Herbal Substances Research Articles

Herbal Fertility Remedies Leading to Massive Pulmonary Embolism: A Case Report

The rising use of herbal medicines raises concerns about their safety and effectiveness. This case report involves a 55-year-old male who developed shortness of breath and chest discomfort after using herbal substances and sildenafil for erectile dysfunction and infertility. He was diagnosed with a massive acute pulmonary embolism (PE) via CT angiography and treated with alteplase, followed by oral apixaban after discharge. The herbal substances included carob, ginger, red ginseng, and others. This case highlights the need to investigate how herbal remedies may affect hormone balance and contribute to cardiovascular risks, particularly PE.

DNA-Protective, Antioxidant and Anti-Carcinogenic Potential of Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Dry Tincture.

Nowadays, interest in natural antioxidants (especially phenolics) for the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases is increasing due to their fewer side effects and more potent activity than some of their synthetic analogues. New chemical and pharmacological studies of well-known herbal substances are among the current trends in medicinal plant research. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a popular herb used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases (including rheumatic-, inflammatory- and tumor-related disease, etc.). The dry tincture of Filipendulae ulmariae herba, collected from the Bulgarian flora, was analyzed using the HPLC method and bioassayed for antioxidant, antiproliferative and DNA-protective activities against oxidative damage. The HPLC phenolic profile showed 12 phenolics, of which salicylic acid (18.84 mg/g dry extract), rutin (9.97 mg/g de), p-coumaric acid (6.80 mg/g de), quercetin (4.47 mg/g de), rosmarinic acid (4.01 mg/g de) and vanillic acid (3.82 mg/g de) were the major components. The high antioxidant potential of the species was confirmed by using four methods, best expressed by the results of the CUPRAC assay (10,605.91 μM TE/g de). The present study reports for the first time the highly protective activities of meadowsweet dry tincture against oxidative DNA damage and its antiproliferative effect against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2 cell line). Meadowsweet dry tincture possesses great potential to prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Stigmasterol from Iraqi Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) plant origin from Mediterranean countries, and in addition to the beauty of its flowers they also have important medicinal properties in the healing of many illnesses particularly skin issues. C. officinalis in the world was reported and assessed as a medicinal plant, like British pharmacopoeia (BP), European pharmacopoeia (EU), WHO and PDR. Calendula officinalis Linn. Contains 0.4% of flavonoids as minimum, calculated as Hyperoside of dried herbal substance according to British pharmacopeia (2). The Chemical Constituents are: Triterpene saponins, Triterpene (Stigmasterol), Flavonoids: isorhamnetin glycosides and quercetin glycosides, Coumarins: umbelliferon, scopoletin and aesculetin, Carotenoids: mainly zeaxanthin and Lutein (5). Stigmasterol is an essential ingredient that has been isolated from plants. Stigmasterol considered a progesterone precursor and serves as an intermediate in corticoids, androgens estrogens biosynthesis (10) and vitamin D3 synthesis (3). Stigmasterol is a triterpenes C30-derive phytosterol, naturally happening C28 and C29 carbon steroid alcohols that is similar to cholesterol in structure as well as biological activity (4).in this study Stigmasterol was identified by TLC, Mass analysis. Structure elucidation was performed using, FTIR and Mass analysis. The quantity of Stigmasterol was measured in the Iraqi plant.

Exploring Myrrh Oil as a Natural Antimicrobial Agent Against Oral Pathogens: An In Vitro Research

Background: While contemporary pharmaceuticals play a critical role in managing oral infections, there remain persistent concerns regarding their chemical composition and potential adverse effects. This apprehension has led to an increased focus on exploring natural alternatives, particularly herbal substances, for their potential therapeutic benefits in oral health. Aim: This study aimed to examine the antibacterial properties of myrrh oil against common oral bacteria, including Candida, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus aureus, and to assess its suitability as a natural alternative in oral healthcare. Methods: Oral swabs were obtained from 50 individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The isolated organisms were cultivated on different types of media and identified using established microbiological methods. Bacterial growth inhibition was evaluated by culturing subsequent cultures on Muller-Hinton agar with myrrh oil. This agar medium was selected for its suitability in evaluating myrrh oil’s suppressive impact on oral bacteria proliferation. Results: Candida demonstrated abundant proliferation on the control media but showed a reduction in colony-forming units when treated with myrrh oil. E. coli, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus aureus exhibited decreased growth and suppressed colony formation when exposed to myrrh oil. Conclusion: These findings indicate that myrrh oil can prevent the growth of oral bacteria, making it a promising natural antibacterial agent for managing oral health. Additional investigations are needed to examine the safety, ideal dosage, and clinical feasibility of this treatment.

Basic Requirements and Framework Conditions of Real-World Data (RWD) on Herbal Medicinal Products.

Real-world data (RWD) is becoming increasingly relevant for evaluating safety and effectiveness of medicinal products, including non-prescription medicines and herbal medicinal products in particular. In order to use real-world data for regulatory decision-making in the field of herbal medicinal products, it is crucial to have an accurate description the herbal substances and preparations, as herbal medicinal products, in contrast to chemically defined medicinal products, contain a complex mixture of natural compounds. However, it remains challenging to get standardised information on herbal products from current literature. This publication gives a brief overview of necessary information of herbal medicinal products in scientific literature and data sources to ensure high-quality real-world data.

Comparative Analysis of Essential Oil Profiles From Emprit Ginger Rhizome (Zingiber officinale var. amarum) Grown in Different Locations and Antibacterial Activity Againts Staphylococcus aureus

Indonesia, as a tropical country, boasts significant biodiversity, particularly regarding its flora and fauna. The country's medicinal plants are one inherited natural resource passed down through generations. The "emprit ginger” (Zingiber officinale var. amarum), a native Indonesian medicinal plant, is often employed in treating various diseases. Scientifically, the primary constituent of emprit ginger is the phenolic ketone homolog compound, gingerol, known for its antioxidant activity. In addition to its antioxidant potential, emprit ginger exhibits potential as an antibacterial agent. However, herbal substances used for therapeutic purposes often yield inconsistent effects due to the fluctuating chemical composition in the plants, typically a result of varying growing locations. These location differences can cause discrepancies in the content of active metabolites. Therefore, data on the chemical profile of medicinal plants is paramount for the standardization process. This study was conducted by obtaining essential oils from the rhizomes of emprit ginger, extracted via steam distillation obtained from various cultivation lands in Ponorogo, Magetan, Pacitan, Wonogiri, Karanganyar, Boyolali, Semarang, Magelang, Purworejo, Temanggung, Wonosobo, Banyumas, Bantul, and Kulonprogo. One of the efforts in standardizing natural materials involves the analysis of their metabolite profiles. The emprit ginger essential oil profile was obtained through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) testing. The emprit ginger essential oil profile was analyzed using a multivariate calibration of Principal Component Analysis utilizing SIMCA 17 software. Antibacterial activities were assessed using the microdilution method on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The analysis of antibacterial activity was determined using the Probit analysis method to ascertain the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) 50 value. This study also involved the extraction of essential oils from emprit ginger rhizomes. The individual profiles of these essential oils were determined via Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. The essential oil profiles of emprit ginger were subjected to a multivariate calibration using Principal Component Analysis facilitated by the SIMCA 17 software. Antibacterial activity tests were conducted using the microdilution method on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The antibacterial activity was ascertained using probit analysis to derive the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration 50 (MIC 50) values. The highest MIC 50 of emprit ginger rhizome on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was found in samples from Wonogiri, with a concentration of 0.3408%. Compounds displaying significant discriminative influence on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria included Z-Citral, Geranyl acetate, Zingiberenol, Beta-Myrcene, (1S0-2,6,6-Trimethylbicyclo [3.1.1] hept-2-ene, and Bicyclo [2.2.1]heptan-2-ol, 1,7,7-trimethyl, exo-(CAS)

Delving into Autophagy: Utilizing Natural Bioactive Compounds to Combat Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract: Autophagy involves breaking down entire cell components, including organelles and macromolecules found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, especially proteins with extended lifespans. Pharmacological, therapeutic, and herbal methods are crucial throughout this deteriorating phase. Autophagy is a widespread and historically conserved process that occurs in all eukaryotic cells. The significance lies in cell malfunction impacting the autophagy process, which is associated with various significant conditions such as neurological and metabolic disorders in the brain. The role of various autophagic genes is also important in the positive regulation of autophagy. This research will provide a concise summary of various forms of autophagy, their molecular processes, their relationships to neuronal health, and the function of natural chemicals in the enhancement of autophagy. However, the focus of this work is on different ways to encourage autophagy. It is possible to treat metabolic neurodegenerative illnesses by triggering this process with a range of herbal and natural substances. In this article, these topics are explored and debated.

Herbal Medicine in Children and Adults With Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Herbal medicine is widely used for dermatological diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis. This study aims to systematically review existing literature on the efficacy of both topical and systemic herbal interventions for atopic dermatitis across various age groups. Conducting a comprehensive search on MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central) until April 12, 2023, only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The review is reported following the PRISMA guidelines and was conducted in accordance to Cochrane recommendations. Two authors independently extracted details, including demographics, medication, control/placebo groups, outcomes, adverse events, and results, with quality assessment using the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2.0. A meta-analysis, utilizing the random-effects model, was conducted, and publication bias was assessed through funnel plot inspection. The quality of evidence adhered to GRADE working group recommendations. The primary focus was evaluating atopic dermatitis or pruritus severity. The review encompassed 51 RCTs (3763 participants). Of these, 31 RCTs explored 19 distinct herbs and five complex remedies, whereas 20 RCTs (1088 participants) specifically investigated evening primrose oil (EPO). Herbs such as sunflower, licorice, figs, coconut, EPO, indigo naturalis, licorice, mauve, St. John's wort, and a combination of aloe vera and olive oil were found to have evidence of efficacy in the local treatment of atopic dermatitis. A meta-analysis on systemic used EPO, involving 13 RCTs, found no significant difference in atopic dermatitis severity compared with placebo (SMD: 0.14; 95% CI [-0.45; 0.73], 13 RCTs). In conclusion, this review provides a nuanced perspective on herbal substance efficacy for atopic dermatitis. While the EPO meta-analysis failed to show a discernible benefit beyond placebo, individual herbal preparations showed promising results in RCTs included in this review. Nevertheless, larger, methodologically rigorous studies are essential to establish evidence for herbal remedies in atopic dermatitis treatment.

Chemical composition and biological activity of wild <i>Linum</i> (Linaceae) Species

The review presents data from literature sources on the component composition and biological activity of aboveground and underground parts of wild species of the genus Linum L. (Linaceae DC. ex Perleb). In recent decades, studies have been carried out on the component composition of not only flaxseed oil, but also cell cultures in vitro. This information is especially relevant for starting herbal materials derived from wild Linum species with small habitats or insignificant thicket density. Currently, information on the component composition and biological activity of oils or extracts has been obtained for 54 wild Linum species, belonging to 8 sections of 2 subgenera. In the aboveground and underground parts of the studied wild species of the genus Linum, the following sunstances were found: mucilage (in leaves and seeds), proteins (in seeds), vitamins (in leaves, seeds), alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, tannins, pigments, cyanogenetic glucosides and lignans. Essential oil was isolated from the aboveground flowering parts of L. perenne L., L. ausrtiacum L., L. hirsutum L., L. pubescens Willd. ex Schult., L. tenuifolium L., and L. catharticum L. The chemosystematics does not contradict the system we previously compiled based on morphological, anatomical and molecular characteristics of Linum species. Asian and European herbal medicine traditionally uses aboveground parts of L. perenne, L. baicalense Juz., L. altaicum Ledeb. ex Juz., L. olgae Juz. and L. heterosepalum Regel. The seeds and fatty oil exhibit coating, wound-healing, mild laxative, and analgesic properties. Extracts of wild-growing Linum species, as well as their individual components, have varied bioactivity like antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, yeast-static, antiviral, cytotoxic, inhibitory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant. Species characterized by a high content of aryldihydronaphthalene-type lignans (a typical representative is justicidin B) have an antiviral effect and are effective against SARS-Cov-2. The yellow-flowered Linum species in the section Syllinum, with predominant aryltetralin lignans (e.g. 6-methoxypodophyllotoxin and its derivatives), exhibit anticancer activity. In the section Linopsis, L. corymbulosum Reichenb., which contains (–)-hinokinin, may prove to be an object of comprehensive research as a promising source of domestic herbal substances that can be used as adjunctive treatments in the anti-hepatitis B therapy.

Vector-control potential of Unani medicines: A review of classical Unani texts and contemporary scientific literature.

Vector-borne diseases pose substantial global health challenges, with a notable impact on India. Effective vector control strategies are crucial to mitigating these diseases as there are no effective vaccines available. Synthetic chemicals are widely used but concerns about safety and environmental impact have prompted exploration of alternative natural solutions. Unani medicine offers a potential source of natural products. This study aims to systematically review classical Unani texts and contemporary scientific literature to evaluate the vector control potential of Unani medicines. A comprehensive review of classical Unani texts was carried out to compile data on herbal and mineral substances suggested in Unani medicine for control of insects. Furthermore, electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were explored for research studies evaluating the insect repellent, larvicidal, and insecticidal activities of the Unani medicines. Time restriction was not imposed to ensure comprehensive retrieval of pertinent and up-to-date information. From classical Unani texts, 29 drugs were identified for control of insects, primarily of plant origin from diverse botanical families. Recent scientific investigations have confirmed the insect-repellent, insecticidal, and larvicidal activities of 19 of these Unani medicines against various insect species, including mosquitoes. These findings underscore the potential of Unani medicines as a natural source for vector control. However, further research is essential to explore mechanism, delivery methods, and optimal concentrations for developing effective vector-control formulations.

Investigating pharmacokinetic profiles of Centella asiatica using machine learning and PBPK modelling

ABSTRACT Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling serves as a valuable tool for determining the distribution and disposition of substances in the body of an organism. It involves a mathematical representation of the interrelationships among crucial physiological, biochemical, and physicochemical parameters. A lack of the values of pharmacokinetic parameters can be challenging in constructing a PBPK model. Herein, we propose an artificial intelligence framework to evaluate a key pharmacokinetic parameter, the intestinal effective permeability (P eff ). The publicly available P eff dataset was utilized to develop regression machine learning models. The XGBoost model demonstrates the best test accuracy of R-squared (R 2, coefficient of determination) of 0.68. The model is then applied to compute the P eff of asiaticoside and madecassoside, the parent compounds found in Centella asiatica. Subsequently, PBPK modeling was conducted to evaluate the biodistribution of the herbal substances following oral administration in a rat model. The simulation results were evaluated and validated, which agreed with the existing in vivo studies in rats. This in silico pipeline presents a potential approach for investigating the pharmacokinetic parameters and profiles of drugs or herbal substances, which can be used independently or integrated into other modeling systems.

Quality Studies on Cynometra iripa Leaf and Bark as Herbal Medicines.

Cynometra iripa Kostel. is a Fabaceae species of mangrove used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammatory conditions. The present study aims to establish monographic botanical and chemical quality criteria for C. iripa leaf and bark as herbal substances and to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant potential. Macroscopic and microscopic qualitative and quantitative analyses, chemical LC-UV/DAD-ESI/MS profiling, and the quantification of key chemical classes were performed. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays. Macroscopically, the leaf is asymmetrical with an emarginated apex and cuneate base. Microscopically, it shows features such as two-layered adaxial palisade parenchyma, vascular bundles surrounded by 3-6 layers of sclerenchyma, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (5.89 ± 1.32 μm) along the fibers, paracytic stomata only on the abaxial epidermis (stomatal index-20.15), and non-glandular trichomes only on petiolules. The microscopic features of the bark include a broad cortex with large lignified sclereids, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (8.24 ± 1.57 μm), and secondary phloem with distinct 2-5 seriated medullary rays without crystals. Chemical profile analysis revealed that phenolic derivatives, mainly condensed tannins and flavonoids, are the main classes identified. A total of 22 marker compounds were tentatively identified in both plant parts. The major compounds identified in the leaf were quercetin-3-O-glucoside and taxifolin pentoside and in the bark were B-type dimeric proanthocyanidins and taxifolin 3-O-rhamnoside. The total phenolics content was higher in the leaf (1521 ± 4.71 mg GAE/g dry weight), while the total flavonoids and condensed tannins content were higher in the bark (82 ± 0.58 mg CE/g and 1021 ± 5.51 mg CCE/g dry weight, respectively). A total of 70% of the hydroethanolic extracts of leaf and bark showed higher antioxidant activity than the ascorbic acid and concentration-dependent scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (IC50 23.95 ± 0.93 and 23.63 ± 1.37 µg/mL, respectively). A positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlation between the phenol content and antioxidant activity was found. The results obtained will provide important clues for the quality control criteria of C. iripa leaf and bark, as well as for the knowledge of their pharmacological potential as possible anti-inflammatory agents with antioxidant activity.

Efficient glycosylation and in vitro neuroprotective evaluation of abundant prenylflavonoid in hops

Structurally unique isopentenyl flavonoids are extremely low in natural plant species, and their cumbersome chemical pathways, scarcity of donors, and poor stability have severely hindered their application scenarios. Xanthohumol (XN), an isopentenyl chalcone, is a unique and abundant herbal efficacy substance in hops (Humulus upulus L.), which is an herb with a variety of clinical benefits. However, 90% of XN is left behind in the production of hop residue, resulting in a waste of natural resources. The poor water solubility and low bioavailability of XN also limit its wide application. Combined biotransformation strategies can greatly enhance the added value of resource materials and become one of the important means for the sustainable utilization of traditional Chinese medicine resources. In this study, an extreme microbial screening strategy for efficient bioconversion of phrenylflavonids is established to achieve Bacillus zanthoxyli GQ8 obtained from brewer's dregs and a non-aqueous biosynthesis system of xanthohumol glycosides (XNG, substrate concentration of 0.5 g/L, conversion rate of 73.2%) is constructed by GQ8. With HT22 cell model of H2O2-induced oxidative damage and BV2 cell model of LPS-induced neuroinflammation, XNG showed little cytotoxicity and exhibited better anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects compared with the original compound. Our experimental results firstly provide a high-efficiency biotransformation strategy for glycosylation of XN with bacteria and provide a support that prenylflavonoid glycoside derivatives have remarkable biological activity and show better development potential.

A Narrowed Look Into Plant-Derived Testosterone 5α-Reductase Inhibitors for Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent cause of hair loss in men and women, resulting from a combination of genetic susceptibility and androgen hormones. Increased activity of testosterone 5α-reductase in hair follicles leads to increased synthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT's destructive effect on hair follicles is one of the leading reasons for hair loss. Conventional pharmacotherapeutic treatments, e.g. finasteride and minoxidil, are frequently accompanied by adverse effects and may be ineffective for certain people. Recent years have seen a rise in research on plant-derived testosterone 5α-reductase enzyme inhibitors. These herbal substances produced by various plant extracts and natural ingredients show promise in terms of fewer side effects and improved tolerability. This mini review investigates herbal testosterone 5α-reductase inhibitors for treatment AGA.

Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties of oleuropein against Escherichia coli and fluconazole-resistant isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata

BackgroundSide effects associated with antimicrobial drugs, as well as their high cost, have prompted a search for low-cost herbal medicinal substances with fewer side effects. These substances can be used as supplements to medicine or to strengthen their effects. The current study investigated the effect of oleuropein on the inhibition of fungal and bacterial biofilm in-vitro and at the molecular level.Materials and methodsIn this experimental study, antimicrobial properties were evaluated using microbroth dilution method. The effect of oleuropein on the formation and eradication of biofilm was assessed on 96-well flat bottom microtiter plates and their effects were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Its effect on key genes (Hwp1, Als3, Epa1, Epa6, LuxS, Pfs) involved in biofilm formation was investigated using the quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method.ResultsThe minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal/bactericidal concentration (MFC/MBC) for oleuropein were found to be 65 mg/ml and 130 mg/ml, respectively. Oleuropein significantly inhibited biofilm formation at MIC/2 (32.5 mg/ml), MIC/4 (16.25 mg/ml), MIC/8 (8.125 mg/ml) and MIC/16 (4.062 mg/ml) (p < 0.0001). The anti-biofilm effect of oleuropein was confirmed by SEM. RT-qPCR indicated significant down regulation of expression genes involved in biofilm formation in Candida albicans (Hwp1, Als3) and Candida glabrata (Epa1, Epa6) as well as Escherichia coli (LuxS, Pfs) genes after culture with a MIC/2 of oleuropein (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe results indicate that oleuropein has antifungal and antibacterial properties that enable it to inhibit or destroy the formation of fungal and bacterial biofilm.

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay for simultaneous determination of 22 marker compounds in traditional herbal medicine Ojeoksan

Traditional herbal medicines (THMs) have long been in use worldwide and are considered safe for use as tonics or complementary treatments for many diseases. Advanced quality control methods for THMs are required in the regulatory framework of modern medicines. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay was established for the simultaneous determination of 22 marker compounds in Ojeoksan (OJS), which is composed of 15 herbal substances. All marker compounds were analyzed within 20 min and successfully identified via scheduled multiple reaction monitoring. The method validation revealed excellent performance characteristics of the method such as specificity, linearity, sensitivity, precision, and accuracy, demonstrating its suitability for intended use. The developed method was applied to samples of commercial OJS tablet and soft-extract dosage forms. The 14 marker compounds corresponding to 12 component herbal substances were determined in the samples; ephedirine, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, hesperidine, neohesperidin, cinnamic acid, platycodin D, 6-gingerol, atractylenolide III, glycyrrhizin, honokiol, decursin, and magnolol. A fast and easy assay method with sufficient discrimination power was established. As a novel assay, this method can contribute to the quality control of OJS products.

HISTOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF RETINAL FUNCTION AND THE EFFECTS OF CURCUMA LONGA ON MEMORY CORRECTION IN EXPERIMENTAL OLFACTORY BULBECTOMY RAT MODELS

According to the latest literature data, histological studies of the retina in animal models of experimental Alzheimer's disease prove invaluable for identifying the disease in its early stages. The effects of plant antioxidants in disease rehabilitation can be determined by histological analysis of the retina. For this purpose, rats were used as the research object. Experimental animals were trained in the Morris maze to form and study spatial memory. To study the effects of herbal substances on memory correction curcuma was used in experimental animals. Histological analysis of the retina was comparatively analyzed in control, bulbectomized animals and curcuma-treated animals after bulbectomy. The histological materials obtained show that curcuma has a neuroprotective effect on histological changes animal retinas after bulbectomy and dysfunctions accompanied by deterioration of visual memory.

In silico study of alkaloids with quercetin nucleus for inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 protease and receptor cell protease.

Covid-19 disease caused by the deadly SARS-CoV-2 virus is a serious and threatening global health issue declared by the WHO as an epidemic. Researchers are studying the design and discovery of drugs to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 virus due to its high mortality rate. The main Covid-19 virus protease (Mpro) and human transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) are attractive targets for the study of antiviral drugs against SARS-2 coronavirus. Increasing consumption of herbal medicines in the community and a serious approach to these drugs have increased the demand for effective herbal substances. Alkaloids are one of the most important active ingredients in medicinal plants that have wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, seven alkaloid ligands with Quercetin nucleus for the inhibition of Mpro and TMPRSS2 were studied using computational drug design including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation (MD). Auto Dock software was used to evaluate molecular binding energy. Three ligands with the most negative docking score were selected to be entered into the MD simulation procedure. To evaluate the protein conformational changes induced by tested ligands and calculate the binding energy between the ligands and target proteins, GROMACS software based on AMBER03 force field was used. The MD results showed that Phyllospadine and Dracocephin-A form stable complexes with Mpro and TMPRSS2. Prolinalin-A indicated an acceptable inhibitory effect on Mpro, whereas it resulted in some structural instability of TMPRSS2. The total binding energies between three ligands, Prolinalin-A, Phyllospadine and Dracocephin-A and two proteins MPro and TMRPSS2 are (-111.235 ± 15.877, - 75.422 ± 11.140), (-107.033 ± 9.072, -84.939 ± 10.155) and (-102.941 ± 9.477, - 92.451 ± 10.539), respectively. Since the binding energies are at a minimum, this indicates confirmation of the proper binding of the ligands to the proteins. Regardless of some Prolinalin-A-induced TMPRSS2 conformational changes, it may properly bind to TMPRSS2 binding site due to its acceptable binding energy. Therefore, these three ligands can be promising candidates for the development of drugs to treat infections caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Effect of South Sulawesi Propolis in Sevoflurane Anesthesia-Induced Rat Model During Weaning Period: Study Levels of IL-6, TNF⍺, IL-10, and PSD-95 of the Prefrontal Cortex

Background: A recent study discovered that exposure to the anesthetic gas sevoflurane in the early years of life can impact cognitive function. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effects of prolonged and repeated exposure to sevoflurane during the weaning period and whether the administration of propolis, a well-known herbal substance with anti-inflammatory properties, has a beneficial effect on inflammation and synaptic markers of the prefrontal cortex area, as well as its effect on spatial working memory function. Methods: We utilized Sprague Dawley rats aged 21 days (P21), divided into three groups: Control, sevoflurane, and sevoflurane with propolis. The exposure to sevoflurane (3%) was conducted three times for 2 hours each at P21, P23, and P25. Propolis treatments were administered orally, starting from the first day of exposure to sevoflurane until the rats were sacrificed (P25 or P51). Analyses of IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10, PSD-95 levels were performed using ELISA at P25 and P51, while spatial working memory was measured using the spontaneous Y-maze at P51. Results: Exposure to sevoflurane during the weaning period had no effect on IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-10, and PSD-95 levels of the prefrontal cortex, nor on working memory function. Similarly, the administration of propolis did not have any beneficial effect on these parameters. Conclusions: Prolonged and repeated exposure to sevoflurane during the weaning period did not induce neuroinflammation conditions that also did not affect synaptic markers and working memory function. Further studies are required to identify a dose of sevoflurane that causes detrimental effects on memory function, neuroinflamation and synaptic marker and further to explore the beneficial effects of propolis on this condition.

Antimicrobial Properties of Shrevestakadi Yoni Dhoopan for Management of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine adopts a holistic approach, focusing on both curing diseases and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between the individual (body, mind, soul, spirit) and the environment. It includes a range of pharmaceutical preparations and therapeutic techniques. However, in the contemporary era, only a limited number of these procedures are actively employed, leading to the loss of significance and recognition for numerous valuable formulations and techniques, Dhoopan karma being one of them. "Dhoopana" is a procedure involving the use of herbal, herbo-mineral, or animal-origin substances for fumigation. Dhoopan has been actively used as a preventive measure during pre and post-operative care and as a therapeutic procedure due to its antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties. Yoni Dhoopan is effectively utilized in addressing diverse Yonivyapad conditions. Medicinal properties of Dhoopan drugs includes Kashaya and Tikta in Rasa, Katu in Vipaka, and Laghu and Ruksha in Guna, rendering them to be a potent Kledashoshaka, Shodhaka (detoxifier), and ropaka (wound-healer). Furthermore, it exhibits Yoni doshhara, Kledashoshaka, and Jantughana (anti-microbial) properties.