Rhizome Extract Research Articles

Adjuvant Therapy Effect of Curcuma Longa Rhizome Extract On TGF-β Serum Levels in Leprosy Ulcer Patients

Leprosy ulcer is one of the worsening manifestations of leprosy that often causes disability if not appropriately handled. Healing of ulcers requires a long enough duration so that a good immunological response is needed to encourage the wound healing process, one of which is transforming growth factor- (TGF-), which is necessary of the plants that plays a role in the expression of TGF- to spur wound healing is Curcuma longa rhizome or turmeric rhizome. This study is expected to prove that administering Curcuma longa rhizome extract can increase serum TGF-β levels in leprosy ulcer patients. This study is an experimental study with a pre and post-randomised single-blind controlled trial design involving 22 subjects with leprosy ulcers. The control group obtained standard therapy for leprosy ulcers, and the treatment group received standard therapy and adjuvant Curcuma longa rhizome extract at a dose of 1 g per day for 30 days. TGF-β levels were measured by the ELISA method. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon test and the Mann-Whitney test. The results showed no significant difference in TGF-β levels after and before the intervention in the control group (p=0.79) and the treatment group (p=0.14). However, there was a significant difference in TGF-β levels after the intervention in the control group and treatment (p=0.01). Curcuma longa rhizome extract did not show an important role in changes in serum TGF-β levels in leprosy ulcer patients. This study showed that administering Curcuma longa rhizome extract for 1 month did not show a potential role as an adjuvant therapy. Leprosy ulcer is one of the worsening manifestations of leprosy that often causes disability if not appropriately handled. Healing of ulcers requires a long enough duration so that a good immunological response is needed to encourage the wound healing process, one of which is transforming growth factor- (TGF-), which is necessary of the plants that plays a role in the expression of TGF- to spur wound healing is Curcuma longa rhizome or turmeric rhizome. This study is expected to prove that administering Curcuma longa rhizome extract can increase serum TGF-β levels in leprosy ulcer patients. This study is an experimental study with a pre and post-randomised single-blind controlled trial design involving 22 subjects with leprosy ulcers. The control group obtained standard therapy for leprosy ulcers, and the treatment group received standard therapy and adjuvant Curcuma longa rhizome extract at a dose of 1 g per day for 30 days. TGF-β levels were measured by the ELISA method. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon test and the Mann-Whitney test. The results showed no significant difference in TGF-β levels after and before the intervention in the control group (p=0.79) and the treatment group (p=0.14). However, there was a significant difference in TGF-β levels after the intervention in the control group and treatment (p=0.01). Curcuma longa rhizome extract did not show an important role in changes in serum TGF-β levels in leprosy ulcer patients. This study showed that administering Curcuma longa rhizome extract for 1 month did not show a potential role as an adjuvant therapy.

A Review on Phytochemical Analysis and In-vitro Antioxidant Activity of Curcumin from Curcuma longa L. Rhizomes

This study focused on investigating the phytochemical composition and evaluating the antioxidant capability of an extract obtained from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa (turmeric). Preliminary screening tests revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic substances, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and fixed oils/fatty acids in the methanolic rhizome extract. The antioxidant potential of the extract was assessed using the widely employed 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The findings indicated a concentration-dependent enhancement in radical scavenging activity, reaching a maximum of around 81% at the highest concentration evaluated (3 mL). The remarkable antioxidant capacity can be attributed to the unique structural features of curcumin, the principal bioactive compound present, which contains methoxy, phenoxy, and carbon-carbon double bonds that enable efficient neutralization of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, curcumin has been reported to modulate the activity of transcription factors like Nrf2, thereby upregulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes and bolstering the body’s defense against oxidative stress. These findings offer empirical support for the historical use of C. longa and underscore the diverse potential uses of curcumin as a natural antioxidant across different sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics

Comprehensive Identification of Costus pictus Rhizome Extract as a Potent Plant Food: Unveiling Anti-Diabetic, Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties.

Plant-derived foods are esteemed as natural preventives due to the constraints of contemporary pharmaceuticals, intensifying scrutiny of traditional medicinal flora. This study marked the first extensive evaluation of the anti-diabetic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects of Costus pictus rhizomes, expanding beyond its well-known anti-diabetic properties in leaves. Hot air-dried C. pictus rhizomes underwent ultrasound-assisted extraction to produce the rhizome extract. Anti-diabetic effects were determined through enzymatic inhibition studies targeting "α-amylase and α-glucosidase," crucial enzymes in glucose regulation, revealing potent inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 266.591 and 324.938µg/ml, respectively. The ubiquity of breast cancer and constrained therapeutic alternatives for triple negative breast cancer led to the utilization of the "MDA-MB 231 cell line" for the study. The rhizome extracts demonstrated cytotoxicity at an IC50 concentration of 770µg/ml, with a pronounced decline in the "reactive oxygen species (ROS)" and "mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP)." They also regulated the cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and positively induced apoptosis, thus making it a potent anticancer candidate. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using "RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line" and exhibited dose-dependent reduction with IC50 of 495.074µg/ml, declining nitric oxide (NO) levels. Antimicrobial studies provided insights into its effectiveness against pathogens. This pivotal understanding laid groundwork for advancing C. pictus rhizome extract as a potential ingredient in pharmaceuticals or functional foods, leading to favorable health outcomes.

Exploring the In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Aging, and Cytotoxic Properties of Kaempferia galanga Linn. Rhizome Extracts for Cosmeceutical Formulations

Exploring the In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Aging, and Cytotoxic Properties of Kaempferia galanga Linn. Rhizome Extracts for Cosmeceutical Formulations

Nanosuspension Formula of Curcuma xanthorriza Rhizome Dry Extract: Impact of Tween 80-PEG 400 Ratio

Our previous research investigated nanosuspension using the ionic gelation method with a 2:1 ratio of chitosan to sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) and 0.44% Curcuma xanthorriza rhizome extract. The results indicated an unstable nanosuspension with a particle size of 399.3 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.60, and an entrapment efficiency of 73.37%. This study aims to develop a nanosuspension using Tween 80-PEG 400 to improve the characteristics and dissolution at pH 6.8. Curcuma rhizome was macerated with 96% ethanol and dried using a spray dryer. The nanosuspension formulation was designed using a 22 factorial design with Tween 80 (0.1%-0.4%) and PEG 400 (0.1%-0.4%) as factors, and the formulation was analyzed using Minitab 18. The dissolution of the optimum formulation was tested. The best formulation, comprising 0.1% Tween 80 and 0.4% PEG 400, provided a spherical shape, a particle size of 111.26 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.27, a zeta potential of 30.77 mV, an entrapment efficiency of 84.30%, and a desirability value of 0.9058. The release of curcumin at pH 6.8 after 180 minutes was 37.85% ± 0.1375 with a DE180 of 83.60% ± 0.1457. The 22 factorial design proved effective for enhancing formulation attributes. Based on the result obtained, it can be concluded that the best formulation contains 0.1% Tween 80 and 0.4% PEG 400, with zero-order release kinetics and a diffusion mechanism.

Phytochemical Identification and Anti-Oxidative Stress Effects Study of Cimicifugae Rhizoma Extract and Its Major Component Isoferulic Acid

Background and Objectives: Cimicifugae Rhizoma, also known as ‘Sheng ma’ in Madeiran, is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine that has several pharmacological qualities, one of which is its antioxidant activity. Isoferulic acid, a prominent phenolic compound found in Cimicifugae Rhizoma, has potent antioxidant properties. This study was aimed to comprehensively analyze the components in Cimicifugae Rhizoma and rat plasma to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and Isoferulic acid as potential candidates for developing herbal formulations targeting podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy for further clinical utilization. Materials and Methods: UPLC/Q-TOF-MS and HPLC were utilized as analytical tools to identify components of Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract or rat plasma after administrating it. MPC5 cells were cultured with H2O2 and high glucose and subjected to oxidative stress injury. The CXCL12/CXCR4 system plays a crucial role at certain stages of multiple kidney diseases’ injury. Apoptosis-related and target CXCL12/CXCR4/mTOR/Caspase-3 and Cask protein levels were assessed, and the levels of inflammatory-related factors, motility, morphology, ROS level, and apoptosis in podocytes were tested. Results: A total of 82 and 39 components were identified in the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and plasma, and Isoferulic acid content was determined as 6.52 mg/g in the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract. The Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract (1 μg/mL) and Isoferulic acid (10, 25, 50 μM) considerably decreased high glucose and oxidative-stress-mediated toxicity, impaired mobility and adhesion and apoptotic changes in MPC5 cells, and reversed inflammation response. Moreover, the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and Isoferulic acid down-regulated Cask, mTOR, and Caspase-3, while significantly blocking the overactivation of CXCL12/CXCR4 in podocytes stimulated by oxidative stress and high glucose. Conclusions: These results indicate that the renal protective mechanism of the Cimicifugae Rhizoma extract and Isoferulic acid on simulating H2O2-induced podocyte injury involves mainly the of CXCL12/CXCR4 pathways and the inactivation of oxidative-stress-mediated apoptotic pathways after comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS and HPLC. These findings provide an important efficacy and ingredient basis for further study on the clinical utilities of Cimicifugae Rhizoma and Isoferulic acid on podocyte and kidney impairment.

Callus induction of red ginger (Zingiber officinale var. rubrum) with 2,4-D and Kinetin combination to enhance total phenolic and flavonoid content

Abstract Plant tissue culture perform as in vitro technique which use any parts of plants under environmental and nutritional control. Tissue culture provides a competitive systems for effective secondary metabolites production, including in red ginger which has many functional properties with high demand in health and pharmaceutical sectors. This study aims to develop an appropriate procedure to cultivate red ginger with in vitro technique to enhance its phenolic and flavonoid content. The rhizome buds were use as explants for callus induction by MS medium with some combination of 2,4-D and kinetin (1:0; 1:1; 1:5; and 5:1). The 70% ethanol, 5,25% sodium hypochlorite, and 10% povidone iodine were used for surface sterilization of bud explants. The result reveals that in 1:0 combination of 2,4-D and Kinetin, the compact callus were initiated on day-16. The other three combinations showed shorter callus forming time in day-14 and they were friable. The 1:1 combination showed the highest percentage (70%) of callus formation compared to other three combinations. In this combination also indicated no contamination occurs. From this in vitro tissue culture, the methanolic extract of callus obtained highest total phenolic content (204,793 µg/mL) than rhizome (130.77 µg/mL). Though, the total flavonoid content of callus extract (0,289 µg/mL) was lower than rhizome extract (6.74 µg/mL). This study showed that the in vitro tissue culture was quite appropriate to enhance total phenolic content in red ginger, although not at the flavonoid content.

Benzyl-isoquinoline alkaloids rich extract of Coptis teeta Wall., exhibit potential efficacy in calcium-oxalate and uric-acid linked metabolic disorders

Coptis teeta Wall., an endangered but valuable medicinal species having various folklore uses in Indian and Chinese Traditional system of medicine. Its distribution is restricted to India, China and Tibet. In India, C. teeta is traditionally used in joint disorders, urinary infections and inflammatory diseases, however the scientific validation is missing. Thus, the present study aims to validate the anti-lithiatic and anti-gout activity of C. teeta rhizome extract (CTME) through in-vitro biological assays. The metabolic fingerprinting of CTME through reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (RP-HPLC-PDA) showed the presence of five benzyl-isoquinoline alkaloids, namely berberine (2.59%), coptisine (0.746%) jatrorrhizine (0.133%), palmatine (0.03%) and tetrahydropalmatine (0.003%). The anti-gout potency analysed via in-vitro xanthine oxidase (XOD) inhibition assay, followed by HPTLC (High performance thin layer chromatography) mediated bio-autographic inhibition of XOD signifies that CTME exhibit strong inhibition of XOD (IC50: 3.014 μg/ml), insignificantly different (p > 0.05) from allopurinol (IC50: 2.47 μg/ml). The XOD bioautographic assay advocates that the efficacy is primarily due to berberine and coptisine alkaloids. The CTME has significant anti-lithiatic activity, and thereby limiting the progression of crystal nidus formation, mediated via inhibition of calcium oxalate crystals nucleation and aggregation. Additionally, the extract also exhibits potential effect on inhibition of oxidative stress associated inflammation, which plays crucial role in alleviating urolithiasis and gouty conditions. Validating the traditional claims of C. teeta will not only confirm its medicinal benefits for targeted pathological conditions but also enhance its industrial demand.

The efficacy and safety of ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome extract in outpatients with COVID-19: A randomized double-blind placebo-control clinical trial.

Ginger, a potent antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant remedy, is a potential therapeutic option for COVID-19. However, there was not enough clinical evidence about ginger and COVID-19. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ginger on clinical and paraclinical features in outpatients with COVID-19. In this randomized controlled trial, the outpatients with confirmed COVID-19 were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive ginger (1000 mg 3 times a day for 7 days) or placebo. The primary outcome was viral clearance after the end of the intervention. Oxygen saturation (SPO2), body temperature, respiratory rate (RR), hospital admission, and the incidence of adverse events were also assessed. A total of 84 patients (42 in the ginger and 42 in the control groups) were randomized. The viral clearance was not statistically improved in the ginger group (41.6%) compared to the placebo group (42.8%). The findings indicated that SPO2, body temperature, and RR had no significant difference between the groups at the end of the intervention. The imaging finding indicated pulmonary infiltrate significantly reduced on the 7th day of the intervention in the ginger group. The percentage of patients with SPO2 <96% in the ginger group decreased over the study compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the need for hospital admission and the incidence of adverse drug events were not different between the groups over the follow-up period. Ginger had no significant impact on the clinical and paraclinical parameters of patients. However, this intervention demonstrated a safe profile of adverse events and reduced pulmonary infiltrate. The trial was registered as IRCT20200506047323N1.

A review of medicinal plants used for the restoration of reproductive functionality following cimetidine-induced reproductive toxicity

Abstract Objectives This review investigates cimetidine’s impact on testicular function, emphasizing histopathological changes, and impaired spermatogenesis resulting in reduced sperm count. Cimetidine disrupts the hormonal balance in both genders. The study explores the potential of medicinal plants (Curcuma longa, Nigella sativa, Tetracarpidium conophorium, Ginger Rhizome, and Kaempferia parviflora rhizome extract) to counter cimetidine-induced toxicity. Methods A systematic review within the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, and Study design (PICOS) framework and adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 standards, which outline comprehensiveness, accuracy, and reporting guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, identified relevant literature through electronic databases. Findings Medicinal plants exhibit diverse mechanisms, indicating the potential to restore reproductive functionality and mitigate cimetidine-induced toxicity. They serve as adjunctive treatments for managing reproductive impairments caused by cimetidine. Conclusions This review provides concise insights into the potential of medicinal plants, notably C. longa, Nigella sativa, Tetracarpidium conophorium, Ginger Rhizome, and Kaempferia parviflora rhizome extract, as interventions against cimetidine-induced reproductive toxicity. These findings propose alternative strategies for addressing reproductive impairments linked to cimetidine.

Two Sesquiterpenes from n-Hexane Fraction of Curcuma soloensis Rhizomes and Their Antimicrobial Activities

Curcuma soloensis is one of the medicinal plants that has the potential to be a source of bioactive compounds. The antimicrobial study of the bioactive compounds from C. soloensis was still limited. This study aimed to isolate the bioactive compounds from C. soloensis rhizomes and to evaluate their potential as antimicrobial agents. C. soloensis rhizome extraction was done using the maceration method with acetone and then fractionated with n-hexane: methanol (1:1). The compounds were separated and purified using vacuum liquid chromatography and radial chromatography. The structure of the isolated compounds was determined using the nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13C NMR) spectroscopy analysis and comparison with literature data. Antimicrobial activity assays of the extract, n-hexane fraction, and isolated compounds were carried out by microdilution methods against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Malaszezia furfur. Two bioactive compounds from the n-hexane extract of C. soloensis rhizome have been isolated: ar-curcumene and ar-turmerone. Antimicrobial test results on acetone extract, n-hexane fraction, and isolated compounds showed that ar-turmerone had the highest activity against S. aureus with a MIC value of 15.6 μg / mL. In comparison, ar-curcumene showed the same activity against all test microbes with a MIC value of 62.5 μg / mL. This study showed that secondary metabolite compounds of C. soloensis rhizomes have the potential to be developed as antimicrobial agents.

Potential Use of Jerangau Rhizome (Acorus calamus L.) as an Antibacterial Agent for Streptococcus pneumoniae

Aims: The empirical use of jerangau rhizomes for treating pneumonia in Indonesia should be verified through scientific research. Study design: The experimental use of Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) bacteria and jerangau (Acorus calamus L.) rhizome extract (JRE). Place Study: Pharmacy Department, Poltekkes Kemenkes Makassar, Indonesia. Methodology: Antibacterial activity was assessed using liquid dilution and agar diffusion methods. Results: The antibacterial activity of JRE against SP was determined to be effective at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%, and 8% w/v. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum kill concentration (MKC) were found to be 0.5% and 1% in HJ, &gt;2.5% at EJ, and 0.25% and 0.5% at EAJ. Conclusion: JRE has demonstrated antibacterial properties against SP in vitro.

Relaxant Effects of Curcuma aeruginosa Rhizome Extracts on Isolated Rat Gastric Fundus and Ileum Contraction

Curcuma aeruginosa (CA) rhizomes are used in traditional medicine as gastrointestinal remedies, postpartum care and uterine issues. However, its effects on gastrointestinal motility have not yet been explored. Extracts of CA rhizomes prepared using chloroform, methanol and water were evaluated for their effects on gastrointestinal contractions using isolated rat gastric fundus and ileum. Varied solvents aim for extraction of different compounds of CA rhizome. In the ileum, the 3 extracts did not significantly affect spontaneous contractions, but significantly reduced contractions induced by acetylcholine (ACh, 0.3 µM) and KCl (40 mM) in a concentration-dependent manner. The order of potency, based on ACh-induced contraction, was chloroform &gt; methanol &gt; water extracts, with respective IC50 values of 0.025 ± 0.001, 0.46 ± 0.02 and 2.57 ± 0.47 mg/mL. Similar potency order against KCl-induced contraction was observed, with IC50 values of 0.011 ± 0.002, 0.47 ± 0.06 and 1.18 ± 0.18 mg/mL, respectively. In the isolated gastric fundus model, both methanol and water extracts resulted in an increase in the force of contraction in the absence of stimulation. However, when ACh (0.3 µM) was introduced, the methanol and water extracts exhibited a concentration-dependent reduction in contractions, with IC50 values of 0.62 ± 0.06 and 2.30 ± 0.32 mg/mL, respectively. As for KCl (40 mM)-induced contraction, only the highest concentration of the water extract (3.75 mg/mL) significantly decreased the contraction by 41.29 ± 2.94 %. CA extract demonstrated relaxant effects on both isolated rat gastric fundus and ileal contractions induced by ACh and KCl. These findings support the use of CA in traditional medicine as a gastrointestinal remedy. These extracts have the potential to be used as antispasmodics and to treat infectious and non-infectious diarrhea, the latter of which occurs in functional gastrointestinal diseases. It might also be useful as a gastroprokinetic. HIGHLIGHTS C. aeruginosa extracts had no impact on rat ileum’s spontaneous contraction Extracts caused dose-dependent relaxation of precontracted ileum Extracts enhanced spontaneous contraction of isolated gastric fundus Extracts induced relaxation in the precontracted isolated gastric fundus GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

A review on the phytochemistry and biological activities of Curculigo latifolia Dryand ex. W.Aiton

Curculigo latifolia Dryand. ex W. T. Aiton, from the genus Curculigo, is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat numerous illnesses such as fever, stomach aches, jaundice, wounds, and inflammation. C. latifolia is a perennial herb that is widely found in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Southern China, Bangladesh, Australia, and the Andaman Islands. This review collates the reported studies on the different aspects of C. latifolia from its plant description, nutritional value, phytochemistry, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties. This review aims to identify gaps in the literature and provide useful references for future work on this plant. Previous studies have shown that C. latifolia contains high mineral contents of calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are essential components of human health. Moreover, the plant is rich in phytochemicals, which play a prominent role in various pharmacological activities. The most common compounds identified included curculigoside, crassifoside I, nyasicoside, and curculigine. C. latifolia demonstrated high antioxidant activity through its ability to scavenge superoxide anions, 1,1–diphenyl–2–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino–bis(3–ethylbenzthiazoline–6–sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, reducing ferric ions to ferrous complexes, iron chelation, and B-carotene bleaching. It was also shown that the roots, stems, and leaves of C. latifolia were effective in exerting antimicrobial activity against several microbial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtillis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Erwinia sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., Candida albicans, Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the root, fruit, leaf, petiole, and rhizome extracts were found to improve glucose uptake and insulin secretion in diabetic rats, suggesting their antidiabetic potential. C. latifolia presents a wide range of medicinal properties that could make it a promising functional food or source of food supplements to prevent nutrition–related or chronic diseases.

In Vitro Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effect of Etlingera Elatior Ethanol Extract Growing in Gayo Highland, Aceh Province, Indonesia

Background The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing overtime, potentially leading to various severe health complications and mortality. Despite therapeutic agents have currently been developed, unexpected adverse effects are inevitable. Hence, safe and effective medications such as those of plant origin are critical to prevent unexpected complication in DM sufferers. Etlingera elatior has been widely used as spice and traditional medicine to treat diabetes in Aceh Province, Indonesia. However, study regarding α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of E. elatior growing in Gayo highlands, Aceh, Indonesia, is completely lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of E. elatior ethanol extracts (EEEE) growing in Gayo highlands, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Methods Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH procedure, whereas α-glucosidase inhibition assay was carried out using spectrophotometric method. Data analysis was performed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s multiple range test at α=0.05. Results Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), and total tannin (TTC) content in all E. elatior plant parts, in which the highest TPC was found in the stem (158.38 GAE/g), whereas the highest TFC and TTC was obtained in the rhizome extracts. The extract of fruit showed the strongest antioxidant activities, followed by the stem and leaf, with IC50 of 2.381 μg/mL, 6.966 μg/mL, and 19.365 μg/mL, respectively. All E. elatior extracts revealed a significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase at the concentration of 500 μg/mL, in which the stem extract showed the most effective α-glucosidase inhibitory effect with IC50 value of 5.15 μg/mL, suggesting its promising potential as antidiabetic agent. Conclusions This study highlights E. elatior potency as a novel source of antioxidant and natural antidiabetic compounds that are useful for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Optimizing Tomato Health: Holistic Approach to Early Blight Disease Management

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fungicide (mancozeb) and botanicals against early blight of tomato caused by Alternaria solani at the experimental field and glasshouse of Plant Pathology department, College of Agriculture, Pune, Maharashtra, during Kharif season (2019-2020). Six treatments including control with four replications were taken up using Randomized Block Design RBD. Growth inhibition of fungus Alternaria solani causing early leaf blight of tomato was studied in vivo for determining the efficacy of one fungicide and eight botanicals. Exploring possibility of managing A. solani by use of botanicals revealed that the clove extract of garlic was the best followed by neem leaf and ginger rhizome extract showing highest growth inhibition of the fungus. Among the plant leaf extracts, garlic clove extract @10% was found effective to inhibit the growth of pathogen i.e. 64.60% Per cent disease control PDC (glasshouse trial) and 51.85% PDC (open Field trial). The contact fungicide Mancozeb@0.25% showed disease control of 75.52% (Glasshouse trial) and PDC of 70.34% (Field trial) in in vivo condition. Presently many farmers are using chemicals for control of early blight of tomato however, they cause health hazards. Therefore, this investigation provides valuable insights for farmers in selecting suitable plant extracts to control early blight of tomatoes.

Well-Established and Traditional Use of Vegetal Extracts as an Approach to the "Deep Roots" of Cough.

Cough is a common presenting symptom for patients in a primary care setting and significantly impacts a patient's quality of life. Cough involves a complex reflex arc beginning with the stimulation of sensory nerves that function as cough receptors that stimulate the cough center in the brain. This "cough center" functions to receive these impulses and produce a cough by activating efferent nervous pathways to the diaphragm and laryngeal, thoracic, and abdominal musculature. Drugs that suppress the neural activity of cough are non-specific as those treatments are not directed toward pathogenic causes such as inflammation and oxidative stress. Moreover, they block a reflex called the watchdog of the lung and have a defense mechanism. Acute respiratory infections of the upper and lower airways most commonly cause acute cough. In contrast, the most common causes of chronic cough are upper airway cough syndrome, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, all associated with an inflammatory reaction at the level of the cough receptors. The use of natural compounds or herbal drugs such as carob syrup, dry blackcurrant extract, dry extract of caraway fruit, dry extract of ginger rhizome, dry extract of marshmallow root, and dry extract of ivy leaves, to name a few, not only have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, but also act as antimicrobials, bronchial muscle relaxants, and increase gastric motility and empty. For these reasons, these natural substances are widely used to control cough at its deep roots (i.e., contrasting its causes and not inhibiting the arch reflex). With this approach, the lung watchdog is not put to sleep, as with peripheral or central inhibition of the cough reflex, and by contrasting the causes, we may control cough that viruses use at self-advantage to increase transmission.

Acorus calamus L. rhizome extract and its bioactive fraction exhibits antibacterial effect by modulating membrane permeability and fatty acid composition.

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIndia's ancient texts, the Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, make reference to the traditional medicinal usage of Acorus calamus L. In India and China, it has long been used to cure stomach aches, cuts, diarrhea, and skin conditions. This ability of the rhizome is attributed to its antimicrobial properties. Research studies to date have shown its antimicrobial properties. However, scientific evidence on its mode of action is still lacking. Aim of the studyAcorus calamus L. rhizome extract and its bioactive fraction exhibits antibacterial effect by modulating membrane permeability and fatty acid composition. Material and methodThe secondary metabolites in the rhizome of A. calamus L. were extracted in hexane using Soxhlet apparatus. The ability of the extract to inhibit multidrug resistant bacterial isolates, namely Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated using checkerboard assay. Further, the extract was purified using thin layer chromatography, gravity column chromatography, and combiflash chromatography. Structure elucidation of the active compound was done using GC-MS, FT-IR, and UV–Vis spectral scan. The mode of action of the bioactive fraction was determined. Bacterial membrane damage was analyzed using SEM, membrane permeability was determined using SYBR green I and PI dye, leakage of cytoplasmic contents were analyzed using Bradford assay and Fehling’s reagent. The ability to inhibit efflux pump of A. baumannii was determined using EtBr accumulation assay and β-lactamase inhibition was analyzed using nitrocefin as substrate. Also, the biofilm inhibition of B. cereus was determined using crystal violet dye. Moreover, the effect of the bioactive fraction on the fatty acid profile of the bacterial membrane was determined by GC-FAME analysis using 37 component FAME mix as standard. ResultsAcorus calamus L. rhizome hexane extract (AC-R-H) demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against all the isolates tested. AC-R-H extract also significantly reduced the MIC of ampicillin against all tested bacteria, indicating its bacterial resistance modulating properties. The assay guided purification determined Asarone as the major compound present in the bioactive fraction (S-III-BAF). S-III-BAF was found to reduce the MIC of ampicillin against Escherichia coli (100–25 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15–3.25 mg/mL), Acinetobacter baumannii (12.5–1.56 mg/ml), and Bacillus cereus (10–1.25 mg/mL). Further, it recorded synergistic activity with ampicillin against B. cereus (FICI = 0.365), P. aeruginosa (FICI = 0.456), and A. baumannii (FICI = 0.245). The mode of action of S-III-BAF can be attributed to its ability to disturb the membrane integrity, enhance membrane permeability, reduce biofilm formation, and possibly alter the fatty acid composition of the bacterial cell membranes. ConclusionThe bioactive fraction of AC-R-H extract containing Asarone as the active compound showed antibacterial activity and synergistic interactions with ampicillin against the tested bacterial isolates. Such activity can be attributed to the modulation of fatty acids present in bacterial membranes, which enhances membrane permeability and causes membrane damage.

Zingiber officinale-Mediated biosynthesis of bimetallic Gold/Silver (BAu/Ag) nanoalloys; an insight into antiviral and anticancer activities

Utilizing plant extracts in the green synthesis of bimetallic nanoalloys receives more attention due to its eco-friendly, cheap, single-step, easy-handling method, producing highly active and biocompatible nanoalloys. Therefore, the aqueous extract of ginger rhizome was used to form bimetallic gold/silver (Au/Ag) nanoalloys. There were 37.3 mg.g−1 of total soluble carbs, 0.75 mg.g−1 of proteins, and 0.03 mg.g−1 of phenolic compounds quantified in ginger rhizome. The production of BAu/Ag-NPs relies on these components. The as-formed BAu/Ag-NPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the peak surface plasmon resonance (SPR) occurred between 440 and 545 nm. The existence of several functional groups involved in the reduction and stability of the generated nanoalloys was shown by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR). The nanoalloys, with an average size of 49.1 ± 16.2 nm, were observed to be spherical using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) indicated that the synthesized nanoalloy mainly consisted of Au and Ag ions, which made up (31.2 % and 47.1 %) and (45.9 % and 28.6 %) of the sample’s atomic and weight percentages, respectively. The crystallography of the nanoalloys was confirmed using XRD analysis. When examined for their capacity to suppress viral replication, the synthesized nanoalloys showed remarkable results, with 78.2 % inhibition against HAV and 69.6 % against Cox-B4. In addition, the anticancer activity of nanoalloys against oral epithelial cells (OEC), MCF7 adenocarcinoma cells, and HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells was investigated using the MTT assay method. While the nanoalloys exhibited moderate toxicity towards normal OEC (IC50: 502.5 ± 2.8 g.mL−1), they showed substantial cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, MCF7 and HepG2, with IC50 values of 212.6 ± 4.4 and 117.9 ± 6.6 µg.mL−1, respectively. According to these data, BAu/Ag nanoalloys show potential as antiviral and anticancer drugs that selectively kill cancer cells.

Coptidis rhizoma extract alleviates oropharyngeal candidiasis by gC1qR-EGFR/ERK/c-fos axis-induced endocytosis of oral epithelial cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCoptidis rhizoma, first recorded in the “Shen Nong's Herbal Classic”, is one of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to treat infectious diseases, with reputed effectiveness against oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Studies have demonstrated the inhibitory properties of C. rhizoma (CRE) against Candida albicans, yet there is limited information available regarding its treatment mechanism for OPC. Aim of the studyOur previous research has suggested that CRE can prevent the formation of C. albicans hyphae and their invasion of the oral mucosa, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on OPC. Nevertheless, the precise therapeutic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Previous studies have revealed that a receptor for globular heads of C1q (gC1qR), a crucial co-receptor of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), facilitates the EGFR-mediated internalization of C. albicans. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the potential mechanism of action of CRE and its primary component, berberine (BBR), in treating OPC by exploring their effects on the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor. Materials and methodsTo identify the chemical components of CRE, we utilized Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MSE), revealing the presence of at least 18 distinct components. To observe the therapeutic effects of CRE on OPC at the animal level, we employed hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, scanning electron microscopy, and fungal load detection. Subsequently, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory properties of CRE and its main component, BBR, in treating OPC. This was achieved through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) both at the animal and cellular levels. Additionally, we assessed the ability of C. albicans to disrupt the epithelial barrier of FaDu cells by studying the protective effects of BBR on the fusion barrier using the transwell assay. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, we analyzed the effects of BBR on the gC1qR-EGFR/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/c-Fos signaling pathway at the cellular level using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, we validated the effects of BBR on the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor through ELISA, qRT-PCR, and western blotting. Finally, to confirm the outcomes observed at the cellular level, we validated the impact of CRE on the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor in vivo using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. These comprehensive methods allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of CRE and BBR in treating OPC. ResultsOur findings indicate that CRE and its primary component, BBR, effectively alleviated the symptoms of OPC by modulating the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor. The chemical composition of CRE and BBR was accurately identified using UPLC-Q/TOF-MSE. The gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor plays a crucial role in regulating downstream signaling pathways, emerging as a potential therapeutic target for OPC treatment. Through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, we explored the therapeutic potential of CRE and BBR in OPC. Additionally, we employed overexpression and silencing techniques to confirm that BBR can indeed influence the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor and regulate the gC1qR-EGFR/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/c-Fos signaling pathway, leading to improved OPC outcomes. Furthermore, the significance of CRE's effect on the gC1qR-EGFR co-receptor was validated in vivo. ConclusionOur study demonstrates that CRE and its main component, BBR, can effectively alleviate OPC symptoms by targeting the gC1qR-EGFR heterodimer receptor. This discovery offers a promising new therapeutic approach for the treatment of OPC.