Phytoconstituents of an ethanolic pod extract of Prosopis cineraria triggers the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase and the regression of atherosclerotic plaque in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The HMG-CoA reductase is key enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis which potentially contributes in management of hypercholesterolemia. The present study was designed to assess the inhibitory effect of phytoconstituents of an ethanolic extract of Prosopis cineraria pods on HMG - CoA reductase and regression potential of atherosclerotic plaque. METHODS: Healthy, adult male, albino rabbits in which hypercholesterolemia was induced by supplying the high fat diet and a supplement of cholesterol powder with coconut oil (500 mg/5 ml/Day/kg body weight) for 15 days, were used as a disease model. Phytochemical analysis of an ethanolic extract Prosopis cineraria pods was conducted using LCMS, GCMS and FTIR analysis. Further, in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico assessments were performed. RESULTS: The in-vitro assessment of HMG -CoA reductase activity indicated a 67.1 and 97.3% inhibition by the extract and a standard drug (Pravastatin), respectively. Additionally, an in-silico evaluation was made using appropriate docking software and results also indicated as significant interactions of the identified compounds with the target enzyme. Treatment of rabbits with the ethanolic extract of P. cineraria pod resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.001) reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and triglyceride. Accordingly, reductions were occurred in atherosclerotic plaque, intima and media of aortal wall along with lumen volume of the aorta significantly increased (P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION: It can be illustrating that the ethanolic extract of Prosopis cineraria pod contains potent bioactive phytocompounds might be inhibit HMG - CoA reductase and have regression potential of atherosclerotic plaque.

An overview of the ameliorative efficacy of Catharanthus roseus extract against Cd2+ toxicity: implications for human health and remediation strategies.

Rapid industrialization has led to an increase in cadmium pollution, a dangerously toxic heavy metal. Cadmium (Cd) is released into the environment through industrial processes and can contaminate air, water, and soil. This pollution poses a significant risk to human health and has become a pressing concern in many industrialized areas. Due to its extended half-life, it leads to a range of health problems, including hepato-nephritic toxicity, brain damage, and degenerative bone disorders. Intoxication alters various intracellular parameters, leading to inflammation, tissue injury, and oxidative stress within cells, which disrupts normal cellular functions and can eventually result in cell death. It has also been linked to the development of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. These adverse effects highlight the urgent need to address cadmium pollution and find effective solutions to mitigate its impact on human health. This article highlights the Cd-induced risks and the role of Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) extract as a source of alternative medicine in alleviating the symptoms. Numerous herbal remedies often contain certain bioactive substances, such as polyphenols and alkaloids, which have the power to mitigate these adverse effects by acting as antioxidants and lowering oxidative cell damage. Research conducted in the field of alternative medicine has revealed its enormous potential to meet demands that may be effectively used in safeguarding humans and their environment. The point of this review is to investigate whether C. roseus extract, known for its bioactive substances, is being investigated for its potential to mitigate the harmful effects of cadmium on health. Further investigation is needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Moreover, it is important to explore the potential environmental benefits of using C. roseus extract to reduce the negative effects of Cd. This review conducted in the field of alternative medicine has revealed its enormous potential to meet demands that could have significant implications for both human health and environmental sustainability.

Protective Effect of Catharanthus roseus Extract on Cadmium-Induced Toxicity in Albino Rats: A Putative Mechanism of Detoxification.

Globally, people are highly affected by Cadmium (Cd), the most hazardous heavy metal. It has been implicated in various pathogeneses. Oxidative stress may be one the main reasons for Cd-induced disorders in the body. This article investigates the protective ability of Catharanthus roseus (CR) extract on oxidative stress in the kidney and liver of rats exposed to Cd. After 21 days, a significant increase in MDA concentration (6.81 ± 0.05), (6.64 ± 0.03) was observed in Cd-treated groups compared to the control (5.54 ± 0.02), (5.39 ± 0.04) for the kidney and liver, respectively, while significant changes were observed in the haematological parameters. Antioxidant enzymes, GPx, CAT, and SOD showed a significant decrease in their activity. We established that increasing the concentration of Cd in the presence of H2O2 was able to cause stand scission in pBR322 plasmid DNA, which may be due to the mediation of ROS generated in the process. The antioxidant ability of CR extract was tested in DPPH and H2O2 scavenging assay, depicted by the increase in the percentage inhibition. Upon treatment of CR extract to rats, MDA concentration was decreased for the kidney and liver compared to the Cd-treated groups. This was again confirmed by comet assay of both tissues, where the degree of cellular DNA breakage caused by Cd toxicity decreased significantly upon treatment with CR extract. Overall, the results suggest that Cd plays a major role as an effector metal ion, causing a decrease in the concentration and activity of AO enzymes and enhanced lipid peroxidation. ROS production resulted in oxidative DNA damage within the cell, whereas CR extract showed potential antioxidant activity against ROS-mediated DNA damage induced by Cd poisoning.

Evaluation of some heavy metals toxicity in Channa punctatus and riverine water of Kosi in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

This study was aimed to assess the bioaccumulation and concentration level of three heavy metals such as Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in the riverine water and edible fish, Channa punctatus obtained from River Kosi, Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, India. These toxic heavy metals are released into the environment because of E-waste, industrial activities, municipal urban runoff, coal burning, fertilizers etc., then paved the way into the aquatic system due to direct input, atmospheric deposition, and erosions caused by rain. There is every apprehension of aquatic animals getting exposed to elevated levels of heavy metals, thus possessing harmful effects both to flora and fauna. The concentrations of Cd, Cr and Pb in water were found to be 0.051 ± 0.026, 1.091 ± 0.408, and 0.019 ± 0.002 whereas in the kidneys of Channa punctatus, as 0.076 ± 0.208, 0.482 ± 0.059, and 0.127 ± 0.705 respectively.

Genomics, molecular and evolutionary perspective of NAC transcription factors.

NAC (NAM, ATAF1,2, and CUC2) transcription factors are one of the largest transcription factor families found in the plants and are involved in diverse developmental and signalling events. Despite the availability of comprehensive genomic information from diverse plant species, the basic genomic, biochemical, and evolutionary details of NAC TFs have not been established. Therefore, NAC TFs family proteins from 160 plant species were analyzed in the current study. Study revealed, Brassica napus (410) encodes highest number and Klebsormidium flaccidum (3) encodes the lowest number of TFs. The study further revealed the presence of NAC TF in the Charophyte algae K. flaccidum. On average, the monocot plants encode higher number (141.20) of NAC TFs compared to the eudicots (125.04), gymnosperm (75), and bryophytes (22.66). Furthermore, our analysis revealed that several NAC TFs are membrane bound and contain monopartite, bipartite, and multipartite nuclear localization signals. NAC TFs were also found to encode several novel chimeric proteins and regulate a complex interactome network. In addition to the presence of NAC domain, several NAC proteins were found to encode other functional signature motifs as well. Relative expression analysis of NAC TFs in A. thaliana revealed root tissue treated with urea and ammonia showed higher level of expression and leaf tissues treated with urea showed lower level of expression. The synonymous codon usage is absent in the NAC TFs and it appears that they have evolved from orthologous ancestors and undergone vivid duplications to give rise to paralogous NAC TFs. The presence of novel chimeric NAC TFs are of particular interest and the presence of chimeric NAC domain with other functional signature motifs in the NAC TF might encode novel functional properties in the plants.

MALDI-TOF-MS and 16S rRNA characterization of lead tolerant metallophile bacteria isolated from saffron soils of Kashmir for their sequestration potential.

Toxic metal contamination in soils due industrialization is nowadays a concern to the scientists worldwide. The current study deals with the evaluation of response and tolerance by isolated metallophilic bacteria in different lead concentrations (100 ppm to 1000 ppm). By taking optical densities of the isolates, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Pb2+ were determined.16S rRNA and MALDI-TOF MS were used for the identification of the bacteria. Total of 37 isolates were observed, among them 04 (Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus warneri, Bacillus safensis and Bacillus thuringiensis), isolated were detected having efficacy of Pb2+tolerance and sequestration at varying MIC. Furthermore, B. thuringiensis was observed to have highest (900 ppm) tolerance for lead and lowest (500 ppm) for Staphylococcus warneri. Moreover, the highest (65.3%) sequestration potential has been observed for B. thuringiensis and least (52.8%) for S. warneri. The tolerance and sequestration potential properties of these isolated species can be utilised to exterminate heavy metals and reduce their toxicity from the contaminated environment.

Bacillus subtilis: A plant-growth promoting rhizobacterium that also impacts biotic stress.

Plants encounter many biotic agents, such as viruses, bacteria, nematodes, weeds, and arachnids. These entities induce biotic stress in their hosts by disrupting normal metabolism, and as a result, limit plant growth and/or are the cause of plant mortality. Some biotic agents, however, interact symbiotically or synergistically with their host plants. Some microbes can be beneficial to plants and perform the same role as chemical fertilizers and pesticides, acting as a biofertilizer and/or biopesticide. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can significantly enhance plant growth and represent a mutually helpful plant-microbe interaction. Bacillus species are a major type of rhizobacteria that can form spores that can survive in the soil for long period of time under harsh environmental conditions. Plant growth is enhanced by PGPR through the induction of systemic resistance, antibiosis, and competitive omission. Thus, the application of microbes can be used to induce systemic resistance in plants against biotic agents and enhance environmental stress tolerance. Bacillus subtilis exhibits both a direct and indirect biocontrol mechanism to suppress disease caused by pathogens. The direct mechanism includes the synthesis of many secondary metabolites, hormones, cell-wall-degrading enzymes, and antioxidants that assist the plant in its defense against pathogen attack. The indirect mechanism includes the stimulation of plant growth and the induction of acquired systemic resistance. Bacillus subtilis can also solubilize soil P, enhance nitrogen fixation, and produce siderophores that promote its growth and suppresses the growth of pathogens. Bacillus subtilis enhances stress tolerance in their plant hosts by inducing the expression of stress-response genes, phytohormones, and stress-related metabolites. The present review discusses the activity of B. subtilis in the rhizosphere, its role as a root colonizer, its biocontrol potential, the associated mechanisms of biocontrol and the ability of B. subtilis to increase crop productivity under conditions of biotic and abiotic stress.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Channa punctatus (Bloch) in river Ramganga (U.P.), India.

Ganga is the largest riverine system of India with a fragile ecosystem. Its prone to anthropogenic disturbances because of its cultural, economic and environmental values. The contamination of river Ganga by heavy metals (HM) is due to biotic (anthropogenic sources) and abiotic (pesticides, fertilizers) sources that poses a devastating health hazard to human, plant and edible fish life. The chemical analysis with the help of atomic absorption spectrometer performed on its water samples demonstrated the accumulation of heavy metals such as Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn). Moreover, the spectrophotometric analysis indicated clearly the accumulation of heavy metals in order of occurrence (Fe > As > Cd > Zn > Pb) in liver and (Zn > Fe > As > Cd > Pb) in kidney of edible fish Channa punctatus. The present study has be used to sensitively monitor the extent of heavy metals pollution in the biotic aqua life of river Ramganga system and its suggested that the bioaccumulation of heavy metal in Channa punctatus has reached above permissible limits for human consumption, indicating potential health risks. Necessary biological steps should be taken to handle such food pollution and prevent the environmental risk and food chain disruption.

Proteome Profiling of the Mutagen-Induced Morphological and Yield Macro-Mutant Lines of Nigella sativa L.

In the present investigation, the leaf proteome profile of the macro-mutant lines of Nigella sativa L. was analyzed to identify the key proteins involved in the expression of traits associated with the morphology, seed yield, and content of thymoquinone. In our earlier study, the macro-mutants were generated with contrasting morphological traits and seed yields through induced mutagenesis, using ethyl methyl sulfonate, gamma rays, and combinations of both. Analysis of the leaf proteome of the control and macro-mutant lines of N. sativa showed that twenty-three proteins were differentially expressed. These differentially expressed proteins were sequenced through mass spectrometry and identified using the MASCOT software. On the basis of their function, these proteins were categorized into several groups. Most proteins were found in the categories of signal transduction (18%) and carbon metabolism (18%). A total of 13% of proteins belonged to the categories of energy and metabolism. Proteins in the categories of secondary plant metabolism, stress defense, cytoskeleton, and protein synthesis were also found. The polycomb group protein (FIE1), transcription factor (PRE1), and geranyl diphosphate synthase were notable proteins, in addition to some proteins of signal transduction and carbon metabolism. Expression patterns of the differentially expressed proteins were also studied at the transcript level by using qRT-PCR. Transcriptomics analysis was consistent with the proteomics data. This study shows the changes that take place at the proteomic level through induced mutagenesis, as well as the involvement of some proteins in the expression traits associated with plant height, seed yield, and the thymoquinone content of N. sativa. The identified proteins might help elucidate the metabolic pathways involved in the expression of traits, including seed yield, and the active compounds of medicinal plants.

Dual Inhibition of DPP-4 and Cholinesterase Enzymes by the Phytoconstituents of the Ethanolic Extract of Prosopis cineraria Pods: Therapeutic Implications for the Treatment of Diabetes-associated Neurological Impairments.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance causes decreased uptake of glucose which promotes the susceptibility of type 2 associated neurological impairments. METHODS: The study was aimed to evaluate the inhibition potential of the ethanolic extract of Prosopis cineraria (EPC) pods against DPP-4 and cholinesterase enzymes by in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico assessments. The present study consists of in vivo studies on a diabetes-induced rat model by HOMA (Homeostasis model assessment) and related parameters, in vitro studies through the DPP-4 enzyme assay and cholinesterase assays using Ellman's reaction. The in-silico studies were conducted by the molecular docking of Cinerin C with targeted enzymes. The phytochemical characterization of the extract was demonstrated through LCMS studies. The antioxidant studies on the extract were performed by FRAP and TEAC assays. RESULTS: The extract showed 64.8% maximum inhibition of DPP-4, 34.91% inhibition of AChE and 74.35% inhibition of BuChE. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was observed to be 847.81±16.25µM Fe2+ equivalent in the FRAP assay and 0.40 ± 0.08 mmol/l of Trolox equivalent in the TEAC assay. The in vivo study showed competent glycaemic control against significant HOMA IR (1.5), HOMA % ß (26.5) and HOMA % S (68.8) as well as pancreatic cell mass proliferation. The insilico analysis also revealed positive interactions of Cinerin C with targeted enzymes (DPP4 and cholinesterase). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the phytoconstituents of Prosopis cineraria pod extract can be significantly considered in neuropharmacology to resolve insulin resistance-induced neurological complications as it showed inhibition against DPP-4, AChE and BuChE target enzymes.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici causal agent of vascular wilt disease of tomato: Biology to diversity- A review.

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the widely grown vegetables worldwide. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is the significant contributory pathogen of tomato vascular wilt. The initial symptoms of the disease appear in the lower leaves gradually, trail by wilting of the plants. It has been reported that FOL penetrates the tomato plant, colonizing and leaving the vascular tissue dark brown, and this discoloration extends to the apex, leading to the plants wilting, collapsing and dying. Therefore, it has been widely accepted that wilting caused by this fungus is the result of a combination of various physiological activities, including the accumulation of fungal mycelia in and around xylem, mycotoxin production, inactivation of host defense, and the production of tyloses; however, wilting symptoms are variable. Therefore, the selection of molecular markers may be a more effective means of screening tomato races. Several studies on the detection of FOL have been carried out and have suggested the potency of the technique for diagnosing FOL. This review focuses on biology and variability of FOL, understanding and presenting a holistic picture of the vascular wilt disease of tomato in relation to disease model, biology, virulence. We conclude that genomic and proteomic approachesare greater tools for identification of informative candidates involved in pathogenicity, which can be considered as one of the approaches in managing the disease.

Acetic acid: a cost-effective agent for mitigation of seawater-induced salt toxicity in mung bean.

The current study sought the effective mitigation measure of seawater-induced damage to mung bean plants by exploring the potential roles of acetic acid (AA). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that foliar application of AA under control conditions improved mung bean growth, which was interlinked to enhanced levels of photosynthetic rate and pigments, improved water status and increased uptake of K+, in comparison with water-sprayed control. Mung bean plants exposed to salinity exhibited reduced growth and biomass production, which was emphatically correlated with increased accumulations of Na+, reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, and impaired photosynthesis, as evidenced by PCA and heatmap clustering. AA supplementation ameliorated the toxic effects of seawater, and improved the growth performance of salinity-exposed mung bean. AA potentiated several physio-biochemical mechanisms that were connected to increased uptake of Ca2+ and Mg2+, reduced accumulation of toxic Na+, improved water use efficiency, enhanced accumulations of proline, total free amino acids and soluble sugars, increased catalase activity, and heightened levels of phenolics and flavonoids. Collectively, our results provided new insights into AA-mediated protective mechanisms against salinity in mung bean, thereby proposing AA as a potential and cost-effective chemical for the management of salt-induced toxicity in mung bean, and perhaps in other cash crops.

Bioremediation of cadmium induced renal toxicity in Rattus norvegicus by medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus.

Cadmium is the second most hazardous metals with bio-concentration factor (BCF) > 100 Although WHO permitted cadmium concentration in drinking water is 0.005 mg/L, yet the reality is far above to this limit because of industrial utility of this metal. Oral exposure of cadmium to human results in dreadful symptoms of metabolic disorders especially in liver and kidneys. Endogenous protection could be supported by some exogenous herbal supplement (viz., Catharanthus roseus in this case) to overcome the toxic effects. Present Study has been designed to find out the functional renal changes under the effect of cadmium and Catharanthus roseus in the model organism albino rats. Cadmium significantly (p > 0.01) increases the level of nitrogenous waste (Urea, BUN, Uric Acid and Creatinin), while decreases the serum protein profile in acute and sub-acute sets. Urea concentration of control ranged from 16.56 to 17.72 mg/dl while that of Group-B and D were 19.84 to 20.87 mg/dl and 17.56 to 17.59 mg/dl respectively. Similarly uric acid concentration ranged in control form 6.98 to 8.01 mg/dl in group-B from 7.58 to 10.25 mg/dl, in Group-D 8.02 to 8.59 mg/dl respectively. Creatinin concentration ranged in control 0.57 to 0.65 mg/dl, in group-B 0.97 to 1.02 mg/dl, in group-D - 0.95 to 0.98 mg/dl respectively. These results might be due to altered filtration rate of kidney because of protein disruption. The studies conclude the efficient nephro-protection offered by Catharanthus roseus extract against Cadmium toxicity.