Parviflora Extract Research Articles

Quality Control Method (UPLC-PDA) of Ajuga parviflora Benth. and Its Antiadipogenic Effect on Differentiated Preadipocytes

IntroductionAjuga parviflora is traditionally used for fever, diabetes, and digestive problems. Currently, Ultraperformance liquid chromatography-Photodiode array (UPLC-PDA) method to determine ajugasterone C, cyasterone, and vanillic acid in A. parviflora was focused to develop and validate a method for quality control perspective. Further, the evaluation of antiadipogenic and antidiabetic potential of A. parviflora was also targeted. MethodsUPLC-PDA method was developed and validated for targeted compounds as per International Council on Harmonisation guidelines. The validated method was used to determine marker compounds in A. parviflora extracts (Ethanol: EtOH, 50% EtOH, and water; leaves and roots). Further, UPLC-ELSD was used to determine free sugars in samples. Moreover, the antiadipogenic effect of A. parviflora extracts was examined on 3T3-L1 murine preadipocytes cell line. Cells were subjected to various dosages of leaves and root extracts, and the extent of lipid accumulation was evaluated. Furthermore, cells were treated with different extracts prior to hydrogen peroxide exposure, and then the effects of A. parviflora treatments on oxidative stress, cell survival, and insulin sensitisation were assessed. ResultsThe validated UPLC-PDA method was found reproducible to determine ajugasterone C, cyasterone, and vanillic acid. These compounds were found in all the samples. Biologically, leaves and roots extract of A. parviflora drastically suppressed adipogenesis by lowering intracellular lipid accumulation in dose-dependent manner. They improved insulin sensitivity by promoting glucose uptake and protected cellular health from oxidative damage by reducing reactive oxygen species generation and reversing apoptosis. ConclusionsFindings suggested that ethanol extract of leaves exhibited potent antiadipogenic properties and UPLC-PDA will be a reproducible method to assess quality of A. parviflora and its derived products.

Optimal formulation of bitter gourd and black galingale extract: Evaluation of effects on inflammation and oxidative stress-related genes

Reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNOS) are defined as highly reactive molecules that can be generated endogenously and exogenously. The overproduction of RNOS leads to inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Natural antioxidants derived from plants are molecules that can neutralize those RNOS. In this study, to increase the antioxidant capacity in neutralizing RNOS, an in vitro evaluation of a binary combination of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) and black galingale (Kaempferia parviflora) extracts as potential natural antioxidant sources at different ratios was conducted. A combination at the ratio of 1:6 showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) (336.48 ± 0.04 mg GAE/100g DW), while the ratios 1:6 (1511.73 ± 0.20 mg QE/100g DW) and 1:8 (1398.91 ± 0.28 mg QE/100g DW) exhibited the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) compared to the bitter gourd extract and other mixed ratios. The highest scavenging capacities in the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays were detected at the ratios of 1:3 (IC50 9.1 ± 0.07 mg/mL; moderate synergism), 1:6 (IC50 1.07 ± 0.07 mg/mL; synergism), and 1:4 (IC50 2.44 ± 0.04 mg/mL; strong synergism), respectively. Based on the overall cumulative ability to scavenge free radicals with synergistic or additive antioxidant interactions and the presence of functional groups analyzed using FT-IR, the 1:6 ratio was determined as the best combination ratio to neutralize RNOS where 15 proposed beneficial bioactive compounds were detected. Additionally, in vivo studies showed that the increase of CAT mRNA expression and the suppression of NF-kB and CPT-1 mRNA expression at 250 mg/kg BW of dosage confirms that this methanolic mixed extract potentially can effectively act as both an anti-inflammation and antioxidant agent. This study demonstrates that a specific binary combination ratio of plant extracts can synergistically and additively increase their antioxidant capacity, even when utilized in small quantities.

Skin Rejuvenation Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Kaempferia parviflora Standardized Extract (BG100) in Human 3D Skin Models and Clinical Trial.

Polymethoxyflavones from Kaempferia parviflora rhizomes have been shown to effectively combat aging in skin cells and tissues by inhibiting senescence, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing skin structure and function. This study assessed the anti-aging effects and safety of standardized K. parviflora extract (BG100), enriched with polymethoxyflavones including 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, 5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone, 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone, 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone, and 3,5,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavone. We evaluated BG100's impact on skin rejuvenation and antioxidant properties using photoaged human 3D full-thickness skin models. The potential for skin irritation and sensitization was also assessed through studies on reconstructed human epidermis and clinical trials. Additionally, in vitro genotoxicity testing was performed following OECD guidelines. Results indicate that BG100 promotes collagen and hyaluronic acid production, reduces oxidative stress, and minimizes DNA damage in photoaged full-thickness 3D skin models. Furthermore, it exhibited non-irritating and non-sensitizing properties, as supported by tests on reconstructed human epidermis and clinical settings. BG100 also passed in vitro genotoxicity tests, adhering to OECD guidelines. These results underscore BG100's potential as a highly effective and safe, natural anti-aging agent, suitable for inclusion in cosmeceutical and nutraceutical products aimed at promoting skin rejuvenation.

Enhancement of cryopreserved rooster semen and fertility potential after oral administration of Thai ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract in Thai native chickens.

Semen cryopreservation is an effective method of preserving genetic material, particularly in native chicken breeds facing a substantial decline. In this study, we evaluated the quality of frozen/thawed rooster semen treated with different concentrations of oral administrations of black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora: KP) extract and determined its fertility. Thirty-two Thai native roosters (Pradu Hang Dum, 42 weeks old) were used in this study. The treatments were classified into four groups according to the concentration of KP extract administered to the roosters: 0, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight. The quality of fresh semen was analyzed before cryopreservation. Post-thaw sperm quality and fertility potential were determined. Also, lipid peroxidation was determined. The results showed that sperm concentration and movement increased in roosters treated with 200 mg/kg of KP extract (p<0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) in the roosters receiving 200 mg/kg KP extract was lower than that in the other but had an insignificant difference within the KP treatment groups (p>0.05). The highest MDA levels were observed in the control group (p<0.05). The percentage of motile sperm (total motility and progressive motility) after semen thawing was higher in roosters that received 150 and 200 mg/kg KP extract than in those that received 100 mg/kg KP extract and the control (p<0.05). MDA levels decreased significantly in roosters that received 150 and 200 mg/kg KP extract than in those that received 100 mg/kg KP extract and the control (p<0.05). Fertility and hatchability were greater in the KP150 and KP200 groups than in the KP100 and control groups (p<0.05). The optimal amount of KP extract influencing initial sperm quality was determined to be 200 mg/kg. However, 150 mg/kg was the optimal low dosage of KP extract administration that maintained sperm quality and fertility following semen cryopreservation.

Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: In silico and in vitro studies

Context: SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, governed by its receptor binding domain (RBD), is a key player in mediating viral attachment and fusion into host cells, which leads to infection and transmission of COVID-19. Searching for effective inhibitors against S RBD protein is essential to stop the virus infection. Aims: To evaluate Kaempferia parviflora’s bioactive compounds as inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 S RBD protein and its complex with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor through in silico, and to determine the ability of K. parviflora’s extract to inhibit the binding of S RBD and ACE2. Methods: Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the inhibition potentials of K. parviflora’s bioactive compounds against S RBD protein and its complex with ACE2. The inhibitory activity of K. parviflora’s extract against the binding of S RBD and ACE2 was determined using an in vitro inhibition assay. Results: K. parviflora’s compounds had inhibition potentials against S RBD protein in both closed and open states. In the open RBD, these compounds were bound to the key amino acids that were involved in the binding of RBD with ACE2, suggesting their possible roles in preventing the RBD-ACE2 association. K. parviflora’s compounds also had strong affinities towards the S RBD-ACE2 complex by interacting with the paired RBD-ACE2 amino acids, which were crucial for the S RBD-ACE2 complex’s stability. In addition, K. parviflora extract also demonstrated inhibitory activity against the binding of S RBD and ACE2. Conclusions: This study proposes K. parviflora as a promising inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 S protein for the treatment of COVID-19.

In vitro and In vivo Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Fumaria parviflora Lam. Embedded in Chitosan Nanoparticles Against Leishmania major.

Fumaria has been traditionally used to treat skin damages due to anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of the ethanolic extract of Fumaria parviflora Lam. (F. parviflora) against Leishmania major (L. major) using chitosan biopolymer drug delivery system both In vitro and In vivo models. The ethanolic extract of F. parviflora was analyzed by HPLC to determine its active ingredients content. The extract was then loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs). The parasite was treated with various concentrations of the ethanolic extract, CNPs and CNPs loaded with F. parviflora extract (CNPs@ F. parviflora). The size of lesions of treated mice were measured on a weekly basis. The parasite burden was evaluated 8 weeks after treatment. The HPLC analysis showed the presence of Fumaric acid at a high concentration. The percentage of the drug released from CNPs@ F. parviflora within 24 and 72 h were 65% and 90% respectively. The results showed that F. parviflora extract and CNPs@ F. parviflora caused 84% and 96% growth inhibition of L. major promastigotes as revealed by Neubauer chamber counting and MTT test respectively. The IC50 values of F. parviflora extract and CNPs@ F. parviflora were 450 and 68.4 µg/ml respectively. In amastigote assay, the best results showed in CNPs@ F. parviflora that only 2% of macrophages were infected with amastigotes. In vivo experiments for mice treated with F. parviflora and CNPs @ F. parviflora in comparison to control group showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the mean diameter of the lesions (2.3 and 1.72 mm and 9.91 mm respectively). The ethanolic extract of F. parviflora both as standalone and loaded in CNPs showed promising inhibitory effects against L. major both upon In vitro and In vivo experimentation as well as therapeutic effects for wound healing in infected mice.

The effect of Thai ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract orally administration on sperm production, semen preservation, and fertility in Thai native chickens under heat stress

Thai indigenous roosters are exposed to unsuitable temperatures and humidity, resulting in a lower reproductive potential. Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract containing methoxyflavones was fed to roosters to improve their reproductive performance. Thirty-two Thai native roosters were orally administered KP extract at 300, 450, and 600 mg, calculated according to their average body weight, for at least 14 d before semen collection and continued supplementation until the end of the experiment. The nonsupplemented group served as the control. Fresh semen in terms of semen volume, sperm concentration, mass movement score, and sperm viability were evaluated. Semen preservation at 5°C and fertility test were examined for total motility (MOT), progressive motility (PMOT), sperm viability, and lipid peroxidation up to 48 h of storage. Testosterone concentrations and testicular function were also determined. The results showed that the highest sperm concentration and sperm motility of fresh semen were observed in KP extract at 600 mg (P < 0.001). KP extract at 600 mg resulted in higher sperm viability than the control and KP extract at 300 mg (P < 0.05), but was not different from KP at 450 mg (P > 0.05). The highest MOT, PMOT, and viability were found in the roosters that received 600 mg oral KP extract (P < 0.05), while those of the roosters that received oral KP extract 300 mg and the control were the lowest (P < 0.05) at all storage times. Lipid peroxidation was significantly lower in the KP extract up to 24 h (P < 0.05). The fertility and hatchability of the KP extract at 600 mg at T48 showed a minor decrease compared to the control at T0. These results might be inferred as a result of good spermatogenesis, as revealed by the results of histological examination and testosterone activity. In summary, oral administration of 600 mg KP extract improved sperm production and successfully preserved rooster semen for a long duration of up to 48 h of storage.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Barley straw and Fumaria parviflora extract: Optimization of Synthesis, Evaluating of Nanoparticles Stability, Antibacterial Activities

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Barley straw and Fumaria parviflora extract: Optimization of Synthesis, Evaluating of Nanoparticles Stability, Antibacterial Activities

A Functional Drink Containing Kaempferia parviflora Extract Increases Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Flexibility in Adult Volunteers.

Owing to the reputation of Kaempferia parviflora and the crucial role of oxidative stress on the disturbance of physical fitness, the effect of a functional drink containing K. parviflora extract (KP) on the physical fitness of healthy adult volunteers was assessed. Healthy male and female volunteers (19-60 years old) were randomly divided into placebo, KP90, and KP180 groups. All the subjects in KP90 and KP180 were directed to consume a functional drink containing K. parviflora extract at doses of 90 and 180 mg per serving per 80 mL, respectively. Parameters of physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition, together with changes in lactate, creatinine kinase, and oxidative stress markers were assessed before the intervention, and at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. The oxidative stress markers, creatine kinase, and lactate were also measured. Subjects who consumed the developed drink had increased VO2 max and improved performance in a timed shuttle run test and 5 min distance run, and exhibited decreased oxidative stress and lactate; therefore, K. parviflora extract can be successfully used for developing a KP drink to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and physical performance by improving oxidative stress and lactate.

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract enhances circadian rhythm and promotes lipolysis in mice fed a high-fat diet

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract enhances circadian rhythm and promotes lipolysis in mice fed a high-fat diet

Cytotoxic Activity, Anti-Migration and In Silico Study of Black Ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) Extract against Breast Cancer Cell.

Metastatic breast cancer remains the leading cause of death in women worldwide. This condition necessitates extensive research to find an effective treatment, one of which is the natural medicine approach. Kaempferia parviflora (KP) is a plant believed to possess anticancer properties. Therefore, this study aims to determine KP's bioactive compound, cytotoxic, and anti-migration activity in the highly metastatic breast cancer cell line model 4T1, also in the breast cancer cell model MCF-7 and noncancerous cell line NIH-3T3. Maceration with ethanol (EEKP) and infusion with distilled water (EWKP) was used for extraction. The MTT assay was used to test for cytotoxicity, and the scratch wound healing assay was used to test for the inhibition of migration. Phytochemical profiling of EEKP was performed using UHPLC-MS, and the results were studied for in silico molecular docking. Result showed that EEKP had a better cytotoxic activity than EWKP with an IC50 value of 128.33 µg/mL (24 h) and 115.09 µg/mL (48 h) on 4T1 cell line, and 138.43 µg/mL (24 h) and 124.81 µg/mL (48 h) on MCF-7 cell line. Meanwhile, no cytotoxic activity was observed at concentrations ranging from 3-250 µg/mL in NIH-3T3. EEKP also showed anti-migration activity in a concentration of 65 µg/mL. Mass Spectrophotometer (MS) structures from EEKP are 5-Hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavanone (HDMF), 5-Hydro-7,8,2'-trimethoxyflavanone (HTMF), Retusine, and Denbinobin. The in silico docking was investigated for receptors Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, ERK2, and FAK, as well as their activities. In silico result indicates that HTMF and denbinobin are bioactive compounds responsible for EEKP's cytotoxic and anti-migration activity. These two compounds and standardized plant extract can be further studied as potential breast cancer treatment candidates.

Kaempferia parviflora Extracts Protect Neural Stem Cells from Amyloid Peptide-Mediated Inflammation in Co-Culture Model with Microglia.

The existence of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress surrounding amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), has been demonstrated and may result in the activation of neuronal death and inhibition of neurogenesis. Therefore, dysregulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress is one possible therapeutic target for AD. Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker (KP), a member of the Zingiberaceae family, possesses health-promoting benefits including anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation in vitro and in vivo with a high level of safety; however, the role of KP in suppressing Aβ-mediated neuroinflammation and neuronal differentiation has not yet been investigated. The neuroprotective effects of KP extract against Aβ42 have been examined in both monoculture and co-culture systems of mouse neuroectodermal (NE-4C) stem cells and BV-2 microglia cells. Our results showed that fractions of KP extract containing 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, 5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone, and 3,5,7,3',4'-pentamethoxyflavone protected neural stem cells (both undifferentiated and differentiated) and microglia activation from Aβ42-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in both monoculture and co-culture system of microglia and neuronal stem cells. Interestingly, KP extracts also prevented Aβ42-suppressed neurogenesis, possibly due to the contained methoxyflavone derivatives. Our data indicated the promising role of KP in treating AD through the suppression of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress induced by Aβ peptides.

Preliminary study of colorimetric detection for potential medicinal compounds of Kaempferia parviflorausing phytochemical determination

Medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. They have been utilized to prevent and cure numerous diseases, the treatment of which is established in conventional knowledge practices. K. parviflora is a perennial plant with numerous medicinal properties. This study seeks to conduct a preliminary investigation of traditional medical treatment using K. parviflora, which has been employed for treating hypertension and promoting longevity through overall good health. In its results, this study shows that K. parviflora contains potential medicinal compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and terpenoids. The preliminary colorimetric detection of the K. parviflora extracts provides high confidence in the positive assessment of traditional medical practice. The present investigation suggests that using colorimetric detection for initial screening is acceptable. However, it is strongly recommended that chromatography be used in chemical concentration analysis for further study.

Fabrication, Optimization, and Characterization of Antibacterial Electrospun Shellac Fibers Loaded with Kaempferia parviflora Extract.

This study aimed to develop a Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract based on electrospun shellac fibers capable of transporting methoxyflavones. This study used a Box-Behnken design to determine the optimal production parameters that influence the fiber diameter and bead-to-fiber ratio responses. The optimization step produced fibers with a small diameter (574 nm) and a lower bead-to-fiber ratio (0.48 beads per fiber) by combining 37.25% w/w shellac and 1.50% w/w KP extract with a solution feed rate of 0.8 mL/h and an electrical voltage of 18 kV. The KP extract was found to be dispersed throughout the electrospun shellac fibers during the characterization study. The results were highly correlated with the theoretical values, indicating that the regression models used to predict the response variables were adequate. A study of in vitro dissolution confirmed that KP extract-loaded electrospun shellac fibers could produce a sustained-release profile within 10 h. Additionally, KP-infused shellac fibers demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. This KP loading method combined with shellac properties provided a new delivery system and could be used to explore novel biomedical materials.

Phenols, antioxidant and anticancer properties of Tagetes minuta, Euphorbia granulata and Galinsoga parviflora: in vitro and in silico evaluation

This work aimed at assessing the phenolic content, antioxidant and cytotoxicity capacities of methanol extracts obtained from Tagetes minuta, Euphorbia granulata and Galinsoga parviflora medicinal plants. Standard spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods were used for chemical analysis. Established antioxidant and cytotoxicity assays were adopted for biological activity assessment. In silico screening for the individual phenolic acids was performed using molecular docking techniques. E. granulata showed a significantly high level of polyphenols. Highest level of flavonoid and tannin contents were detected in Galinsoga parviflora. Ten phenolic acids were identified and quantified via GC–MS in all extracts, and p-Hydroxybenzoic was the most dominant acid (70 µg/g) in T. minuta while gallic was the predominant acid (73 µg/g) in E. granulata. Extracts showed higher reactive oxygen and nitrogen species scavenging activities and exhibited lower hydrogen peroxide inhibition values. The strongest cytotoxic activity was exhibited by T. minuta extract on A2780 cell line. The cytotoxic activity of G. parviflora extract was highly significant against all cancer cells. Extract of E. granulata showed best activity towards MCF7 and A2780 cell lines and was less active against HT29 cell line. In silico data revealed that caffeic acid had the lowest value of binding energy and high ligand efficiency ratios against the selected target receptors, comparable to the standards. Methanol extracts of the targeted plants showed promising antioxidant and anticancer activities which could be attributed to presence of different phenolic phytochemicals. Further work is required for determining the active compounds and their mode of action.

Synergistic Effects of Some Methoxyflavones Extracted from Rhizome of Kaempferia parviflora Combined with Gentamicin against Carbapenem-Resistant Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii.

The present study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of ethanolic Kaempferia parviflora extracts and the combined effects of the plant's specific compounds with gentamicin against clinical strains of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of gentamicin and Kaempferia parviflora extracts against the tested bacterial strains were determined by using broth microdilution. The combined effects of Kaempferia parviflora extract and gentamicin were investigated by using a checkerboard assay and expressed as a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). Crude ethanolic extract of Kaempferia parviflora showed the lowest median values of MIC towards the tested isolates (n = 10) of these tested bacteria at doses of 64 µg/mL, compared to those of other Kaempferia extracts. Among the isolated compounds, only three compounds, namely 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone, 3,5,7,3'4'-pentamethoxyflavone, and 5,7,4'-trimethoxyflavone, were identified by NMR structural analysis. According to their FICIs, the synergistic effects of gentamicin combined with 3,5,7,3'4'-pentamethoxyflavone were approximately 90%, 90%, and 80% of tested carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), and Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), respectively. The present study concluded that 3,5,7,3'4'-pentamethoxyflavone extracted from Kaempferia parviflora potentiated the antibacterial action of gentamicin to combat bacterial resistance against the tested bacteria.

Black Ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) Extract Enhances Endurance Capacity by Improving Energy Metabolism and Substrate Utilization in Mice.

Black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract (KPE), extracted from KP, a member of the ginger family that grows in Thailand, has a good promotion effect on cellular energy metabolism and therefore has been used to enhance exercise performance and treatment of obesity in previous studies. However, the effect of single-dose administration of KPE on endurance capacity has not been thoroughly studied, and whether the positive effect of KPE on cellular energy metabolism can have a positive effect on exercise capacity in a single dose is unknown. In the present study, we used a mouse model to study the effects of acute KPE administration 1 h before exercise on endurance capacity and the underlying mechanisms. The purpose of our study was to determine whether a single administration of KPE could affect endurance performance in mice and whether the effect was produced through a pro-cellular energy metabolic pathway. We found that a single administration of KPE (62.5 mg/kg·bodyweight) can significantly prolong the exercise time to exhaustion. By measuring the mRNA expression of Hk2, Slc2a4 (Glut4), Mct1, Ldh, Cd36, Cpt1β, Cpt2, Lpl, Pnpla2 (Atgl), Aco, Acadm (Mcad), Hadh, Acacb (Acc2), Mlycd (Mcd), Pparg, Ppargc1a (Pgc-1α), Tfam, Gp, Gs, Pfkm, Pck1 (Pepck), G6pc (G6pase), Cs, and Pfkl in skeletal muscle and liver, we found that acute high-concentration KPE administration significantly changed the soleus muscle gene expression levels (p < 0.05) related to lipid, lactate, and glycogen metabolism and mitochondrial function. In gastrocnemius muscle and liver, glycogen metabolism-related gene expression is significantly changed by a single-dose administration of KPE. These results suggest that KPE has the potential to improve endurance capacity by enhancing energy metabolism and substrate utilization in muscles and liver.

Green Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Malva parviflora Extract for Improving a New Nutrition Formula of a Hydroponic System.

There are increasing needs for developing nontoxic, low-cost, high-yield, and eco-friendly procedures for manufacturing nanoparticles. Nanobiotechnology can be used in food security for improving crop production; nanoparticles could enhance the growth and yield of different crop plants; therefore, this work aimed to improve a new nutrition formula of a hydroponic system using green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and Malva parviflora aqueous extract. Results shown that AFM image of AgNP surface morphology provides good indicator for biosynthesizing AgNPs. UV-vis spectroscopy showed the presence of silver elements that proved the reduction of silver ion to an element in the presence of plant extract functional groups which act as a reduction reaction capping agent. AgNPs formation from 1 mM of AgNo3 and Malva parviflora filtrate can easily be characterized through visual observations by the change in the color of the reaction mixture from green to yellowish-brown. SEM showed that most of the Ag nanoparticles were spherical in shape, well dispersed, and were either arranged in clusters of particles with each other, or as small particles, and have been identified in a size range of 12–63 nm. The EDX characterization exhibited that the highest proportion of the element composition was for silver weighting (34.11%) in nanoparticle. Other elements such as aluminum (12.28%), carbon (8.62%), hafnium (18.12%), nitrogen (9.34%), sodium (10.01%), and oxygen (7.52%) may arise from Malva parviflora extract. Also, peroxidase and catalase enzyme activity, cabbage crop seedlings, fresh and dry weights, and proline and carbohydrate concentrations were significantly increased with the increase of biosynthesized AgNP concentrations but up to limit.

Synthesis and Encapsulation of Ajuga parviflora Extract with Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 and Their Therapeutic Action against G+ and G- Drug-Resistant Bacteria.

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria have become a public health issue. Antibiotic therapy for infectious disorders, as well as antibiotic overuse, has resulted in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) possesses a wide surface area, high porosity, variable functionality, and potential drug carriers. We have established a clear method for making a nanoscale APE@ZIF-8 nanocomposite agent with outstanding antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and cephalosporin-carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CCREC). We present a unique approach for encapsulating molecules ofAjuga parviflora extract (APE) with ZIF-8. APE@ZIF-8 has a positive charge. By electrostatic contact with the negatively charged bacterial surface of S. aureus and E. coli, APE@ZIF-8 NPs produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage bacterial cell organelles. As a result, the APE@ZIF-8 nanocomposite offers limitless application potential in the treatment of infectious disorders caused by drug-resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Inhibition of CYP3A-mediated Midazolam Metabolism by Kaempferia Parviflora.

Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract has recently attracted attention in Japan as a dietary supplement; however, there is little information regarding food-drug interactions (FDIs). The current study was conducted to clarify the FDI of KP extract via inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A), a typical drug-metabolizing enzyme. The inhibitory effects of KP extract and its main ingredients, 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (5,7-DMF) and 3,5,7,3’,4’-pentamethoxyflavone (3,5,7,3’,4’-PMF), on CYP3A-mediated midazolam 1’-hydroxylation (MDZ 1’-OH) activity were investigated in human liver microsomes. In addition, the effect of a single oral treatment with KP extract (135 mg/kg) on oral MDZ (15 mg/kg) metabolism was investigated in rats. Serum MDZ concentration was analyzed and pharmacokinetic parameters were compared with the control group. KP extract competitively inhibited MDZ 1’-OH activity with an inhibition constant value of 78.14 µg/ml, which was lower than the estimated concentration in the small intestine after ingestion. Furthermore, KP extract, 5,7-DMF, and 3,5,7,3’,4’-PMF inhibited the activity in a time-, NADPH-, and concentration-dependent manner. In vivo study showed that administration of KP extract to rats 2 h before MDZ significantly increased the area under the serum concentration-time curve and the maximum concentration of MDZ significantly by 2.3- and 1.9- fold, respectively (p < 0.05). Conversely, administration of MDZ 18 h after KP extract treatment displayed a weaker effect. These results suggest that KP extract competitively inhibits CYP3A-mediated MDZ metabolism, and that this inhibition may be time-dependent but not irreversible. This work suggests an FDI through CYP3A inhibition by KP extract.