Higher cadmium and zinc accumulation in parsley (Petroselinum crispum) roots activates its antioxidants defense system.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is herb with many biological and medicinal benefits for humans. However, growth on zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) contaminated sites might get severely affected due to over accumulation of heavy metals (HM) in different plant tissues. Antioxidants play a crucial role in minimizing the negative effects of HM. The present study investigates the effects of Zn and Cd stress on P. crispum morphological parameters, enzymatic/non-enzymatic antioxidant profiling and metal accumulation in shoot/root. Plants were exposed to different concentrations of Zn (50, 100, 150 and 200 µM) and Cd (10, 20, 40 and 80 µM) along with control (no stress), in soil-less Hoagland's solution. The results showed that Zn and Cd substantially decrease the growth parameters with increased contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and electrolyte leakage (EL). Non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, like total phenolic contents (TPC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), were induced high in leaves only upon Cd stress and contrarily decreased upon Zn stress. Total flavonoid contents (TFC) were decreased under Zn and Cd stress. Enzymatic antioxidant activities like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were also strongly induced upon Cd stress. At the same time, SOD and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity was induced significantly upon Zn stress. Cd uptake and accumulation was notably high in roots as compared to shoots, which suggests P. crispum have a reduced ability to translocate Cd towards aboveground parts (leaves). Additionally, strong induction of antioxidants by P. crispum under Cd stress might indicate the capacity to effectively re-modulate its physiological response. However, further investigations regarding other HMs and experiments at the molecular level are still needed.

Quantification of rosmarinic acid from different plant species of lower Himalayan region and expression analysis of underlying L-Phenylalanine pathway.

This study adopts a very effective high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique for the quantitative determination of rosmarinic acid (RA) and PCR-based amplification of biosynthetic key regulators in Isodon rugosus, Daphne mucronata, and Viburnum grandiflorum from the lower Himalayan regions. Rosmarinic acid is engaged in a variety of biological processes and has significant industrial significance. In this study, it was identified from crude methanolic extract using thin-layer chromatography with a standard, and its content was quantified using HPLC without interrupting spikes using a mixture of methanol and deionized water containing acetonitrile (70:30 v/v) and acetic acid (0.1% v/v) at UV 310 nm absorption. We used RT-PCR to identify cDNAs encoding PAL, C4H, and RAS, and Image J's semi-quantitative analysis to quantify the expression levels of genes involved in RA production from chosen plant material. The highest levels of PAL, C4H, and RAS were detected, by band intensity, in the leaves and flowers of I. rugosus, which also exhibited a substantial quantity of RA. However, in V. grandiflorum and D. mucronata the transcript of the given genes was low. The concentration of RA ranged from 187.7 to 21.2 mg g-1 for I. rugosus, 17.42 to 5.42 mg g-1 for V. grandiflorum, and 15.19 mg g-1 for D. mucronata. This study demonstrated that the method for quantifying RA from a crude methanolic extract was effective, indicating that I. rugosus might be used as an indigenous alternative source of RA.

In-vitro cytotoxic evaluation, hemolytic and thrombolytic potential of newly designed acefylline based hydrazones as potent anticancer agents against human lung cancer cell line (A549).

Hydrazones of theophylline-7-acetic acid 5a-g have been synthesized using ultrasonic irradiation as well as conventional heating system and analyzed for their anticancer characteristics against human lung cancer cell line (A549). Compound 5g with cell viability 33.19±0.49% (100 µg/µL) compared to the starting reference drug acefylline having cell viability 86.32±11.75% (100 µg/µL) was found to be the most active anticancer agent among all. The synthesized derivatives were also exposed to hemolytic and thrombolytic studies to determine their cytotoxic profile and results revealed their low toxicity and moderate clot lysis activity.

Optimization and validation of an analytical method for the estimation of methotrexate in rabbit plasma.

Methotrexate (MTX) is an anticancer drug used for the treatment of various cancers and autoimmune diseases. In this study, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the estimation of MTX in rabbit plasma with high estimation rate and recovery. Various validation parameters like, sensitivity, sample recovery, accuracy and precision analysis were studied. The pre-saturated reversed C18 end capped HPLC column was used to separate MTX present in rabbit plasma. A solvent mixture of 100mM phosphate buffer pH 7.4 and acetonitrile (92:8 percent v/v) was employed as the mobile phase. Analysis was carried out at ʎ max 303 nm and retention time of MTX was found 5.32 min. During the method development and validation ICHQ2 (R1) guidelines were strictly followed. Developed method was found excellent in terms of recovery of MTX from plasma samples (98.6%). It is obvious from the current study that the developed HPLC method can be utilized to analyze the level of MTX in patients. Furthermore, the cost of the developed method for the determination of MTX would be very low as compared to the previously reported methods.

USA carbon neutrality target: Evaluating the role of environmentally adjusted multifactor productivity growth in limiting carbon emissions.

One of the most vital strategies to achieve sustainable development is to target green growth, which is pollution adjusted output growth rate. Since green growth addresses both economic performance and environmental sustainability, it is necessary for sustainable development. To gauge the environmental impact of increased output, researchers use conventional measure of output growth. However, these measures are not adjusted for pollution and hence, do not reflect the true growth performance of the economy. For this purpose, this study aims to investigate the role of green growth in limiting carbon emissions in the USA for the period of 1990-2019. The authors further examine the role of globalization and renewable energy consumption in affecting CO2 emissions of USA. The results show that in the long run, green growth, output, renewable energies, and globalization are important factors in affecting CO2 emissions of USA. The results of frequency causality test show that there is unidirectional causal relationship from output renewable energy consumption, green growth, and globalization to CO2 emissions in the long run and medium run. This study suggests interesting policies for achieving targets of carbon neutrality. There is a dire need to take instant actions to control climate change and to mitigate greenhouse gases (GHGs). To achieve the target of carbon neutrality, a downward adjustment of economic growth is necessary, which will help the country to abate the pollution emissions.

Fractionation of Biomolecules in Withania coagulans Extract for Bioreductive Nanoparticle Synthesis, Antifungal and Biofilm Activity.

Withania coagulans contains a complex mixture of various bioactive compounds. In order to reduce the complexity of the plant extract to purify its phytochemical biomolecules, a novel fractionation strategy using different solvent combination ratios was applied to isolate twelve bioactive fractions. These fractions were tested for activity in the biogenic synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles, biofilm and antifungal activities. The results revealed that plant extract with bioactive fractions in 30% ratio for all solvent combinations showed more potent bioreducing power, according to the observed color changes and the appearance of representative absorption peaks at 500-510 nm in the UV-visible spectra which confirm the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4 NPs). XRD diffraction was used to define the crystal structure, size and phase composition of the products. The fractions obtained using 90% methanol/hexane and 30% methanol/hexane showed more effectiveness against biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus so these fractions could potentially be used to treat bacterial infections. The 90% hexane/H2O fraction showed excellent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans, while the 70% methanol/hexane fraction showed good antifungal activity for C. albicans, so these fractions are potentially useful for the treatment of various fungal infections. On the whole it was concluded that fractionation based on effective combinations of methanol/hexane was useful to investigate and study bioactive compounds, and the active compounds from these fractions may be further purified and tested in various clinical trials.

Datura suaveolens and Verbena tenuisecta mediated silver nanoparticles, their photodynamic cytotoxic and antimicrobial evaluation.

Biogenic production of nanoparticles is eco-friendly, less expensive method with various medical and biological applications. Nanotechnology along with photodynamic therapy is gaining tremendous importance with enhanced efficacy. The present work was aimed to evaluate methanolic extracts and nanoparticles of two selected plants (Datura suavolens and Verbina tenuisecta) for cytotoxic photodynamic, antioxidant and antimicrobial study. Both extract and silver (5 mM) nanoparticles of Datura plant showed significant activities against bacterial strains. Maximum ZOI of 27.3 ± 1.6 mm was observed with nanoparticles of Datura branches with minimum inhibitory (MIC) value of 32 µg/ml. In case of antifungal and antioxidant assay samples were moderately active. Silver nanoparticles and extracts were effective against rhabdomyosarcoma cell line with lowest IC50 value of 42.5 ± 0.6 µg/ml and percent viability of 25.6 ± 1.3 of Verbena tenuisecta. However, nanoparticles of Datura leaves and branches were more potent with IC50 value of 2.4 ± 0.9 µg/ml and 7.8 ± 1.1 µg/ml respectively. The result of photodynamic study showed that efficacy of photosensitizer was enhanced and percent viability reduced when nanoparticles used as an adjunct. The color change and UV spectra (415‒425 nm) indicated the production of nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra showed presence of different functional groups e.g., hydroxyl, carbonyl and amino. Nanoparticles are sphenoid in morphology and size ranges between 20-150 nm. Current study showed these silver nanoparticles can be used as cytotoxic agent in photodynamic therapy and can play a critical role to establish medicinal potential of selected plants.

From Over-Tourism to Under-Tourism via COVID-19: Lessons for Sustainable Tourism Management.

With various strains of the novel coronavirus emerging during the last few years, there is a need to reinvent and manage the tourism industry by engaging various stakeholders. Industry and policymakers need to observe the shift and curate tourism-related products and offerings accordingly. In light of the increasing demand for innovations and future directions in the post-COVID-19 period, this article conducts a bibliometric analysis for sustainable tourism studies spanning the years 1990-2021. This paper presents an integrative review of tourism, environment and sustainable tourism to reveal geographical, contextual, and methodological directions for future research. The comprehensive analysis includes contributions on topics and methods, country collaborations, and thematic analysis. The findings are consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals of sustainable production and consumption (SDG-12), with a particular emphasis on sustainable tourism to promote local culture and create jobs (SDG-12.b) and on sustainable growth (SDG-13). The study's findings can be used to inform future policies and directions; for example, the findings indicate that the hospitality industry is facing challenges that necessitate new regulations to address its socioeconomic and environmental impacts.

Understanding the role of the fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase gene for enhancing the photosynthetic rate in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (ecotype Columbia) was successfully transformed with the gene fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPas e) and named as AtFBPase plants. Transgenic plants exhibited stable transformation, integration and significantly higher expressions for the transformed gene. Morphological evaluation of transgenic plants showed increased plant height (35cm), number of leaves (25), chlorophyll contents (28%), water use efficiency (increased from 1.5 to 2.6µmol CO2 µmol-1 H2 O) and stomatal conductance (20%), which all resulted in an enhanced photosynthetic rate (2.7µmolm-2 s-1 ) compared to wild type plants. This study suggests the vital role of FBPase gene in the modification of regulatory pathways to enhance the photosynthetic rate, which can also be utilised for economic crops in future.

Exploring theophylline-1,2,4-triazole tethered N-phenylacetamide derivatives as antimicrobial agents: unraveling mechanisms via structure-activity relationship, in vitro validation, and in silico insights.

Theophylline, a nitrogen-containing heterocycle, serves as a promising focal point for medicinal researchers aiming to create derivatives with diverse pharmacological applications. In this work, we present an improved synthetic method for a range of theophylline-1,2,4-triazole-S-linked N-phenyl acetamides (4a‒g) utilizing ultrasound-assisted synthetic approach. The objective was to assess the effectiveness of synthesized theophylline-1,2,4-triazoles (4a‒g) as inhibitors of HCV serine protease and as antibacterial agents against B. subtilis QB-928 and E. coli AB-274. Theophylline-1,2,4-triazoles were obtained in good to excellent yields (69%-95%) in a shorter time than conventional approach. 4-Chlorophenyl moiety containing theophylline-1,2,4-triazole 4c displayed significantly higher inhibitory activity against HCV serine protease enzyme (IC50 = 0.015 ± 0.25 mg) in comparison to ribavirin (IC50 = 0.165 ± 0.053 mg), but showed excellent binding affinity (-7.55 kcal/mol) with the active site of serine protease, better than compound 4c (-6.90 kcal/mol) as well as indole-based control compound 5 (-7.42 kcal/mol). In terms of percentage inhibition of serine protease, 2-chlorophenyl compound 4b showed the maximum percentage inhibition (86%), more than that of the 3,4-dichlorophenyl compound 4c (76%) and ribavirin (81%). 3,4-Dimethylphenyl-based theophylline-1,2,4-triazole 4g showed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC = 0.28 ± 0.50 µg/mL) against the B. subtilis bacterial strain as compared to the standard drug penicillin (MIC = 1 ± 1.50 µg/mL). The other 4-methylphenyl theophylline-1,2,4-triazole 4e (MIC = 0.20 ± 0.08 µg/mL) displayed the most potent antibacterial potential against E. coli in comparison to the standard drug penicillin (MIC = 2.4 ± 1.00 µg/mL). Molecular docking studies further helped in an extensive understanding of all of the interactions between compounds and the enzyme active site, and DFT studies were also employed to gain insights into the molecular structure of the synthesized compounds. The results indicated that theophylline-linked triazole derivatives 4b and 4c showed promise as leading contenders in the fight against the HCV virus. Moreover, compounds 4e and 4g demonstrated potential as effective chemotherapeutic agents against E. coli and B. subtilis, respectively. To substantiate these findings, additional in vivo studies and clinical trials are imperative, laying the groundwork for their integration into future drug design and development.

Assessing the EKC hypothesis by considering the supply chain disruption and greener energy: findings in the lens of sustainable development goals.

This paper investigates the effect of the supply chain disruption, greener energy consumption, and economic growth on carbon emissions in advanced economies and emerging markets from 1997 to 2021 using panel quantile autoregressive distributed lags (QARDL) and the panel quantile regression (QR). The results of the two models confirm, on the one hand, the validity of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis and, on the other hand, the role of renewable energy consumption in mitigating carbon emissions in advanced and developing economies. Furthermore, the finding shows that the supply chain disruption for the long run is positive at all quantiles, indicating the evidence of association at the extreme low and high quantiles than at the intermediate quantile. In addition, the effect of the supply chain decreases at the lower quantile. It turns negative at the upper 90th quantile in the short run, indicating that the supply chain disruption reduces the environmental degradation under the bearish market conditions. In the future, the increasing supply chain disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and further COVID-19 worldwide can consider sluggish economic growth and play an essential role in promoting renewable energy abundance and reducing CO2 emissions. Practical implications are reported in the lens of carbon neutrality and structural changes.

Does geothermal energy and natural resources affect environmental sustainability? Evidence in the lens of sustainable development.

Climate change and global warming have been driven by a rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in recent decades, posing a danger to environmental sustainability. Thus, this research scrutinizes the effects of two types of energy (coal and geothermal) and natural resources on CO2 emissions in 10 newly industrialized countries (NICs). The study also considers the role of financial globalization using a data between 1990 and 2019. This research applied a fresh nonparametric econometric technique termed "method of moments quantile regression (MMQR)." This approach is resistant to outliers and produces an asymmetric connection between variables. Furthermore, the long-run estimators (AMG and CCEMG) are employed as a robustness check. The findings reveal that natural resources, coal, and economic growth contribute to the degradation of the environment in the NICs in all quantiles (0.1-0.90). However, geothermal energy aids in enhancing environmental sustainability at all quantile distributions (0.1-0.90). Our findings are robust with alternative methods (AMG and CCEMG). The research's outcomes have the potential to help NICs nations design policies. Finally, based on the research results, a policy framework is proposed to solve the objectives of SDGs 7 and 13.

What do we learn from Nexus between trade diversification and structural change: informing the future about climate action and Sustainability.

Economic complexity is considered key a driver of social change, structural change, and economic development. Economic complexity is mostly used to capture issues apropos product diversification of exports, trade, technological innovation, human knowledge, and skills. The current study has conducted a detailed bibliometric review of economic complexity, export quality, and trade diversification. In doing so, the authors used the literature up to 2021 to unveil economic complexity's contextual information that witnessed structural change, social change, and trade indicators. The current study is the first integrative review to report the theoretical contribution, future research agendas, and thematic analysis of economic complexity, export quality, and export diversification. Our study, on the subject of economic complexity, export diversification, and import diversification in the period from 1966 to 2021, was carried out by systematically scanning 386 documents, and it is one of the pioneering studies in this field. In addition, economic diversity, development, and economic complexity; export diversification, import diversification, trade openness, and economic growth; energy, environmental Kuznets curve, and economic complexity; and sustainability and economic diversification are the four main research topics of the study. The findings are discussed apropos of economic complexity and exports, methodological aspects of economic complexity, and environmental issues nexus with economic complexity. The current study reports novel findings toward a path for achieving SDG-9 (industry and innovation) and SDG-13 (climate action). The biometric review enables researchers and policymakers to understand export quality, economic complexity, and the trade nexus and report future research directions for achieving sustainable growth in industries and innovation.

Toxicity profiling of Burgmansia aurea Lagerh. Leaves using acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Toxicity studies in appropriate animal models are an integral and very important component of pre-clinical studies in drug development. Brugmansia aurea lagerh. is used for both medicinal and non-medical purposes, including treating skin infections, different types of physical discomfort, inflammation, cough, hallucinations, and evil protection. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to detect any hazardous effects of B. aurea on animals and find out its LD50. MATERIALS & METHODS: An acute toxicity study was performed to find out the LD50 value and sub-acute toxicity study was performed to find out the toxicity on repeated dose administration till 28 days. Both studies were performed according to the organization of economic cooperation and development (OECD) 425 and 407 respectively. For the acute oral toxicity study, animals were divided into two groups, group I normal control (NC) and group II received a 2000mg/kg dose of B.aurea leaves extract. In the sub-acute toxicity study, male and female animals were divided into eight groups, I-IV for males and V-VIII for females received control, 100, 200 & 400mg/kg B. aurea leaves extract respectively. Hematological and biochemical markers were estimated at the end of each study. RESULTS: Results revealed that no mortality and morbidity were observed in acute oral as well as sub-acute toxicity studies. Oxidative stress markers were increased significantly in all organs of the treatment groups in both studies. Animals significantly decreased their food and water intake in an acute oral toxicity study. A slight difference in renal function tests was observed in the acute oral toxicity study when compared with the normal control group. No significant change in histopathology was observed in both studies on selected organs. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that B. aurea can be safely used for pharmacological purposes.

Cloke-Wilson rearrangement: a unique gateway to access five-membered heterocycles.

Cyclopropanes are of great synthetic value in heterocyclic chemistry due to their highly reactive nature. They are widely employed to synthesize various biologically active organic compounds. Generally, vinyl, carbonyl, imine, and alkylidene cyclopropanes are utilized as efficient synthetic precursors in organic synthesis. The Cloke-Wilson rearrangement of these activated cyclopropanes is carried out to achieve the synthesis of diverse heterocyclic scaffolds. Various oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds have been synthesized employing this rearrangement. With time, Cloke-Wilson rearrangement has evolved into a high yielding enantioselective and diastereoselective approach utilizing integrated novel methods. Our review focuses on the recent approaches for Cloke-Wilson rearrangement to synthesize several five-membered heterocycles and its applicability towards the natural product syntheses reported during 2000-2020.

First identification of potato tuber rot caused by Penicillium solitum, its silver nanoparticles synthesis, characterization and use against harmful pathogens.

Potato is one of the highly consumed vegetable crop grown in different regions across Pakistan that is affected by fungal diseases. The current research was conducted to identify fungal pathogen causing mold-like disease of potato in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. For molecular identification and characterization of the fungal disease; potato tuber samples were collected followed by culturing on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Based on morphological features, the pathogen was identified as a Penicillium species. This result was obtained in 45 different isolates from potato tubers. Molecular identification was done using ß-tubulin primers and ITS5 sequencing of 13 different isolates that releveled 98% homology with BLAST (GenBank accession no. KX958076) as Penicillium solitum (GenBank accession nos. ON307317; ON307475 and ON310801). Phylogenetic tree was constructed that showed Penicillium solitum prevalence along with Penicillium polonicum and Penicillium citrinum on potato tubers. Based on this, Penicillium solitum based silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were synthesized and characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE SEM). UV-analysis showed a characteristic peak at 410 nm confirming synthesis of Penicillium solitum based Ag NPs. This was further confirmed by XRD followed by EDX and SEM that showed face cubic crystal structure with Ag as major constituent of 18 nm formed spherical Ag NPs. FTIR showed band stretching of O-H, N-O and C-H of biological origin. Similarly, Penicillium solitum based Ag NPs presented strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity at 0.5 level of significance LSD. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of Penicillium solitum identification in Pakistan, its Ag NPs synthesis and characterization to be used against pathogens of agricultural significance.

UHPLC-MS/MS-GNPS based phytochemical investigation of Dryopteris ramosa (Hope) C. Chr. and evaluation of cytotoxicity against liver and prostate cancer cell lines.

Dryopteris ramosa (family; Dryopteridaceae) has been reported for its medicinal importance in cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, and infections. The present study aimed to investigate the detailed phytochemical profile of D. ramosa and its cytotoxic potential using various cancer cell lines. The phytochemical profile of D. ramosa methanolic extract and its fractions were established by employing UHPLC-MS/MS and Global Natural Product Social (GNPS) molecular networking. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity of extract and fractions was evaluated against human liver (HepG-2) and prostate cancer (PC-3) cells using MTT assay. Overall, 18 compounds including flavonoids, flavonoid O-glycosides, isoflavone di-C-glycoside, flavanol, flavanone, rotenoid, phloroglucinol derivative, coumarin derivative, benzofuranone, abietic acid, and phenolic acid were observed as the major phytochemical bioactive constituents in the extract and fractions of D. ramosa. In MTT assay, chloroform fraction showed highest anti-proliferative activity against liver cancer cells (IC50 = 53.49 µg/mL) followed by n-hexane fraction (IC50 = 55.36 µg/mL), D. ramosa extract (IC50 = 85.67 µg/mL) and ethyl acetate (IC50 = 125.00 µg/mL) fraction. However, n-hexane and chloroform fractions presented maximum cytotoxic effect against prostate cancer cells with respective IC50 values of 214.53 and 281.47 µg/mL. Moreover, all the tested samples showed negligible toxicity against non-cancer (BHK-21) cells. The results indicated that D. ramosa is rich in flavonoids, phloroglucinol derivative, and phenolic acids and showed positive results in cytotoxic studies, especially against liver cancer. Therefore, it can be considered safe for the development of anticancer drugs, especially against liver cancer.

Parkinsonism Attenuation by Antihistamines via Downregulating the Oxidative Stress, Histamine, and Inflammation.

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the motor activity of the brain, regulated by dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra, resulting in an increased density of histaminergic fibers. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of H1 antagonist's ebastine and levocetirizine in PD per se and in combination. Animals were divided into 9 groups (n = 10). Group 1 received carboxymethyl cellulose CMC (1 mL/kg). Group II was treated with haloperidol (1 mg/kg) (diseased group). Group III was treated with levodopa/carbidopa (levo 20 mg/kg). Groups IV and V were treated with ebastine at dose levels of 2 and 4 mg/kg, respectively. Groups VI and VII were treated with levocetirizine at dose levels of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, respectively. Group VIII was treated with ebastine (4 mg/kg) + levo (20 mg/kg) in combination. Group IX was treated with levocetirizine (1 mg/kg) + levo (20 mg/kg). PD was induced with haloperidol (1 mg/kg iv, once daily for 23 days) for a duration of 30 min. Behavioral tests like rotarod, block and triple horizontal bars, actophotometer, and open field were performed. Biochemical markers of oxidative stress, i.e., SOD, CAT, GSH, MDA, dopamine, serotonin, and nor-adrenaline and nitrite, were determined. Histamine, mRNA expression of α-synuclein, and TNF-α level in the serum and brain of mice were analyzed. Endogenous biochemical markers were increased except mRNA expression of α-synuclein, which was reduced. In combination therapy with the standard drug, ebastine (4 mg/kg) significantly improved the cataleptic state and dopamine levels, but no significant difference in the renal and liver functioning tests was observed. This study concluded that ebastine (4 mg/kg) might work in the treatment of PD as it improves the cataleptic state in haloperidol-induced catalepsy.

Antidiabetic effects of Brugmansia aurea leaf extract by modulating the glucose levels, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress mechanism.

Background: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Brugmansia, a genus of the Solanaceae family, has historically been utilized in many different parts of the world as an anti-inflammatory for treating skin infections, wounds, and bodily aches and pains. The current study aimed to investigate the potential benefits of a methanolic extract of Brugmansia aurea in the management of diabetes and underlying complications in alloxanized-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Animals were divided into nine groups (n = 6). Four groups received different standard oral hypoglycemic agents; three groups received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of B. aurea leaf extract for six consecutive weeks, and the remaining two were normal and disease control groups. All groups received alloxan (150 mg/kg) except for the normal control. Only those animals whose glucose levels were raised to 200 mg/dl were selected for the study. After a 6-week dosage period, various biochemical parameters, as well as HbA1c, antioxidant profile, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin sensitivity, histopathology, and insulin resistance, were measured and compared with the untreated diabetic group. Results: Brugmansia aurea leaf extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg showed potent antidiabetic activity by reducing blood glucose levels (p < 0.001) after 6 weeks of treatment. OGTT data showed that B. aurea exhibited significant (p < 0.001) glucose tolerance by significantly reducing blood glucose levels in just 2 h post-treatment. Other tests showed that plant extract significantly increased (p < 0.001) insulin sensitivity and decreased (p < 0.001) insulin resistance. The biochemical profile showed reduced triglyceride and cholesterol, while the antioxidant profile showed restoration of antioxidant enzymes in the pancreas, kidney, and liver tissues of treated rats. Conclusion: The present study indicated that crude extracts of B. aurea increase insulin sensitivity and reduce hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats, which rationalizes the traditional medicinal use of this plant as an antidiabetic agent.

Promising Low-Cost Adsorbent from Waste Green Tea Leaves for Phenol Removal in Aqueous Solution.

Phenol is the most common organic pollutant in many industrial wastewaters that may pose a health risk to humans due to its widespread application as industrial ingredients and additives. In this study, waste green tea leaves (WGTLs) were modified through chemical activation/carbonization and used as an adsorbent in the presence of ultrasound (cavitation) to eliminate phenol in the aqueous solution. Different treatments, such as cavitation, adsorption, and sono-adsorption were investigated to remove the phenol. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) morphology of the adsorbent revealed that the structure of WGTLs was porous before phenol was adsorbed. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis showed an open chain of carboxylic acids after the sono-adsorption process. The results revealed that the sono-adsorption process is more efficient with enhanced removal percentages than individual processes. A maximum phenol removal of 92% was obtained using the sono-adsorption process under an optimal set of operating parameters, such as pH 3.5, 25 mg L-1 phenol concentration, 800 mg L-1 adsorbent dosage, 60 min time interval, 30 ± 2 °C temperature, and 80 W cavitation power. Removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) reached 85% and 53%. The Freundlich isotherm model with a larger correlation coefficient (R2, 0.972) was better fitted for nonlinear regression than the Langmuir model, and the sono-adsorption process confirmed the pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics. The findings indicated that WGTLs in the presence of a cavitation effect prove to be a promising candidate for reducing phenol from the aqueous environment.