Phytoactive Compounds Research Articles

Laxative and purgative actions of phytoactive compounds from beetroot juice against loperamide-induced constipation, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats.

Chronic constipation is a gastrointestinal functional disorder which affects patient quality of life. Therefore, many studies were oriented to search herbal laxative agents. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical composition of beetroot juice (BJ) and its laxative potential in an experimental model of constipation and colonic dysmotility induced by loperamide (LOP) in Wistar rats. Animals were concurrently pretreated with LOP (3 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) and BJ (5 and 10 mL/kg, b.w., p.o.), or yohimbine (2 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.), during 1 week. The laxative activity was determined based on the weight, frequency, and water content of the feces matter. The gastric-emptying test and intestinal transit were determined. Colon histology was examined, and oxidative status was evaluated using biochemical-colorimetric methods. The invivo study revealed that LOP induced a significant inhibition of gastrointestinal motility, negative consequences on defecation parameters, oxidative stress, and colonic mucosa lesions. Conversely, administration of BJ reestablished these parameters and restored colonic oxidative balance. Importantly, BJ treatment protected against LOP-induced inflammatory markers (pro-inflammatory cytokines and WBC) and the increase in intracellular mediators such as hydrogen peroxide, free iron, and calcium levels. This study demonstrated that the bioactive compounds in BJ provided an anti-constipation effect by modulating intestinal motility and regulating oxidative stress and inflammation induced by LOP intoxication.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) in Anti-Aging: A Comprehensive Review of Mechanisms and Findings.

Green tea (GT) is rich in Phyto-active compounds such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epicatechin (EC), catechin, and tannic acid, which exhibit synergistic effects when combined. Preclinical studies demonstrate that GT and its compounds can reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhance antioxidant capacity, and alleviate aging-related issues such as memory impairments, cognitive decline, and shortened lifespan. Clinical trials corroborate the efficacy of topical GT formulations in improving skin tone, texture, and elasticity and reducing wrinkles. The present manuscript summarizes the recent update on the anti-aging potential of GT and its possible mechanisms. The literature survey suggested that GT consumption is linked to improved cognition, reduced depression levels, and activation of pathways in model organisms like C. elegans. Additionally, tea polyphenols enhance fibroblast mitophagy, boost hippocampal synaptic plasticity in rodents, and mitigate age-related cognitive decline. Moreover, EGCG exhibits anti-aging properties by reducing TNF-induced MMP-1 expression, suppressing ERK signaling, and inhibiting MEK and Src phosphorylation in human dermal fibroblasts. In the context of skin permeation and deposition, optimized transpersonal formulation (TF) incorporating EGCG and hyaluronic acid (HA) demonstrated significantly increased skin permeation and deposition of EGCG compared to plain EGCG. Furthermore, EGCG protects cardiomyocytes via the PPARγ pathway and combats age-related muscle loss through miRNA-486-5p regulation, AKT activation, and FoxO1a-mediated expression of MuRF1 and Atrogin-1. In conclusion, the regular consumption of GT holds promise for promoting physical and mental health, delaying brain and skin aging, and improving overall health by enhancing total antioxidant capacity.

Nano-cubosomes of the phyto-active principle in Withania somnifera: LC-MS-NMR, anti-microbial, and insights of the anti-neuropathic and anti-inflammatory mechanism

Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) has a long history of safety in the amelioration of neuro-active ailments. The current study aims to explore Withania somnifera phyto-active principle anti-microbial, ant-neuropathic, and anti-inflammatory activities, and to modify these activities utilizing nano-cubosomes exploiting their mechanisms of action. Bio-guided fractionation technique was utilized, to identify the most phyto-active compound, using LC-MS-NMR online technique and biological models of diabetes, neuropathy, and inflammation. In-vitro antibacterial activity was also monitored. The HbA1c, in-vivo antioxidant (serum-catalase, TBARS, and GSH), serum insulin, and pro-inflammatory serum cytokines (TNF alpha, IL-six, and IL-ten) levels have been assessed to establish the anti-neuropathic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The nano-cubosomal formulations (CUB 1–3) were utilized to improve the W. somnifera most active compound efficacy. W. somnifera has shown ten major peaks; coagulin Q (10.2 %), dihydrowithanolide A (2.4 %), dihydrowithaferin D (1.8 %), physagulin D (7.6 %), withanoside V (2.3 %), withanolide A (WDA, 10.3 %), withafrin A (4.9 %), withaferin D (7.7 %), withanone 9 (9.9 %), withanolide D (4.8 %). The bio-guided fractionation technique utilizing LC-MS-NMR technique has proved that withanolide A (WDA) is the most phyto-active compound in W. somnifera. The latter has shown better results than WDA, which might be due to other effective compounds in Ws. However, CUB 3 (WDA nano-cubosomes dispersion) has shown more prominent anti-diabetic, anti-neuropathic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial potentials than Ws and WDA. Thus, CUB 3 modified WDA activity, and improved its efficacy. The normalization of HbA1c levels, increased insulin secretagogue potential, and the amelioration of the oxidative-stress may be the underlying Ws, WDA, and CUB 3 antidiabetic neuropathy mechanism. Moreover, the Ws, WDA, and CUB 1–3 anti-inflammatory mechanism might be due to the amelioration of the pro-inflammatory serum cytokines (decreasing TNF alpha and IL-six levels and increasing IL-ten). Thus, CUB 3 might be a powerful tool in augmenting Withania somnifera activity as an oral drug-delivery system and improving its efficacy against neuropathy and inflammation.

Protective effect of rutin on acrylamide induced ovarian inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and hormonal changes: Based on in silico and in vivo study.

Acrylamide (AA) is a carcinogenic compound that affects people due to its frequent use in laboratories and industry as well as the high-temperature cooking of foods with high hydrocarbon content. AA is known to cause severe reproductive abnormalities. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of rutin (RU), a phytoactive compound, against AA-induced reproductive toxicity in female rats. Initially, rats were exposed to AA (40 mg/kg for 10 days). Therapy of RU was given after AA intoxication consecutively for 3 days. After 24 h of the last treatment, all the animals were sacrificed. The study evaluated reproductive hormones, oxidative stress markers, membrane-bound enzymes, DNA damage, histological findings, and an in silico approach to determine the protective efficacy of RU. The results indicated that RU significantly protected against inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage induced by AA, likely due to its antioxidant properties.

In-Silico Enactment of Musa paradisiaca (L.) Exudate Against the Urotlithiatic Disease by Docking Study

Objectives: Urolithiasis is a condition that occurs when the stones exit the renal pelvis and move onto the remainder of the urinary collecting system. Musa paradisiaca (L.) is a plant with high nutritive value and has been used for the treatment of various diseases including urolithiasis. The objective of the present study was designed to detect the receptor-ligand binding energy and interaction through a molecular docking from the bio-active compounds in an exudates of M. paradisiaca pseudo stem on urolithiatic causative protein named as glycolate oxidase receptor (PDB ID: 2RDU). Methods: In silico study especially molecular docking was performed using AutodockVina and the best confirmation between ligand and protein were selected using Lamarkaina Genetic Algorithm (LGA) and ligand protein interaction was visualized using PyMol viewer. Novelty: Totally three various bio-active compounds are elucidated named as Olean-12-ene-3 beta, 28-diol, Tricyclo[8.4.1.1(3,8)] hexadeca- 3,5,7,10,12,14-hexaene- 2,9-dione, anti and 2H-Pyran,2-(7-heptadecynyloxy)tetrahydro- from the exudate of experimental sample. Three phyto active compounds or secondary metabolites were used for the present prediction by docking. The present result of molecular docking clearly revealed that olean 12 -ene-3 beta, 28 diol is the best biologically effective ligand observed through a highest docking score (-7.2 k cal/mol) on glycolate oxidase receptor than other two ligand compounds. In conclusion the compound olean 12 -ene-3 beta, 28 diol could be act as a potential lead molecule for urolithiasis. Keywords: Musa paradisiaca, Exudate, GCMS, Urolithiasis, AutoDock, PyMol Viewer

INVESTIGATION OF ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF Cenchrus purpureus EXTRACTS USING In Vitro ASSAY

This in vitro study evaluated Cenchrus purpureus (also called as Napier grass, elephant grass) extract’s antioxidant capacity and Phytoactive compounds. At present various parts of plant materials are becoming more popular for their health advantages as well as natural antioxidants. Ethanolic, methanolic, and aqueous extracts were examined to find out the total phenolic compound (TPC) (138.54±1.66, 77.5±1.73, 53.63±2.05 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids compound (TFC) (34.49±1.57, 28.24±3.35, 16.58±1.41 mg QE/g) of dry extract respectively, as well as antioxidant activity assay including DPPH scavenging capacity using C. purpureus extract. The ethanol extract of the three had an IC50 value of 39.41 µg/mL, similar to conventional ascorbic acid (31.46 µg/mL), suggesting its potential as a natural antioxidant. The study highlights the importance of examining diverse plant species to discover bioactive compounds that can be used to create innovative antioxidant agents for pharmaceuticals and functional food products.

Secondary metabolite fingerprinting, anti-pathogenic activity, elite chemotype selection and conservation of Curcuma caesia- an ethnomedicinally underutilized species.

Curcuma caesia Roxb. is an ethnomedicinally important, essential oil (EO) yielding aromatic plant. A total of twelve accessions of this plant rhizome were collected from six different agro-climatic zones of West Bengal, India and evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against eight disease-causing, multi-drug-resistant pathogenic strains of urinary-tract infection and respiratory-tract infection. The EO and extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity, with the highest inhibition zone of 18.00 ± 0.08 and 17.50 ± 0.14mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae by accession 06, even where all the broad-spectrum antibiotics failed to respond. In this study, we employed high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to quantify curcumin, the primary secondary metabolite of C. caesia, and the highest 0.228mg/gm of curcumin resulted from accession 06. Hence, on the basis of all aspects, accession 06 was identified as the elite chemotype among all twelve accessions. The chemical profiling of EO from accession 06 was done using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Conceivably, about 13 medicinally significant compounds were detected. As this plant species is seasonal and has difficulties in conventional breeding due to dormancy, it must be conserved through in vitro tissue culture for a steady supply throughout the year in massive amounts for agricultural demand. A maximum number of 19.28 ± 0.37 shoots has been obtained in MS medium fortified with 6-Benzylaminopurine, Kinetin, and Naphthalene acetic acid. The genetic uniformity of the plants has been studied through Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism. Therefore, this study must help meet the need for essential phytoactive compounds through a simple, validated, and reproducible plant tissue culture protocol throughout the year.

Phytomediated stress modulates antioxidant status, induces overexpression of CYP6M2, Hsp70, α-esterase, and suppresses the ABC transporter in Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) exposed to Ocimum tenuiflorum extracts.

The incorporation of phytoactive compounds in the management of malarial vectors holds promise for the development of innovative and efficient alternatives. Nevertheless, the molecular and physiological responses that these bioactive substances induce remain underexplored. This present study investigated the toxicity of different concentrations of aqueous and methanol extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum against larvae of Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) and unraveled the possible underlying molecular pathways responsible for the observed physiological effects. FTIR and GCMS analyses of phytoactive compounds in aqueous and methanol crude extracts of O. tenuiflorum showed the presence of OH stretching vibration, C = C stretching modes of aromatics and methylene rocking vibration; ring deformation mode with high levels of trans-β-ocimene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene in aqueous extract and 4-methoxy-benzaldehyde, 1,3,5-trimethyl-cyclohexane and o-cymene in methanol extract. The percentage mortality upon exposure to methanol and aqueous extracts of O. tenuiflorum were 21.1% and 26.1% at 24 h, 27.8% and 36.1% at 48 h and 36.1% and 45% at 72 h respectively. Using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), down-regulation of ABC transporter, overexpression of CYP6M2, Hsp70, and α-esterase, coupled with significantly increased levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH, were observed in An. gambiae (s.s.) exposed to aqueous and methanol extracts of O. tenuiflorum as compared to the control. Findings from this study have significant implications for our understanding of how An. gambiae (s.s.) larvae detoxify phytoactive compounds.

Immunomodulatory Effect of Phytoactive Compounds on Human Health: A Narrative Review Integrated with Bioinformatics Approach.

Immunomodulation is the modification of immune responses to control disease progression. While the synthetic immunomodulators have proven efficacy, they are coupled with toxicity and other adverse effects, and hence, the efforts were to identify natural phytochemicals with immunomodulatory potential. To understand the immunomodulatory properties of various phytochemicals and investigate them in Echinacea species extracts using an in silico approach. Several scientific database repositories were searched using different keywords: "Phytochemicals," "Alkaloids," "Polyphenols," "Flavonoids," "Lectins," "Glycosides," "Tannins," "Terpenoids," "Sterols," "Immunomodulators," and "Human Immune System" without any language restriction. Additionally, the study specifically investigated the immunomodulatory properties of Echinacea species extracts using gene expression analysis of GSE12259 from NCBI-GEO through the Bioconductor package GEOquery and limma. A total of 182 studies were comprehensively analyzed to understand immunomodulatory phytochemicals. The in silico analysis highlighted key biological processes (positive regulation of cytokine production, response to tumor necrosis factor) and molecular functions (cytokine receptor binding, receptor-ligand activity, and cytokine activity) among Echinacea species extracts contributing to immune responses. Further, it also indicated the association of various metabolic pathways, i.e., pathways in cancer, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, NF-kappa B, PI3K-Akt, TNF, MAPK, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways, with immune responses. The study revealed various hub targets, including CCL20, CCL4, GCH1, SLC7A11, SOD2, EPB41L3, TNFAIP6, GCLM, EGR1, and FOS. The present study presents a cumulative picture of phytochemicals with therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the study also reported a few novel genes and pathways in Echinacea extracts by re-analyzing GSE 12259 indicating its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and immunomodulatory properties.

Bioactive components in Psidium guajava extracts elicit biotoxic attributes and distinct antioxidant enzyme modulation in the larvae of vectors of lymphatic filariasis and dengue

Control of mosquito vectors, which have caused a global disease burden, has employed various methods. However, the challenges posed by current physical and chemical methods have raised concerns about vector control programs, leading to the search for alternative methods that are less toxic, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. This study investigated the larvicidal potential of aqueous, methanol, and ethylacetate extracts of Guava (Psidium guajava) against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. Functional group and phytochemical characterization were performed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and GC-MS analysis to identify the bioactive compounds in the extracts. Larval bioassays were conducted using WHO standard procedures at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, 125, and 250 mg/L, and mortality was recorded after 24, 48, and 72 h. Additionally, antioxidant enzyme profiles in the larvae were studied. All of the solvent extracts showed larvicidal activity, with the methanol extract exhibiting the highest mortality against Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae, followed by aqueous and ethylacetate extracts. FTIR spectroscopic analysis revealed the presence of OH, C–H of methyl and methylene, CO and CC. The GC-MS analysis indicated that the methanol, aqueous, and ethylacetate extracts all had 27, 34, and 43 phytoactive compounds that were effective at causing larvicidal effects, respectively. Different concentrations of each extract significantly modulated the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduced glutathione in larvae. This study's findings indicate the potential for developing environmentally friendly vector control products using the bioactive components of extracts from P. guajava leaves.

Phytochemical analysis and antifungal efficiency of Origanum majorana extracts against some phytopathogenic fungi causing tomato damping-off diseases

Abstract Plant diseases represent one of the major problems causing yield loss of tomato crops, especially root rot and seedling damping-off diseases caused by some phytopathogenic fungi like Fusarium solani (Fs), F. oxysporum (Fo), and Macrophomina phaseolina (Mp) frequently detected in tomato either alone or in combination infection. The objective of the present study is to assess the antifungal activity of Origanum majorana extracts against the phytopathogenic fungi, Fs, Fo, and Mp, thereby avoiding controlling the disease with chemical fungicides. In this context, the acetonic extracts of O. majorana exhibited the highest antifungal activity against the tested phytopathogens. However, F. solani exhibited high resistance to Ridomil fungicide at the tested concentrations. A chemical analysis of the O. majorana acetonic extract was conducted to determine the main phytoactive constituents exhibiting fungicidal activity. In this regard, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry confirmed that 4-terpineol was the main phytoactive compound followed by γ-terpinolene exhibiting relative percentages of 24.36 and 8.26%, respectively. These results proved that the marjoram extract may contribute to the development of an alternative and natural fungicide to protect tomato crops from damping off and root rot diseases, avoiding the usage of chemical fungicides.

Phytosomes: A promising delivery system for anticancer agents by using phytochemicals in cancer therapy.

Plant extracts have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of ailments; however their hydrophilic nature and unique chemical structure have caused significant hurdles due to their low bioavailability. Phytosomes technology is used to improve the absorption of phytoconstituents that are difficult to absorb. Among the leading deaths in the society is malignancy. The aforementioned consumes remained a big issue for modern chemotherapy since it has yet to be treated in an efficient manner. The goal of this study is to outline the most recent research on the potential use of phytosome complexes for cancer therapy, as well as the formulation processes and mechanism of transportation through phytosomes.Nanotechnology has paved the way for cancer therapy by altering key features of medications and their carriers. Novel drug delivery systems are used to transfer antitumor drugs to the particular site via different nanostructures. Among several unique drug delivery systems, phytosomes are a creative way to transfer phytoactive compounds to the site of action, and several phytosomes formulations are now being used in clinical settings. Phytoconstituents' anti-cancer activities are increased by phytosomal formulations.

Effects Of Phytochemicals on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus -A Short Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most prominent cause of mortality globally. It is a severe metabolic disorder marked by high blood glucose levels and insufficient insulin generation and activity. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) prevalence has risen dramatically due to population aging, obesity, and modern lifestyles. T2DM is distinguished by impaired beta pancreatic cell function and insulin production. Numerous studies have found that diabetes mellitus is related to increased free radical production and decreased antioxidant potential. Phytochemicals are essential in improving insulin sensitivity, which has free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. Several phytoactive compounds, such as flavonoids, prophenylphenols, vicine, charantin, lignans, glycosides, and karavilosides, are also found to combat the complications of diabetes. The primary focus of this research will be the connection between T2DM and the preventative roles of several phytochemicals on diabetes through their antioxidant characteristics. These phytochemicals and photo sourcesmay be employed to discover and create novel anti-diabetic medicines

A new strategy for browning regulation: Flos Sophorae Immaturus extract and thermal treatment modulates nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species network in fresh-cut potatoes.

Browning discoloration is a critical issue that negatively affects the quality of fresh-cut products and their industrial growth. Although many individual anti-browning technologies have been adopted, very few reports on the combination use of natural product extracts and physical methods exist. This study investigated the use of Flos Sophorae Immaturus extract in conjunction with thermal treatment and discovered that the combination effectively retarded browning in fresh-cut potatoes. Accordingly, the activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, as well as phenol accumulation, were effectively regulated. Meanwhile, this combination treatment also allowed for the modulation of nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities, while also regulating the concentrations of nitric oxide, superoxide anion, and hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, the duplex treatment also regulated the antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde concentrations. In addition, 39 phytoactive compounds, including protocatechuic acid, quercetin, (-)-alpha-pinene, and matrine, were identified in the extract, which may function as the anti-browning composition. These findings suggest that the combination technology modulated the dynamic equilibrium of production and clearance of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing browning deterioration. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of the combined application of Flos Sophorae Immaturus and thermal treatment, which may offer a novel option for fresh-cut preservation. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The feasibility of integrating a novel highly efficient, safe, environmentally friendly, and easy-to-operate anti-browning alternative, with the ability to integrate into the existing processing line was investigated. The color of sliced potato chips was significantly improved (73.4%) by dipping them in a 0.01% Flos Sophorae Immaturus solution for 5min and then in 55°C water for 2min. In this regard, superior browning alleviation may depend on the regulation of the browning reaction and the NO-ROS network. This method has a promising future for making fresh-cut products more appealing to consumers and may provide guidance for fresh-cut producers and related industries.

Bioprospecting Mangrove Plants for Novel Anticancer Compounds

Plant based phytoactive compounds are attracting the worldwide attention due to their natural origin, and curative potential. The tremendously diversified, and extreme environmental conditions of mangroves make them novel sources of various phytochemicals that have immense potential to cure a range of diseases, and dreadful cancer too. Especially endophytes of mangroves are treasure chests for bio-prospecting novel anti-cancer agents. Bio-prospecting for new anti-cancer agents is the need of hour to overcome the problem of drug resistance raised by the cancer cells. The present review is mainly focused on various bioactive compounds obtained from mangrove ecosystems.

Scrutinizing Caesalpinia bonducella phytoactive compounds as potent regulators targeting proteins of drug instigated apoptotic and inflammatory pathways: An in-silico approach

Drug-instigated toxicity is a leading source of organ injury due to apoptosis and inflammation. It is still a serious issue that demands the development of successful drugs to treat and prevent such organ damage. Herbal remedies are effective in the treatment of organ toxicity. Thus, the objective of this current study emphasizes scrutinizing interactions between phytoactive compounds of Caesalpinia bonducella seeds and targeted proteins of the apoptosis and inflammatory pathway. The SwitssADME online server was used to screen the pharmacokinetics and molecular properties of phytoactive compounds from Caesalpinia bonducella seeds. The PASS program was employed to assess phytoactive compounds' anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory activity. Using AutoDock Vina software, the ligands were docked onto targeted apoptotic and inflammatory proteins. The protein-ligand interaction was analyzed and visualized using Discovery studio software. The two most efficient regulators were glyceryl monostearate and 2-Palmitoylglycerol which interacted strongly with the binding sites of all the targeted proteins of apoptosis and inflammatory pathways. Glyceryl monostearate and 2-Palmitoylglycerol could be potential regulators for mitigating the inflammation and apoptosis instigated by therapeutical drug toxicity. They have the potency to be used as anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory agents and are intriguing research candidates for further research.

Moringa oleifera and its application in dental conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Moringa oleifera is a considerable ethnomedical herb with various bioactive compounds. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of M. oleifera in the prevention and management of various oral conditions. A thorough search was conducted on the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and PubMed Central databases. After screening the data on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 studies were considered for further meta-analysis. The analysis was performed on R programming software (version R-4.0.2) and the results were represented by a forest plot. The estimate obtained via common and random effects model for in vitro studies was statistically insignificant (I2 test P > 0.05) with risk ratios of 8.25 (95% CI: 3.76-18.08) and 7.98 (95% CI: 3.64-17.50) and for in vivo studies were statistically significant (I2 test P )0.05 < with risk ratios of 1.12 (95% CI: 0.90-1.40) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.71-1.32), indicating the efficacy of M. oleifera in oral diseases on animal and clinical trials, whereas it failed to report the efficacy on in vitro level. Future research has to be done to come up with new and more phytoactive compounds from all parts of the plant with proper extraction procedures. The effectiveness of the compounds has to be validated first on in vitro scale followed by clinical trials so that M. oleifera can be used as therapy in preventing and managing oral ailments.

Application of Acid Protease for Eco-friendly Pre-treatment of Goat Skin to Improve Antimicrobial Finish Using Herbal Natural Extracts

Due to its moisture retention capacity and huge surface area, leather is highly prone to microbial proliferation and biodeterioration; hence, leather products desired have an antimicrobial finish. In this study, acid protease enzyme pre-treatment of goat skin was utilized as an eco-friendly substitute for conventional wet-chemical processing. The treatment can impart the desired surface properties to improve the antimicrobial finish with natural extracts obtained from leaves of Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree), Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil, Tulsi), and Camellia sinensis (Green Tea). The procedure was optimized for different process parameters, including enzyme concentration, pH, material to liquor ratio (MLR), treatment time, and temperature. The effect of the treatment on bulk and surface properties of the skin was characterized by weight loss analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Water contact angle measurement, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) respectively. The effect of the enzymatic treatment on organoleptic properties and the mechanical strength of the skin was also studied. The enzymatic treatment resulted in weight loss, and removal of non-collagen components, thus opening the fibrous collagen matrix of the skin. Hence, the skin treated with acid protease enzyme provides better affinity and accessibility for phytoactive compounds from the natural extracts and better attachment by electrostatic attachment due to an increase in surface functional groups after the enzymatic treatment compared to untreated skin. The effectiveness of the antimicrobial finish was measured as a zone of inhibition and with a modified Hohenstein test against test microorganisms E. coli and S. aureus.Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree) extract showed the highest inhibitory activity (97%) against E. coli, while the Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil, Tulsi) extract exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (95%) against S. aureus.

Recent trends of potential medicinal uses of rice bran with its composition and bibliographic analysis

AbstractRice is an essential crop, growing in nearly every part worldwide. Grains are the most common rice plant part consumed as food; however, other plant parts also have some significant values apart from grains. Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain, an excellent source of various phenolic, flavonoid, and phytoactive compounds. This review article discusses the various compounds found in rice bran with their structure and properties. Different medicinal properties of rice bran are also discussed in this review article. Several constituents of rice bran show anticancerous activity through various mechanisms like cell cycle arrest and regulation of apoptotic factors. Anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and cholesterol‐lowering are the other activities of rice bran, briefly explained in the article, along with their mechanism of action. A bibliographic network, including keyword bibliography analysis and a three‐field plot, has also been discussed to show the trends and network of common keywords in the recently published documents in the Scopus database. Overall, this review explores the rice bran compositions with their structures, activity, and various medicinal uses of rice bran, which can be proven an efficient oil source for nutritional purposes.

Anti-cancer Effect and Active Phytochemicals of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. against Human Breast Cancer Cells.

Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT) is a medicinal herb used in Southeast Asia. Aim of this work: This study aimed at investigating the cytotoxicity of this plant extract and fractions towards human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. HCT's phytoactive compounds are determined. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The mode of cell death was measured by staining with annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide (PI) employing flow cytometry technique. The oxidative stress was measured by using 2',7'-dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and dihydroethidium (DHE+) fluorescent probes and using a fluorescence microplate reader. HCT phytochemicals were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells was dramatically decreased by the crude extract and individual fraction of HCT. Ethyl acetate was the solvent fraction with the highest toxicity against MCF-7 cells, followed by dichloromethane, crude, and hexane fractions, respectively, whereas in MDA-MB231 cells, dichloromethane, crude, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions each had the strongest impact, respectively. The methanol fraction had no effect on either cell line up to 200 μg/ml. The extract and fractions were less harmful to the NIH3T3 normal murine fibroblast cell line. The mode of both cell death was apoptosis evidenced by the increase of cell population stained with annexin V-FITC and PI. The fluorescence probes of both DCFH-DA and DHE in MDA-MB-231 cell line were enhanced. Phenolic acids included chlorogenic acid (CA), gallic acid (GA), transcoumaric acid (TCA), vanillic acid (VA), and syringic acid (SA), as well as flavonoids like quercetin and rutin, were identified as the active phytochemicals in the crude and fractions by using HPLC method. MDA-MB-231cells underwent apoptosis via oxidative stress when induced with HCT hexane fraction. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in HCT's extract and fractions.