Bioactive Elements Research Articles

Fabrication and evaluation of porous coatings doped with bioactive elements on titanium surfaces.

Although pure titanium (PT) and its alloys exhibit excellent mechanical properties, they lack biological activity as implants. The purpose of this study was to improve the biological activity of titanium implants through surface modification. Titanium was processed into titanium discs, where the titanium discs served as anodes and stainless steel served as cathodes, and a copper- and cobalt-doped porous coating [pure titanium model (PTM)] was prepared on the surface of titanium via plasma electrolytic oxidation. The surface characteristics of the coating were evaluated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and profilometry. The corrosion resistance of PTM was evaluated with an electrochemical workstation. The biocompatibility and bioactivity of coated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were evaluated through in vitro cell experiments. A copper- and cobalt-doped porous coating was successfully prepared on the surface of titanium, and the doping of copper and cobalt did not change the surface topography of the coating. The porous coating increased the surface roughness of titanium and improved its resistance to corrosion. In addition, the porous coating doped with copper and cobalt promoted the adhesion and spreading of BMSCs. A porous coating doped with copper and cobalt was prepared on the surface of titanium through plasma electrolytic oxidation. The coating not only improved the roughness and corrosion resistance of titanium but also exhibited good biological activity.

Microalgal biorefinery as a sustainable and cost-effective platform for co-production of high-value-added products/metabolites: An insight into emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities

In biorefining, biomass is processed sustainably to produce multiple high-value products. The biorefinery concept has been acknowledged as the most promising tactic for creating a biomass-based business/industry. Biomass from microalgae includes a variety of beneficial bioactive elements like pigments, proteins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). In addition, microalgal cells can also be utilized as a source of raw materials to make biofuel. In order to reduce overall process costs, these value-added chemicals can be extracted concurrently or sequentially with biodiesel. Further, to promote microalgae in the industrial sector, a biorefinery approach is crucial. Researchers have been eager to use the bio-refinery strategy for obtaining the high-value constituents entrapped by microalgae. Microalgae not only contain a variety of valuable chemicals but also contribute in lowering the atmospheric levels of anthropogenic carbon dioxide. These advantages make microalgae a viable resource for bio-refinery strategy. This review intends to emphasize the valuable properties of microalgae together with their significance to people. This article also highlights the recent as well as upcoming developments that will increase the viability of bio-processing for microalgal-based bio-refinery.

Physicochemical, antioxidant activity, and sensory characteristics of mead produced with Hibiscus sabdariffa and Betula pendula (Birch sap)

Nowadays, consumers' preference for low-alcoholic beverages with health-promoting bioactive constituents is rapidly increasing. Thus, there is an increasing search for bioactive ingredients to enhance the nutritional values and related health benefits of beverages such as mead. Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) and Betula pendula (Birch sap) are plant materials rich in bioactive constituents that offer beneficial functions, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the study aimed to use HS and birch sap to produce a low-alcohol mead with improved bioactive constituents, sensory qualities, and antioxidant activity. Before fermentation (20 ± 1 °C, 21 days), honey-must (25%) was supplemented with HS brew (8, 19, 22, or 25%). The findings showed that the addition of HS extract had no negative effect on fermentation dynamics, as evidenced by a general decline in extract (%Brix) and simultaneous release of alcohol in both the control and HS-supplemented meads. HS meads had significantly lower alcohol content (3.22 ± 0.04–5.58 ± 0.04) than control meads (36.32 ± 0.04–7.17 ± 0.04). Also, the addition of HS and birch sap enhanced the bioactive elements and antioxidant activity of HS mead compared to the control meads. HS mead (HSC) had the highest (p < 0.05) total phenolic content (134.38 ± 0.83 mg QAE/L), total flavonoid content (117.88 ± 0.150 mg RE/L), and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antioxidant activity (65.83 ± 0.62%) among all the samples studied. Mead augmented with 1.8 L (HSC) was generally preferred by sensory panellists with an overall acceptability score of 7.67 ± 0.77. The results suggest that the addition of birch sap and HS will not change the fermentation kinetics but will improve the bioactive constituents and health-promoting benefits of the mead.

The relationship between dietary curcumin supplementation and metabolic syndrome – A Review

Abstract Metabolic syndrome is one of the most frequent diseases with the augmentation of the rapid changes in societies’ lifestyles. On the other hand, various medicinal plants have recently been extensively used for plentiful therapeutics. Among these, curcumin and turmeric are the main components derived from the rhizome of plants, with significant effects on preventing metabolic syndromes. Due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, the biological activities of turmeric and its bioactive element, curcumin, have antidiabetic properties via augmenting insulin release and anti-hyperlipidemia effects via enhancing fatty acids uptake, anti-obesity properties via declining lipogenesis, and antihypertensive properties via augmenting nitric oxide synthesis. Moreover, the dietary presence of turmeric and its bioactive element, curcumin, significantly affected poultry productivity, health and welfare. According to human and animal trials, turmeric or curcumin has important values as dietary supplementation and complementary therapy in some metabolic syndromes. This scenario highlights on the potential effects of curcumin (turmeric) on poultry health and its role in complementary therapy in metabolic syndrome. Additional high-quality clinical trial investigations are required to establish the clinical efficiency of the curcumin complement confidently.

Anticancer activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous leaf extract of Solanum trilobatum (Purple fruit pea eggplant) on human oral cancer cells

Introduction: This research explores the capability of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced via friendly methods by using Solanum trilobatum leaf extract. The choice of S. trilobatum was supported by its diverse phytochemical makeup, which comprises recognized bioactive elements known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer attributes. This research explores the effect of AgNPs derived from this plant as a promising eco-friendly strategy in oral cancer treatment. Methods: The synthesis of AgNPs involved employing S. trilobatum leaf extract, with observable color changes and spectral analyses confirming the unique characteristics of the nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy detected distinct functional groups, whereas scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the presence of biocapped nanoparticles exhibiting various shapes and sizes spanning from 100 to 300 nm. Results: Cytotoxicity assessments via the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay revealed a half-minimal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 3.715 ± 0.242 μg/mL against the oral cancer (KB) cell line, indicating a significant inhibition. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays further supported the AgNPs’ anti-cancer potential, affirming their promise for oral cancer therapy. Conclusion: AgNPs synthesized from S. trilobatum leaf extract showed substantial potential as a therapeutic agent for oral cancer. This research adds to the increasing evidence endorsing the use of environmentally friendly synthesized nanoparticles in medical treatments.

Mechanism and Experimental Verification of Rhodiola rosea L. for the Treatment of Acute Lung Injury Through Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

Objective: This article endeavors to dissect the bioactive elements, pharmacological effects, and potential mechanisms of Rhodiola rosea L. (RL) concerning acute lung injury (ALI) using a combined approach of network pharmacology and subsequent in vivo experimental validation. Methods: RL constituents and associated targets were retrieved from the Organchem database and pertinent articles. ALI-related targets were meticulously curated through comprehensive searches of GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGeNET databases. Utilizing Cytoscape 3.8.2 software, an intricate RL-ALI ingredients-targets network diagram was fashioned. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted using the Metascape database and microbiota software to unravel the functional and pathway implications of the identified interactions. AutoDock Vina and PyMOL were used to conduct molecular docking. Subsequently, the ALI rats were established by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into Sprague Dawley rats, the potential mechanism for treating ALI was validated by kaempferol. Results: 18 active components of RL for ALI were screened, which were related to 306 targets of RL for ALI. Kaempferol (Kae) was a potential major component of ALI treatment. Molecular docking showed Kae had good binding ability to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, and serine/threonine kinase 1. In addition, at the animal level, Kae alleviated ALI by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines. Lung tissue sections of the Kae-treated group at different doses showed reduced bleeding and reduced exudation of inflammatory factors compared to the LPS cohort. Compared with the LPS group, the secretion of Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and Phosphorylated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor was significantly decreased in the Kae group, while the content of Phosphorylated Protein Kinase B was increased, and the lung injury was alleviated. Conclusion: Through network pharmacology and experimental verification, we identified Kae as the main active ingredient. Kae may reduce the expression of inflammatory factors and regulate the EGFR-AKT signaling pathway, subsequently exerting therapeutic effects in the treatment of ALI.

Pengaruh Patch Ekstrak Buah Delima Merah Terhadap Percepatan Penyembuhan Traumatik Ulser pada Tikus Wistar

Traumatic ulcer is one of the disorders of the oral cavity that can be caused by mechanical, thermal, and chemical. Patch one of traumatic ulcer treatment choice are being developed, but the available patch is uneconomic and have side effects. Therefore, the use of natural ingredients is an alternative treatment, such as pomegranate. Pomegranate is known to contain bioactive elements, that can act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, that it can accelerate the healing of traumatic ulcers. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of the pomegranate extract patch on the acceleration of ulcer healing. Sample in this research were 25 traumatic ulcered wistar rats which were divided into 5 groups. All groups were condensed the pomegranate extract patch with a concentration of 12.5%; 25%; 50%, positive control (taisho patch), and negative control (placebo). The red pomegranate extract patch can accelerate the healing of traumatic ulcers. There was a significant difference in healing time between all groups (p&lt;0.05), except between the positive control group with a concentration of 50%. pomegranate extract patch affected the acceleration of ulcer healing, with a concentration of 50% pomegranate extract patch was the fastest.

Deep Eutectic Solvents for Efficient and Selective Extraction of α-Glucosidase Inhibitors from Waste Seeds of Refined Betel Nuts.

During the production process of refined betel nuts in China, a large amount of processing by-product, betel nut waste seeds, is generated. Betel nut waste seeds are rich in bioactive elements, but they have not been effectively utilized yet. In this study, an ultrasonic-assisted deep eutectic solvent method (DES) was used to selectively extract α-glucosidase inhibitors from waste seeds. Compared with traditional extraction solvents such as water and ethanol, the extraction efficiency of specific DESs is higher, and the content of alkaloids in the extracts is lower. However, it should be noted that some pure DESs exhibit inhibitory activity towards α-glucosidase. DESs, based on choline chloride/urea, were selected due to the high extraction efficiency of α-glucosidase inhibitors and their low alkaloid content as well as low inhibitory activity. The optimal extraction conditions were determined using single-factor experiments as follows: 30% (v/v) water content, a choline chloride/urea ratio of 5:3, a solid-liquid ratio of 1:10, extraction temperature of 40 °C, and a duration of 30 min. Through recovery experiments, it was found that the DES can be reused four times under these conditions, maintaining an inhibition rate comparable to alcohol extraction methods. The IC50 value of the extract was measured at 0.0066 mg/mL, superior to acarbose. In summary, this research has successfully developed an efficient and selective method for extracting α-glucosidase inhibitors from betel nut waste seeds, thereby presenting a promising avenue for future applications.

Antitumor Mechanisms of Lycium barbarum Fruit: An Overview of In Vitro and In Vivo Potential.

Lycium barbarum, known as goji berry or wolfberry, is a fruit long associated with health benefits, showing a plethora of effects ranging from antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Its potential is attributed to the significant presence of polysaccharides, glycopeptides, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and their derivatives. These compounds effectively counteract the action of free radicals, positively influencing cellular balance and intracellular signaling, contributing to overall cell health and function acting on multiple molecular pathways. Several fractions extracted from goji berries demonstrate antitumor properties, particularly effective against breast cancer, without showing cytotoxic effects on normal human cells. Hence, the review explored the fundamental traits of bioactive elements in Lycium barbarum and their potential in cancer treatment and, specifically, breast cancer. It focused on elucidating wolfberry's influenced biochemical pathways, its synergism with anticancer drugs, and its potential to alleviate the side effects associated with existing cancer treatments.

Spatiotemporal variation, composition, and implications for transport flux of nitrogen in Leizhou Peninsula coastal water, China

Nitrogen, as the main bioactive element, plays an important role in biological productivity, ecosystem function, and biogeochemical processes in marine environment. In this study, seawater samples collected from China’s Leizhou Peninsula coastal water (LZPCW) during dry, normal, and wet seasons in 2018 were explored to reveal the spatiotemporal variation, composition, and transport flux of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) linked to hydrographic condition. DIN concentration and speciation showed significantly seasonal variation (P < 0.01), and the concentration of DIN species was significantly higher in dry season than other seasons. The annual mean DIN concentration was 8.01 ± 5.79 μmol L−1. In addition, the N–NO2−, N–NO3− and N–NH4+ were significantly different in the DIN bulk in different seasons. The largest fraction of DIN was N–NO3−, followed by N–NH4+, the lowest was N–NO2−, comprising up to 67.92 ± 23.20%, 23.90 ± 23.19% and 8.18 ± 8.19%, respectively. Besides, the Beibu Gulf was subjected to 7.28 × 1010 mol DIN annual flux through the Qiongzhou Strait. The annual transport fluxes of N–NO2−, N–NO3−, and N–NH4+ accounted for 6.43%, 77.20% and 16.36%, respectively. The DIN concentration and coastal water flow led to the largest DIN flux transport in dry season. This study revealed that the coastal ocean currents, river plumes and human activities jointly drove the dynamic variations of N species in LZPCW. It provides a baseline data for studying the spatiotemporal effects of hydrographic condition on nitrogen distribution and transport flux in the LZPCW, which is implications for understanding nutrients dynamics and coastal water quality management in future.

Improvement of the antioxidant potential: impact of drying and extraction techniques on polyphenols in Arbutus unedo L. leaf aqueous extract

The search for alternatives to chemical pharmaceutical products remains an urgent and crucial step for humanity. In this regard, the use of plants presents an ideal approach for such biological studies. Arbutus unedo L., which belongs to the family Ericaceae, is one of the species that holds significant importance in traditional pharmaceutical uses. In Algeria, the use of this species in traditional treatment is generally rare. Therefore, this study aims to highlight its medicinal importance and the proper method for extracting its bioactive elements. To achieve this, the biological activity of leaves including total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH assay, and total flavonoid content (TFC), were assessed under four different drying temperatures (shade-drying, sun-drying, 40°C and 60C°) and two extraction methods after maceration (centrifugation, filtration). The results have indicated that these processes have affected the final accumulation of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in the leaf extracts. Additionally, it has been highlighted that the centrifugation method extracts a higher biochemical amount, especially after drying at 40°C. Furthermore, Arbutus unedo L. leaves should be considered a promising source of natural compounds to be used as ingredients in various fields.

Protective Effect of Nigella sativa Seed Extract and its Bioactive Compound Thymoquinone on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

The lack of a substantial breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes, a global issue, has led to an ongoing quest for herbs that contain bioactive elements with hypoglycemic properties. To investigate the potential protective effect of Nigella sativa seeds ethanol extract and its active ingredient, thymoquinone, on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. To induce diabetes, the male Wistar rats were administered an intraperitoneal injection of STZ at a dosage of 90mg/kg body weight in 0.9 percent normal saline after being fasted for 16 hours and made diabetic Group 1; 7 rats non-diabetic control (saline-treated), Group 2; 7 untreated diabetic rats, Group 3; 7 diabetic rats treated orally with N. sativa extract at a dose of 100mg/kg body weight, Group 4; 7 diabetic rats treated orally with thymoquinone at a dose of 10mg/kg body weight and Group 5; 7 diabetic rats treated orally with Metformin at a dose of 5mg/kg body weight. After the treatment of 28 days, all groups were examined for body weight and biochemical alterations. The results showed a significant decrease in blood glucose, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total protein, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein, while high-density lipoprotein was increased. Hepatic enzymes, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphate were also normalized and significantly increased body weight. These preliminary findings demonstrate that the ethanol extract of N. sativa seeds and its active ingredient, thymoquinone have a protective effect against streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The present study opens new vistas for the use of N. sativa and its bioactive compound, thymoquinone, regarding its clinical application as a new nontoxic antidiabetic agent for managing diabetes mellitus.

Surface Bio-engineered Polymeric Nanoparticles.

Surface bio-engineering of polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) has emerged as a cornerstone in contemporary biomedical research, presenting a transformative avenue that can revolutionize diagnostics, therapies, and drug delivery systems. The approach involves integrating bioactive elements on the surfaces of PNPs, aiming to provide them with functionalities to enable precise, targeted, and favorable interactions with biological components within cellular environments. However, the full potential of surface bio-engineered PNPs in biomedicine is hampered by obstacles, including precise control over surface modifications, stability in biological environments, and lasting targeted interactions with cells or tissues. Concerns like scalability, reproducibility, and long-term safety also impede translation to clinical practice. In this review, these challenges in the context of recent breakthroughs in developing surface-biofunctionalized PNPs for various applications, from biosensing and bioimaging to targeted delivery of therapeutics are discussed. Particular attention is given to bonding mechanisms that underlie the attachment of bioactive moieties to PNP surfaces. The stability and efficacy of surface-bioengineered PNPs are critically reviewed in disease detection, diagnostics, and treatment, both in vitro and in vivo settings. Insights into existing challenges and limitations impeding progress are provided, and a forward-looking discussion on the field's future is presented. The paper concludes with recommendations to accelerate the clinical translation of surface bio-engineered PNPs.

Unveiling Annona Reticulata's Bioactive Arsenal for Enhanced Antibiotic Effects.

To study the antibacterial and phytochemical activities of bioactive elements in the leaves of Annona reticulata Linn, a historically used Bangladeshi medicinal plant. Shade-dried and crushed plant leaves were soaked with various solvents to obtain samples for different chemical analyses. All extracts were selected for antimicrobial, physicochemical, and Pharmacological investigations. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion assay, and broth microdilution methods determined potentiation of the activities of the antibiotic antibacterial activity of the plant extracts was investigated using either gram-positive or gram-negative pathogenic wild-type bacteria. From the initial phytochemical and pharmacological studies, it was clear that all extracts, methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, of the leaves of A. reticulata, were proven to process potent bioactive constituents. While differential antimicrobial properties were found to be possessed by all extracts, methanolic extract was the most potent one against all tested microorganisms. It also has potentiated the activities of antibiotics in E. coli. Bioactive constituents in the plant extracts were shown to possess phytochemical and antimicrobial activities. More investigation is needed to segregate the chemical components responsible for the respective phytochemical and antimicrobial activities.

GC-MS Investigation of Unidentified Pharmaceutical ability of Indigenous herbaceous vine, Tinospora cordifolia’s fruits

As the majority of pharmaceutical businesses rely on medical plants for the synthesis of pharmaceutical chemicals, medicinal plants are of significant interest to researchers in the field of biotechnology. The majority of herbal remedies and the products that are derived from them are frequently made from unrefined plant extracts, which include a complex mixture of various phytochemical components (plant secondary metabolites). The chemical characteristics of these components vary greatly between species. An intriguing device for determining the concentration of various active constituents in plants utilised in the cosmetic, medicine, the agriculture or medical sectors is the GC-MS method employed for the assessment of the extracted samples. The entire plant methanol extract of Tinospora was used in this work to identify bioactive elements employing gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS results suggest several different chemicals, including (9E,11E)-Octadecadienoic acid , 9-Octadecenoic acid, (E)-, 9-Octadecenoic acid, Octadecanoic acid, .gamma.-Sitosterol, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester, Methyl cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-Docosahexaenoate and 2-Hydrazino-2-imidazoline in the Tinospora methanolic extract. As a result, the bioactive compounds in the methanol extracts of this herb may have chemopreventive, antitumor, anti-microbial, antioxidants, and hypoglycaemic potential. This study's findings suggest that the existence of these phytochemicals as well as bioactive substances in Tinospora cordifolia makes it a potential new reservoir of medications.

Management of wounds in diabetes by administering allicin and quercetin in emulsion form as wound medicine in diabetic rat models.

Wounds in diabetes is a complex problem that requires effective treatment at a high cost. Adjuvant therapy from natural bioactive elements can be an alternative to overcome problems in diabetic wound healing disorders. Allicin and quercetin are natural bioactive substances contained in several fruit or vegetable plants that have various pharmacological effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of allicin and quercetin in emulsion form as wound medicine in helping the wound healing process. Diabetic wistar rats with wounds on their backs measuring 1 × 1 cm were divided into four treatment groups which were given wound medicine once a day for seven days according to their distribution. The wound healing process was evaluated on the third and seventh day. Data were observed and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools. Measurement of wound healing indicators was carried out by examining wound contraction and histopathological examination showing that the treatment group given the allicin and quercetin formula experienced an improvement compared to the treatment group without allicin and quercetin. Allicin and quercetin increase the percentage of wound contraction, increase the density of blood vessels and the epithelialization process in the wound so that the wound healing process becomes faster. In conclusion, allicin and quercetin can be effective adjuvant therapies in helping wound healing in diabetes. Wound medication in the form of an emulsion is an effective choice, because it can maintain the stability of the allicin and quercetin content and can make the wound environment moist.

Biological Components in Cucumbers (Cucumis Sativus L.): Implications for Pickle Manufacturing and Health Benefits in Fresh and Processed Varieties

This comprehensive review delves into the botanical intricacies of Cucumis sativus L., commonly known as cucumbers, and their pivotal role in pickle production within the realm of food science. The investigation systematically scrutinizes the health benefits associated with both unprocessed and processed cucumber varieties, shedding light on the intrinsic bioactive elements present in cucumbers and their potential contributions to human well-being. Emphasizing a meticulous exploration of the molecular interplay, the review unveils the complex mechanisms that underlie the purported health advantages of cucumbers. Phytochemical constituents, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, are scrutinized for their potential implications in promoting wellness. By synthesizing scientific literature and empirical evidence, the review not only serves as a valuable resource for researchers but also extends practical insights for professionals in nutrition and food science. The bridging of theoretical understanding with practical applications distinguishes this review, offering a nuanced perspective on the molecular facets of cucumber compounds. Its implications extend beyond academic discourse, influencing considerations in food processing strategies and dietary recommendations. In essence, this review seeks to unravel the scientific intricacies of cucumber bioactive elements, providing a substantive foundation for comprehending their potential health benefits, especially in the context of pickled cucumber consumption.

A Study on Thiol-Michael Addition to Semi-Synthetic Elastin-Hyaluronan Material for Electrospun Scaffolds.

Thiol-Michael addition is a chemical reaction extensively used for conjugating peptides to polysaccharides with applications as biomaterials. In the present study, for designing a bioactive element in electrospun scaffolds as wound dressing material, a chemical strategy for the semi-synthesis of a hyaluronan-elastin conjugate containing an amide linker (ELAHA) was developed in the presence of tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP ⋅ HCl). The bioconjugate was electrospun with poly-D,L-lactide (PDLLA), obtaining scaffolds with appealing characteristics in terms of morphology and cell viability of dermal fibroblast cells. For comprehending the factors influencing the efficiency of the bioconjugation reaction, thiolated amino acids were also investigated as nucleophiles toward hyaluronan decorated with Michael acceptors in the presence of TCEP ⋅ HCl through the evaluation of byproducts formation.

Citrus for wellness: Exploring the bioactive properties of Citrus medica fruit peel with emphasis on its anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties

Citrus medica (Citron) is an underutilised plant consisting of various bioactive elements with numerous medicinal benefits. The present study aimed to evaluate the bioactive properties, including anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities, of chloroform extract obtained from the of fruit peel of C. medica. The different types of phytochemicals present in the chloroform extract were analysed using GC-MS. The major components detected included n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, t-tetradecenal, 1-nonadecene etc. Anthelmintic study was conducted using Eisenia fetida as a test organism, revealing a significant anthelmintic effect in the C. medica fruit peel extract compared to the standard drug. Antimicrobial properties were assessed against five test bacterial and fungal strains. Antibacterial tests showed zones of inhibition ranging from 8 to 11 mm, while no prominent zones of inhibition were observed in antifungal tests. The DPPH assay demonstrated significant antioxidant properties of Citron fruit peel extract compared to the standard ascorbic acid. The Chloroform extract of citron fruit peel exhibited significant cytotoxic properties against FaDu (human hypopharyngeal tumour) cell line. The present study indicates the potential of the chloroform extract of C. medica fruit peel to be employed as an anthelmintic, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer agent. Hence, it emphasises the prominence that can be given to the dietary consumption of citrus fruit peel in various forms, such as dried peel, powder etc.

A breakthrough in periodontitis treatment: Revealing the pharmacodynamic substances and mechanisms of Kouqiangjie formula

Ethnopharmacology relevancePeriodontitis, a complex inflammatory disease, significantly affects people's lives. Traditional Chinese multi-herbal formulas, composed of various herbs, exhibit their therapeutic efficacy holistically. Kouqiangjie Formula (KQJF), comprising 12 herbs including Rhizoma smilacis glabrae, Polygonatum sibiricum Delar. ex Redoute, Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz, etc., has been clinically proven to effectively treat periodontitis. However, the potential active substances conferring these effects and their mechanisms of action remain unclear. Aim of the studyThe current investigation endeavours to utilize Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), network pharmacology, and in vivo animal experiment confirmation to explore the plausible bioactive compounds and operational mechanisms underpinning KQJF's therapeutic impact on periodontitis. Materials and methodsUsing the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique, we deciphered the chemical constituents of KQJF. Network pharmacology was employed to earmark key bioactive elements, forecast principal targets, and operational pathways which were later substantiated through molecular docking. Experimental validations were carried out in a periodontitis animal model using a range of techniques, including micro-CT, H&E staining, qRT-PCR, and protein blotting procedures, providing comprehensive verification of our initial assumptions. ResultsUtilizing UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, we characterized 87 individual chemical constituents in KQJF. Network pharmacology revealed that 14 components, including senkyunolide A, glycycoumarin, licoflavonol, glycyrin, senkyunolide I, and senkyunolide H, form the key therapeutic basis of KQJF in targeting periodontitis. Significant targets and pathways were discerned as AKT1, MMP9, JUN, PTGS2, CASP3, TLR4, IL1β, BCL2, PPARG, and pathways such as the TNF signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, osteoclast differentiation, and Wnt signaling pathway. Molecular docking demonstrated robust binding activity between these crucial targets and the key active ingredients. In vivo experimentation corroborated that, compared with the model group, KQJF significantly ameliorated symptoms and micro-CT imaging parameters of periodontitis in the rat model, down-regulating the expression of AKT1, MMP9, JUN, PTGS2, CASP3, TLR4, and IL1β, while up-regulating the expression of BCL2 and PPARG. ConclusionIn summary, this study has pioneered a comprehensive exploration of the potential therapeutic constituents, targets, and mechanisms of KQJF for periodontitis treatment, adopting a synergistic strategy of “chemical component analysis-network pharmacology screening-in vivo animal experiment validation”. This provides experimental evidence for the clinical application of KQJF and further in-depth research. Additionally, it presents an effective strategy for the research of other Chinese herbal formulations.