Madhuca Indica Research Articles

Studies on fast and green biodiesel production from an indigenous nonedible Indian feedstock using single phase strontium titanate catalyst

Strontium titanate was synthesized by polymer precursor method and its catalytic activity as heterogeneous basic catalyst was tested in transesterification reaction for high-quality biodiesel production form Madhuca indica oil. The synthesized strontium titanate was characterized by powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) attached with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Surface area and basicity were also determined using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET)surface area analyzer and Hammett indicator method. The structural characterizations of catalyst enunciated the single perovskite phase formation of well-assorted strontium titanate nanospheres. The transesterification reaction was optimized using one variable at a time (OVAT) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using Box Behnkehn Design (BBD) to comprehend the linear effect and interactive effect of process variables on biodiesel production. The optimized reaction condition through OVAT was obtained as: catalyst dose (1.3 wt%), methanol to oil molar ratio (18:1), reaction temperature (65 °C), reaction time (120 min), and agitation speed (600 rpm) while RSM predicted the highest methyl ester conversion at optimum catalyst dose (1.19 wt%), methanol to oil molar ratio (21.5:1), reaction temperature (71 °C), and reaction time (97.7 min). The confirmatory experiment noticed the highest 98% FAME conversion at following reaction conditions catalyst dose (1.2 wt%), methanol to oil molar ratio (22:1), reaction temperature (65 °C), and reaction time (100 min). Confirmatory experiment showed its close agreement with the predicted values from RSM instead OVAT. According to RSM, catalyst dose, reaction temperature, reaction time, and methanol to oil molar ratio were influencing process parameters for transesterification in descending order of their strength. Furthermore, a pseudo-first-order kinetic model was established with the activation energy (Ea) of 65.95 kJ mol−1. The Environmental Factor (E-factor) and Turn Over Frequency (TOF) were also determined and demonstrated the prepared catalyst as a sustainable and potential heterogeneous base catalyst. The physicochemical properties of produced biodiesel were evaluated to check its compatibility with conventional diesel fuel.

Biodiesel synthesis from transesterified Madhuca indica oil by waste egg shell–derived heterogeneous catalyst: parametric optimization by Taguchi approach

The present study investigates the synthesis of biodiesel from Madhuca indica oil (MIO) employing waste egg shell–derived heterogeneous catalyst. The catalyst, developed by calcination of waste egg shells and successive impregnation of sodium using sodium nitrate, was employed to catalyse transesterification of waste Madhuca indica seeds–derived non-edible oil. The productivity of biodiesel in terms of yield was optimized to attain maximum conversion employing Taguchi approach. Initially, parameters affecting the yield were identified statistically and optimized condition for each significant parameter was derived using 3FI model. Among the selected parameters, yield was mainly affected by Methanol to oil ratio (M/O), reaction temperature, and the sodium nitrate concentration kept at the time of impregnation (MCI). The selected optimization technique revealed its accuracy in prediction of maximum biodiesel yield of 81.56% at M/O 9:1, MCI 5%, and temperature 60 °C. The predicted optimized conditions were validated by confirmatory experiments. The produced biodiesel was also characterized by following ASTM standards. Thus, overall results have proved that the waste egg shell–derived catalyst is reusable and bears appreciable catalytic activity for catalysing the transesterification of poor-quality MIO. Hence, it could be said that the proposed study would be beneficial in converting waste into active solid catalyst and renewable fuel.

Assessment of hydrogen-based dual fuel engine on extending knock limiting combustion

The key intention of this study is to effectively utilize the Madhuca longifolia oil (ML) in a diesel engine. Dual fuel mode is one of the most promising research concepts in diesel engine arena that intends to improve the performance and reduce the smoke emission. In this work, hydrogen was injected into intake manifold as primary fuel whereas the ML was injected directly into the cylinder as pilot fuel in the setup that had a single cylinder constant speed diesel engine. The performance of the engine was increased from 25% with neat ML operation to 28.5% with hydrogen-based dual fuel mode. However, the hydrogen combustion resulted in knocking, thus it had a direct impact on BTE as well. Water Injection (WI) method was used to extend the knock limit and to increase the hydrogen energy share. The researcher observed 18% and 76% improvements in BTE and smoke emission from 5% of water using mass fraction along with hydrogen. The hydrogen energy share was increased from 6% to 8.5% with 5% WI. A distinctive attempt i.e., addition of ALPG was attempted on behalf of offsetting the knock and increasing the hydrogen energy share. ALPG was inducted along with hydrogen in the range of 1, 1.5 and 2 l/m. Interestingly, 24% improvement in BTE was noted when 1.5 l/m of ALPG was inducted. In addition to this, 83% smoke emission was reduced remarkably. Overall performance of the engine was improved by extending the knock limit, WI and ALPG induction along with hydrogen.

Antagonistic Property of Selected Herbal Combination for Substitute of Synthetic Antimicrobial Agents

The emergence and spread of bacterial strains of multi- drug resistant continues to challenge the healthcare sector of both developed and developing countries. Owing to this problem and concerning the side effects of synthetic antimicrobial agents, the current work was done with medicinal plants. The plant materials such as Terminalia bellerica, Withania somnifera, Madhuca longifolia and Sygyzium cumini was selected based on its potent antimicrobial activity. The best combination of the selected plants was evaluated for their antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical analysis of the selected combination showed the presence of phytoconstituents that are responsible for their biocidal activity. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was studied for the selected herbal combination. The results recommend the use of selected plants at their best combination as a substitute to synthetic agents that can effectively prevent the microbial infestation. Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Cross infection, Medicinal Plant, MIC, Phytochemical.

Bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements in tree and vegetable species with associated health and ecological risks: a case study from a thermal power plant, Chandrapura, India

The working of thermal power plant (TPP) in an area is the primary source of pollution, because it releases potentially toxic elements (PTEs) laden fly ash (FA), which may lead to serious health and ecological risks. This study assessed the current status of pollution in the nearby areas of TPP by measuring the concentration of PTEs (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb) in FA, soils (roadside, forest, agricultural, and residential areas), tree leaves (Albizia lebbeck and Madhuca longifolia), and vegetables (Raphanus sativus and Allium cepa). Hg concentration in FA was found to be lower (0.449 mg/kg) than global average Hg content (0.62 mg/kg). PTEs content in topsoil (0–15 cm) of the roadside area was comparatively higher (As, 4.56; Cd, 12.68; Cr, 72.53; Hg, 2.77; Pb, 46.05 mg/kg) than other areas. Bioaccumulation coefficient and transfer factor of As in M. longifolia and A. cepa were 1.03 and 0.30, respectively, which showed high accumulation of PTE. The ecological risk index (1561) was found to be very high in the roadside area, due to high values ecological risk factor of Cd (1268) and Hg (277) in the area. The total hazard quotients (THQs) posed by As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in vegetables were exceeding the safe limits (THQ > 1), suggesting that long-term consumptions of these vegetables may pose serious health risks. Therefore, the remediation measures are needed to minimize the pollution level in soil to reduce the health risk due to the exposure of PTEs.

Influence of Propyl gallate antioxidant on performance and emissions of a compression ignition engine fueled with Madhuca Indica B20 ester blends

ABSTRACT Biodiesels have received much attention due to depletion of world fossil reserves and increased environmental concerns. However, the biodiesel has lower oxidation stability which degrades its properties. Hence, biodiesel is treated with antioxidants to enhance the oxidation stability which also affects the performance and emission characteristics of biodiesel. In this investigation, the influence of synthetic antioxidant Propyl Gallate (PG) on the diesel engine performance and emissions was studied at 1,500 rpm by varying the engine load from no load to full load by using non-edible Mahua biodiesel, and PG was added to the B20 biodiesel blend with the concentrations of 0, 250, 500, and 750 ppm. The addition of PG marginally decreases the brake-specific fuel consumption and significantly reduces the NOx emission. This is because of free-radical scavenging property of PG which reduces the combustion temperature. However, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emission levels are higher than the B20 blend without antioxidant.

Bioactive principle loaded gold nanoparticles as potent anti-melanoma agent: green synthesis, characterization, and in vitro bioefficacy

The present communication warrants the presence of significant anti-melanoma bioefficacy in the native bark ethanolic extract (65.15%) of the plant Madhuca longifolia. A family of seven flavonoids has been ascertained in the bark ethanolic extract of the target plant using HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis as bioactive constituents. Statistically, significant (p <0.05)enhancement in the anti-melanoma bioefficacy (85.15%) has been successfully attempted, reaching near to the level of reference (Cyclophosphamide drug) using bioactive principle (flavonoid) loaded gold nanoparticles (F@AuNp). In vitro anti-melanoma bioefficacy has been measured against two melanoma cell lines (B16F10 and A375) using MTT and SRB bioassays. Noticeably, the native bark extract and F@AuNp did not show any toxicity towards normal lymphocyte cells, highlighting their safe and non-toxic nature. The pathway of observed anti-melanoma efficacy of (F@AuNp) has been discussed based on our experimental findings on percent inhibition in mice and human melanoma cell lines, production of intracellular reactive oxygen species, the release of nitric oxide, and increase caspase-3 activities. The native bark extract of the plant M. longifolia and its bioactive principle loaded gold nanoparticles possess bright prospects for the development of complimentary herbal nanomedicine for scaling-up the anti-melanoma bioefficacy.

The Aramco revolution

Diclofenac is commonly prescribed Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAIDs) as it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic properties. Long term usage and over-dosage of diclofenac is associated with adverse effects like drug-induced liver injury, gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. The therapeutic uses of medicinal plants have gained a prominent role in recent years. Madhuca longifolia is a tree found throughout India, which is known to have several pharmacological activities. The aim of our study is to investigate the potential effect of the ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of M. longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity.The rats used for the experiment were divided into seven groups. Group-1 was the normal control. Group-2 was administered with diclofenac (50 mg/kg b.w./day/ip) on the 4th and the 5th day. Group-3 was treated with diclofenac and ELEML (500 mg/kg b.w./day/po) on all 5 days. Group-4 was treated with diclofenac and MLEML (500 mg/kg b.w./day/po) on all 5 days. Standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg b.w./day/po) was given to the rats of group-5 along with diclofenac. Group-6 and group–7 were treated with ethanolic leaf extract and methanolic leaf extract of M. longifolia respectively. After the study period, the rats were evaluated for parameters like liver and renal markers, antioxidants and histopathological changes.This study has proved the beneficial effect of ethanolic and methanolic leaf extract of M. longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity wherein ethanolic leaf extract showed a better result than methanolic leaf extract.Our study has concluded the beneficial effect of ethanolic and methonolic leaf extract of Madhuca longifolia against DFC-induced toxicity. This study proves that it has potential effect on hepato, renal and gastro toxicity in female Wistar albino rats. It can further be studied to understand its mechanism in treating toxicity.

BASF opens new research centre for process catalysts at Verbund site

Diclofenac is commonly prescribed Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAIDs) as it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic properties. Long term usage and over-dosage of diclofenac is associated with adverse effects like drug-induced liver injury, gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. The therapeutic uses of medicinal plants have gained a prominent role in recent years. Madhuca longifolia is a tree found throughout India, which is known to have several pharmacological activities. The aim of our study is to investigate the potential effect of the ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of M. longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity.The rats used for the experiment were divided into seven groups. Group-1 was the normal control. Group-2 was administered with diclofenac (50 mg/kg b.w./day/ip) on the 4th and the 5th day. Group-3 was treated with diclofenac and ELEML (500 mg/kg b.w./day/po) on all 5 days. Group-4 was treated with diclofenac and MLEML (500 mg/kg b.w./day/po) on all 5 days. Standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg b.w./day/po) was given to the rats of group-5 along with diclofenac. Group-6 and group–7 were treated with ethanolic leaf extract and methanolic leaf extract of M. longifolia respectively. After the study period, the rats were evaluated for parameters like liver and renal markers, antioxidants and histopathological changes.This study has proved the beneficial effect of ethanolic and methanolic leaf extract of M. longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity wherein ethanolic leaf extract showed a better result than methanolic leaf extract.Our study has concluded the beneficial effect of ethanolic and methonolic leaf extract of Madhuca longifolia against DFC-induced toxicity. This study proves that it has potential effect on hepato, renal and gastro toxicity in female Wistar albino rats. It can further be studied to understand its mechanism in treating toxicity.

Studies on production of biodiesel from Madhuca indica oil using a catalyst derived from cotton stalk

ABSTRACT This study makes use of an acid catalyst prepared from cotton stalks by carbonization and sulphonation methods which is then characterized using different analytical methods. Furthermore, catalytic activity was studied by subjecting it to single step esterification and transesterification reactions of Madhuca indica oil with methanol. The different factors influencing the reaction process were identified and optimized. The optimum process conditions were found to be: 5 wt% of catalyst; 18:1 molar ratio of methanol to oil; temperature of 60°C; reaction time 5 h resulting in a yield of 89.2 wt% biodiesel. The catalyst was recycled and reused up to seven times without much loss in catalytic activity. The fuel properties of the synthesized biodiesel were determined and compared to the ASTM D 6751 standard.

Comparative evaluation of mahua ( Bassia latifolia ) oil cake and castor bean ( Ricinus communis ) seed as fish toxicants for tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus ) and panchax ( Aplocheilus panchax ) with residual toxicity assessment on Labeo bata

Comparative evaluation of mahua (Bassia latifolia) oil cake (MOC) and castor bean (Ricinus communis) seed (CBS) was tested as piscicides for tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and panchax (Aplocheilus panchax), and residual toxicity test was done on Labeo bata. Delayed response of CBS compared with MOC was evident as first and total mortality of tilapia was encountered at 4th and 10th hour of application, against 26 hr and 42 hr in panchax respectively. Susceptibility of the test fish to the piscicides was highly variable as tilapia was more susceptible than panchax under both the piscicides tested especially in CBS. Residual toxicity decreased polynomialy over time (R2 ≥ 0.99) and reduced to below 10% on day 13–14 in both MOC and CBS treatments. Both MOC and CBS contributed positively to the nutrient pool of water in which CBS provided more nitrogen compared with MOC. N: P ratio of water in CBS treatment increased exponentially to more than 18 indicating phosphorus limitation.

Protective effect of the ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of Madhuca longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity in female Wistar albino rats.

Diclofenac is commonly prescribed Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAIDs) as it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic properties. Long term usage and over-dosage of diclofenac is associated with adverse effects like drug-induced liver injury, gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. The therapeutic uses of medicinal plants have gained a prominent role in recent years. Madhuca longifolia is a tree found throughout India, which is known to have several pharmacological activities. The aim of our study is to investigate the potential effect of the ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of M. longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity. The rats used for the experiment were divided into seven groups. Group-1 was the normal control. Group-2 was administered with diclofenac (50 mg/kg b.w./day/ip) on the 4th and the 5th day. Group-3 was treated with diclofenac and ELEML (500 mg/kg b.w./day/po) on all 5 days. Group-4 was treated with diclofenac and MLEML (500 mg/kg b.w./day/po) on all 5 days. Standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg b.w./day/po) was given to the rats of group-5 along with diclofenac. Group-6 and group-7 were treated with ethanolic leaf extract and methanolic leaf extract of M. longifolia respectively. After the study period, the rats were evaluated for parameters like liver and renal markers, antioxidants and histopathological changes. This study has proved the beneficial effect of ethanolic and methanolic leaf extract of M. longifolia against diclofenac-induced toxicity wherein ethanolic leaf extract showed a better result than methanolic leaf extract. Our study has concluded the beneficial effect of ethanolic and methonolic leaf extract of Madhuca longifolia against DFC-induced toxicity. This study proves that it has potential effect on hepato, renal and gastro toxicity in female Wistar albino rats. It can further be studied to understand its mechanism in treating toxicity.

Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity Assessment of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Madhuca Longifolia Leaves in Wistar Rats

ABSTRACTThe in vivo acute and sub-acute toxicity of the hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Madhuca longifolia (HAEML) were evaluated as per the OECD guidelines. In the acute toxicity study, Albino Wistar rats were administered orally with 2000 mg kg−1 b.w. of HAEML and the animal behavior, adverse effect and mortality were observed for 14 d. Sub- acute toxicity study was conducted by oral administration of the extracts at daily doses of 200 and 400 mg kg−1 b.w. for 28 d. At the end of the treatment period the rats were sacrificed for hematological, biochemical and histopathological studies. No toxic signs or mortality were observed during the experimental period. Hence, the LD50 of the HAEML extracts was determined to be greater than 2000 mg kg−1 b.w. In repeated dose sub-acute toxicity study, the results did not reveal any treatment-related abnormalities in terms of body weight, relative organ weight and biochemical parameters. However, there was a notable difference in hematological profile and antioxidant enzymes. No gross morphological alteration was observed in histopathological studies.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Mineral Characteristics of Some Selected Sapotaceae Plants

Aims: To study the spectral and thermal characteristics, and the oil, starch, polyphenol and mineral contents of seeds and leaves from three Sapotaceae species, provided that trees and shrubs of this family are an important source of nutritional and functional products.&#x0D; Methodology: Leaves and seeds from three Sapotaceae plants, namely Moa tree (Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel.), Chico sapote (Manilkara zapota (Linn.) van Royen) and Spanish cherry (Mimusops elengi Linn.), were collected in the Raipur area of Chhattisgarh, India. Their physicochemical characterization (including oil, polyphenol, starch and mineral contents; functional groups; and thermal degradation patterns) was carried out by using various techniques, viz. solvent extraction, spectrophotometry, enzymatic digestion, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively.&#x0D; Results: The three Sapotaceae seeds under study were found to contain polyphenol, mineral, starch and oil contents in the 1850–23180 mg/kg, 11390–19385 mg/kg, 6.7–9.1% and 9.8-54.1% range, respectively. Their leaves and seed coats featured total phenolic contents in the 24260–28600 mg/kg and 7810–23060 mg/kg range, respectively, and mineral contents in the 8823–27462 mg/kg and 3619–15884 mg/kg range, respectively. The functional groups of the phytochemicals, studied by FTIR, were assigned. Their thermal decomposition patterns, which involved loss of water and volatile organic compounds, proteins, oil and starch/cellulose, were also described.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Sapotaceae leaves, seed coat, kernel and cake are enriched with very high contents of starch, proteins, polyphenols and minerals, suggesting their possible valorization in human food, animal feeding and as herbal medicines.

Aqueous extract from Madhuca indica bark protects cells from oxidative stress caused by electron beam radiation: in vitro, in vivo and in silico approach

In an endeavor to find the novel natural radioprotector to secure normal cells surrounding cancerous cell during radiation exposure, Madhuca indica (M. indica) aqueous stem bark extract was evaluated for radioprotective activity using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models. M. indica extract exhibited concentration dependent protective effect on electron beam radiation (EBR) induced damage to pBR322 DNA; the highest protection was achieved at 150 μg concentrations. Similarly, M. indica extract (400 mg/kg) administrated to mice prior to irradiation protected DNA from the radiation damage, which was confirmed by inhibiting comet parameters. The study showed a significant increase in the levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels. The study also revealed that administration of M. Indica at the different dose to mice significantly reduced EBR induced MDA, sialic acid and nitric acid levels. Further extract prevented histophatological changes of skin and liver. In contrast, protein-protein interaction studies were performed to find the hub protein, involved in radiation-induced DNA damage. Among 437 proteins that are found expressed during radiation, p53 was found to be a master protein regulating the whole pathway. Molecular interaction between p53 and M. indica extract was predicted by quantitative structure-activity relationship and ADMET properties. Biomolecules such as quercetin, myricetin, and 7-hydroxyflavone were found to be promising inhibitors of p53 protein and may help in the protection of EBR induced DNA damage during cancer treatment.

The Potential of ROS Inhibitors and Hydrated Storage in Improving the Storability of Recalcitrant Madhuca Latifolia Seeds

The Potential of ROS Inhibitors and Hydrated Storage in Improving the Storability of Recalcitrant <i>Madhuca Latifolia</i> Seeds

Hydrodynamics and energy analysis of heavy crude oil transportation through horizontal pipelines using novel surfactant

Improvement of flow properties of crude oil through pipelines, the effect of temperature, diameter, water cut, and novel extracted surfactant on pressure drop, shear viscosity was studied along with energy analysis. The impact of diameter, temperature, and the addition of novel surfactant extracted from Madhuca longifolia (Mahua) on pressure drop, shear viscosity, pumping power saving and flow increment were investigated during heavy crude oil flow in horizontal pipelines. Minimum pressure drop was observed in 0.0508 m ID pipeline owing to the collective effect of temperature and 2000 ppm Mahua during the flow of 85% heavy crude oil+15% water. Shear viscosity reduced appreciably in 0.0381 m and 0.0508 m ID pipelines after addition of 2000 ppm Mahua at a temperature of 50 °C. Maximum power saving (130.8%) was achieved and maximum flow increment of 121.8% was accomplished after addition of 2000 ppm Mahua to 85% heavy oil and 15% water mixture during its transportation in 0.0508 m ID pipeline at a 50 °C and at the rate of 7.2 m3/hr. The natural surfactant is substantially efficient to decrease the pumping power consumption for heavy crude oil transportation. It was concluded that the extracted novel natural surfactant is very beneficial for being used as an emulsifier, viscosity reducer, flow improver and also an alternative for the commercial surfactant.

Synthesis, characterization and enhanced oil recovery potential analysis through simulation of a natural anionic surfactant

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) especially surfactant slug injection has received a great attention as an oil recovery technique. Surfactants are capable in reducing the interfacial tension (IFT) and altering the wettability of rock from subsurface reservoir. Here, a new anionic surfactant was synthesized from Madhuca longifolia (Mahua) oil. The surfactant was characterized using FTIR, GC–MS, FE-SEM and EDX analysis and tested rigorously using IFT, wettability and flooding experiments for its application in EOR. The surfactant showed an ultralow IFT value around 1 × 10−2 at optimal salinity. Thermodynamic parameters were calculated using surface tension as a function of temperature and the studies showed that adsorption of molecules at the interface is favorable over micellization. The surfactant was found to be thermally stable by TGA analysis for its application at high temperature reservoir conditions. It showed the ability to alter the wettability of oil-wet sandstone rock surface to water-wet. The core-flooding experiments were conducted using individual surfactant slug and surfactant-polymer slug injection, which showed an additional recovery of almost 20% over convention water flooding. The experimental results were simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The results obtained after simulation study and core-flooding experiment results are very much comparable. The comprehensive evaluation of thermal, interfacial and oil recovery studies provides grounds for potential application in EOR.

Biofabrication and characterization of flavonoid-loaded Ag, Au, Au\u2013Ag bimetallic nanoparticles using seed extract of the plant Madhuca longifolia for the enhancement in wound healing bio-efficacy

The present communication warrants the presence of significant wound healing bio-efficacy of aq. alc. extract of the seed (49.78%) of the plant Madhuca longifolia. A family of seven flavonoid fractions have been ascertained in the seed aq. alc. extract of the target plant using LCMS-8030 analysis. In vivo wound healing parameters (wound area, wound closure, epithelization period, skin breaking strength and hydroxyproline content) have been examined in Swiss albino mice models. Statistically significant (p < 0.001) enhancement in the wound healing bio-efficacy has been effectively induced using flavonoid-loaded gold: (Mlf@AuNps), silver: (Mlf@AgNps), and Au–Ag bimetallic: (Mlf@Au–AgNps) nanoparticles. Among the biofabricated nano-biomaterials, Mlf@AgNps exhibited an exceptional enhancement in the wound healing bio-efficacy (80.33%) attaining almost to the level of reference drug Placentrex (84.02%). All the fabricated nano-biomaterials were thoroughly characterized using UV–Vis, XRD, FE-SEM, TEM, EDX, and DLS. The promising enhancement in the wound healing potential of the nano-biomaterial (Mlf@AgNps) has been explained based on the cumulative effects of biological and nanotech parameters. The bio-fabricated (Mlf@AgNps) nano-biomaterials using the plant M. longifolia have lustrous prospects for the development of complimentary herbal nanomedicine for scaling-up the wound healing bio-efficacy.Graphical abstract

Madhuca indica Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation by Modulating COX-2 Expression.

Madhuca indica belongs to the family sapotaceae, commonly known as Mahua. It is primarily known for alcoholic beverage production and is reported to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. Madhuca indica has also been reported to be effective in several diseases. This study was undertaken to check the anticancer efficacy and chemopreventive effect of methanolic extract of Mahua flower (ME) on human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468. The cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 cells were studied by MTT, hexosaminidase and colony formation assay. Expression of caspase 3/7 was assessed by flow cytometry and western blot analysis. Expression of COX-2 was evaluated by western blot analysis, luciferase assay and mRNA analysis. ME inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis through up-regulating the expression of Caspase 3/7 (P < 0.0001). Our results showed a decrease in the expression of COX-2 mRNA and COX-2 protein in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 cells with an increase in ME concentration. Furthermore synergistic effect of ME and chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel was also studied in MCF-7 and MDA-MB- 468 cells which were found to be more effective (P < 0.0001) than treatment of either ME or paclitaxel alone. Results were analyzed by ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis. All these experiments suggest that ME inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of COX-2 in MCF-7 and MDAMB- 468 cells. This work further highlighted that ME may enhance the potentiality of paclitaxel in breast cancer treatment.