Exploring the Chemical and Biological Potential of Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) Leaves: A Comprehensive Review.

Leaves of jamun collected as agro by-produce during the cultivation of jamun is traditionally used as ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes, gall bladder stones and other ailments. Most of the beneficial effects of jamun leaves are associated with phytochemicals found in jamun leaves such as gallic acid, tannins, mallic acid, flavonoids, essential oils, jambolin, ellagic acid, jambosine, antimellin and betulinic acid. Jamun possess curative activities like anticancer, antidiabetic, antifertility, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antiradiation, chemotherapeutic, and gastroprotective. The main goal of this review article is to provide information on the nutritional content, phytochemical composition and health promoting properties of jamun leaves. The review of literature based on the phytochemical composition and health promoting benefits of the jamun leaves, suggests that leaves can be used as potential constituent in the formulation of pharmacological drugs. From the review literature it is found that clinical, in-vivo, in-vitro studies are still required to check the health promoting effects of jamun leaves extracts on humans.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa: An Underutilized Fruit with High Nutraceutical Values: A Review.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Bael) fruit, a member of the Rutaceae family, is a major cultivated fruit plant in tropical and subtropical regions in countries of southeast Asia. Bael fruit has been a major topic for studies in recent years mainly due to its high nutritional (carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins) value and presence of various phytochemicals, which attributed to its high medicinal value. These phytochemicals include various compounds, e.g., alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid, gallic, and ellagic acid). The fruit extract of bael has been also an important study area for its pharmacological activities, including antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, anticancer, antiulcer properties. The current review mainly highlighted the nutritional and pharmacological activities of bael fruit. The nutritional profile and phytochemical profile were discussed in the review, along with their concentration in the fruit. Moreover, the experiments carried out in vivo and in vitro of bael fruit extracts with respect to their pharmacological activities were also discussed in the article. The recent literature based on nutritional and pharmacological values of bael fruit showed its high potential as a food and pharmaceutical product. Despite having high nutritional and pharmacological value, research related to molecular mechanisms of bael fruit is still limited, and clinical trials are needed to ensure its safety as a product in the food and pharma industries.

Role of interleukin-6 in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.

In the last several decades, the number of people dying from cancer-related deaths has not reduced significantly despite phenomenal advances in the technologies related to diagnosis and therapeutic modalities. The principal cause behind limitations in the curability of this disease is the reducing sensitivity of the cancer cells towards conventional anticancer therapeutic modalities, particularly in advance stages of the disease. Amongst several reasons, certain secretory factors released by the tumour cells into the microenvironment have been found to confer resistance towards chemo- and radiotherapy, besides promoting growth. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), one of the major cytokines in the tumour microenvironment, is an important factor which is found at high concentrations and known to be deregulated in cancer. Its overexpression has been reported in almost all types of tumours. The strong association between inflammation and cancer is reflected by the high IL-6 levels in the tumour microenvironment, where it promotes tumorigenesis by regulating all hallmarks of cancer and multiple signalling pathways, including apoptosis, survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, invasiveness and metastasis, and, most importantly, the metabolism. Moreover, IL-6 protects the cancer cells from therapy-induced DNA damage, oxidative stress and apoptosis by facilitating the repair and induction of countersignalling (antioxidant and anti-apoptotic/pro-survival) pathways. Therefore, blocking IL-6 or inhibiting its associated signalling independently or in combination with conventional anticancer therapies could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancers with IL-6-dominated signalling.

Environmentally benign approach to formulate nanoclay/starch hydrogel for controlled release of zinc and its application in seed coating of Oryza Sativa plant.

Improper use of conventional fertilizers has been linked to adverse effects on soil nutrient levels. To mitigate the negative impact of surface feeding fertilizers and reduce environmental pollution, a new type of seed coating material has been developed to provide nutrients in close proximity to the growing seed. In this study, a biodegradable seed coating film encapsulating micronutrients was fabricated by incorporating montmorillonite into a starch matrix using the melt processing technique. The dispersion of montmorillonite within the starch matrix was examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results revealed polar interactions among starch, silicate layers, and the hydrogel. The XRD analysis demonstrated a shift in the diffraction peak (001) of the Zinc/montmorillonite/starch/glycerol nanocomposite film from 6.2° to 4.9°, indicating the successful intercalation of Zinc, starch, and glycerol. Furthermore, the inclusion of nanoclay improved the thermal stability of the resulting polymer composite and enhanced its ion exchange capacity, water retention, and micronutrient retention. The time-dependent release of zinc micronutrient from the montmorillonite/starch/glycerol composite film was investigated in Zn-deficient soil extract over a 20-day period. The composite film demonstrated extended release behavior of Zn2+. Subsequently, rice seeds were coated with the zinc-containing composite film using a dip-coating method, and their performance in Zn-deficient soil was evaluated. The results indicated that zinc-coated seeds exhibited improved germination percentage, vegetative growth, and yield compared to uncoated seeds.

Exploring apple pectic polysaccharides: Extraction, characterization, and biological activities - A comprehensive review.

Apple (Malus domestica) is a popular and ancient fruit of the Myrtaceae family. Apple fruit is well-known for its great nutritional and phytochemical content consisted of beneficial compounds such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, sterols, and organic acids. Polysaccharides extracted from different parts of the apple fruit, including the peel, pomace, or the whole fruit, have been extensively studied. Researchers have investigated the structural characteristics of these polysaccharides, such as molecular weight, type of monosaccharide unit, type of linkage and its position and arrangement. Besides this, functional properties and physicochemical and of apple polysaccharides have also been studied, along with the effects of extraction procedures, storage, and processing on cell wall polysaccharides. Various extraction techniques, including hot water extraction, enzymatic extraction, and solvent-assisted extraction, have been studied. From the findings, it was evident that apple polysaccharides are mainly composed of (1 â†’ 3), (1 â†’ 6): α-ß-glycosidic linkage. Moreover, the apple polysaccharides were demonstrated to exhibit antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, hypoilipidemic, and enzyme inhibitory properties in vitro and in vivo. The potential applications of apple polysaccharides in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical industries have also been explored in the present review. Overall, the research on apple polysaccharides highlights their significant potential as a source of biologically active compounds with various health benefits and practical applications.

Innovations in textile wastewater management: a review of zero liquid discharge technology.

Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technology emerges as a transformative solution for sustainable wastewater management in the textile industry, emphasizing water recycling and discharge minimization. This review comprehensively explores ZLD's pivotal role in reshaping wastewater management practices within the textile sector. With a primary focus on water recycling and minimized discharge, the review thoroughly examines the economic and environmental dimensions of ZLD. Additionally, it includes a comparative cost analysis against conventional wastewater treatment methods and offers a comprehensive outlook on the global ZLD market. Presently valued at US $0.71 billion, the market is anticipated to reach US $1.76 billion by 2026, reflecting a robust annual growth rate of 12.6%. Despite ZLD's efficiency in wastewater recovery, environmental challenges, such as heightened greenhouse gas emissions, increased carbon footprint, elevated energy consumption, and chemical usage, are discussed. Methodologies employed in this review involve an extensive analysis of existing literature, empirical data, and case studies on ZLD implementation in the textile industry worldwide. While acknowledging existing adoption barriers, the review underscores ZLD's potential to guide the textile industry toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

Beneath the rind: A review on the remarkable health benefits and applications of the wood apple fruit.

Limonia acidissima Groff, commonly referred to as the Wood apple, is a tropical fruit belonging to Rutaceae family. Indigenous to Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar, it is extensively cultivated throughout Southeast Asia. This fruit holds a profound historical significance in traditional medicine due to its exceptional nutritional and therapeutic attributes. Wood apple pulp is significantly abundant in ß-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, and contains a substantial amount of vitamin B, including riboflavin and thiamine, as well as trace amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Moreover health-benefitting properties associated with L. acidissima, such as, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spermatogenic, analgesic, antiulcer, and antihyperlipidemic properties, are attributed to a diverse range of phytochemicals. These encompass polyphenolic compounds, saponins, phytosterols, tannins, triterpenoids, coumarins, amino acids, tyramine derivatives, and vitamins. From the findings of the various studies, it was observed that wood apple fruit shows significant anticancer activity by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer. Furthermore, wood apple finds wide-ranging commercial applications in the formulation of ready-to-serve beverages, syrups, jellies, chutneys, and various other food products. In summary, this review highlights the nutritional and phytochemical constituents of wood apple, depicts its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic capabilities, and explores its potential in value-added product development. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the molecular mechanisms supporting these properties remain an underexplored domain. To ensure the safe integration of wood apple fruit into the realms of the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors, rigorous clinical trials, including toxicity assessments, are required. These endeavors hold the potential to promote innovation and contribute significantly to both research and industrial sectors.

Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in nonobese Indian patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance has been recognized as a major factor in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The association between insulin resistance and NAFLD, as a risk factor independent of obesity has been less well established. This study aims to determine presence of insulin resistance and components of metabolic syndrome in non-obese patients with NAFLD. METHODS: 150 patients (mean age 42.25 _ 10.50 y; 115 (76%) male, 35 (24%) female) diagnosed with NAFLD participated in the study. We measured body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist hip ratio (WHR), fasting lipid profile, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and liver function. Insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA) formula. Insulin resistance was arbitrarily considered altered when it was >1.64. RESULTS: 120 (80%) of the 150 patients were pbese (BMI >23) according to the Asia Pacific criteria. 40 (30%) had metabolic syndrome. 97.5% (117/120) had insulin resistance with mean HOMA-insulin resistance (IR) of 10.9+/-5.3. Thirty (20%) were non-obese; of these, 7 had central obesity (WC > 90 cm for men, > 80 cm for women). Twenty-three (15.3%) patients were lean NAFLD with BMI 21.6+/-1.5, WC 82.9+/-4.7 (BMI< 23, WC <90 cm in men and < 80 cm in women) 80% of these 23 (18/23) had insulin resistance with mean HOMA-IR of 3.4+/-1.9. Only 4 (17%) did not have any component of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance often associated with metabolic syndrome is common and plays a key role amongst lean Indian patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

An Investigative Study on the Structural, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Clay-Based PVC Polymer Composite Films.

The present study aims to explore the impact of pristine and surfactant-modified clays (montmorillonite, bentonite and vermiculite) on the thermomechanical properties of a poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) polymer film. Initially, clay was modified by employing the ion exchange method. The modification of clay minerals was confirmed by the XRD pattern and thermogravimetric analysis. Pristine PVC polymer film and clay (montmorillonite, bentonite and vermiculite)-based PVC polymer composite films were fabricated using solution casting. The ideal dispersion of surfactant-modified organo-clays was observed in the PVC polymer matrix due to the hydrophobic nature of modified clays. The resultant pure polymer film and clay polymer composite film were characterized using XRD and TGA, and their mechanical properties were determined using a tensile strength tester and Durometer. From the XRD pattern, the intercalation of the PVC polymer film was found in the interlayer of organo-clay while exfoliation or partial intercalation and exfoliation were observed for pristine clay mineral-based PVC polymer composite films. Thermal analysis indicated a lowering of the decomposition temperature of the composite film as clay promotes the thermal degradation temperature of PVC. Improvement in the tensile strength and hardness was found to be more frequent in the case of organo-clay-based PVC polymer films, which is only due to the hydrophobic nature of organ clays, resulting in greater compatibility with the polymer matrix.

Fabrication of Colored Polymeric Membrane Using Clay-Based Nano Pigments of Safranin O (SO) Dye.

In the present work, a novel methodology was developed for the fabrication of clay-based nano pigments with enhanced thermal stability and used further as a colorant to prepare polymeric membranes. Initially, the batch extraction studies were performed to analyze the maximum adsorption of Safranin O (SO) dye onto pristine montmorillonite (Mt) and organo montmorillonite (OMt) by varying different parameters like pH, contact time, and concentration. It was confirmed from batch extraction studies that the adsorption efficacy of pristine Mt for SO was found to be more than OMt due to their negatively charged surface. Clay-based nano pigments were fabricated by considering the optimized condition where the maximum uptake of SO was observed and further characterized by XRD, FTIR, TGA, and SEM techniques. XRD studies confirmed the intercalation of SO dye while FTIR spectra revealed surface interaction of the dye with Mt/OMt. TGA studies showed that the clay-based nano pigments had more thermal stability than pure SO. Nano pigments were used as colorants to prepare thin, transparent, and homogeneously dispersed polymeric membranes through the solvent casting method. XRD studies of the polymeric membrane confirmed that the intercalation of poly methylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the interlayer of clay increases interlayer spacing, which was further confirmed by the TEM analysis. The mechanical properties of the PMMA polymeric membrane were also enhanced after the dispersion of clay-based nano pigments.

Spectrum of Primary Gastric Lymphoma in India: A Series of 30 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Primary gastric lymphoma is uncommonly reported in India. We retrospectively analyzed their data in a northern Indian teaching hospital. METHODS: During a 12-year period (2000-2012), endoscopic and surgical biopsies were assessed for gastric neoplasm. Gastric biopsies from normal-looking areas, rapid urease test, and Helicobacter pylori serology were done, with 2 of 3 tests positive being considered diagnostic. We aimed to study (i) the frequency of primary gastric lymphoma among gastric neoplasm patients, (ii) its clinical profile, (iii) the diagnostic procedures needed, and (iv) the frequency of H. pylori infection among them. RESULTS: Thirty out of 324 (9.2%) patients (age 56 years, range 25-72, 73.3% male) with gastric neoplasm had primary gastric lymphoma. Presentations included dyspepsia (n = 9, 30%), gastric outlet obstruction (n = 7, 23.3%), upper gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 5, 16.7%), dysphagia (n = 4, 13.3%), malignant ascites (n = 3, 10%), and others (n = 2, 6.7%). H. pylori infection was confirmed in 7 (23.3%), 12 (40%), and 21/29 (72.4%) patients by rapid urease test and histopathology and positive anti-H. pylori IgG serology, respectively. By 2 tests, H. pylori was detected in 12 (40%) patients. Though in 60% primary gastric lymphoma was diagnosed on endoscopic biopsy, in 40%, surgical resection was required. The endoscopic and surgical diagnosis groups were comparable in age (53.4 years vs. 52.7 years), sex (male 77.8% vs. 66.7%), H. pylori infection (38.9% vs. 16.7%), presentation with dyspepsia (38.9% vs. 16.7%), organic symptoms (61.1% vs. 83.3%), and the need for repeated endoscopic biopsies before diagnosis (12.% vs. 33.3%). CONCLUSION: Primary gastric lymphoma is not uncommon (9.2%) in India, often missed on endoscopic biopsy and is associated with H. pylori infection (40%).

Synthesis of Nano Pigments Using Clay Minerals and Organic Dyes and Their Application as Colorants in Polymer Matrix.

A new generation of clay-based nano pigments has been introduced, providing the advantage of both inorganic pigments and organic dyes. These nano pigments have been synthesized through a stepwise procedure where, initially, an organic dye is adsorbed onto the surface of the adsorbent, and then dye adsorbed adsorbent is used as pigment for further applications. The objective of the current paper was to examine the interaction of non-biodegradable toxic dyes, Crystal Violet (CV) and Indigo Carmine (IC), with clay minerals (montmorillonite (Mt), vermiculite (Vt), and clay bentonite (Bent)) and their organically modified forms (OMt, OBent, and OVt) and to develop a novel methodology for the synthesis of the value-added products and clay-based nano pigments without creating second generation waste materials. In our observation, the uptake of CV was more intense onto pristine Mt, Bent, and Vt, and the uptake of IC was more onto OMt, OBent, and OVt. CV was found to be in the interlayer region of Mt and Bent, as supported by XRD data. Zeta potential values confirmed the presence of CV on their surface. In contrast, in the case of Vt and organically modified forms, the dye was found on the surface, confirmed by XRD and zeta potential values. In the case of indigo carmine, the dye was found only on the surface of pristine Mt, Bent, Vt, and organo Mt, Bent, Vt. During the interaction of CV and IC with clay and organoclays, intense violet and blue-colored solid residues were obtained (also known as clay-based nano pigments). The nano pigments were used as colorants in a poly (methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer matrix to form transparent polymer films.

Independent Reproduction of the FLASH Effect on the Gastrointestinal Tract: A Multi-Institutional Comparative Study.

FLASH radiation therapy (RT) is a promising new paradigm in radiation oncology. However, a major question that remains is the robustness and reproducibility of the FLASH effect when different irradiators are used on animals or patients with different genetic backgrounds, diets, and microbiomes, all of which can influence the effects of radiation on normal tissues. To address questions of rigor and reproducibility across different centers, we analyzed independent data sets from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and from Lausanne University (CHUV). Both centers investigated acute effects after total abdominal irradiation to C57BL/6 animals delivered by the FLASH Mobetron system. The two centers used similar beam parameters but otherwise conducted the studies independently. The FLASH-enabled animal survival and intestinal crypt regeneration after irradiation were comparable between the two centers. These findings, together with previously published data using a converted linear accelerator, show that a robust and reproducible FLASH effect can be induced as long as the same set of irradiation parameters are used.

Phytochemicals, therapeutic benefits and applications of chrysanthemum flower: A review.

Chrysanthemum is a flowering plant belonging to a genus of the dicotyledonous herbaceous annual flowering plant of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. It is a perpetual flowering plant, mostly cultivated for medicinal purposes; generally, used in popular drinks due to its aroma and flavor. It is primarily cultivated in China, Japan, Europe, and United States. These flowers were extensively used in various healthcare systems and for treating various diseases. Chrysanthemum flowers are rich in phenolic compounds and exhibit strong properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-allergic, anti-obesity, immune regulation, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective activities. The main aim of the present review was to investigate the nutritional profile, phytochemistry, and biological activities of flowers of different Chrysanthemum species. Also, a critical discussion of the diverse metabolites or bioactive constituents of the Chrysanthemum flowers is highlighted in the present review. Moreover, the flower extracts of Chrysanthemum have been assessed to possess a rich phytochemical profile, including compounds such as cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl) glucoside, delphinidin 3-O-(6" -O-malonyl) glucoside-3', rutin, quercetin, isorhamnetin, rutinoside, and others. These profiles exhibit potential health benefits, leading to their utilization in the production of supplementary food products and pharmaceutical drugs within the industry. However, more comprehensive research studies/investigations are still needed to further discover the potential benefits for human and animal utilization.

Glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose attenuates SARS-CoV-2 multiplication in host cells and weakens the infective potential of progeny virions.

AIMS: Virus-infected host cells switch their metabolism to a more glycolytic phenotype, required for new virion synthesis and packaging. Therefore, we investigated the effect and mechanistic action of glycolytic inhibitor 2-Deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) on virus multiplication in host cells following SARS-CoV-2 infection. MAIN METHODS: SARS-CoV-2 induced change in glycolysis was examined in Vero E6 cells. Effect of 2-DG on virus multiplication was evaluated by RT-PCR (N and RdRp genes) analysis, protein expression analysis of Nucleocapsid (N) and Spike (S) proteins and visual indication of cytopathy effect (CPE), The mass spectrometry analysis was performed to examine the 2-DG induced change in glycosylation status of receptor binding domain (RBD) in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. KEY FINDINGS: We observed SARS-COV-2 infection induced increased glucose influx and glycolysis, resulting in selectively high accumulation of the fluorescent glucose analog, 2-NBDG in Vero E6 cells. 2-DG inhibited glycolysis, reduced virus multiplication and alleviated cells from virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. The progeny virions produced from 2-DG treated cells were found unglycosylated at crucial N-glycosites (N331 and N343) of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the spike protein, resulting in production of defective progeny virions with compromised infective potential. SIGNIFICANCE: The mechanistic study revealed that the inhibition of SARS-COV-2 multiplication is attributed to 2-DG induced glycolysis inhibition and possibly un-glycosylation of the spike protein, also. Therefore, based on its previous human trials in different types of Cancer and Herpes patients, it could be a potential molecule to study in COVID-19 patients.

A survey on ethnoveterinary medicines used by the tribal migratory shepherds of Northwestern Himalaya.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tribal migratory shepherds (Gaddi) living in the Northwestern Himalayan region are well known for their nomadic lifestyle in which tribal migratory shepherds along with their livestock which mainly include sheep and goat migrate seasonally in the Northwestern Himalayan region from high hills to low hills for the survival of their livestock from cold winters and hot summer. Due to harsh environmental conditions, heavy snowfall, heavy rainfall, wild animal attacks, no medical facilities, no transportation, and no electricity facilities tribal migratory shepherds mostly rely on plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use to treat livestock disease. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of our study is to conduct ethnoveterinary survey for the first time to document the contemporary oral ethnoveterinary knowledge of Gaddi shepherds living in Northwestern Himalayan region. METHODOLOGY: The documentation of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use was executed through extensive field surveys from 2017 to 2019. Data were collected through direct interviews by administrating questionnaire among tribal migratory shepherds. RESULTS: A total of 181 plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use belonging to the same or different families were documented during the seasonal migration of shepherds from Northwestern Himalayan region. Most frequently occurring family of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary was Poaceae, leaves and roots were reported to be the most frequently used plant parts. Most frequently documented plant species for ethnoveterinary use were Cynodon dactylon, Chenopodium album, Zanthoxylum armatum, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica and Cannabis sativa. Chrysopogon serrulatus, Cynodon dactylon, and Vitex negundo were reported with high use reports. Some of the endemic species of Northwestern Himalayan region such as Elymus himalayanus and Euphorbia pilosa and one endangered species Picrorhiza kurrooa were reported in current study. CONCLUSION: It is observed that there is a need to raise awareness among the tribal migratory shepherds about the sustainable use and conservation of some of the plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use. This study provided an inventory of plant species mentioned for ethnoveterinary use having significant ethnoveterinary potential, however there is need of scientific evaluations by in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies.

Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd.: A Review on Bioactive Compounds and Their Health Promoting Functionalities.

With the advent of pandemics and infectious diseases, numerous research activities on natural products have been carried out to combat them. Researchers are investigating natural products for the treatment and/or management of various infectious diseases and/or disorders. Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd. belongs to the family Fabaceae (subfamily Mimosoideae) known as Khair or Cutch tree, possesses diverse pharmacological actions, and has been widely used in Asia and different parts of the world. The purpose of the present study is to highlight the phytochemical profile of different parts of A. catechu, the different biological activities of A. catechu extract, and the utilization of A. catechu as food and beverage. The present work constitutes a review of A. catechu; we performed searches (books, Google, Google Scholar, and Scopus publications) to compile the work/investigations made on A. catechu to the present. From our survey, it was concluded that the main phytochemicals compounds in A. catechu are protocatechuic acid, taxifolin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin, epicatechin gallate, procyanidin, phloroglucin, aldobiuronic acid, gallic acid, D-galactose, afzelchin gum, L-arabinose, D-rhamnose, and quercetin. The whole plant of A. catechu possesses a comprehensive variety of medicinal potentials such as antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antinociceptive, antihyperlipidemic, antiulcer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, haemolytic, and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins. However, even though the plant's metabolites were reported to have many different pharmacological uses, there is limited information about their toxicity or clinical trials. Further research on diverse metabolites of A. catechu should be carried out to ensure the safety or utilization of this plant in the pharma or food industries and in the development of potent plant-based drugs.

Onion and garlic polysaccharides: A review on extraction, characterization, bioactivity, and modifications.

Allium cepa (onion) and Allium sativum (garlic) are important members of the Amaryllidaceae (Alliaceae) family and are being used both as food and medicine for centuries in different parts of the world. Polysaccharides have been extracted from different parts of onion and garlic such as bulb, straw and cell wall. The current literature portrays several studies on the extraction of polysaccharides from onion and garlic, their modification and determination of their structural (molecular weight, monosaccharide unit and their arrangement, type and position of glycosidic bond or linkage, degree of polymerization, chain conformation) and functional properties (emulsifying property, moisture retention, hygroscopicity, thermal stability, foaming ability, fat-binding capacity). In this line, this review, summarizes the various extraction techniques used for polysaccharides from onion and garlic, involving methods like solvent extraction method. Furthermore, the antioxidant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties of onion and garlic polysaccharides as reported in in vivo and in vitro studies are also critically assessed in this review. Different studies have proved onion and garlic polysaccharides as potential antioxidant and immunomodulatory agent. Studies have implemented to improve the functionality of onion and garlic polysaccharides through various modification approaches. Further studies are warranted for utilizing onion and garlic polysaccharides in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Serological assessment of gastric intestinal metaplasia and atrophy using pepsinogen-I, pepsinogen-II and gastrin-17 levels in a low incidence area of gastric cancer endemic for H. pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal metaplasia (IM), a precursor of gastric cancer (GC), may be amenable to non-invasive assessment. AIMS: We evaluated the diagnostic utility of serum PG-I, PG-II, PG-I/PG-II ratio and gastrin-17 (G-17) to detect IM and atrophy. METHODS: The study was conducted at a tertiary care center located in low-incidence area of GC, endemic for H. pylori. The evaluation was designed as a prospective case-control study. Patients with GC and dyspepsia were evaluated by endoscopy, histology for IM (H&E, PAS and Alcian blue stains) and H. pylori (H&E and Giemsa stains), rapid urease test and IgG antibody (positive results in any two assays). Serum levels of PG-I, PG-II and G-17 were estimated using ELISA. RESULTS: Of the 98 patients with GC and 62 with dyspepsia, 35 (36%) and 9 (14%) had IM, respectively (p = 0.004). Patients with IM (n = 44) had lower PG-UPG-II ratio than those without IM (n = 116; median 4.4, 0.37-23.6 vs. 6.3, 0.19-38.6, respectively; p = 0.005). A cut-off value of PG-I/PG-II ratio of 6.0 had 64% sensitivity and 52% specificity for detecting IM (area under ROC curve 0.64). 26/44 (60%) patients with IM and 52/98 (53%) with GC had PG-I/PG-II ratio < 6. Serum G-17 was comparable among patients with and without IM. CONCLUSIONS: Though the PG-I/PG-II ratio was lower in patients with IM, only 60% had a lower ratio suggesting that this test and G-17 may not be useful to detect IM in low-incidence areas of GC, endemic for H. pylori infection.

PTEN inhibitor bpV(HOpic) confers protection against ionizing radiation.

Exposure to Ionizing radiation (IR) poses a severe threat to human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop potent and safe radioprotective agents for radio-nuclear emergencies. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) mediates its cytoprotective signaling against IR by phosphorylating membrane phospholipids to phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5 triphosphate, PIP3, that serve as a docking site for AKT. Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog on chromosome 10 (PTEN) antagonizes PI3K activity by dephosphorylating PIP3, thus suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling that could prevent IR induced cytotoxicity. The current study was undertaken to investigate the radioprotective potential of PTEN inhibitor (PTENi), bpV(HOpic). The cell cytotoxicity, proliferation index, and clonogenic survival assays were performed for assessing the radioprotective potential of bpV(HOpic). A safe dose of bpV(HOpic) was shown to be radioprotective in three radiosensitive tissue origin cells. Further, bpV(HOpic) significantly reduced the IR-induced apoptosis and associated pro-death signaling. A faster and better DNA repair kinetics was also observed in bpV(HOpic) pretreated cells exposed to IR. Additionally, bpV(HOpic) decreased the IR-induced oxidative stress and significantly enhanced the antioxidant defense mechanism in cells. The radioprotective effect of bpV(HOpic) was found to be AKT dependant and primarily regulated by the enhanced glycolysis and associated signaling. Furthermore, this in-vitro observation was verified in-vivo, where administration of bpV(HOpic) in C57BL/6 mice resulted in AKT activation and conferred survival advantage against IR-induced mortality. These results imply that bpV(HOpic) ameliorates IR-induced oxidative stress and cell death by inducing AKT signaling mediated antioxidant defense system and DNA repair pathways, thus strengthening its potential to be used as a radiation countermeasure.