FIC Values Research Articles

Evaluation of potential Synergistic effect of Cranberry extract and Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid using Checkerboard method

This study investigates the potential synergistic effect of Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) extract and Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid in enhancing antibacterial effectiveness and combating resistance. The main objectives of this study are do determine the MIC and FIC values for Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid and Vaccinium oxycoccos extract on different bacterial strains, and therefore to evaluate the synergistic effect of compounds combined. Vaccinium oxycoccos extract is rich in proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and triterpene compounds, and has demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study specifically evaluates its potential to inhibit biofilm formation by gram-negative bacteria. Amoxicillin, a semi-synthetic penicillin, is combined with Clavulanic acid, a β-lactamase inhibitor, to treat various bacterial infections. However, the rising antimicrobial resistance challenges the efficacy of this antibiotic combination. The effectiveness of combining antibiotics and natural substances in inhibiting bacterial growth can vary among different bacteria. This research emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment for each bacterial strain to effectively combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

Combined activity of blue vitriol, brimstone and black stone on clinical Candida species isolates using fractional inhibitory concentration Index

Combination antimicrobial therapy (CAT) involves intentional addition of two or more antimicrobial agents for better therapeutic outcome. CAT is normally applied for treatment of polymicrobial infections, life-threatening infections and prevention of the emergence of resistance. This research aimed at determining the combined activity of blue vitriol, brimstone and black stone on clinical Candida species isolates using Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index. The brimstone, blue vitriol and black stone samples were purchased from a community market in southeastern Nigeria. The isolates were obtained from high vaginal swab samples of patients attending a Teaching hospital in Nigeria and identified based on their morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the samples were determined using the broth dilution method. The fractional inhibitory concentration indexes (FICI) of the samples against the isolates were obtained from their individual FIC values. FICI of <1 indicates synergism; 1 to 2 (Indifference); while >2 (antagonism). All the test agents were synergistic against C. albicans (FICI < 1). All the test agents were indifferent against C. tropicalis (FICI 1 - 2). Brimstone + black stone combination was indifferent (FICI 1 - 2) against C. glabrata; while all the test agents were antagonistic against the isolate (FICI > 2). Blue vitriol + Black stone combination was antagonistic (FICI > 2) against C. parapsilosis; Blue vitriol + brimstone was indifferent (FICI 1 - 2); while brimstone + black stone was synergistic (FICI < 1). The findings have revealed that antimicrobial combination outcome could be synergistic, antagonistic or indifferent; thus the need for proper in vitro screening before combination therapy.

Ethnomedicinal knowledge and utilization of the medicinal plant resources by the tribal people of the Jhargram District, West Bengal, India

The study strives to investigate and document the traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge of indigenous plant species used by the tribal people of Jhargram district, West Bengal, India. It has been stated by the 142 informants that, out of a total of 80 plant species, 45 classes, 46 orders, 46 families and 75 genera are generally used as medicinal plants to cure several diseases. The most dominant medicinal plant families found in this region are Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Anacardiaceae, Lamiaceae, Acanthaceae and Malvaceae. The most important species based on use value (UV) are Azadirachta excelsa, Cissus quadrangularis, Tylophora indica and Ocimum tenuiflorum. The informant consensus factor (Fic) values range from 0.46 to 0.71. The fidelity level (FL) value in the present study ranges from 25.58% to 93.42%. The study makes it clear that the aged informants have contributed more to the information about the value of the ethnomedicinal plants. Less information from the younger generation proves significant erosion of the traditional knowledge of this precious store. Some ethnomedicinal species with high UV and FL need to be reassessed for their phytochemical and pharmacological importance.

A hope for ineffective antibiotics to return to treatment: investigating the anti-biofilm potential of melittin alone and in combination with penicillin and oxacillin against multidrug resistant-MRSA and -VRSA.

The emergence and rapid spread of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), have posed a significant challenge to the medical community due to their ability to form biofilm and develop resistance to common antibiotics. Traditional antibiotics that were once effective in treating bacterial infections are now becoming increasingly ineffective, leading to severe consequences for patient outcomes. This concerning situation has called for urgent research to explore alternative treatment strategies. Recent studies have shown that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as effective agents against biofilm-associated drug-resistant infections as well as to enhance the efficacy of conventional antibiotics. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of melittin AMP, both alone and in combination with penicillin and oxacillin, against biofilm-forming MDR-MRSA and -VRSA. In this study, we investigated the kinetics of biofilm formation and assessed various parameters related to the antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy of melittin and antibiotics, both alone and in combination, against MDR-MRSA and -VRSA. The antimicrobial parameters included the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICi), Fractional Bactericidal Concentration Index (FBCi), and the antibiofilm activity of melittin and antibiotics indicated by the Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC), Minimal Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC), Fractional Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration Index (FBICi), and Fractional Biofilm Eradication Concentration Index (FBECi). The MIC results showed that all S. aureus isolates were resistant to penicillin (≥0.25 μg/mL), and 66% of isolates were resistant to oxacillin. The geometric means of the MIC values for penicillin, oxacillin, and melittin were 19.02, 16, and 1.62 μg/ml, respectively, and the geometric means of the MBC values for penicillin, oxacillin, and melittin were 107.63, 49.35, and 5.45 μg/ml, respectively. The study revealed that the combination indexes of melittin-penicillin and melittin-oxacillin, as determined by FIC values against all isolates, were 0.37 and 0.03, respectively. Additionally, melittin-penicillin and melittin-oxacillin exhibited combination indexes based on FBC values against all isolates at 1.145 and 0.711, respectively. Besides, melittin inhibited the biofilm formation of all S. aureus isolates, with MBIC values ranging from 10 to 1.25 μg/mL, and MBEC values ranging from 40 to 10 μg/mL. Generally, the combination indexes of melittin-penicillin and melittin-oxacillin, determined using FBIC values against all isolates, were 0.23 and 0.177, respectively. Moreover, melittin-penicillin and melittin-oxacillin typically had combination indexes based on FBEC values against all isolates at 5 and 2.97, respectively. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that melittin is effective against both planktonik and biofilm forms of MRSA and VRSA and exhibits significant synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics. These results suggest that melittin and antibiotics could be a potential candidate for further investigation for in vivo infections caused by MDR S. aureus. Furthermore, melittin has the potential to restore the efficacy of penicillin and oxacillin antibiotics in the treatment of MDR infections. Applying AMPs, like melittin, to revive beta-lactam antibiotics against MRSA and VRSA is an innovative approach against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Further research is needed to optimize dosage and understand melittin mechanism and interactions with beta-lactam antibiotics for successful clinical applications.

Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Herbs and Spices from Plants of the Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae Families: Chemometric Interpretation of the Data.

Plant products, especially medicinal herbs and spices, have been used for centuries as a remedy to support human health and improve the flavor of food. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify plant species distinguished by their high content of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity using advanced multivariate statistical techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). To realize the purpose of the study, the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoids (FC) content, antioxidant activity (TAC) and Fe(II) ion chelating capacity (FIC) of medicinal herbs and spices from plants belonging to three botanical families, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae were determined. The interpretation of the obtained data revealed that the studied samples are localized in the PCA and HCA plots according to their TPC, FC, TAC and FIC values. Chemometric analysis confirmed that medicinal herbs and spices from plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family are richer sources of phenolic compounds and exhibit stronger antioxidant activity than those raw materials from plants in the Apiaceae family. In addition, no significant differences were found in terms of TPC, FC, TAC and FIC values between medicinal herbs and spices from the same plant species, i.e., oregano (Origanum vulgare), common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), caraway (Carum carvi) and lovage (Levisticum officinale). A close relationship between antioxidant properties and contents of phenolic compounds was also confirmed.

SCREENING OF Achillea coarctata Poir. AND Achillea setacea Waldst. & Kit. (Asteraceae) FOR THEIR VOLATILE AND FATTY ACIDS COMPOSITIONS, AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES

The main aim of this study is antimicrobial screening of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts obtained from aerial parts of Achillea setacea Waldst. & Kit. and Achillea coarctata Poir. against the bacterial strains Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 14028 and the yeast Candida albicans ATCC 6633 by the microdilution method. In addition, the effect of the aqueous extract of A. coarctata combined with fluconazole againts C. albicans ATCC 6633, C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019, C. tropicalis ATCC 750 and C. glabrata ATCC 90030 was tested with the checkerboard method. The chemical components of the volatiles and fatty acid methyl esters were identified using the Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques. The main components of the volatile oil were found to be 1,8-cineole (16.1%) and β-pinene (14.5%) for A. setacea and camphor (35.4%) and borneol (12.9%) for A. coarctata. The ethyl acetate extracts of A. setacea (MIC=156.25 µg/mL) and A. coarctata (MIC=312.5 µg/mL) were found more active against the tested Candida Berkh. species. The combination of aqueous extract of A. coarctata with fluconazole showed additive effect for the tested Candida species with FIC values within the range of 0.53-0.625 µg/mL.

Beetroot juices as colorant in plant-based minced meat analogues: Color, betalain composition and antioxidant activity as affected by juice type

The aim of this work was to study the suitability of the application of beetroot juices (obtained from fresh beetroot, cooked beetroot, beetroot powder and commercial beetroot juice) as colorants in the development of meat analogues, as well as their antioxidant properties. Fresh beetroot juice showed the highest betalain content (119.53 mg betanin/100 ml and 48.27 mg vulgasanthin I/100 ml) and commercial juice the lowest (49.40 mg betanin/100 ml and 7.21 mg vulgasanthin I/100 ml). Juices from fresh and cooked beetroot showed ABTS, FRAP and FIC values higher than values obtained for commercial juice (ascorbic acid added). Textured soy protein with cooked beetroot juice or with commercial juice showed the same appearance that of minced beef and pork meat, respectively, which is in accordance with their hue values and reflectance spectra. The attractive red color of betalains and their stability at the pH value of meat analogues make beetroot juices ideal for their application as colorants in meat analogues.

Evaluation of In vitro Efficacy of Meropenem/Colistin and Meropenem/Fosfomycin Combinations on Multidrug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli

The rate of extensively drug-resistant and pan-resistant gram-negative rods isolated as infectious agents is increasing around the world and in Türkiye. One of the important options in the treatment of these infections is the combined use of antibiotics. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro effect of meropenem/colistin and meropenem/fosfomycin combinations on carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli isolated as infectious agents. Escherichia coli (n= 6), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n= 10), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n= 5), and Acinetobacter baumannii (n= 6) isolates were recovered from blood and tracheal aspirate samples of patients hospitalized in our hospital's intensive care unit were included in the study. In the first stage of the combination study, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were investigated by broth microdilution for meropenem and colistin, and agar dilution methods for fosfomycin. In the second stage of the study, synergy, partial synergy, indifference, and antagonistic effects were investigated with the checkerboard method for the meropenem/colistin combination and the agar dilution method for the meropenem/fosfomycin combination. The checkerboard results were interpreted as follows: fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) values ≤ 0.5 synergy, < 0.5-≤ 1 partial synergy, > 1-≤ 4 indifference and FIC values of > 4 antagonism. MIC values obtained in the study were interpreted according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) criteria. Of the 27 isolates studied with the broth microdilution method, 63% were found to be colistin-resistant and 37% susceptible. The MIC values of fosfomycin against Enterobacterales group bacteria were found to be in the range of 2-2048 mg/L. Two of the six E.coli isolates and nine of the 10 K.pneumoniae isolates were found to be resistant to fosfomycin (IV). The MIC values of ≥ 128 mg/L were found in all 11 non-fermentative gram-negative rods with intrinsic resistance to fosfomycin. In the combination of meropenem/ colistin, synergy and partial synergy were observed in 11 (40.7%) of 27 isolates, an indifference effect was observed in 13 (48.2%), and antagonistic effects were observed in three (11.1%) of the isolates. The synergy and partial synergy effects of this combination were 37.5% for Enterobacterales group bacteria, 50% for E.coli, and 30% for K.pneumoniae. Regarding the 11 non-fermentative gram-negative rods included in the study, 83.3% synergy and partial synergy was found in A.baumannii for the meropenem/colistin combination, while no synergy and partial synergistic effect was found in P.aeruginosa. Meropenem/fosfomycin synergy and partial synergy effects were 83.3% (5/6) for E.coli, 100% (8/8) for K.pneumoniae, 100% (6/6) for A.baumannii, and 25% (1/4) for P.aeruginosa. In all of the isolates studied, meropenem/fosfomycin combination was found to be more effective than the meropenem/colistin combination. It would be meaningful to support these data obtained in vitro with clinical efficacy results to be obtained as a result of the application of antibiotics in vivo, taking into account the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the antibiotics used in this study.

Cytotoxicity Activity of Graviola Fruit Extract with Carbamazepine and Valproic Acid Show Antagonistic and Indifferent Effects.

Graviola is a tropical fruit with medicinal properties, used for treating various diseases such as inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs), including carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproic acid (VPA), have been proven strong inhibitors against cancer cell growth. This study investigated the effect of Graviola fruit extract (GFE) on CBZ in healthy rat plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, the effect of GFE in combination with CBZ and VPA on two human cancer cell lines (PC3 and MCF-7) was explored. The CBZ levels were analyzed using a simple validated HPLC method. The linearity was achieved at a 0.9998 coefficient of determination over a range of 75-5000 ng/mL CBZ. The MTT assay was used to quantify the percentage of viable cells. The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) for CBZ alone were 4,631 ng/mL and 49,225 ng. h/mL, respectively. However, in the presence of GFE, the values reduced significantly to 2,994 ng/mL and 26,587 ng. h/mL, while the p-value was <0.05. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay results for VPA showed a weak cytotoxicity activity on PC3 and MCF-7 cell lines. A simple and validated HPLC method was used to determine CBZ levels in rats' plasma. The plasma CBZ levels (Cmax) were significantly reduced in the presence of GFE, indicating the importance of drug-herb interactions. For in vitro studies, two human cancer cell lines, MCF-7 (breast cancer cells) and PC3 (prostate cancer cells), were used to screen the cytotoxicity activity of GFE, CBZ, and VPA. We observed an antagonism effect for GFE and CBZ combination in both cell lines with FIC values > 4. On the contrary, the combination of GFE and VPA showed an additive or indifferent effect.

Antibacterial Properties and Efficacy of LL-37 Fragment GF-17D3 and Scolopendin A2 Peptides Against Resistant Clinical Strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii In Vitro and In Vivo Model Studies.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumanniihave emerged as major clinical threats owing to the increasing prevalence of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant strains. The present study aimed to assess the antibacterial effects and efficacy of LL-37 fragment GF-17D3 and synthetic Scolopendin A2 peptides against resistant clinical strains in vitro and in vivo models.P. aeruginosa,S. aureus, andA. baumanniiwere isolated from clinical infections. Their antibiotic resistance and minimum inhibitory concentration were assessed. LL-37 fragment GF-17D3 peptide was selected from available databases. Scolopendin A2 peptide's 6th amino acid (proline) was substituted with lysine and peptides and MICs were determined. The biofilm inhibitory activity was quantified at sub MIC concentrations. Synergetic effects of Scolopendin A2 and imipenem were assessed by checkerboard. After mice nasal infection withP. aeruginosa, peptides LD50 was determined. Isolates harbored complete resistance toward the majority of antibiotics and MIC values ranged between 1 and > 512µg/ml. The majority of isolates exhibited strong biofilm activity. Synthetic peptides showed lower MIC values than antibiotic agents and the lowest MIC values were obtained for synthetic peptides in combination with antibiotics. The Synergisms effect of Scolopendin A2 with imipenem was also determined. Scolopendin A2was found to have antibacterial efficacy againstP. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and A. baumanniiwith MIC 64µg/ml, 8µg/ml, and 16µg/ml, respectively, and LL37 showed antibacterial efficacy againstP. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and A. baumanniiwith MIC 128µg/ml, 32µg/ml, and 32µg/ml, respectively. Both AMPs decreased biofilms by ≥ 96% at 1 × MIC. The biofilm inhibitory activity was measured at sub MIC concentrations of the peptides and the results demonstrated that Scolopendin A2 exhibited anti-biofilm activity at 1/4 × MIC and 1/2 × MIC concentrations was 47.9 to 63.8%, although LL37 among 1/4 × MIC and 1/2 × MIC concentrations was 21.3 to 49.6% against three pathogens. The combination of Scolopendin A2 and antibiotics demonstrated synergistic activity-resistant strains with FIC values ≤ 0.5 for three pathogens, while LL37 and antibiotics showed synergistic activity FIC values ≤ 0.5 for onlyP. aeruginosa.Infection model Scolopendin A2 with Imipenem (2 × MIC) was efficacious in vivo, with a 100% survival rate following treatment at 2 × MIC after 120h. The mRNA expression of biofilm-related genes was decreased for both peptides. Synthesis Scolopendin A2 decreased the expression of biofilm formation genes compared to the control group. Synthetic Scolopendin A2 exhibits antimicrobial activity without causing toxicity on the human epithelial cell line. Based on our findings, it seems that synthetic Scolopendin A2 is an appropriate antimicrobial source. That could be a promising option in combination with antibiotics for a topical medication and in the prevention of acute and chronic infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Nevertheless, additional experiments are required to assess another potential of this novel AMP.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants focusing on cardiovascular diseases used by the local people in and around Dinajpur district, Bangladesh

This study aimed to document the medicinal plants through semi-structured interviews, key informant discussions, and informal conversations with local people in and around the Dinajpur district, Bangladesh. A total of 109 medicinal plant species distributed in 60 families with 210 formularies to treat 55 ailments were recorded. The most frequently utilized plant populations were herbs, followed by trees, shrubs, and climbers. Oral consumption was the main mode of treatment in the study area and was followed by external application. The highest factor of informant consensus (Fic) values was found in heart disease, followed by diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, skin disease, respiratory disorders, sexual disease, and cuts and wounds. In the present survey, eight species have attained a fidelity level of 100 percent (Fl). Among the plants, 25 species have been used to treat cardiovascular diseases. The most cited medicinal plants for cardiac management are Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight &amp; Arn., Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., Dillenia indica L., Allium sativum L., Tamarindus indica L., Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz., Terminalia chebula Retz., Phyllanthus emblica L., Averrhoa carambola L. and Spondias pinnata (L. f.) Kurz. The ethnobotanical uses of the documented plants provide basic data, and further investigation focusing on pharmacological research is essential to confirm the results. Numerous threats to medicinal plants were identified during the ethnobotanical survey in the study area. Some recommendations are provided to mitigate the threats and the conservation of medicinal plants. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 48(1-2): 19-40, June-December 2022

An Ethnobotanical Study Of Medicinal Plants In Savaştepe (Balıkesir-Turkey)

Objective: This research planned to record traditional uses and preparations of herbal medicines in Savaştepe, Balıkesir. The study was conducted between the years 2012-2016. The Savaştepe district is located on the borders of Balıkesir province. Methods: 44 villages connected to Savaştepe were visited during the research. With the help of the local people, the collected plants were diagnosed and converted into herbarium specimens. All herbarium samples are stored in the Herbarium of Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy (ISTE). Information about the use of plants were collected by the help of interviews with 205 people (107 men, 98 women). Results: As a result of this study, there were 163 medicinal plant taxa belonging to 53 families. Mostly used medicinal plant species families are Lamiaceae (22 taxa), Asteraceae (20 taxa), Rosaceae (16 taxa), Fabaceae (6 taxa), Brassicaceae (7 taxa), Apiaceae (4 taxa), Poaceae (4 taxa), Scrophulariaceae (4 taxa) respectively. According to the informations, the most common diseases were categozied into 12 group and their FIC values are calculated. The highest FIC value (0.852) for hemorrhoids. Having high use value represents that this taxa is commonly used in Savaştepe. The highest use value is 0.93 for Urtica dioica Conclusion: This study documented the medicinal plants used by local people of Savaştepe and also the uses, preparations and vernacular names of medicinal plant species. This study will help to concerve valuable informations of the medicinal plants of Savaştepe.

An Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Taşköprü (Kastamonu-Turkey).

This pharmaceutical ethnobotanical research was carried out in Taşköprü District in Kastamonu, in northern Anatolia. It assembles the elaborations of plants used as folk medicines, and the ethnopharmacological data collected in the course of in-person semi-structured interviews with an open-ended questionnaire. The study's aims were two-fold: gathering and identifying plants that the local inhabitants use therapeutically, and recording information related to traditional folk medicine (primarily for humans, and if extant for animals). The plants were gathered during several outings between May 2016 and July 2018. The organization of the data was based on the use-reports (UR) and was done according to the ICPC-2 classification. In addition, cultural importance index (CI) and informant consensus factor (FIC) calculations were made for the data collected. The research identified 101 plant taxa of 31 families used in folk medicine. Of these, 89 were wild and 12 were cultivated taxa. In total, 499 medicinal uses were determined. The CI values indicated that the most significant medicinal plant specimens were Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana (0.78), P. sylvestris var. hamata (0.75) and Plantago lanceolata, P. major subsp. intermedia and P. major subsp. major (0.58 each). The most prevalent families were Asteraceae (2.14), Rosaceae (1.93), Pinaceae (1.81) and Plantaginaceae (1.74). Respiratory system (0.95), skin and subcutaneous tissue (0.94), nervous system (0.92) and circulatory system disorders (0.88) and ethnoveterinary uses (0.89) had the highest FIC values. The most frequently used preparation process was observed to be decoction (38.4%) and the most commonly utilized plant parts were aerial (21%). Along with recording 20 plant taxa as medicinal plants for the first time, this study documented a total of 303 new therapeutic uses. This study concludes with the finding that traditional knowledge of medicinal plants remains prevalent in Ta rticularly among its rural inhabitants.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Biga (Çanakkale-Turkey)

Traditional medicine, which is an important part of traditional knowledge, is an aspect of a heritage common to all mankind. We aimed to determine the traditional medicinal uses of plants in Biga and to compare the local data obtained with ethnobotanical studies for neighboring areas. Ethnobotanical data for medicinal plants were collected by means of face-to-face interviews with local people. We recorded 104 taxa belonging to 49 families used for medicinal purposes. Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, and Asteraceae were the most common plant families. Hypericum perforatum L. is the most used species in Biga for the treatment of gastrointestinal and dermatological ailments. The highest FIC values (0.84) were obtained for respiratory disease, followed by gastrointestinal and dermatological diseases (0.81) and urinary infections (0.79). Only 52% of the species recorded in our study were found in monographs and pharmacopeias. The data reveal the continued use of plants as part of an oral culture among the local population inhabiting the research area. The outcome of this study contributes to the various approaches used to protect the rights of the local people of Turkey, including their resources and knowledge. Furthermore, the study contributes to our knowledge of medicinal plants in the Mediterranean region.

Synergistic Effect between Amoxicillin and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Reduced by Oak Gall Extract against Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a global health threat, and the World Health Organization has included H. pylori among 12 bacterial species that require high priority future strategies for the development of new antibiotics due mainly to its high rates of resistance. Metallic nanoparticles are known for their antimicrobial properties. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) as biocompatible antimicrobials. Green synthesis of ZnONPs was performed based on Oak galls extract (OGE) and was characterized by UV, IR, DLS, TEM, and SEM measurements. In addition, LC-MS/MS was used for the identification of OGE constituents. A checkerboard assay was used to evaluate the activity of synthesized Qi-ZnONPs and OGE against H. pylori, and their synergistic effects with amoxicillin were evaluated. LC-MS/MS analyses identified 20 compounds as major gallic acid conjugates. The ZnONPs had average particle sizes of 5.5 nm (DLS) and 7.99 nm (TEM). Both OGE and Qi-ZnONPs exhibited moderate activity against H. pylori. Amoxicillin and Qi-ZnONPs combinations (1:2 and 1:4 amoxicillin:/Qi-ZnONPs) significantly decreased the MIC90 by two-fold and four-fold, respectively, and FIC values for the combinations were more significant than with OGE alone. OGE is rich in phenolics. The synergism between Qi-ZnONPs and amoxicillin can provide an alternative safe agent of low cost to combat H. Pylori infections.

Medicinal Plants and Fungi Traditionally Used by Dulong People in Northwest Yunnan, China.

The Dulong, an ethnic group living in the isolated Northwest Yunnan of Southwest China, have directly used a wide of plants to serve their needs and have accumulated rich traditional knowledge about medicinal plants over years. Unfortunately, little has been reported about the medicinal plants used by the Dulong people. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided field trips, and quantitative analysis. Prior informed consent was obtained before each interview. The surveys allowed for the collection of sociodemographic data and traditional knowledge about medicinal plants and their uses. This study used relative frequency of citation (RFC) to identify the most culturally significant medicinal plants and used informant consensus factor (FIC) to evaluate agreement among informants. A total of 105 medicinal plant species belonging to 69 families were recorded. Amongst these 69 families, Asteraceae (8 species), Polygonaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Rosaceae (4 species each) were the dominant families. The whole plants were the most frequently used part in the preparation of medicines. The most common preparation method was decoction and the most frequent application route was oral administration. Coptis teeta (0.15), Acorus calamus (0.12), Ophiocordyceps sinensis (0.11), Tanacetum tatsienense var. tanacetopsis (0.11), and Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (0.08) were shown to be the most useful plants as indicated by their relatively high RFC values. Among the usage types of medicinal plants, the highest FIC values were recorded for the circulatory system (FIC = 0.91), the immune system (FIC = 0.89), and the nervous system (FIC = 0.85). Furthermore, sixty-two medicinal plants utilized by the Dulong for medicinal purposes also have dietary use. Traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants has been seriously threatened in recent decades. In the future, modern approaches should be used to demystify traditional medicine. However, significant measures need to be taken to protect from loss the important traditional knowledge gained by the Dulong through their experience and inheritance. A collective effort should be made to promote and conserve the important traditional medicinal knowledge and outline a plan for sustainable use of medicinal plants and improve local economic development under the premise of protection.

Pyrazole-Thiazole Core-Containing Analogs Exhibit Adjunctive Activity with Meropenem against Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).

Pyrazole-thiazole core-containing compound KP-40 and 20 novel derivatives were designed and synthesized through traditional SAR analysis. These molecules displayed adjunctive activity with meropenem against Gram-negative bacteria evidenced by a range of fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC=0.5-0.25) and minimum adjunctive concentration (MAC=128-32 μM) values. Of this series of molecules, four compounds displayed notable adjunctive potential, with FIC and MAC values of 0.25 and 32 μM, respectively. Moreover, the solubility of these compounds was improved to an acceptable range. Further analysis using our "in house" permeation and efflux multi parameter optimization (PEMPO) algorithm revealed key physicochemical properties that may be critical for the development of active Gram-negative antibacterials. Taking PEMPO scores into consideration prior to executing synthesis of analogs may be a simple, yet rapid and effective strategy that can be used in conjunction with traditional SAR approaches to aid in the design of potent Gram-negative antibacterials.

Ethnobotanical investigation on medicinal plants used by local populations in Tlemcen National Park (extreme North West Algeria)

Medicinal plants are currently used by local populations to treat different diseases around the world. In the present study, the local knowledge of medicinal plants used by indigenous populations living in the Park of Tlemcen (North-West Algeria) has been documented. A total of 254 informants with a strong ethnomedicinal knowledge living in the national park of Tlemcen were interviewed by using a questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using quantitative indices such as the ethnobotanicity index (EI), use value (UV), and Informant Consensus Factor (FIC). 109 species belonging to 54 families were identified and used by indigenous populations to treat different diseases. The most frequent families were lamiaceae (15.5%), asteraceae (11.9%), and rosaceae (5.5%). Roots, rhizomes or tubers were the most used part for medical care (37.6%), followed by leaves (33.6%), other aerial parts (16%), fruits (8%), flowers (1.6%), and seeds (3.2%). Regarding modes of preparation, we noticed that decoction (40.4%) and infusion (28.5%) were the most predominant. Moreover, Thymus lanceolatus (UV=0.96), Origon glandulosum (UV=0.96) and Ammoides verticillata (UV=0.94) were the most frequently used species. FIC values ranged from 0.65 to 0.98. The highest FIC were recorded for reproductive and sexual disorders (0.98), respiratory tract diseases (0.98), cardiovascular system disease and blood disorders (0.94), digestive disorders (0.93), and general health (0.93). A variety of species are used to treat several ailments. Recorded species with high UV should be prioritized for conservation and subjected to further phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

Ethno-medicinal and bio-cultural importance of aloes from south and east of the Great Rift Valley floristic regions of Ethiopia

There are 46 Aloe species identified from Ethiopia out of which 67.3% are endemics but comprehensive data on their ethno-medicinal and bio-cultural values are lacking. Interview, focus group discussion (FGD), and guided field walks were conducted with 210 respondents (152 men and 58 women). Relative frequency of citation (RFCs), informants' consensus factor (Fic), use value (UVs), relative importance index (RIs), and cultural value index (CV) were analyzed. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis and Wilcoxon tests were performed using R software. Twenty-three Aloe species were recorded in the study areas with 196 use-reports and 2158 citations, grouped into six major use categories (NUC = 6). Medicinal use categories accounted for 149 use-reports (76%) with 1607 citations. The species with the highest numbers of use-reports were Aloe megalacantha subsp. alticola, A. trichosantha subsp. longiflora and A. calidophila of which 87, 75 and 61.1% respectively were medicinal uses. Aloe calidophila has highest values in all indices UV (11.72), RFC (0.68), RI (0.89), and CV (6.2). Among Aloe parts, leaf exudate accounted for 111 use-reports (49.1%) of which 92.9% were used for medicinal purposes. Aloe retrospiciens and A. ruspoliana were reported poisonous to carnivores. Fic values of the six major use categories ranged from 0.86 to 0.22. Elderly people (>60) had more knowledge than 25–40 and 41–60 age groups (Kruskal-Wallis chi-squared = 12.17, df = 3, p = 0.006), which is significant difference in depth of ethno-medicinal knowledge. Men had more knowledge of medicinal uses than women (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.002) significantly different, while women were knowledgeable than men for cultural uses like, cosmetic (Wilcoxon test, p = 0.06), not significantly different. The ways in which aloes are used and valued have implications for their future medicinal utility, which instigate detailed phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

Medicinal and edible plants used by the Lhoba people in Medog County, Tibet, China.

The Lhoba people are a small, ancient, tribal ethnic group from the Himalayas and are located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Medog County is rich in biocultural diversity. For a long time, Medog has been almost isolated from the outside world. The Lhoba people, who live in Medog, have maintained a relatively unique lifestyle and have accumulated rich traditional knowledge (TK), especially about medicinal and edible plants. Currently, there is very little documentation of the plants traditionally used by the local Lhoba communities. Our investigation aimed to (i) document the species of medicinal and food plants used by the Lhoba people in Medog County, Tibet, China; (ii) screen the most important plant taxa for specific medicines, and identify the aliments treated to further contribute to drug and food supplement research; and (iii) examine whether the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Lhoba is similar among different tribes and discuss traditional uses in the health practices and livelihoods of the local communities. Ethnobotanical data were recorded through semi-structured interviews, guided field trips, and quantitative analysis. The informant consensus factor (FIC) was used as a quantitative index. Ninety-one informants (61 men and 30 women) were interviewed. A total of 75 species, including 37 medicinal plants for 14 categories of diseases and 57 edible plants from six types of food, were recorded. Among the usage types of medicinal plants, the highest FIC values were recorded for antidotes (FIC=0.98), anthelmintics (FIC=0.98), and treatments of gastrointestinal problems (FIC=0.93). The FIC values for different types of edible plants were very similar. The most frequently used medicinal and food plants in the studied communities are Zanthoxylum motuoense, Crassocephalum crepidioides, and Swertia nervosa. According to the comparative study, few differences in the use of wild plants were found. There appeared to be more overlapping species between two Lhoba tribes in Medog, named Mixingba and Miguba, with 46 (61%) common species, compared with the Bo'gaer tribe in Milin, which had only two (2.7%) overlapping species. This might be due to the different geographical environments, vegetation types, and different influences of other ethnic cultures. The Lhoba people in Medog County, Tibet, China, have rich TK about the uses of wild plants. However, the TK is seriously threatened due to environmental degradation and acculturation, and it showed signs of being forgotten and abandoned by the younger generation. Therefore, measures are urgently needed to document and protect the TK of the uses of the wild plant resources; and (i) the most frequently used medicinal and/or edible plants; (ii) the plants used to treat the most commonly mentioned diseases; and (iii) the endemic species that are widely used in Medog, which should be assessed for their potential future as food supplements and therapeutic products.