Natural Agents Research Articles

Protective and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Novel Formulation Based on High and Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid and Salvia haenkei

Salvia haenkei (SH-Haenkenium®), a native plant of Bolivia, is known as strong inhibitor of senescence and recently exploited in wound healing and for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Hyaluronan at high and low molecular weight (HCC), explored in diverse cell models, and recently used in clinical practice, showed beneficial effects in dermo aesthetic and regenerative injective treatments. In this research work a novel formulation based on HCC coupled SH was tested for its potentiality in counteracting dermal injury. In vitro wound healing has been used to demonstrate HCC + SH capacity to improve keratinocytes migration respects the sole HCC, supported also by positive modulation of remodeling and integrity biomarkers. In addition, an in vitro dehydration test showed its ability to defend the skin from dryness. Moreover, an in vitro inflammation model (with lipopolysaccharides derived from E. coli) was used to assess molecular fingerprint of the pathological model and compare the cell response after treatments. Inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., KRT6, TLR-4 and NF-κB) and specific cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-22, IL-23) proved the effect of HCC + SH, in reducing inflammatory mediators. A more complex model, 3D-FT skin, was used to better resemble an in vivo condition, and confirmed the efficacy of novel formulations to counteract inflammation. All results trigger the interest in the novel formulation based on SH extract and hyaluronan complexes for its potential efficacy as natural anti-inflammatory agent for damaged skin, for its healing and regenerative properties.

Molecular characterization, chemical profile and biological properties of essential oils from Chamaemelum nobile (L.) flowers of Morocco: in vitro and in silico studies

IntroductionThis study investigated the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties of Chamaemelum nobile (L.) essential oil (CN-EO), harvested in Taounate, Morocco. The molecular composition and chemical profile of CN-EO were also characterized.MethodsThe CN-EO was extracted using a Clevenger apparatus. Its chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay, while antimicrobial properties were assessed via the disk diffusion method to measure inhibition zones against various bacterial and fungal strains. Insecticidal activity was tested through bioassays to determine insect mortality and repellency rates. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences was conducted to confirm the species identity.ResultsGC-MS analysis identified 24 compounds in CN-EO, with β-Oplopenone (18.66%), Spathulenol (14.90%), and Himachalene (12.47%) as major constituents. CN-EO exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50 = 135.8 ± 1.03 μg/mL). Antimicrobial assays revealed inhibition zones of up to 20.67 ± 0.58 mm (Staphylococcus aureus) and antifungal inhibition of 40.42% ± 2.82% against Aspergillus flavus. Insecticidal tests showed total insect mortality at 166 µL/L within 48 h and a 60% repellent effect. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequence revealed a 99.22% similarity with Chamaemelum nobile (L.).ConclusionThese results demonstrate the significant potential of Moroccan CN-EO in phytomedicine. It exhibits a wide range of biological activities and shows great promise as a natural antioxidant, antimicrobial agent, antifungal, and insecticide.

Unravelling the potential of natural chelating agents in the control of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.

Iron is essential for the formation, maturation and dispersal of bacterial biofilms, playing a crucial role in the physiological and metabolic functions of bacteria as well as in the regulation of virulence. Limited availability of iron can impair the formation of robust biofilms by altering cellular motility, hydrophobicity and protein composition of the bacterial surface. In this study, the antibiofilm activity of two natural iron chelating agents, kojic acid (5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4H-pyran-4-one) and maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone), were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, the ability of these 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivatives in preventing and eradicating S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms through the enhancement of the efficacy of two antibiotics (tobramycin and ciprofloxacin) was explored. The iron binding capacity of the kojic acid and maltol was confirmed by their affinity for iron (III) which was found to be about 90 %, comparable to the regular chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, 89 %). The antibiofilm efficacy of 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivatives, alone and in combination with antibiotics, was evaluated by measuring the total biomass, metabolic activity, and culturability of biofilm cells. Furthermore, their impact on the membrane integrity of S. aureus biofilm cells was investigated using flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy with propidium iodide staining. It was also examined the ability of 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivatives and 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivate-antibiotic dual-combinations in inhibiting the production of virulence factors (total proteases, lipases, gelatinases and siderophores) by S. aureus. Regarding biofilm formation, the results showed that 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivatives alone reduced the metabolic activity of S. aureus biofilm cells by over 40 %. When combined with tobramycin, a 2-log (CFU cm-2) reduction in S. aureus biofilm cells was observed. Moreover, the combination of maltol and kojic acid with ciprofloxacin prevented P. aeruginosa biomass production by 60 %, compared to 36 % with ciprofloxacin alone. In pre-established S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms, selected compounds reduced the metabolic activity by over 75 %, and a 3-log (CFU cm-2) reduction in the culturability of biofilm cells was noted when kojic acid and maltol were combined with antibiotics. Moreover, 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivatives alone and in combination with tobramycin, damaged the cell membranes of pre-established biofilms and completely inhibited total proteases production. Despite the increasing of reactive oxygen species production caused by the cellular treatment of maltol, both 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivatives showed good safe profile when tested in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. The pre-treatment of HepG2 cells with both compounds was crucial to prevent the cellular damage caused by iron (III). This study demonstrates for the first time that the selected 2-hydroxy-4-pyrone derivatives significantly enhance the antibiofilm activity of tested antibiotics against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, highlighting their potential as antibiotic adjuvants in preventing and eradicating biofilm-related infections.

Purification and structural characterization of a neutral polysaccharide from Boletus auripes using self-made quaternary chitosan cryogel.

The purification of polysaccharides is an essential preliminary step in determining their chemical structure, although it presents significant challenges. In this research, a macro-porous monolith of quaternary chitosan cryogel was synthesized for the purification of a neutral polysaccharide from Boletus auripes. A homogeneous neutral polysaccharide (BAP-1a1) with a weight-average molecular weight of 4.13×105Da and a polydispersity index of 1.28 was successfully isolated. The structure of BAP-1a1 was elucidated through a comprehensive characterization utilizing size exclusion chromatography (SEC) combined with laser light scattering (LLS), infrared spectroscopy, monosaccharide composition analysis, methylation analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results revealed that the BAP-1a1 was characterized as a glucan with a backbone structure consisting of 1,4-α-D-Glcp and 1,3-β-D-Glcp glycosidic linkages in a molar ratio of 2:1. Additionally, a minority of branched chains of 1-α-D-Glcp are attached to 1,3-β-D-Glcp residues at the C6 position. In vitro antioxidant activity assays demonstrated that BAP-1a1 exhibits a dose-dependent scavenging effect on ABTS and DPPH radicals with EC50 values of 0.58 and 1.04mg/mL, respectively. These findings indicated that Boletus auripes possesses the potential to be utilized as a natural agent in antioxidant functional foods.

Non-targeted metabonomics reveals the effect of linalyl alcohol on Brochothrix thermophile and its potential application.

Brochothrix thermophcta (B. thermophcta) is a pathogenic microorganism associated with food contamination. Linalyl alcohol, owing to its broad spectrum and exceptional antibacterial properties, is regarded as a potent natural antimicrobial agent. This is to elucidate the cellular-level mechanism of linalyl alcohol on B. thermophacta and investigate, for the first time, its regulatory effect on the metabolic pathway of B. thermophacta through metabonomics analysis. The results demonstrated that treatment with linalyl alcohol led to a reduction in bacterial metabolic capacity, while simultaneously promoting an increase in membrane fluidity through damage to the bacterial cell membrane. A total of 201 differential metabolites were identified at the metabolic level, with 50 showing significant up-regulation and 151 displaying significant down-regulation. The differential metabolites primarily participate in the tRNA cycle, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, with a particular emphasis on the significant impairment of amino acid metabolism. The application results demonstrated that linalyl alcohol exhibited a significant antibacterial effect on B. thermosphacta, as evidenced by the negligible changes observed in the color, smell, and tissue state of pork even after 8days of treatment. In summary, linalyl alcohol exhibits multi-target and multi-pathway inhibition against B. thermosphacta, leading to disruption of cell morphology and metabolic processes. These findings provide a novel theoretical foundation for understanding the inhibitory mechanism of linalyl alcohol on B. thermosphacta, highlighting its potential as an effective alternative to food additives in the preservation industry of livestock products.

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG): Pharmacological Properties, Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potential

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the predominant catechin in green tea, comprises approximately 50% of its total polyphenol content and has garnered widespread recognition for its significant therapeutic potential. As the principal bioactive component of Camellia sinensis, EGCG is celebrated for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and antitumor properties. The bioavailability and metabolism of EGCG within the gut microbiota underscore its systemic effects, as it is absorbed in the intestine, metabolized into bioactive compounds, and transported to target organs. This compound has been shown to influence key physiological pathways, particularly those related to lipid metabolism and inflammation, offering protective effects against a variety of diseases. EGCG’s ability to modulate cell signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and immune regulation highlights its multifaceted role in health promotion. Emerging evidence underscores EGCG’s therapeutic potential in preventing and managing a range of chronic conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes. Given the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases and the increasing interest in natural compounds, EGCG presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on EGCG, emphasizing its critical role as a versatile natural bioactive agent with diverse clinical applications. Further exploration in both experimental and clinical settings is essential to fully unlock its therapeutic potential.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of the Endemic Thymbra nabateorum Occurring in AlUla County, South-West Saudi Arabia

Thymbra nabateorum, a plant species from the Lamiaceae family, is endemic to the Nabatian region, which spans southern Jordan and northwestern Saudi Arabia. It is renowned for its traditional uses and rich phytochemical profile. This study aims to examine the phytochemical composition of T. nabateorum and evaluate its biological activities, including antioxidant capacity, cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines, and enzyme inhibition relevant to diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. The essential oil (EO) and methanol extract of T. nabateorum were analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Cytotoxicity was evaluated against MDA-MB231 and LNCaP cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Enzyme inhibition assays were conducted to determine the inhibitory effects on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and butyrylcholinesterase. GC-MS analysis revealed thymol (82.30%) as the major component of the essential oil, while HPLC identified significant phenolic compounds in the methanol extract, including diosmin (118.75 mg/g) and hesperidin (22.18 mg/g). The DPPH assay demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with the methanol extract showing an IC50 of 11.97 μg/mL for α-amylase and 31.99 μg/mL for α-glucosidase, indicating notable antidiabetic potential. Cytotoxicity tests revealed significant antiproliferative effects against both cancer cell lines, with lower IC50 values compared to standard treatments. T. nabateorum exhibits substantial antioxidant, cytotoxic, and enzyme inhibition activities, supporting its traditional medicinal uses. These findings provide a scientific basis for further research into its bioactive compounds and potential applications in modern pharmacology, particularly in developing natural therapeutic agents for oxidative stress-related diseases and cancer.

Interactions of Black Carrot Concentrate Powder as a Natural Coloring Agent With Gelatine and Sucrose in Model Gummy Samples

Interactions of Black Carrot Concentrate Powder as a Natural Coloring Agent With Gelatine and Sucrose in Model Gummy Samples

The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Nursing Practice: An Integrative Review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly used in delivering mental healthcare worldwide. Within this context, the traditional role of mental health nurses has been changed and challenged by AI-powered cutting-edge technologies emerging in clinical practice. The aim of this integrative review is to identify and synthesise the evidence of AI-based applications with relevance for, and potential to enhance, mental health nursing practice. Five electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus) were systematically searched. Seventy-eight studies were identified, critically appraised and synthesised following a comprehensive integrative approach. We found that AI applications with potential use in mental health nursing vary widely from machine learning algorithms to natural language processing, digital phenotyping, computer vision and conversational agents for assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health challenges. Five overarching themes were identified: assessment, identification, prediction, optimisation and perception reflecting the multiple levels of embedding AI-driven technologies in mental health nursing practice, and how patients and staff perceive the use of AI in clinical settings. We concluded that AI-driven technologies hold great potential for enhancing mental health nursing practice. However, humanistic approaches to mental healthcare may pose some challenges to effectively incorporating AI into mental health nursing. Meaningful conversations between mental health nurses, service users and AI developers should take place to shaping the co-creation of AI technologies to enhance care in a way that promotes person-centredness, empowerment and active participation.

Mitigative and neuroprotective effects of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil on serotonin syndrome-induced neurotoxicity in male albino rats

The term serotonin syndrome (SS) is a potentially life-threatening devastating condition triggered by the excessive accumulation of serotonin, often due to an overdose or the concurrent use of multiple serotonergic drugs. Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), a known plant from the Lamiaceae family, is very rich in essential oils, minerals, and tannins. This study aimed to elucidate the detrimental effects of SS on the brain and to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of L. angustifolia essential oil. Male rats were randomly divided into the following groups: control (Group 1); L. angustifolia-treated (Group 2); ondansetron-treated high-dose (Group 3); sertraline-treated high-dose (Group 4); low-dose ondansetron + sertraline-treated (Group 5); high-dose ondansetron + sertraline-treated (Group 6); low-dose ondansetron + sertraline + L. angustifolia-treated (Group 7); and high-dose ondansetron + sertraline + L. angustifolia-treated (Group 8). Neurotransmitter levels, dopamine metabolites, and expressed cytokines were quantified. Additionally, histological assessment of the hippocampus was performed. The results revealed significant disruptions in neurotransmitter and amino acid levels within the hippocampus across the treated groups. Notably, the high-dose ondansetron + sertraline group presented pronounced increases in serotonin, 5-HIAA, and proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in neurotoxicity and pronounced alterations in the hippocampus. Conversely, treatment with L. angustifolia significantly attenuated these neurotoxic effects. The findings suggest that L. angustifolia confers neuroprotection against the deleterious effects of SS, particularly by counteracting the neurotoxic impact of combined serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and serotonin reuptake inhibitors within the hippocampus. These findings highlight the potential of L. angustifolia as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating SS-induced neurotoxicity.

Bangia fusco-purpurea polysaccharide with ultra-high pressure assisted extraction alleviates dyslipidemia in high-fat diet induced mice.

Bangia fusco-purpurea polysaccharide (UBFP) with ultra-high pressure assisted extraction has good in vitro hypolipidemic activity. To be explored as a natural hypolipidemic agent, the alleviation effect of UBFP on in vivo dyslipidemia in high-fat diet (HFD) induced mice was further investigated. Compared with native polysaccharide (BFP), UBFP was better to reduce weight gain, fat accumulation, serum and hepatic lipid abnormalities for HFD induced mice. This might be caused by the factor that UBFP was more effective to improve the diversity and structure of gut microbiota especially with SCFAs-producing bacteria (e.g., Allprevotella and Akkermansia) increased. Moreover, UBFP could up-regulate tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, leptin and N-arachidonic acid glutamate levels, and exhibited significant differential enrichment in the pathways of lysine biosynthesis, arginine biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism. In addition, UBFP could regulate energy metabolism and enhance fatty acid oxidation by inhibiting PPARγ protein expression and activating AMPK and ACC signaling pathways. Overall, with ultra-high pressure assisted extraction, UBFP possessed better function of regulating lipid homeostasis, which resulted from the altered structure of polysaccharides, improved intestinal flora and metabolites. The findings can lay the theoretical foundation for the design and development of desirable polysaccharides on regulating lipid homeostasis through ultra-high pressure modification.

Antimicrobial efficacy of alternative root canal disinfection strategies: An evaluation on multiple working models.

Researching disinfection strategies is pivotal because effectively eliminating bacteria and their byproducts during root canal treatment (RCT) remains a challenge. This study investigated the antimicrobial efficacy of natural antimicrobial compounds, propolis (PRO) and copaiba oil-resin (COR), compared to conventional agents in Endodontics. Antimicrobials were tested against endodontic pathogens via macrodilution with standardized inoculums to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Biofilm killing efficacy were performed using two dual-species biofilms: Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 20523) and Streptococcus oralis (J22) and Actinomyces naeslundii (T14V-J1) grown on dentine discs. At the intratubular level (dentine cylinders), dentine tubule contamination was performed with E. faecalis and S. mutans. The specimens were exposed to antimicrobials to simulate their use at different sets of RCT and bacterial viability was quantified using Live/Dead staining via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Biofilm characteristics and immediate removal of S. oralis and A. naeslundii biofilm model were evaluated employing optical coherence tomography (OCT) and CFU/mL counting. Statistical tests were applied according to data distribution for each analysis (α=0.05). Macrodilutions showed different effects against endodontic pathogens. Direct contact and intratubular analysis showed that PRO and COR promoted disinfection like conventional agents (p > 0.05). According to OCT analysis, PRO and COR showed similar biofilm reduction after immediate contact (p < 0.05). CFU/mL counting showed decontamination (p < 0.05) after using natural and conventional agents. PRO and COR showed antimicrobial effects, indicating their suitability as complementary approaches in RCT to eliminate as much microbial load as possible.

Deciphering TGF-β1's role in drug resistance and leveraging plant bioactives for cancer therapy.

The intricate regulatory mechanisms governing TGF-β1 expression play pivotal roles in tumor progression. Key proteins such as FKBP1A, SMAD6, and SMAD7 trigger this process, modulating cell growth inhibition via p15INK4b and p21CIP1 induction. Despite TGF-β's tumor-suppressive functions, cancer cells adeptly evade its effects, fueling disease advancement. Tumor microenvironmental TGF-β1 prompts epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), facilitated by transcription factors like slug, twist-1, and snail. Notably, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) amplify this effect by secreting TGF-β1, fostering drug resistance. Of particular concern is the resistance observed with BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi), highlighting the clinical significance of TGF-β signaling in cancer therapeutics. However, emerging interest in natural anti-cancer agents, with their distinct pharmacological actions on signaling proteins offers promising avenues for therapeutic intervention. This review emphasizes the multifaceted interplay between TGF-β signaling, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and therapeutic resistance mechanisms, illuminating potential targets for combating cancer progression by plant-derived-natural-bioactive compounds. However, this review additionally explores the currently available advanced methods for detecting various types of cancer. Not only that, but it also discussed the function of plant-derived compounds in clinical aspects, as well as its limitations.

Effect of Adding Different Active Substances on Inhibition Zone Diameter and Microstructural Properties of Composite Bioplastics

This study identifies the phytochemical compounds in ethanolic extracts of Syzygium myrtifolium leaves, applies it to developing composite bioplastics as a natural antibacterial agent, and compares it with composite bioplastics prepared with sodium benzoate, particularly regarding inhibition zone diameter and microstructure. The results showed that the phytochemicals were identified in the ethanolic extract of Syzygium myrtifolium leaves, like flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, terpenoids, and saponins. LC-MS confirming bioactive in it as auraptenol, calopiptin, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide, and quercetin-3-O-L-arabinopyranoside. Moreover, in vitro tests showed that composite bioplastics with the ethanolic extracts of Syzygium myrtifolium had inhibition zone diameter against E. coli, similar to those with sodium benzoate added. Additionally, the microstructure of the composite bioplastics with the ethanolic extracts of Syzygium myrtifolium was rougher, irregular, and more porous than those of another. It indicated that the ethanolic extract of Syzygium myrtifolium leaf could be used as a natural antibacterial agent to replace the chemical agent.

Natural compounds as modulators of miRNAs: a new frontier in bladder cancer treatment.

Bladder cancer (BC) is a major global health issue with a high recurrence rate and limited effective treatments. Over the past few years, it has become evident that miRNAs play a role in the carcinogenesis process, particularly in regulating genes that promote cancer cell proliferation and invasion. This review focuses on the extent to which natural products can act as potential miRNA modulators for the management of bladder cancer. Polyphenols, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals are natural compounds found to have inherent potential to modulate miRNAs and reform the oncogenic properties of bladder cancer cells regulating cell growth and death. In integration with the current cancer treatment regimes, such natural agents may safely substitute for the traditional chemical chemotherapeutic agents of the conventional approaches. To this end, this review presents the existing knowledge of natural compounds as regulators of miRNA, their mechanisms for the management of BC, the role of their nanoparticles, and future novel therapies. The use of these compounds is not only a therapeutic practice for the conditions of bladder cancer, but it also upholds new avenues for creativity.

The synergistic effects of citicoline and silymarin on liver injury and thyroid hormone disturbances in γ-irradiated rats.

Exposure to ionizing radiation is inevitable due to its extensive use in industrial and medical applications. The search for effective and safe natural therapeutic agents as alternatives to chemical drugs is crucial to mitigate their side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of citicoline as a standalone treatment or in combination with the anti-hepatotoxic drug silymarin in protecting against liver injury caused by γ-radiation in rats. The rats were exposed to γ-radiation (7Gy) and treated with citicoline (300mg/kg/day) and/or silymarin (50mg/kg/day). The results showed that citicoline alleviated liver damage in irradiated rats by reducing hepatic malondialdehyde levels, serum aspartate aminotransferase activity, and inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). It also increased acetylcholine (ACh) levels and the gene expression of the anti-inflammatory protein α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). Additionally, citicoline improved serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels, thyroid hormone receptor beta (TRβ) gene expression, and iodothyronine deiodinase type 1 activity in hepatic tissues of irradiated rats. Furthermore, citicoline enhanced the effects of silymarin on thyroxine (T4), TRβ, ACh, and α7nAChR when co-administered in irradiated rats. Histopathological analysis confirmed these findings, demonstrating improved liver tissue structure. Citicoline mitigates γ-radiation-induced liver damage by reducing oxidative stress, activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, and modulating thyroid hormone metabolism. These findings support the use of citicoline as a safe standalone treatment or as an adjuvant with silymarin for managing liver damage and thyroid hormone disturbances caused by γ-irradiation.

The Potential of Cyperus rotundus L. As a Natural Hair Removal Agent: A Review of Traditional and Modern Applications

ABSTRACTIntroductionHair removal is a fundamental aspect of daily life, with various hair removal methods evolving throughout hair removal history to meet cultural, aesthetic, and spiritual needs. Traditional hair removal practices have long sought effective hair removal products that not only remove hair but also promote skin health. Cyperus rotundus L. (Cr L.), known as nut grass or purple nut sedge, has long been used in traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating various ailments, including skin conditions and depilation.AimTo understand the role of Cr L. in decreasing hair growth.ResultsCr L. contains essential oils (EOs) and phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which contribute to its hair‐removal properties. These compounds target hair follicles, dissolve keratin, and inhibit hair regrowth by modulating biological pathways. γ‐curcumene, a key component, has been shown to suppress hair growth. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Cyperus rotundus EO (CREO) in reducing hair growth, with minimal side effects. CREO has been found as effective as Alexandrite laser treatments in some cases, particularly in reducing white hair. This positions Cr L. as a promising natural alternative to chemical depilatories, which often cause skin irritation.ConclusionCr L. shows significant potential as a natural hair removal agent. With its strong safety profile and growing consumer demand for natural, sustainable beauty products, Cr L. could serve as a viable alternative to synthetic depilatories, pending further clinical validation.

Sustainable utilization of bovine adipose tissue derivatives as robust antimicrobial agents against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

BackgroundThe excessive use of antibiotics is a major contributor to the global issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a significant threat to human and animal health. Hence, assessing new strategies for managing Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) microorganisms is vital. In this study, the use of mechanically isolated mature adipose cells (MIMACs) and their lysate (Adipolysate) as a new sustainable antimicrobial agent was assessed against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).ConclusionsThe minimum volume of MIMACs achieved complete bacterial inhibition (Minimum Lethal volume) was 75 µl and 100 µl for bacterial concentration of 1010 and 1012 cfu/ml, respectively. Direct bacterial membrane attachment and intracellular capture was visualized under light and electron microscopy. Adipolysate was characterized via GC–MS, the fatty acid profile demonstrated several components with known antimicrobial properties. The tested Adipolysate revealed inhibition zone of diameter 25.33 ± 0.88 mm against the tested S. aureus strain, compared with the inhibition zone of Vancomycin (24.0 ± 0.00 mm) and Erythromycin (30.0 ± 0.00). The study revealed the potential effects of MIMACs and Adipolysate as sustainable, natural, and robust antimicrobial agents. However, these preliminary results will be further investigated to understand the mechanism of action and explore possible applications in various fields.

α-Phellandrene: A Promising Natural Remedy for Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the pro-gressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor dysfunction and non-motor symptoms. Current treatments primarily offer symptomatic relief without halt-ing disease progression. This has driven the exploration of natural compounds with neuropro-tective properties. In previous studies, α-phellandrene, a monoterpene present in essential oils of various aromatic plants, has shown promise in mitigating neurodegenerative processes. This study focuses on alpha-phellandrene's therapeutic potential in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's Disease model. Rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, is commonly used to induce PD-like symptoms in experimental models due to its ability to mimic the neurodegenerative processes observed in human PD. Our review explores the neuroprotective effects of alpha-phellandrene, focusing on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Experimental groups of rodents received rotenone to induce PD-like symptoms, followed by alpha-phellandrene treatment. Biochemical analyses were performed to measure oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic signals in brain tissues. Results indi-cated that alpha-phellandrene administration significantly improved motor function and re-duced rotenone-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in dopaminergic neu-rons. Histopathological examinations revealed a notable preservation of neuronal integrity in alpha-phellandrene-treated groups compared to controls. In conclusion, alpha-phellandrene demonstrates considerable neuroprotective effects in a rotenone-induced Parkinson's dmodel. These findings suggest that alpha-phellandrene could be a promising natural therapeutic agent for PD, warranting further investigation into its mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications. Specifically, our review indicates that alpha-phellandrene may exert neuropro-tective effects by various mechanisms, such as reducing oxidative stress, modulating neuro-transmitter levels, or inhibiting neuroinflammation. These mechanisms highlight its potential to alleviate PD symptoms and slow disease progression, underscoring the need for in-depth studies to validate these therapeutic effects in clinical settings.

Free Radical-Induced Inflammatory Responses Activate PPAR-γ and TNF-α Feedback Loops, Driving HIF-α Mediated Metastasis in HCC: Insilico Approach of Natural Compounds Inhibitory Effect on Proposed Pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, arises from complex interactions between hypoxia, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation within the tumor microenvironment. Key drivers of these processes include hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of several natural compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), berberine, gingerol, andrographolide, luteolin, apigenin, sulforaphane, omega-3 fatty acids, and ginseng, using CB-Dock2 for computational docking analysis. Results reveal high-affinity interactions between these compounds and their respective targets, indicating their potential to inhibit HIF-1α stabilization, suppress TNF-α-mediated inflammation, and activate PPARγ to restore metabolic homeostasis.Curcumin and EGCG demonstrated robust inhibition of HIF-1α, reducing angiogenesis and tumor progression. Resveratrol, luteolin, and andrographolide effectively modulated TNF-α signalling, attenuating inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids and ginseng activated PPARγ, regulating lipid metabolism and immune responses. The multi-targeted actions of these natural agents disrupt angiogenesis, inflammation, and metastasis, offering a holistic approach to combating HCC. This study highlights the promise of natural compounds as complementary therapies, emphasizing their bioavailability, safety, and potential synergy with conventional treatments in addressing the complexity of HCC progression.