Quercus Infectoria Research Articles

Identification of fungal species associated with gall oak (Quercus infectoria Oliv.) decline in Iran.

The gall oak (Quercus infectoria Oliv.) tree is one of the most important and valuable forestry species in the Northern Zagros forests in the west of Iran. Gall oak decline is considered to be one of the most important diseases currently affecting the oak Zagros forests in Iran. The main objective of the present study, conducted in the years 2021-2023, was to investigate the possible role of fungi as causative agents of gall oak dieback in the Zagros forests of Iran. Wood samples were taken from gall oak trees showing canker, dieback, and internal wood discoloration symptoms. Fungal isolates recovered from gall oak trees were identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics, as well as phylogenetic analyses using DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA (ITS) and partial beta-tubulin (tub2). Achaetomium aegilopis, Alternaria tenuissima, Apiospora intestine, Botrytis cinerea, Coniochaeta sp., Coniothyrium palmarum, Coniothyrium sp., Cytospora rhodophila, Dialonectria episphaeria, Diatrype sp., Diatrypella macrospora, Endoconidioma populi, Fonsecazyma sp., Fusarium ipomoeae, Jattaea discrete, Kalmusia variispora, Microsphaeropsis olivacea, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Paecilomyces lecytidis, Paramicrosphaeropsis eriobotryae, Paramicrosphaeropsis ellipsoidea, and Seimatosporium pezizoides were identified from diseased trees. Pathogenicity tests were performed by artificial inoculation of excised branches of healthy gall oak trees under controlled conditions and evaluated after 35 days by measuring the discolored lesion length at the inoculation site. N. dimidiatum was the most virulent species and caused the longest wood necrosis within 35 days of inoculation. In the greenhouse test, only some species induced typical symptoms of canker. All isolated fungi are reported for the first time on gall oak trees in the world.

Quercus infectoria Gall Ethanolic Extract Accelerates Wound Healing through Attenuating Inflammation and Oxidative Injuries in Skin Fibroblasts.

Quercus infectoria Olivier (Fagaceae) nutgall, a traditional Asian medicine, is renowned for its efficacy in treating wounds and skin disorders. Although the gall extract has shown promising results in accelerating wound healing in diabetic animal models, its mechanisms, particularly the effects on redox balance, remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Q. infectoria gall ethanolic extract (QIG) on wound healing in fibroblasts, with a specific emphasis on its modulation of oxidative stress. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-treated L929 cells were used as an in vitro model of oxidation-damaged fibroblasts. QIG exhibited potent antioxidant activity with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay values of 305.43 ± 7.48, 508.94 ± 15.12, and 442.08 ± 9.41 µM Trolox equivalents (TE)/µg, respectively. Elevated H2O2 levels significantly reduced L929 cell viability, with a 50% lethal concentration of 1.03 mM. QIG mitigated H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, showing protective effects in pre-, post-, and co-treatment scenarios. QIG significantly reduced H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production and inflammation-related gene expression (p < 0.05). Additionally, at 25 µg/mL, QIG remarkably improved wound closure in H2O2-treated L929 cells by approximately 9.4 times compared with the H2O2 treatment alone (p < 0.05). These findings suggest QIG has potential therapeutic applications in wound healing, mediated through the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Thermosensitive and pH-responsive quercus infectoria gall-containing gel with long-lasting anti-inflammatory activity for ulcerative colitis

In the study, quercus infectoria gall (QIG) was used to develop a pH/thermosensitive gel in situ delivery system for enema administration of to treat acute ulcerative colitis (UC). The QIG ethanol extract pH/temperature-sensitive gel (QIG-pH-TSG) was characterized by using DSC, SEM, rheological and drug release analyses. The therapeutic effect in UC mice of the obtained gel were studied. The gel was maintained in a flowing liquid state under nonphysiological conditions (25 °C) to facilitate drug administration, and was transformed into a pseudoplastic liquid state under physiological conditions (37 °C), which prolonged its retention time in the colon. The gel drug was completely released within 24 h, and the temperature and viscosity of the gel were within the required range. In the in vitro anti-inflammatory test, QIG-pH-TSG decreased the level of TNF-α and IL-6, and increased IL-10 in RAW 264.7 actived by LPS. Moreover, the administration of QIG-pH-TSG resulted in a decrease in the colon histopathological score and an increase in colonic length, and also could reduce the IL-6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in UC mice along with significant increases in IL-10 level in the colon. The QIG-pH-TSG could increase the concentration of QIG at the local inflammatory site and lead to an effective repair of the colonic mucosa. Therefore, the pH/thermosensitive in situ gel may serve as a drug delivery system for QIG to treat UC and overcome the limitations of some existing formulations. These results indicated that this composite gel was effectively in UC mice and the study provided a practical reference for the application of QIG-pH-TSG in the treatment of UC.

Green synthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using Quercus infectoria: Characterization and evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant activities

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNP) have gained attention for their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. This study aims to synthesize CNPs using Quercus infectoria gall extract, and its active components mainly tannic acid (TA), and gallic acid (GA), and compare them with chemically synthesized CNPs. Green synthesis involved adding gall extract, TA, or GA solution to cerium nitrate hexahydrate, followed by reaction at 70 °C and calcination at 500 °C. Characterization employed various methods, including dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to respectively characterize hydrodynamic diameter, morphology, crystallinity and purity, and surface functional groups. Antibacterial and antioxidant properties were evaluated using the broth microdilution and DPPH radical scavenging methods, respectively.It confirmed successful synthesis of crystalline CNPs, with UV spectra exhibiting a peak at 290 nm. Antibacterial tests revealed that pre-calcined TA-synthesized NPs, at 25 mg ml−1, exhibited inhibitory properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CNPs synthesized with gall extract at 100 mg ml−1displayed antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and S. aureus, while gall extract had highest efficacy on S. aureus with MIC of 1.875 mg ml−1. GA, TA, and gall extract demonstrated DPPH scavenging activities of 86 %, 59 %, and 66 % at 50 µg/ml, respectively. Antioxidant potential of CNPs at 1 mg ml−1was 19 %, 20 %, 21 %, and 17 % for GA, TA, gall extract, and chemically synthesized CNPs, respectively.In conclusion, CNPs synthesized in this study can be considered as antioxidants. Further investigation is needed to optimize synthesis methods and achieve desired antibacterial properties, given contradictory findings in prior studies.

Physicochemical Properties of Warp Knitted Fabrics Colored with Madder and Gall Oak for Sportswear

ABSTRACT Polyamide/elastane warp-knitted fabrics were separately dyed with gall oak (Quercus infectoria Olivier) and madder (Rubia tinctorum L.). Chromatographic and spectroscopic methods were used to analyze dyed warp-knitted fabrics. A reserved phase high-performance liquid chromatography with the diode-array detection (RP-HPLC-DAD) method was utilized to determine the components of dyes present in the dyed fabrics. Scanning electron microscopy-energy X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) was utilized for morphological analysis. The undyed and dyed warp-knitted fabrics were characterized by FT-IR. The CIEL*a*b* values of the dyed polyamide-elastane warp-knitted fabrics were measured. Further, in physical testing, the pilling and abrasion resistance of raw and dyed fabrics were examined, and the water contact angle values of all fabrics were measured. Pilling test results were evaluated with a grade of 5 for all fabrics as the best score, and the resistance of fabrics to abrasion was very good. The formation of the fiber-metal-dye complex caused the fabric’s contact angle to drop, giving the fabric a hydrophilic character. The colorfastness characteristics of the dyed fabrics to light, rub, wash, and perspiration have been evaluated. The light fastness scores vary from 3 to 5, and they are satisfactory for using natural dyes to color textiles since they are in the good to moderate range. Overall, the dyed samples displayed a score of 5, which is excellent, on the Gray Scale for washing fastness.

Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Performance of Polycaprolactone Electrospun-Based Nanofibers Incorporating Propolis and Quercus Infectoria Gall Extracts

Background: A highly effective antibacterial wound dressing was developed in this investigation by developing a novel bioactive functional nanostructure. Methods: Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) and Q.infectoria galls (QIG) were processed to obtain their respective extracts. The antibacterial properties of the individual EEP and QIG extracts and their combined effects were investigated. Based on the antibacterial test results, solutions containing polycaprolactone (PCL), PCL/EEP, PCL/QIG and PCL/EEP/QIG were prepared. These solutions were then used to fabricate nanobased mats through electrospinning. The resulting nanofibers were examined in terms of their physical, chemical and biological traits. In order to assess the wound healing capabilities, in vivo experiments were conducted, wherein the efficacy of the scaffolds in combating Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections on wounds was evaluated. Results: The nanoscale structure of the electrospun nanofibers was confirmed through FESEM analysis, while the successful integration of EEP and QIG in the PCL-based electrospun nanofiber was validated using FTIR. By including both EEP and QIG bioactive extracts in the nanofiber, improved antibacterial and antioxidant activities were achieved without compromising the viability of human fibroblast cells. The use of PCL/EEP/QIG dressings led to wound closure rates of 85% and 100% on the 5th and 15th day of treatment, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of the combination of EEP and QIG extracts. Conclusions: The remarkable outcomes have presented encouraging prospects for using PCL/EEP/QIG as a highly effective wound dressing with antibacterial properties in clinical trials.

Medicinal Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia, Caesalpinia bonduc and Quercus infectoria Extracts

Medicinal plants have therapeutic value because of the chemical substances present in them. This study was performed to explore the antibacterial and antioxidant potential of three medicinally important plants, such as Caesalpinia bonduc (karanjuwa), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), and Quercus infectoria (Majuphal) extract; that are locally used for the cure of various diseases, particularly dengue fever. To study the anti-bacterial, phytochemical and antioxidative potential of these plants, plant extracts were made in ethanol, methanol, and ethyl acetate. Antibacterial assay revealed that all the selected plant extracts of C. bonduc, T. cordifolia, and Q. infectoria variably inhibited the growth of test bacterial strains. The maximum antibacterial activity observed for the ethyl acetate extract of T. cordifolia was against Bacillus (41 mm) and Pseudomonas (38 mm). Phytochemical analysis of extracts of C. bonduc, T. cordifolia, and Q. infectoria revealed the presence of alkaloids, quinones, flavonoids, phenols, and reducing sugars. Antioxidative analysis of the extracts of C. bonduc, T. cordifolia, and Q. infectoria, as revealed by the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay (66%, 62% and 77%), phosphomolybdate (480, 520 and 490 µg/ml), showed ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (266%, 371% and 265%), and total flavonoid content (75%, 170% and 155%) assay. Due to significant antibacterial and antioxidant potential, the extract of T. cordifolia was subjected to Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis that confirmed the presence of different bioactive components in the extract of T. cordifolia (Giloy). Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrophotometry (GCMS) analysis of the bioactive fractions revealed Phthalic acid and Benzene acetic acid as the compounds responsible for imparting good antibacterial and antioxidative potential to the ethyl acetate extract of T. cordifolia. These findings highlight the potential of T. cordifolia as a valuable medicinal plant for the development of future antimicrobial drugs.

Autumn cold acclimation and freezing tolerance of three oak species in semi-Mediterranean Zagros forests

Aim of study: To identify and compare the early frost resistance mechanisms in three oak species (Quercus brantii, Quercus libani and Quercus infectoria). Area of study: Zagros forests of Iran. Material and methods: The physiological and biochemical variables such as chlorophyll fluorescence, relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage, and osmotic metabolite content, such as proline, glucose, and potassium of three oak species seedlings with varying altitudinal and latitudinal ranges were measured under various treatments, including cold treatments (4°C: control, -20°C (1 hour) and -20°C (2 hours)) and four levels of hardening steps with decreasing temperature and photoperiod. Main results: Results showed that decreasing photoperiod and temperature during cold hardening was associated with decreasing Fv/Fm, ΦPSII and electron transport rate, increasing (NPQ) measured from chlorophyll fluorescence, as well as increasing osmotic metabolite content and decline of RWC, except the glucose content decreased in Q. brantii from lower altitudes and south aspect. On the other hand, Q. libanii, which originates from higher altitudes and north aspect showed the strongest cold-resistance and faster developing cold-acclimation capacity using earlier accumulation of osmotic metabolites, diminishing RWC and subsequently lowest EL compared to the other oak species. Research highlights: The physiological and biochemical responses of oak species differed based on origin and there was a positive relation between osmotic metabolite content, NPQ, altitude, and cold stress resistance. These physiological responses, especially NPQ (as a fast and non-invasive tool) provide a quantitative assessment of the risks associated with autumn freezing in different oak species and ecotypes relevant to conservation and reforestation projects of the Zagros forests under changing climatic conditions.

Sustainable Bio-Dyeing of Cellulosic-Based Fabrics with Anthocyanins from Black Carrot (Daucus carota L.)

Abstract In this study, anthocyanin-based black carrot (Daucus carota L.) extract was investigated as a natural textile dye on cellulose-based flax and cotton. Sodium alginate and gall oak (Quercus infectoria Olivier) were used as bio-mordants. The optimal dyeing conditions were determined by varying the amounts of these organic bio-mordants. A CIEL*a*b* spectrophotometer was used to measure the color characteristics of the dyed samples. The RP-HPLC-DAD method was used to identify the dye components in all dyed fabrics. Moreover, the dyed fabrics were evaluated for color fastness to washing, light, and rubbing. The mixture of these bio-mordants gave good color efficiency and acceptable colorfastness test results. Consequently, it appeared that black carrot (Daucus carota L.) can be used to color natural fibers. Applying these natural dye sources and bio-mordants may easily produce various colors.

DETERMINATION OF SEASONAL CHANGES OF FEED VALUE OF COMMON GRAZABLE SPECIES AŞAĞI GÖKDERE MACQUIS SHRUBLANDS

This study was conducted in the years of 2018-2020 to determine the feed value of common shrub species that can be grazed in the maquis area around Aşağı Gökdere village of Isparta. Ten species (Quercus coccifera, Quercus infectoria, Quercus cerris, Phillyrea latifolia, Spartium junceum, Crataegus monogyna, Paliurus spina-christi, Juniperus oxycedrus, Cistus creticus and Arbutus andrachne) were used in the study. Leaf samples were collected from these species in each season. Dry matter content, crude protein content, NDF, ADF, total digestible nutrients, relative feed value and tannin content were determined. According to the analysis of variance, the differences between seasons and shrub species were found to be statistically significant in all traits analyzed. According to the two-year averages, when the seasons were compared, the highest crude protein content, total digestible nutrients and relative feed value were obtained in spring, decreased as the seasons progressed, and the lowest values were obtained in winter. The lowest dry matter ratios, ADF and NDF values were obtained in spring and they increased in parallel with the progression of the seasons. The lowest condensed tannin ratios were obtained in spring and summer, while the highest values were determined in autumn. When the species were compared, the lowest dry matter and condensed tannins contents were found in Spartium junceum, while NDF and ADF ratios were found in P. spina-christi. The highest crude protein content was determined in Quercus infectoria, while total digestible nutrients and relative feed value were determined in P. spina-christi species. As a result, it was observed that shrubs, shrub-formed trees and shrubs in the maquis have an important potential as high quality feed for ruminants during the critical period in semi-arid and arid regions.

Gastroprotective Effect of Quercus infectoria Olivier Galls on Ethanol-Induced Gastritis in Rats.

One of the common inflammatory disorders that substantially affects the stomach and its mucosa is gastritis. It can be induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, alcohol, Helicobacter pylori infection, and stress. These factors affect cellular regeneration, mucus production, and bicarbonate secretion, resulting finally in inflammation and ulceration. Ethanol-induced gastritis is one of the commonly used models for studying the pathology of gastritis and investigating the effect of drugs in managing the disease. Several drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), are available to control and correct the pathological signs of gastritis; however, the side effects of such drugs represent an obstacle to their applications in many cases. Quercus infectoria(QI) Olivier galls are formed as a pathological response to wasp insults to the tree. They are rich in several bioactive molecules, e.g., gallotannins that have been shown to be effective in several inflammatory conditions due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of QI gall extract (QIGE) in treating ethanol-induced gastritis in rats. To test this, 20 adult male Swiss rats were divided into four groups: healthy control, ethanol-treated (80% in water, 5 ml/kg, per oral gavage), ethanol + omeprazole (20 mg/kg, per oral gavage), and ethanol + QIGE (300 mg/kg, per oral gavage). QIGE was administered for seven days before ethanol administration, which took place three hours after the last QIGE dose. Three hours after ethanol intake, animals were euthanized, gastric content was collected, and stomach tissue was examined for macroscopic changes and then fixed to be further utilized for histological assessment by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome staining. Ethanol treatment significantly decreased gastric pH and increased gastric acidity compared to healthy control. It also induced clear morphological and histological damage and ulceration, depleted mucus on the gastric epithelium, and induced edema and collagen deposition in gastric submucosa. The QIGE treatment ameliorated the changes in gastric pH and total acidity. It also protected stomach tissue from ethanol-induced ulceration, histopathological changes, edema, and collagen deposition. The protective effects of QIGE were comparable to those of omeprazole. In conclusion, QI gall extract possesses a promising gastroprotective effect against ethanol-induced gastritis.

Comparative assessment of medicinal plant extract efficacy against plaque and gingivitis: A case-control study.

In the last quarter of the 20th century, dedicated efforts have been made to use phytochemicals in the prevention of periodontal diseases, but the darker side of the coin is that we have hardly encountered studies with a scientific basis to prove the specific role of phytochemicals against dental plaque. This study aimed to assess the antiplaque activity of Curcuma longa, Spilanthes acmella, and Quercus infectoria and to determine the antigingivitis activity of the extract, which shows high antiplaque potential. Sixteen volunteers were selected as subjects in this biphasic study. In the first phase, 10 volunteers were subjected to topical application of aqueous ethanolic extract (1%) of C. longa, Q. infectoria, and S. acmella on the labial/buccal and lingual/palatal surfaces of 28 teeth. In the second phase, the extract showing the highest efficacy was selected to assess its antigingivitis activity on all the surfaces of six mandibular anterior teeth of six gingivitis patients. The percentage plaque reduction was calculated by dividing the difference of the base and end scores by the baseline scores. C. longa demonstrated superior results as it showed the maximum reduction in plaque formation. Antigingivitis activity of long-term topical application of 1% C. longa was depicted in independent clusters in different volunteers selected for the study. Only after 2 weeks, the treatment score was found to be statistically significant to depict optimal results. C. longa can be considered the best at reducing plaque. The antigingivitis activity of C. longa ranked reasonably satisfactory and comparable to the existing data for commercially available drugs.

The Investigation of Quercus Infectoria Gall Aqueous Extract Effect on the Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis and Expression of CCND1, TP53, BCL2 and BAX Genes in Cell Line of Lung, Gastric and Esophageal Cancers.

The therapeutic potential of Quercus infectoria (QI) gall, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, is well-known. However, its impact on lung, gastric, and esophageal cancer cells remain unclear. This study aims to explore the effects of QI gall aqueous extract on cell viability, apoptosis, and gene expression in A549, BGC823, and KYSE-30 cell lines. A549, BGC823, and KYSE-30 cells were seeded in complete medium and incubated with different concentrations of QI gall extract for 24 hours. Cell viability was measured by an MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. The induction of apoptosis was assessed through flow cytometric analysis after the adding FITC-conjugated Annexin V (Annexin V-FITC) and propidium iodide (PI). The mRNA expression levels of CCND1, TP53, BCL2 and BAX genes were determined using Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction analysis. The MTT assay demonstrated that treatment with QI gall extract significantly reduced the number of viable cells in the A549, BGC823, and KYSE-30 cell lines at IC50 concentrations of 440.1, 437.1, and 465.2 mg/ml, respectively. Additionally, compared to untreated cell population, the percentages of early apoptosis, late apoptosis, and necrosis in the A549, BGC823, and KYSE-30 cells significantly increased following treatment with QI gall extract (P< 0.05). Also, the treatment with QI gall extract influenced the expression of CCND1, TP53, BCL2 and BAX genes. The present findings indicated that the gall extract of QI can inhibit the growth of A549, BGC823, and KYSE-30 cells by inducing apoptosis, which may be mediated via mitochondria-dependent pathway.

A checklist and a key to Typhlodromus Scheuten of Syria (Acari: Phytoseiidae), with a new species record

This study presents a checklist and a key encompassing 11 species of Typhlodromus Scheuten (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Syria, derived from materials collected in this study as well as previous reports. A brief redescription, including setal measurements and some other important characters used to discriminate phytoseiid species, is provided for each species examined. Notably, the species Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) intercalaris Livshitz &amp; Kuznetsov is reported for the first time in Syria, and redescribed based on adult specimens collected from Quercus cerris L. and Quercus infectoria G. Olivier (Fagaceae) trees in Latakia governorate. The examined specimens of this species demonstrated variation in the presence or absence of preanal pores: (1) absent on both sides; (2) present on both sides; (3) present on the left side; and (4) present on the right side. This species was considered a junior synonym of T. (A.) invectus Chant in an earlier study without examination of their type materials. We tried to find the holotype T. (A.) invectus without success. However, according to their original description, T. (A.) intercalaris is distinguishable from T. (A.) invectus by having two pairs of setae on the sternal shield, as opposed to three pairs in the latter species. Therefore, the reason for the redescription provided here is to improve diagnosis and minimize any confusion regarding the species status of the Syrian specimens. This discovery holds significant implications for understanding the biodiversity of phytoseiids in the country.

Natural Immunomodulatory Agents as a Complementary Therapy for Poxviruses.

Poxviruses target innate immunity mediators such as tumor necrosis factors, interleukins, interferons, complement, and chemokines. It also targets adaptive immunity such as CD4+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and B cells. Emerging of the recent epidemic of monkeypox virus (MPXV), a zoonotic disease native to Central and Western Africa, besides the lack of permitted treatments for poxviruses infections, encouraged researchers to identify effective inhibitors to help in preventing and treating poxviruses infections. Natural bioactive components, particularly polyphenolics, are promising for creating powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, and antiviral agents. As a result, they are potentially effective therapies for preventing and treating viral diseases, such as infections caused by poxviruses including the recent pandemic MPXV. Polyphenolics: rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, resveratrol, quercitrin, myricitrin, gingerol, gallotannin, and propolis-benzofuran A, as well as isoquinoline alkaloids: galanthamine and thalimonine represent prospective antiviral agents against MPXV, they can inhibit MPXV and other poxviruses via targeting different viral elements including DNA Topoisomerase I (TOP1), Thymidine Kinase (TK), serine/threonine protein kinase (Ser/Thr kinase), and protein A48R. The bioactive extracts of different traditional plants including Guiera senegalensis, Larrea tridentata, Sarracenia purpurea, Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Quercus infectoria, Rhus chinensis, Prunella vulgaris L., Salvia rosmarinus, and Origanum vulgare also can inhibit the growth of different poxviruses including MPXV, vaccinia virus (VACV), variola virus, buffalopox virus, fowlpox virus, and cowpox virus. There is an urgent need for additional molecular studies to identify and confirm the anti-poxviruses properties of various natural bioactive components, especially those that showed potent antiviral activity against other viruses.

The therapeutic potential of Mazu (Quercus infectoria) in the Unani system of medicine: A comprehensive review

The therapeutic potential of Mazu (Quercus infectoria) in the Unani system of medicine: A comprehensive review

Green Synthesis Silver Nanoparticles using Quercus infectoria Gall

In this study, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was conducted using Quercus infectoria Gall (QIG) extract with AgNO3/QIG extract volume ratios of 1:1, 4:1, and 8:1. The synthesis successfully resulted in AgNPs, indicated by a color change to orange- brown and analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, yielding wavelengths in the range of 425 nm to 440 nm. Subsequently, each AgNP was analyzed using a particle size analyzer, resulting in particle diameter sizes of 5.48 nm, 79.88 nm, and 108 nm, respectively, and their stability was analyzed using a zeta sizer, yielding zeta potentials of -52.18 mV, -48.01 mV, and -24.86 mV.

Search for Natural Remedies for the Treatment of Salmonella Typhi Infections

Typhoid is a major public health threat, particularly in areas lacking access to clean water, proper nutrition, and hygienic practices. The emergence of antibiotic resistance, inaccessibility of vaccines to the global south, and asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) have made tackling the scourge of typhoid a major challenge. Plant-based antimicrobial compounds have opened a new avenue for effectively managing typhoid by minimizing drug-related side effects and targeting the resistant strains of typhoidal salmonella cost-effectively. This review article contains many such candidates, who can potentially modify the typhoid treatment guidelines like Azadirachta indica, Canarium schweinfurthii-derived scopoletin, and Punic granatum, and those that target the resistant strains of S. typhi, like Amaranthus hybridus, and Quercus infectoria and Phyllanthus emblica. The article will also shed light on the challenges and promises associated with phytocompound extraction and standardization as the researchers navigate the uncharted waters of alternative medicinal sources.

Effect of prepared herbal mouthwash in maintaining the oral health of school children: A single-blind randomised control trial

Background and aimOral health is a vital indicator of overall well-being, quality of life, and general health, with historical roots in Unani medicine (i.e. preventive measures, oral hygiene, and treatment). This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of prepared herbal mouthwash in maintaining oral health among school children. Experimental procedure110 schoolchildren were randomly assigned to the test group (treated with herbal mouthwash -Anacyclus pyrenthrum DC, Punica granutum (pericarp), Capparis spinosa (root bark), and Quercus infectoria Oliv (galls)) and the control group (treated with 0.2 % Chlorhexidine Mouthwash) for 30-days. The response was assessed by DMFT, Salivary pH, Oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S), Plaque index (Loe & Silness) (PI), Plaque index simplified (O'Leary et al., 1972) (PI-S), Gingival Index (Löe-Silness) (GI), and Bleeding on probing (BOP) on baseline and 30th day GI and PI were further assessed on 60th, 90th and 120th days to determine the sustainable effect of the intervention. ResultsAfter treatment, Mean OHI-S, PI, PI-S, GI and BOP significantly reduced on the 30th day from baseline (p ≤ 0.001) in both groups. After discontinuing intervention, both groups showed significantly lower PI and GI scores on the 120th day from baseline. (p < 0.001). ConclusionThis study revealed that prepared mouthwash is safe and significantly effective in maintaining oral health, and it could be used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene measures.

Effectiveness of plant-based hand sanitizer incorporating Quercus infectoria gall extract.

Quercus infectoria (Qi), a traditional herbal plant with broad-spectrum of activities on multidrug-resistant bacteria has been develop as hand sanitizer applications. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using agar-well diffusion and broth microdilution method. Bactericidal activity was determined following the European Standard 1276 antibacterial suspension test. Neutralization assay was performed to assess anti-respiratory syncytial virus. Safety, stability, and skin permeation of Qi hand gel was investigated. Qi hand sanitizer gel inhibited microorganisms ranging from 99.9-99.999% against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. pseudintermedius, S. saprophyticus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. A significant reduction in main human dermatophytes including Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, and Talaromyces marneffei of approximately 50% was observed (p<0.05). Qi hand sanitizer gel inactivated more than 99% viral particles entering human laryngeal epidermoid carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Scanning electron micrographs further illustrated that Qi hand sanitizer gel disrupted microbial cell membrane after 1-min contact time resulting in cell death. Qi hand sanitizer gel delivered emollient compounds through simulated human skin layers and showed no cytotoxicity on fibroblast cells. Moreover, Qi hand sanitizer gel demonstrated stability under extreme conditions. Qi hand sanitizer gel was able to inhibit various microorganisms including bacteria, dermatophytes, and virus.