Folk Medicine Research Articles

An in silico-guided Approach for Assessing Herb-Drug Interaction Potential: A Case Study with Cudrania tricuspidata leaf Extracts.

Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extracts (CLEs) have long been utilized as traditional oriental medicines across Asian countries like Korea, China, and Japan. These extracts are renowned for their therapeutic benefits in addressing inflammation, tumors, obesity, and diabetes, maintaining their status as a pivotal folk remedy. Given the rising trend of combining medicinal herbs with conventional medications, it is imperative to explore the potential herb-drug interactions (HDIs). However, there is a dearth of research on evaluating the HDIs of CLEs. Also, the intricate chemical composition of medicinal herbs presents methodological hurdles in establishing causal relationships between their constituents and HDIs. To overcome these challenges, a combined in silico and in vitro workflow was developed and effectively applied to evaluate the potential HDI of CLEs along with the associated chemical factors. In vitro CYP inhibition assays, CLEs exhibited potent inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP2C8, with quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides identified as the major constituents. In silico analysis based on the prediction tools (ADMETlab2.0 and pkCSM) identified key contributors to CYP inhibition, quercetin and kaempferol. Additionally, molecular docking (MD) analysis validated the binding of ligands (quercetin and kaempferol) to proteins (CYP1A2 and CYP2C8). These findings suggest that CLEs could inhibit CYP1A2 and CYP2C8, aiding in understanding the HDI potential of CLEs for safe clinical application. Furthermore, this approach can be broadly applied to study HDIs of various medicinal herbs, enhancing their therapeutic benefits and reducing adverse reactions by considering chemical profiles relevant to HDI potential in herbal preparations.

Therapeutic itineraries of snakebite victims and antivenom access in southern Mexico.

Access to antivenoms in cases of snakebite continues to be an important public health issue around the world, especially in rural areas with poorly developed health care systems. This study aims to evaluate therapeutic itineraries and antivenom accessibility following snakebites in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas in southern Mexico. Employing an intercultural health approach that seeks to understand and bridge allopathic and traditional medical perceptions and practices, we conducted field interviews with 47 snakebite victims, documenting the therapeutic itineraries of 54 separate snakebite incidents that occurred between 1977 and 2023. Most victims used traditional remedies as a first line of treatment, often to withstand the rigors of a long journey to find antivenoms. The main obstacles to antivenom access were distance, poor antivenom availability, and cost. Standard antivenom treatment is highly valued and sought after, even as traditional beliefs and practices persist within a cultural framework known as the "hot-cold" system. The findings are crucial for informing future enhancements to antivenom distribution systems, health education initiatives, and other interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of snakebites in the region.

Dereplication of 4-Quinolone Alkaloids from Waltheria Indica (Malvaceae) Tissues Using Molecular Network Tools.

Waltheria indica (Malvaceae) is a plant popularly used in folk medicine by traditional African and indigenous communities, and in various countries worldwide, to treat general inflammation. Several biological activities of this plant have been reported, including acetylcholinesterase inhibition and potential anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), antinociceptive, analgesic, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, leishmanicidal, trypanocidal, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The chemical profile of Waltheria indica was assessed by dereplication analysis using UPLC-MS/MS, and data acquisition was performed using chemoinformatics tools, such as Mass Spectrometry-Data Independent AnaLysis (MS-DIAL) and MS-FINDER softwares. The preprocessed data were sent to the GNPS to build a feature-based molecular network (FBMN). Thirty-three 4-quinolone alkaloids were annotated in the extracts and fractions of stems and roots, whereas 12 were annotated in the extracts and fractions of flowers and leaves. This represents an inaugural chemical investigation study employing UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis, along with a molecular network approach, within this species and genus.

Evaluation of antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy of silver nanoparticles phytofabricated by Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. leaf extract

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. (Oleaceae), commonly known as harsingar, is a plant with potential medicinal properties. The plant was used in traditional folk medicine and as a pharmacological activity. The present study reports a rapid and eco-accommodating technique to synthesize silver nanoparticles AgNPs with low cost and with no need to heat, using aqueous extracts of N. arbor-tristis L. Phytochemical analysis was conducted to detect the existence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saturated sugar, saponins, glycosides, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, and proteins in the plant. A color change observed in the test confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. SEM, XRD, EDX, FTIR, and UV – Visible spectrophotometer (DLS) were used to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. The antibacterial potential of AgNPs was further tested against different bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia displayed by finding the maximum zone of inhibition observed against S. typhi of 24.6 mm, S. aureus 21.6±0.57 mm, P. aeruginosa 19 mm, K. pneumonia 17 mm and E. coli 15.3±0.57 mm. Furthermore, the synthesized AgNPs were also exhibited as anticancer properties against MDA-231 cell line Human Breast cancer cell line which was determined dose dependent manner and their concentration of 2.5 to 30 μg/mL respectively, and noted the inhibitory range at 30 μg/mL of its concentration, which was further tested in high inhibitory effect on their leaf extract high concentration in cytotoxic, bactericidal experiments.

Investigation of the qualitative and appearance characteristics of Eryngium caeruleum L. based on colorimetric and browning indices in storage conditions

AbstractThe eryngo plant is an herb related to the Apiaceae family with the greatest diversity of species, has a gorgeous taste when eaten as a vegetable, and is traditionally used in folk medicine for its health benefits. The present study was to assess the effects of different drying methods and storage times on the quality and appearance of Eryngium caeruleum. The treatments of this study were drying methods (room temperature (25°C) with proper ventilation, oven temperature 55°C, vacuum oven temperature 55°C, and a microwave with a power of 500 W) and storage times (1, 75, and 150 days). The lowest brightness index and the highest browning index were found in the shade‐dried samples kept in the refrigerator for 150 days. In these samples, the numerical values of chlorophyll were lower than others. After 75 days, in the vacuum oven‐dried samples, the maximum levels of total phenolics and flavonoids and antioxidant activity were calculated. The colorimetric test showed that the oven‐dried samples maintained their green color well. However, the storage decreased the quality of plant samples due to the degradation of chlorophyll. Overall, this study showed that the highest greenness and appearance qualities were found in the samples dried in a vacuum oven at 55°C. It seems that appearance indices can be introduced as an initial and quick step in the qualitative assessment of dried leafy products.

Salvia verticillata (L.)—Biological Activity, Chemical Profile, and Future Perspectives

Species belonging to the genus Salvia, Lamiaceae, have been deeply involved in the folk medicine of different nations since ancient times. Lilac sage, or Salvia verticillata L. (S. verticillata) is a less studied species from the genus. However, it seems to have a prominent potential for the future drug discovery strategies of novel phytopharmaceuticals. This review aims to summarise the data on the biological activity and the phytochemical profile of extracts and essential oils derived from S. verticillata. This review is based on data from 57 in vitro and in vivo studies. The chemical profile of S. verticillata includes different synergic compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenes, and salvianolic acids. Although some small amounts of salvianolic acid B were found in S. verticillata extracts, the major compound among the salvianolic acids is salvianolic acid C, a compound associated with the potential for improving liver fibrosis, cardio- and hepatoprotection, and the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist β-caryophyllene is one of the major compounds in S. verticillata essential oils. It is a compound with a prominent potential in regenerative medicine, neurology, immunology, and other medical fields. The in vivo and the in vitro studies, regarding S. verticillata highlighted good antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal activity. S.verticillata was also reported as a potential source of drug candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, because of the inhibitory activity on the acetylcholinesterase. However, the number of studies in this direction is limited.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of phytocompounds isolated from Hydnophytum formicarum Jack tuber extracts.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of phytocompounds isolated from Hydnophytum formicarum Jack tuber extracts.

New Monoterpenoid Glycosides from the Fruits of Hypericum patulum Thunb.

The whole Hypericum patulum Thunb. plant is utilized in traditional medicine for its properties of clearing heat, detoxifying, soothing meridians, relaxing the liver, and stopping bleeding. In folk medicine, it is frequently used to treat hepatitis, colds, tonsillitis, and bruises. Phytochemical investigation of a 30% ethanol extract of the fresh ripe fruits of H. patulum has resulted in the isolation of two new pinane-type monoterpenoid glycosides 1–2, named patulumside E-F, and three new chain-shaped monoterpenoid glycosides 3–5, named patulumside G-H, J. Their structures were determined using extensive spectroscopic techniques, such as HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. The anti-inflammatory activities of these compounds were evaluated in the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. This research represents the inaugural comprehensive phytochemical study of H. patulum, paving the way for further exploration of monoterpenoid glycosides.

Vulnerability factors of snake bite patients in China

ObjectiveTo analyze the vulnerability factors of snakebite patients in China.MethodsMulti-stage random sampling was used as the main sampling method and snowball sampling as the auxiliary sampling method. The knowledge, attitude and behavior of snakebite among Chinese residents were investigated. Non-parametric test was used to compare the percentage differences in residents’ knowledge, attitude and behavior of snakebite, and generalized linear regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors, and the vulnerability factors of snakebite patients were comprehensively analyzed.ResultsA total of 6338 subjects were included in this study, of which 68.4% were males, and 58.6% were farmers, workers and service personnel. The median total score of knowledge, attitude, and behavior was 26 (22,36). The patients who were improperly treated after injury were ligation proximal to the affected area (23.43%), squeezing (21.82%), and oral and suction wounds (8.74%). Did not go to hospital due to poverty (1351 cases) and did not receive antivenom (2068 cases). There were 21.32% and 32.63%, respectively. Among 4270 patients injected with antivenom 30.7% were vaccinated within 2 h. Among the patients who went to the hospital for treatment (4987), 75.0% arrived at the hospital within 6 h; Among the 4,761 patients who made emergency calls, 37.4% were treated within 0.5 h.ConclusionsSnakebite patients in China have weak knowledge about snakebite, low awareness of medical treatment, lack of correct prevention and emergency treatment measures, dependence on folk remedies, poor housing and so on. In addition, there are low availability of antivenoms and unreasonable distribution of medical resources in some areas of China. Multisectoral and multidisciplinary cooperation should be developed to prevent and control snakebites in order to reduce the burden caused by snakebites.

Omics-based Analysis of Bhadradarvadi Kashayam in Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis via CXCL8-CXCR1/2 axis, MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways - A Network Pharmacology Approach

With the advances in the field of medicine there is an increase in the geriatric population and rheumatoid arthritis is one of the common diseases that affect this cohort. The modern medicines that are used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis provide a symptom-based treatment and there are studies showing severe side effects for some of the medicines being used. But there are shreds of evidence in traditional medical texts for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis which gives an increased therapeutic coverage with less to no side effects. Bhadradarvadi kashayam (concoction) is one of the most commonly preferred and prescribed Ayurvedic medicine for managing the disease. In this study, we are investigating the mode of action of this kashayam by employing a network pharmacology-based framework which included the analysis of the cross-talks between the active ingredients of the kashayam and major molecules involved in the disease, the transcription factors and various pathways in which they are involved. Based on the systems pharmacology approach, 57 active compounds and a total of 377 potential targets with their interacting partners, and the targets associated with comorbidities were identified. The PPI network was analyzed to understand the topological index for screening the hub proteins such as MAPK1, MAPK14, FYN and CXCL8, which were found to be enriched in various signaling pathways. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis validated the strong physical interaction between the hub proteins and the corresponding active compounds from BDK. Overall, the study sheds light on the pharmacological mechanism of Bhadradarvadi kashayam against Rheumatoid Arthritis and also highlights that there are traditional herbal remedies imparted by the Ayurveda system of medicine which has the least side effects compared to modern medicines.

Phytoconstituents Analysis and Anti-Diabetic Potential of Sembung Leaf Extract (Blumea balsamifera L. .) through Inhibition of NF-KB p65, GLP-1, and DPP-4 Proteins with In-Silico Approaches

Traditional herbal remedies have an important role in human health. Empirically, Blumea balsamifera is often used as a traditional beverage to alleviate fever symptoms, lower cholesterol levels, and maintain body immunity. The purpose of this study was to discover the phytoconstituent profile that contributes to the anti-diabetic properties of B. balsamifera leaf extract (BBLE) using in silico approaches.LCMS/MS was used to identify the constituent profile of BBLE, and the ability of these compounds against diabetes-related proteins was analyzed computationally.Three proteins related to diabetes are NF-KB p65, GLP-1, and DPP-4. A total of 18 compounds were successfully identified through LCMS/MS, including 4 compounds known to be flavonoid derivatives and can be used as markers of BBLE. Pheophorbide A and 1,1-Cyclopentanediacetic acid were reported for the first time to inhibit the NF-KB p65, GLP-1, and DPP-4 proteins in docking simulation studies. Based on these findings, it can be confirmed that the bioactive compounds in BBLE show strong inhibitory potential against anti-diabetic proteins.

Genome-wide characterization and metabolite profiling of Cyathus olla: insights into the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds

Cyathus olla, belonging to the genus Cyathus within the order Agaricales, is renowned for its bird's nest-like fruiting bodies and has been utilized in folk medicine. However, its genome remains poorly understood. To investigate genomic diversity within the genus Cyathus and elucidate biosynthetic pathways for medicinal compounds, we generated a high-quality genome assembly of C. olla with fourteen chromosomes. The comparative genome analysis revealed variations in both genomes and specific functional genes within the genus Cyathus. Phylogenomic and gene family variation analyses provided insights into evolutionary divergence, as well as genome expansion and contraction in individual Cyathus species and 36 typical Basidiomycota. Furthermore, analysis of LTR-RT and Ka/Ks revealed apparent whole-genome duplication (WGD) events its genome. Through genome mining and metabolite profiling, we identified the biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) for cyathane diterpenes from C. olla. Furthermore, we predicted 32 BGCs, containing 41 core genes, involved in other bioactive metabolites. These findings represent a valuable genomic resource that will enhance our understanding of Cyathus species genetic diversity. The genome analysis of C. olla provides insights into the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds and establishes a fundamental basis for future investigations into the genetic basis of chemodiversity in this significant medicinal fungus.

Review on Callilstemon citrinus: Recent Approaches in Novel Drug Delivery System

Callistemon citrinus is an ornamental plant. The plant is commonly originated in subtropical and tropical region. C.citrinus, commonly referred to as bottlebrush, is a member of myrtaceae family. Active ingreadients such as 1, 8-cineole, triterpenoids, α-pinenes, eucalyptol, tannis, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterol etc. are mostly found in the various plant sections. It is generally use in traditional, folk and herbal medicine as a water accent, anticough, antibronchtits, insecticide and treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and rheumatism. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the pharmacological aspects and recent novel approaches of callistemon citrinus highlight methodologies, applications, and potential contributions of this natural extract in enhancing drug delivery, offering insights into its pharmacological potential and future prospects in the field. The primary objective to collect updated information about effectiveness of the plant extract in addressing specific health issues and its potential as a therapeutic effect using novel drug delivery systems. Innovative methods explored in delivering the plant extract, such as Nano formulations in various diseases i.e. Antifungal properties, acute toxicity, brine shrimp cytotoxicity and relaxant activity, antimicrobial Activity etc. The methods improve therapeutic efficacy and reduces side effects by optimizing the delivery of bioactive compounds from callistemon citrinus. Keywords: Callistemon citrinus, Bottle brush, Pharmacological activities, Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Isolated compounds.

Exploring the Ayurvedic Practice of Potaki Taila Pichu for Labor Facilitation among Rural Women in Northern Indi

Introduction: Childbirth is a profound experience in a woman's life, emphasizing the importance of promoting natural birthing processes to minimize discomfort and medical intervention. Ayurveda, an ancient holistic medical system, advocates for safe motherhood through herbal interventions like Potaki (Basella alba) Taila Pichu, which aims to alleviate imbalances in Apana Vayu and facilitate smooth labor. Methods: This study evaluated the efficacy of Potaki Taila Pichu in promoting easier labor by assessing its impact on cervical dilation and effacement. Sixty pregnant women meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to a trial or control group. Various parameters, including cervical dilation, uterine contractions, and labor duration, were measured and compared between the two groups. Results: The trial group showed significant increases in cervical dilation and effacement compared to the control group, indicating the potential of Potaki Taila Pichu in facilitating labor progression. The intervention did not disrupt the natural rhythm of labor, as evidenced by consistent uterine contraction duration between groups. Moreover, the trial group experienced a significantly shorter latent phase of labor, suggesting accelerated onset of active labor. Discussion: These findings suggest that Potaki Taila Pichu may offer a safe and effective means of promoting smoother labor experiences while minimizing the need for medical interventions. Integrating traditional herbal remedies into modern obstetric care aligns with efforts to enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: Herbal interventions like Potaki Taila Pichu hold promise in optimizing childbirth experiences by promoting natural labor progression. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore long-term effects on maternal and neonatal health.

The gastroprotective effect of Yucca filamentosa standardized crude leaves extract versus its nano-cubosomal formulation in ethanol-induced gastric injury

Yucca filamentosa (YF) is widely used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory effects. Our study aimed to evaluate the chemical profile of YF extracts. Additionally, the gastroprotective efficacy of its crude leaf extract and nano-cubosomal formulation was assessed in a rat model of ethanol-induced gastric injury by altering the HMGB-1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-κB pathway.The phytochemical composition of YF was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy and LC-MS/MS techniques. Standardization was further accomplished using HPLC. Rats were treated orally with yucca crude extract or its nano-cubosomal formulation at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg. Famotidine (50 mg/kg, IP) was used as a reference drug. After 1 h, rats were administered ethanol (1 ml, 95 %, orally). One hour later, the rats were sacrificed, and the serum was separated to determine TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Stomachs were excised for the calculation of the ulcer index and histopathological examinations. Stomach tissue homogenate was used to determine MDA and catalase levels. Additionally, the expression levels of HMGB-1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-κB were assessed.Phytochemical analysis confirmed the predominance of steroidal saponins, sucrose, organic and phenolic acids, and kaempferol. The nano-cubosomal formulation demonstrated enhanced gastroprotective, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory efficacy compared to the crude extract at all tested doses. The most prominent effect was observed in rats pretreated with the YF nano-cubosomal formulation at a dose of 100 mg/kg, which was similar to normal control and famotidine-treated rats.Our results highlighted the enhanced gastroprotective impact of the yucca nano-cubosomal formulation in a dose-dependent manner. This suggests its potential use in preventing peptic ulcer recurrence.

Place, displacement, and health-seeking behaviour among the Ugandan Batwa: A qualitative study.

For many Indigenous Peoples, relationships to the land are inherent in identity and culture, and to all facets of health and wellbeing, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. The Batwa are Indigenous Peoples of rural, southwest Uganda who have experienced tremendous social and economic upheaval, due to relatively recent forced displacement and land dispossession. This loss of physical connection to their ancestral lands has significantly impacted Batwa health, and also affected available healthcare options for Batwa. This exploratory study (1) identified and characterized factors that influence Batwa health-seeking behaviour, using acute gastrointestinal illness, a critical public health issue, as a focal point for analysis; and (2) explored possible intersections between the Batwa's connection to place-and displacement-and their health-seeking behaviour for acute gastrointestinal illness. Twenty focus group discussions, stratified by gender, were conducted in ten Batwa settlements in Kanungu District, Uganda and eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary healthcare workers, community health coordinators, clinical officers, and development program coordinators. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed using a constant comparative method. Batwa identified several significant motivators to engage with Indigenous and/or biomedical forms of healthcare, including transition to life outside the forest and their reflections on health in the forest; 'intellectual access' to care and generational knowledge-sharing on the use of Indigenous medicines; and Batwa identity and way of life. These nuanced explanations for health-seeking behaviour underscore the significance of place-and displacement-to Batwa health and wellbeing, and its relationship to their health-seeking behaviour for acute gastrointestinal illness. As such, the results of this study can be used to inform healthcare practice and policy and support the development of a culturally- and contextually-appropriate healthcare system, as well as to reduce the burden of acute gastrointestinal illness among Batwa.

Thymoquinone affects hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in pancreatic cancer cells via HSP90 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with some of the worst prognoses of all major cancers. Thymoquinone (TQ) has a long history in traditional medical practice and is known for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis and antioxidant pharmacological activities. Recent studies on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and PC have shown that HIF-1α affects the occurrence and development of PC in many aspects. In addition, TQ could inhibit the development of renal cancer by decreasing the expression of HIF-1α. Therefore, we speculate whether TQ affects HIF-1α expression in PC cells and explore the mechanism. To elucidate the effect of TQ in PC cells and the regulatory mechanism of HIF-1α expression. Cell counting kit-8 assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect the effects of TQ on the proliferative activity, migration and invasion ability and apoptosis of PANC-1 cells and normal pancreatic duct epithelial (hTERT-HPNE) cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were performed to detect the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein in PC cells. The effects of TQ on the HIF-1α protein initial expression pathway and ubiquitination degradation in PANC-1 cells were examined by western blot assay and co-immunoprecipitation. TQ significantly inhibited proliferative activity, migration, and invasion ability and promoted apoptosis of PANC-1 cells; however, no significant effects on hTERT-HPNE cells were observed. TQ significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α in PANC-1, AsPC-1, and BxPC-3 cells. TQ significantly inhibited the expression of the HIF-1α initial expression pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) related proteins, and promoted the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1α protein in PANC-1 cells. TQ had no effect on the hydroxylation and von Hippel Lindau protein mediated ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1α protein but affected the stability of the HIF-1α protein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1α and HSP90, thus promoting its ubiquitination degradation. The regulatory mechanism of TQ on HIF-1α protein expression in PC cells was mainly to promote the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1α protein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1α and HSP90; Secondly, TQ reduced the initial expression of HIF-1α protein by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Cucurbitacin: Unveiling its Role as Phytomolecule in Health Benefits

Abstract: In recent scientific studies, a variety of phytochemicals, including carotenoids, polyphenols, isoprenoids, phytosterols, saponins, and dietetic fibers, besides polysaccharides, have been linked to beneficial health effects, which include reducing the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions. Squash, pumpkin, cucumber, and melons are just a few examples of the Cucurbitaceae family plants that contain cucurbitacins, highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenes. Since ancient times, various traditional remedies have been made from plants that contain cucurbitacins. Several cucurbitacins (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, O, P, Q, R, S) have an extensive assortment of bioactivities, including hepatoprotective activity, liver protection, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-diabetic properties. Cucurbitacins, for instance, have a well-known anticancer effect. Specific reports suggest that cucurbitacins stimulate apoptosis via the JAK/STAT3 pathway. Through cyclin inhibition, cucurbitacins may inhibit the cell cycle. Besides, they expedite autophagy while preventing cancer cells from migrating and infecting other tissues. Cucurbitacins have been categorized as signal transducers and activators of transcription. It is soundly acknowledged that the plant-based compound cucurbitacin B (CuB) has insecticidal and repellent properties. CuB has been shown to have non-specific toxicity and limited bioavailability in studies evaluating its toxicity and pharmacokinetic characteristics. Hence, we aimed to concentrate on the numerous properties of cucurbitacins in this article, including their chemistry, an analysis of biosynthesis, several types of bioactivities, and studies on their toxicity.

Biochemical and Histological Effects of Moringa oleifera Extract against Valproate-Induced Kidney Damage.

Valproic acid is an effective treatment for generalized seizure and related neurological defects. Despite its efficacy and acceptability, its use is associated with adverse drug effects. Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in phytochemical and nutritional components. It has excellent antioxidant and ethnobotanical benefits, thus popular among folk medicines and nutraceuticals. In the present study, 70% ethanol extract of moringa leaves was assessed for its invivo biochemical and histological effects against valproate-induced kidney damage. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I: control animals given physiological saline (n = 8); Group II: Moringa extract-administered group (0.3 g/kg b.w./day, n = 8); Group III: valproate-administered animals (0.5 g/kg b.w./day, n = 15); and Group IV: valproate + moringa extract (given similar doses of both valproate and moringa extract, n = 12) administered group. Treatments were administered orally for 15 days, the animals were fasted overnight, anesthetized, and then tissue samples harvested. In the valproate-administered experimental group, serum urea and uric acid were elevated. In the kidney tissue of the valproate rats, glutathione was depleted, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase) disrupted, while oxidative stress biomarker, inflammatory proteins (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6), histological damage scores, and the number of PCNA-positive cells were elevated. M. oleifera attenuated all these biochemical defects through its plethora of diverse antioxidant and therapeutic properties.

Gene expression and anticancer evaluation of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. Extracts using MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines.

In recent years, a cancer research trend has shifted towards identifying novel therapeutic compounds from natural assets for the management of cancer. In this study, we aimed to assess the cytotoxic activity of Kigelia Africana (KA) extracts on breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and noncancerous kidney cells (HEK-293T) to develop an efficient anticancer medication. We used gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS to analyze the constituents of EKA and HKA extracts meanwhile the crystal violet and the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assays were used to examine the possible cytotoxic effects of plant extracts on our cancer cell lines along with non-cancerous control. The quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was run on cell samples to evaluate the differential expression of cell proliferative markers of cancer (BCL-2 and TP53). These phytochemicals have been reported to have binding affinity for some other growth factors and receptors as well which was evaluated by the in-silico molecular docking against Bcl2, EGFR, HER2, and TP53. Our Morphological observation showed a significant difference in the cell morphology and proliferation potential which was decreased under the effect of plant extracts treatment as compared to the control samples. The ethanol extract exhibited a marked antiproliferative activity towards MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 = 20 and 32 μg/mL, respectively. Quantitative RT-PCR gene expression investigation revealed that the IC50 concentration of ethanolic extract regulated the levels of mRNA expression of apoptotic genes. With the target and active binding site amino acids discovered in the molecular docking investigation, TP53/Propanoic acid, 3-(2, 3, 6-trimethyl-1, 4-dioxaspiro [4.4] non-7-yl)-, methyl ester (-7.1 kcal/mol) is the best-docked ligand. The use of this plant in folk remedies justifies its high in vitro anti-cancer capabilities. This work highlights the role of phytochemicals in the inhibition of cancer proliferation. Based on all these findings, it can be concluded that EKA extract has promising anti-proliferative effect on cancerous cells but more study is required in future to further narrow down the active ingredients of total crude extract with specific targets in cancer cells.