Medicinal Ingredients Research Articles

First archaeological evidence for ginger consumption as a potential medicinal ingredient in a late medieval leprosarium at St Leonard, Peterborough, England

Leprosy was one of the most outwardly visible diseases in the European Middle Ages, a period during which leprosaria were founded to provide space for the sick. The extant documentary evidence for leprosy hospitals, especially in relation to diet, therapeutic, and medical care, is limited. However, human dental calculus stands to be an important source of information as it provides insight into the substances people were exposed to and accumulated in their bodies during their lives. In the present study, microremains and DNA were analysed from the calculus of individuals buried in the late medieval cemetery of St Leonard, a leprosarium located in Peterborough, England. The results show the presence of ginger (Zingiber officinale), a culinary and medicinal ingredient, as well as evidence of consumption of cereals and legumes. This research suggests that affected individuals consumed ingredients mentioned in medieval medical textbooks that were used to treat regions of the body typically impacted by leprosy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study which has identified Zingiber officinale in human dental calculus in England or on the wider European continent.

EFFECT OF EXTRACTION METHOD ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF PALM PALM LEAVES (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a plant that is native to Africa and South America. This plant can grow well in tropical areas, such as Indonesia. Indonesia is currently one of the largest producers of palm oil worldwide. As the area of palm oil plantations increases, the potential for waste from this plant continues to increase. The potential for palm oil leaf waste production in Indonesia is 658 kg dry matter/hectare/year. Palm oil leaf waste has been widely processed into organic fertilizers and animal feeds. This plant has the potential to be developed into a source of traditional medicinal ingredients. Based on the abundant sources of palm oil leaves and their pharmacological potential, palm oil leaves can be used as a source of raw materials for traditional medicine. This study aimed to compare the antioxidant activities of oil palm leaf extracts obtained by maceration and reflux to determine which extraction method produces the best antioxidant activity. Extraction was carried out using 70% ethanol solvent by maceration and reflux. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that oil palm leaves contain flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, quinones, steroid-triterpenoids, and monoterpene-sesquiterpenes. Antioxidant activity using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer with DPPH free radicals showed that the extract obtained by maceration and reflux methods had IC50 values of 46.61 ± 1.76 ug/mL and 55.21 ± 2.91 ug/mL respectively. Therefore, extraction by maceration produces a better antioxidant activity. Keywords: Palm leaves; Traditional medicine; Extraction; Active compound stability; Antioxidant

Research advances of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. polyphenols in inflammatory diseases.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim., commonly known as Chinese prickly ash, is a well-known spice and traditional Chinese medicine ingredient with a rich history of use in treating inflammatory conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botanical classification, traditional applications, and anti-inflammatory effects of Z. bungeanum, with a specific focus on its polyphenolic components. These polyphenols have exhibited considerable promise, as evidenced by preclinical studies in animal models, suggesting their therapeutic potential in human inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis, arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative conditions. This positions them as a promising class of natural compounds with the potential to enhance human well-being. However, further research is necessary to fully elucidate their mechanisms of action and develop safe and effective therapeutic applications.

Genomic characterization of WRKY transcription factors related to secoiridoid biosynthesis in Gentiana macrophylla

Gentiana macrophylla is one of Chinese herbal medicines in which 4 kinds of iridoids or secoiridoids, such as loganic acid, sweroside, swertiamarin, and gentiopicroside, are identified as the dominant medicinal secondary metabolites. WRKY, as a large family of transcription factors (TFs), plays an important role in the synthesis of secondary metabolites in plants. Therefore, WRKY genes involved in the biosynthesis of secoiridoids in G. macrophylla were systematically studied. First, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis was performed, and 42 GmWRKY genes were identified, which were unevenly distributed in 12 chromosomes. Accordingly, gene structure, collinearity, sequence alignment, phylogenetic, conserved motif and promoter analyses were performed, and the GmWRKY proteins were divided into three subfamilies based on phylogenetic and multiple sequence alignment analyses. Moreover, the enzyme-encoding genes of the secoiridoid biosynthesis pathway and their promoters were then analysed, and the contents of the four secoiridoids were determined in different tissues. Accordingly, correlation analysis was performed using Pearson′s correlation coefficient to construct WRKY gene-enzyme-encoding genes and WRKY gene–metabolite networks. Meanwhile, G. macrophylla seedlings were treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to detect the dynamic change trend of GmWRKYs, biosynthetic genes, and medicinal ingredient accumulation. Thus, a total of 12 GmWRKYs were identified to be involved in the biosynthesis of secoiridoids, of which 8 (GmWRKY1, 6, 12, 17, 33, 34, 38 and 39) were found to regulate the synthesis of gentiopicroside, and 4 (GmWRKY7, 14, 26 and 41) were found to regulate the synthesis of loganic acid. Taken together, this study systematically identified WRKY transcription factors related to the biosynthesis of secoiridoids in G. macrophylla, which could be used as a cue for further investigation of WRKY gene functions in secondary metabolite accumulation.

Uji Efektivitas Ekstrak Daun Jambu Biji (Psidium guajava) dalam Menurunkan Kadar Gula Darah Mencit (Mus musculus)

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of blood sugar metabolism chronically characterized by high blood sugar levels resulting from impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or both. Treatment of diabetes mellitus consists of four pillars: education, medical nutrition therapy (MNT), and physical and pharmacological therapies. One of the plants that can be used as a medicinal ingredient is guava leaves. Guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaves are a group of herbal plants with a chemical content that is good for health. Therefore, guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaves are plants that are efficacious as medicine. This plant contains secondary metabolites that act as antidiabetics. Thus, the research aimed to determine the effectiveness of ethanol extract of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaves on the decrease in blood sugar levels in male mice. The research method employed was maceration, phytochemical screening, and antidiabetic testing with the pre-test and post-test control group design methods to determine if there was a decrease after administration of the extract. The findings indicated that the phytochemical screening test found that guava (Psidium guajava L.) contained secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. In contrast, the antidiabetic test revealed that three extracts with concentrations of 50 mg, 100 mg. and 200 mg could decrease blood sugar levels by 15%, 21%, and 47%, respectively. From these findings, it can be concluded that antidiabetic compounds which play a role in the ellanol extrict of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaves are alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins.

Transcriptional analysis reveals new insights into the different light intensities of red and blue light on the growth and synthesis of medicinal ingredients in Dendrobium denneanum

The intensity of red-blue light has important impacts on plant growth and medicinal ingredients. To identify the key genes of Dendrobium denneanum responsive to red-blue light intensity, and to reveal the regulatory mechanism of red-blue light intensity on the growth, development and medicinal quality in D. denneanum. In this experiment, D. denneanum was treated with red-blue light (2R/3B) under various light intensity (50, 100, 200, 400, 800 μmol•m−2•s−1), while the control group was white light, the photoperiod was 8/16 h (day/night). And the changes of plant growth, development, and medicinal components were studied by physiological, biochemical and transcriptome analysis. The results demonstrated that the light intensity of 400 μmol•m−2•s−1 was most conducive to the growth, development, and accumulation of the medicinal ingredients in D. denneanum. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the difference genes between the 400 μmol•m−2•s−1 treatment and CK (white light) were mostly enriched in the metabolic pathways of MAPK signaling, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis. Among them, CAM, PP2C, PYR1 may be the critical genes regulating the growth and development of D. denneanum. The combination of CAM and Ca2+ activates MPKs to maintain ROS homeostasis in D. denneanum. PP2C and PYR1 induced ABA synthesis to control the growth, development, and resistance of D. denneanum. Moreover, 4CL, CAD, BGLU, CCoAOMT and CHI may be the hub genes involved in regulating the synthesis of its key medicinal ingredients. This experiment provides scientific evidence for the application of red-blue light in the artificial cultivation in D. denneanum, and offers the mechanism of in-depth research foundation.

Bioactivity of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc), Citronella (Cymbopogonnardus (L.) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii B) Against Decreased Blood Sugar Levels of Alloxan-induced (Rattus Novergicus)

Purpose: To see the potency of mixed extracts of Ginger (Zingiber officinal Rosc.), Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Randle, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanii B.) Against blood sugar levels in alloxan-induced Novergicus Rattus male rats. Theoretical reference: Insulin resistance is necessary to maintain dysglycemia, where insulin levels are higher than usual. Insulin resistance often occurs in people who are overweight, commonly known as obesity. 2. Pancreatic B Cell Dysfunction, decreased pancreatic beta cell function, and continued increase in insulin resistance, causing chronic hyperglycemia and stage liver disease. 3. Environmental factors are individuals who consume excessive carbohydrates and sugars. Method: Using Complete Randomized Design (RAL) consisting of 7 groups with 4 repetitions, namely K0 (Normal group), K- (Negative group), K+ (Positive group given meformin), K1, K2, K3 and K4 (mixed extracts of ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon 100, 200, 300 and 400mg/kg bw), The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA with a sig < 0.05. Results and conclusion: It showed that the administration of mixed extracts of Ginger (Zingiber officinal Rosc.), Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Randle, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanii B.) affected reducing blood glucose levels and improving pancreatic histology. A mixed extract dose of Ginger (Zingiber officinal Rosc.), Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Randle, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanii B.) 400 mg/kg bw was most effective in lowering blood glucose levels and improving alloxan-induced pancreatic histology. Implications of the research: When you want to control blood sugar, you can use a mixture of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc), Citronella (Cymbopogonnardus (L.), and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii B) extracts in balanced portions). Originality/Value: Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc), Citronella (Cymbopogon Nardus (L.), and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii B) have potential as herbal medicine ingredients.

Enhancement of Spices’ Inherent Characteristics Using Mid-Infrared Ray – A Pioneering Research

Spices are vital ingredients in cuisine, traditional medicine, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Increasing the potency of the organoleptic properties of spices may reduce the quantity of use, hence conserving natural resources and reducing cost. However, the technology to accomplish this has not yet been developed. We have invented a 2-6 μm Mid-Infrared Generating Atomizer (MIRGA), which was applied externally over packaged spices. We discovered the changes in spices’ chemistry which was responsible for their enhanced inherent characteristics (aroma and taste). In addition, the required quantity of the treated spices for recipe preparation was 20-40% less versus control. The irradiation using MIRGA is economical, easy to use at any level from consumer to industry, safe and eco-friendly. The research is illustrated with organoleptic tests, instrumental measurements and mineral estimation of black cumin.

Study Of Types Of Weeds That Have The Potential As Traditional Medicine Ingredients Used By The Community In North Bolaang Mongondow Regency

This research aims to obtain data on weed types that have the potential to be used as medicinal plants and are used by the community in the district. North Bolaang Mongondow Includes 1). Sangkub District, 2) Bintauna District, 3) Kaidipang District, 4) Pinogaluman District. The methods used in this research were field observations and interviews with healers and people who use weed as a traditional medicinal plant. The data/samples that will be taken over 4 sub-districts. The ethnic diversity that exists in Indonesia means that the use of weed as medicine is increasingly diverse. North Sulawesi Province has a wealth of plants as traditional medicines which can be processed to national standards into herbal medicines. The indigenous population in North Bolaang Mongondow Regency consists of the Kaidipang tribe and the Bintauna tribe. Various ethnic groups, including the Sangihe ethnic group and the Mongondow ethnic group, still use weed as an ingredient in traditional medicine. Weeds are wild plants defined as nuisance plants because they interfere with farmers' activities in cultivating crops and can reduce crop production. Apart from disturbing cultivated plants, weeds can be used as medicinal raw materials. Many types of weeds are used by the community as traditional medicine. Certain types of weed have been developed in the form of industrial-scale medicines. These weed species include Peperomia pellucida (L.), Cyperus rotundus L., Heliotropium indicum L., Eleusine indica (L.) Gaernt, Ageratum conyzoides L. The results of the research show that people in East Bolaang Mongondow Regency still use weed as a mixture of traditional medicinal ingredients. Keywords: medicinal plants, potential of weeds as medicinal plants Abstrak Tujuan penelitian ini adalah memperoleh data jenis gulma yang berpotensi sebagai tumbuhan obat dan dimanfaatkan masyarakat di Kab. Bolaang Mongondow Utara Meliputi 1). Kecamatan Sangkub, 2) Kecamatan Bintauna, 3) Kecamatan Kaidipang, 4) Kecamatan Pinogaluman. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah observasi lapangan, wawancara pengobat dan masyarakat pengguna gulma sebagai tumbuhan obat tradisional. Data/sampel yang akan diambil meliputi 4 kecamatan. Keanekaragaman etnis yang ada di Indonesia menyebabkan pemanfaatan gulma sebagai obat juga semakin beraneka ragam. Provinsi Sulawesi Utara memiliki kekayaan tumbuhan sebagai obat tradisional yang bisa diolah berstandar nasional menjadi obat herbal. Penduduk asli di Kabupaten Bolaang Mongondow Utara terdiri dari suku Kaidipang dan Suku Bintauna. Berbagai etnis diantaranya etnis Sangihe, etnis Mongondow masih erat menggunakan gulma sebagai bahan obat tradisional. Gulma merupakan tumbuhan liar didefinisikan sebagai tumbuhan pengganggu karena mengganggu kegiatan petani dalam budidaya tanaman dan dapat menurunkan produksi tanaman. Gulma selain mengganggu tanaman budidaya, dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan baku obat. Banyak jenis gulma yang dimanfaatkan oleh masyarakat sebagai obat tradisional. Ada jenis gulma tertentu sudah dikembangkan dalam bentuk obat skala industri. Spesies gulma tersebut antara lain Peperomia pellucida (L.), Cyperus rotundus L., Heliotropium indicum L., Eleusine indica (L.) Gaernt, Ageratum conyzoides L. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa masyarakat di Kabupaten Bolaang Mongondow Timur masih menggunakan gulma sebagai campuran ramuan obat tradisional. Kata kunci: tumbuhan obat, potensi gulma sebagai tumbuhan obat.

Subchronic Toxicity of Salak Seed Extract (Salacca Zalacca) on Liver Function in White Mice


 Salak seeds (Salacca zalacca) contain several secondary metabolites like as 0.059% flavonoids, 0.082% tannins and 0.063% alkaloids. Salak is a potential plant as a medicinal ingredient, so it is necessary to conduct a drug safety study. Subchronic toxicity test needs to be done in traditional drug therapy because it is given continuously. This study objective was to examine the subchronic toxicity of salak seed extract on liver function in male Swiss strain mice.
 
 
 This type of research is an experimental study with a completely randomized design with a one-way pattern with one treatment factor. There are four treatment groups with a total of 7 mice replications. Variations in the dose of salak seed extract administration were 91 mg/20 gBW of mice, 114 mg/20 gBW of mice, and 137 mg/20 gBW of mice. The toxicity test were SGPT and SGOT values on days 0 and 14. The data tested with one-way ANOVA followed by a t-test.
 
 
 The Salak Seed Extract (EBS) is a viscous extract with a dark brown colour, a distinctive smell of salak, and a chelate taste. The amount of the extraction result was 12.26%. Positive EBS contains flavonoids with a reddish-orange colour. The treatment of Salak Seed Extract ( 91 mg/20 g BW and 137 mg/20 g BW) was not increased significantly the SGPT and SGOT levels for 14 days (p-value 0.896 and 0.072). Although the second dose (114 mg/20 g BW) was increased the SGPT and SGOT levels (p-value 0.002), this enhancement was less than twice

PENYULUHAN TENTANG OBAT TRADISIONAL TERHADAP PENYAKIT ASAM URAT DI SMK SWASTA YAPIM BIRU-BIRU

Pain in the joint area is common condition that occurs in gout sufferers. Pain in the joint area occurs because the uric acid level in the blood is too high. High levels of uric acid will cause a buildup of crystals in the joint area. If gout sufferers take analgesic drugs continuously, undesirable effects can occur. So gout sufferers need treatment without drugs to treat it. A non-drug treatment to relieve pain in the joint area and reduce uric acid levels is a concoction of soursop leaves. Soursop leaves contain the natural antioxidant acetogenin and several phenolics, which work by inhibiting the action of xhantin oxidase which is responsible for converting hypoxhantin into xhantin. The aim of this community service is to provide information to the public about the benefits of soursop leaves as a traditional medicinal ingredient in treating gout. The implementation of this PKM activity was carried out at the Yapim Biru-biru Private Vocational School, which is a vocational high school located in Delitua, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Next, students had their level of knowledge measured by being given a quiz and the results showed that 9 out of 10 questions students were able to understand the benefits of soursop leaves as a non-drug treatment for gout.

Investigation of the whitening activity of ginsenosides from Panax notoginseng and optimization of the dosage form

BackgroundGinsenoside, as an active ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used for skin whitening for several years. Recent research has found that Panax notoginseng has a higher content of ginsenosides compared with the Panax ginseng. Those ginsenosides have promising potential to be developed as skin whitening agents. MethodsWe selected five dammarane ginsenosides isolated from P. notoginseng and their mixtures to investigate the skin lightning activity. Zebrafish embryo model was used for initial screening of the whitening activity. Subsequently, the whitening effect of components was examined and compared via testing the inhibition of melanin and activity of tyrosinase in B16 cells treated with these components. Molecular docking was also applied to investigate the interactions between ginsenosides and tyrosinase. Finally, the most effective saponins were selected for dosage form optimization and the whitening effect of saponin-loaded ethosomes was further demonstrated on the C57BL/6 mouse model. ResultsExperimental results showed that the protopanaxtriol saponins (PTS) were the most potent saponins with a decent safety profile, and the molecule docking results demonstrated that PTS had strong inhibitory ability to tyrosinase. PTS was successfully encapsulated into ethosomes with an encapsulation efficiency of 93%. The PTS ethosome gel could effectively inhibit the melanin production caused by UVB tanning on the back skin of mice. ConclusionThe PTS ethosome gel provides an effective and safe formulation of PTS to whiten the UVB-tanned skin in vivo and could be used as a potential skin whitening agent in the future.

Evaluation of the Susceptibility of Lotus Seeds (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) to Aspergillus flavus Infection and Aflatoxin Contamination.

The seeds of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) have been used as significant medicinal and nutritional ingredients worldwide. The abundant proteins and polysaccharides in lotus seeds make them susceptible to contamination by aflatoxin (AF), a fungal toxic metabolite. This study was conducted to investigate the susceptibility of lotus seeds at different stages of ripening to AF contamination, as well as the mechanism of the contamination. Seven groups of lotus receptacles with seeds at different ripening stages (A-G, from immature to mature) were used for the experiment. Spores of Aspergillus flavus, an AF producer, were inoculated on the water-gap area of the seeds in each receptacle. Then, each receptacle was covered with a sterilized bag, and its stalk part was soaked in water containing a life-prolonging agent, after which it was kept at room temperature for 14 days. The AF content of each whole inoculated seed from the A-G groups and that of each seed part (pericarp, cotyledon, and embryo) from the D and E groups were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Microtome sections were prepared from the samples and observed under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The seeds from the A and D groups had higher AF contents than the seeds from the B, C, E, F, and G groups, indicating that the condition of the water-gap area and the development of the embryo and cotyledon parts of the seeds are associated with AF contamination.

Natural Science Mini Project Practicum through The Practical Instructions Module for Identifying Natural Chemicals in Medicinal Plants

21st century learning includes achieving the ability to communicate, think critically, think and act creatively, and collaborate. One of the efforts recommended by experts to achieve this is through the application of project-based learning. Various forms of blending are implemented using project-based learning. One form of method in project-based learning is the practicum method. This literature review aims to describe various forms of project-based learning as well as the development of practical guide modules and their relationship to several practical activities that lead to the chemical identification of natural medicinal plant ingredients. The various results of this research will give birth to alternative project-based learning by developing practical guide modules that can strengthen students' understanding of high-level thinking skills related to the classification of living things, especially plants, as well as science process skills and scientific attitudes.

Quality and potency of government-subsidized antibiotics in hospitals Jakarta, Indonesia

Several pharmaceutical companies have long complained that the price of medicines that win the e-catalogue tender is too low, in some cases even below the cost of production. However, it should not be a concern that only pharmaceutical products with regulation of Indonesian food and drug (BPOM) distribution licenses are eligible for the price tender, as they are of good quality. This study aims to determine the quality and potency of three antibiotic drugs based on their highest utilization (DU 90%) in pneumonia patients at two hospitals, A (ceftriaxone, azithromycin tablet) and B (ceftriaxone, levofloxacin infusion) compared to brand name. The quality of the samples was evaluated following the Indonesian Pharmacopoeia 6th Edition (FI-VI). Antibiotic potency was assessed using the Plate-Cylinder Method with K. pneumonia from human and S. pneumonia ATCC 10015 as the test bacteria evaluated following CLSI. All samples meet the criteria of FI-VI antibiotic content, weight uniformity, dissolution. Antibiotic potency all samples test S.pneumonia and K.pneumonia were sensitive but ceftriaxone test with K.pneumonia was resistance. All antibiotic tablets and injections studied met the requirements of the Indonesian Pharmacopoeia Edition 6 for active medicinal ingredient content, dosage weight uniformity, and dissolution. All drugs from hospitals (INN) have lower antibiotic potency than branded drugs. This highlight the importance of conducting microbiological testing on antibiotic preparations.

Targeted intervention of natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine on epigenetic modification: Possible strategies for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a deadly consequence of cardiovascular disease and has very high mortality rate worldwide. The epigenetic modifications can regulate the pervasiveness and progression of atherosclerosis through its involvement in regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism and several other factors. Specific non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modifications are key regulatory factors of atherosclerosis. Natural products from traditional Chinese medicine have shown promising therapeutic potential against atherosclerosis by means of regulating the expression of specific genes, stabilizing arterial plaques and protecting vascular endothelial cells. Our study is focusing to explore the pathophysiology and probability of traditional Chinese medicine and natural medicinal active ingredients to treat atherosclerosis. Comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and China National Knowledge Infrastructure with a core focus on natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine prying in epigenetic modification related to atherosclerosis. Accumulated evidence demonstrated that natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine have been widely studied as substances that can regulate epigenetic modification. They can participate in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis through inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, cell proliferation and migration, macrophage polarization and autophagy respectively. The function of natural medicinal active ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine in regulating epigenetic modification may provide a new potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. However, more extensive research is essential to determine the potential of these natural medicinal active ingredients to treat atherosclerosis because of least clinical data.

Antibacterial Activity of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) Loaded Lipid-chitosan Hybrid Nanoparticle against Planktonic Microorganisms.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol derived from Green Tea, is one of the sources of natural bioactive compounds which are currently being developed as medicinal ingredients. Besides other biological activities, this natural compound exhibits anti-cariogenic effects. However, EGCG has low physical-chemical stability and poor bioavailability. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop and characterize lipid-chitosan hybrid nanoparticle with EGCG and to evaluate its in vitro activity against cariogenic planktonic microorganisms. Lipid-chitosan hybrid nanoparticle (LCHNP-EGCG) were prepared by emulsion and sonication method in one step and characterized according to diameter, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (EE), mucoadhesion capacity and morphology. Strains of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus and Lactobacillus casei were treated with LCHNP- EGCG, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated. LCHNP-EGCG exhibited a size of 217.3 ± 5.1 nm with a low polydispersity index (0.17) and positive zeta potential indicating the presence of chitosan on the lipid nanoparticle surface (+33.7 mV). The LCHNP-EGCG showed a spherical morphology, high stability and a mucoadhesive property due to the presence of chitosan coating. In addition, the EGCG encapsulation efficiency was 96%. A reduction of almost 15-fold in the MIC and MBC against the strains was observed when EGCG was encapsulated in LCHNP, indicating the potential of EGCG encapsulation in lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles. Taking the results together, the LCHNP-EGCG could be an interesting system to use in dental care due to their nanometric size, mucoadhesive properties high antibacterial activity against relevant planktonic microorganisms.

Insight of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Treating Osteoporosis: Achievements from 2013 to 2023.

Osteoporosis is the most common bone metabolic disease, and it is becoming increasingly common as the global population ages. Osteoporosis and its complications, such as fractures and pain, negatively affect patient quality of life and easily lead to disability, placing enormous burdens on society. Although several anti-osteoporosis drugs are currently available, many adverse reactions have been observed during the long-term application of these drugs. Therefore, safer and more useful medications are urgently needed to replace those currently available. Chinese herbal medicine has been extensively used to treat osteoporosis, and the current literature confirms that such medicines have anti-osteoporosis effects, are safe, and have minimal side effects. Thus, Chinese herbal medicines are natural alternatives to pharmaceutical approaches to treating osteoporosis, and these medicines must be further developed and utilized. In this article, we review the mechanisms underlying the anti-osteoporosis effects of single herbal extracts and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas that have been elucidated since 2013, providing key evidence and support for future research on the anti-osteoporosis effects of Chinese herbal medicines. In addition, due to the complexity of the ingredients in Chinese herbal medicine, more thorough investigations are needed to determine the specific ingredients that are effective in osteoporosis treatment. Therefore, identifying the effective ingredients of Chinese herbal medicines will be a necessary focus in laboratory research and clinical application.

Combinational Antitumor Strategies Based on the Active Ingredients of Toad Skin and Toad Venom.

A multidrug combination strategy is an important mean to improve the treatment of cancer and is the mainstream scheme of clinical cancer treatment. The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, represented by toad skin and toad venom, have the advantages of high efficiency, low toxicity, wide action and multiple targets and have become ideal targets in combined treatment strategies for tumors in recent years. Toad skin and toad venom are traditional Chinese animal medicines derived from Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor or Bufo melanostictus Schneider that have shown excellent therapeutic effects on the treatment of various cancers and cancer pain as adjuvant antitumor drugs in clinical practice. The involved mechanisms include inducing apoptosis, arresting the cell cycle, inhibiting cell proliferation, migration and invasion, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, reversing the multidrug resistance of tumor cells, and regulating multiple signaling pathways and targets. Moreover, a multidrug combination strategy based on a nanodelivery system can realize the precise loading of the active ingredients of toad skin or toad venom and other antitumor drugs and carry drugs to overcome physiological and pathological barriers, complete efficient enrichment in tumor tissues, and achieve targeted delivery to tumor cells and the controlled release of drugs, thus enhancing antitumor efficacy and reducing toxicity and side effects. This article reviewed the clinical efficacy and safety of the combination of toad skin and toad venom with chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted drugs, analgesics and other drugs; evaluated the effects and mechanisms of the combination of toad skin and toad venom with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy or hyperthermia, traditional Chinese medicine, signaling pathway inhibitors and other therapies in cell and animal models; and summarized the codelivery strategies for the active ingredients of toad skin and toad venom with chemotherapeutic drugs, small-molecule targeted drugs, monoclonal antibodies, active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, and photodynamic and photothermal therapeutic drugs to provide a basis for the rational drug use of toad skin and toad venom in the clinic and the development of novel drug delivery systems.

Phytochemical identification of the bioactive ingredients of some Saudi herbal medicine by Gas chromatography/ mass spectrum

Phytochemical identification of the bioactive ingredients of some Saudi herbal medicine by Gas chromatography/ mass spectrum