Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that does not overexpress the HER2 protein. In some breast cancers, overexpression of HER2 makes the cancer more aggressive. Computational-aided drug discovery (CADD) was taken as an efficient alternative to conventional methods of drug design and development. This study has also been carried out using the same drug design and development methods from Rhazya stricta; whose extracts are traditionally approved to possess anti-cancer activity while choosing Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) as our target of interest. Phytochemicals present in Rhazya stricta were found from already published literature, to be tested as potential AURKA inhibitors through molecular docking, Prime MM-GBSA, and Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations to know about the binding energies and fluctuating stability of ligands with protein. Five out of twenty-seven screened compounds showed stable complexes and remarkable binding scores ranging between - 6.569kcal/Mol to -5.371kcal/Mol with the target protein so can be investigated as potential lead compounds to treat HER2-negative breast cancer. The in-silico techniques employed successfully identified phytochemicals with potent human AURKA inhibitory properties. Compounds (6), (8), (5), (4), (1) as AURKA inhibitors have the potential to block AURKA by targeting p53 tumor-suppressing protein to prevent the further development of tumors. The MTT assay was performed to confirm the cell viability, cell inhibition, and cytotoxicity of the phytochemicals present in the plant extract.

Pomegranate blight is a serious disease caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas. axonopodis pv. punicae. The aim of this study was to evaluate the invitro activity of leaf and stem extracts of four medicinal plants, Rhazya stricta, Calotropis procera, Morus alba (black moss tree) and Ricinus communis, against bacterial blight pathogen. The extracts were prepared using solvent extraction and tested for infectivity using disk diffusion. The results showed that all the plant extracts showed different anti-microbial activities. Among the tested extracts, R. stricta and C. procera showed the highest inhibitory effects on bacterial growth. These findings suggest that these plant extracts could be potential sources of natural antimicrobial agents for the management of bacterial blight of pomegranate. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of these extracts under field conditions and to identify the bioactive compounds responsible for their antibacterial activity.

Background: We propose a field-deployable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for detecting antibiotic-resistant Pasteurella multocida in veterinary settings, addressing the need for robust diagnostics in resource-limited environments. Aims and Objectives: The proposed method integrates natural stabilizers derived from Saudi Arabian flora, such as Moringa oleifera and Rhazya stricta , which are conjugated to gold nanoparticles to enhance the thermostability and humidity resistance of LAMP reagents. Materials and Methods: These stabilizers form a protective matrix around enzymes and primers, enabling reliable amplification under fluctuating field conditions. The assay employs a colorimetric readout with hydroxynaphthol blue, where a positive reaction induces a visible color shift detectable by smartphone-based analysis. Furthermore, lyophilized reagent pellets with a trehalose matrix facilitate ambient-temperature storage, eliminating the need for cold-chain logistics. Results: The system achieves a detection limit of 10 CFU/mL within 25 minutes at 65°C, targeting resistance markers such as tetB and sul2 . Sample preparation is simplified through direct lysis in guanidinium thiocyanate buffer, bypassing conventional DNA extraction steps. A portable incubator with PID temperature control ensures consistent performance in diverse environmental settings. Conclusion: The novelty lies in the synthesis of regionally sourced natural stabilizers, which outperform synthetic alternatives in preserving enzymatic activity during storage and operation. This approach significantly reduces reliance on laboratory infrastructure while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity. The assay’s practicality is validated through its compatibility with low-cost, smartphone-based interpretation, making it accessible for widespread use in Saudi Arabian veterinary clinics.

Background: Saudi arabian plants have a rich biodiversity and are an important source of medicinal plants. The environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia have forced plants to develop adaptive mechanisms. This results in production of the numbers of secondary metabolites. Rhazya stricta contains glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and triterpenes, which have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Methods: GC-MS and FT-IR analyses were used in this study to detect the phytochemical composition of the extract of R. stricta. The antioxidant activity of R. stricta extract was assessed in vitro using ABTS assays and the IC50 values were determined. The in-vitro antiparasitic activity was evaluated using five distinct concentrations of R. stricta extract. The extract’s inhibition of sporulated oocysts was evaluated after 72 hours. Result: The GC-MS analysis identified approximately 20 primary biologically active compounds. The FT-IR analysis of the R. stricta extract revealed the presence of 10 distinct compounds. The extract exhibited significant antioxidant properties, with inhibition rates varying from 92.41% to 22.76% across concentrations of 500 to 15.625 μg/mL. The IC50 value was determined to be 45.3658 μg/mL. The antiparasitic effects were evaluated in vitro, revealing that oocysts exhibited the highest level of inhibition at concentrations of 50 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL.

This study explores the potential of ten arid dryland plant species as novel bioherbicides for the sustainable suppression of purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.), a troublesome weed in many ecosystems. We investigated the allelopathic effects of Calotropis procera, Alhagi maurorum, Tamarix aphylla, Aerva javanica, Capparis decidua, Withania coagulans, Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Haloxylon salicornicum, Fagonia indica, and Rhazya stricta using a factorial experiment arranged in a completely randomized design with four replications. Three treatments were compared: a control (C1), a crude aqueous extract (C2), and a 20-fold concentrated extract (C3). The concentrated extracts (C3) of all species completely inhibited the sprouting and growth of purple nutsedge. Notably, F. indica (P9 × C2) achieved 100% suppression even at the crude extract level, performing comparably to the concentrated extracts of the other species. H. salicornicum (P8 × C2) and L. pyrotechnica (P7 × C2) showed statistically similar suppression to F. indica. Other crude extracts significantly reduced sprouting percentage, sprouting energy, vigor index, shoot and root length, biomass, and chlorophyll index compared to the control, except for A. maurorum and W. coagulans. These findings underscore the potential of dryland plant extracts, especially F. indica, as promising natural herbicide sources for managing purple nutsedge. Incorporating these bioherbicides into integrated weed management strategies offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic herbicides, reducing their usage and enhancing ecological health.

Background: Nanoparticles (NPs) are utilized in various technological fields, including medicine, due to their inherent antibacterial properties. Recent research has focused on the biosynthesis of copper NPs (CuNPs) and their potential medical applications. Objectives: This study aimed to use Rhazya stricta for the green synthesis of CuNPs and assess their effectiveness in eradicating bacterial pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, and promoting wound healing in rabbits. Methods: The synthesized NPs were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and zeta potential analysis. Fifteen rabbits were divided into three groups of five. Full-thickness costo-abdominal skin wounds were created on the right side of each rabbit. The first group served as the untreated control, the second group was treated with CuNPs, and the third group received fusidic acid treatment. Results: R. stricta extract successfully synthesized CuNPs. The application of CuNPs on S. aureus-contaminated wounds showed faster healing than fusidic acid treatment. The CuNPs group healed in 16 days, while the fusidic acid group healed in 22 days. CuNPs-treated wounds had significantly reduced wound area, total cell count, neutrophil count, macrophage count, and lymphocyte count (P<0.05), along with increased wound contracture (P<0.05). Bacterial counts indicated that CuNPs eradicated S. aureus infections in seven days, compared to 12 days for fusidic acid. CuNPs reduced inflammation and promoted collagen fiber deposition, leading to better healing of S. aureus-infected wounds by decreasing hemorrhagic regions and inflammatory cells. Conclusion: CuNPs synthesized using R. stricta show promising potential as a safe and effective treatment for infected wounds. They effectively eradicate infections and promote efficient wound healing, making them a viable therapeutic option for managing infected wounds.

The medicinal plants of Izki hold significant ethnopharmacological relevance, serving as primary healthcare resources for generations. These plants exhibit known pharmacological properties, making them crucial for traditional and modern therapeutic applications. The primary goal of this study was to record, conserve, and analyze the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in Izki. It also aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of these plants for treating various ailments while identifying their pharmacological relevance for modern applications. The study involved interviews with 300 local residents to record their traditional knowledge of therapeutic herbs. Quantitative methods were employed. Plant specimens were collected, identified, and submitted to the herbarium. The study recorded 65 medicinal plants (22 cultivated, 43 wild) used for 62 disease categories. Eye diseases (0.721; 13 taxa) and bone fractures (0.700; 13 taxa) showed higher consensus among respondents. FL% analysis highlighted Tephrosia apollinea (69.2%), Trachyspermum ammi (62.5%), and Azadirachta indica (53.3%) as culturally significant. Rhazya stricta emerged as an antirheumatic agent, reflecting shared ethnobotanical practices between India and Oman. Plants like Rhazya stricta, Fagonia indica, Trachyspermum ammi, and Ziziphus spina-christi demonstrated consistent regional applications, underscoring their potential for pharmacological investigation. This study underscores Izki's rich ethnobotanical knowledge, with extensive use of leaves, fruits, and whole plants for medicinal, dietary, and hygienic purposes. Conservation efforts, sustainable harvesting, and collaborations with pharmaceutical sciences are essential to validate the pharmacological potential of Rhazya stricta, Fagonia indica, Trachyspermum ammi, and Ziziphus spina-christi and bridge traditional knowledge with modern medicine.

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Background: The increasing prevalence of cancer and bacterial resistance necessitates more effective anti-cancer and anti-bacterial treatments. This study explores the potential of medicinal plants, specifically Calotropis procera (C. procera) and Rhazya stricta (R. stricta), in addressing this need, aiming to uncover new therapeutic interventions. Methods: Various extraction methods for the leaves of C. procera and R. stricta were employed to investigate the anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties of these herbs. For anti-bacterial testing, extracts were prepared using water, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, and their activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) was assessed. The anti-cancer potential was evaluated through MTT cytotoxicity assays on various cancer cell lines and further testing using high-content imaging (HCI)-Apoptosis Assay and the ApoTox-GloTM Triplex Assay. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to identify the secondary metabolites of C. procera, and computational predictions were performed to assess the activity of these metabolites. Results: The leaf extracts of both C. procera and R. stricta demonstrated antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. The C. procera ethyl acetate extract exhibited potent anti-cancer effects on several cancer cell lines. The research also revealed a dose-dependent induction of apoptosis and a decline in cell viability. Computational predictions suggested the identified metabolites were active as nuclear receptor ligands and enzyme inhibitors, with good oral bioavailability. Most metabolites were found to be immunologic and cytotoxic, except for proceragenin and calotropone, which were determined to be non-cardiotoxic. Conclusion: The study's findings demonstrate the remarkable cytotoxic and antibacterial effects of C. procera extracts prepared using ethyl acetate. These results pave the way for further in vitro studies to explore the full potential of these extracts and highlight the presence of chemically active metabolites in C. procera, which hold promise as lead molecules for the development of novel therapies targeting bacterial infections and cancer while minimizing potential side effects.

Rhazya stricta, a perennial shrub native to the Middle East and South Asia, has been used in traditional medicine for various therapeutic purposes, including antimicrobial action. The current study aimed to compare the antifungal properties of 96% and 50% ethanolic extracts of R. stricta leaves and their biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The phytochemical constituents of both extracts were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The AgNPs were characterized using FTIR, UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS, and TEM, confirming bioactive chemicals’ effective production and existence. The antifungal efficacy was tested on five pathogenic fungi: Drechslera halodes, Drechslera tetramera, Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria alternata, and Curvularia australiensis. The 96% ethanol extract inhibited fungal growth the most, with D. halodes, C. australiensis, and A. alternata all experiencing almost 100% inhibition. AgNPs also showed strong antifungal efficacy, with those generated from 96% ethanol extract outperforming those from 50% ethanol extract. This study highlights the potential of R. stricta extracts and their biogenic AgNPs as environmentally friendly antifungal agents, which supports their use in long-term antimicrobial therapy.

Comparative assessment of Rhazya stricta and Azadirachta indica methanolic leaf extracts for their antimicrobial efficacy against the selected foodborne pathogens

In this study, a straightforward, expeditious, and environmentally friendly approach to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) utilizing an aqueous extract of Rhazya Stricta (R. stricta) leaves was employed. The CuONPs underwent various analytical techniques for characterization, including X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scan electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential. The XRD analysis authenticated the monoclinic crystal nature, revealing an average crystallite size of 15.6 nm. FESEM images depicted semi-spherical and cubic shapes, with particle sizes ranging from 56.64 to 86.95 nm. The formation of CuONPs was initially confirmed by the observable change in colour, attributed to the excitation of surface Plasmon resonance at 280 nm in the UV-Vis spectra. FTIR analysis affirmed the presence of functional groups in the R. Stricta leaves extract, serving as both reducing and stabilizing agents, facilitating the formation of CuONPs. Zeta potential measurements indicated substantial stability with a value of 46.6 mV. The biosynthesized CuONPs were further evaluated for their antibacterial properties against Klebsiella Pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), yielding inhibition zones of 21 mm and 30 mm, respectively. Additionally, the cytotoxicity assessment of CuONPs against A549 cell lines revealed higher cytotoxicity of 81.47 ± 1.517 at a CuONP concentration of 100 μg/ml. This work is the first attempt at R. stricta-facilitated synthesis of CuONPs as antibacterial and anticancer agents. It can subsequently be exploited as a potential candidate for these agents and might be utilized further in vivo studies.

Background: Due to the increasing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to common antibiotics, researchers are looking for antimicrobial agents of plant origin as alternative drugs. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity and pigmentation of the extract of the Rhazya stricta plant against human bacteria. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in six concentrations were evaluated by the dilution method in a liquid medium on the determined bacteria. The pink color of the plant extract was assessed using ELISA. Results: The results of the diameter of the inhibition zone showed that the maximum diameter of the inhibition zone for ethyl acetate (2 mm), aqueous (7 mm), ethanolic (8 mm), methanolic (9 mm), and hydroalcoholic (10 mm) extracts was against Staphylococcus aureus. The smallest diameter of the inhibition zone was related to the ethyl acetate extract of R.stricta against methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (2 mm), while the largest diameter of the inhibition zone was related to the methanolic extract of R.stricta (8 mm). Conclusions: The results of the study showed that different medicinal plant solvents inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria at different concentrations, which can be used in the treatment of infections caused by these bacteria. Additionally, this medicinal plant can be used in the dyeing industry due to its pigmentation properties.

The efficacy of five plant extracts, Lantana camara, Ruta chalepensis, Rhazya stricta, Heliotropium bacciferum and Marrubium vulgare against Tribolium confusum ware investigated by admixing plant extract with wheat grains. Mortality (%) increased with increasing concentrations, exposure periods and varying from plant to plant. L.camara and R. chalepensis induced the highest percent of mortalities (95.4 and 93.8%) at 500 ppm after 6 days of exposure respectively, for T. confusum, followed by Rh. Stricta, M. vulgare and H. baccifirum. (91.4, 84.5 and 83,3%) respectively. The lowest LC50s were for L. camara and R. chalepensis (114.61 and 117.78 ppm), after 6 days from exposure respectively, followed by Rh. Stricta, M. vulgare and H. bacciferum (175.48, 251.99 and 309.67 ppm respectively. The rate of repellency increased with increase of dose level. L. camara had the lead in repellent action where repellent percentage was 100 % at 500 ppm followed by R. chalepensiswith, 91%. The repellency rates of other plant extracts were between 50.22 -66.54 at the same concentration which had a moderate repellent action. Statistical analysis showed that all plant extracts revealed significant deference except between H. bacciferum and M. vulgare. Among all the plant extracts L.camara and R. chalepensi were generally more toxic than other plant extracts against T. confusum.

One of the most promising, non-toxic, and biocompatible developments for many biological activities is the green synthesis of nanoparticles from plants. In this work, we investigated the antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized from Rhazya stricta aqueous extract against several plant pathogenic fungi. UV–visible spectroscopy, Zeta potential analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmitted electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyze the biosynthesized AgNPs. Drechslera halodes, Drechslera tetramera, Macrophomina phaseolina, Alternaria alternata, and Curvularia australiensis were tested for their potential antifungal activity. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of Aq. AgNPs and Alkaline Aq. AgNPs was observed at 405 nm and 415 nm, respectively. FTIR analysis indicated hydroxyl, nitrile, amine, and ketone functional groups. Aq. AgNPs and Alka-line Aq. AgNPs had velocities of − 27.7 mV and − 37.9 mV and sizes of 21–90 nm and 7.2–25.3 nm, respectively, according to zeta potential studies and TEM. The antifungal examination revealed that all species' mycelial development was significantly inhibited, accompanied by severe ultra-structural alterations. Among all treatments, Aq. AgNPs were the most effective fungicide. M. phaseolina was statistically the most resistant, whereas A. alternata was the most vulnerable. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on R. stricta's antifungal activity against these species.

Rhazya stricta is a major medicinal species used in indigenous medicinal herbal medications in South Asia, the Middle East, Iran, and Iraq to treat a variety of ailments. The current study aimed to investigate the antifungal properties of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) made from R. stricta aqueous extract and its alkaline aqueous fraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmitted electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize AgNPs. The produced extracts and AgNPs were tested for their antifungal efficacy against four Fusarium spp. All of the characterization experiments proved the biosynthesis of targeted AgNPs. FTIR showed a wide distribution of hydroxyl, amino, carboxyl, and alkyl functional groups among all preparations. The DLS results showed that the produced Aq-AgNPs and the Alk-AgNPs had an average size of 95.9 nm and 54.04 nm, respectively. On the other hand, TEM results showed that the Aq-AgNPs and Alk-AgNPs had average diameters ranging from 21 to 90 nm and 7.25 to 25.32 nm. Both AgNPs absorbed UV light on average at 405 nm and 415 nm, respectively. Regarding the fungicidal activity, the highest doses of Aq-extract and Aq-AgNPs inhibited the mycelial growth of F. incarnatum (19.8%, 87.5%), F. solani (28.1%, 72.3%), F. proliferatum (37.5%, 75%), and F. verticillioides (27.1%, 62.5%), respectively (p < 0.001). Interestingly, the Alk-fraction had stronger inhibition than the biosynthesized AgNPs, which resulted in complete inhibition at the doses of 10% and 20% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, microscopic analysis demonstrated that both AgNPs caused obvious morphological alterations in the treated organisms when compared to the control. In conclusion, R. stricta's Aq-extract, alkaline fraction, and their biosynthesized AgNPs show substantial antifungal efficacy against several Fusarium spp. It is the first study to highlight the prospective biological activities of R. stricta Aq-extract and its alkaline fraction against F. incarnatum, F. proliferatum, and F. verticillioides. In addition, it is the first opportunity to deeply investigate the ultrastructural changes induced in the Fusarium species treated with R. stricta crude Aq-extract and its biosynthesized AgNPs. More studies are required to investigate their biological effect against other Fusarium or fungal species.

It is essential to protect and preserve biodiversity, especially in habitats in which natural resources are scarce. The differing flora and vegetation distribution on the broad, arid landscape at the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve has yet to be investigated. Based on GPS coordination and the transitional zone of plant communities, 48 symmetric plots of 50 × 50 m2 were distributed evenly over six elevations. In this study, we recorded 70 species in 33 families and elucidated floristic traits correlated with elevation. High species richness was recorded for the families Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, and Chenopodiaceae. High numbers of chamaephyte and phanerophyte species were observed. In the chorotype, the mono-regional component contained 47% of the species, the bi-regional component 35.7%, and multi-regional and worldwide species comprised 10% and 7%, respectively. This study noted the growth habits of 23 herbs, 15 shrubs, 10 trees, and a single species of grass, vine, climber, and mistletoe. Diversity indices, indicator species, dominant plant communities, and soil profiles were compared for the defined zones of elevation. Alpha and beta diversity were high at elevations of ≥1000, 800, and ≤100 ma.s.l., compared to elevations of 600 m, 400 m, and 200 m. The highest species richness and species turnover were recorded at elevations of ≥1000, 800, and ≤100 m, while species evenness was greater at elevations of 600, 400, and 200 m. Vegetation analyses and indicator species (based on relative abundance) showed species variation with elevation. Species domination was influenced by physical soil structure and soil chemistry. Microclimates, including temperature and relative humidity variations, were found to be a significant driver in the ecosystem, resulting in varying plant diversity and species distribution at different elevations. Through canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), we used an autocorrelation of elevations, plant species, and soil properties to identify three phytogeographic categories that were presumed to be a proxy of microclimate change: Category I: elevations 1000 m and 800 m, including Retama raetam, Zilla Spinosa, and Vachellia gerrardii linked with sandy soil; Category II: elevations 600 m and 400 m, including species Haloxylon salicornicum, Rhazya stricta, and Leptadenia pyrotechnica linked with enriched soils containing CaCO3 and HCO3 and having a clay texture; and Category III: elevations 200 m and 100 m, including Zygophyllum coccineum, Tamarix nilotica, and Hyphaene thebaica, which thrived in salinity and silt soils. The spatial vegetation patterns of the xeric environment and its transition zones in Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nature Reserve were also documented. It is recommended that microclimate effects on species nominated for vegetation restoration or afforestation be considered for the optimal management of this important nature reserve.

Unveiling the multi-target compounds of Rhazya stricta: Discovery and inhibition of novel target genes for the treatment of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Increase photorespiration and optimising intrinsic water use efficiency are unique challenges to photosynthetic carbon fixation at elevated temperatures. To determine how plants can adapt to facilitate high rates of photorespiration at elevated temperatures while also maintaining water-use efficiency, we performed in-depth gas exchange and biochemical assays of the C3 extremophile, Rhazya stricta. These results demonstrate that R. stricta supports higher rates of photorespiration under elevated temperatures and that these higher rates of photorespiration correlate with increased activity of key photorespiratory enzymes; phosphoglycolate phosphatase and catalase. The increased photorespiratory enzyme activities may increase the overall capacity of photorespiration by reducing enzymatic bottlenecks and allowing minimal inhibitor accumulation under high photorespiratory rates. Additionally, we found the CO2 transfer conductances (stomatal and mesophyll) are re-allocated to increase the water-use efficiency in R. stricta but not necessarily the photosynthetic response to temperature. These results suggest important adaptive strategies in R. stricta that maintain photosynthetic rates under elevated temperatures with optimal water loss. The strategies found in R. stricta may inform breeding and engineering efforts in other C3 species to improve photosynthetic efficiency at high temperatures.

Anti-Biofilm Activities of Silver Nanoparticle Conjugated Rhazya stricta Phytocompounds in Periprosthetic Joint Infections by Staphylococcus aureus