcare, including their use in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the development of herbal supplements, and their integration into biotechnological innovations. Moreover, the challenges faced in the standardization, quality control, and regulation of plant-based medicines are explored, along with the growing demand for sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the conservation of valuable plant species. In the face of rising healthcare costs and growing concerns about the safety and efficacy of synthetic pharmaceuticals, there is renewed interest in the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants. The combination of traditional wisdom and modern scientific validation presents a unique opportunity for the future of healthcare. This paper aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary biomedical research, providing a holistic view of the role medicinal plants play in both ancient healing practices and their potential to shape future medical therapies.

A Review of the Effects of Flavonoids on NAD(P)H Quinone Oxidoreductase 1 Expression and Activity.

Cancer is a significant cause of death worldwide. It has been suggested that the consumption of flavonoids decreases the risk for cancer by increasing phase II enzymes, such as Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Hydrogen (NAD(P)H) quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutathione S-transferases, and Uridine 5'-diphospho- (UDP)-glucuronosyltransferases that assist in removing carcinogens from the human body. Flavonoids are bioactive compounds found in a variety of dietary sources, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and teas. As such, it is important to investigate which flavonoids are involved in the metabolism of carcinogens to help reduce the risk of cancer. Therefore, the objective of this narrative review was to investigate the effects of commonly consumed flavonoids on NQO1 mRNA expression, protein, and activity in human cell and murine models. PubMed was used to search for peer-reviewed journal articles, which demonstrated that selected flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, genistein, and daidzein) increase NQO1, and therefore, increase the excretion of carcinogens. However, more research is needed regarding the mechanisms by which flavonoids induce NQO1. Furthermore, it is suggested that future efforts focus on providing precise flavonoid recommendations to decrease the risk factors for chronic diseases.

Zinc contamination in soils and its implications on plant phytoalexins

Abstract Zinc (Zn) toxicity in soils, uptake, translocation, and its effects on plant phytoalexins (low-weight molecular bioactive substances) are well-elucidated, as such studies scarcely exist. Excess Zn can predominantly accumulate in soils through anthropogenic interferences, mainly from metallurgy (mining and smelting). The distribution of Zn in the soil solution occurs as Zn-organic matter (organically complexed), labile (inorganic ion pairs), and free Zn2+, readily accessible to plants. As a microelement, excess Zn accumulation can result in plant toxicity in the high metabolic parts, including the leaf, root, and seed. Hence, Zn stress affects plants’ metabolic pathways, resulting in poor growth and productivity. As an abiotic elicitor, excess Zn contributes to the synthesis of low molecular weight compounds- plant phytoalexins (non-enzymatic components with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties), which prevent oxidation of essential biomolecules. Antioxidant responses to Zn stress depend mainly on Zn content, exposure time, plant species or ecotype, and organs. However, Zn stress reduces enzymatic activities in detoxifying reactive oxygen species and distorts the antimicrobial properties of phytoalexins. Phytoalexins, including kievitone [C20H20O6] and glyceollin [C20H18O5]) possess health-promoting effects on humans (disease resistance) due to their antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties in pharmacology and as food sources. Hence, a detailed chemical analysis of phytoalexins from plants contaminated with Zn is vital due to ecotoxicological effects. This interdisciplinary study permits readers to acknowledge the level of development under this topic and existing gaps where current knowledge is well-established in soils and plant systems.

Protective effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes loaded cerium dioxide nanoparticle against deoxynivalenol-induced liver damage

BackgroundDeoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species, posed significant threats to food safety and human health due to its widespread prevalence and detrimental effects. Upon exposure, the liver, which played a crucial role in detoxifying DON, experienced depleted antioxidant levels and heightened inflammatory responses. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosomes (BMSC-exos) exhibited therapeutic potential by promoting cellular repair and delivering bioactive substances, such as cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs), which are recognized for their ability to mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation.ResultsWe successfully loaded BMSC-exos with CeO2 NPs (BMSC-exos @ CeO2) using extrusion techniques, verified through electron microscopy and elemental mapping. The resulting BMSC-exos @ CeO2 displayed low cytotoxicity, boosted antioxidant activity, and reduced inflammation in Hepa 1–6 cells with DON condition. In vivo study, BMSC-exos @ CeO2 maintained stability for 72 h, it also can prevent antioxidant depletion and inhibit liver inflammation under the DON condition. After BMSC-exos @ CeO2 treatment, multi-omics analyses further highlighted significant changes in metabolic and protein signaling pathways, notably in linoleic and arachidonic acid metabolism. Key pathways about AMPK and JAK1/STAT3 were involved in mitigating liver damage with or without DON.ConclusionOur findings revealed BMSC-exos @ CeO2 as a promising therapeutic strategy against DON’s toxicity, offering valuable insights into their potential for liver protection.Graphical abstract

Production of Phenolic Compounds in Colobanthus quitensis Kunth (Bartl.) through Cultivation in a Temporary Immersion Bioreactor

The Antarctic vascular plant Colobanthus quitensis has developed unique mechanisms to survive in extreme environmental conditions, such as high UV-B radiation and nutrient scarcity. This study evaluated the effects of immersion frequency in a temporary immersion bioreactor (TIB) on biomass growth, phenolic compound accumulation, and flavonoid synthesis. Plants subjected to 24-hour immersion pulses exhibited the highest biomass yield (192.7%), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity (52 μkats/kg protein), and total phenolic content (TPC; 40 mg GAE/g dry weight). Flavonoids such as neoschaftoside, saponarin, and schaftoside significantly accumulated under these conditions, demonstrating the metabolic shift induced by controlled nutrient deprivation and improved aeration. The findings highlight that intermittent stress optimises secondary metabolite production, providing a sustainable pathway for bioactive compound extraction. These phenolic metabolites have potential applications in agriculture as antifungal agents, in cosmetics for UV-B protection, and functional foods as antioxidants. This study underscores the relevance of TIB systems as scalable and efficient tools for enhancing plant-derived bioactive compounds, contributing to sustainability across various industries.

Efficacy of Black Mulberry Mouthwash for Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: Oral mucositis is a common side effect of cancer chemotherapy. Traditionally, black mulberry or Morus nigra L. (M. nigra) fruit is used for treatment of oral inflammatory conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of black mulberry mouthwash for prevention of oral mucositis caused by 5-fluorouracil. Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was performed on 62 patients with colon adenocarcinoma undergoing chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (n=31) to receive 10mL of 1% black mulberry juice (BMJ) or the placebo mouthwash, 3 times a day for 2 weeks. The patients were followed up for 7 and 14 days after the treatment onset to record the degree of mucositis according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Spectrophotometric assays were conducted for quantitative analysis of the bioactive compounds in the composition of BMJ. Data were analyzed with the Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests (alpha=0.05). Results: The severity of oral mucositis was slightly, but not significantly, lower in the follow-up sessions in the BMJ mouthwash group (P>0.05). The total anthocyanin content of the BMJ was calculated to be 506.5±3.51 and 476.2±7.99mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent per 100g of dried juice, before and after the sterilization process, respectively. Conclusion: The present results showed that the BMJ mouthwash can be effective as an adjunct treatment to reduce the incidence and severity of mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Anthocyanins appear to be mainly involved in the observed effect.

A review on therapeutic effect of Siddha classical formulation Seenthil Chooranam

Introduction: Seenthil Chooranam is a classical Siddha formulation composed of Tinospora cordifolia, Eclipta prostrata, and earthworm extract. Traditionally used in Siddha medicine, it is known for its diverse therapeutic applications. The modern pharmacological studies on individual ingredients suggest its potential in managing various diseases due to its bioactive compounds, which exhibit multiple medicinal properties. Objective: The objective of this review is to analyse the pharmacological activities of Seenthil Chooranam, evaluate its traditional indications, and examine scientific studies supporting its medicinal applications. Source of Data Collection: The data for this review was collected from classical Siddha texts, published research articles, pharmacological studies, and scientific databases. Relevant literature on the bioactive compounds and therapeutic applications of Seenthil Chooranam and its key ingredients was systematically analysed. Summary of the Content: Seenthil Chooranam is known for its wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, and wound-healing effects. The active compounds present in its ingredients, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and bioactive peptides, contribute to its therapeutic potential. It has been traditionally indicated for the treatment of sinusitis, diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, cough, bronchial asthma, scrotal swelling, alopecia areata, and hair fall. Scientific studies validate its medicinal benefits, supporting its traditional use in managing various diseases. Conclusion: This review establishes a strong correlation between Siddha textual references and modern pharmacological research, affirming the therapeutic potential of Seenthil Chooranam. While scientific evidence supports its medicinal applications, further research is necessary to determine its safety, optimal dosage, and clinical efficacy for widespread therapeutic use. Integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary research could enhance its acceptance in modern medicine. Keywords: Seenthil Chooranam, Tinospora cordifolia, Eclipta prostrata, Earthworm, Chemical constituents, Pharmacological activity.

Analytical Strategies for Green Extraction, Characterization, and Bioactive Evaluation of Polyphenols, Tocopherols, Carotenoids, and Fatty Acids in Agri-Food Bio-Residues

Recent advancements in analytical strategies have enabled the efficient extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from agri-food bio-residues, emphasizing green chemistry and circular economy principles. This review highlights the valorization of several agri-food bio-residues for the extraction of high-value-added bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, and fatty acids, as a biorefinery approach. To this end, the adoption of environmentally friendly extraction technologies is essential to improve performance, reduce energy consumption, and minimize costs. This study therefore examines emerging methodologies such as supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, pulsed electric fields, and matrix solid-phase dispersion, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Additionally, the chemical characterization of these bioactive compounds is explored through spectrophotometric and high-resolution chromatographic techniques, crucial for their accurate identification and quantification. This is complemented by an analysis of bioactivity assays evaluating antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, with a focus on their applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. However, the analytical control of toxic compounds, such as alkaloids, in these bio-residues is undoubtedly needed. Ultimately, this approach not only promotes sustainability but also contributes to the development of eco-friendly solutions in various industries.

Fe3O4@SiO2-DHB/DI(S-NH)-Pd(0) nanocomposite: a novel, efficient, and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for carbonylative preparation of N-aryl amides

N-aryl amides hold significant importance in organic chemistry due to their widespread presence in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and various bioactive compounds. As a result, catalysts and preparation methodologies for amide derivatives have long been a target of active investigation of interest. In the current work, a simple and accessible route was adopted for preparation of a magnetic catalyst [Fe3O4@SiO2-DHB/DI(S-NH)-Pd (0)] and then its catalysis in three-component amide synthesis via carbonylation reaction between aryl iodides and amines was examined. In experiments, its efficiency in producing a range of amides with high yields in a short and under mild conditions was unequivocally confirmed, and its efficiency in producing a range of amides with high yields in a short and under mild conditions was confirmed unequivocally through experiments. High yields of the desired compound ease in catalyst separation, high reusability of catalysts, mild reaction conditions, ease in accommodation of a range of substrates, and a thorough analysis for determination of the catalyst and produced compounds for characterization and purification have been taken as key features of this work.Graphical

Phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of the Philippine Sampa-sampalukan (Phyllanthus niruri) leaf extract against selected human bacterial pathogens

The Philippine sampa-sampalukan (Phyllanthus niruri) is an underexplored plant with significant ethnopharmacological potential. This study examined the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of its leaf ethanolic extract, collected from the botanical garden of Central Philippine University, Iloilo, Philippines. Qualitative analysis identified various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, proteins, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, carbohydrates, and terpenoids. Quantitatively, the extract contained 258.07±4.13 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of total phenolics and 76.10±0.47 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g of flavonoids. The 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay confirmed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity. The extract also exhibited strong antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus agalactiae, Edwardsiella tarda, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with significant inhibition at 100 mg/mL. This study underscores P. niruri’s potent bioactive compounds and their potential for therapeutic applications.

Spectrophotometric Determination of Flavonoids Scrophularia nodosa L., widespread in the Shahbuz Region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

Shahbuz region, considered the “flora museum” of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, occupies a special place in the Autonomous Republic due to the richness of its biodiversity, especially the diversity of flora species. In fact, this richness is due to the many species contained in the flora of the region, including wild vegetables, honey and nectar plants, medicinal plants, as well as essences, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, grafting agents, etc. Medicinal plants are of particular importance in this wealth. Some plant raw materials contain bioactive compounds with a wide range of effects, and the study and application of various substances in these mixtures, especially flavonoids, has always been the focus of scientific attention. Particularly, the high biological activity of flavonoids, their broader pharmacological effects and abundance in the plant kingdom should be considered as the main reasons for conducting research. A number of flavonoids have antibacterial effects. Thanks to their antioxidant properties, flavonoids protect the body from harmful environmental influences. In particular, the use of these substances in medicine and cosmetics, the pharmaceutical and food industries leads to a further increase in interest in them. Considering that the species Scrophularia nodosa L., widespread in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Region, including the Shahbuz region, is rich in flavonoids, qualitative analyzes were carried out to prove the presence of flavonoids in Scrophularia nodosa, and the amount of flavonoids was determined by the spectrophotometric method. As a result of laboratory studies, the total amount of flavonoids, determined by spectrophotometric method in the form of Scrophularia nodosa L., was 5,58%.

Bioactive components of sambo seeds, almonds, and honey and their relationship with prostate cancer

Certain foods rich in bioactive compounds could have dietotherapeutic properties, allowing their use in treating and preventing diseases, including cancer. Popularly, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and honey are used for managing prostate inflammation, which can lead to carcinogenesis. Sambo seeds (Cucurbita ficifolia) and almonds (P. dulcis) have a nutrient-rich composition that includes unsaturated fatty acids and bioactive components such as vitamins, pigments, and polyphenols, which have been linked to beneficial effects on health and cancer. Currently, more studies exist on cucurbit seeds, such as those from the species Cucurbita pepo; however, C. ficifolia is abundant in the Andean region, which is why we have focused our study on the effects of Cucurbita ficifolia. This review aims to identify the bioactive components and nutrients of the ingredients in sambo seeds, almonds, and honey that are relevant to cancer. It was recognized that linoleic acid and oleic acid present in sambo seeds could prevent and reduce prostate growth; likewise, studies have determined that almonds and sambo seeds possess apoptotic and antiproliferative activity in prostate cancer cells, suggesting that the intake of this food mixture could have more excellent beneficial effects on cancer. Keywords: Sambo seeds, Almond, Honey, Cucurbita ficifolia, P. dulcis, Cancer, Prostate

SYNTHESIS OF ZNO NANOPARTICLES USING ALOE VERA GREEN SOURCE AND THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES

The green synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) has gained significant attention due to its eco-friendly, cost-effective, and non-toxic approach. This study synthesizes ZnO NPs using Aloe vera extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The bioactive compounds in Aloe vera facilitate nanoparticle formation, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals. The synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to confirm their structural, morphological, and elemental properties. The antibacterial potential of ZnO NPs was evaluated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacterial strains using the agar well diffusion method. The results revealed significant antibacterial activity, with ZnO NPs exhibiting larger zones of inhibition compared to control samples. The mechanism of action was attributed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, bacterial membrane disruption, and metal ion release, leading to cell damage and death. This study highlights the potential of Aloe vera-mediated ZnO NPs as an efficient antimicrobial agent with promising applications in biomedicine, food preservation, and agriculture. The eco-friendly synthesis method aligns with sustainable nanotechnology goals, reducing environmental toxicity while maintaining high bioactivity. Further research on optimizing synthesis parameters and evaluating long-term stability can enhance the practical applicability of these nanoparticles.