In Silico-Based Identification of Natural Inhibitors from Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants that can Inhibit Dengue Infection.

Dengue fever (DF) is an endemic disease that has become a public health concern around the globe. The NS3 protease-helicase enzyme is an important target for the development of antiviral drugs against DENV (dengue virus) due to its impact on viral replication. Inhibition of the activity of the NS3 protease-helicase enzyme complex significantly inhibits the infection associated with DENV. Unfortunately, there are no scientifically approved antiviral drugs for its prevention. However, this study has been developed to find natural bioactive molecules that can block the activity of the NS3 protease-helicase enzyme complex associated with DENV infection through molecular docking, MM-GBSA (molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Three hundred forty-two (342) compounds selected from twenty traditional medicinal plants were retrieved and screened against the NS3 protease-helicase protein by molecular docking and MM-GBSA studies, where the top six phytochemicals have been identified based on binding affinities. The six compounds were then subjected to pharmacokinetics and toxicity analysis, and we conducted molecular dynamics simulations on three protein-ligand complexes to validate their stability. Through computational analysis, this study revealed the potential of the two selected natural bioactive inhibitors (CID-440015 and CID-7424) as novel anti-dengue agents.

Metabolic profiling of Verbena bonariensis L. extract by LC/MS and evaluation of the hepatoprotective potential with isoniazid- and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The study explored the hepatoprotective activity and metabolic profile of Verbena bonariensis L. methanol extract (VBM) and fractions using isoniazid as well as rifampicin-triggered liver toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Metabolite profiling of VBM using HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS identified 12 compounds, mainly iridoids, phenylpropanoids, and flavonoids, where verbascoside represents the major compound. Different biochemical parameters such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and total protein levels were used to assess liver functions. All the evaluated samples exhibited hepatoprotective potential, but VBM exhibited maximum activity and a notable decline in ALP (p < 0.05, significant), even better than the standard drug (silymarin). VBM significantly reduced the elevated ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin. It also triggered a significant elevation in total proteins compared with diseased animals. This was further consolidated by histopathological studies. Verbena bonariensis L. could serve as a potent hepatoprotective agent and may alleviate liver ailments.

Synthesis, characterization, pharmacological and computational evaluation of hyaluronic acid modified chebulinic acid encapsulated chitosan nanocomposite for cancer therapy.

The purpose of this study was to produce hyaluronic acid customized nanoparticles with chitosan for the delivery of chebulinic acid (CLA) to enhance its anticancer potential against breast cancer. A significant portion of CLA was encapsulated (89.72 ± 4.38 %) and loaded (43.15 ± 5.61 %) within hybrid nanoparticles. The colloidal hybrid nanoparticles demonstrated a polydispersity index (PDI) of about 0.379 ± 0.112, with zeta capacitance of 32.69 ± 5.12 (mV), and an average size of 115 ± 8 (nm). It was found that CLA-CT-HA-NPs had stronger anticancer effects on MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 8.18 ± 3.02 µM) than pure CLA (IC50 = 17.15 ± 5.11 µM). The initial cytotoxicity findings were supported by additional investigations based on comet assay and flow cytometry analysis. Tumor remission and survival were evaluated in five separate groups of mice. When juxtaposed with pure CLA (3.17 ± 0.419 %), CLA-CT-HA-NPs improved survival rates and reduced tumor burden by 3.76 ± 0.811(%). Furthermore, in-silico molecular docking investigations revealed that various biodegradable polymers had several levels of compatibility with CLA. The outcomes of this study might potentially served as an effective strategy for delivering drugs in the context of breast cancer therapy.

UHPLC-MS and GC-MS phytochemical profiling, amelioration of pain and inflammation with chloroform extract of Funaria hygrometrica Hedw. via modulation of inflammatory biomarkers.

People of Pakistan have undisturbed customs for the employment of medicinal plants for healthcare requisites. Chloroform extract of F. hygrometrica (CE FH) was examined for its ability to reduce inflammation and to produce analgesia. Carrageenan and formalin-induced paw edema model for inflammatory activity, hot-plate and tail-flick methods to assess analgesic activity were executed. Phytochemical analysis was done by UHPLC-MS and GC-mass spectrometer. The results demonstrated that in carrageenan-induced paw edema, maximum reduction in inflammation was observed at 5th hour at the dose 100 mg/kg; while at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, maximum response was observed at 5th and 6th hours. Analgesic activity results indicated that maximum analgesia was observed up to 120 min at 100 mg/kg, while up to 90 min in case of 250 and 500 mg/kg doses. The formalin-induced rat paw edema showed significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity after 5 days treatment. After, testing period of 10 days, the biochemical parameters such as CBC, CRP, serum enzymes like CAT, SOD, GSH and inflammatory mediators like TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 were estimated. The administration of formalin resulted in an increase in the level of leucocytes, total WBC, CRP, serum enzymes and in the diameters of paw thickness, while pre-treatment with CE FH at dose levels of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg exhibited a diminution in the levels of SOD, GSH, CAT, total RBC and HB. Acute inflammatory mediators such as TNFα, IL -6 and IL-4 were reduced, and IL-10 was upregulated in the treated group as compared to the control. Many phytoconstituents, i.e., chitobiose, chlorovulone III, γ-tocotrienol, emmotin, cassine, hexacosanedioic acid, neophytadiene, fumaric acid, neophytadiene, hexadecanoic acid, phytol and stigmasterol were detected during UHPLC-MS and GC-MS analysis seems to be responsible for the said activity in correlation with the already reported data about these compounds. The results concluded that CE FH possess noteworthy anti-inflammatory and central analgesic action at different doses (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg).

Evaluation of the Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Saussurea hypoleuca Root in Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Rat Model and Correlation to Its Major Secondary Metabolites.

Saussurea hypoleuca belongs to the family Asteraceae, which has previously shown hepatoprotective, anticancer, and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity of its root methanol extract and various fractions for the first time. This was performed using alloxan-induced diabetes in the rat model for both short, and long-term periods using different administration doses. Different biochemical parameters were studied and further consolidated by histopathological examination and in silico molecular modeling. The results showed that in the long-term study, at a dose of 400 mg/kg b.wt, the ethyl acetate fraction caused a pronounced reduction in fasting blood glucose level (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by 77.2% and 36.8%, respectively, compared to the diabetic group. This was confirmed by the histopathological examination of the animals' pancreatic sections. The ethyl acetate fraction also showed a reduction in total cholesterol (TC), total glycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. It improved kidney and liver functions, causing a reduction in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), urea, and creatinine levels. This is mainly attributed to its richness in secondary metabolites. Molecular docking showed that all the tested compounds showed certain inhibitory potential towards human α-glucosidase (HAG) and ATP citrate lyase (ACL). Thus, Saussurea hypoleuca roots can help in the management of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic and kidney dysfunction.

In vivo antioxidant potential of fruit mucilage from two varieties of Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis against oxidative stress induced toxicity.

To evaluate in-vivo antioxidant potential of fruit mucilage from Cucumis melo variety momordica (PM) and variety agrestis (KM) using rats as experimental animals, the fruits were collected, identified, dried and pulverized. Mucilages were isolated from the fruit powders by microwave-assisted method. Aqueous extracts obtained were filtered to remove fruit pulp. Each filtrate was centrifuged at 4000xg rpm for 15 min. Each supernatant was precipitated with 3 volumes of 95% ethanol and maintained overnight at 4°C. These precipitates were filtered and lyophilized. In vivo antioxidant activity was determined using rats for 14 days. Paracetamol (75mg/Kg, i.p.) for inducing oxidative stress and Vitamin C & Vitamin E (200mg/Kg each, p.o.) as standard treatment were used. PM and KM were given in 500mg/Kg and 1000mg/Kg, p.o. doses in separate groups. SOD, MDA, GSH and CAT levels were estimated in organs (liver, kidney, heart, brain) of all groups using standard procedures. Toxic control showed prominent toxicity in the liver. The levels of GSH, CAT and SOD were raised and MDA levels were reduced in all organs of test and standard groups. The levels of antioxidant biomarkers varied in all remaining groups. The overall results are significant suggesting strong antioxidant potential of PM and KM.

In vitro phytochemical and anticancer activity of Misopates orontium L. and Dicliptera bupleuroides Nees.

In the present study phytochemical analysis and anticancer activity of Misopates orontium L. and Dicliptera bupleuroides Nees was carried out. Methanolic extracts of M. orontium and D. bupleuroides were selected for phytochemical analysis. The present analysis showed the presence of phytochemical such as carbohydrates, proteins, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, phenols and flavonoids in M. orontium and D. bupleuroides. Anticancer assays including MTT, Alamar Blue (AB), Neutral Red (NR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were employed on whole herb methanolic extract and all other fractions of both plants to calculate the % age of cell viability and cell cytotoxicity. The percentage of cell viability was highly significant in all anticancer assays for all fractions. Therefore, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions showed the excellent profile in evaluation of cytotoxicity in each assay. All above findings indicated that the whole herb of both selected plants have strong anticancer activity.

In vivo antioxidant potential of fruit mucilage from two varieties of Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis against oxidative stress induced toxicity.

To evaluate in-vivo antioxidant potential of fruit mucilage from Cucumis melo variety momordica (PM) and variety agrestis (KM) using rats as experimental animals, the fruits were collected, identified, dried and pulverized. Mucilages were isolated from the fruit powders by microwave-assisted method. Aqueous extracts obtained were filtered to remove fruit pulp. Each filtrate was centrifuged at 4000xg rpm for 15 min. Each supernatant was precipitated with 3 volumes of 95% ethanol and maintained overnight at 4°C. These precipitates were filtered and lyophilized. In vivo antioxidant activity was determined using rats for 14 days. Paracetamol (75mg/Kg, i.p.) for inducing oxidative stress and Vitamin C & Vitamin E (200mg/Kg each, p.o.) as standard treatment were used. PM and KM were given in 500mg/Kg and 1000mg/Kg, p.o. doses in separate groups. SOD, MDA, GSH and CAT levels were estimated in organs (liver, kidney, heart, brain) of all groups using standard procedures. Toxic control showed prominent toxicity in the liver. The levels of GSH, CAT and SOD were raised and MDA levels were reduced in all organs of test and standard groups. The levels of antioxidant biomarkers varied in all remaining groups. The overall results are significant suggesting strong antioxidant potential of PM and KM.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the spectrum of clinical presentation, laboratory parameters and drug therapy in patients with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Children's Hospital and The Institute of Child Health, Lahore, from October 2008 to October 2011. METHODOLOGY: All patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for JRA were enrolled. Their clinical features, investigations done and treatment received for JRA were noted. Statistical analysis of data was done on SPSS version 16.0 for obtaining descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Out of 185 patients, 50.3% (n = 93) were females; 54% (n = 100) were between 10 - 15 years of age. Polyarthritis was found in 71.9% (n = 133) followed by oligoarthritis (22.7%, n = 42) and systemic onset disease (5.4%, n = 10). Morning stiffness (78%) and fever (68%) were the most common clinical presentations. All patients with systemic onset disease had fever (n = 10) followed by skin rash, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Uveitis was found in 2 patients, and both belonged to the oligoarticular group. Rheumatoid factor was found in 10.27% (n = 19) of all patients. All patients were given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Disease modifying agents (methotrexate) were given to 43.8% (n = 81). Steroids were used in 61% (n = 113) of patients either with NSAIDs alone or NSAIDs plus methotrexate. CONCLUSION: Disease profile of JRA at the study centre showed that polyarthritis is the commonest type. Recognition of subtypes will help in planning the management of these patients.

Scurvy: presenting as musculoskeletal pain.

The incidence of scurvy in the paediatric population is very low. This report describes a case of scurvy in toddler girl who was admitted with severe pain in legs and difficulty in walking along with bleeding from gums. After extensive investigation, she was found to have vitamin C deficiency resulting from restrictive eating pattern. There was significant improvement in presenting symptoms and general health after introduction of vitamin C and fresh fruits and vegetables to her diet. Nutrition-based diseases can still occur in any socioeconomic setting. Nutritional screening remains an important part in every child's general health care.