Interplay of precision therapeutics and MD study: Calocybe indica's potentials against cervical cancer and its interaction with VEGF via octadecanoic acid.

The evolving landscape of personalized medicine necessitates a shift from traditional therapeutic interventions towards precision-driven approaches. Embracing this paradigm, our research probes the therapeutic efficacy of the aqueous crude extract (ACE) of Calocybe indica in cervical cancer treatment, merging botanical insights with advanced molecular research. We observed that ACE exerts significant influences on nuclear morphology and cell cycle modulation, further inducing early apoptosis and showcasing prebiotic attributes. Characterization of ACE have identified several phytochemicals including significant presence of octadeconoic acid. Simultaneously, utilizing advanced Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, we deciphered the intricate molecular interactions between Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Octadecanoic acid to establish C.indica's role as an anticancer agent. Our study delineates Octadecanoic acid's potential as a robust binding partner for VEGF, with comprehensive analyses from RMSD and RMSF profiles highlighting the stability and adaptability of the protein-ligand interactions. Further in-depth thermodynamic explorations via MM-GBSA calculations reveal the binding landscape of the VEGF-Octadecanoic acid complex. Emerging therapeutic innovations, encompassing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and avant-garde nanocarriers, are discussed in the context of their synergy with compounds like Calocybe indica P&C. This convergence underscores the profound therapeutic potential awaiting clinical exploration. This study offers a holistic perspective on the promising therapeutic avenues facilitated by C. indica against cervical cancer, intricately woven with advanced molecular interactions and the prospective integration of precision therapeutics in modern oncology.

Therapeutic effects of OXY- ExoAloe in diabetic wound injury.

Delayed wound healing are common complications for diabetic patients. In light of chronic hypoxia's delay in wound healing, it is hypothesized that providing a better oxygen environment at the wound site will promote diabetic wound healing. OXY-ExoAloe is an innovative and effective therapy prepared from exosome-like vesicles of aloe vera gel, ginger juice and neem fruit sap. A combination of three herbal, oxygen-delivering and medicinally valued plants was standardized to determine if the combination had the desired effect. Interestingly, when we used OXY-ExoAloe at a particular ratio on a diabetic wound, the herbal therapy speeded up wound healing by reducing swelling, and the severity of the wound. Further, our data suggests that OXY-ExoAloe promoted wound healing by increasing wound oxygenation, reducing inflammation, cytokine production, and matrix remodeling. It is also safe and effective, with no reported side effects.

The anti-proliferative effects of a frankincense extract in a window of opportunity phase ia clinical trial for patients with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Boswellic acids, active components of frankincense, suppress tumor proliferation in vitro with a strong clinical trial safety profile in patients with inflammatory diseases. We performed a Phase Ia window of opportunity trial of Boswellia serrata (B. serrata) in patients with breast cancer to evaluate its biologic activity and safety. METHODS: Patients with invasive breast cancer were treated pre-operatively with B. Serrata (2400 mg/day PO) until the night before surgery for a median of 11 days (SD 6 days; range: 5-23 days). Paraffin-embedded sections from pretreatment diagnostic core biopsies and post-treatment surgical excisions were evaluated using a tunnel assay and immunohistochemistry staining with Ki-67 antibodies. A non-intervention retrospective control arm consisting of core and surgical tissue specimens from untreated patients was used to compare patients treated with B. Serrata. The change in proliferation and apoptosis between diagnostic core specimens and surgical specimens was compared between the control and treatment groups using a two-tailed paired t-test. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were enrolled, of which 20 received treatment, and 18 had sufficient tissue for IHC. There was an increase in percent change in proliferation from core biopsy to surgical excision in the control group (n = 18) of 54.6 ± 21.4%. In the B. serrata-treated group there was a reduction in proliferation between core biopsy and excision (n = 18) of 13.8 ± 11.7%. This difference was statistically significant between the control and B. serrata-treated groups (p = 0.008). There was no difference in change in apoptosis. There were no serious adverse events related to the drug. CONCLUSION: Boswellia serrata inhibited breast cancer proliferation and was well-tolerated in a Phase Ia window of opportunity trial.

High Cannabigerol Hemp Extract Moderates Colitis and Modulates the Microbiome in an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Model.

Cannabis sativa L. has a long history of medicinal use, particularly for gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) report using cannabis to manage their symptoms, despite little data to support the use of cannabis or cannabis products to treat the disease. In this study, we use the well-described dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model of colitis in mice to assess the impact of commercially available, noneuphorigenic, high cannabigerol (CBG) hemp extract (20 mg/mL cannabigerol, 20.7 mg/mL cannabidiol, 1 mg/mL cannabichromene) on IBD activity and the colonic microbiome. Mice were given 2% DSS in drinking water for 5 days, followed by 2 days of regular drinking water. Over the 7 days, mice were dosed daily with either high CBG hemp extract or matched vehicle control. Daily treatment with high CBG hemp extract dramatically reduces the severity of disease at the histological and organismal levels as measured by decreased disease activity index, increased colon length, and decreases in percent colon tissue damage. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the fecal microbiota reveals high CBG hemp extract treatment results in alterations in the microbiota that may be beneficial for colitis. Finally, using metabolomic analysis of fecal pellets, we find that mice treated with high CBG hemp extract have a normalization of several metabolic pathways, including those involved in inflammation. Taken together, these data suggest that high CBG hemp extracts may offer a novel treatment option for patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Using the dextran sodium sulfate model of colitis, the authors show that treatment with high cannabigerol hemp extract reduces the severity of symptoms associated with colitis. Additionally, they show that treatment modulates both the fecal microbiota and metabolome with potential functional significance.

Beyond conventional antibiotics approaches: Global perspectives on alternative therapeutics including herbal prevention, and proactive management strategies in bovine mastitis.

Mastitis, an intramammary inflammation resulting from microbial infectious agents, continues to pose a significant challenge within the dairy sector, adversely affecting animal well-being and leading to substantial economic losses. These losses are attributed to decreased milk production, heightened culling rates, and the expenses related to diagnostics, veterinary care, medication, and labor. Moreover, additional costs emerge due to reduced forthcoming milk yields, compromised reproductive health, and increased susceptibility to various illnesses. Identifying the responsible agents is crucial for disease management and the implementation of antimicrobial treatments. Despite the prevalent use of antibiotic treatment, the pressing need for new therapeutic alternatives to combat bovine mastitis arises from limitations, including low cure rates, rising resistance, and the presence of antibiotic residues in milk. This review explores the potential application of herbal extracts and essential oils known for their antimicrobial properties as alternative options for managing pathogens in mastitis treatment. It examines various treatment methods and management strategies, particularly emphasizing the progress of herbal remedies and natural therapeutics in addressing mastitis, a significant concern in bovine populations and dairy herds.

Dietary anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial medicinal plants and its compounds in bovine mastitis associated impact on human life.

Bovine mastitis (BM) is the most common bacterial mediated inflammatory disease in the dairy cattle that causes huge economic loss to the dairy industry due to decreased milk quality and quantity. Milk is the essential food in the human diet, and rich in crucial nutrients that helps in lowering the risk of diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. The main causative agents of the disease include various gram negative, and positive bacteria, along with other risk factors such as udder shape, age, genetic, and environmental factors also contributes much for the disease. Currently, antibiotics, immunotherapy, probiotics, dry cow, and lactation therapy are commonly recommended for BM. However, these treatments can only decrease the rise of new cases but can't eliminate the causative agents, and they also exhibit several limitations. Hence, there is an urgent need of a potential source that can generate a typical and ideal treatment to overcome the limitations and eliminate the pathogens. Among the various sources, medicinal plants and its derived products always play a significant role in drug discovery against several diseases. In addition, they are also known for its low toxicity and minimum resistance features. Therefore, plants and its compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties can serve better in bovine mastitis. In addition, the plants that are serving as a food source and possessing pharmacological properties can act even better in bovine mastitis. Hence, in this evidence-based study, we particularly review the dietary medicinal plants and derived products that are proven for anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Moreover, the role of each dietary plant and its compounds along with possible role in the management of bovine mastitis are delineated. In this way, this article serves as a standalone source for the researchers working in this area to help in the management of BM.

Morus Alba Fruit Extract and its Fractions Ameliorate Streptozotocin Induced Cognitive Deficit in Mice via Modulating Oxidative and Cholinergic Systems.

Increased oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity are key pathological characters contributing to the memory disorders. Thus, drugs targeting both oxidative stress and AChE are being explored for the management of cognitive dysfunction. Morus alba fruits (commonly consumed for its high nutritious value) are known to have antioxidant and AChE inhibitory effects. However, the role of Morus alba fruits in the management of memory disorders has not reported yet. This investigation was conducted to assess the antioxidant and AChE inhibitory potential of Morus alba fruit extracts in-vitro and to identify the components responsible for such effects. Further, the obtained bioactive component was studied for possible memory improvement effects against streptozotocin (STZ) induced dementia. To isolate the bioactive component in-vitro DPPH and AChE assays guided fractionation was performed. Memory functions in mice were determined using Morris Water Maze test while brain biochemical parameters were measured to understand the mechanism of action. In-vitro assays revealed strong AChE and DPPH inhibitory potential of methanol extract (ME), therefore, it was further fractionated. Among various fractions obtained, ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF) was found to possess marked AChE and DPPH inhibitory activities. On subsequent fractionation of EAF, bioactivity of obtained sub-fractions was found to be inferior to EAF. Further, both ME and EAF improved STZ (intracerebroventricular) induced cognitive dysfunction in animals by restoring endogenous antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione) and reducing thiobarbituric acid reactive species and nitric oxide levels along with brain AChE and myeloperoxidase activity. TLC densitometric studies showed appreciable levels of phenolic acids and quercetin in both EAF and ME. It can be concluded that Morus alba fruit extract has the ability to modulate cholinergic and oxidative system due to presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and hence, could aid in the management of memory disorders.

Neuroprotective Action of Selected Natural Drugs Against Neurological Diseases and Mental Disorders: Potential Use Against Radiation Damage.

Exposure to radiation, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, is a significant concern in modern society. The brain is the organ that is most sensitive to radiation exposure. This review describes how exposure to radiation can affect neurotransmitters in different brain regions, affecting brain function. This review covers neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and neuroinflammation due to changes in neurons in the central nervous system, and the effects thereon of medicinal plants such as Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Centella asiatica, Coriandrum sativum, and Crocus sativus plants, used for centuries in traditional medicine. These herbal medicines exert free radical scavenging, and antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial in managing neurological diseases. The present review compiles the neuroprotective effects of selected natural plants against neurological damage, as well as highlights the different mechanisms of action elicited to induce and produce beneficial effects. The current review describes recent studies on the pharmacological effects of neuroprotective herbs on various neurological and mental illnesses, and shows the way further studies can impact this field, including potential effects on radiation-induced damage.

Ashwagandha Diminishes Hippocampal Apoptosis Induced by Microwave Radiation by Acetylcholinesterase Dependent Neuro-Inflammatory Pathway in Male Coturnix coturnix Japonica.

Microwave radiation (MWR) has been linked to neurodegeneration by inducing oxidative stress in the hippocampus of brain responsible for learning and memory. Ashwagandha (ASW), a medicinal plant is known to prevent neurodegeneration and promote neuronal health. This study investigated the effects of MWR and ASW on oxidative stress and cholinergic imbalance in the hippocampus of adult male Japanese quail. One control group received no treatment, the second group quails were exposed to MWR at 2 h/day for 30 days, third was administered with ASW root extract orally 100 mg/day/kg body weight and the fourth was exposed to MWR and also treated with ASW. The results showed that MWR increased serum corticosterone levels, disrupted cholinergic balance and induced neuro-inflammation. This neuro-inflammation further led to oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH. MWR also caused a significant decline in the nissil substances in the hippocampus region of brain indicating neurodegeneration through oxidative stress mediated hippocampal apoptosis. ASW, on the other hand, was able to effectively enhance the cholinergic balance and subsequently lower inflammation in hippocampus neurons. This suggests that ASW can protect against the neurodegenerative effects of MWR. ASW also reduced excessive ROS production by increasing the activity of ROS-scavenging enzymes. Additionally, ASW prevented neurodegeneration through decreased expression of caspase-3 and caspase-7 in hippocampus, thus promoting neuronal health. In conclusion, this study showed that MWR induces apoptosis and oxidative stress in the brain, while ASW reduces excessive ROS production, prevents neurodegeneration and promotes neuronal health.

Multi-target drugs for the treatment of cognitive impairment and fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: focus on Ginkgo biloba and Rhodiola rosea.

Cognitive impairment, depression and (mental) fatigue represent the most frequent neuropsychiatric symptoms of the post-COVID syndrome. Neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been identified as common pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these symptoms. Attempts to treat post-COVID-associated cognitive impairment and fatigue with different drugs available for other diseases have not yet been successful. One probable explanation could be that these drugs work by one specific mechanism of action only and not in a broad multi-target way. Therefore, they will not address the broad pathophysiological spectrum possibly responsible for cognitive impairment, depression and fatigue in post-COVID syndrome. Notably, nearly all drugs currently under investigation for fatigue in post-COVID syndrome are rather addressing one single target instead of the several pathomechanisms underlying this condition. Contrary to this approach, herbal drugs often consist of many different ingredients with different pharmacological properties and pharmacological targets. Therefore, these drugs might be a promising approach for the treatment of the broad symptomatic presentation and the pathophysiological mechanisms of cognitive impairment and fatigue following a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of these herbal drugs, extracts of Ginkgo biloba and Rhodiola rosea probably are the best investigated candidates. Their broad pharmacological spectrum in vitro and in vivo includes anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant as well as properties reducing cognitive impairment and fatigue. In several studies, both drugs showed positive effects on physical and mental fatigue and impaired cognition. Moreover, depressive symptoms were also reduced in some studies. However, even if these results are promising, the data are still preliminary and require additional proof by further studies.

Therapeutic potential of Nelumbo nucifera Linn. in systemic lupus erythematosus: Network pharmacology and molecular modeling insights.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by multiple symptoms. The phenolic acids and other flavonoids in Nelumbo nucifera have anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities that are essential for managing SLE through natural sources. This study employs network pharmacology to unveil the multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms of Nelumbo nucifera as a complementary therapy. The findings are validated through molecular modeling, which includes molecular docking followed by a molecular dynamics study. METHODS: Active compounds and targets of SLE were obtained from IMPPAT, KNApAcKFamily and SwissTargetPrediction databases. SLE-related targets were retrieved from GeneCards and OMIM databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built to screen out the core targets using Cytoscape software. ShinyGO was used for GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Interactions between potential targets and active compounds were assessed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study. RESULTS: In total, 12 active compounds and 1190 targets of N. nucifera's were identified. A network analysis of the PPI network revealed 10 core targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the effects of N. nucifera are mediated mainly by AGE-RAGE and other associated signalling pathways. Molecular docking indicated favourable binding affinities, particularly leucocianidol exhibiting less than -4.5 kcal/mol for all 10 targets. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations of the leucocianidol-ESR1 complex aimed to elucidate the optimal binding complex's stability and flexibility. CONCLUSIONS: Our study unveiled the potential therapeutic mechanism of N. nucifera in managing SLE. These findings provide insights for subsequent experimental validation and open up new avenues for further research in this field.

Contribution of Sub-Saharan African medicinal plants to cancer research: Scientific basis 2013-2023.

Cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing worldwide. Cancer treatment remains a real challenge for African countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where funding and resources are very limited. High costs, side effects and drug resistance associated with cancer treatment have encouraged scientists to invest in research into new herbal cancer drugs. In order to identify potential anticancer plants for drug development, this review aims to collect and summarize anticancer activities (in vitro/in vivo) and molecular mechanisms of sub-Saharan African medicinal plant extracts against cancer cell lines. Scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and PubMed were used to search for research articles published from January 2013 to May 2023 on anticancer medicinal plants in sub-Saharan Africa. The data were analyzed to highlight the cytotoxicity and molecular mechanisms of action of these listed plants. A total of 85 research papers covering 204 medicinal plant species were selected for this review. These plants come from 57 families, the most dominant being the plants of the family Amaryllidaceae (16), Fabaceae (14), Annonaceae (10), Asteraceae (10). Plant extracts exert their anticancer activity mainly by inducing apoptosis and stopping the cell cycle of cancer cells. Several plant extracts from sub-Saharan Africa therefore have strong potential for the search for original anticancer phytochemicals. Chemoproteomics, multi-omics, genetic editing technology (CRISPR/Cas9), combined therapies and artificial intelligence tools are cutting edge emerging technologies that facilitate the discovery and structural understanding of anticancer molecules of medicinal plants, reveal their direct targets, explore their therapeutic uses and molecular bases.

Mitigation of sciatica injury-induced neuropathic pain through active metabolites derived from medicinal plants.

Sciatica characterized by irritation, inflammation, and compression of the lower back nerve, is considered one of the most common back ailments globally. Currently, the therapeutic regimens for sciatica are experiencing a paradigm shift from the conventional pharmacological approach toward exploring potent phytochemicals from medicinal plants. There is a dire need to identify novel phytochemicals with anti-neuropathic potential. This review aimed to identify the potent phytochemicals from diverse medicinal plants capable of alleviating neuropathic pain associated with sciatica. This review describes the pathophysiology of sciatic nerve pain, its cellular mechanisms, and the pharmacological potential of various plants and phytochemicals using animal-based models of sciatic nerve injury-induced pain. Extensive searches across databases such as Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were conducted. The findings highlights 39 families including Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Apocyanaceae and Cucurbitaceae, effectively treating sciatic nerve injury-induced pain. Flavonoids made up 53% constituents, phenols and terpenoids made up 15%, alkaloids made up 13%, and glycosides made up 6% to be used in neuorpathic pain. Phytochemicals derived from various medicinal plants can serve as potential therapeutic targets for both acute and chronic sciatic injury-induced neuropathic pain.

Rhodiola rosea as an adaptogen to enhance exercise performance: a review of the literature.

Rhodiola rosea (RR) is a plant whose bioactive components may function as adaptogens, thereby increasing resistance to stress and improving overall resilience. Some of these effects may influence exercise performance and adaptations. Based on studies of rodents, potential mechanisms for the ergogenic effects of RR include modulation of energy substrate stores and use, reductions in fatigue and muscle damage and altered antioxidant activity. At least sixteen investigations in humans have explored the potential ergogenicity of RR. These studies indicate acute RR supplementation (∼200 mg RR containing ∼1 % salidroside and ∼3 % rosavin, provided 60 min before exercise) may prolong time-to-exhaustion and improve time trial performance in recreationally active males and females, with limited documented benefits of chronic supplementation. Recent trials providing higher doses (∼1500 to 2400 mg RR/d for 4­30 d) have demonstrated ergogenic effects during sprints on bicycle ergometers and resistance training in trained and untrained adults. The effects of RR on muscle damage, inflammation, energy system modulation, antioxidant activity and perceived exertion are presently equivocal. Collectively, it appears that adequately dosed RR enhances dimensions of exercise performance and related outcomes for select tasks. However, the current literature does not unanimously show that RR is ergogenic. Variability in supplementation dose and duration, concentration of bioactive compounds, participant characteristics, exercise tests and statistical considerations may help explain these disparate findings. Future research should build on the longstanding use of RR and contemporary clinical trials to establish the conditions in which supplementation facilitates exercise performance and adaptations.

The protective effects of Zingiber zerumbet rhizome against fevers in rats.

The Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes are traditionally used to treat fever, and the in vitro inhibitory effect of ethyl acetate extract from Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes (EAEZZR) against DENV2 NS2B/NS3 (two non-structural proteins, NS2 and NS3 of dengue virus type 2) has been reported earlier. This study was carried out to establish an acute toxicity profile and evaluate the anti-fever (anti-pyretic) activities of EAEZZR in yeast-induced fever in rats. The major compound of EAEZZR, zerumbone, was isolated using chromatographic methods including column chromatography (CC) and preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC). Additionally, the structure of zerumbone was elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), liquid chromatography mass spectrometer-ion trap-time of flight (LCMS-IT-TOF), infrared (IR), and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy. The toxicity of EAEZZR was evaluated using Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Test Guideline 425 (OECD tg-425) with minor modifications at concentrations EAEZZR of 2000 mg/kg, 3000 mg/kg, and 5000 mg/kg. Anti-fever effect was determined by yeast-induced fever (pyrexia) in rats. The acute toxicity study showed that EAEZZR is safe at the highest 5000 mg/kg body weight dose in Sprague Dawley rats. Rats treated with EAEZZR at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg exhibited a significant reduction in rectal temperature (TR) in the first 1 h. EAEZZR at the lower dose of 125 mg/kg showed substantial potency against yeast-induced fever for up to 2 h compared to 0 h in controls. A significant reduction of TR was observed in rats treated with standard drug aspirin in the third through fourth hours. Based on the present findings, ethyl acetate extract of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes could be considered safe up to the dose of 5000 mg/kg, and the identification of active ingredients of Zingiber zerumbet rhizomes may allow their use in the treatment of fever with dengue virus infection.

Exploring the potential mechanisms of Rehmannia glutinosa in treating sepsis based on network pharmacology.

The present study utilized network pharmacology to identify therapeutic targets and mechanisms of Rehmannia glutinosa in sepsis treatment. RNA-sequencing was conducted on peripheral blood samples collected from 23 sepsis patients and 10 healthy individuals. Subsequently, the RNA sequence data were analyzed for differential expression. Identification of active components and their putative targets was achieved through the HERB and SwissTarget Prediction databases, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using GO and KEGG pathways. Additionally, protein-protein interaction networks were constructed and survival analysis of key targets was conducted. Single-cell RNA sequencing provided cellular localization data, while molecular docking explored interactions with central targets. Results indicated significant involvement of identified targets in inflammation and Th17 cell differentiation. Survival analysis linked several targets with mortality rates, while molecular docking highlighted potential interactions between active components and specific targets, such as rehmaionoside a with ADAM17 and rehmapicrogenin with CD81. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of these interactions, suggesting Rehmannia glutinosa's role in modulating immune functions in sepsis.

Effects of Artemisia absinthium on broiler chicken coccidiosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Coccidiosis is a recurring disease in broiler flocks that causes significant economic losses. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Artemisia absinthium on coccidiosis in broilers through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The article selection process included a search from the year 2000 to February 2021, with no restrictions on country or geographical region. Our objective was met by only six studies, which underwent systematic review. The meta-analysis was conducted using the metafor package in R via RStudio (version 1.1.383; RStudio, Inc.). The systematic review indicates that in vivo studies have shown the effectiveness of various plant extracts (essential oil and methanolic extract) when administered in food or drinking water on the considered parameters (oocyst shedding, bloody diarrhoea, mortality rate, weight gain, conversion index, lesion score). Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated a positive impact on oocyst count, LC50 (lethal concentration), sporulation rate (%), and sporulation inhibition rate (%). The meta-analysis of the four studies included in this analysis revealed that the inclusion of A. absinthium extract resulted in a significant reduction in oocyst shedding (SMD = -1.64, 95% CI: -2.72 to -0.55; P < 0.0001). However, the effectiveness of A. absinthium extract was not as significant as that of antibiotics (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI: -0.19 to 0.95; P = 0.0032). Various forms of administration and extracts of A. absinthium have demonstrated antiparasitic activity against Eimeria spp, making them suitable as natural anticoccidial agents.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway-based ulcer-healing mechanism of Astragalus Aqueous extract in diabetic foot rats.

The main objective of this work was to investigate the mechanism of Astragalus aqueous extract ulcer healing in diabetic foot model rats through the hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1ɑ)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signalling pathway. Fifty specific-pathogen-free male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into blank (A), model control (B), Astragalus extract (C) and mupirocin (D) treatment groups. Group A received a regular diet, whereas the other groups received a high-fat/high-sugar diet and intraperitoneal streptozotocin injections to induce diabetes. Diabetic foot ulcers were created via skin excision. Subsequently, ulcers were debrided daily. Groups B, C and D received wet saline gauze, wet gauze with Astragalus extract and gauze with mupirocin, respectively, on the affected area. Group A received no treatment. After 14 days, the rats were assessed for ulcer healing and general condition. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect HIF-1ɑ and VEGF levels in the dorsalis pedis artery, and ELISA was used to determine serum IL-6 and CRP levels. The results revealed that Groups C and D had significantly faster ulcer healing compared with Group B (p < 0.01), and ulcer healing was faster in Group C than in Group D (p < 0.01). Group C exhibited notably higher HIF-1ɑ and VEGF protein expression levels compared with Groups B and D (p < 0.01). IL-6 and CRP expression levels in Groups C and D were significantly lower than those in Group B (p < 0.01). In summary, Astragalus aqueous extract effectively treats diabetic foot ulcers by up-regulating HIF-1ɑ and VEGF expression, activating the HIF-1ɑ/VEGF pathway, improving local tissue ischaemia and hypoxia, promoting collateral circulation and enhancing dorsalis pedis artery formation, thereby accelerating ulcer repair in diabetic rats.

In vivo determination of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) in an asthmatic rat model.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways strongly associated with interleukin-4 (IL-4), a cytokine that mediates and regulates various immune responses, including allergic reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of an Aqueous Extract of Clove (AEC) Syzygium aromaticum on the lungs and erythrocytes of an experimental asthma model in Wistar rats. For this purpose, four groups of male rats were examined: control, sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), treated with AEC, and treated with a combination of OVA/AEC. After treatment, the antioxidant effect was determined by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) levels. The anti-inflammatory effect was determined by measuring IL-4 levels by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using serum, lung, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples. A significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in the MDA levels and a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the levels of GPx and CAT were observed in the lungs of rats treated with cloves. However, no statistically significant variation was observed in GSH levels. In erythrocytes, no statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental batches. Regarding the anti-inflammatory effect, the administration of S. aromaticum extract to sensitized rats resulted in a recovery in the levels of total proteins and IL-4 and a decrease in the three compartments studied (lungs, serum, and bronchoalveolar liquid). These results were confirmed by microscopic examination of lung histological sections. Overall, these findings confirmed that the AEC has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Ginger and its constituents in asthma: a mini-review.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this review is to focus on research findings that aim to determine the immunomodulatory action of ginger's active components and the molecular mechanisms that reduce asthma. The study aims to provide an overview of the scientific literature available on ginger's efficacy in treating allergic asthma. DATA SOURCE: The mouse model of asthma has been used to investigate the actions of ginger and its active compounds on allergies and asthma. Various studies and scientific literature on ginger's health-improving qualities and its traditional use have been examined. RESULTS: The findings indicate that ginger and its active ingredients have anti-asthmatic features and a suppressive impact on mast cell production of histamine. Animals given ginger and compounds derived from ginger demonstrate a notable reduction in allergic response, suggesting a significant role in lowering the allergic reaction. CONCLUSION: While ginger shows promise as a potential treatment for allergies and asthma due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antioxidant effects, further examination, extrapolation, and confirmation of these results are necessary before utilizing ginger and its active components in human treatments. This review highlights the need for additional research and provides an overview of the current scientific literature on ginger's efficacy in treating allergic asthma.