Multiple Therapeutic Properties Research Articles

Non-targeted LC-MS Metabolite profiling: Contrasting water hydrodistillation and methanol extraction of Rose damascens Mill

Rose damascens essential oil has been highly valued for its pleasant aroma and multiple therapeutic properties such as improving mood and anxiety. However, the industrial waste generated in the essential oil industry, especially wastewater, poses a challenge to sustainability. In this study, a non-targeted LC-MS based metabolomics approach was carried out to reveal the compositions of wastewater during the hydrodistillation of rose essential oil. 1088 different metabolites were detected compared with methanol extract, with prominent concentrations of polyphenols, flavonoids, organic acids, amino acids, dipeptides, fatty acids, small molecule sugars, and vitamins. According to the research based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), 637 metabolites of 1088, including 96 flavonoids and 20 polyphenols, showed enrichment in metabolism-related pathways. Notably, a gradual enrichment and stabilization of metabolites in the industrial wastewater of rose oil extraction.

Photoprotective activities of Capsosiphon fulvescens in UVB-induced SKH-1 mice and human keratinocytes.

Capsosiphon fulvescens (CF) is a green alga widely consumed in East Asian countries, particularly in Korea. It has a rich composition of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds, which contribute to its multiple therapeutic properties. Its application ranges from acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent to supporting the skin system. Despite these benefits of CF, the effects and mechanisms of action related to photoaging of the skin have not yet been elucidated. To investigate the photoprotective effects of CF against photoaging, both animal (SKH-1 mouse) and cell models (HaCaT cell line) were used in this study. As a result, administering the CF extract over a period of 10weeks, which included times of Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, significantly reduced erythema and various UVB-induced skin changes, such as wrinkle formation, and the thickening of the epidermis and dermis, as well as alterations in the length and depth of wrinkles. Furthermore, our investigation into CF extract's antiwrinkle properties revealed its efficacy in enhancing skin hydration and collagen content, counteracting the collagen depletion and moisture loss induced by UVB radiation. Also, the fact that the levels of p-ERK, p-p38, and p-JNK proteins went down shows that the CF extract might have a controlling effect on the MAPK signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that CF holds significant potential for preventing photoaging, providing a foundation for the development of functional foods or botanical drugs targeting skin aging and related skin disorders. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research proved that Capsosiphon fulvescen, a green alga widely consumed in East Asian countries, provides photoprotective activities against UV-induced skin aging. Therefore, Capsosiphon fulvescen can be utilized as functional foods or botanical drugs targeting skin aging and related skin disorders.

Osthole, a Coumarin from Cnidium monnieri: A Review on Its Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Innovative Drug Delivery Platforms.

Osthole, a coumarin compound mainly derived from Cnidium monnieri (L.), has attracted much interest from the scientific community owing to its multiple therapeutic properties. However, its pharmacological mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and toxicological effects are far from clear. Furthermore, the potential drug delivery platforms of osthole remain to be comprehensively delineated. The present review aimed to systematically summarize the most up-to-date information related to pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety issues related to osthole, and discuss the investigations of novel drug delivery platforms. The information herein discussed was retrieved from authoritative databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and so on, reviewing information published up until February of 2024. New evidence shows that osthole induces a sequence of therapeutic actions and has a moderate absorption rate and rapid metabolic characteristics. In addition, this phytoconstituent possesses potential hepatotoxicity, and caution should be exercised against the risk of the drug combination. Furthermore, given its needy solubility in aqueous medium and non-organizational targeting, novel drug delivery methods have been designed to overcome these shortcomings. Given the properties of osthole, its therapeutic benefits ought to be elucidated in a greater array of comprehensive research studies, and the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits should be explored.

Interpretation through literature review of the properties of the neem tree (azadirachta indica) applicable in veterinary medicine

This study focuses on a bibliographic review of the properties of the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and its applications in veterinary medicine. Through a narrative and qualitative review of scientific articles and updated books, 72 relevant documents were identified, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. Neem exhibits multiple therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and anticancer effects. Its use extends to various veterinary applications, such as reducing gastrointestinal parasite loads in goats and poultry, controlling ticks in cattle, and improving performance in broiler chickens. Additionally, studies demonstrate the low toxicity of Neem when administered orally. These findings highlight Neem's potential as a natural alternative to synthetic drugs in veterinary medicine, thus promoting more sustainable and healthier practices in the animal industry

Effect of royal jelly on acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats

Royal Jelly (RJ) is a natural product made by nurse bees known for its multiple therapeutic properties. The research aims to discover the ability of RJ to improve the hematological alterations and neurotoxicity caused by acrylamide (AA). The study rats were separated equally into four groups (6 in each group), the control group, the AA (38.27 mg/kg bw) group, the RJ (150 mg/kg bw) + AA group, and the RJ (300 mg/kg bw) + AA group. Blood and brain samples were collected after 10 days to evaluate haematological and biochemical parameters and to examine histopathological and immunohistochemistry. The administration of AA increased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), decreases levels of haematological parameters, superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine), and cleaved caspase-3, as well as increase the damage to the brain tissues. Meanwhile, RJ improved levels of haematological parameters, oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, and GSH), BDNF, neurotransmitters, cleaved caspase-3, and brain tissue damage induced by AA. The study demonstrated the protective impact of RJ against the haematological alterations and neurotoxicity caused by AA.

Ocular instillation of conditioned medium from mesenchymal stem cells is effective for dry eye syndrome by improving corneal barrier function

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a chronic ocular disease that induces epithelial damage to the cornea by decreasing tear production and quality. Adequate treatment options have not been established for severe DES such as Sjogren’s syndrome due to complicated pathological conditions. To solve this problem, we focused on the conditioned medium of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAdMSC-CM), which have multiple therapeutic properties. Here, we showed that hAdMSC-CM suppressed Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC)-induced cytotoxicity and inflammation in human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs). In addition, hAdMSC-CM increased the expression level and regulated the localisation of barrier function-related components, and improved the BAC-induced barrier dysfunction in hCECs. RNA-seq analysis and pharmacological inhibition experiments revealed that the effects of hAdMSC-CM were associated with the TGFβ and JAK-STAT signalling pathways. Moreover, in DES model rats with exorbital and intraorbital lacrimal gland excision, ocular instillation of hAdMSC-CM suppressed corneal epithelial damage by improving barrier dysfunction of the cornea. Thus, we demonstrated that hAdMSC-CM has multiple therapeutic properties associated with TGFβ and JAK-STAT signalling pathways, and ocular instillation of hAdMSC-CM may serve as an innovative therapeutic agent for DES by improving corneal barrier function.

A transformable nanoplatform with multiple therapeutic and immunostimulatory properties for treatment of advanced cancers

Cancer is a complex pathological phenomenon that needs to be treated from different aspects. Herein, we developed a size/charge dually transformable nanoplatform (PDR NP) with multiple therapeutic and immunostimulatory properties to effectively treat advanced cancers. The PDR NPs exhibit three different therapeutic modalities (chemotherapy, phototherapy and immunotherapy) that can be used to effectively treat primary and distant tumors, and reduce recurrent tumors; the immunotherapy is simultaneously activated by three major pathways, including toll-like receptor, stimulator of interferon genes and immunogenic cell death, effectively suppresses the tumor development in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. In addition, PDR NPs show size and charge responsive transformability in the tumor microenvironment, which overcomes various biological barriers and efficiently delivers the payloads into tumor cells. Taking these unique characteristics together, PDR NPs effectively ablate primary tumors, activate strong anti-tumor immunity to suppress distant tumors and reduce tumor recurrence in bladder tumor-bearing mice. Our versatile nanoplatform shows great potential for multimodal treatments against metastatic cancers.

Identification of Potential Insulinotropic Cytotoxins from Indian Cobra Snake Venom Using High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Analyzing Their Possible Interactions with Potassium Channel Receptors by In Silico Studies.

Snake venoms are a potential source of bioactive peptides, which have multiple therapeutic properties in treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and neurological disorders. Among bioactive peptides, cytotoxins (CTXs) and neurotoxins are low molecular weight proteins belonging to the three-finger-fold toxins (3FTxs) family composed of two β sheets that are stabilized by four to five conserved disulfide bonds containing 58-72 amino acid residues. These are highly abundant in snake venom and are predicted to have insulinotropic activities. In this study, the CTXs were purified from Indian cobra snake venom using preparative HPLC and characterized using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) TOF-MS/MS. Further SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the presence of low molecular weight cytotoxic proteins. The CTXs in fractions A and B exhibited dose-dependent insulinotropic activity from 0.001 to 10µM using rat pancreatic beta-cell lines (RIN-5F) in the ELISA. Nateglinide and repaglinide are synthetic small-molecule drugs that control sugar levels in the blood in type 2 diabetes, which were used as a positive control in ELISA. Concluded that purified CTXs have insulinotropic activity, and there is a scope to use these proteins as small molecules to stimulate insulinotropic activities. At this stage, the focus is on the efficiency of the cytotoxins to induce insulin. Additional work is ongoing on animal models to see the extent of the beneficial effects and efficiency to cure diabetes using streptozotocin-induced models.

Qualitative and Quantitative Studies on Biopigment Producing Algal Regime from Marine Water Resources of Sundarban Region

The current scientific studies have shown that extensive quantities of synthetic pigments are used worldwide in diverse industries. Synthetic pigments have shown enormous toxicity issues compared to natural colorants and dyes in current industrial usage. Diverse microbial communities, including fungi, bacteria, archaea, and yeast are current biopigment producers. However, the aforementioned biopigments are expensive, least efficient, and less eco-friendly to attain industrial sustainability. Thus, algae-based bio pigments are one of the best natural resources to meet today’s challenges. Algal pigments increase the product’s marketability and carry multiple therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions. These multidimensional qualities of algal pigments have piqued the interest of the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries resulting in most potential implementation. Thus, a paradigm shift requires identifying potential algal communities having a higher biopigment-producing ability for future manufacturing and commercialization as a sustainable way forward. Hence, the current study has been designed for effective isolation and screening of algal isolates (i.e. DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4, DS5) from a different region of sundarban water resources concerning the investigation of algal pigments (i.e. chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and carotenoid). In a nutshell, the current study shows that DS2 isolate produces a significant quantity of carotenoid (9.729 mg/g DCW), chlorophyll a (7.872 mg/g DCW), and chlorophyll b (7.176 mg/g DCW) amongst all isolates. Hence, the present study reveals that DS2 algal isolates might be a potential predecessor of biopigment production, having pivotal applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical industries in the near future.

Sulforaphane Potentiates Gemcitabine-Mediated Anti-Cancer Effects against Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by Inhibiting HDAC Activity

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), the second most common primary liver cancer, has high mortality rates because of its limited treatment options and acquired resistance to chemotherapy. Sulforaphane (SFN), a naturally occurring organosulfur compound found in cruciferous vegetables, exhibits multiple therapeutic properties, such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition and anti-cancer effects. This study assessed the effects of the combination of SFN and gemcitabine (GEM) on human iCCA cell growth. HuCCT-1 and HuH28 cells, representing moderately differentiated and undifferentiated iCCA, respectively, were treated with SFN and/or GEM. SFN concentration dependently reduced total HDAC activity and promoted total histone H3 acetylation in both iCCA cell lines. SFN synergistically augmented the GEM-mediated attenuation of cell viability and proliferation by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in both cell lines, as indicated by the cleavage of caspase-3. SFN also inhibited cancer cell invasion and decreased the expression of pro-angiogenic markers (VEGFA, VEGFR2, HIF-1α, and eNOS) in both iCCA cell lines. Notably, SFN effectively inhibited the GEM-mediated induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A xenograft assay demonstrated that SFN and GEM substantially attenuated human iCCA cell-derived tumor growth with decreased Ki67+ proliferative cells and increased TUNEL+ apoptotic cells. The anti-cancer effects of every single agent were markedly augmented by concomitant use. Consistent with the results of in vitro cell cycle analysis, G2/M arrest was indicated by increased p21 and p-Chk2 expression and decreased p-Cdc25C expression in the tumors of SFN- and GEM-treated mice. Moreover, treatment with SFN inhibited CD34-positive neovascularization with decreased VEGF expression and GEM-induced EMT in iCCA-derived xenografted tumors. In conclusion, these results suggest that combination therapy with SFN with GEM is a potential novel option for iCCA treatment.

A Review on Antioxidant Properties of Extracts Obtained from the Leaf, Stem, Bark and Flower of Calotropis Species

Traditional medicine can be a valuable source in primary health care due to its enriching acceptability and enhanced compatibility with the human body with minimal side effects. Karanjwa Caesalpinia bonducella Linn is an important medicinal plant used in the Unani system of medicine for a long time due to its multiple therapeutic properties. The present review aimed to explore the existing data of the drug about its conventional uses based on its phytochemical constituents and pharmacological actions. Karanjwa review was undertaken by exploring the bibliographic database viz. Science Direct Pub Med Scopus and Google Scholar. The search was carried out using the terms lsquoKaranjwarsquo lsquoCaesalpinia bonducella lsquoFever nutrsquo lsquoGajgarsquo. Moreover books published in Urdu and English were also used to gather information as representative literature. The plant is known for its use in the treatment of different systemic ailments due to the presence of steroidal saponins fatty acids hydrocarbons phytosterols isoflavones amino acids and phenolics alkaloids present bonducin a homoisoflavone. In the Unani system of medicine the pharmacological actions of Karanjwa include antipyretic anti-inflammatory antimicrobial tonic desiccatives antispasmodic immuno-modulators antioxidant anxiolytic antidepressant hypoglycaemic antiallergic and antihistaminic anti asthmatic hepatoprotective anticancer and nephroprotective activities. The present study explored the pharmacological phytochemical and therapeutic properties of Caesalpinia bonducella Linn. Many pharmacological activities mentioned in Unani medicine have been validated and several activities need further exploration owing to its immense therapeutic scope.

Protective Effects of Auraptene against Free Radical-Induced Erythrocytes Damage.

Auraptene is the most abundant natural prenyloxycoumarin. Recent studies have shown that it has multiple biological and therapeutic properties, including antioxidant properties. Erythrocytes are constantly subjected to oxidative damage that can affect proteins and lipids within the erythrocyte membrane and lead to some hemoglobinopathies. Due to the lack of sufficient information about the antioxidant effects of auraptene on erythrocytes, this study intended to evaluate the potential of this compound in protecting radical-induced erythrocytes damages. The antioxidant activity of auraptene was measured based on DPPH and FRAP assays. Notably, oxidative hemolysis of human erythrocytes was used as a model to study the ability of auraptene to protect biological membranes from free radical-induced damage. Also, the effects of auraptene in different concentrations (25-400 µM) on AAPH-induced lipid/protein peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) content and morphological changes of erythrocytes were determined. Oxidative hemolysis and lipid/protein peroxidation of erythrocytes were significantly suppressed by auraptene in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Auraptene prevented the depletion of the cytosolic antioxidant GSH in erythrocytes. Furthermore, it inhibited lipid and protein peroxidation in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Likewise, FESEM results demonstrated that auraptene reduced AAPH-induced morphological changes in erythrocytes. Auraptene efficiently protects human erythrocytes against free radicals. Therefore, it can be a potent candidate for treating oxidative stress-related diseases.

Tukhme Alsi (Linum Usitatissimum) Linn: An Important Drug of Unani Medicine

Due to its cultural acceptance, superior compatibility with the human body, and less side effects, traditional medicine serves as the source of primary healthcare. Tukhme Alsi is an important medicinal plant in the Unani system of medicine (USM) due to its multiple therapeutic properties. In Unani system of medicine, it is either used as a single drug or as an ingredient in many Unani formulations which are used in the treatment of various ailments of the body. The review has been reviewed, compiled, and analyzed using references from major databases like classical text and indexed journals. The plant is known to treat different systemic ailments due to the presence of 30‐40% of fixed oil, 6% of Mucilage 25% of protein and small quantities of the cyanogenetic glucosides linaamarin and lotaustralin. In USM, the pharmacological actions of Tukhme Alsi are Habis-i-Dam (Hemostyptic), Mudirr-i-Bawl (Diuretic), Mudirr-i-Laban (Galactogogue), Mudirr-i-Hayd (Emmenogogue), Mu‘arriq (Diaphoretic), Maqawwi-e-Bah (Aphrodisiac), Mufattit-i-Hasah (Lithotropic)12,14 Musakkin-i-Alam (Analgesic) etc. Many pharmacological activities mentioned in Unani medicine are validated and many activities need further exploration due to the immense therapeutic scope in this drug Keywords: Unani System of Medicine, Tukhme Alsi, Formulations, Medicinal Plant

In Vitro Study of the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant, Immunostimulant, and Hemolytic Activities of Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae) and Lepidium sativum Seeds.

The Moroccan flora abounds and is an important reserve of medicinal plants. Nigella sativa and Lepidium sativum are plants that are widely used in traditional medicine for their multiple therapeutic properties. The current study aims to highlight the biological activities that can justify and valorize the use of these plants. Flavonoids, total phenols, condensed tannins, and sugars were determined. The biological activities tested were antioxidant by determining the IC50 (defined as the concentration of an antioxidant required to decrease the initial concentration by 50%; inversely related to the antioxidant capacity), hemagglutination, and hemolytic activities. Phytochemical quantification of the seed extracts indicated that the total phenol content was largely similar for both plants and in the order of 10 mg GAE (Gallic acid equivalent)/g. On the other hand, L. sativum seeds registered a higher content of flavonoids (3.09 ± 0.04 mg QE (quercetin equivalent)/g) as compared to Nigella saliva (0.258 ± 0.058). Concerning condensed tannins, N. saliva seeds present a higher amount with a value of 7.2 ± 0.025 mg/g as compared to L. sativum (1.4 ± 0.22 mg/g). Concerning the total sugar content, L. sativum shows a higher content (67.86 ± 0.87 mg/g) as compared to N. sativa (58.17 ± 0.42 mg/g); it is also richer in mucilage with a content of 240 mg as compared to 8.2 mg for N. saliva. Examination of the antioxidant activity using a DPPH (2.2-diphenyl 1-pycrilhydrazyl) test revealed that the EButOH (n-butanol extract) and EAE (ethyl acetate extract) extracts were the most active, with IC50 values of 48.7 and 50.65 μg/mL for the N. sativa extracts and 15.7 and 52.64 μg/mL for the L. sativum extracts, respectively. The results of the hemagglutination activity of the different extracts of the two plants prepared in the PBS (phosphate-buffered saline) medium showed significant agglutination for the L. sativum extract (1/50) compared to the N. sativa extract (1/20). An evaluation of the hemolytic effect of the crude extract of the studied seeds on erythrocytes isolated from rat blood incubated in PBS buffer compared to the total hemolysis induced by distilled water showed a hemolysis rate of 54% for Nigella sativa and 34% for L. sativum. In conclusion, the two plants studied in the current work exhibited high antioxidant potential, which could explain their beneficial properties.

Phytochemical Screening and Biological Activities of Oxalis corniculata Leaves of Sindhupalchowk District, Nepal

The Oxalis corniculata (Oxalidaceae) is one of the most potential medicinal herbs and well known for multiple therapeutic properties (anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic and diuretic activity). This study investigated phytoconstituents, antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity of Oxalis corniculata leaves extract. Methanol based phytochemical screening of Oxalis corniculata revealed the presence of alkaloids, proteins, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides. The antibacterial activity revealed better potential inhibitory effect against gram-negative bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi compared to Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive bacterium. However, 1% methanol extract showed highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. Antioxidant activity of the methanol extract with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging showed antioxidant activities with 3.87 µg/mL IC50 value. BIBECHANA 19 (2022) 27-33

Neuroprotective Effect of Morin Hydrate against Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Induced by MSG and/or Protein Malnutrition in Rat Pups: Effect on Oxidative/Monoamines/Inflammatory Balance and Apoptosis

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely used food additives. However, it has been linked to protein malnutrition (PM) and various forms of toxicities such as metabolic disorders and neurotoxic effects. The current study is the first to explore the association between MSG, PM, and induced brain injury similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Moreover, we determined the underlying mechanistic protective pathways of morin hydrate (MH)―a natural flavonoid with reported multiple therapeutic properties. PM was induced by feeding animals with a low protein diet and confirmed by low serum albumin measurement. Subsequently, rat pups were randomized into seven groups of 10 rats each. Group I, III, and VI were normally fed (NF) and groups II, IV, V, and VII were PM fed. Group I served as normal control NF while Group II served as PM control animals. Group III received NF + 0.4 g/kg MSG, Group IV: PM + 0.4 g/kg MSG, Group V: PM + 60 mg/kg MH, Group VI: NF + 0.4 kg/g MSG + 60 mg/kg MH and Group VII: PM + 0.4 kg/kg MSG + 60 mg/kg MH. At the end of the experimental period, animals were subjected to behavioral and biochemical tests. Our results showed that treatment of rats with a combination of MSG + PM-fed exhibited inferior outcomes as evidenced by deteriorated effects on behavioral, neurochemical, and histopathological analyses when compared to rats who had received MSG or PM alone. Interestingly, MH improved animals’ behavior, increased brain monoamines, brain-derived neuroprotective factor (BDNF), antioxidant status and protein expression of Nrf2/HO-1. This also was accompanied by a significant decrease in brain MDA, inflammatory markers (NF-kB, TNF-α and IL1β), and suppression of TLR4/NLRP3/caspase-1 axis. Taken together, MSG and/or PM are associated with neuronal dysfunction. Our findings suggest MH as a potential neuroprotective agent against brain insults via targeting Nrf2/HO-1 and hindering TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways.

Flower, stem, and leaf extracts from Hypericum perforatum L. to synthesize gold nanoparticles: Effectiveness and antioxidant activity

The significance of gold nanoparticles in nanobiotechnology and the trend towards the development of green methods of synthesis has boosted research on the use of new natural resources, such as plants, as reducing agents for the formation of nanoparticles. This article focuses on Hypericum perforatum L., a plant known since ancient times for its multiple applications in the treatment of a variety of diseases. In this study, the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant were separated and their corresponding ethanolic extracts (HPF, HPL, and HPS) were extensively characterized and used to synthesize gold nanoparticles. The formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed in all the cases by UV–Vis spectroscopy, which showed the characteristic SPR band of gold at around 540 nm. Furthermore, the three types of nanoparticles synthesized with each extract (Au@HPF, Au@HPL, and Au@HPS, respectively) were thoroughly characterized by means of HRTEM, XRD, FTIR, DLS and Z-potential. All the nanoparticles obtained were regular in shape, spherical, and with mean diameters between 9.2 and 11.5 nm. Finally, the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of both the extracts and the corresponding nanoparticles was performed by conducting in vitro antioxidant assays, revealing an enhanced DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the nanoparticles after the synthesis (with IC50 values of 0.11 ± 0.05 for Au@HPF, 0.23 ± 0.002 for Au@HPL, and 0.11 ± 0.002 mg/mL for Au@HPS) in comparison with that of the corresponding plant extracts (with IC50 values of 0.71 ± 0.04, 0.71 ± 0.03, and 0.69 ± 0.004 mg/mL for HPF, HPL, and HPS, respectively). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first detailed study on the capacity of each of the aerial parts of Hypericum perforatum to produce gold nanoparticles in which both the extracts used for the synthesis and the nanoparticles obtained are fully characterized. Given the multiple therapeutic properties of Hypericum perforatum, it is interesting to study the possible synergistic enhancement of those properties by means of its interaction with gold nanoparticles.

Strategic development to stabilize bioactive diallyl thiosulfinate by pH responsive non ionic micelle carrier system

Diallyl thiosulfinate, extracted from the crushed garlic (Allium sativum) biomass is a crucial and principal bioactive compound having multiple noteworthy therapeutic properties. However, the unstable nature of diallyl thiosulfinate (allicin) is a major concern for its wide application in pharmaceutical products. Hence, suitable pH responsive micelle carrier systems were formulated using Polysorbate 20 and 80 for the enhancement of allicin’s stability while maintaining its concentration and bioactivity. The entrapment of allicin in the nonionic polyorbate micelle showed a significant reduction in its degradation at 25 °C temperature. Polysorbate 80 based micelle carrier system showed better entrapment and stability compared to Polysorbate 20 based micelles. Further, the ANOVA study showed that the temperature and pH are significant controlling factors for allicin’s stability within micelle (p < 0.05). Moreover, acidic pH significantly assists the release of allicin from the micellized core. The pH responsive release of allicin from the micelle in acidic environment can be advantageous for the release of the drug in the human intestine. Moreover, it was ensured that the micellization process did not hinder the bioactiveness of allicin and expedient synergistic antibacterial property with other antibiotics. The present investigation amplifies the possibility of producing commercial synergistic antimicrobials for various pharmaceutical applications.

Cardamonin Antioxidant Effects Through the Modulation of Proteins and Genes Expressions in LPS‐Activated BV‐2 Microglial Cells

Neurodegeneration is characterized by slow and progressive loss of neuronal cells and synapses in different brain regions. These pathologic effects are the major feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), leading to a decline in learning and memory function. The main hallmarks of AD are the aggregation and deposition of amyloid‐β peptides on the extracellular surface of neuronal cells. Hyperphosphorylation of tau protein and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles is another feature of AD. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress follow the accumulation of amyloid‐β and neurofibrillary tangles. Continuous activation of microglia cells, known as the resident, innate immune cells in the brain, participates in producing numerous neurotoxic factors, including nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce neurodegeneration. Numerous natural compounds, such as cardamonin, a bioactive compound found in many plants, have been reported to exert multiple therapeutic properties, including anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral antibiotic, antifungal, and antiallergic activities. This study examined the effects of cardamonin on LPS‐activated BV‐2 microglial cells. Results of this study showed that cardamonin concentrations of 6.25 to 50 µM reduced over 95% the release of NO in LPS‐activated BV‐2 cells, compared to the cells treated with LPS only (P&lt;0.001). Moreover, cardamonin significantly decreased the cellular production of SOD 3‐fold (P &lt; 0.05) and increased the levels of expression of CAT 2.5‐fold (P &lt; 0.05) and glutathione 2‐fold (p &lt; 0.05) in the LPS‐activated BV‐2 cells. In RT‐PCR assays, cardamonin increased the mRNA expression of CAT and decreased the levels of NOS2, the enzyme responsible for the production of NO and associated with inflammatory processes. Furthermore, cardamonin downregulated the mRNA expression of CCL5/RANTES (5‐fold), which promotes the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells. Also, cardamonin downregulated SLC38A1 (3‐fold), whose expression is upregulated during oxidative stress, and TXNIP (2‐fold) that regulates thioredoxin, an important redox protein that controls levels of ROS in cells. The data show cardamonin efficacy in modulating proteins and genes involved in inflammation and the control of elevated intracellular levels of ROS. In conclusion, these findings suggest that cardamonin may have potential in the therapy of microglia‐derived neurodegeneration, helping to prevent or slow the progression of the disease in the CNS.

Rhamnella gilgitica functionalized green synthesis of ZnONPs and their multiple therapeutic properties.

In the recent years, green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using plant extracts and phytochemicals has gained significant attention. In present research study, facile, green, and tunable ZnONPs were biosynthesized from Rhamnella gilgitica leaf aqueous extract as a strong reducing and stabilizing agents. The prepared ZnONPs@Rhamnella were characterized and validated using common nanotechnology techniques (UV-Vis, XRD, EDX, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, DLS, and Raman) and revealed spherical morphology with particle size ~21 nm. The asynthesized ZnONPs were further evaluated for different biological applications. Strong antimicrobial efficacies were reported for ZnONPs using disc-diffusion method and were capable of rendering significant antimicrobial potential. ZnONPs were evaluated against HepG2 (IC50 : 18.40 μg/ml) and HUH7 (IC50 : 20.59 μg/ml) cancer cell lines and revealed strong anticancer properties. Dose-dependent MTT cytotoxicity assay was confirmed using Leishmania tropica "KWH23 strain" (promastigote: IC50 : 26.78 μg/ml and amastigote: IC50 : 29.57 μg/ml). Antioxidant activities (DPPH: 93.36%, TAC: 72.43%) were performed to evaluate their antioxidant potentials. Further, protein kinase and α-amylase inhibition assays were determined. Biocompatibility assays were done using human RBCs and macrophages thus revealed biosafe and non-toxic nature of ZnONPs@Rhamnella. In current experiment, we concluded that greenly orchestrated ZnONPs is an attractive, non-toxic and ecofriendly candidate and showed potential biological activities. In future, different clinical trials and in vivo studies are necessary for the confirmation of these remedial properties of ZnONPs using different animal models. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Greenly orchestrated ZnONPs were synthesized using Rhamnella gilgitica leaves broth. Analytical techniques such as UV, SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, DLS, and Raman confirmed synthesis of ZnONPs. Green ZnONPs determined strong antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant potentials. Significant enzyme inhibition and biocompatibility assays were investigated.