Natural Alternatives Research Articles

EFEKTIVITAS PEMBERIAN KAPULAGA JAHE DALAM MENGURANGI FREKUENSI MUAL MUNTAH PADA IBU HAMIL TRIMESTER PERTAMA DI DESA SUKA RAYA

Nausea and vomiting are most common in the first trimester of pregnancy, but about 12% of pregnant women continue to experience them up to 9 months. Nausea and vomiting are part of the normal spectrum of pregnancy, hyperemesis is considered an extreme condition. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Kajah ( Cardamom-Ginger) Pudding on reducing the frequency of nausea and vomiting in first trimester pregnant women. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest approach on 10 pregnant women who experienced nausea and vomiting. The respondents were divided into two groups: an intervention group that received Kajah pudding and a control group that did not receive the intervention. The results showed that consumption of Kajah pudding significantly reduced the frequency of nausea and vomiting in first trimester pregnant women compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Kajah pudding may be an effective natural alternative in overcoming nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy.

A Brief Review on Soothing Herbs: Stress Reducing Botanicals

"Soothing herbs: stress reducing botanicals" explores the potent world of natural remedies aimed at alleviating stress and promoting holistic well-being. It delves into the diverse range of botanicals renowned for their stress-reducing properties and their historical and contemporary significance. Herbs have been cherished for centuries across cultures for their therapeutic effects on the mind and body. This comprehensive exploration navigates through various herbal allies known for their stress-relieving qualities. From adaptogens like ashwagandha and holy basil, celebrated for their ability to regulate the body's response to stress, to calming herbs such as chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm, renowned for their soothing effects on the nervous system, this abstract unravels the science and tradition behind their efficacy. Furthermore, "Soothing Herbs" sheds light on the mechanisms of action within these botanicals, elucidating how compounds like flavonoids, terpenes, and adaptogenic elements interact with the body, mitigating stress hormone levels and fostering a sense of tranquility. Moreover, it explores their diverse forms of consumption, including teas, tinctures, essential oils, and supplements, offering practical insights into integrating these remedies into everyday life. It also investigates contemporary research validating the age-old wisdom surrounding these herbs, highlighting clinical studies and trials that support their efficacy in stress management. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of responsible usage, potential contraindications, and the significance of consulting healthcare professionals before incorporating these herbs into one's regimen. "Soothing Herbs: Stress-Reducing Botanicals" serves as an informative guide, bridging ancient wisdom with modern science, and empowering individuals to explore natural alternatives for stress relief while emphasizing the holistic approach to well-being.

Agro-Industrial By-Products of Plant Origin: Therapeutic Uses as well as Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity.

The importance of bioactive compounds in agro-industrial by-products of plant origin lies in their direct impacts on human health. These compounds have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, contributing to disease prevention and strengthening the immune system. In particular, the antimicrobial action of these compounds emerges as an important tool in food preservation, providing natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives and contributing to combating antimicrobial resistance. Using agro-industrial by-products of plant origin not only addresses the need to reduce waste and promote sustainability but also inaugurates a new era in the formulation of functional foods. From fruit peels to pulps and seeds, these by-products are emerging as essential ingredients in the creation of products that can promote health. Continued research in this area will unveil new applications and properties of these by-products and open doors to a food paradigm in which health and sustainability converge, paving the way to a healthier and more equitable future. The present review presents an overview of our knowledge of agro-industrial by-products and some of their more relevant health-promoting bioactivities.

Innovative Application of Juniperus Communis Wood Oil in Acne Skincare:

This review study explores the potential of Juniperus communis wood oil in cosmetics, namely its efficacy in treating acne diseases and its antibacterial qualities. Acne is a common skin ailment characterized by inflammation and the presence of several forms of acne lesions. Traditional acne treatments sometimes involve medications that may have possible side effects, which has sparked a growing interest in natural alternatives with antibacterial properties. Juniperus communis, commonly referred to as juniper, is extensively utilized in traditional medicine for its firmly established therapeutic advantages. This article consolidates the current scientific literature on the use of Juniperus communis wood oil for acne treatment, encompassing its mechanisms of action and its capacity to attack acne-causing bacteria by means of its antimicrobial properties. The review analyzes the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sebum-regulating, and anti-comedogenic properties of Juniperus communis wood oil. The paper also evaluates the efficacy of the treatment by analyzing its influence on many indicators, such as the decrease in the number of lesions, inflammation, and sebum production, as evidenced in clinical investigations. The text explores several aspects related to safety factors and formulation considerations, including extraction processes, synergistic effects, and appropriate administration systems. The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the potential benefits of utilizing Juniperus communis wood oil as a treatment for acne, its potential implications for future acne therapies, and the need for further research in this area.

Potential Impact of Bioactive Peptides from Foods in the Treatment of Hypertension.

High blood pressure (BP) is the main preventable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Much research is aimed at finding natural alternatives to control or prevent hypertension (HT), since some hypertensive patients do not respond to current pharmacological treatments or show undesirable side effects. Forty relevant articles have been selected from various scientific literature databases. The results reveal that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition is the most reported mechanism of action of antihypertensive peptides. The active peptides have a great variety of origins. Biopeptides with a molecular weight of <3 kDa, short chain <20 amino acids, and a hydrophobic amino acid sequence at the C- and N-terminus exhibit higher antihypertensive activity. They also show good stability to enzymatic hydrolysis and gastrointestinal digestion, and no toxicity. To determine antihypertensive effectiveness, in vitro and in vivo animal studies are the most frequent developed, with few in silico studies and only one human clinical trial. There is interesting potential for antihypertensive peptides as promising natural candidates for the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and drugs for preventive or therapeutic treatment of hypertension. The aim of this review is to study the role of food-derived bioactive peptides in HT.

Comparing antioxidant and cytoprotective effects: Quercetin glycoside vs. aglycone from Ephedra alata

BackgroundA wide range of chronic diseases is associated with ROS-mediated oxidative stress. Quercetin glycoside (QG) is reported to be a powerful antioxidant with extremely high bioavailability and structural stability compared to quercetin aglycone. Hypothesis/PurposeIn this study, the antioxidant potential and cytoprotective effects of quercetin, and its glycosides isolated from Ephedra alata against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in the cells of tetrahymena pyriformis (TEP) were evaluated and compared. Study designQuercetin and its O-glycosides were isolated from Ephedra alata, and their chemical structures were elucidated using advanced spectroscopic techniques. The antioxidant and cytoprotective effects were evaluated using TEP cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. MethodsTEP cells were pretreated with quercetin aglycone (Q), isoquercetin (ISQ), or hyperin (HYP) before exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, intracellular ROS levels, malondialdehyde (MDA levels, lipoperoxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and cleaved caspase-3 levels were measured. ResultsISQ pretreatment significantly enhanced cell survival and reduced H2O2-induced LDH release compared to Q. ISQ also decreased intracellular ROS levels, MDA levels, and lipoperoxidation, surpassing the effects of Q. Additionally, ISQ and HYP pretreatment notably increased antioxidant enzyme activity, outperforming Q. Furthermore, ISQ pretreatment significantly diminished cleaved caspase-3 levels compared to Q, indicating a potential role in preventing oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in TEP cells. ConclusionQuercetin O-glycosides, particularly isoquercetin, from Ephedra alata exhibit superior antioxidant and cytoprotective effects compared to quercetin aglycone. These findings highlight the potential of these compounds as natural alternatives for mitigating oxidative damage and promoting cellular health. Future research should focus on elucidating the precise molecular pathways involved and evaluating their efficacy in animal models and clinical settings.

Su ürünleri yetiştiriciliğinde protozoan parazitlerine karşı etkili bitkisel ilaçlar

In industrial aquaculture, producing at high stock densities is inevitable to maximize efficiency and harvest per unit volume. Antibiotics, disinfectants, and other chemicals have become necessary to prevent and control disease outbreaks in intensive fish farming practices. However, the negative impacts of the use of synthetic chemical drugs on environmental health have sparked discussions, making research into alternative treatments inevitable. Medicinal plants offer promising solutions for disease control due to their natural, biodegradable, and antimicrobial properties. The therapeutic properties of plants have been known and safely used in traditional medicine for a long time. The idea that medicinal plants can be utilized in aquaculture as a safer, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practice has begun to be embraced. Although numerous treatment protocols have been developed against metazoan parasites in aquaculture, managing protozoan parasites still poses a significant challenge. A detailed literature review has identified that more than 30 plant species have the potential to control many protozoan pathogens in fish, including Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and Cryptocaryon irritans. Studies highlight the effectiveness of plant-derived compounds in combating parasites and promoting growth, supporting immunity, serving as antibacterial agents, and even as anaesthetics. Since research on medicinal plants predominantly targets commercially valuable fish farming, there is a recognized need for expanded studies on their application in shellfish farming. Collaboration among researchers, institutions, and farmers is crucial in increasing awareness of local medicinal plants and promoting their use. The use of plants with medicinal properties in aquaculture represents a promising path for disease control and sustainable production. Adopting these natural alternatives could align with responsible agricultural practices and meet the urgent need to mitigate the environmental impacts of traditional treatments in the aquaculture industry.

Nematicidal and insecticidal activity of essential oils from Artemisia scoparia and Centratherum punctatum and their mixtures

The present study involves the phytochemical analysis and assessing potential synergies among essential oils (EOs) against pests. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation from the aerial part (ASAO) and the root part (ASRO) of Artimisia scoparia, and from the aerial part of Centratherum punctatum (CPAO). The EOs yield ranged from 0.5 to 0.1% (v/w). The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 35, 43, and 49 compounds, constituting 99.2%, 98.34%, and 99.93% in ASAO, ASRO, and CPAO, respectively. Capillene was identified as the dominant compound both in ASAO and ASRO, but in variable amounts. Caryophyllene oxide (36.4%) was identified as the major component of CPAO. Pure EOs were blended in binary and ternary mixtures at ratios to analyze their synergistic effect against pests. The nematicidal activity (percent mortality and egg hatchability against Meloidogyne incognita at different concentrations was evaluated and the ternary mixture (ASAO + ASRO + CPAO) was found to be most effective at 1 μL/mL with 55.67 ± 1.41% larval immobility at 96 h of exposure. The antifeedant activity of pure and blended EOs was examined against Spodoptera litura using the leaf-dip method. Individually ASAO was most effective with 66.91% feeding inhibition, however the ternary combination showed 58.03% feeding inhibition. Moreover, molecular docking of selected volatiles (≥4% area) from the tested samples was carried out to analyze the interactions with target protein; acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferases (GST-1) and the ligands interacted favourably with the target proteins. The blending of EOs resulted in synergistic effects, enhancing their efficacy. Data acquired highlighted that A. scoparia and C. punctatum essential oils could be natural alternatives for nematode control and pest control in agriculture.

Estrous cycle and uterine weight of ovariectomized menopause female rat models after treatment with Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit leaf extract

Highlights:1. This study found that Leucaena leucocephala leaf ethanol extract has the ability to stimulate the growth of vaginal epithelial cells in ovariectomised rats.2. Leucaena leucocephala leaf extract can be developed as a safe and cost-effective natural alternative for hormone replacement therapy in premenopausal women and livestock. Highlights:1. This study found that Leucaena leucocephala leaf ethanol extract has the ability to stimulate the growth of vaginal epithelial cells in ovariectomised rats.2. Leucaena leucocephala leaf extract can be developed as a safe and cost-effective natural alternative for hormone replacement therapy in premenopausal women and livestock. Abstract Hormone replacement therapy has adverse effects that may cause additional health problems, such as hot flashes, cancer, ischemic stroke, and death. Phytoestrogen is an alternative ingredient used for hormone replacement therapy with less risk. The Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit plant is widely used as a medicinal ingredient and animal feed. This study aimed to determine the effect of Leucaena leucocephala leaf extract on the uterine weight and estrous cycle of ovariectomized rats. This research used a completely randomized control design, which included two treatment groups (P1 and P2) and two control groups (negative (K-) and positive (K+)) with six replications in each group (n=24). The negative control (K-) was given 2 mL of corn oil, while K+ received 0.1 mg/kg bw of 17β-estradiol. P1 and P2 were administered 250 and 300 mg/kg bw of Leucaena leucocephala leaf extract, respectively. The extract was administered daily by gavage for 30 days. Estrous cycle data were obtained on day 31 by previously collecting vaginal swabs twice a day for 15 days. After the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia using chloroform, they underwent surgery to remove the uterine organs for weight measurement. The data were analyzed for normality and homogeneity using the Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests. The data distribution were not normal, so the Kruskal Wallis test was used to test the hypothesis. If there was a difference between controls and treatments, the analysis continued with the Mann-Whitney test (p&lt;0.05). The controls and treatments exhibited a significant difference in the length of each phase and overall estrous cycle. The post hoc Duncan test revealed that the highest uterine weight was found in 17β-estradiol treated rat. It was significantly different with both extracts treated rats. Both extract effect on uterine weight were not significantly difference. In conclusion, administering Leucaena leucocephala leaf extract results in an increased uterine weight and a normal estrous cycle in ovariectomized rats.

Understanding the Dynamics of consumer behaviour and purchase intentions for Green Cosmetic Products in North India: A Gender-Neutral Approach

Background The increasing popularity of green cosmetic products among consumers who prioritize skin health, quality, and beauty has driven the production of these products. Growing awareness of harmful toxins in traditional cosmetics is leading consumers to prefer natural alternatives. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing Indian consumers' buying behaviour and purchase intentions toward green cosmetics, focusing on both male and female consumers. Methods To achieve this, a thorough evaluation of the literature from Scopus-indexed journals was conducted, employing the theory of planned behavior as the theoretical framework. The study used Smart PLS 3.0’s structural equation modeling to analyze data and performed a multi-group analysis to explore variations in purchasing intentions and actions between male and female consumers. Results The research indicated an increasing demand for green cosmetics among males in North India. Findings revealed that subjective norms significantly influenced both purchase behaviour and purchase intention. Additionally, perceived behavioural control and subjective norms positively impacted purchase intention, which in turn indirectly affected purchase behaviour. Interestingly, environmental concerns did not influence consumers' actual purchasing intentions or behaviour. The analysis also demonstrated no significant differences between male and female consumers regarding the impact of various factors on their purchase intentions and behaviours. Conclusion These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and marketing managers aiming to promote green cosmetic product purchase behaviour. Recognizing that subjective norms and perceived behavioural control are crucial drivers of purchase intention and behaviour can help in devising effective marketing strategies. Despite the absence of significant gender differences in the factors influencing purchase behaviour, the increasing interest in green cosmetics, especially among males, highlights a broader market potential for these products. This research underscores the importance of focusing on social and behavioural influences to encourage the adoption of green cosmetics

The antimycotic potential of Debaryomyces hansenii LRC2 on Iberian Pork Loins with low concentration preservatives

The use of preservatives such as nitrite and salt is a widespread practice in meat industry. For many years it has resulted in benefits like extending the shelf life of cured meat products. The EU has published new regulations to reduce the content of preservatives in foods as recent investigations have concluded that its excessive usage is related to health issues, so new alternatives are needed. Debaryomyces hansenii is a non-conventional yeast with known biocontrol possibilities. It can be found in many of environments and is the most frequent yeast isolated from sausages and dry meat products. The LRC2 strain used in this work is an isolate from Iberian Pork Loin, characterized biochemically and molecularly. The potential of D. hansenii LRC2 strain was evaluated following a volatile compounds inhibition assay. Then a scale-up trial was performed by inoculating a battery of Iberian Pork loins followed by a quality study of the final product. This was carried out through physical and microbial analysis as the identification of volatile compound profiles with GC-IMS. Finally, sensory tests were performed by a group of trained panellists and regular consumers. Results in our research show that the production of volatile compounds from LRC2 inhibited the activity of unwanted molds in all the conditions studied. The inhibition rates surpassed 75% in all cases, strengthening the hypothesis of its potential preservative effect in cured meat products. When testing the yeast inoculation effect and the reduction of preservatives in Iberian Pork Loins, a loss of sensory quality is observed when preservatives are drastically reduced reducing the panellists’ grades by more than 3 points on a 1–9 scale in overall quality. In all conditions, the LRC2 inoculated loins showed significant fewer mold populations than the non-inoculated ones, improving the safety food level of the final product. This study confirms that the application of natural yeast-based alternatives is a feasible option for the new meat industry needs.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Shampoo From Coriander

The main goal of this research is to develop and assess a herbal shampoo, focusing on its physicochemical properties, safety, efficacy, and quality. Herbal shampoos serve as natural hair care products that eliminate grease, dirt, and dandruff while promoting hair growth, strength, and thickness. Additionally, they enhance the softness, smoothness, and shine of hair. Conventional cosmetic shampoos contain various synthetic substances that can lead to side effects such as hair loss, increased dandruff, itching, pain, nausea, and headaches. Therefore, there is an increasing effort to create herbal shampoos that do not have these adverse effects. This study aims to eliminate harmful synthetic ingredients from shampoo formulations and substitute them with safe, natural alternatives

Assessment of the Anticancer, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities of the Peganum harmala L. Plant

Introduction Synthetic chemical drug treatments have drawbacks including adverse effects and toxicity. Natural alternatives are sought after. Chemotherapy can be toxic. Medicinal plants offer a suggested alternative. This study examines P. harmala plant extracts for phenolic and flavonoid content, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Methods Two samples of P. harmala plant extract were prepared using ultrasonication, with ethanol concentrations of 100% and 50%. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using a chemical assay method. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated against gram-positive bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus) and gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli) using the diffusion procedure. The antioxidant impact of the extracts was assessed using the DPPH procedure. P. harmala extracts showed inhibitory effects on MCF7 breast cancer and HT29 colon cancer cell lines. Results The results of the study indicated that the P. harmala plant extracts were rich in phenolic compounds (with total phenolic content of 215.8 ± 3.5 and 155.8 ± 2.9 mg gallic acid per g extract for 50% and 100% ethanol extracts, respectively) and flavonoids (with total flavonoids content of 112.1 ± 3.1 and 92.3 ± 1.8 mg catechin per g extract) and had a high rate of antioxidant activity. The 50% ethanol extract yielded 411.8 ± 3.5 μmol trolox/g, while the 100% ethanol extract yielded 312.9 ± 8.2 μmol trolox per g extract. P. harmala extracts exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and Streptococcus. They also demonstrated strong anticancer activity, causing significant cell death in breast and colon cancer cell lines within 48 h of culturing. Conclusion P. harmala ethanolic extracts are rich in polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids, displaying high antioxidant activity. They also exhibit strong inhibitory effects against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and demonstrate potent anticancer activity against breast and colon cancer cell lines.

Sustainably cultured coral scaffold supports human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell osteogenesis

The current gold standard grafting material is autologous bone due to its osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. Autograft harvesting results in donors site morbidity. Coral scaffolds offer a natural autograft alternative, sharing the density and porosity of human bone. This study investigated the biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of a novel, sustainably grown Pocillopora scaffold with human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The coral-derived scaffold displays a highly textured topography, with concavities of uniform size and a high calcium carbonate content. Large scaffold samples exhibit compressive and diametral tensile strengths in the range of trabecular bone, with strengths likely increasing for smaller particulate samples. Following the in vitro seeding of MSCs adjacent to the scaffold, the MSCs remained viable, continued proliferating and metabolising, demonstrating biocompatibility. The seeded MSCs densely covered the coral scaffold with organized, aligned cultures with a fibroblastic morphology. In vivo coral scaffolds with MSCs supported earlier bone and blood vessel formation as compared to control constructs containing TCP-HA and MSCs. This work characterized a novel, sustainably grown coral scaffold that was biocompatible with MSCs and supports their in vivo osteogenic differentiation, advancing the current repertoire of biomaterials for bone grafting.

Antimicrobial Assessment of Hand Sanitizers Formulated from Neem Leaf Extract (Azadirachta indica) and Coconut Shell Liquid Smoke

Abstract The widespread use of alcohol/ethanol-based hand sanitizers has raised concerns due to the concurrent issues of skin irritation, allergies, childhood poisoning risks, and the potential for bacterial resistance to antibiotics, which may disrupt the human digestive system. This study explores the potential of Neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) and liquid smoke as natural alternatives to alcohol-based antiseptics. The objective is to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of hand sanitizers containing Neem leaf extract and coconut shell liquid smoke against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Hand sanitizers were prepared by mixing 4g of Neem leaf extract with varying quantities of coconut shell liquid smoke (labeled as A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5, corresponding to 0g, 1g, 3g, 5g, and 7g, respectively). distilled water was then added until the total volume reached 100 ml. The solution was then stabilized with 0.5g of Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose (CMC) and 10g of glycerin. Results indicate that formulations A1, A2, A3, and A5 exhibit moderate inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli, with inhibition zone diameters of 6.02 mm, 8.17 mm, 9.67 mm, and 9.11 mm, respectively. Notably, formulation A4 displays strong inhibitory activity (11.15 mm). For Salmonella typhimurium, formulations A4 and A5 demonstrate very strong antimicrobial properties with inhibition zones measuring 11.68 mm and 12.59 mm, respectively. These findings suggest that hand sanitizers comprising Neem leaf extract and liquid smoke possess the potential as environmentally friendly, natural antiseptics.

Optimizing glutamate production from microalgae extracts sourced from the Caspian Sea Basin: A cost-effective and sustainable approach with potential applications

The versatile free amino acid known as glutamate plays a key role in biological processes as a transmitter of signals between nerve cells, as well as in the food industry as a flavor enhancer. Extensive endeavors have been undertaken to produce glutamate using various methods, often relying on costly and scarce natural resources. This study aims to explore a cost-effective and abundant natural alternative for glutamate synthesis by utilizing microalgae extract sourced from the Caspian Sea basin. To achieve this goal, the submerged fermentation method was utilized. The fermented microalgae extract, inoculated with P. putida, exhibited substantially higher concentrations of glutamate compared to the uninoculated samples. Amongst the various seaweeds investigated, the aqueous Chlorella extract exhibited the highest Glutamate amount (3.1 ± 0.1 mg/g). Moreover, both the fresh and dehydrated microalgae extracts displayed a noteworthy rise in the concentration of soluble proteins during fermentation. It is worth mentioning that extracts treated with P. putida exhibited a total rise in the levels of overall phenolics and flavonoids, suggesting a promising improvement in their biologically active combinations. Furthermore, the functions of alpha-amylase and proteolytic enzymes experienced significant increments in the fermented extracts. This research highlights a promising method for generating glutamate using microalgae extract which has significant potential for the food industry, offering numerous advantages.

Comprehensive Insight into Cutaneous Application of Hemp.

Known for its natural bio-compounds and therapeutic properties, hemp is being utilized in the development of skin products. These products offer a wide range of applications and benefits in the fields of natural bio-compounds, pharmaceutical technology, topical delivery systems, and cosmeceuticals. This manuscript deals with hemp actives, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and their diverse biological properties relative to topical application, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Also, the paper reviews strategies to overcome poor penetration of hemp actives, as well as the integration of hemp actives in cosmeceuticals that provide natural and sustainable alternatives to traditional skincare products offering a range of benefits, including anti-aging, moisturizing, and soothing properties. The review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development and manufacturing processes of skin products containing hemp actives. By delving into the science behind hemp-based products, the paper provides valuable insights into the potential of hemp as a versatile ingredient in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The utilization of hemp in these innovative products not only offers therapeutic benefits but also promotes natural and sustainable approaches to skincare.

Lactation Performance and Rumen Fermentation in Dairy Cows Fed a Diet Supplemented with Monensin or Gum Arabic-Nano Montmorillonite Compost.

The exploration of natural alternatives to antibiotics for enhancing productivity and performance in dairy cows is a crucial objective in farm animal management. This is the first study aimed at developing and evaluating the physicochemical properties and effects of Arabic gum-nano montmorillonite (AGNM) compost compared to ionophore monensin as feed additives on rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and milk production of Holstein dairy cows. In a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, four multiparous mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows with an average body weight of 520 ± 15 kg were enrolled. The dietary treatments included a control diet (basal diet without feed additives), monensin diet [a basal diet supplemented with 35 mg/kg dry matter (DM) monensin], and AGNM diets comprising basal diet supplemented with two levels: low (L-AGNM) at 1.5 g/kg DM, and high (H-AGNM) at 3 g/kg DM. AGNM as a feed additive demonstrated promising physiochemical parameters, including containing highly bioactive components (α-amyrin and lupeol), functional groups (OH and Si-O), and essential mineral contents (Mg2+). Supplementations with H-AGNM significantly improved ruminal (p = 0.031) concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetic (p = 0.05) and butyric (p = 0.05), enhanced (p < 0.05) digestibility of fiber and organic matter, while decreased (p = 0.013) estimated methane production. However, an increase (p = 0.04) in blood high-density lipoprotein levels and decrease (p < 0.05) in concentrations of creatinine (CREA), bilirubin (BILT), cholesterol (CHOL), and sodium (Na) were observed with H-AGNM supplementation. Both monensin and H-AGNM improved (p = 0.008) feed efficiency compared to L-AGNM; however, neither AGNM nor monensin affected the milk composition or energy status indicators of the dairy cows. The findings of this study highlight the potential of AGNM as a natural candidate to replace monensin in enhancing ruminal VFA production, nutrient digestibility, feed efficiency, blood metabolites, and milk yield in dairy cows.

Exploring the Antibacterial Potential of Medicinal Plants with Challenges and Opportunities in Formulation: A Review

The emergence of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria poses a significant threat to global public health. In response, there has been a resurgence of interest in exploring natural alternatives, particularly medicinal plants, for their antibacterial properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the medicinal plants with documented antibacterial activity, their bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and potential therapeutic applications. Through a systematic analysis of current research literature, this review aims to highlight the diversity of plant-derived antibacterial agents and their potential as future therapeutic agents in combating bacterial infections.

Purification of Phenolic Compounds from Camellia polyodonta Flower: Composition Analysis, Antioxidant Property, and Hypolipidemic Activity In Vitro and In Vivo.

Camellia polyodonta flowers are rich sources of phenolics and less attention has been paid to their potential biological activity. This study aims to explore the crude extracts and resulting purified fractions (CPFP-I, II, III, and IV) through compositional analysis and antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities in vitro and in vivo. Among four fractions, CPFP-II contained the highest total phenolic content and flavonoid content, while CPFP-III exhibited the greatest total proanthocyanidin content. Among the 14 phenolic compounds, CPFP-II displayed the highest content of procyanidin B2, B4, and C1, whereas CPFP-III contained the highest amount of 1,2,3,6-tetragalloylglucose. The DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assessments demonstrated a consistent trend: CPFP-II > CPFP-III > CPFP-I > CPFP-IV. In vivo experiments showed that that all four fractions significantly reduced lipid levels in hyperlipidemic C. elegans (p < 0.05), with CPFP-II exhibiting the most potent effect. Furthermore, CPFP-II effectively bound to bile acids and inhibited the enzymatic activity of pancreatic lipase in vitro. Consequently, CPFP-II should be prioritized as a promising fraction for further exploration and should provide substantial support for the feasibility of the C. polyodonta flower as a natural alternative.