Introduction: Minimally Invasive Dentistry (MID) emphasises the selective removal of carious dentin while preserving healthy tooth structure, particularly essential in paediatric care. Natural, biocompatible alternatives to conventional Chemomechanical Caries Removal (CMCR) agents are increasingly being explored to reduce cytotoxic risks. Clitoria ternatea Gel (CTG), known for its phytochemical richness and medicinal properties, is investigated in this study as a novel CMCR agent. Aim: To evaluate the cytotoxicity and structural impact of CTG on human gingival fibroblast cells and dentinal collagen using MTT assay and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study was conducted at the Blue Lab, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from 1st to 30th December 2024. The primary inclusion criterion was the use of cultured human gingival fibroblast cells for cytotoxicity evaluation. A total sample size of 35 wells was used, with six concentrations of CTG (100, 300, 500, 700, 900, and 1000 µg/mL) tested in quintuplicate. CTG was formulated using Clitoria ternatea flower extract combined with a gel base of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Carbopol 934. For cytotoxicity analysis, fibroblast cells were seeded in 96-well plates and treated with CTG for 24 hours, followed by an MTT assay. Optical Density (OD) was measured at 595 nm to determine cell viability. For FTIR spectroscopy, dentinal collagen was treated with CTG and analysed for wavenumber shifts in the Amide I and II regions. Statistical analysis was performed using Oneway Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), t-tests, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The FTIR spectra revealed wavenumber shifts in Amide I and II peaks, suggesting partial degradation of denatured collagen with minimal impact on sound structure. The MTT assay indicated dose dependent cytotoxicity, with cell viability above 60% at ≤300 µg/mL and an IC50 value of ~500 µg/mL. Conclusion: CTG exhibits selective collagen degradation and acceptable cytocompatibility at lower concentrations, supporting its use as a minimally invasive, plant-based CMCR agent in paediatric dentistry.

Freeze-dried magnesium doped hydroxyapatite for biomedical applications.

Dentin bonding agents and camphorquinone-induced cytotoxicity, 8-isoprostane and prostaglandin production is associated with CYP450, NQO1, NQO2, GST, and GSH peroxidase in human dental pulp cells.

Three palladium(II) meso-tetra(pyridyl) porphyrin derivatives for anticancer photodynamic therapy: An in vitro comparative oncology framework in human and canine melanoma.

Dynamic borax-crosslinked transparent and antifreezing tragacanth gum-glycerol hydrogel for biomedical use.

A protein called cytolysin A or ClyA, encoded by certain bacteria species, can cause cytotoxicity. Although the ClyA protein is not typically expressed at detectable levels in most E. coli strains, here it was successfully overproduced and purified by cloning the structural gene into an hns mutant strain. The cytotoxicity of the purified cytolysin was assessed on two MCF-7 cancer cell lines and HDF normal cell line using the MTT assay. Flow cytometry was employed to examine the cytolysin's ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. In addition, a Western blot analysis was carried out to evaluate the expression levels of P53, Bcl2, and Bax proteins. The results revealed that cytolysin exhibited dose-dependent and time-dependent toxicity towards cancer cells, while showing minimal toxicity against normal cells, indicating its selective action against cancer cells. Cytolysin had an IC50 value of 3.29µg/ml against MCF-7 cancer cells and 12.6µg/ml against HDF normal cells. Flow cytometry results further demonstrated that cytolysin induced apoptosis in cancer cells, evidenced by increased expression of p53 and BCL2, as well as decreased in Bax, in gene and protein levels. These findings underscore the potential of cytolysin as a targeted therapy for cancer, highlighting its selective cytotoxic effect on cancer cells.

Phytotherapeutic potential of Lamiaceae essential oils and their monoterpenes against Giardia duodenalis.

Isolation, structural re-elucidation of two active prenylated flavonoids from Morus alba L. twigs responsible for anti-inflammatory effects: an in vitro and in silico approach.

Preparation, Characterization, Pharmacokinetics, and Anti-Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis activity of Bisdemethoxycurcumin liposomes.

Therapeutic potential of Oxalis corniculata in circumventing Alzheimer's disease through in vitro and in silico investigations.

Neveskin from Ferula samarcandica exerts anti-gastric cancer effects via the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway.

In this study, the coelomic fluid of Eisenia fetida/ andrei species was used for the first time to prepare an anti-aging serum, and its antioxidant and antibacterial properties were investigated. In addition, its cytotoxicity on mouse fibroblast cells was measured as material for the production of natural anti-aging products. This study investigates the antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of coelomic fluid extracted from Eisenia fetida/andrei. Earthworms were cultured for a year, and their coelomic fluid was extracted using an electroshock method, sterilized, and lyophilized into powder. Antibacterial activity was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using MIC assays. Antioxidant properties were evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Cytotoxicity effects on L929 and NHEK cell lines were assessed using MTT assays. Oxidative stress and enzymatic activities were analyzed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase activity in NHEK cells treated with coelomic fluid. A serum formulation incorporating coelomic fluid was prepared and subjected to stability tests, including pH, temperature, mechanical, and heavy metal residue analysis. Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the serum were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software (version 0.26). Results highlight the multifunctional potential of coelomic fluid for biomedical and cosmetic applications. Coelomic fluid exhibited antibacterial activity with MICs of 0.15 mg/mL for both E. coli and S. aureus, showing significant inhibition at higher concentrations. Ciprofloxacin and penicillin demonstrated stronger effects compared to the coelomic fluid. Antioxidant activity increased with concentration, achieving 77% inhibition at 10 mg/mL, with an IC50 of 10.67 mg/mL. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed no significant toxicity below 20 mg/mL, with enhanced cell viability at 2.5-5 mg/mL and restorative effects on fibroblasts at 10 mg/mL. Oxidative stress assays indicated reduced lipid peroxidation and increased catalase activity without inducing significant oxidative stress. Measurement of residues of mercury and lead in the sera showed that they were less than 0.01 ppm for mercury and less than 0.03 and 0.05 ppm for lead, respectively. These levels are below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approved limits for these metals. Aqueous serum containing coelomic fluid showed similar antibacterial and antioxidant properties, emphasizing its potential for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. These results show that the use of earthworm coelomic fluid in skin care serum slows the aging process and restores damaged cells.

Characterization of a HER-2 targeted silica-gold nanoshells for breast cancer radio-photothermal therapy.

BHMT Prevents renal ischemia/reperfusion injury via suppressing ROS-induced apoptosis by targeting NOX4.

β-Asarone-induced vasorelaxation in isolated rat mesenteric artery: An efficacy vs toxicity paradox of Acorus calamus.

Targeted anticancer potential of oxazole derivative against breast cancer: Synthesis, molecular docking, dynamics simulation, and in vitro evaluation on ERBB3 receptor.

Biphasic bone-mimicking constructs containing silk fibroin peptide enhanced bone regeneration in segmental defects in rats.

Metallic nanoparticles are increasingly studied for their biomedical applications due to their unique physicochemical and catalytic properties. Here, a broccoli-mediated gold/platinum nanohybrid (Au@Pt NH) was synthesized using an ultrasound-assisted green method with an aqueous extract of Brassica oleracea var. italica for multifunctional biomedical evaluation. XRD and TEM confirmed a crystalline nanohybrid with an average crystallite size of 7.56nm and a mean particle diameter of 13.08 ± 7.58nm. The broccoli extract produced no inhibition zones, whereas Au@Pt NH inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (18mm), Staphylococcus epidermidis (21mm), Escherichia coli (18mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (20mm), and Candida albicans (21mm). In vivo, Au@Pt NH accelerated wound healing, reaching 93.33% closure by day 7 compared to 75.84% (extract) and 62.18% (control), with complete re-epithelialization and organized collagen deposition. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, oral Au@Pt NH (25µg/mL) significantly reduced blood glucose levels, approaching near-normal levels by day 15, whereas the broccoli aqueous extract showed only moderate improvement. In vitro antioxidant test (DPPH) demonstrated potent scavenging (IC₅₀ 13.19µg/mL for Au@Pt NH; 11.32% for extract) compared with ascorbic acid (21.82µg/mL) and improved in vivo redox status (TOS 0.79 ± 0.58 µM H2O2 Eq/L; TAC 7.51 ± 1.0 mM ascorbic acid Eq/L; OSI 0.11 ± 0.08). MTT assays revealed selective cytotoxicity toward HepG2 cells (< 10% viability at 200-500µg/mL; IC₅₀ 17.58 ± 4.51µg/mL), whereas > 60% viability was observed in normal HDF cells at the same concentrations. In conclusion, broccoli-derived Au@Pt NH offers a multifunctional platform for antimicrobial activity, wound healing, glycemic control, oxidative stress modulation, and selective anticancer effects.

6-Shogaol, a bioactive phytochemical derived from Zingiber officinale, demonstrates potent anticancer activity but is hindered by poor aqueous solubility, instability, pungent odor, and low bioavailability. This study aimed to enhance 6-Shogaol’s solubility and therapeutic efficacy through β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complexation and evaluate its anticancer potential in breast cancer cells. Additionally, the study explores the co-formulation of 6-Shogaol with a β-CD inclusion complex of allicin to enhance cytotoxic potential. Inclusion complexes were prepared using physical mixture, kneading, solvent evaporation, and co-precipitation methods. The optimal complex (1:1 drug: β-CD ratio) was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and phase-solubility studies. Solubility, dissolution, and cytotoxicity were assessed in MCF-7 cells via MTT assay. The physical mixture method achieved the highest solubility enhancement (from 0.96 ± 0.02 to 3.14 ± 0.10 mg/mL), with drug loading (50.00% ± 0.075) and entrapment efficiency (76.05% ± 0.99). The stability constant (Kc = 2119.04 M⁻¹) confirmed robust complexation. In-vitro dissolution showed 95.26 ± 0.7% drug release within 2 hours. The β-CD complex exhibited improved cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 69.67 ± 2.3 µg/mL) versus the free drug (IC₅₀ = 95.66 ± 2.1 µg/mL), while the co-delivery of 6-Shogaol with allicin further enhanced cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 23.32 µg/mL). β-CD complexation significantly improved 6-Shogaol’s solubility, stability, and anticancer activity. The combination of 6-Shogaol and allicin β-CD complexes demonstrated enhanced cytotoxic potential, highlighting a promising phytopharmaceutical strategy for breast cancer therapy.

Tongue cancer represents nearly half of all oral cancer cases globally, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents. Catharanthus roseus, known for its well-established anticancer properties, offers a promising alternative. Although C. roseus has been studied in several cancer models, its effects in tongue cancer cells, particularly in relation to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) pathways, have not been evaluated. This study examined the effect of the ethanol extract of C. roseus leaf (EECRL) on HSC-3 cells.Cells were treated with various concentrations of EECRL. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay, apoptosis was evaluated by sub-G1 analysis, and levels of cleaved-PARP and phosphorylated PI3K were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Depending on data distribution, comparisons were performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test or the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's post hoc test. Correction for multiple comparisons was applied using the Holm-Bonferroni method, and adjusted p-values were used to determine statistical significance.EECRL reduced number of viable cells and induced apoptosis in HSC-3 cells in a significant, concentration-dependent manner (adjusted p-value < 0.05). Additionally, EECRL significantly decreased the activity of PI3K in a concentration-dependent manner (adjusted p-value < 0.05) and significantly increased cleaved-PARP compared with the untreated group (adjusted p-value < 0.05).EECRL reduced viable cell numbers and induced apoptotic features in HSC-3 tongue cancer cells, with effects associated with suppression of PI3K signaling and increased PARP cleavage. These findings suggest that EECRL may have potential as an alternative therapeutic candidate for tongue cancer. However, further mechanistic studies are required to confirm causal pathway involvement.