Natural Bioactive Compounds Research Articles

Electrochemical Cyclopropanation of Unactivated Alkenes with Methylene Compounds.

Cyclopropanes are prevalent in natural products, pharmaceuticals, and bioactive compounds, functioning as a significant structural motif. Although a series of methods have been developed for the construction of the cyclopropane skeleton, the development of a direct and efficient strategy for the rapid synthesis of cyclopropanes from bench-stable starting materials with a broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance remains challenging and highly desirable. Herein, we present an electrochemical method for the direct cyclopropanation of unactivated alkenes using active methylene compounds. The strategy shows a broad substrate scope with a high level of functional group compatibility, as well as potential application as demonstrated by late-stage cyclopropanation of complex molecules and drug derivatives. Further mechanistic investigations suggest that Cp2Fe (Fc) plays an essential role as an oxidative mediator in generating radicals from active methylene compounds.

Phytochemical-based nanosystems: recent advances and emerging application in antiviral photodynamic therapy.

Phytochemicals are typically natural bioactive compounds or metabolites produced by plants. Phytochemical-loaded nanocarrier systems, designed to overcome bioavailability limitations and enhance therapeutic effects, have garnered significant attention in recent years. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has intensified interest in the therapeutic application of phytochemicals to combat viral infections. This review explores nanoparticle-based treatment strategies incorporating phytochemicals for antiviral application, highlighting their demonstrated antiviral mechanisms. It specifically examines the antiviral activities of phytochemical-loaded nanosystems against (i) influenza virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); (ii) mosquito-borne viruses [dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), and Chikungunya (CHIKV)]; and (iii) sexually transmitted/blood borne viruses [e.g. herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)]. Furthermore, this review highlights the emerging role of these nanosystems in photodynamic therapy (PDT)-mediated attenuation of viral proliferation, and offers a perspective on the future directions of research in this promising area of multimodal therapeutic approach.

Talaromyces purpureogenus CEF642N as a Promising Biocontrol Agent for Cotton Disease Control.

Endophytic fungi live in healthy plant tissues and organs and are a major source of natural bioactive compounds. In this study, we found that an endophytic fungus, Talaromyces purpureogenus CEF642N, isolated from the healthy cotton roots, suppressed Verticillium dahliae by up to 53% after 15 days in a confrontation culture. Genome sequencing of CEF642N and mass spectrometry study of its metabolites were used to identify its primary antagonists. To further elucidate the antagonistic mechanism, transcriptome analysis and ultrastructure observation of the pathogen were performed. The antagonists were shown to act on the mitochondria and cell membranes of the pathogen. In addition, CEF642N also had mycoparasitic effects on V. dahliae. These results suggest that CEF642N has the potential to be an important biocontrol agent for efficiently managing Verticillium wilt, a severe disease affecting cotton.

Effects of dietary oregano essential oil supplementation on carcass traits, muscle fiber structure, oxidative stability, meat quality, and regulatory mechanisms in Holstein steers.

Dietary supplementation for beef cattle, using natural plant extracts, such as oregano essential oil (OEO), has proven effective in enhancing growth performance, beef production quantity and quality, and ensuring food safety. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of OEO on carcass traits, muscle fiber structure, meat quality, oxidative status, flavor compounds, and gene regulatory mechanisms in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscles of beef cattle. Eighteen steers were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 9 per group) and fed either a control diet (CK) or the same diet supplemented with 20 g of OEO per head per day for 300 days. Oregano essential oil supplementation improved the body weight, carcass weight, meat production, area and diameter of fiber, ether extract, and water-holding power of muscle. Increasing catalase (CAT), peroxidases (POD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and by decreasing lipid droplets (LDs) reduced muscle lipid oxidation. However, the color (L*, a*, b*, C* and H°) and the flavor compounds of muscle were affected adversely by OEO. The transcriptome and metabolome indicated the OEO group enriched fat synthesis, proteo-metabolism, antioxidants, and growth significantly. Five key genes (SH2B2, CD209, LOC504773, C1QC, and HMOX) and ten downregulated metabolites (deoxyguanosine, d-melezitose, maltotriose, raffinose, melatonin, quinic acid, orotic acid, hydrocinnamic acid, 2-methylsuccinic acid, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate) were identified as key biomarkers. These interacted to positively influence the growth, oxidative status, and meat quality of steers positively. These findings suggest that OEO, as a natural bioactive compound, can serve as an additive for beef cattle, with a daily dose of 20 g per steer improving growth and meat quality, although it may affect muscle color and flavor negatively. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Marine-Derived Polysaccharide Hydrogels as Delivery Platforms for Natural Bioactive Compounds.

Marine polysaccharide hydrogels have emerged as an innovative platform for regulating the in vivo release of natural bioactive compounds for medical purposes. These hydrogels, which have exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high water absorption capacity, create effective matrices for encapsulating different bioactive molecules. In addition, by modifying the physical and chemical properties of marine hydrogels, including cross-linking density, swelling behavior, and response to external stimuli like pH, temperature, or ionic strength, the release profile of encapsulated bioactive compounds is strictly regulated, thus maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. Finally, by using naturally sourced polysaccharides in hydrogel formulations, sustainability is promoted by reducing dependence on synthetic polymers, meeting the growing demand for eco-friendly materials. This review analyzes the interaction between marine polysaccharide hydrogels and encapsulating compounds and offers examples of how bioactive molecules can be encapsulated, released, and stabilized.

Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Potential of Endophytic Aspergillus versicolor Isolate from the Medicinal Plant Plectranthus amboinicus.

Endophytic fungi are non-pathogenic organisms that colonise healthy plant tissues asymptomatically. Endophytes derived from medicinal plants are sources for identifying natural products and bioactive compounds with potential uses for industry, medicine, agriculture, and related sectors. In the present study, ethyl acetate crude extracts of four endophytic fungal isolates (CALF1, CALF4, and CASF1) from the medicinal plant Plectranthus amboinicus showed potent antimicrobial activity against the test pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis using disc diffusion assays. A colorimetric microdilution assay to detect the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) revealed that the extracellular extract (ECE) of CASF1 isolate had the lowest MIC values against the test pathogenic bacteria (0.19-6.25 mg/ml) compared to other CALF1 and CALF4.Cytotoxic activity of CASF1-ECE against the drug-resistant KB.CHR.8-5 cancer cell line tested by the MTT assay showed complete cell death at a concentration of 220 μg/mL and the half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined to be 77.9 ± 09 μg/mL.GC-MS analysis showed hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester, as the dominant compound among the bioactive compounds identified in the EXE of CASF1 isolate, with the highest peak in the GC chromatogram, indicating its role in the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of CASF1. Molecular identification of CASF1 using 18S rRNA sequencing and BLAST analysis detected CASF1 as an isolate of Aspergillus versicolor with 100% sequence identity.

INSIGHTS INTO THE MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL ROLE OF QUINIC ACID IN ALLEVIATING ETHANOL-INDUCED LIVER TOXICITY IN A RAT MODEL: EXPLORING OXIDATIVE STRESS, INFLAMMATION, AND APOPTOSIS SIGNALING PATHWAYS

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of quinic acid, a natural bioactive compound, on tissue and circulatory antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and its anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: The rats were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 4 were administered isocaloric glucose. Groups 2 and 3 received 30% ethanol at a dose of 5 g/kg body weight daily. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 were treated with quinic acid (50 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in 2% dimethyl sulfoxide. Results: The results demonstrated significantly elevated levels of tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes (CD), and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), along with significantly reduced enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-related enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), as well as reduced levels of glutathione (GSH), Vitamin C, and Vitamin E in ethanol-treated rats compared to the control group. Administration of quinic acid to rats with ethanol-induced liver injury significantly reduced the levels of TBARS, LOOH, and CD while markedly increasing the activity of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST, and levels of GSH, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E in liver tissues compared to untreated ethanol-exposed rats. In addition, ethanol-treated rats showed increased mast cell accumulation, which was reduced by quinic acid treatment, along with elevated expressions of inflammatory and apoptotic markers, including Bax, Caspase-9, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Nuclear factor kappa B, and interleukin-6, and a decreased expression of Bcl2 in the liver. Quinic acid supplementation in ethanol-fed rats reversed these ethanol-induced changes. Immunohistochemical studies further supported these findings. Conclusion: Quinic acid, with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, may offer a therapeutic option for protecting against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity

Exploring Natural Analgesics for Chronic Pain Management: Cannabinoids and Other Phytoconstituents.

Chronic pain lasting more than three months or persisting after normal healing is a significant global health issue. In a healthcare system, it is crucial to ensure proper chronic pain management. Traditional pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management techniques may not fully meet the requirements of physicians regarding effectiveness and safety. Therefore, researchers are exploring natural analgesics. Plant-based phytoconstituents show promise in relieving chronic pain associated with various diseases. This study aims to review the latest advances in discovering natural bioactive compounds that can help alleviate chronic pain. It discusses the pathways of chronic pain and a multifactorial treatment strategy. It also organizes data on using plant- derived substances, such as cannabinoids, terpenoids, phenolics, and crude extracts. Additionally, it delves into the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids, including their route of administration and elimination. The review presents the results of 22 clinical trials on various cannabinoids for pain relief. It is important to note that opioids and other alkaloids from plants are not covered in this article due to their primary use in controlling acute rather than chronic pain.

Sophaline B inhibits non-small cell lung cancer by activating NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis and PI3K/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy

Sophaline B (SPB), extracted from the seeds of Sophora alopecuroides L., is a natural bioactive compound that effectively exerts antiviral activities against the hepatitis B virus. This is the first study to demonstrate that SPB exerts anti-tumor effects on NSCLC by inducing pyroptosis and autophagy. SPB promotes NSCLC cell death by increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production to induce pyroptosis via activating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signalling pathway. Meanwhile, SPB inhibits cancer cell proliferation by activating autophagy via blocking the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Further investigation indicates that SPB inhibits NSCLC cell migration and invasion by increasing E-cadherin while decreasing N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail at the protein level. In addition, our results show that SPB inhibits cancer cell colony formation and human umbilical vein endothelial cell angiogenesis. Our study revealed the mechanisms of SPB triggering pyroptosis and autophagy in NSCLC, thus providing evidence and information on the SPB as an anti-cancer agent in NSCLC.

Bioactive Phenolics of Hyoscyamus muticus L. Subsp. Falezlez: A Molecular and Biochemical Approach to Antioxidant and Urease Inhibitory Activities.

This study examines the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and urease inhibitory effects of Hyoscyamus muticus L. subsp. falezlez (Coss.) Maire. Using LC-ESI-MS/MS, 19 distinct phenolic compounds were identified, with chlorogenic acid being the most abundant. The ethanol extract demonstrated notable antioxidant activity, highlighting its potential for therapeutic use. Urease inhibition assays revealed a remarkable 91.35% inhibition by the H. muticus extract, with an IC50 value of 5.6 ± 1.20 μg/mL, indicating its promising role in addressing conditions linked to urease activity. Molecular docking studies further investigated the interaction between H. muticus phenolic compounds and urease, identifying hyperoside as a leading candidate, with a binding energy of -7.9 kcal/mol. Other compounds, such as rutin, luteolin, apigenin, kaempferol, hesperetin, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid, also demonstrated significant binding affinities, suggesting their potential to disrupt urease function. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of H. muticus as a source of natural bioactive compounds, offering promising avenues for the development of novel treatments for urease-related disorders and oxidative stress.

Development of Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Rhein to Improve Biopharmaceutical Performance: Physiochemical Characterization, and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation.

Rhein, a natural bioactive lipophilic compound with numerous pharmacological activities, faces limitations in clinical application due to poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. Thus, this study aimed to develop a rhein-loaded self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (RL-SNEDDS) to improve solubility and bioavailability. The RL-SNEDDS was prepared by aqueous titration method with eucalyptus oil (oil phase), tween 80 (surfactant), and PEG 400 (co-surfactant) and optimization was performed by 32 factorial design. The optimized formulation was characterized for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, powdered X-ray diffraction, and Field emission scanning electron microscopy. Further, the oral bioavailability study and brain tissue pharmacokinetics study were performed on Sprague-Dawley rats. The optimized RL-SNEDDS had an average droplet size of 129.3 ±1.57 nm, zeta potential of -24.6 mV ±0.34, % transmittance of 94.82 ± 0.61, and encapsulation efficiency of 98.86 ± 0.23. Furthermore, RL-SNEDDS was transformed into solid RL-SNEDDS (RS-SNEDDS) to increase stability. In vitro release of rhein from RS-SNEDDS showed prolonged release up to 24h with 99.03± 1.04% drug release. Differential scanning calorimetry and powdered X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the reduction in drug crystallinity and supported the results of the dissolution study. Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the smooth and spherical nanosized globule of SNEDDS. Moreover, the in vivo pharmacokinetic study showed a significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) value of Cmax and AUC0-t of RS-SNEDDS (8 ± 0.930 μg/mL and 37.79 ± 2.01μg/mL*hr) compared to free rhein suspension (1.96 ± 0.712 μg/mL and 7.32 ± 0.946 μg/mL*hr) which indicated the enhancement of bioavailability of RS-SNEDDS. We also examined the Cmax and AUC0-t of RS-SNEDDS in the brain and it was found to be 2.90 ± 0.171 μg/mL and 18.18 ± 1.68 μg/mL*hr respectively. This study concludes that the RS-SNEDDS improves brain tissue concentration and oral bioavailability, both of which increase therapeutic potential.

Visible-light-induced aerobically oxidative cyclization of nitroarenes with triethylamine using an organophotocatalyst

Isoxazolidines are structurally important scaffolds in many natural products and bioactive compounds. Herein, we report a novel synthetic method for isoxazolidine derivatives through visible-light-induced photoredox cascade cyclization of nitroarenes with...

Cold plasma: A nonthermal pretreatment, extraction, and solvent activation technique for obtaining bioactive compounds from agro-food industrial biomass.

The present review provides a comprehensive overview of cold plasma treatment and its applications in solvent activation and bioactive component extraction. The study has summarized the principles, types, uses, and mechanisms of cold plasma treatment in activating various solvents, extracting biomolecules, and affecting the characteristics of the extracted compound. This review also explores the environmental benefits of implementing this sustainable technology, highlighting the influence of key parameters such as gas type, treatment time, voltage, and plasma flow rate on the extraction process, providing insights into optimizing these conditions for maximum efficiency. In addition, future trends and research needs for advancing cold plasma-assisted extraction have also been proposed. All biomolecules exhibit specific characteristics; still, the influence of cold plasma treatment varies depending on treatment parameters and product properties, including the source material utilized in the extraction process. Most research has shown that cold plasma treatment can cause cell disruption due to reactive species generation and enhances solvent penetration; thereby, it helps in improving extraction yield with negligible effects on characteristics. With the growing demand for natural bioactive compounds in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food sectors, cold plasma offers a promising alternative to conventional thermal and chemical extraction techniques. This review concisely discusses the benefits and challenges of cold plasma treatment and the need for additional research.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antibacterial Activity, and GC-MS Characterization of Methanolic Extract of Azadirachta indica from Nuwakot, Nepal

Azadirachta indica, known as Neem, is renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties. The present work was carried out to examine the bio-efficacy of the leaves of Azadirachta indica by examining phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis, and antibacterial properties. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites like alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and phenolic compounds. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 30 compounds, among which 3- Oxatricyclo[20.8.0.0(7,16)triaconta-1(22),7(16),9,13,23,29-hexene, Phytol, 9,12,15-Octadecatrien- 1-ol, (Z, Z, Z), 3E,5E,7E-6-methyl-8-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)-3,5,7-octatrien-2-one, n- Hexadecanoic acid, dl-alpha,-Tocopherol, and Hexanedioic acid were found as major compounds. The antibacterial activity of the Azadirachta indica was evaluated against the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis and the Gram-negative bacterium Enterobacter aerogenes using the filter disc diffusion technique on the Muller Hilton Agar plate (MHA). A significant zone of inhibition of 7 mm and 11 mm was observed, indicating the extract’s efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These findings underscore the potential of Azadirachta indica from Nuwakot district Nepal, as a source of natural bioactive compounds.

Formulation of Face Serum Combining Pedada Leaf Extract (Sonneratia caseolaris L.) and Kencur Rhizome Extract (Kaempferia galanga L.) As an Antioxidant Cosmetic Preparation

Plants containing natural bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity have the potential to be utilized and formulated into cosmetic products. Pedada (Sonneratia caseolaris L.) leaves, a type of mangrove plant and aromatic ginger (Kaempferia galanga L.) rhizomes are two plants known for their high antioxidant activity. This study aimed to formulate facial serum using a combination of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizome extracts and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the formulations. The extraction of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizomes was performed using the maceration method with 96% ethanol. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH method. The facial serum was formulated with combinations of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizomes in ratios of 1:1 (F1), 2:1 (F2), and 3:1 (F3). The serum formulations were evaluated for organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, stability, and irritation potential. The results indicated that the IC50 values of pedada leaves and aromatic ginger rhizome extracts were 10.78 ppm and 634.41 ppm, respectively. The best combination was a 3:1 ratio, which yielded an IC50 value of 15.74 ppm. The most effective serum formulation was F2, with an IC50 value of 394.98 ppm. The pH values of serums F0, F2, and F3 were 6.23, 5.72, and 5.43, respectively, and the stability test at 5°C, 28°C, and 40°C for three months showed pH values ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. The viscosity values of serums F0, F2, and F3 were 655, 1810, and 2776 cps, respectively. Acute dermal irritation tests on rabbits indicated that serum formulations F2 and F3 showed no adverse responses

Comprehensive phytochemical exploration of red, sweet and sour tamarind genotypes through GC-MS analysis

Tamarind fruit pulp is a significant spice and flavouring agent used in various cuisines worldwide. Tamarind pulp has potential therapeutic value due to the presence of numerous bioactive components and widely utilized in preparation of different Ayurvedic medicines for treating the different illness. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents in the fruit pulp of different phenotypic variants of red, sweet and sour Tamarind clones. The Tamarind fruits were collected from the Tamarind germplasm bank at the ICFRE-Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding and subjected to phytochemical and GC-MS analysis. The Tamarind clones IFGTBTI-4, IFGTBRT-4 and IFGTBST-5 were subjected to GC-MS analysis. The methanol extract of fruit pulp was analysed by GCMS for identify the bioactive component present in the different phenotypic variants of Tamarind. The GCMS analysis revealed 22 components in sour Tamarind, 18 components in red Tamarind and 22 components in sweet Tamarind. The most important bioactive compounds present in all the Tamarind types are myo-inositol, 4-Cmethyl-, L-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate, and 2-furancarboxaldehyde, 5-(hydroxymethyl) and also the components such as ?-calacorene, gammasitosterol and levoglucosenon. Therapeutic potential, including antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and anticancer properties. The findings contribute to the pharmacological validation of Tamarind extracts and to supporting their utility in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. This study highlights Tamarind's role as a source of natural bioactive compounds with significant health benefits, emphasizing its potential in the development of new therapeutic agents and supplements based on sustainable, bio-based chemicals.

Design, Synthesis, and Fungicidal Activity of α-Methylene-γ-Butyrolactone Derivatives Bearing a Diphenyl Ether Moiety.

The γ-butyrolactone scaffold, commonly present in natural products and bioactive compounds, has played a crucial role in the development of novel pesticides. In this study, a series of α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone derivatives containing a diphenyl ether moiety were designed and synthesized using the scaffold splicing strategy. Bioassays revealed that several target compounds demonstrated potent fungicidal activities, particularly against Phytophthora capsici and Valsa mali. Notably, compound B7 (EC50 = 0.809 mg/L) exhibited the highest antioomycete activity against P. capsici, outperforming famoxadone (EC50 = 41.0 mg/L) but being less effective than dimethomorph (EC50 = 0.180 mg/L). Meanwhile, compound C22 (EC50 = 1.47 mg/L) showed the strongest antifungal activity against V. mali, which was higher than those of famoxadone (EC50 = 1.80 mg/L) and dimethomorph (EC50 = 13.6 mg/L). In vivo experiments confirmed that compound B7 has satisfactory protective and curative effects against P. capsici, which were better than those of famoxadone. Additionally, compound B7 was found to inhibit sporangia formation, zoospore release, and cystospore germination of P. capsici at 10 mg/L. Physiological and biochemical studies indicated that compound B7 can induce changes in the mycelial morphology of P. capsici, increase cell membrane permeability, and modulate respiratory metabolism. Furthermore, both in vitro enzymatic inhibition assays and molecular docking analysis suggested that the primary mechanism of action of compound B7 may involve binding to complex III on the respiratory chain. This work provides valuable insights for the development of α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone derivatives incorporating a diphenyl ether moiety as novel agricultural fungicidal agents.

Recent Updates on Alzheimer's Disease: Pathogenesis, Pathophysiology, Molecular Approaches and Natural Bioactive Compounds Used in Contemporary Time to Alleviate Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterised by gradual memory loss and neurodegeneration, is an important risk to global health. Despite the recent advances in the field of neuroscience, the complex biological mechanisms underlying the aetiology and pathology of AD have not been elucidated yet. The development of amyloid-beta plaques, hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation have been identified as important components. The genesis of AD has been illuminated by advances in molecular techniques, which have shown the contributions of environmental, genetic, and epigenetic variables. Ongoing research is focused on the potential of bioactive compounds as therapeutic agents. Quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, huperzine A, ginsenosides, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, zinc, bacosides from brahmi, and withanolide A from ashwagandha are among the compounds that have demonstrated encouraging effects in modifying disease pathways. These bioactive substances demonstrate their potential for symptomatic relief by providing neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing properties. The present review presents the recent findings on AD pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and the impact of natural compounds, offering a comprehensive perspective on current and emerging strategies for managing this debilitating condition.

Identification and Bioactivity Analysis of a Novel Bacillus Species, B. maqinnsis sp. nov. Bos-x6-28, Isolated from Feces of the Yak (Bos grunniens).

Background: The identification of novel bacterial species from the intestines of yaks residing on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is pivotal in advancing our understanding of host-microbiome interactions and represents a promising avenue for microbial drug discovery. Methods: In this study, we conducted a polyphasic taxonomic analysis and bioactive assays on a Bacillus strain, designated Bos-x6-28, isolated from yak feces. Results: The findings revealed that strain Bos-x6-28 shares a high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.91%) with B. xiamenensis HYC-10T and B. zhangzhouensis DW5-4T, suggesting close phylogenetic affinity. Physiological and biochemical characterizations demonstrated that Bos-x6-28 could utilize nine carbon sources, including D-galactose, inositol, and fructose, alongside nine nitrogen sources, such as threonine, alanine, and proline. Analysis of biochemical markers indicated that Bos-x6-28's cell wall hydrolysates contained mannose, glucose, and meso-2,6-diaminopimelic acid, while menaquinone-7 (MK-7), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and phosphatidylglycerol (DPG) were found in the cell membrane. The primary cellular fatty acids included C16:0 (28.00%), cyclo-C17:0 (19.97%), C14:0 (8.75%), cyclo-C19:0 (8.52%), iso-C15:0 (5.49%), anteiso-C15:0 (4.61%), and C12:0 (3.15%). Whole-genome sequencing identified a genome size of 3.33 Mbp with 3353 coding genes. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) analyses confirmed Bos-x6-28 as a novel species, hereby named B. maqinnsis Bos-x6-28 (MCCC 1K09379). Further genomic analysis unveiled biosynthetic gene clusters encoding bioactive natural compounds, including β-lactones, sactipeptides, fengycin, and lichenysin analogs. Additionally, in vitro assays demonstrated that this strain exhibits antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. Conclusions: These findings collectively indicate the novel Bacillus species B. maqinnsis Bos-x6-28 as a promising source for novel antibiotic and antitumor agents.

Bioactive zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoconjugates as synergistic drug delivery agents for cancer nanotherapeutics.

The increasing effective, detectable, and targeted anticancer systems are driven by the growing cancer incidence and the side effects of current drugs. Natural products like saponin and apigenin have emerged as valuable compounds for precise treatment. Recent advancements in bioactive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have introduced multifunctional particles suitable for cellular imaging, targeted drug delivery, and early cancer treatment. In this study, bioactive ZIF-67 and ZIF-8 materials were synthesized, incorporating zinc nitrate and natural bioactive compounds such as saponin and apigenin to sensitize and deliver the material to damaged cancer tissue. The characterization of these bioactive nanostructures involved FT-IR, TEM, EDX, FESEM, and BET analysis. The study quantified the loading and release of natural products within the ZIF structure. Cytotoxicity assessments of drug-loaded MOFs were conducted on human oral cavity carcinoma cell lines OSCC, Hep-G2, Raji, MCF-7, and PDL under in vitro conditions. Flow cytometry analysis identified the combination of bioactive ZIF-67 and saponins as the most effective in inducing apoptosis. Finally, a novel synthesis of bioactive MOF compounds was developed with dual applications: drug delivery and cancer imaging, featuring a unique attribute that minimizes side effects on normal cells.