Comparative evaluation of the potential anti-spasmodic activity of Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula, and Zingiber officinale in experimental animals.

Background: Spasm of muscle is one of the frequent complaints seen by most of the population worldwide. The present study evaluated the efficacy of some of the commonly used herbal extracts against known spasmogens, such as histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Material and methods: The study was conducted on isolated guinea pig ileum and rat uterus preparations using histamine and 5-HT, respectively. Five herbal extracts such as Piper longum (P.L), Piper nigrum (P.N), Terminalia bellerica (T.B), Terminalia chebula (T.C), and Zingiber officinale (Z.O) were tested. Herbal extracts at doses 50, 150, 500, 1500, and 5000 mcg/ml were pretreated to the isolated tissue preparation, and the contractile response of histamine and 5-HT was recorded. The efficacy and the inhibitory concentration (IC50) were calculated and statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. Results: The study indicated that all five herbal extracts produced a concentration-dependent suppression of histamine and 5-HT-induced responses. A significant (p < 0.05) non-competitive antagonism was observed against the known spasmogen induced smooth muscle contraction for P.L, P.N, T.B, and Z.O in both guinea pigs and rat uterus preparation. Moreover, P.L and P.N completely abolished (100%) the contractile response induced by histamine and 5-HT. Although, T.C produced a concentration-dependent reduction in known spasmogen-induced contraction but the response was found to be statistically non-significant (p greater than 0.05). Conclusion: The finding suggested that P.L. and P.N. have better activity in terms of reducing the spasmogenic contractions compared to other extracts. Additionally, T.B. and Z.O. can lessen the uterine and intestinal contractions brought on by spasmogens. Although P.L and P.N demonstrated better efficacy against the spasmogenic activity of histamine and 5-HT, more research, particularly on isolated phytochemicals of the extracts and involving different experimental models, is required before establishing the precise safety and efficacy against spasmogenic-induced disorders.

Neem (Azadirachta Indica) and silk fibroin associated hydrogel: Boon for wound healing treatment regimen.

Background & Objectives: Wound healing is the complex physiological process of replacing damaged cells or tissue layers. The neem (Azadirachta Indica) has a variety of biological activities, which may hasten the rate at which the wound healing mechanism occurs. Silk fibroin is a biomaterial that is reported for its tissue regeneration activity. So, the present study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a hydrogel comprising neem and silk fibroin biomaterials for the treatment of wounds. Methods: Topical neem hydrogels (N-HG) with and without silk fibroin (N-SFB-HG) were prepared using neem extract, silk fibroin, and guar gum, which act by entrapping the components by forming a gel. Evaluation tests such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), visual emergence, pH, rheological behavior, spreading capacity, drug content, skin irritation, anti-microbial action, in vivo wound healing activity, and stability were carried out. Results: The FT-IR results showed no chemical interaction between the constituents. The formed hydrogels had pH values of 5.87 ± 0.3 for N-HG and 5.76 ± 0.2 for N-SFB-HG. The preferred topical gel viscosity was observed in the N-HG (54.2 ± 3.2cPs) and N-SFB-HG (59.9 ± 4.8cPs) formulations. The formulated hydrogels were sterile and did not irritate the skin. The in vivo wound healing investigation results reveal that the N-SF-HG treatment speeds up the regeneration of the injured area faster when compared to control and N-HG treated groups. Interpretation & Conclusion: These results support the efficacy of the topical hydrogel formulation, including neem and silk fibroin. Therefore, the neem-silk fibroin hydrogel formulation is a therapeutically viable choice that, following necessary clinical research, might be utilized in novel formulations for managing chronic wounds.

Evaluation of solid-lipid nanoparticles formulation of methotrexate for anti-psoriatic activity.

Background & Objectives: Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used to manage psoriasis. The drug has erratic absorption characteristics and shows several complications. The present study uses different experimental models to evaluate the solid-lipid nanoparticles of MTX (SLN-MTX) for the anti-psoriatic effect. Methods: A prepared SLN-MTX formulation was used and its permeability studies were conducted on Wistar rat abdominal skin. The organ-level distribution of the drug in the formulation was tested in mice and the in-vitro anti-psoriatic activity was determined in CL-177; XB-2 keratinocytes cell lines. The efficacy of SLN-MTX formulation was compared with standard MTX and marketed MTX preparations. The results are analyzed statistically using the student's t-test. Results: The data suggested that MTX from the formulation was slowly released and completely (80.36%) permeated through the skin. The flux and permeation data were found to be maximum for SLN-MTX compared to marketed and standard preparations. MTX in the formulation was found to be distributed more in the liver (67.5%) and kidney (2.34%). Further, SLN-MTX formulation showed dose-dependent inhibition on the growth of keratinocytes, and the cytotoxic concentration (CTC50) was found to be the least (518 mcg/ml). Interpretation & Conclusion: The findings suggested that MTX in solid-lipid nanoparticles could be a promising formulation for the management of psoriasis since the drug was slowly released, progressively inhibited the growth of keratinocytes, and distributed mostly in organs meant for elimination. More studies in this direction might establish the precise safety and efficacy of SLN-MTX formulation in psoriasis.

3D QSAR study on substituted 1, 2, 4 triazole derivatives as anticancer agents by kNN MFA approach.

Background and objectives: Researchers have recently focused on the biological and synthetic effects of 1, 2, and 4-triazole fused heterocyclic molecules because they have tremendous medicinal value. The objective of the present study was to carry out the 3D QSAR evaluation on the substituted 1,2, and 4 triazole derivatives for anticancer potential using k-Nearest Neighbor-Molecular Field Analysis (kNN-MFA) method. Methods: Using the molecular design suite, a three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) analysis was undertaken on a series of 4-amino-5-(pyridin3yl)-4H-1, 2, and 4-triazole-3-thiol anticancer drugs (Vlife MDS). This study used a genetic algorithm and a manual selection approach on 20 substituted 1, 2, and 4-triazole derivatives. Based on the genetic algorithm (GA), the 3D-QSAR model was generated. Statistical significance and predictive capacity were evaluated using internal and external validation. Results: The most significant model has a correlation coefficient of 0.9334 (squared correlation coefficient r2 = 0.8713), showing that biological activity and descriptors have a strong relationship. The model exhibited internal predictivity of 74.45 percent (q2 = 0.2129), external predictivity of 81.09 percent (pred r2 = 0.8417), and the smallest error term for the predictive correlation coefficient (pred r2se = 0.1255). The model revealed steric (S 1047--0.0780--0.0451S 927) and electrostatic (E 1002) data points that contribute remarkably to anticancer activity. A molecular field study demonstrates a link between the structural features of substituted triazole derivatives and their activities. Conclusion: The good-to-moderate anticancer potential of compounds confirms the significant pharmacological role of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives. These results could lead to the identification of potential chemical compounds with optimal anticancer activity and minimal side effects.

Polypharmacy in chronic liver disease patients: Implications for disease severity, drug-drug interaction, and quality of life.

Multiple prescriptions for different medications may be needed for chronic conditions, increasing the risk of polypharmacy. The WHO defined polypharmacy as "the administration of many drugs at the same time or the administration of an excessive number of drugs". The primary goal of this study was to evaluate polypharmacy in patients with chronic liver disease and to identify potential drug-drug interactions associated with it. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Mangalore, Karnataka, for six months, from November 2020 to April 2021. The study involved 118 patients with chronic liver disease from various age groups. Data was gathered by analyzing patients' medical records kept on the ward and interviewing them individually. In admission and discharge prescriptions, polypharmacy was examined. Online interaction checkers from Drugs.com and Medscape were used to interpret potential drug-drug interactions. The SF-36 and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire were used to measure the quality of life. The data obtained were analyzed statistically to determine the significant correlation. The number of prescribed drugs was significantly correlated (P = 0.018) with the severity of liver disease in Child-Pugh categories B and C. Additionally, moderate polypharmacy reduced quality of life (P < 0.05), and the physical health category was significantly associated with disease severity (P < 0.05). Drug-drug interactions were found in 108 out of the 118 examined prescriptions, totaling 586 interactions in the admission list and 405 interactions in the discharge list. If the potentially serious main drug interaction identified in this study is not well monitored, it could lead to a serious, potentially fatal health condition. Despite being advised, safety is not always guaranteed by liver enzyme monitoring. Therefore, healthcare providers must take additional precautions to avoid inappropriate prescribing, minimize side effects, and ensure drug safety.

Macromolecular, thermal, and nonthermal technologies for reduction of glycemic index in food-A review.

Consumers rely on product labels to make healthy choices, especially with regard to the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL), which identify foods that stabilize blood sugar. Employing both thermal and nonthermal processing techniques can potentially reduce the GI, contributing to improved blood sugar regulation and overall metabolic health. This study concentrates on the most current advances in GI-reduction food processing technologies. Food structure combines fiber, healthy fats, and proteins to slow digestion, reducing GI. The influence of thermal approaches on the physical and chemical modification of starch led to decreased GI. The duration of heating and the availability of moisture also determine the degree of hydrolysis of starch and the glycemic effects on food. At a lower temperature, the parboiling revealed less gelatinization and increased moisture. The internal temperature of the product is raised during thermal and nonthermal treatment, speeds up retrogradation, and reduces the rate of starch breakdown.

Sonication as a potential tool in the formation of protein-based stable emulsion - Concise review.

Emulsion systems are extensively used in the food processing sector and the use of natural emulsifiers like proteins for stabilizing emulsion has been in demand from consumers due to increased awareness about the consumption of healthy food. Numerous methods are available for the preparation of emulsion, but ultrasound got more attention among common methods owing to its economical and environment-friendly characteristics. The physical effects caused by to bursting of the cavity bubble, result in reduced droplet size, thus forming an emulsion with appreciable stability. Ultrasound ameliorates the emulsifying characteristics of natural emulsifiers like protein and improves the storage stability of the emulsion by positively boosting the rheological, emulsifying characteristics, improving zeta potential, and reducing average droplet size. The stability of protein-based emulsion is affected by environmental stresses hence conjugate of protein with polysaccharide showed good emulsifying characteristics. However, the data on the effect of ultrasound parameters on emulsifier properties is lacking and there is a need to develop a sonication device that can carry out large-scale emulsification operation. The review covers the principles and mechanisms of ultrasound-assisted formation of protein-based and protein-based conjugate emulsions. Further, the effect of ultrasound on various characteristics of protein-based emulsion is also explored. This review will provide concise data to the researchers to extend their experiments in the area of ultrasound emulsification which will help in commercializing the technology at the industrial scale.

Total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and biological activities of stem extracts of Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl. grown in Northern Border Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective: Genus Astragalus belongs to the family Fabaceae and is one among the largest genera consisting of around 3000 species. The plants have been used traditionally in treatment of various ailments in folklore. The study was planned to assess the analgesic and inflammatory activity of Astragulus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl extract of the stem. Materials and methods: Course powder of stems of Astragulus spinosus was extracted using chloroform and methanol as solvents. Folin ciocalteu method was employed for determination of the phenolic acid content. Aluminum chloride colorimetric procedure was followed for estimating the flavonoid content. Both chloroform and methanolic extracts at 250 and 500 mg/kg, were tested for the analgesic activity, however, only methanolic extract was selected for anti-inflammatory property based on the results of analgesic activity. The analgesic effect was executed on male rats by the hot plate model. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied in the carrageenan rat paw edema model. The experimental information was interpreted statistically using one-way ANOVA and p < 0.05 was used to express importance of the results. Results: The total phenolics of the methanol extract was 420 µg and that of chloroform extract was 265 µgwhile total flavonoid content in terms of quercetin was found to be 68 µg and 17.5 µg for methanol and chloroform extract respectively. Only methanolic extract exhibited significant (p < 0.001) analgesic activity by elevating the pain threshold starting from 15 min. The methanolic extract inhibited (p < 0.001) the edema in carrageenan induced model. The performance of higher dose (500 mg/kg) was better with reference to lower dose (250 mg/kg). Conclusion: Outcome of the results show that the methanolic stem extracts exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory-like activity with reference to chloroform extract. Credit of which is given to flavonoids and phenolic content present in the methanolic extract. However, more research is suggested to establish the safety and effectiveness of the herbal drug to manage diseased states including pain and inflammation.

Obviation of dyslipidemia by garlic oil and its organosulfur compound, diallyl disulphide, in experimental animals.

Background and objectives: Garlic and its number of preparations are known to be effective for treatment of dyslipidemia, but the data about the specific active constituents of the garlic on the possible therapeutic value is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the role of garlic oil (GO) and its active element, diallyl disulphide (DADS) for obviating dyslipidemia in animal model. Methods: High fat diet (HFD) was given to animals to induce dyslipidemia. Animals of HFD groups were fed with atherogenic diet for 15 days prior to treatment. Animals in their respective groups received vehicle, GO (50 and 100 mg/kg), and DADS (4.47 and 8.94 mg/kg) for five consecutive days. Lipid profiles were estimated in serum, oxidant/antioxidant and liver profile were measured in liver tissue homogenate (LTH). Results: Animals fed on HFD developed significant increase in the serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDL), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) that reduced significantly in groups that received GO and DADS treatments. Additionally, significant elevation in serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) level was observed in animals that received GO and DADS. Moreover, hepatic markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine transferase (ALT), that were abnormally altered by high fat diet, were significantly restored to almost normal values with GO and DADS treatments. Also, antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total thiol (SH) levels in LTH were increased significantly in GO and DADS treated groups. When compared to DADS, GO showed better therapeutic effectiveness in terms of antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties. Conclusion: In hyperlipidemic rats, garlic and its principal active component, diallyl disulphide, were effective in avoiding dyslipidemia and neutralizing reactive free radicals induced by a high fat diet. It's an intriguing observation that GO has a larger therapeutic influence than its active constituent, DADS. These findings suggest that other constituents, in addition to GO's DADS, are involved in the compound's synergistic antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities.

The role of serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems for possible antidepressant activity of apigenin.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although, the anti-depressant like effects of apigenin (APG) are documented in the literature, the underlying mechanism for exerting such an effect is still not clear. In this research, an attempt was made to determine the possible role of APG for antidepressant activity through serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems using standardized animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antidepressant property of APG was determine by involving tail suspension (TST) and modified forced swimming tests (MFST). The effect of APG was evaluated at 25 and 50 mg/kg. In mechanistic models, animals were pretreated with catecholaminergic and serotonergic antagonists prior to administration of APG. The results obtained were statistically analyzed to determine the level of significance. RESULTS: The period of immobility in both models (TST and MFST) was significantly reduced by APG (25 and 50 mg/kg). The best therapetuic dose of APG (50 mg/kg) was selected for the mechanistic study. The anti-immobility effect of APG declined to a significant extent upon pretreatment with catecholaminergic antagonists (α-methyl-para-tyrosine methyl ester; SCH 23390; sulpiride; phentolamine) and serotonergic inhibitors (p-clorophenylalanine-methyl-ester; ondansetron) in both TST and MFST models. The antidepressant benefits of apigenin were only modestly reversed when rats were given propranolol. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that APG's antidepressant effect is mediated by the α-adrenergic, dopaminergic and 5-HT3 serotonergic receptors.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of healthcare professionals of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia towards covid-19: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 is an emerging pandemic that necessitates the implementation of effective infection prevention and control steps. The knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare professionals toward COVID-19 affect their compliance to prevention and control initiatives. During the evolving pandemic, we examined the KAP among healthcare professionals against COVID-19 in this research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among Riyadh region health care professionals from the beginning of December 2020 to the end of February 2021 using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The knowledge questionnaire contained questions about COVID-19 clinical characteristics, prevention, and management. The evaluation of attitudes and practices included questions regarding actions and adjustments in COVID-19 response activities. Knowledge scores were measured and compared using demographic characteristics, as well as attitudes and practices toward COVID-19. Using SPSS-IBM 25, bivariate statistics were done to analyze the data. RESULTS: 146 healthcare professionals completed the survey. Physicians were the most prominent party in the survey, accounting for 74 (51 percent), followed by nurses 44 (30 percent) and pharmacists 28 (19 percent). The participants' average age was 39.69 ± 8.48 years. The participant's mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 11.43 ± 1.34, 3.89 ± 0.93, and 3.85 ± 0.81, respectively. With a positive attitude, the mean knowledge score was 11.52, and with proper practice, it was 11.32. With an improvement in knowledge, the attitude score increased significantly (r = 0.172, P = 0.001). Besides, there was a greater association between attitudes and practices (r = 0.170, P = 0.029). A significant enhancement in the practice score of the professionals was noted with an increase in knowledge score (r = 0.095, P = 0.010), an indicator for a positive correlation between practice and knowledge scores. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Healthcare practitioners have a good understanding of COVID-19. Improved knowledge and a positive attitude toward COVID-19 infection are linked to appropriate practice. There is a need for more manpower, better COVID-19 management training, and strategies to reduce anxiety among healthcare professionals.

Anti-obesity potential of almond (Prunus dulcis) in experimental animals under cafeteria and atherogenic diets.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Natural dietary supplements are progressively getting famous to supplant synthetic substances particularly in chronic morbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-obesity potential of almond on the normal, Cafeteria, and Atherogenic diets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parameters such as change in body weight, body temperature, lipid profile, organ weights, and fat pad weights were assessed. Central Nervous System related studies (Despair Swim test and Elevated Plus maze test) were also performed to comprehend the effect of the diets, and almond on the brain. All of the experimental animals were randomly assigned to one of three diet categoriesregular, cafeteria, or atherogenic, and fed those diets for 40 days. Each diet had the control group, standard drug group and three almond groups (low dose: 50; medium dose: 100 and high dose: 200 mg/kg body weight). Body weight was recorded every alternate day. On 40th day, body temperature was measured. On day 41, lipid parameters, organ weights, fat pad weights and the CNS parameters were evaluated. ANOVA followed by Duncans Multiple Range Test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Treatment of animals with either a low or high dose of almond as well as a standard herb prevented a rise in body weight significantly (p = 0.01) in all three diet groups. When a regular diet was replaced with a cafeteria and atherogenic diet, the serum levels of triglycerides and LDL increased significantly, while HDL levels decreased significantly. Overall, almond preparation reduced lipid parameters, organ weights, fat-pad weights, and stabilized CNS parameters substantially. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The almond high dose was the most effective of all the almond preparations. Our study suggests that chronic administration of almond independently reduces the body weight in experimental animals.

The impact of lockdown strategies on the basic reproductive number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: In late December 2019, an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS COV-2) occurred in the city of Wuhan, the capital of the Hubei province in the central part of the People's Republic of China (Ren et al., 2020). In Saudi Arabia, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in March 2, 2020. In March 8, 2020, the Saudi authorities adopted the lockdown strategy to contain the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the various phases of the lockdown strategy in Saudi Arabia and its impact on the basic reproductive number (R0) of the COVID-19 outbreak. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The timeline of the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia was divided into three-time intervals. Google Mobility Community Reports (2020) was used to estimate the changes in community mobility during the various phases of the lockdown. The basic reproductive number (R0) of the COVID-19 outbreak was calculated daily using the Susceptible, Infected and Recovered (SIR) model based on the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) daily reports. This is a standard system to determine the spread of the virus on the basis of infection rate, quarantine rate as well as confirmation rate. The mean values of the calculated R0 during each interval were compared using one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the mean values of the different phases of the lockdown (P > 0.05). Moreover, mean R0 value of the second interval was 0.09 higher than the initial interval with free community mobility. Furthermore, the mean R0 values of the third interval with the full lockdown was 0.28 higher than the initial interval. CONCLUSION: Early implementation of lockdown strategy combined with other social distancing strategies help in containing infectious outbreaks in their early phases. Continuous assessment of such strategies' effectiveness provides decision makers with precious information needed to justify their application when considering their economic impact.