Natural Extracts Research Articles

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted anthocyanin extraction from agricultural waste purple corn silk for multifunctional hemp finishes

The utilization of agricultural wastes for textile dyeing has gained popularity due to their safe and environmentally friendly properties, as well as the resource sustainability. Natural dye extraction is usually achieved through solvent extraction, which is time-consuming, requires a lot of solvent, and degrades desired compounds at high temperatures. Thus, this study investigated ultrasound-assisted anthocyanin extraction from agricultural waste purple corn silk as natural functional colorants for hemp finishes, given the numerous health benefits associated with anthocyanin. In order to optimize the extraction processes and evaluate the synergistic impact of these conditions, response surface methodology was implemented. The optimum conditions were 1:15 material-liquid ratio, 47% ethanol concentration, 60°C, and 20 min, yielding 240.25 mg·L‒1 anthocyanin. The extracted anthocyanin was used for dyeing hemp fabrics and demonstrated satisfactory colorfastness, antibacterial action on both S.aureus and E.coli, with E.coli being more effective, and strong antioxidant (>80%). The dyed fabrics also exhibited their great UV shield (UPF value > 40+). Anthocyanin derived from purple corn silk could therefore be utilized as a natural functional color for medical and health products. Also, purple corn silk contains more anthocyanin than other natural sources, making it a promising natural anthocyanin resource in textile industry.

Electronic Health Record Data Quality and Performance Assessments: Scoping Review.

Electronic health records (EHRs) have an enormous potential to advance medical research and practice through easily accessible and interpretable EHR-derived databases. Attainability of this potential is limited by issues with data quality (DQ) and performance assessment. This review aims to streamline the current best practices on EHR DQ and performance assessments as a replicable standard for researchers in the field. PubMed was systematically searched for original research articles assessing EHR DQ and performance from inception until May 7, 2023. Our search yielded 26 original research articles. Most articles had 1 or more significant limitations, including incomplete or inconsistent reporting (n=6, 30%), poor replicability (n=5, 25%), and limited generalizability of results (n=5, 25%). Completeness (n=21, 81%), conformance (n=18, 69%), and plausibility (n=16, 62%) were the most cited indicators of DQ, while correctness or accuracy (n=14, 54%) was most cited for data performance, with context-specific supplementation by recency (n=7, 27%), fairness (n=6, 23%), stability (n=4, 15%), and shareability (n=2, 8%) assessments. Artificial intelligence-based techniques, including natural language data extraction, data imputation, and fairness algorithms, were demonstrated to play a rising role in improving both dataset quality and performance. This review highlights the need for incentivizing DQ and performance assessments and their standardization. The results suggest the usefulness of artificial intelligence-based techniques for enhancing DQ and performance to unlock the full potential of EHRs to improve medical research and practice.

Skin-like dual-network gelatin/chitosan/emodin organohydrogel sensors mediated by Hofmeister effect and Schiff base reaction

Conductive gels have been extensively explored in the field of wearable electronics due to their excellent flexibility and deformability. Traditional gels constructed from synthetic networks pose risks to biosecurity due to residual monomers like acrylamide, while pure biological hydrogels are plagued by inadequate mechanical performance. This study explores an innovative strategy, employing a dual-network (DN) system with purely biological components, as a superior alternative to conventional synthetic networks. By integrating gelatin and chitosan, two natural polymers with inherent biocompatibility and advantageous biomedical properties, this approach successfully avoids the toxic risk of synthetic polymers. By utilizing emodin, a natural extract from Rheum officinale, as a cross-linking agent for chitosan by Schiff base reactions, and Hofmeister effect of gelatin induced by sodium carbonate, the DN gelatin/chitosan/emodin organohydrogels achieve ultrahigh tensile strength (up to 9.45 MPa), tunable moduli (ranging from 0.07 to 3.42 MPa), excellent toughness (~9.64 MJ/m3), and high ionic conductivity (7.63 mS/cm). Remarkably, these conductive organohydrogels also exhibit high sensitivity (gauge factor up to 1.5) and ultrahigh linearity (R2 up to 0.9995), making them promising candidates for soft human-motion sensors capable of accurately detecting and monitoring human movements in real time with high sensitivity and durability.

A metal–organic frameworks-imprinted emulsion interface with dynamic size- and site-selective recognition for significantly enhanced flavoniods extraction

The boronic acid suspended Cr based MIL-100 (MIL-100-B) sorbents have been widely used to separation of cis-diol containing molecules. However, it’s still challenging in fabrication of high performance metal organic frameworks (MOFs) due to its irregular size and low content of functional groups. For improving identification efficiency, the emulsion microreactor were firstly designed to purify MIL-100-B prior to their use. Herein, a highly ordered MOFs-imprinted polymer microsphere was synthesized by O/W Pickering emulsion template, which can highly selective separation of MIL-100-B via the synergistic effect of boronic acid sites and imprinted cavities. The obtained purified H-MIL-100-B exhibited the uniform size and abundant boronic acid groups (B elements ratio up to 27.37 %). The emulsion imprinted microsphere (EIMs) showed the good selectivity towards MIL-100-B. Additionally, the obtained MOF-imprinted microsphere exhibited green, convenient, sustainable separation process towards the purification and recycle of MIL-100-B. The purified MOFs (H-MIL-100-B) were used to specific bind with cis-diol flavoniods naringin (NRG). Satisfactorily, H-MIL-100-B show high adsorption amount (43.69μmol/g at 308 K), fast capture kinetics (160 min), high selectivity and excellent regenerability (up to seven cycles). Remarkably, the purified NRG solutions displayed lasting antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with inhibition zone of 13.47 mm. More importantly, the H-MIL-100-B could effectively promote the specific recognition ability of NRG by reducing matrix interference and improving purification efficiency (93.93 %) from complex natural extracts. A high score (0.75) was predicted via analytical GREEnness (AGREE) approaches, demonstrating environmentally friendly and greenness of separation process. The MOFs-imprinted emulsion microspheres possessed dynamic recognition properties towards target MOFs, thus opening new direction for the development of convenient and efficient microreactor for the purification of other functional MOFs.

A Systematic Patent Review (2008-2023) for Treatment in Pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the woman's body undergoes anatomical and physiological changes, making this period susceptible to maternal-fetal diseases and complications. The consequences of not treating pregnant women include premature birth, low birth weight fetuses, and postnatal behavior disorders. Developing new therapies can accelerate the discovery of safe and effective drugs, contributing to designing novel natural and synthetic products to treat complications the pregnancy. This study aimed to carry out a patent review to identify and explore trends in innovation and therapeutic strategies for treating pregnant women. The Espacenet and WIPO databases were used, with the inclusion criteria being the keywords "pregnancy and drug" and code A61k, from 2008 to 2023, and as exclusion were the access to the patent and focus on human pregnant women. After the final screening, 32 patents were selected, with strategies for the treatment of diseases in pregnant women. Of these, 20 patents are on preclinical studies on animals and 12 on pregnant women. It was observed that universities lead the ranking of applications (17/32), and China has the highest number of patents (18/32). Most findings contain herbal medicines and/or the association of natural extracts with synthetic drugs. From this perspective, new drug administration systems were also developed, which can be a promising source for obtaining new medicines for the treatment of pregnant women; however, research is still limited and shows a gap in stimulating the rapid development of safe drugs that improve the health of pregnant women.

Photon Sensitizer by Amalgamation of SrTiO3 and Dyes from Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius with Different pH Values for the Extensive Sustainability of the Dye Sensitized Solar Cell

By using the co-sensitization process, which involves combining dyes with perovskite materials, improvements in panchromatic light-harvesting and photovoltaic performance are reported for DSSC. This study aims to explore the effect of natural extract of Chaya tree spinach mixed with undoped SrTiO3 perovskite. Dyes were extracted from the leaves of Chaya tree spinach (Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius) leaves. An undoped SrTiO3 is synthesized via solid state method and mixed with TiO2 and dyes of Chaya spinach in order to fabricate solar cells. The prepared samples were characterized by structural properties by XRD and also optical properties by UV (DRS) for SrTiO3, UV-Vis and FTIR studies for the extracted dyes. The effect of the natural dye’s extracts containing chlorophyll a from Chaya tree spinach along with SrTiO3 was investigated for the performance of J-V characterization in which the cell made with SrTiO3 + natural dyes of pH maintained at 10 had shown better efficiency of about 1.691% in light with 3.4939 mA/cm2 of Jsc and 0.6023 Voc.

Comparing the Effects of Duo-Functional Triple-Layer Films Enriched with Different Sources of Curcumin on the Shelf-Life of Fish

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of two types of active triple-layer films containing curcumin on the shelf-life of salmon fillets. One film (Film A) contained pure curcumin dissolved in lemongrass essential oil, while the other (Film B) incorporated curcumin from Curcuma longa extract dissolved in citral. The impact of these active films on the preservation of salmon fillets quality and safety was studied by analyzing factors such as color parameters, sensory evaluation, lipid oxidation, and biogenic amines. Despite good active properties measured in vitro, both films harmed the sensory quality and color of salmon. However, the incorporation of active ingredients in biopolymer films has shown the potential to inhibit biogenic amine formation. The findings pave the way for future research to explore the synergistic effects of combining various natural extracts with active packaging films.

Fluorescent Microscopy Investigation of Cytotoxic Impact on MCF-7 Cell Line Treated With Zinc Nanoparticles Synthesized From Jania rubens.

Zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) are a viable option in a number of disciplines, including cancer treatment, due to their special features. Among the several techniques for synthesizing ZnNP, biosynthesis with natural extracts is a highly effective and environmentally benign method, especially for uses in biomedicine. Using an aqueous extract of the marine red seaweed Jania rubens, we created a unique biosynthetic technique in this study to manufacture ZnNPs. The produced ZnNPs have a characteristic flower-like form, as seen by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effective production of ZnNPs and the involvement of biomolecules in the synthesis process were validated by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Using the MTT assay, the cytotoxic effects of the biosynthesized ZnNPs were evaluated, indicating their ability to inhibit MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Furthermore, ZnNPs' cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells was validated by live/dead imaging experiments, which supported the MTT results.

Natural Inhibitors of the Polyphenol Oxidase Activity Isolated from Shredded Stored Iceberg Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is the key enzyme responsible for enzymatic browning. To extend the shelf life of shredded lettuce, knowledge about biochemical PPO properties is required. The characterization of the enzyme from shredded, cold-stored lettuce was performed using pyrocatechol and the endogenous substrate (ES) (lettuce phenolics). The optimum pH and temperature for PPO activity were 5 and 50 °C, respectively. Natural infusions used as the PPO inhibitors (IC50) were ranked as follows: lovage (0.09%), marjoram (0.13%), orange peel (0.14%), oregano (0.15%), basil (0.22%), lemon peel (0.24%), parsley leaves (0.58%), and wheat bran (1.06%). Among well-recognized PPO inhibitors, kojic acid (0.00043%), ascorbic acid (0.00053%), and L-cysteine (0.00085%) were the most effective. Among the metal ions, MgCl2, FeCl2, and CaCl2 at 0.5 mM inhibited the PPO activity most effectively (by 28%, 27%, and 21%, respectively). The substrate used (pyrocatechol/ES) significantly influenced the enzyme inhibition. Using pyrocatechol, the lovage extract acted in a mixed mode (Kmi = 27.8 mM, Vmaxi = 2.03 mU), while the ES acted according to the non-competitive mode (Kmi= 0.57 mg GAE/mL, Vmax = 0.0046 U). The study confirms that natural extracts are more effective than L-cysteine when the ES is used. A pre-storage treatment with an infusion may be potentially used to improve the quality of shredded lettuce.

Multifunctional and novelty green composite film containing sodium alginate, chitosan, rice husk and curcumin

Foodborne diseases are a global public health issue, with their causes often originating from lapses in food production or transportation leading to food contamination. Therefore, food packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the safety and quality of food. In pursuit of sustainable development, this study aims to utilize agricultural waste-derived functional mesoporous silica nanoparticles in combination with biodegradable molecules to create food packaging films. Through recycling and the use of environmentally friendly green films, the goal is to achieve sustainability and the objectives of green chemistry. The study anticipates the production of biodegradable films and the testing of their antibacterial capabilities, antioxidant properties, biocompatibility, and film stress coefficients. This research will provide robust support for advancing green packaging technology to address the challenges of global food safety and environmental sustainability.The experiment is divided into two parts. The first part involves the synthesis of multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles with antibacterial properties derived from rice husk (Rice husk mesoporous silica nanoparticles, rMSN) as nano-fillers. These nanoparticles are surface modified with a biodegradable polymer, chitosan (Chi), that interacts with the material. Natural extract curcumin (Cur), known for its antioxidant capabilities, is loaded into the pores, and the material's inherent antibacterial properties are utilized. The second part involves blending the material with the natural polymer sodium alginate (SA) to form a film (rMSN-Chi@Cur/Alg film). The film's thickness, stress strength, antibacterial, and antioxidant capabilities are tested to ensure the material possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

Synthesis of zinc oxide semiconductor nanoparticles using natural extract: a systematic evaluation of cationic dye photodegradation influenced by extract concentration, catalyst dose, and pH.

This work obtained zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using organic components extracted from Waltheria americana at different concentrations. ZnO materials were subsequently applied in the photodegradation of two cationic dyes, Rhodamine B (RB) and methylene blue (MB), at different doses of catalyst and pH. The crystallinity and hexagonal Wurtzite structure of ZnO were established through XRD analysis. The Zn-O bond in the ZnO NPs was confirmed in the FTIR, with the characteristic signals observed in the fingerprint region at ~ 400cm-1. SEM and TEM revealed the formation of quasi-spherical particles with an average size ranging from 2 to 12nm, depending on extract concentrations during synthesis. UV-Vis studies indicated the optical bandgap of ZnO, with values below 3eV, also dependent on extract concentration. PL analysis revealed the recombination of free excitons and defects in ZnO. Photocatalytic studies of ZnO materials demonstrated excellent degradation efficiency of RB and MB dyes, which was influenced by the extract concentration of NPs, while the degradation of MB was enhanced with a 1:1 dye-to-catalyst ratio under acidic conditions. In contrast, due to RB more complex structure, an increased ratio of 1:1 to 1:3 and acidic pH conditions improved its degradation. Green-synthesized ZnO NPs using photocatalysis techniques exhibit significant potential as eco-friendly alternatives for removing contaminants from water.

Updated Review of Metal Nanoparticles Fabricated by Green Chemistry Using Natural Extracts: Biosynthesis, Mechanisms, and Applications

Metallic nanoparticles have found wide applications due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Green biosynthesis using plants, microbes, and plant/microbial extracts provides an environmentally friendly approach for nanoparticle synthesis. This review discusses the mechanisms and factors governing the biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles such as silver, gold, and zinc using various plant extracts and microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae. The phytochemicals and biomolecules responsible for reducing metal ions and stabilizing nanoparticles are discussed. Key process parameters like pH, temperature, and precursor concentration affecting particle size are highlighted. Characterization techniques for confirming the formation and properties of nanoparticles are also mentioned. Applications of biosynthesized nanoparticles in areas such as antibacterial delivery, cancer therapy, biosensors, and environmental remediation are reviewed. Challenges in scaling up production and regulating nanoparticle properties are addressed. Power Point 365 was used for creating graphics. Overall, green biosynthesis is an emerging field with opportunities for developing eco-friendly nanomanufacturing platforms using abundant natural resources. Further work on optimizing conditions, standardizing protocols, and exploring new biosources is needed to realize the full potential of this approach.

SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES FOR ODONATA MANAGEMENT IN FISH FARMING: REVIEW AND IMPLICATIONS

This study conducted a systematic review of the literature on predation of Odonata larvae in fish farming, using databases such as Google Scholar and SciELO. The results showed that predation can reduce the survival of fry by up to 30%, impacting the productivity of ponds. Alternative control methods, such as natural extracts and entomopathogenic fungi, were analyzed, which proved to be effective without the negative effects of agrochemicals, as well as the use of prey, such as Chironomidae. The research highlighted the importance of sustainable management strategies and the preservation of Odonata diversity, which are essential for the health of aquatic ecosystems. In addition, the use of water quality monitoring technologies was considered essential to optimize larval management.

Nanomedicine Innovations for Diabetes Management: Revolutionizing Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring

Diabetes mellitus, a widespread metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels, affects many people globally. The limitations of conventional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches necessitate exploring innovative strategies. Nanotechnology shows remarkable potential for revolutionizing the field of diabetes theranostics (combined diagnosis and treatment) by enabling accurate diagnosis and precise treatment delivery. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in nanomaterials for diagnosing and treating diabetes. It explores the applications of various nanomaterials, including inorganic and organic nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and nanostructured biosensors, in biomarker detection, glucose monitoring, insulin delivery, and addressing diabetes-related complications. The study focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of nanomaterials for diabetes, covering both traditional and environmentally friendly synthesis methods. This study looks into how nanomaterials can be used to carry natural antidiabetic extracts, recombinant insulin, and other antidiabetic drugs, to make them more bioavailable, targetable, and effective. However, the review also talks about the problems that come with using nanosensors to diagnose diabetes. It also looks at the newest developments in nanosensors for biomarker detection, implantable devices, and continuous glucose monitoring. Additionally, the review examines the potential of nanomaterials in the management of diabetic sequelae, including diabetic nephropathy, cardiovascular disorders, retinopathy, and wound healing. We underscore the significance of nanomaterials in islet transplantation, as they provide immunological protection and enhance the viability and efficacy of islets. This study provides useful insights into the prospects and challenges connected with the rapidly growing field of nanotechnology in diabetic theranostics through a comprehensive examination of the current landscape. Academics, clinicians, and stakeholders engaged in developing innovative nanomaterial-based approaches to accurately diagnose and effectively manage diabetes will find this resource highly helpful.

Diet and Disease Development: Mechanisms, Prevention, and Treatment

The overall aims of this Special Issue “Diet and Disease Development: Mechanisms, Prevention and Treatment” are to describe and emphasise the importance of diet in disease development; understand the mechanism(s) whereby an unhealthy diet can induce various diseases; examine the potential effects of natural compounds or extracts on disease prevention or treatment; and determine whether nutrients and their metabolites can be used as biomarkers to diagnose certain diseases [...]

Heterologous expressing melittin in a probiotic yeast to evaluate its function for promoting NSC-34 regeneration

Melittin is a bioactive peptide and the predominant component in bee venom (BV), studied for its many medical properties, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, nerve damage reduction, and muscle cell regeneration. Melittin is primarily obtained through natural extraction and chemical synthesis; however, both methods have limitations and cannot be used for mass production. This study established a heterologous melittin expression system in the probiotic yeast Kluyveromyces marxianus. This yeast was selected for its advantages in stress tolerance and high secreted protein yields, simplifying purification. A > 95% high-purity melittin (MET) and its precursor promelittin (ProMET) were successfully produced and purified at 1.68 μg/mL and 3.33 μg/mL concentrations and verified through HPLC and mass spectrum. The functional test of the NSC-34 cell regeneration revealed that MET achieved the best activity compared to ProMET and the natural-extracted BV groups. Growth-related gene expressions were evaluated, including microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), and acetylcholine esterase (AChE). The results indicated that treating MET increased MAP2, GAP-43, and VAChT expressions, in which cholinergic signaling is related to neurological functions. A heterologously expressed melittin in a probiotic yeast and its potential for promoting NSC-34 regeneration described here facilitate commercial and therapeutic use.Key points• MET and its precursor ProMET were successfully hetero-expressed in K. marxianus• > 95% high-purity MET and ProMET were purified at 1.68 μg/mL and 3.33 μg/mL• MET has no cytotoxicity toward NSC-34 and significantly promotes NSC-34 growth

Beneficial clinical effects of honey from bees fed with specific plant extracts

Abstract Background Our team has demonstrated in a number of pre-clinical studies that special bees fed with syrups containing natural plant extracts contain a number of active substances that have beneficial effects on the human body. We have previously reported that bees fed with green walnut have beneficial effects on sugar metabolism, lowering serum glucose levels and reducing insulin resistance. Methods We conducted a prospective double-blind functional food study with 45 healthy volunteers using a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria with ethical approval. Participants ate 30 gramms of honey layered under 150 ml of yoghurt twice a day for 3 weeks. Fifteen participants consumed honey from bees fed with green walnut extract, while 15 participants consumed honey from bees fed with sea buckthorn extract, and 15 participants in the control group consumed acacia honey. Sleep quality was assessed with the SQS questionnaire, and quality of life with the SF-36, EORTC Q-C30 and EQ-5D tests on days 0 and 22 of the study. Results Consumption of both specific honey resulted improvements in the life quality parameters and in the sleep quality. ‘Buckthorn honey’ showed significant differences after the 3rd week: physical function improved (25.3±0.5 vs 27.4±2.8; p = 0.04), anxiety-depression decreased (1.4±3.6 vs 1±0.3; p = 0.03), complex physical status (84.1±9.7 vs 88.7±6.9; p = 0. 04), while ‘green walnut honey’ improved EQ-5D complex quality of life (84.1±9.7 vs 88.9±6.9; p = 0.01), overall quality of life functioning (90.6±14.9 vs 99.2±4.2; p = 0.03), EORTC Q-C30 total score (467.1±30.6 vs 487.4±21.4; p = 0.03).No such positive effects were confirmed in the control group. Conclusions Honey from bees fed with sea buckthorn extract has many beneficial physiological effects on the human body, improving physical well-being and reducing anxiety and depression. Honey from bees fed with green walnut extract improves the complex quality of life. Key messages • Improving the quality of life with nutrition is an increasingly important research field, playing a key role in our life. • Our research has shown that honey from bees fed with green walnut and sea buckthorn extract improves several parameters in the quality of life.

Beneficial effect of honey from algae extract-fed bees on quality of life

Abstract Background Our team has been researching and developing special honeys from bees fed with syrups containing natural plant extracts for decades. Several pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that honey from bees fed with Chlorella algae extract contains a number of algal active ingredients with beneficial effects on the human body. Methods We conducted a prospective double-blind functional food study with 30 healthy volunteers with ethical approval. Based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 gramms of honey has been eaten twice a day for 3 weeks under 150 ml of yoghurt. 15 people were fed honey from bees with special algae extract, while 15 concerned - as a control group - consumed acacia honey. Before and after the study, sleep quality was assessed by the SQS questionnaire, and quality of life by the SF-36, EORTC Q-C30 and EQ-5D tests. Results The specific algae extract contained honey improved the people’s sleep quality, their EQRTC parameters, their appetite, their digestion, and it also significantly reduced pain (p = 0.01), boosted the patients cognitive function, and reduced both constipation and diarrhoea. Significant differences in SF-36 parameters: pain decreased (12.9±1.6vs 6.6±1.1; p = 0.01), physical function (21.2±6.3vs 27.1±3.6; p = 0.01) and energy (11.2±2.7vs 13.9±1.4; p = 0.01) improved. No such changes occurred in control group. Conclusions Honey from bees fed with algae extract has a number of beneficial physiological effects on the human body, improving many parameters of quality of life. Key messages • The consumption of honey from bees fed with algae extract improves sleep, reduces pain, and has a positive effect on digestive and gastrointestinal symptoms. • Within public health, quality of life is an increasingly important issue and improving it with functional foods is an important area of research.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial and anticancer properties of Myrrh resin extract and its application in cacao beverages

Due to the potential health risks of synthetic food preservatives, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in finding natural food preservatives during the past few decades. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of a natural extract of Myrrh resin as an antimicrobial agent. The antioxidant properties of Myrrh resin extract (MRE) were analyzed using HPLC and GC–MS. The results showed that MRE contained potent antioxidant compounds, including 19 compounds, with the dominant compound being kaempferol, which had the highest value of 1896 µg/g. Quercetin was found to be the second most abundant compound, with a value of 520 µg/g.The efficacy of MRE as an antimicrobial agent against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was tested, and its application in Cacao beverages was also studied. The results demonstrated that MRE was highly effective against all the tested bacteria both in vitro and in the total bacterial count of the produced cacao beverage. Additionally, the fungi in the cacao beverage were completely inhibited at all tested concentrations of MRE. The total soluble solids (TSS), pH value, and acidity of the produced untreated, treated cacao beverage with MRE and sodium benzoate were carried out, and all values mentioned were almost the same, with no differences noted. The sensory evaluation of Cacao beverage showed that the MRE had a minor impact on taste, odor, color, and texture of the produced cacao beverage in comparison with the control sample, which was very acceptable for judgments and recorded 95, 88, and 94 for the control and treated samples, respectively. Furthermore, the anti-cancer properties of MRE were evaluated, revealing significant cytotoxic effects against colon cancer (HCT) and liver cancer (HEPG2) cell lines. The IC50 values for HCT and HEPG2 cells were 55.69 µg/ml and 70.78 µg/ml, respectively, indicating the potential of MRE as an anti-cancer agent.

Association Between the Gut Microbiota and Alzheimer's Disease: An Update on Signaling Pathways and Translational Therapeutics.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a cognitive disease with high morbidity and mortality. In AD patients, the diversity of the gut microbiota is altered, which influences pathology through the gut-brain axis. Probiotic therapy alleviates pathological and psychological consequences by restoring the diversity of the gut microbial flora. This study addresses the role of altered gut microbiota in the progression of neuroinflammation, which is a major hallmark of AD. This process begins with the activation of glial cells, leading to the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the modulation of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways. Short-chain fatty acids, which are bacterial metabolites, provide neuroprotective effects and maintain blood‒brain barrier integrity. Furthermore, the gut microbiota stimulates oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, which promote AD progression. The signaling pathways involved in gut dysbiosis-mediated neuroinflammation-mediated promotion of AD include cGAS-STING, C/EBPβ/AEP, RAGE, TLR4 Myd88, and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Preclinical studies have shown that natural extracts such as Ganmaidazao extract, isoorentin, camelia oil, Sparassis crispa-1, and xanthocerasides improve gut health and can delay the worsening of AD. Clinical studies using probiotics such as Bifidobacterium spp., yeast beta-glucan, and drugs such as sodium oligomannate and rifaximine have shown improvements in gut health, resulting in the amelioration of AD symptoms. This study incorporates the most current research on the pathophysiology of AD involving the gut microbiota and highlights the knowledge gaps that need to be filled to develop potent therapeutics against AD.