Herbal Agents Research Articles

Targeting Keap1 with Inulae Herba activated the Nrf2 receptor to alleviate LPS-mediated acute lung injury

Ethnopharmacological relevanceInulae Herba (IH) is known as Jinfeicao recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia with effects of lowering qi and eliminating phlegm, and used for the treatment of pulmonary diseases. However, its protective mechanism on pulmonary diseases, especially acute lung injury (ALI), is still undefined. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to explore anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects of IH and its underlying mechanism for treating ALI. Materials and methodsWe constructed a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-ALI mouse model to reveal the therapeutical effect of IH. Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, small RNA interference, immunohistochemical staining, and the dual-luciferase experiment were performed to study the mechanism of IH for treating ALI. ResultsIH attenuated LPS-mediated pathological changes (e.g. pneumonedema and pulmonary congestion) through inactivation of macrophages in an ALI mouse model. The result of flow cytometry demonstrated that IH regulated the homeostasis of M1 (CD80+CD206-) and M2 (CD80+CD206+) phenotype macrophages. Furthermore, IH suppressed mRNA expressions of M1 phenotype markers, such as iNOS and IL-6, whereas promoted mRNA expressions of M2 phenotype markers, such as ARG1 and RETNLA in LPS-mediated mice. Notably, IH targeted Keap1 to activate the Nrf2 receptor, exerting its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects proved by using immunohistochemical staining, dual-luciferase, and Keap1 knockdown technologies. ConclusionThese findings suggested that targeting Keap1 with IH alleviated LPS-mediated ALI, and it could serve as a herbal agent for developing anti-ALI drugs.

Evaluation of some Herbal Agents in the treatment of Diabetes in Comparison to Insulin

We conducted an experimental investigation in which hyperglycemia was created in rats using Alloxan; we then employed an herbal drug that could reverse the hypoglycemic effects of insulin, which is to say, we used Alloxan to induce hyperglycemia in the rats. Research conducted on 24 Black rats over 28 days (split into four groups of six rats each on days 1, 7, 14, and 28) shows that ALLOXAN can induce hyperglycemia with statistical significance (P0.0001). HERBAL DRUGS (Momordica Charantia L) have effectively reduced hyperglycemia brought on by Alloxan, with statistically significant results (P0.0001) but not as strong as those produced by insulin. Momordica Charantia L for its insulin-like effects on blood sugar levels in the context of hyperglycemia produced by Alloxan. Through the use of "Black rats," we were able to successfully visualize a model for inducing hyperglycemia via intraperitoneal injection of ALLOXAN. The effectiveness of Momordica charantia L in bringing down hyperglycemia was then compared to that of insulin. Comparing Momordica charantia L to insulin for the treatment of type 1 diabetes in rats, the following results were found: - On days 7, 14, 21, and 28, with a total of 6 animals (Black rats) in each group, the mean S.D. of the hypoglycemic effect of Momordica charantia L was (148.42 +/-3.65), (127.66 +/- 2.520), (95.78 +/-1.18), and (86.54 +/3.55). To put it another way, the herbal remedy effectively lowers blood sugar levels in those who suffer from hyperglycemia. The present findings highlight that Momordica charantia L effectively treats type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats and has the same effect on blood glucose levels as pharmaceutical insulin. Keywords: Alloxan, Hypoglycemia, Insulin, Momordica charantia L, Hyperglycemia.

Evaluation of the effect of herbal agents as management of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the effectiveness of herbal agents in the prevention and therapy of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients. Randomized controlled trials were searched from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) to assess the effectiveness of herbal agents compared to a standard medication or placebo in prevention or treatment of radiodermatitis in breast cancer. Data from 16 studies involving 1994 patients were included. This meta-analysis included 10 clinical trials of 562 breast cancer patients treated with calendula, silymarin, or aloe vera for the prevention of radiodermatitis. Silymarin showed positive effects in ameliorating the damage of radiodermatitis, whereas the efficacy of calendula and aloe vera in the treatment of radiodermatitis lacks sufficient evidence. Herbal medicine may show therapeutic effects on radiodermatitis in breast cancer, but more comprehensive investigations and clinical trials are required in the future.

In silico molecular docking, molecular dynamics, ADMET analysis of fucoidan against receptor frizzled-8 and coreceptor LRP6 in Wnt/β-Catenin pathway and in vitro analysis of fucoidan extract from Sargassum echinocarpum as β-catenin inhibitor in breast cancer cell line (MCF-7)

This study aimed to investigate the effect of fucoidan on the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway using both in-silico molecular docking, molecular dynamics, ADMET analysis (in frizzled-8 receptor and LRP6 coreceptor) and in-vitro experiments using MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Through the molecular docking analysis, the binding energies on the frizzled-8 receptor were −5.6, −5.1, −9.4, and −8.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Meanwhile, those on the LRP6 receptor, were −7.3, −6.2, −10.0, and −9.8 kcal/mol, respectively. The results showed that fucoidan had a favorable binding affinity for both receptors. Furthermore, it was discovered to reduce the interaction and binding affinity between Wnt agonists to frizzled-8 and LRP6 receptors. This reduction was reflected in the change in the binding energy of the fucoidan-Wnt agonist-frizzled 8 and fucoidan-Wnt agonist-LRP6 complexes, which exhibited decreases of −7.0 kcal/mol and −7.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Fucoidan was found stable in complexes with frizzled-8 receptor and co-receptor LRP6. ADMET study showed it’s non-carcinogenic and can be distributed in the body. Fucoidan effectively inhibited β-catenin production, a critical factor in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The MCF-7 breast cancer cells were treated with fucoidan extract from S. echinocarpum at incubation times of 24, 48, and 72 h, resulting in a reduction of β-catenin levels by 95.19%, 83.88%, and 80.88%, respectively. Fucoidan also shows no significant difference in value compared to fucoidan standard (F. vesiculosus) and doxorubicin. Fucoidan exhibited antiproliferative effects against breast cancer cells, specifically through its modulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway, and held great potential as an herbal anticancer agent. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Ameliorative Effect of Aqueous Crude Extract of the Aerial Parts of Leonurus Cardiaca on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiovascular Damage in Wistar Rats

This study investigated the ameliorative effect of aqueous crude extract of the aerial parts of Leonurus cardiaca on doxorubicin-induced cardiovascular damage in Wistar rats. Aqueous crude extract of Leonurus cardiaca was prepared based on standard Laboratory condition. A total of 55 male and female rats weighing between 170 ± 15 and 180±15g were used for this study. The rats were grouped into 11 groups of five rats per group. Group 1 and 2 served as normal and negative control rats respectively. Rats in group 3-11 were intraperitoneally administered 18mg/kg of doxorubicin once and were treated with the crude extract at 166, 250, and 500mg/kg for 7, 14, and 21 days. All biochemical, hematological, and histological analyses were carried out based on standard methods. The mean plasma troponin T and I, IL-6 and C-reactive protein concentrations of the negative control were 357.93±0.01 pg/mL, 241.51±0.00 pg/mL, 63.94±0.01 pg/dl, and 41.03±0.01 mg/ml respectively. The plasma troponin T and I, IL-6 and C-reactive protein concentrations treated for 21 days were 270.32±0.01 pg/mL, 217.84±0.01 pg/mL, 42.75±0.01 pg/dl, and 18.03±0.01 mg/ml respectively. The mean MDA, GSH concentrations, GPx, CAT and SOD activities in doxorubicin-induced cardiovascular damage rats, treated with the extract at 500mg/kg were 5.01±0.01mmol/l, 68.46±0.02µg/mg.protein, 70.21±0.01mg/pro.min, 141.62±1.80IU/g, and 19.05±0.02mg/g respectively and were significantly different from those of group 2. Aqueous crude extract of Leonurus cardiaca at 500mg/kg ameliorated the damage induced by doxorubicin on the heart tissues, hence could serve as a novel herbal agent for the treatment of cardiovascular damage.

Alkaloids and Flavonoids the Phyto Adjuvants in Cancer Therapy

Cancer represents the second leading cause of deaths throughout the world. Though orthodoxic/ conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery assure the survival of cancer patients, they do not insure cure to life. They are often painful due to adverse side effects and also bring resistance to drugs and radiation. In recent years WHO Geneva cancer conference also proclaimed that regional herbal therapy can be given as adjuvants alongside chemotherapeutic agents since the former causes minimal side effects and are also safe to the normal cells and to the body. Herbal compounds being antioxidants and antimicrobial in nature and operate the apoptosis of cancer cells in-vivo through their innumerable mechanisms, they show greater potential as anti- cancer agents. Among the multitudes of herbal agents, the alkaloids and flavonoids proved as anti-proliferative, anti- angiogenic, anti-metastatic and anti-cancer adjuvants through cell line studies and in clinical therapy.

Overview on Management of Acute Glomerulonephritis in the ED

The word "glomerulonephritis" refers to a group of kidney illnesses marked by immune-mediated destruction to the basement membrane, mesangium, or capillary endothelium, resulting in hematuria, proteinuria, and azotemia. Acute Kidney Injury episodes in glomerular disease are typically caused by rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN). acute glomerulonephritis is caused by immunologically mediated damage caused by numerous infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, or protozoa, as well as non-infectious causes such as Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP). The most prevalent infectious cause is post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN). The emergency physician must conduct a thorough physical examination and obtain a complete medical history, including herbal agents, sports supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), and calcineurin inhibitors, among other medications. In addition, the patient's blood pressure, weight, hydration status, edoema, skin manifestations, pulmonary and cardiac examinations must all be correctly monitored. Because there is no particular medication for renal illness, the treatment for acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is mostly supportive. The underlying infections must be addressed when acute glomerulonephritis (GN) is accompanied with chronic infections. The critical care unit's expertise may be required for the treatment of individuals with hypertensive encephalopathy or pulmonary edoema. A nephrologist's consultation may be necessary. Renal function, blood pressure, edoema, serum albumin, and urine protein excretion rate should all be evaluated on an outpatient basis. In this article, we will be reviewing Acute glomerulonephritis, its evaluation as well as management.

Role of herbal, nutraceutical and synthetic agents in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia: A comparative assessment

Subfertile males with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) can experience a decrease in fertilization and conception rates. Natural antioxidant supplements and herbal treatments recognized to be effective in enhancing fertility. These have the potential to become one of the most efficient medications for treating male infertility. Our study emphasis at how these medication interventions improve several semen parameters while diminishing male factor infertility. A comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar and Science Direct were conducted to locate the research papers, focusing the usage of herbal and antioxidant therapies and their favourable effects on various semen parameters on reproductive health. Research based on <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> studies showed that antioxidants, herbal remedies and synthetic therapies have a substantial influence on various sperm parameter. The findings of randomized clinical trials and other preclinical data on exposure of numerous antioxidant supplements, herbal medicines and synthetic therapy demonstrated a considerable benefit to sperm parameters like sperm count, motility, morphology and fertilization rates. It is evident that herbal therapy and proper antioxidant supplementation can improve the rate of conception, so in contrary to synthetic medication, natural and antioxidant therapies are liable to provide better treatment options in managing male fecundity problems.

Pharmacokinetic screening to Estimate the drug likeliness characteristics of selected Herbal Anticancer Drugs

The pharmacokinetic parameters of a drug plays a very essential role in determining the therapeutic success of an experimental compound, so it is one of the aspects of drug discovery which are essential to be determined in the early phases. The pharmacokinetic studies further help the drug discovery team to optimize their in vivo pharmacokinetic and drug safety bioassays.Low solubility, low absorbency, and chemical instability can seriously affect bioassay results. Today a lot of computational software are available which use their algorithms to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of the selected compounds and hence may help the drug discovery team to move in a direction where the chances of getting a good clinical candidate are higher. This paper presents the screening of nine selected herbal anticancer agents (Catechin, Cinnamaldehyde, Epicatechin, Eugenol, Oxyresveratrol, Quercetin, Crocin, Kaempferol, and Emodin) based upon their pharmacokinetic properties with the help of Discovery Studio 2.5. The main parameters which are estimated under this pharmacokinetic ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) study are aqueous solubility, human intestinal absorption, plasma protein binding (PPB), blood-brain-barrier (BBB) penetration, cytochrome P4502D6 inhibition and hepatotoxicity levels. Four compounds (Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol, Crocin and Oxyresveratrol) were found to possess the required pharmacokinetic properties and are suitable for further anticancer in vivo and in vitro analysis.

Inhibition of Myocardial Remodeling and Heart Failure by Traditional Herbal Medications: Evidence from Ginseng and ginkgo biloba.

Herbal-based medications have been used as therapeutic agents for thousands of years, particularly in Asian cultures. It is now well established that these herbal medications contain potent bioactive phytochemicals which exert a plethora of beneficial effects such as those seen on the cardiovascular system. Among the most widely studied of these herbal agents is ginseng, a member of the genus Panax, which has been shown to produce beneficial effects in terms of reducing cardiac pathology, at least in experimental studies. The beneficial effects of ginseng observed in such studies are likely attributable to their constituent ginsenosides, which are steroid-like saponins of which there are at least 100 and which vary according to ginseng species. Many ginseng species such as Panax ginseng (also known as Asian ginseng) and P quinquefolius (North American ginseng) as well as specific ginsenosides have been shown to attenuate hypertrophy as well as other indices of myocardial remodeling in a wide variety of experimental models. Ginkgo biloba on the other hand has been much less studied although the leaf extract of the ancient ginkgo tree has similarly consistently been shown to produce anti-remodeling effects. Ginkgo's primary bioactive constituents are thought to be terpene trilactones called ginkgolides, of which there are currently seven known types. Ginkgo and ginkgolides have also been shown to produce anti-remodeling effects as have been shown for ginseng in a variety of experimental models, in some cases via similar mechanisms. Although a common single mechanism for the salutary effects of these compounds is unlikely, there are a number of examples of shared effects including antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects as well as inhibition of pro-hypertrophic intracellular signaling such as that involving the calcineurin pathway which results in the upregulation of pro-hypertrophic genes. Robust clinical evidence represented by large scale phase 3 trials is lacking although there is limited supporting evidence from small trials at least with respect to ginseng. Taken together, both ginseng and ginkgo as well as their bioactive components offer potential as adjuvant therapy for the treatment of myocardial remodeling and heart failure.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and preliminary phytochemical constituents of fermented seeds of <i>Trigonella foenum-graecum</i>

Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) is among the earliest plants used as spices and medicine worldwide. This study determined the antioxidant activities of the fermented seeds of T. foenum-graecum by methods, ABTS 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The phytochemical compounds, pH, and in vitro agar well (antimicrobial) assay of the sample was tested at three concentrations (100%, 50%, and 25%) against the selected pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli) by agar well diffusion method. There was a pH decline from 5.6 (on day 1) to 3.53 (on day 7) and finally 3.38 (on day 14). The antioxidant property of the 14th-day fermented T. foenum-graecum revealed a free radical scavenging potential in correspondence with the tested concentrations. Flavonoids, phenol, phytosterols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and tannins were detected in the samples fermented for 7 and 14 days, respectively. The zones of inhibition (in diameter) were in tune with the tested concentrations, and this ranged between 6mm – 15mm on day 7 and 6mm-17mm on day 14 against the test pathogens. Hence, this study validates the antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity of fermented seeds of T. foenumgraecum and supports its use as an herbal therapeutic agent against diseases associated with the test pathogen.

Chemical constituents and cytotoxic activity of Eugenia involucrata DC. infusion

In this work, the chemical constituents of the infusion from the leaves of Eugenia involucrata DC. (Myrtaceae) were elucidated using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The toxicity of the infusion was evaluated using the brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality test. Nineteen chemical compounds were identified by UHPLC-MS/MS: gallic acid; quinic acid; epicatechin; gallocatechin; (epi)afzelechin-(epi)catechin; quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (quercitrin); citric acid; tryptophan; aconitic acid; (-)-epicatechin-(4β→8)-(-)-epicatechin (procyanidin B2); rutin; quercetin-3-O-glucoside; naringenin-7-O-glucoside (prunin); coumaric acid; azelaic acid; quercetin; naringenin; kaempferol-3-O-glucoside (astragalin). FTIR analysis revealed bands attributed to phenols and alcohols, alkanes and carboxylic acids, flavonoids and polyphenols, aromatic compounds, and aliphatic amines. According to the results, the infusion of E. involucrata DC. demonstrated atoxicity and contained chemical components that could be useful in the development of new therapeutic or herbal agents.

A Review of Herbal Resources Inducing Anti-Liver Metastasis Effects in Gastrointestinal Tumors via Modulation of Tumor Microenvironments in Animal Models.

Liver metastases remain a major obstacle for the management of all types of tumors arising from digestive organs, and the tumor microenvironment has been regarded as an important factor in metastasis. To discover herbal candidates inhibiting the liver metastasis of tumors originating from the digestive system via the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and liver environment, we searched three representative public databases and conducted a systematic review. A total of 21 studies that employed experimental models for pancreatic (9), colon (8), and stomach cancers (4) were selected. The herbal agents included single-herb extracts (5), single compounds (12), and multiherbal decoctions (4). Curcuma longa Linn was most frequently studied for its anti-colon-liver metastatic effects, and its possible mechanisms involved the modulation of tumor microenvironment components such as vascular endothelial cells and immunity in both tumor tissues and circulating cells. The list of herbal agents and their mechanisms produced in this study is helpful for the development of anti-liver metastasis drugs in the future.

The effect of an herbal agent “Tutukon®” on the spontaneous passage rates of ureteric stones

Objective:: The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of an herbal agent (Tutukon®) on the spontaneous passage rates of ureteral calculi 5-10 mm. Materials and Methods: 96 patients having a single radio-opaque ureteral stone 5-10 mm were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (n = 51) received Tutukon®, 45 mg/day (three times) in addition to conservative approach and Group 2 patients (n = 45) were followed with classical conservative approach during 4 weeks follow-up. The stone passage rates, stone expulsion time, change in weekly colic episodes and hospital readmission rates for colicky pain were compared. Results: Stone expulsion rates showed statistically significant difference between the two group (66.7 % vs 46.7 %, p = 0.048). Additionally mean time period required for the spontaneous passage of the calculi was meaningfully short in those cases receiving Tutukon® when compared with Group 2 patients undergoing conservative measures only (5.79 ± 2.39 vs 8.82 ± 3.48 days, respectively) (p = 0.001). Similarly, the mean renal colic episodes during follow-up period were significantly diminished in Group 1 patients (66.6 vs 36%, p = 0.001, respectively). Lastly, colic pain attacks were noted to be less in Group 1 and another advantage of“Tutukon®” was the relocation of the stones to a more distal part of ureter (35.2 vs 4 %). Conclusion: Use of Tutukon® in the medical management of ureteral calculi can accelarate the spontaneous passage rates and also relocate them into the lower portion of the ureter. Keywords: herbal agents, medical therapy, spontaneous passage, ureteral stones

Hibiscus attenuates renovascular hypertension-induced aortic remodeling dose dependently: the oxidative stress role and Ang II/cyclophilin A/ERK1/2 signaling.

Introduction: The high levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) can modify the vascular tone, enhance vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and hypertrophy and increase the inflammatory cellular infiltration into the vessel wall. The old herbal nonpharmacological agent, Hibiscus (HS) sabdariffa L has multiple cardioprotective impacts; thus, we investigated the role of HS extract in amelioration of renovascular hypertension (RVH)-induced aortic remodeling. Materials and methods: Thirty-five rats (7/group) were randomly allocated into 5 groups; group: I: Control-sham group, and RVH groups; II, III, IV, and V. The rats in RVH groups were subjected to the modified Goldblatt two-kidneys, one clip (2K1C) for induction of hypertension. In group: II, the rats were left untreated whereas in group III, IV, and V: RVH-rats were treated for 6weeks with low dose hibiscus (LDH), medium dose hibiscus (MDH), and high dose hibiscus (HDH) respectively. Results: We found that the augmented pro-contractile response of the aortic rings was ameliorated secondary to the in-vivo treatment with HS dose dependently. The cyclophilin A (CyPA) protein levels positively correlated with the vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and ERK1/2, which, in turn, contribute to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Daily HS intake modified aortic renovation by enhancing the antioxidant capacity, restraining hypertrophy and fibrosis, downregulation of the metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript (MALAT1), and cyclophilin A (CyPA)/ERK1/2 levels. Discussion: Adding to the multiple beneficial effects, HS aqueous extract was able to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by 2K1C model. Thus, adding more privilege for the utilization of the traditional herbal extracts to attenuate RVH-induced aortopathy.

Composite Alginate–Ginger Oil Edible Coating for Fresh-Cut Pears

Fresh-cut fruit is highly perishable due to damage to its external protective skin leading to the acceleration of chemical and biochemical activities, respiration rate, ethylene production, texture softening and moisture loss. Edible films and coatings can provide effective barrier properties to control respiration and transpiration of produce. Sodium alginate and ginger oil have been successfully employed as coating materials in several studies. This study focused on evaluating the effect of composite alginate and ginger-essential-oil-based edible coatings for controlling physiological and microbiological activity in fresh-cut pear during refrigerated storage. A 2% sodium alginate solution with 0.5% ginger oil as a herbal antimicrobial agent was used as coating material and a 2% calcium chloride dip was used for cross linking and firming. Coated cut fruit and control cut fruit were sealed in plastic containers and stored at 4 °C for two weeks. Respiration rate, color, texture, moisture loss and other quality parameters were evaluated during the storage. The coated fruit (both with and without ginger oil) had significantly better retention of product quality with no microbial spoilage up to 15 days as compared to the control fruit which spoiled within a week. The sodium alginate–ginger oil–calcium alginate formulation was recommended as a good composite coating for extending the refrigerated shelf-life of cut pears.

Encapsulation of Thymol in Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMa)-Based Nanoniosome Enables Enhanced Antibiofilm Activity and Wound Healing.

Non-healing wounds impose huge cost on patients, healthcare, and society, which are further fortified by biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problems. Here, Thymol, an herbal antimicrobial agent, is utilized to combat AMR. For efficient delivery of Thymol gelatin methacryloyl (GelMa), a hydrophilic polymeric hydrogel with excellent biocompatibility combined with niosome was used to encapsulate Thymol. After optimization of the niosomal Thymol (Nio-Thymol) in the company of GelMa (Nio-Thymol@GelMa) to achieve maximum entrapment efficiency, minimum size, and low polydispersity index, the Thymol release peaked at 60% and 42% from Nio-Thymol@GelMa in medium with pH values of 6.5 and 7.4 after 72 h, respectively. Furthermore, Nio-Thymol@GelMa demonstrated higher antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity than Nio-Thymol and free Thymol against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Interestingly, compared with other obtained formulations, Nio-Thymol@GelMa also led to greater enhancement of migration of human dermal fibroblasts in vitro, and higher upregulation of the expression of certain growth factors such as FGF-1, and matrix metalloproteinases such as MMP-2 and MMP-13. These results suggest that Nio-Thymol@GelMa can represent a potential drug preparation for Thymol to enhance the wound healing process and antibacterial efficacy.

Lipid-based nanoparticle-mediated combination therapy for breast cancer management: a comprehensive review.

Breast cancer due to the unpredictable and complex etiopathology combined with the non-availability of any effective drug treatment has become the major root of concern for oncologists globally. The number of women affected by the said disease state is increasing at an alarming rate attributed to environmental and lifestyle changes indicating at the exploration of a novel treatment strategy that can eradicate this aggressive disease. So far, it is treated by promising nanomedicine monotherapy; however, according to the numerous studies conducted, the inadequacy of these nano monotherapies in terms of elevated toxicity and resistance has been reported. This review, therefore, puts forth a new multimodal strategic approach to lipid-based nanoparticle-mediated combination drug delivery in breast cancer, emphasizing the recent advancements. A basic overview about the combination therapy and its index is firstly given. Then, the various nano-based combinations of chemotherapeutics involving the combination delivery of synthetic and herbal agents are discussed along with their examples. Further, the recent exploration of chemotherapeutics co-delivery with small interfering RNA (siRNA) agents has also been explained herein. Finally, a section providing a brief description of the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been presented. From this review, we aim to provide the researchers with deep insight into the novel and much more effective combinational lipid-based nanoparticle-mediated nanomedicines tailored specifically for breast cancer treatment resulting in synergism, enhanced antitumor efficacy, and low toxic effects, subsequently overcoming the hurdles associated with conventional chemotherapy.

Inclusion of probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance of chicken: A review

Food supplementation with probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in poultry as a mean lead to improve the health and growth performance of poultry. The use of antibiotics in poultry with the purpose of promoting growth rate, body weight gain, increasing feed conversion efficiency, feed conversion ratio. With increasing concerns about antibiotic resistance, there is increasing interest in finding alternatives to antibiotics for poultry production. To avoid the health hazards of antimicrobials drugs like antibiotics to human as well as poultry, probiotic has been used for as an potential substitute for antibiotics and been proved to be saved in poultry production system. This increased attention toward probiotic supplementation has generated an extensive body of research in the present day. However, there is still a lot of debate in scientific literature regarding the significant effect of probiotic on immune response against specific pathogens and growth performance in poultry. The natural feed supplements can effectively be utilized to promote growth in poultry and livestock while avoiding the dangerous phenomenon of encouraging drug resistant bacteria as in the case of antibiotic growth promoters (Demir et al. 2003, Cross et al. 2007). It is not surprising, therefore, that several herbal agents have been empirically used in poultry birds and other animals.

Identification and pathogenicity of multidrug-resistant Elizabethkingia miricola isolated from farmed American bullfrogs Rana catesbeiana in China with in vitro screening of herbal antimicrobial agents.

In 2021, an outbreak of an infectious disease characterized by torticollis, cataracts, and neurological disorders caused massive mortality in farmed American bullfrogs Rana catesbeiana in Hubei province, China. We identified the causal agent in this outbreak, characterized its pathogenicity, and screened candidate antimicrobial agents for future disease control. Bacterium was isolated from the diseased American bullfrogs and identified based on biochemical tests, sequence analyses (16S ribosomal RNA; DNA gyrase subunit B), and experimental challenge. Furthermore, antibiotic sensitivity of the isolated strain was detected with Kirby-Bauer paper diffusion method, and the antibacterial activity of 60 traditional Chinese herbal extracts against the isolated strain was evaluated by agar disc diffusion and broth dilution assays. We identified Elizabathkingia miricola strain FB210601 as the causative agent of this disease. The isolated E. miricola strain FB210601 exhibited extensive antibiotic resistance to all tested quinolones, β-lactam antibiotics, and aminoglycosides. Eight herbal extracts exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against E. miricola FB210601, especially Caesalpinia sappan and Rhus chinensis, with minimal inhibitory concentrations less than 0.2 mg/mL. Additionally, the combined effects of two-component herbal mixtures containing C. sappan or R. chinensis were greater than those of the individual extracts. Our results provide a reference for understanding the pathogenesis of Elizabethkingia infection in frogs. Furthermore, this study will aid in the application of herbal extracts for protection against infections caused by multidrug-resistant Elizabathkingia in the future.