Cardiac Glycosides Research Articles

Inshights on antifungal potential of Bryum Argenteum in association with therapeutical clay smectite and silver nanoparticles

This work presents the development of a novel antifungal ternary approach that is eco-friendly, biocompatible, and cost-effective. It consists of Bryum argenteum extract, silver nanoparticles, and healing clay smectite. The research focuses on the green production of silver nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Bryum argenteum as a stabilizing and reducing agent, as well as the synthesis of clay dispersion and plant extract. The silver nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, SEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and XRD. Using a standard phytochemical screening procedure, the aqueous, ethanolic, and acetonic extracts of Bryum argenteum were subjected to phytochemical screening. Silver nanoparticles and plant extract were evaluated for their antioxidant properties using DPPH scavenging activity at 517 nm. Using the agar well diffusion method, a number of investigations have been conducted on the antifungal potential of the proposed innovative ternary approach against Rhizopus oryzae (R. oryzae) and Aspergillus Niger (A. Niger). The color shift validated the silver nanoparticle generation, and the maximum absorbance at 432.11 nm was observed employing UV–Vis spectroscopy. Several functional groups responsible for the synthesis of AgNPs were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The particles are spherical in shape, with the range of 10 nm to 50 nm in size. Both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Bryum argenteum contain sterols, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and terpenoids. AgNPs have stronger antioxidant activity in comparison to the aqueous extract of Bryum argenteum. Out of all the individual components, AgNPs demonstrated the strongest antifungal activity, with clay and plant extract coming in second and third, respectively. Additionally, their binary composition exhibits a synergistic effect with each combination. However, the ternary combination consisting of smectite clay, Bryum argenteum mediated silver nanoparticles, and Bryum argenteum extract showed exceptional antifungal efficiency against the mentioned fungus species. In respect to the zone of inhibition, the maximal antifungal activity was correlated with concentration and pH. ConclusionIt is concluded here that the proposed ternary system has significant antifungal potential. Future technological and medicinal studies will find this new ternary system to be an invaluable tool.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ethanolic Leaves Extract of <i>Sansevieria trifasciata</i> and <i>Sansevieria liberica</i> in Swiss Mice, (<i>Mus musculus</i>)

The aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as mother-in-law tongue, and Sansevieria liberica ethanolic leaf extract on mice, (Mus musculus). In a scientific setting, plant powder was extracted using 70% ethanol over a 72-hour period. Using the test animals, the extracts’ median lethal dose (LD50) was established. The soluble portion of the extracts was given at working doses of 10, 20, and 30% of the LD50 to the corresponding experimental animal groups (i.e low, middle, and high dosages accordingly). Findings from Sansevieria trifasciata and S. liberica’s phytochemical screening indicated the existence of secondary metabolites like terpenes, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and tannins. When given intraperitoneally, the LD50 of S. trifasciata and S. liberica were 387.30 and 353.55 mg/kg, respectively. The plant extracts’ soluble fraction was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) by injection as well as orally. The phlogistic egg-albumin-induced inflammation significantly decreased (p<0.05) according to the results. However, the development of a strong anti-inflammatory drug with low toxicity and an improved therapeutic index may come from the isolation of these bioactive components.

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Ethno-medical Importance of Sword Bean

Canavalia gladiata (jacq)DC is a lesser-known bean commonly called sword bean. This study deals with the preliminary phytochemical screening and ethno-medicinal properties of sword beans. The phytochemical assessments of the sword bean seed show the medicinal value of the plant. Alkaloids, Tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, Cardiac glycosides, Reducing sugars, Proteins, and Carbohydrates showed positive results in three types of solvents viz., water, Methanol, and Acetone solvents. The whole 1Q2plant of sword bean used in many traditional and ethano-medicinal practices by their applications.

Exploring the Antibacterial Properties of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) Extract: A Potential Alternative to Conventional Antibiotics

As part of the ongoing search for potent and resistance-free antibacterial medicinal plants, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of the plant extract of Vernonia amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf. Standard procedures were used to provide a potential cheap alternative to conventional medication for treating bacterial infections. The aqueous extract of V. amygdalina leaves was prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening, which revealed the presence of tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids. The antibacterial activity of the extract was tested against the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli using the agar well diffusion method. The extract showed moderate antibacterial activity, exhibiting 10 mm and 8 mm zones of inhibition against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa respectively at a concentration of 20 mg/ml. However, it displayed no activity against E. coli. In comparison, the standard antibiotic gentamicin produced larger zones of inhibition of 33.5 mm, 27 mm, and 23.5 mm against the respective test organisms. The results suggest that V. amygdalina extract had greater antibacterial activity on the gram-positive S. aureus than on the gram-negative microorganisms tested. The presence of phytochemicals like tannins, saponins and alkaloids in the extract may contribute to its antibacterial properties. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the medicinal potential of V. amygdalina and isolate the active compounds responsible for the observed antimicrobial effects. Overall, the findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of this plant in treating bacterial infections. Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, Antibacterial activity, Phytochemicals, Antimicrobial resistance, Traditional. medicine

Exploring the Antibacterial Properties of Carica papaya Unripe Fruit Extracts on Wound Isolates: Phytochemical Analysis and Susceptibility Testing

The rise of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens poses a significant challenge in wound management. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial properties of unripe fruit extracts of Carica papaya on bacterial isolates from wounds. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, reducing sugars, and cardiac glycosides in both aqueous and 50% ethanolic extracts. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Protues vulgaris, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Escherichia coli, with aqueous extract exhibiting greater inhibition than the ethanolic counterpart. However, no activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings underscore the potential of Carica papaya extracts in combating opportunistic infections in wound management. Keywords: Carica papaya, wound, antibacterial, phytochemical, extracts, micro-organisms.

Treatment with Digoxin – is it a clinical challenge? A Retrospective Analysis of Hospitalizations due to Digoxin intoxication

Introduction and purpose: Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside derived from Digitalis lanata, has stood as a cornerstone in the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders for centuries. This study aims to delve into the demographic aspects, clinical characteristics, and outcomes associated with Digoxin poisoning. By drawing upon a dataset involving 22 patients hospitalized for Digoxin intoxication at the Clinical Department of Toxicology and Cardiology in Lublin, Poland, spanning from April 2014 to December 2023, our investigation seeks to provide an understanding of this issue.Brief description of the state of knowledge: Despite the efficacy of Digoxin, the potential risk of intoxication, especially in the elderly, necessitate a comprehensive examination. Age-related changes, such as declining renal function, electrolyte imbalances, comorbidities and polypharmacy affect how drugs like Digoxin work. The symptoms of Digoxin poisoning can manifest in various organ systems such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous system, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition to seek medical attention.Methods and results: In our study, we analyzed data from 22 patients hospitalized due to Digoxin intoxication, focusing on demographic aspects, clinical characteristics and outcomes. The cases of Digoxin poisoning were categorized according to several factors, including the quantity and nature of substances consumed, the cause of intoxication, gender, age brackets, health conditions, peak serum Digoxin levels, length and outcomes of hospitalization.Conclusions: Our study provides insights into the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized due to Digoxin intoxication. The findings underscore the association of Digoxin poisoning, and emphasize the importance of monitoring serum levels to prevent adverse outcomes. As Digoxin continues to be relevant in treating cardiovascular conditions, our study calls for careful management and monitoring.

The proximate composition and phytochemical screening of Momordica Balsamina (balsam apple) fruit and leaves

Malnutrition is a global issue that affects both children and adults irrespective of their socio-economic status. It is therefore important to find various means to tackle malnutrition. This is especially important as undernutrition and overnutrition can be linked to a variety of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, this study aimed to gather more insight into the nutritional and phytochemical quality of Momordica balsamina leaves and fruit (fruit pericarp, fruit flesh and seeds). The results showed that M. balsamina had a nutritional composition that would be advantageous to the human diet. The nutritional quality was verified by the presence of a high protein percentage across all samples (19.72–29.08%), with the leaves containing the highest protein content (29.08% ± 0.77). There was also a low-fat content present across all samples which ranged from 1.03% to 2.40%. The ash content indicated the presence of total minerals to be adequate (2.93–21.16%), where the pericarp had the highest ash quantity (21.16% ± 0.09). Overall, the moisture levels were low (7.11–13.40%); with M. balsamina seeds containing the highest carbohydrate content (67.84% ± 0.30). Moreover, rich in the major phytoconstituents, M. balsamina extracts were found to contain alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids and triterpenoids. Based on these findings, it can be deduced that the incorporation of M. balsamina into an individual’s diet could prevent diseases associated with malnutrition and could be used to supplement the human diet in managing certain NCDs.

Preparation of Chitosan Nanoparticle from Crab Shells and Evaluation of ‎Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Chitosan-loaded ‎Haematostaphisbarteri Hook. f. Stembark Extract

Haematostaphis barteri Hook. f. is a tree belonging to the Family Anacardiaceae whose morphological parts have been used for decades for treating various diseases in Northern Nigeria. This study aimed to prepare chitosan nanoparticles from crab shells and evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of chitosan loaded with stembark extract from H. barteri. Phytochemical screening of extract, preparation of chitosan, and evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were carried out following standard procedures. The qualitative phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides while steroids, triterpenes and anthracenes were absent. The LD50 of the crude methanol extract in Wistar albino rats was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight and after 14 days of single dose oral administration. No signs of toxicity were recorded. Prepared chitosan nanoparticle loaded with extract has a yield of 26.54 %, particle size of 210 ± 1.01 nm, zeta potential of 25.4 ± 1.02 V, drug entrapment efficiency of 68.4 %, cumulative drug release of 88.24 % and swelling index of 58.14 %. The extract produced a dose-dependent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The chitosan-loaded extract produced the highest inhibition of writhing and paw oedema diameter in the rats, which was significant (p < 0.05) when compared with the normal controls and standards. In conclusion, the study showed that chitosan-loaded stembark extract from H. barteri possessed more potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities than those delivered without chitosan nanoparticles. The study further affirms the potential usefulness use of the stembark extract for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

Phytochemical characterization, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Terminalia catappa methanol and aqueous extracts

BackgroundA study carried out by World Health Organization revealed that around 80% of individuals globally depends on herbal forms of medication with 40% of pharmaceutical products being sourced from medicinal plants. The study objective was to evaluate the phytochemicals composition, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the leaves of Terminalia catappa L. aqueous and methanolic extracts.MethodsAntimicrobial activity was analyzed by disk diffusion, the minimum inhibitory concentration in-vitro assays with ciprofloxacin as the standard for antibacterial assay while nystatin for antifungal assay. Ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assays were used for the evaluation of antioxidant properties of the crude extracts while the groups responsible for this activity identified using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer.ResultsThe study found that the leaves of Terminalia catappa contained alkaloids, tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and coumarins, but terpenoids were absent. Presence of functional groups associated with this class of compounds such as OH vibrational frequencies were observed in IR spectrum of the crude extracts. Methanolic extract from Terminalia catappa exhibited greater antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, whereas aqueous extract displayed greater antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis for all concentrations tested. The amount of the sample that scavenged 50 percent of DPPH (IC50) was found to be 8.723, 13.42 and 13.04 µg/mL for L-ascorbic acid, Terminalia catappa L. methanolic and aqueous extracts respectively. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities varied with the extract concentration and solvent used in extractions.ConclusionTerminalia catappa L. leaves are prospective for use as a source of therapeutic agents that could lead to the advancement of new antimicrobial and antioxidant products.

Negative regulation of thyroid adenoma-associated protein (THADA) in the cardiac glycoside-induced anti-cancer effect

Cardiac glycosides, known as inhibitors of Na+,K+-ATPase, have anti-cancer effects such as suppression of cancer cell proliferation and induction of cancer cell death. Here, we examined the signaling pathway elicited by cardiac glycosides in the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells and human epidermoid carcinoma KB cells. Three kinds of cardiac glycosides (ouabain, oleandrin, and digoxin) inhibited the cancer cell proliferation and decreased the expression level of thyroid adenoma-associated protein (THADA). Interestingly, the knockdown of THADA inhibited cancer cell proliferation, and the proliferation was significantly rescued by re-expression of THADA in the THADA-knockdown cells. In addition, the THADA-knockdown markedly decreased the expression level of L-type amino acid transporter LAT1. Cardiac glycosides also reduced the LAT1 expression. The LAT1 inhibitor, JPH203, significantly weakened the cancer cell proliferation. These results suggest that the binding of cardiac glycosides to Na+,K+-ATPase negatively regulates the THADA-LAT1 pathway, exerting the anti-proliferative effect in cancer cells.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological significance and toxicology of Argemone mexicana L. – A review approach

Argemone Mexicana L. (AM, Papaveraceae) is found and native to tropical America. Many cultures have traditionally used this annual herb to treat a variety of ailments, including skin disorders, digestive problems, eye issues, and anti-dotes. Argemone Mexicana (AM), a plant with a long history of traditional use, has recently gained renewed attention from researchers due to its potential pharmacological benefits. The possibility that this plant could be used to develop new therapies has inspired further research. Information about AM was collected from scientific databases published between January 2000 and March 2022. These databases include Elsevier, PubMed, Web of Science, NOPR, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Wiley, SpringerLink, and ACS publications. Numerous chemical constituents present in AM have been found to have medicinal properties, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, saponin, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. Various parts of the AM plant exhibit antimicrobial, wound healing, antioxidant, antimalarial, larvicidal, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anticancer effects, and have been used to treat sexually transmitted diseases. However, the plant is also known to be toxic, and its use can lead to a number of adverse effects, including dermatitis, gastrointestinal disturbances, and neurological damage. This review critically evaluates recent developments in the traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of AM in order to provide a scientific basis for reasonable utilization and further research.

Impact of Shodhana on the Physico-Chemical Properties and Total Cardiac Glycoside Fractions of the Root Bark of Rakta and Shweta Karavira (Nerium indicum Mill)

Impact of Shodhana on the Physico-Chemical Properties and Total Cardiac Glycoside Fractions of the Root Bark of Rakta and Shweta Karavira (Nerium indicum Mill)

Microscopic investigation and pharmacognostic evaluation of leaves of Anemone rupicola Camb.

There is almost no scientific literature available on the phytochemistry and pharmacognosy of this plant so the basic aim of the study is to analyze pharmacognostic features of dried leaves of Anemone rupicola Camb. Morphology was studied by using the features like margins, shape, length, width, surface and so forth. For anatomical examination leaves were preserved in formalin acetic alcohol (FAA) and cutting the thin section of leaves and petiole with razor blade. Macroscopic characters of powdered drug were evaluated through organoleptic method. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was done by adopting the standard procedures. The antimicrobial activity of methanolic extract of Anemone rupicola Camb. was performed by Agar well diffusion method. The powder microscopic study showed epidermal cells, trichomes, various type of tracheids, pitted vessels, and sclerenchymatous fibers. Transverse cutting of leaves and petiole revealed the presence of different cells such as epidermis, palisade parenchyma, spongy parenchyma cells, aerenchyma, collenchyma, trichomes, and vascular bundles. The investigation of phytochemicals in distilled water, methanol and in ethanol solvent indicated the presence of various secondary compounds such as phenols, saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, coumarins, and flavonoids. The methanolic extract of Anemone rupicola Camb. has potential as an antimicrobial agent. However, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. This study can be used as powerful tool for the identification and authentication of this plant. For the purity and quality control these results will be helpful tool. This will also shed light into new areas where researchers can intervene in developing new drugs for future use. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Morphological Features of the Anemone rupicola Anatomical examination of leaves of Anemeone rupicola Microscopic features of powdered drug of leaves of Anemone rupicola Qualitative Phytochemical analysis of the leaves of Anemone rupicola.

Comparative Phytochemical Constituents of Extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum Grown in Anambra State, Nigeria

Bryophyllum pinnatum is a plant abundant in several phytochemicals, that can be extracted, purified, and packaged for the goal of promoting public health. In this study, the phytochemical composition of the leaf extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum grown in Anambra State, Nigeria, was compared. B. pinnatum leaves were obtained from a farm in Anambra State, Nigeria. The leaves were processed and extracted using cold water and hot water extraction, methanol extraction, and ethanol extraction. The extraction processes were carried out following standard extraction methods. Preliminary qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted to determine the presence and concentration of phytochemicals in the plants. Phytochemicals tested include alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, anthocyanins, reducing sugars, carbohydrates, proteins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, and phlobatannins. All the tested phytochemicals were recovered in the solvent (methanol and ethanol) extracts; carbohydrates, reducing sugar, protein, and anthocyanin were absent in the aqueous (cold and hot water) extracts. Varying concentrations of the phytochemicals in the different extracts were recorded, and they range from 0.00±0.00% to 13.30±0.22%, with the highest concentration of the extracts recovered in the solvent (methanol and ethanol) extracts. This study revealed that the extraction method used can influence the type and concentration of phytochemicals recovered in Bryophyllum pinnatum. Therefore, the specific desired phytochemical should determine the extract method to use in any study. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 12(1): 1-7.

Phytochemical screening and investigation on the antibacterial activity of fermented noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit juice extracts on selected microorganisms in Makurdi Metropolis

Plant products are generally useful for medicinal purposes, one of which is the noni plant. Noni or pace (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice was extracted using aqueous and methanol solvents, then fermented and screened for the presence or absence of bioactive constituents (phytochemicals) using the modified standard procedures. The major phytochemical constituents revealed were alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, reducing sugar, saponnins, carbohydrate and terpenoids. Bacterial cell viability and MIC values were also determined by turbidity test. The lowest concentration of the extract with clear suspension was considered the MIC values. The lowest concentration of the extract in the post-incubation suspensions which did not harbour any bacterial growth upon spotting on MHA after overnight incubation at 37° C was considered the MBC values. The test was performed in triplicates alongside antibiotics ciprofloxacin (5μg) as a positive control at a concentration of 0.1mg/ml. Antibacterial activity was perfumed against three bacteria (Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) by agar-well diffusion method. Activity was observed for both methanolic and aqueous extracts of Morinda citrifolia L. fruit juice against the organisms tested. The extracts had both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against the test microorganisms. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) test revealed that the bacterial isolates were inhibited between concentrations of 50mg/ml and 25mg/ml for the methanolic extract, and between 100mg/ml and 50mg/ml for the aqueous extract of the fermented fruit juice. The extract was bactericidal from the range of 100mg/ml to 200mg/ml for both extracts, though with the exception of S. aureus which was bactericidal at 50mg/ml for methanolic extract.

Potential health and environmental benefits of the identified phytochemicals screening of (Azadirachta indica) neem leaves in Bauchi Metropolis, Bauchi State, Nigeria

The phytochemical screening of (Azadirachta indica) Neem leaf extract was conducted to identify and quantify the presence of bioactive compounds. The study conducted various tests to assess the phytochemical components. About 1kg of matured fresh leaves of (Azadirachta indica) neem was collected from five (5) different location in Bauchi metropolis, these locations are; Kobi Street, Gida Dubu, Yelwan Tudu, Wuntin dada and Federal Low-cost areas in Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi State, Nigeria. The leaves of the plant, which were ground into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle. An ethylacetate solvent was used to derive the A. indica leaf extract. The results of the research shows that the presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, and cardiac glycosides in the neem leaf extract is significant, and flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids were not detected in the neem leaf extract. The presence of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, and cardiac glycosides suggests that neem leaves may hold promise in traditional and contemporary medicinal practices. Alkaloids, known for their pharmacological significance, may contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties. Saponins, with their frothing and foaming characteristics, have been associated with immunomodulatory effects and their potential in agrochemical applications. Phenolic compounds, as evidenced by the positive response to the Ferric chloride test, indicate the antioxidant potential of neem leaves, which can combat oxidative stress. Conversely, the absence of flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids suggests that these specific phytochemical classes may be limited in neem leaves. These findings open avenues for further research and utilization of neem as a valuable natural resource.

Molecular characterization and evaluation of phytochemical constituents of endophytic fungi derived from Mitracarpus scaber Zucc. (Rubiaceae)

In quest to ameliorate the issues of recurring incidences of multidrug-resistant organisms and over-exploration of plants, researchers have delved into researches involving endosymbiotic microorganisms, known as endophytes. These are microorganisms inhabiting the internal part of plants, which have been verified to possess great potentials of bioengineering novel products for therapeutic purposes. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify endophytic fungal species present in Mitracarpus scaber, molecularly characterize the pure isolates, and test for phytochemical compounds present. Freshly collected non-diseased leaves of M. scaber were subjected to a four-step surface sterilization. Thereafter, they were sliced into fragments of 1 cm-length, exposing the leaf blades and the midribs, and were aseptically inoculated on sterilized malt extract agar, containing chloramphenicol (500 mg/l), in Petri dishes. Hyphal tips of actively growing fungi from the plant material were harvested and further sub-cultured for purification and isolation. Segments were aseptically cut from the actively growing pure isolates, on malt extract agar and inoculated onto the fermentation medium (sterilized local rice), in 500 ml Erlenmeyer flasks, which were properly sealed with sterile cotton and kept at static condition at 25 oC for 21 days. Ethyl acetate was used to extract the metabolites from the end products of the fermentation processes. Four isolates obtained from the endophytic fungi (EDF), present in the leaf of M. scaber, were subjected to molecular identification. The DNA extraction was done using Zr fungal/bacterial DNA miniprep. The extracted DNA was amplified through PCR, and sequenced. The resultant sequences were compared with GenBank database, using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool. The result of phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins and phenols, in large amounts; terpenoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides, in moderate amounts; steroids, hydrogen cyanide and saponins in very low quantities, while that of molecular characterization identified four organisms: Penicillium sclerotiorum, Clasporium cladosporiodies, Cryptococcus nemorosus, and Phyllosticta capitalensis.

Green Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticle, their Characterization Using Melia Azedrach Leaves Extract and its Phytochemical Analysis

The research aimed to create eco-friendly, affordable, and stable Iron Nanoparticles using Melia Azedarach plant extract and FeCl3 salt. The process involved extracting methanol, creating a solution, and combining it with FeCl3 salt. The nanoparticles were analyzed using FT-IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The study confirmed the synthesis of nanoparticles through visual examination and UV-Vis analysis, revealing a color shift from green to dark brownish-blackish and a high absorption peak at 430nm.FT-IR data showed a peak in iron nanoparticle samples, indicating O-H stretching in the phenolic group and C=O stretching in the carbonyl group. Phytochemical results showed cardiac glycoside, flavonoids, and steroids in Melia Azedarach plant extract. This research concluded that the Melia Azedarach plant leaf extract has the potential to create easy, affordable, environmentally stable, and biocompatible iron oxide nanoparticles.

Two Cases of Digoxin Intoxication: Insights into ECG Findings and Visual Disturbances

Digoxin, a widely prescribed cardiac glycoside, is known for its therapeutic benefits in managing various cardiac conditions. However, its narrow therapeutic index poses a significant risk of toxicity. We present two cases of digoxin intoxication with pathognomic electrocardiographic (ECG) findings and visual disturbances. The detailed analysis of ECG abnormalities and visual disturbances associated with digoxin toxicity will aid in prompt diagnosis and appropriate management, ultimately improving patient outcomes

Microscopy, HPTLC, and LC-DAD-Q-ToF validation of nut-based weight-loss dietary supplements, Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut) and Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut)

Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut) and Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut) are marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss. These dietary supplements have been found to sometimes be adulterated with toxic nuts/seeds from Cascabela thevetia, commonly known as yellow oleander or lucky nut. This study emphasizes the key identification parameters to differentiate the genuine and adulterated nuts. Samples were obtained from authenticated sources of the nuts and from commercial sources of dietary supplements. This study examined 38 samples, including voucher and commercial samples. All eight commercial candlenut dietary supplement samples were adulterated. Additionally, two samples sold as Brazil nuts were also found to be adulterated. Other nuts were screened for the presence of Cardiac Glycosides, but none were found to be positive. The presence of yellow oleander was confirmed in all commercial dietary supplement samples marketed as candlenut as well as in commercial samples of Brazil nut. This study provides simple key identification characters using micro-morphology and histochemical localization of cardiac glycosides in the commercial nuts, HPTLC fingerprints, and LC-DAD-Q-ToF analytical parameters to detect and identify adulteration in commercial products.