Exploring the interaction of phytochemicals from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers with glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase: An integrated in vitro and in silico approach.

Targeting multiple factors such as oxidative stress, alpha glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are considered advantageous for the treatment of diabetes and diabetes associated-cognitive dysfunction. In the present study, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers anthocyanin-rich extract (HRA) was prepared. Phytochemical analysis of HRA using LC-ESI/MS/MS revealed the presence of various phenolic acids, flavonoids and anthocyanins. HRA showed in vitro antioxidant activity at low concentrations. HRA inhibited all the activities of mammalian glucosidases and AChE activity. The IC50 value of HRA for the inhibition of maltase, sucrase, isomaltase, glucoamylase and AChE was found to be 308.02 ± 34.25 µg/ml, 287.8 ± 19.49 µg/ml, 424.58 ± 34.75 µg/ml, 408.94 ± 64.82 µg/ml and 264.13 ± 30.84 µg/ml, respectively. Kinetic analysis revealed mixed-type inhibition against all the activities except for glucoamylase (competitive) activity. In silico analysis confirmed the interaction of two active constituents cyanidin 3-sophoroside (CS) and quercetin 3-O-sophoroside (QS) with four subunits, n-terminal and c-terminal subunits of human maltase-glucoamylase and sucrase-isomaltase as well as with AChE. Molecular dynamics simulation, binding free energy calculation, DCCM, PCA, PCA-based free energy surface analysis ascertained the stable binding of CS and QS with target proteins studied. HRA could be used as complementary therapy for diabetes and cognitive improvement.

Photosynthesis of silver nanoparticles embedded paper for sensing mercury presence in environmental water.

Heavy metals released by anthropogenic activities are extremely toxic to animals and plants due to their bioaccumulative and persistent environmental presence. In the current study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized utilizing eco-friendly processes, and their potential in colorimetric Hg2+ ion sensing in environmental samples was examined. An aqueous extract of Hemidesmus indicus root (Sarsaparilla Root, ISR) rapidly converts silver ions into AgNPs within 5 min of exposure to sunlight. Transmission electron microscopy confirms that ISR-AgNPs are spherical, ranging from 15 to 35 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed phytomolecules stabilized the NPs with hydroxyl and carbonyl substituents. The ISR-AgNPs detect Hg2+ ions by a colour change that can be seen with the naked eye within 1 min. The probe is interference-free and detects the presence of Hg2+ ions in sewage water. A method for fabricating ISR-AgNPs onto paper was disclosed, and this portable ISR-AgNPs embedded paper device was found to be good at sensing mercury present in the water. The findings show that environmentally friendly synthesized AgNPs can contribute to developing onsite colorimetric sensors.

Comparative study of dose distribution between carbon ion radiotherapy and photon radiotherapy for head and neck tumor.

PURPOSE: A comparative treatment planning study has been performed between carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) and photon radiotherapy [three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)] to assess the potential improvements and limitations that could result for locally advanced, nonresectable head and neck tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients, originally treated with CIRT, were randomly selected for the comparative study. The evaluations analyzed using dose-volume histogram parameters, conformity index, inhomogeneity coefficient, and dose to the organs at risk (OARs). RESULTS: The mean conformity index was 1.46, 1.43, and 1.22 for 3D-CRT, IMRT, and CIRT, respectively. The mean inhomogeneity coefficient was 0.05, 0.07, and 0.02 for 3D-CRT, IMRT, and CIRT respectively. Photon plans resulted in greater volumes of normal tissues at 10% to 95% isodose levels compared with the corresponding carbon ion plans where the volumes increased by a factor of 1.2 to 2.7 for 3D-CRT and 1.2 to 2.0 for IMRT. CONCLUSION: CIRT has the potential to improve the target dose conformity, inhomogeneity coefficient, and OAR sparing when compared with 3D-CRT and IMRT. Compared with 3D-CRT, normal tissue exposure was reduced mainly in the mid-to low-isodose levels using IMRT. Additional improvement was obtained using CIRT.