Patients' Expectations of Yoga and Associated Therapies Influence Treatment Outcome: A Convenience Sampling Pre-Post Study from India.

An association between expectations of treatment and treatment outcome has been reported for conventional medical and surgical treatments. However, this association has not been described for yoga therapy. The present study recruited patients (154 males and 145 females, n = 299; age 48.8 ± 14.7 years) who had been admitted to a residential wellness center, most commonly with diseases of the musculoskeletal system or connective tissue; endocrine, nutritional, or metabolic diseases; and digestive system disorders (all based on ICD-11). Assessments included: (1) expectations of yoga and associated therapies at baseline using two questionnaires (Treatment Expectation Questionnaire and Expectation for Treatment Scale); and (2) treatment outcome at baseline and after 7 days of yoga and associated therapies using the Physical Health Questionnaire and Global Perceived Effect scale. The intervention included yoga and additional therapies (e.g., hydrotherapy and ayurveda for approximately 40% of the time). Multivariable regression analyses (controlled for variation due to age, gender, education, and baseline Physical Health Questionnaire scores) demonstrated that expectations of (1) positive outcomes of all aspects of treatment significantly predicted better overall perceived effect of treatment; (2) symptom resolution (positive expectations) significantly predicted higher total Physical Health Questionnaire scores, with better digestion; and (3) low adverse outcomes significantly predicted better sleep. The findings support the premise that higher positive expectations and lower negative expectations of yoga therapy predict better treatment outcomes. These findings suggest that people should be well-informed about the reported benefits and the less-frequent negative outcomes of yoga therapy so that their expectations may be positive yet realistic, optimally influencing treatment outcomes.

Middle Latency Auditory Evoked Response during High-frequency Yoga Breathing, Breath Awareness, and Quiet Rest.

Background: Yoga breathing influences cortical activity and, hence, cortico-efferent sensory activity. Previously, slow yoga breathing influenced the components of mid-latency auditory evoked potentials. Objective: The present study aimed to compare middle latency auditory evoked potentials (MLAEPs) recorded during (i) High-frequency yoga breathing (HFYB), (ii) Breath awareness (BAW), and (iii) Quiet rest (QR) as a control in experienced yoga practitioners. Materials and Methods: The MLAEPs were recorded before, during, and after the practice of HFYB compared to an equal duration of BAW and QR in 22 university students whose ages ranged from 18 to 28 years, recorded from the vertex referenced to linked earlobes and the ground electrode on forehead. Results: The peak amplitude of the Pa wave was significantly increased during HFYB compared to before HFYB (repeated measures ANOVA, post hoc analysis with least significant difference, P < 0.05). During BAW, the peak amplitude of the Na wave was significantly increased compared to before BAW (P < 0.05). During QR, the peak latency of "Pa" and "Nb" waves was significantly increased compared to before QR (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The findings suggest that changes in MLAEPs during HFYB, BAW, and QR were different and distinct. Both interventional sessions appear to increase the recruitment of neural resources in the primary auditory cortex, whereas QR appears to slow transmission within the thalamic reticular projection to the cortex. Generalizing the findings is restricted by the sample being confined to male experienced practitioners of yoga breathing.

Effect of Volitional Modification of Breath Frequency on Attention and Mood States: An Exploratory Randomized Crossover Study.

Background: Previously, yoga breathing improved mood states and attention but the effect of varying breath frequency on mood and attention was not clear. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of changes in breath frequency on attention, mood, vigor, and affect states. Materials and Methods: Thirty participants (mean age ± standard deviation, 27.3 ± 4.2 years) were assessed on 2 separate days practicing either high-frequency yoga breathing (HFYB, breath frequency 54.23/min) or bumblebee yoga breathing (BBYB, breath frequency 3.97/min) in random order. Assessments included blood pressure (BP), cancellation test scores, Nijmegen (to check for hyperventilation), respiration (rate, height of the breath wave [depth], and duration of inhalation relative to exhalation), mood states, vigor, and affect states. Results: Diastolic BP increased after HFYB, whereas systolic BP decreased after BBYB, after both sessions scores in a cancellation test increased (changes in cancellation test performance suggest alertness and test-directed attention), also global vigor (signifying mental energy) and global affect (related to being "happy" and "calm") scores increased, whereas negative mood decreased after HFYB session (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Conclusion: Both HFYB and BBYB increased attention test scores, possibly due to cortical activation (HFYB) or relaxation (BBYB). In HFYB, breath frequency and inspiration duration increased suggestive of increased sympathetic activity, accounting for increased vigor, positive affect, and diastolic BP. In contrast in BBYB, low breath frequency, higher breath amplitude, and prolonged expiration suggestive of parasympathetic activity may account for the decreased systolic BP after BBYB.

Withanolides-enriched leaf extract of Withania somnifera exert anti-obesity effects by inducing brown adipocyte-like phenotype via tuning MAP-kinase signaling axis.

Present study investigated anti-obesity potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal leaf extract (WSLE). Phytochemical characterization of WSLE was performed by UPLC/MS-QToF and HPLC-based analysis. WSLE was assessed for its effect on lipid metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in vitro using differentiated 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. WSLE was found to contain 59 phytometabolites with a total of 10.601 µg withanolides per mg of extract. WSLE (30 µg/ml) treatment decreased basal levels of intracellular lipids and triglycerides to 13.85 % and 41.58 %, respectively. WSLE downregulated the expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPß, and their target genes responsible for lipogenesis dose-dependently. An upregulation in expression of lipolytic (ATGL and HSL), thermogenic (PGC1α, UCP1, and PRDM16), and glucose transporter (GLUT4) genes was also observed. Furthermore, WSLE treatment increased glucose uptake by 1.5-fold. These beneficial effects of WSLE were abolished in presence of AMPK, p38MAPK, and ERK inhibitors. These observations were then validated in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Intriguingly, WSLE diminished fat accumulation in wild-type N2 worms as evident from reduced Oil-red-O staining and reduction in GFP expression of fat-5, 6, and 7 in transgenic strains. Overall, these results highlight anti-obesity potential of WSLE exerting its effects via alterations in AMPK/p38MAPK/ERK axis.

An Application of Yagna Pathy: A Spiritual, Cost-Effective, Indigenous Low-Intensity Psychological Intervention to Manage Common Mental Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study in India.

Elements of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) like stress, depression and anxiety are significant contributors to the global burden of disease. Even though they affect people at all socioeconomic levels, most of those in the low-income and middle-income populations lack access to efficient psychological and pharmaceutical interventions. One potential solution to this issue is the application of indigenous low-intensity psychological interventions like Yagna Pathy. The current cross sectional pilot study includes a total of 426 heterogenous group of people suffering from Stress, Anxiety and Depression (both in normal and diseased range) received Yagna pathy for 30 days. The severity of the stress, anxiety and depression was evaluated using a validated depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) score questionnaire. A significant association (chi square, p < 0.001) was found between the mental healing with gender and activity status of the participants. Strong inter-correlation (R2 > 0.7; p < 0.001) among features of stress, anxiety and depression also proved the manifoldness of the CMD. Improvements in DAS scores demonstrate the effectiveness of a well-directed Yagna practice maintained for a predetermined amount of time in managing stress, anxiety, and depression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of the responses was also found to be "excellent". Therefore, the study showcased that indigenous practices like Yagna Pathy could effectively minimize the severity of CMD. This approach is non-medicated, non-invasive, and cost-effective, making it a practicable therapy for global implementation.

In-silico evaluation of phytochemicals for vitiligo: ADMET, molecular docking, and MD simulation approaches.

Vitiligo is a prevalent autoimmune disease affecting the quality of life and self-confidence. Total 25 phytochemicals from plants were screened by using four target proteins involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. The binding affinity of the ligands ranged between -10.3 and -4.5 kcal/mol. The top 10 phytochemicals i.e. rosmarinic acid, piperine, tamarixetin, desmethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, isorhamnetin, quercetin, vicenin II, genkwanin, and aloe-emodin showed good inhibition with binding affinity ranged from -10.3 to 9.4 Kcal. The ADMET profiling revealed that these phytochemicals might be safe for the treatment of vitiligo. In MD simulation, rosmarinic acid, piperine, and tamarixetin with MAO-A formed stable complexes and the free binding energies of the complexes were -34.02 ± 6.94, -33.51 ± 2.65, and -27.17 ± 3.28. Furthermore, the ligands formed hydrogen bonds with targets, suggested that rosmarinic acid, piperine, and tamarixetin have potential to serve as lead compounds for developing novel therapeutics for vitiligo after in vitro and in vivo studies.

Dissecting the natural phytochemical diversity of carrot roots with its colour using high performance liquid chromatography and UV-Visible spectrophotometry.

The research provides insights into the phytoconstituents of black, orange and red carrots (Daucus carota subsp. Sativus (Hoffm.) Schübl. & G. Martens), a highly nutritious food crop widely appreciated across age groups. Recognising carrots as a repository of health-promoting compounds, our study employs UV-Visible spectrophotometric and HPLC methods to discern significant variations in bioactive components among carrot varieties. Black carrots emerge as potent contenders, displaying the highest levels of total phenolics (2660 ± 2.29 mg GAE/100 g F W.), total flavonoids (831 ± 1.74 mg QE/100 g F W.), proanthocyanins (10910 ± 1.11 mg CE/100 g F W.), and tannins (713 ± 0.84 mg/100 g F W.). Red carrots, conversely, showcase higher anthocyanin content (6870 ± 1.85 mg CyGE/100 g F W.) by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Additionally, orange carrots exhibit heightened ß-carotene levels, confirmed at 0.03 µg/mg through HPLC. HPLC analysis unveils substantial chlorogenic acid variability (1.29 µg/mg) in black carrots, accompanied by the discovery of unique compounds such as cryptochlorogenic acid (0.05 µg/mg), caffeic acid (0.01 µg/mg), ferulic acid (0.11 µg/mg), methyl caffeate (0.01 µg/mg), and quercetin (0.02 µg/mg), marking the first detection of methyl caffeate in black carrots. The analytical methodology was meticulously validated encompassing optimal parameters such as linearity, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, and robustness, within the range. In conclusion, our study underscores the health benefits of black carrots due to their rich polyphenolic content and endorses orange carrots for elevated ß-carotene levels. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the diverse phytoconstituents in carrots, aid in informed dietary choices for improved health.

In-depth phytochemical profiling of Roscoea purpurea (Kakoli): Comparative UHPLC-MS/QToF and GC-MS/MS analysis of supercritical CO2 fluid - and conventional solvent - based extractive processes.

The remarkable biodiversity of medicinal plants worldwide highlights their significance in traditional and alternative medicine. Astavarga, a group of eight medicinal herbs from the Himalayan region of India, including Roscoea purpurea (commonly known as Kakoli), is esteemed in Ayurveda for its health-promoting and rejuvenating properties. In this comprehensive study, we aimed to develop and optimise robust UHPLC-MS/QToF (Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with quadrupole time of flight) and GC-MS/MS (Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) methods to identify the phytochemicals in R. purpurea root hydromethanolic extract and essential oil. We also conducted a comparative assessment of supercritical fluid extraction and conventional solvent extraction methods for the first time in R. purpurea root, highlighting their relevance to the medicinal field. Using the UHPLC/MS-QToF method, we identified a total of fifty-six phytometabolites, while sixteen volatile constituents were discerned within the essential oil of R. purpurea by GC-MS/MS method. Among the volatile constituents, ß-eudesmol (40.84 %), guaiac acetate (10.55 %), and γ-eudesmol (10.31 %) were emerged as the principal components. Our findings were further compared with the volatile constituents extracted via supercritical fluid extraction and conventional solvent extraction methods. Notably, our research unveiled the presence of a carotenoid metabolite, 15-methyl retinol, for the first time. Furthermore, our fatty acid analysis of the supercritical fluid extract revealed elevated levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic and linoleic acids. The methods were validated in terms of system specificity also. The discovery of these well-recognised therapeutically active components in R. purpurea significantly enhances its potential, highlighting its unique profile among medicinal plants in the Himalayan region and its suitability for traditional Ayurveda.

Renogrit selectively protects against cisplatin-induced injury in human renal tubular cells and in Caenorhabditis elegans by harmonizing apoptosis and mitophagy.

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity restricts its clinical use against solid tumors. The present study elucidated the pharmacological effects of Renogrit, a plant-derived prescription medicine, using cisplatin-induced human renal proximal tubular (HK-2) cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. Quantification of phytochemicals in Renogrit was performed on HPTLC and UHPLC platforms. Renogrit was assessed in vitro in HK-2 cells post-exposure to clinically relevant concentration of cisplatin. It was observed that renoprotective properties of Renogrit against cisplatin-induced injury stem from its ability to regulate renal injury markers (KIM-1, NAG levels; NGAL mRNA expression), redox imbalance (ROS generation; GST levels), and mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondrial membrane potential; SKN-1, HSP-60 expression). Renogrit was also found to modulate apoptosis (EGL-1 mRNA expression; protein levels of p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38, c-PARP1), necroptosis (intracellular calcium accumulation; RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL mRNA expression), mitophagy (lysosome population; mRNA expression of PINK1, PDR1; protein levels of p-PINK1, LC3B), and inflammation (IL-1ß activity; protein levels of LXR-α). More importantly, Renogrit treatment did not hamper normal anti-proliferative effects of cisplatin as observed from cytotoxicity analysis on MCF-7, A549, SiHa, and T24 human cancer cells. Taken together, Renogrit could be a potential clinical candidate to mitigate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity without compromising the anti-neoplastic properties of cisplatin.

Comprehensive phytochemical profiling of Phyllanthus emblica L. flowers on UHPLC/MS quadrupole time of flight, HPTLC, HPLC, and NMR analytical platforms reveals functional metabolites with potent anti-inflammatory effects in human (THP-1) macrophages.

INTRODUCTION: Phyllanthus emblica L., renowned for its pharmacological benefits found in its fruits and leaves, has received considerable attention. However, there is a notable lack of research on its flowers, specifically on metabolite profiling and pharmacological activity. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to delineate the phytochemical constituents of hydromethanolic extract of P. emblica flowers by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QToF-MS), high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods and subsequent evaluation of its anti-inflammatory potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The identification and characterization of phytochemicals in P. emblica flowers was performed by UHPLC/MS-QToF in both positive and negative ionization modes. Additionally, marker compounds present in flower extract were analyzed using HPTLC, HPLC, FT-IR, and NMR methods. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages by evaluating inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS: UHPLC/MS-QToF analysis facilitated the identification of 51 compounds from P. emblica flowers including gallic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, and tannins based on their fragmentation patterns and previous literature reports. Notably, the study also identified spermidine compounds for the first time in this species. Optimization of HPTLC and HPLC methods marked the presence of corilagin as major compound followed by FT-IR and NMR spectral methods. Moreover, treatment with hydromethanolic extract of P. emblica flowers resulted in decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6, alongside modulation of nuclear factor-κB activity in lipopolysaccharide-induced THP-1 macrophages. CONCLUSION: Chromatographic techniques in conjunction with spectral methods found robust prevalence in the identification of signature phytometabolites present in P. emblica flowers, which sets the basis for its anti-inflammatory potentials. The studies established a foundation for further exploration of potential applications of P. emblica flowers across various domains.

In mouse model of mixed granulocytic asthma with corticosteroid refractoriness, Bronchom mitigates airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and airway remodeling.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a heterogeneous, inflammatory disease with several phenotypes and endotypes. Severe asthmatics often exhibit mixed granulocytosis with reduced corticosteroid sensitivity. Bronchom is a newly developed Ayurvedic prescription medicine, indicated for the treatment of obstructive airway disorders. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the in-vivo efficacy of Bronchom in mouse model of mixed granulocytic asthma with steroidal recalcitrance. METHODS: High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) were employed to identify and quantitate the phytometabolites present in Bronchom. The preclinical effectiveness of Bronchom was assessed in house dust mite (HDM) and Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced mixed granulocytic asthma model in mice. High dose of dexamethasone was tested parallelly. Specific-pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice were immunized with HDM and CFA and nineteen days later, they were intranasally challenged with HDM for four consecutive days. Then the mice were challenged with nebulized methacholine to evaluate airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Inflammatory cell influx was enumerated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) followed by lung histology. Additionally, the concentrations of Th2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines was assessed in the BALF by multiplexed immune assay. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) was also evaluated in the lung. RESULTS: HPTLC fingerprinting and UHPLC quantification of Bronchom revealed the presence of bioactive phytometabolites, namely, rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, methyl gallate, piperine, eugenol and glycyrrhizin. Bronchom effectively reduced AHR driven by HDM-CFA and the influx of total leukocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils in the BALF. In addition, Bronchom inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung as well as goblet cell metaplasia. Further, it also suppressed the elevated levels of Th2 cytokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the BALF. Similarly, Bronchom also regulated the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as MUC5AC in mice lungs. Reduced effectiveness of a high dose of the steroid, dexamethasone was observed in the model. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated for the first time the robust pharmacological effects of an herbo-mineral medicine in an animal model of mixed granulocytic asthma induced by HDM and CFA. The outcomes suggest the potential utility of Bronchom in severe asthmatics with a mixed granulocytic phenotype.

Vagally Mediated Heart Rate Variability and Mood States in Patients with Chronic Pain Receiving Prolonged Expiration Regulated Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Reduced vagally mediated heart rate variability (VmHRV) has been reported in patients with chronic pain. In healthy persons, breathing with longer expiration relative to inspiration increases VmHRV at 12 breaths per minute. The present study aimed to determine the immediate effect of breathing with longer expiration relative to inspiration on VmHRV and mood states in patients with chronic pain. Fifty patients with chronic pain aged between 20 and 67 years were prospectively randomized as two groups with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The interventional group practiced breathing with metronome based visual cues, maintaining an inspiration to expiration ratio of 28:72 (i/e ratio, 0.38) at a breath rate of 12 breaths per minute. The average i/e ratio they attained based on strain gauge respiration recording was 0.685 (SD 0.48). The control group, which looked at the metronome without conscious breath modification had an average i/e ratio of 0.745 (SD 0.69). The VmHRV, respiration and self-reported mood states (using the Brief Mood Introspection Scale (BMIS)) were assessed. There was a significant increase in HF-HRV and RMSSD during low i/e breathing (repeated measures ANCOVA, Bonferroni adjusted post-hoc test, p < 0.05; in all cases). Self-reported mood states changed as follows: (i) following low i/e breathing positive-mood states increased while the aroused mood state decreased whereas (ii) following the control intervention the aroused mood state increased (repeated measure ANOVA, p < 0.05; in all cases). Hence breathing with prolonged expiration is possibly useful to increase VmHRV and improve self- reported mood states in patients with chronic pain.

Molecular Mechanism of Cynodon dactylon Phytosterols Targeting MAPK3 and PARP1 to Combat Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Multifaceted Computational Approach.

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) presents a global health concern, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to combat its impact. This study was employed to investigate the unexplored therapeutic efficacy of Cynodon dactylon phytochemicals against EOC using a multifaceted computational approach. A total of 19 out of 89 rigorously curated phytochemicals were assessed as potential drug targets via ADMET profiling, while protein-protein interaction analysis scrutinized the top 20 hub genes among 264 disease targets, revealing their involvement in cancer-related pathways and underscoring their significance in EOC pathogenesis. In molecular docking, Stigmasterol acetate showed the highest binding affinity (-10.9 kcal/mol) with Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase-1 (PDB: 1UK1), while Arundoin and Beta-Sitosterol exhibited strong affinities (-10.4 kcal/mol and -10.1 kcal/mol, respectively); additionally, Beta-Sitosterol interacting with Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (PDB: 4QTB) showed a binding affinity of -10.1 kcal/mol, forming 2 hydrogen bonds and a total of 10 bonds with 10 residues. Molecular dynamics simulations exhibited the significant structural stability of the Beta-Sitosterol-4QTB complex with superior binding free energy (-36.61 kcal/mol) among the three complexes. This study identified C. dactylon phytosterols, particularly Beta-Sitosterol, as effective in targeting MAPK3 and PARP1 to combat EOC, laying the groundwork for further experimental validation and drug development efforts.

Fevogrit, a polyherbal medicine, mitigates endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide)-induced fever in Wistar rats by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

BACKGROUND: Fever is characterized by an upregulation of the thermoregulatory set-point after the body encounters any pathological challenge. It is accompanied by uncomfortable sickness behaviors and may be harmful in patients with other comorbidities. We have explored the impact of an Ayurvedic medicine, Fevogrit, in an endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide)-induced fever model in Wistar rats. METHODS: Active phytoconstituents of Fevogrit were identified and quantified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) platform. For the in-vivo study, fever was induced in male Wistar rats by the intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), obtained from Escherichia coli. The animals were allocated to normal control, disease control, Paracetamol treated and Fevogrit treated groups. The rectal temperature of animals was recorded at different time points using a digital thermometer. At the 6-h time point, levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 cytokines were analyzed in serum. Additionally, the mRNA expression of these cytokines was determined in hypothalamus, 24 h post-LPS administration. RESULTS: UHPLC analysis of Fevogrit revealed the presence of picroside I, picroside II, vanillic acid, cinnamic acid, magnoflorine and cordifolioside A, as bioactive constituents with known anti-inflammatory properties. Fevogrit treatment efficiently reduces the LPS-induced rise in the rectal temperature of animals. The levels and gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 in serum and hypothalamus, respectively, was also significantly reduced by Fevogrit treatment. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study demonstrated that Fevogrit can suppress LPS-induced fever by inhibiting peripheral or central inflammatory signaling pathways and could well be a viable treatment for infection-induced increase in body temperatures.

Advancements in Nano-Mandoor Bhasma: Unravelling the Particle Size-Ascorbic Acid Synergy for Enhanced Iron Bioavailability for Anemia Treatment.

Mandoor Bhasma (MB) medicine, based on classical Indian Ayurveda, was size- and surface-modified to improve its therapeutic efficiency for treating iron-deficient anemia. Physical grinding reduced the size of MB to the nanoparticle (nano-MB) range without changing its chemical composition, as measured by particle size distribution. The surface of nano-MB was modified with ascorbic acid (nano-AA-MB) and confirmed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Enhanced iron dissolution from the surface-modified nano-AA-MB under neutral-to-alkaline pH conditions, and in the intestinal region of the simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion model was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. GIT digestae of MB microparticles and nano-AA-MB were found to be biocompatible in human colon epithelial (Caco-2) cells, with the latter showing threefold higher iron uptake. Subsequently, a dose-dependent increase in cellular ferritin protein was observed in the nano-AA-MB digestae-treated Caco-2 cells, indicating the enhanced bioavailability and storage of dissolved iron. Overall, the study showed that reducing the size of centuries-old traditional Mandoor Bhasma medicine to nanoscale, and its surface-modification with ascorbic acid would help in enhancing its therapeutic abilities for treating iron-deficient anemia.

Robust anti-tubercular profile of Solanum virginianum extract in enhancing isoniazid bioavailability and curtailing stress tolerance in Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Introduction: The formidable survival mechanisms employed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), combined with the low bioavailability of anti-tubercular drugs and their associated hepatotoxicity, worsen tuberculosis management. Traditional medicinal plants offer potential solutions to these challenges. This study focuses on exploring the anti-tubercular potential of Solanum virginianum against Mycobacterium smegmatis, mc2155. Methods and results: HPTLC and UHPLC phytochemically characterized the hydro-methanolic extract of Solanum virginianum (SVE). SVE curtails the growth and viability of mc2155 under normal and in vitro stress conditions. The compromised cell wall integrity of mc2155 with SVE is depicted through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) while EtBr permeability assays and TLC-based comparative changes in lipids extraction addressed the integrity of the cell wall. Furthermore, SVE augmented the susceptibility of mc2155 towards Isoniazid (INH) through enhanced bioavailability. Adjunct treatment of SVE with INH demonstrated a markedly reduced survival of the intracellular bacilli. The study also uncovered the hepatoprotective potential of SVE in HepG2 cells. Conclusion: This research paves the way for deeper exploration into the potential of Solanum virginianum against virulent Mtb strains, emphasizing over the significance of traditional medicinal plants in tuberculosis treatment. Collectively, the findings suggest SVE as a potent candidate for independent or adjunct anti-tubercular therapy.

Volitionally Regulated Breathing with Prolonged Expiration Influences Food Craving and Impulsivity.

INTRODUCTION: Previously, an intervention involving volitional slow breathing reduced trait food craving with protective effects on cardiac vagal activity (CVA). Breathing with a low inspiration-to-expiration (i/e) ratio also increases CVA. High CVA was separately associated with low unregulated eating and lesser impulsivity. Hence, the present study assessed breathing with a low i/e for effects on state food craving, hunger and satiety, state impulsivity, and heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy obese persons. METHODS: Forty obese persons were randomized to two groups. The intervention group (mean age ± SD, 41.15 ± 12.63, M:F, 10:10) practiced metronome-regulated breathing with low i/e at 12 breaths per minute (expiration 72% of total breath duration) and attained expiration 55.8% of total breath duration, while the active control group (mean age ± SD, 44.45 ± 11.06, M:F, 13:07) sat motionless and directed their gaze and awareness to the stationary metronome without modifying their breath consciously. The HRV was recorded before, during, and after breathing intervention (or control) (standard limb lead I, acquisition at 2,000 Hz, with an LF filter = 0.5 Hz and HF filter = 50 Hz). Time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters were obtained with Kubios software. State food craving, and hunger and satiety were recorded before and after the intervention/control. RESULTS: The intervention group decreased total state food craving scores and the sub-domains (i.e., desire to eat, positive reinforcement, lack of control and hunger), increased current satisfaction with food, decreased total state impulsivity (repeated measures ANOVA, p < 0.05 in all cases), increased HF-HRV and RMSSD (linear mixed model analyses with age and gender as fixed factors; p < 0.05 in all cases) during the intervention compared to the preceding baseline. The intervention group also showed an increase in positive mood and a decrease in aroused and negative mood states. CONCLUSION: Changes in state food craving and impulsivity could be related to an increase in HRV or to changes in subjective relaxation and positive mood or to both.

Traditional Nostril Yoga Breathing Practices and Oxygen Consumption: A Randomized, Cross-over Study.

Background: Traditional yoga texts describe "cross nostril breathing," with inhalation and exhalation through different nostrils. Previous research reported no clear differences in oxygen consumption during uninostril breathing (i.e., inhalation and exhalation through the same nostril), hence not supporting right and left uninostril breathing as activating or relaxing, respectively, with no research on oxygen consumed in "cross nostril breathing." Methods: Oxygen consumed during "cross nostril breathing" was measured in healthy participants (n = 47, males, 26.3 ± 6.4 years). Five sessions (viz., right nostril inspiration yoga breathing [RNIYB], left nostril inspiration yoga breathing [LNIYB], alternate nostril yoga breathing [ANYB], breath awareness (BAW), and quiet rest (QR) were conducted on separate days in random order. Sessions were 33 min in duration with pre, during, and post states. Results: Volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) and carbon dioxide eliminated (VCO2) increased during RNIYB (9.60% in VO2 and 23.52% in VCO2), LNIYB (9.42% in VO2 and 21.20% in VCO2) and ANYB (10.25% in VO2 and 22.72% in VCO2) with no significant change in BAW and QR. Diastolic blood pressure decreased during BAW and QR and after all five sessions (P < 0.05; in all cases). All comparisons were with the respective preceding state. Conclusion: During the three yoga breathing practices, the volume of oxygen consumed increased irrespective of the nostril breathed through, possibly associated with (i) conscious regulation of the breath; (ii) attention directed to the breath, and (iii) "respiration-locked cortical activation." Restriction of the study to males reduces the generalizability of the findings.

Comparative analysis of Doxycycline and Ayurvedic herbs to target metastatic breast cancer: An in-silico approach.

Background: Metastasis of breast cancer cells to distant sites including lungs, liver, lymph node, brain and many more have substantially affected the overall survival outcome and distant metastasis free survival rate amongst the diseased individuals. Several pre-clinical and clinical studies were carried out to determine the potency of vigorous inhibitors but they extensively deteriorated the patient's quality of life. Hence, there exists an urgent need to explore potent natural remedy to fight against metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Ayurvedic medicinal plants documented in literature for their ability to fight against breast cancer was screened and their respective active moieties were evaluated to exert inhibitory effect against MMP9. Drug like efficacy of phytochemicals were determined using Molecular docking, MD Simulation, ADMET and MM-PBSA and were further compared with synthetic analogs i.e. Doxycycline. Results: Out of 1000 phytochemicals, 12 exerted highest binding affinity (BA) even more than -9.0 kcal/mol that was significantly higher in comparison to Doxycycline which exhibited BA of -7.3 kcal/mol. In comparison to 37 × 30 × 37 Å, 53 × 45 × 66 Å offered best binding site and the highest BA was exhibited by Viscosalactone at LYS104, ASP185, MET338, LEU39, ASN38. During MD Simulation, Viscosalactone-MMP9 complex remained stable for 20 ns and the kinetic, electrostatic and potential energies were observed to be better than Doxycycline. Furthermore, Viscosalactone obtained from Withania somnifera justified the Lipinski's Rule of 5. Conclusion: Viscosalactone obtained from W. somnifera may act as promising drug candidate to fight against metastatic breast cancer.

Muscle strength and body composition in obese adults following nine months of yoga or nutrition advice: A comparative controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle strength is impaired in obese persons due to low physical activity, obesity-related modifications in muscle morphology and as a consequence of calorie regulation (where applicable). Previously decreased BMI and increased hand grip strength was reported following a short duration yoga intervention in obese adults. METHODS: The present comparative controlled study was conducted on two hundred and ninety seven obese adults (BMI ≥25 Kg/M2) aged between 20 and 59 years, to determine the effects of nine months of yoga or nutrition advice on muscle strength and body composition. Participants were assessed for bilateral hand grip strength, leg and back strength, and body composition at baseline, after 3 months, 6 months and 9 months of yoga or nutrition advice. BMI-adjusted bilateral hand grip strength and leg and back strength were calculated. RESULTS: In the linear mixed model analyses, there was a significant interaction effect of Time X Groups for (i) right hand grip strength (F3,668.465 = 9.297, p < 0.001), (ii) left hand grip strength (F3,673.408 = 14.469, p < 0.001), (iii) BMI-adjusted right hand grip strength (F3,650.542 = 9.954, p < 0.001) and (iv) BMI-adjusted left hand grip strength (F3,655.518 = 13.853, p < 0.001). Bonferroni corrected post-hoc analyses (padj < 0.05; in all cases) showed a significant increase in (i) bilateral hand grip strength and (ii) BMI-adjusted right and left hand grip strength in the yoga group while a decrease in (i) bilateral hand grip strength and (ii) BMI-adjusted right and left hand grip strength in the nutrition advice group. CONCLUSION: Yoga practice appears to protect and increase upper limb muscle strength in obese adults.