Harnessing controlled environment systems for enhanced production of medicinal plants.

Medicinal plants (MPs) are valued for their contributions to human health. However, the growing demand for MPs and the concerns regarding their quality and sustainability have prompted the reassessment of conventional production practices. Controlled environment cropping systems, such as vertical farms, offer a transformative approach to MP production. By enabling precise control over environment factors, such as light, carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, nutrients, and airflow, controlled environments can improve the consistency, concentration, and yield of bioactive phytochemicals in MPs. This review explores the potential of controlled environment systems for enhancing MP production. First, we describe how controlled environments can overcome the limitations of conventional production in improving the quality of MP. Next, we propose strategies based on plant physiology to manipulate environment conditions for enhancing the levels of bioactive compounds in plants. These strategies include improving photosynthetic carbon assimilation, light spectrum signalling, purposeful stress elicitation, and chronoculture. We describe the underlying mechanisms and practical applications of these strategies. Finally, we highlight the major knowledge gaps and challenges that limit the application of controlled environments, and discuss future research directions.

Stem Cells and Natural Agents in the Management of Neurodegenerative Diseases: A New Approach.

Neurodegenerative diseases refer to a group of neurological disorders as a consequence of various destructive illnesses, that predominantly impact neurons in the central nervous system, resulting in impairments in certain brain functions. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative disorders represent a major risk to human health. In order to optimize structural and functional recovery, reconstructive methods integrate many approaches now, to address the complex and multivariate pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Stem cells, with their unique property of regeneration, offer new possibilities in regenerative and reconstructive medicine. Concurrently, there is an important role for natural products in controlling many health sufferings and they can delay or even prevent the onset of various diseases. In addition, due to their therapeutic properties, they have been used as neuroprotective agents to treat neurodegenerative disorders. After decades of intensive research, scientists made advances in treating these disorders so far, but current therapies are still not capable of preventing the illnesses from progressing. Therefore, in this review, we focused on a new perspective combining stem cells and natural products as an innovative therapy option in the management of neurodegenerative diseases.

DNA barcoding and nutritional profiling of underutilized native indigenous plant species of Karnataka, India.

BACKGROUND: Locally adapted native indigenous plant species (NIPS) could restore the crop diversity in sustainable agriculture. METHODS: Here, we report the molecular identification and nutritional profiling of some five NIPS of Karnataka; Musa paradisiaca cv. Nanjangud rasabale, Piper betle L. cv. Mysore betel leaf, Jasminum grandiflorum cv Mysore mallige, Solanum melongena L. cv. Udupi Mattu Gulla and S. melongena L. cv. Erangere badane of which the first four are Geographical Indication (GI) tagged. The samples were procured, authenticated and sequenced using two standard DNA barcodes: nuclear ITS2 and plastid rbcl. RESULTS: The phylogenetic analysis using Neighborhood joining method revealed all the ITS2 tree topologies with higher genetic divergence than rbcl. All the rbcl tree topologies were monophyletic indicating sequence conservation. Though the concatenated ITS2 + rbcl trees had higher bootstrap support (> 98% except Solanum sp.) differences were observed because of the lack of available sequence deposition at species level. The proximate and nutritional profiling of the NIPS displayed superiority in terms of their nutritional profile and their potential application in phytopharmaceutical sector as nutritional supplements. CONCLUSION: To our best knowledge this is the first study reporting the screening of five NIPS plant species of Karnataka for phylogeny and nutritional analysis. We also anticipate that if research towards the identification of NIPS species is accelerated, these nutritionally enhanced crops could be used as a safe and sustainable food in changing global climatic conditions.

Potential clinical applications of phytopharmaceuticals for the in-patient management of coagulopathies in COVID-19.

Thrombotic complications occur in many cardiovascular pathologies and have been demonstrated in COVID-19. The currently used antithrombotic drugs are not free of adverse reactions, and COVID-19 patients in particular, when treated with a therapeutic dose of an anticoagulant do not receive mortality benefits. The clinical management of COVID-19 is one of the most difficult tasks for clinicians, and the search for safe, potent, and effective antithrombotic drugs may benefit from exploring naturally bioactive molecules from plant sources. This review describes recent advances in understanding the antithrombotic potential of herbal drug prototypes and points to their future clinical use as potent antithrombotic drugs. Although natural products are perceived to be safe, their clinical and therapeutic applications are not always apparent or accepted. More in-depth studies are necessary to demonstrate the clinical usefulness of plant-derived, bioactive compounds. In addition, holistic approaches in systematic investigations and the identification of antithrombotic mechanisms of the herbal bioactive molecule(s) need to be conducted in pre-clinical studies. Moreover, rigorous studies are needed to compare the potency of herbal drugs to that of competitor chemical antithrombotic drugs, and to examine their interactions with Western antithrombotic medicines. We have also proposed a road map to improve the commercialization of phytopharmaceuticals.

Comprehensive review on use of phospholipid based vesicles for phytoactive delivery.

Plant-derived phytoconstituents are well known for their therapeutic potential. It has been experimentally demonstrated that whole-plant extract or isolated phytoconstituents reveal various therapeutic potentials like hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antitumor, antioxidant, skin protectives, etc. Although these phytoconstituents have potential therapeutic benefits, their use is limited due to their poor bioavailability, stability in biological fluids, and authentication issues. These continue to be an open problem that affects the application of these valuable ancient herbal herbs in the effective treatment and management of various disease conditions. A potential solution to these difficult problems could be the loading of phytoactives in phospholipid-based vesicular systems. Phospholipid-based vesicles like liposomes, phytosomes, ethosomes as well as transfersomes were effectively utilized recently to solve drawbacks and for effective delivery of phytoactives. Several landmark studies observed better therapeutic efficacy of phytoactive loaded vesicles compared to conventional drug delivery. Thus phospholipid-based vesicles mediated phytoactive delivery is a recently developed promising and attractive strategy for better therapeutic control on disease conditions. The present short review highlights recent advances in herbal bioactive loaded phospholipid-based vesicles.

Naringin reduces body weight, plasma lipids and increases adiponectin levels in patients with dyslipidemia.

Naringin is a citrus-flavonoid which has been shown to have positive metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects. For this reason, we believe it would be interesting to study the effects of Naringin administration on body weight, BMI, lipid profile and adiponectin levels in patients with dyslipidemia, especially considering that dyslipidemias along with obesity and subsequent cardiometabolic complications are some of the most important public health issues plaguing our society today. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in a group of 28 adult patients previously diagnosed with dyslipidemia who attended the Institute of Experimental and Clinical Therapeutics. Patients were divided into two groups; the first group (n = 14) received 450 mg of naringin every 24 hours, in the mornings, while the second group (n = 14) was given a homologated placebo over the course of a 90-day period. Significant differences were observed in naringin group compared to the placebo group in terms of decreased BMI (30.6 ± 3.19 vs 33.3 ± 3.23 kg/m2; p = 0.03), total cholesterol (182 ± 20.2 vs 245 ± 24.1 mg/dl; p < 0.01), LDL cholesterol (100 ± 17.5 vs 125 ± 38.3 mg/dl; p = 0.03) and an increase in adiponectin levels (0.82 ± 0.25 vs 0.59 ± 0.19 µg/ml; p = 0.01). Our results support the use of Naringin as a potential therapeutic agent which could play an important role in the management of metabolic disorders.

Advances on Therapeutic Strategies for Alzheimer's Disease: From Medicinal Plant to Nanotechnology.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic dysfunction of neurons in the brain leading to dementia. It is characterized by gradual mental failure, abnormal cognitive functioning, personality changes, diminished verbal fluency, and speech impairment. It is caused by neuronal injury in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal area of the brain. The number of individuals with AD is growing at a quick rate. The pathology behind AD is the progress of intraneuronal fibrillary tangles, accumulation of amyloid plaque, loss of cholinergic neurons, and decrease in choline acetyltransferase. Unfortunately, AD cannot be cured, but its progression can be delayed. Various FDA-approved inhibitors of cholinesterase enzyme such as rivastigmine, galantamine, donepezil, and NDMA receptor inhibitors (memantine), are available to manage the symptoms of AD. An exhaustive literature survey was carried out using SciFinder's reports from Alzheimer's Association, PubMed, and Clinical Trials.org. The literature was explored thoroughly to obtain information on the various available strategies to prevent AD. In the context of the present scenario, several strategies are being tried including the clinical trials for the treatment of AD. We have discussed pathophysiology, various targets, FDA-approved drugs, and various drugs in clinical trials against AD. The goal of this study is to shed light on current developments and treatment options, utilizing phytopharmaceuticals, nanomedicines, nutraceuticals, and gene therapy.

Biochar-mediated sequestration of Pb and Cd leads to enhanced productivity in Mentha arvensis.

Immobilization of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) along with the alleviation of their phytotoxicity in Mentha arvensis by biochar was examined in this investigation. A greenhouse experiment was executed to evaluate the effect of biochar (BC) amended Cd and Pb spiked soil on their immobilization and uptake, plant growth, photosynthetic attributes (total chlorophyll, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal activity) and oxidative enzymes (guaiacol peroxidase: POD; catalase: CAT and superoxide dismutase: SOD). In the present study, the photosynthetic attributes showed that BC significantly improved the total chlorophyll, photosynthetic, transpiration rates, and stomatal activity in the plants. The incorporation of BC in soil increase the Pb and Cd tolerance in M. arvensis vis-à-vis improved the biomass yield and nutrient intake. In addition, biochar has also reduced the POD, CAT, and SOD in the plant as well as improved the soil pH and enzymatic activities. Overall, BC immobilized the Cd and Pb in soil by providing the binding site to the metals and reduced the phytotoxicity in M. arvensis. However, large-scale field trials of BC are required for safe cultivation of M. arvensis which is known for its phytopharmaceuticals importance.

Thymoquinone (2-Isoprpyl-5-methyl-1, 4-benzoquinone) as a chemopreventive/anticancer agent: Chemistry and biological effects.

Cancer remains the topmost disorders of the mankind and number of cases is unceasingly growing at unprecedented rates. Although the synthetic anti-cancer compounds still hold the largest market in the modern treatment of cancer, natural agents have always been tried and tested for potential anti-cancer properties. Thymoquinone (TQ), a monoterpene and main ingredient in the essential oil of Nigella sativa L. has got very eminent rankings in the traditional systems of medicine for its anti-cancer pharmacological properties. In this review we summarized the diverse aspects of TQ including its chemistry, biosynthesis, sources and pharmacological properties with a major concern being attributed to its anti-cancer efficacies. The role of TQ in different aspects involved in the pathogenesis of cancer like inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, proliferation, invasion and migration have been described. The mechanism of action of TQ in different cancer types has been briefly accounted. Other safety and toxicological aspects and some combination therapies involving TQ have also been touched. A detailed literature search was carried out using various online search engines like google scholar and pubmed regarding the available research and review accounts on thymoquinone upto may 2019. All the articles reporting significant addition to the activities of thymoquinone were selected. Additional information was acquired from ethno botanical literature focusing on thymoquinone. The compound has been the centre of attention for a long time period and researched regularly in quite considerable numbers for its various physicochemical, medicinal, biological and pharmacological perspectives. Thymoquinone is studied for various chemical and pharmacological activities and demonstrated promising anti-cancer potential. The reviewed reports confirmed the strong anti-cancer efficacy of thymoquinone. Further in-vitro and in-vivo research is strongly warranted regarding the complete exploration of thymoquinone in ethnopharmacological context.

Effectiveness of Ageratina pichinchensis Extract in Patients with Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Controlled Pilot Study.

Previous clinical studies have demonstrated the antifungal effectiveness of Ageratina pichinchensis extracts when topically administered to patients with dermatomycosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of a 7% standardized extract of A. pichinchensis (intravaginal) in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis. The extract was standardized in terms of its encecalin content and administered during 6 days to patients with Candida albicans-associated vulvovaginitis. The positive control group was treated with Clotrimazole (100 mg). On day 7 of the study, a partial evaluation was carried out; it demonstrated that 94.1% of patients treated with Clotrimazole and 100% of those treated with the A. pichinchensis extract referred a decrease or absence of signs and symptoms consistent with vulvovaginal candidiasis. In the final evaluation, 2 weeks after concluding administration, 86.6% of patients in the control group and 81.2% (p = 0.65) of those treated with the A. pichinchensis extract demonstrated therapeutic success. Statistical analysis evidenced no significant differences between the two treatment groups. With the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that the standardized extract from A. pichinchensis, intravaginally administered, showed therapeutic and mycological effectiveness, as well as tolerability, in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis, without noting statistical differences in patients treated with Clotrimazole. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Genus Echinophora-Biological Activity, Chemical Composition, and Future Perspectives.

Species belonging to the genus Echinophora (Apiaceae) have been used by humanity since ancient times as flavoring agents, preservatives, and medicines for the treatment of a broad spectrum of conditions, including respiratory, digestive and kidney disorders, fungi infections, wounds, and gastric ulcers. Phytochemical studies on this botanical genus mainly investigate the essential oil composition and reveal the species as a rich source of volatile compounds, including monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids. Among the non-volatile secondary metabolites, flavonoids, coumarins, phenolic acids, phytosterols, and polyacetylenes have been identified. Pharmacological studies revealed Echinophora extracts and essential oils exhibit different biological properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. However, compared to other genera, the biological activity and chemical diversity of this genus are not well studied. In future decades, it is highly likely that the small genus Echinophora will play an important role in drug discovery and drug development.

Neglected impacts of plant protection products on invertebrate aquatic biodiversity: a focus on eco-evolutionary processes.

The application of plant protection products (PPPs) may have delayed and long-term non-intentional impacts on aquatic invertebrates inhabiting agricultural landscapes. Such effects may induce population responses based on developmental and transgenerational plasticity, selection of genetic resistance, as well as increased extirpation risks associated with random genetic drift. While the current knowledge on such effects of PPPs is still scarce in non-target aquatic invertebrate species, evidences are accumulating that support the need for consideration of evolutionary components of the population response to PPPs in standard procedures of risk assessment. This mini-review, as part of a contribution to the collective scientific assessment on PPP impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services performed in the period 2020-2022, presents a brief survey of the current results published on the subject, mainly in freshwater crustaceans, and proposes some research avenues and strategies that we feel relevant to fill this gap.

Lipids Fortified Nano Phytopharmaceuticals: A Breakthrough Approach in Delivering Bio-actives for Improved Therapeutic Efficacy.

Phytopharmaceuticals, derived from natural sources, manifest tremendous potential for therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, effective delivery of these bio-actives presents significant challenges. A breakthrough in fortifying phytopharmaceuticals within phosphatidylcholine is a promising remedy to overcome solubility, permeability, and other related drawbacks. This intrinsic lipid, which is obtained from both natural and synthetic sources, confers numerous benefits, encompassing heightened solubility, augmented bioavailability, and enhanced stability. The conjugation of phytopharmaceuticals with phosphatidylcholine enables improved dermal permeation, absorption, targeted distribution, and the possibility of synergistic results, eventually improving therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, the use of phytopharmaceuticals enriched with phosphatidylcholine presents a promising route for overcoming the limitations imposed by conventional delivery techniques, encouraging more effective treatments. The review provides a thorough analysis of phosphatidylcholine- incorporated phytopharmaceuticals as nanomedicine with variables that significantly affect their therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the review elaborates on how phosphatidylcholine improves solubility, permeability, and tissue distribution and boosts the potential of phytopharmaceuticals. Further, the review underscores the significance of nano-formulation strategies, analytical methodologies, and forthcoming prospects to propel this field forward. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the potential inherent in this innovative approach while highlighting the importance of additional research endeavors and collaborative initiatives to unlock the therapeutic benefits of phosphatidylcholinefortified phytopharmaceuticals, enhancing patient well-being.

Exploring the Potential Role of Phytopharmaceuticals in Alleviating Toxicities of Chemotherapeutic Agents.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment, bringing patients optimism about recurrence and survival. However, the clinical effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs is frequently jeopardized by their intrinsic toxicity, resulting in side effects affecting the quality of life of cancer patients. This analysis explores the ethnopharmacological impact of phytopharmaceuticals, highlighting their traditional use in many cultures. The present study, which takes its cues from indigenous knowledge, aims to close the knowledge gap between traditional medicine and modern medicine in reducing the toxicities of chemotherapy treatments. AIM: The present in-depth study aims to highlight the current research and upcoming developments in phytopharmaceuticals for reducing the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs. Further, we address the mechanisms through which phytopharmaceuticals may reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects that include nausea, vomiting, myelosuppression, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiotoxicity using data from a variety of preclinical and clinical investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature search was carried out by employing search engines such as PubMed and Google Scholar with keywords such as cancer, chemotherapy, CNS toxicity, hematopoietic toxicity, renal toxicity, GI toxicity, CNS toxicity, and phytopharmaceuticals. RESULTS: Bioactive chemicals found in plants, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, are being studied for their capacity to improve the safety and acceptability of chemotherapy regimens. The current review also dives into the investigation of phytopharmaceuticals as adjuvant medicines in cancer treatment, which is a viable path for addressing the pressing need to lessen chemotherapy-induced toxicities. CONCLUSION: The present review revealed that the potential of phytopharmaceuticals in alleviating chemotherapeutic drug toxicities would pave the way for better cancer treatment and patient outcomes, harmonizing with the larger trend towards personalized and holistic approaches to chemotherapy.

Development of phytosterol-loaded silver nanoparticles for ameliorating haemorrhoidal complications via the AMPK pathway-a mechanistic approach.

The aim of the current study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (PLSNPs) using green technology by means of phytosterol-enriched fractions fromBlumea laceraextracts (EAF) and evaluate their toxicological and anti-haemorrhoidal potential. The average size of the synthesized particles was found to be 85.64 nm by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Energy dispersive spectroscopy showed the elemental composition of PLSNPs to be 12.59% carbon and 87.41% silver, indicating the capping of phytochemicals on the PLSNPs. The PLSNPs were also standardized for total phytosterol content using chemical methods and high-perfromance liquid chromatography. The PLSNPs were found to be safe up to 1000 mg kg-1as no toxicity was observed in the acute and sub-acute toxicity studies performed as per OECD guidelines. After the induction of haemorrhoids, experimental animals were treated with different doses of EAF, PLSNPs and a standard drug (Pilex) for 7 d, and on the eighth day the ameliorative potential was assessed by evaluating the haemorrhoidal (inflammatory severity index, recto-anal coefficient) and biochemical (tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6) parameters and histology of the recto-anal tissue. The results showed that treatment with PLSNPs and Pilex significantly (p< 0.05) reduced haemorrhoidal and biochemical parameters. This was further supported by restoration of altered antioxidant status. Further, a marked reduction in the inflammatory zones along with minimal dilated blood vessels was observed in the histopathological study. The results of molecular docking studies also confirmed the amelioration of haemorrhoids via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mediated reduction of inflammation and endothelin B receptor modification by PLSNPs. In conclusion, PLSNPs could be a good alternative for the management of haemorrhoids.

The Invasive Alien Plant Solidago canadensis: Phytochemical Composition, Ecosystem Service Potential, and Application in Bioeconomy.

Solidago canadensis L. (Canadian goldenrod) is a widely distributed invasive herb from the Asteraceae family. It contains compounds that can change the soil structure and its nutritional components and thus affect indigenous species' growth, germination, and survival. Consequently, it can pose a major ecological threat to biodiversity. On the other hand, many studies show that this species, due to its chemical properties, can be used for many positive purposes in pharmacy, agriculture, medicine, cosmetic industry, etc. S. canadensis contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds that may be responsible for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Many studies have discussed the invasiveness of S. canadensis, and several chemical and genetic differences between this plant in native and introduced environments have been discovered. Previous ecological and environmental evaluations of the potential of S. canadensis as an ecosystem services provider have come out with four promising groups of its products: active extracts, essential oil, fuel, and others. Although identified, there is a need for detailed validation and prioritisation of ecosystem services. This article aims to overview the S. canadensis invasive features, emphasising chemical characterisation and its potential for providing ecosystem services. Moreover, it identifies scenarios and proposes a methodology for estimating S. canadensis use in bioeconomy.

Nanovesicular ultraflexible invasomes and invasomal gel for transdermal delivery of phytopharmaceuticals.

Tweetable abstract Invasomes and invasomal gel are ultraflexible, soft vesicular, phospholipid based nanocarriers with deeper skin penetration ability for transdermal applications of drugs and phytopharmaceuticals.

Comparing Cancer Risks and Mortality between Phytopharmaceuticals and Estrogen-Progestogen Medications for Menopausal Women: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

We evaluated the long-term risks of overall cancer and all-cause mortality associated with five types of phytopharmaceuticals and the most commonly used estrogen-progestogen medications for the treatment of postmenopausal syndrome in women. Using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2018, we conducted a 1:2 matched cohort study with 12,087 eligible patients. We compared phytopharmaceuticals -only users (n = 4029, phytopharmaceuticals group) with HRT-only users (n = 8058, HRT group) with a washout period of ≥6 months. The phytopharmaceuticals group had significantly lower risks of overall cancer and all-cause mortality than the HRT group (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.60 [0.40-0.9] and 0.40 [0.16-0.99], respectively) after over 180 days of use. Bupleurum and Peony Formula were associated with lower risks of overall cancer and all-cause mortality (aHR: 0.57 [0.36-0.92] and 0.33 [0.11-1.05], respectively). In conclusion, phytopharmaceuticals may serve as an alternative therapy to HRT for alleviating menopausal symptoms and reducing health risks, leading to more favorable long-term health outcomes. Further randomized control trials are necessary to validate the findings of this study.

Free radical scavenging polyphenols isolated from Phyllanthus niruri L. ameliorates hyperglycemia via SIRT1 induction and GLUT4 translocation in in vitro and in vivo models.

Type 2 diabetes milletus (T2DM) is a complex multifaceted disorder characterized by insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Phyllanthus niruri L. is well reported sub-tropical therapeutically beneficial ayurvedic medicinal plant from Euphorbiaceae family used in various body ailments such as metabolic disorder including diabetes. The present study emphasizes on the therapeutic potential of Phyllanthus niruri L. and its phytochemical(s) against insulin resistance conditions and impaired antioxidant activity thereby aiding as an anti-hyperglycemic agent in targeting T2DM. Three compounds were isolated from the most active ethyl acetate fraction namely compound 1 as 1-O-galloyl-6-O-luteoyl-ß-D-glucoside, compound 2 as brevifolincarboxylic acid and compound 3 as ricinoleic acid. Compounds 1 and 2, the two polyphenols enhanced the uptake of glucose and inhibited ROS levels in palmitate induced C2C12 myotubes. PNEAF showed the potent enhancement of glucose uptake in palmitate-induced insulin resistance condition in C2C12 myotubes and significant ROS inhibition was observed in skeletal muscle cell line. PNEAF treated IR C2C12 myotubes and STZ induced Wistar rats elevated SIRT1, PGC1-α signaling cascade through phosphorylation of AMPK and GLUT4 translocation resulting in insulin sensitization. Our study revealed an insight into the efficacy of marker compounds isolated from P. niruri and its enriched ethyl acetate fraction as ROS scavenging agent and helps in attenuating insulin resistance condition in C2C12 myotubes as well as in STZ induced Wistar rat by restoring glucose metabolism. Overall, this study can provide prospects for the marker-assisted development of P. niruri as a phytopharmaceutical drug for the insulin resistance related diabetic complications.

Antimicrobial Activity of Psidium guajava Aqueous Extract against Sensitive and Resistant Bacterial Strains.

The inappropriate use of antimicrobials, along with environmental conditions, can lead to the emergence of resistant microorganisms. The use of phytopharmaceuticals and herbal medicines has a positive impact and represents a promising alternative. Psidium guajava extracts have been widely reported to have antimicrobial potential; however, studies reporting their activity against resistant bacterial strains are scarce. Because of the emerging resistance, the aim of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial capacity of the aqueous extract of guava leaves against wild-type and resistant bacterial strains. The aqueous extract obtained from the leaves of P. guajava was evaluated by HPLC for the content of total phenolics and tannins, antioxidant activity, and chemical composition. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was analyzed by the disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The results of the chemical analysis of the extracts showed total phenolics content of 17.02 ± 6.87 mg/g of dry extract, total tannin content of 14.09 ± 1.20 mg of tannic acid equivalents/g of dry extract, and moderate antioxidant capacity with an EC50 value of 140 µg/mL. Flavonoids are the major compounds (rutin, hesperidin, and quercetin), followed by phenolic acids. Disk diffusion test results showed the presence of inhibition halos for Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, sensitive and resistant; Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, sensitive and resistant; and Streptococcus spp., beta-hemolytic), while for Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, sensitive and resistant), there was no inhibition in the tested concentration range. The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration was 6.8 mg/mL for all Gram-positive strains evaluated. The present study demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extract of P. guajava against sensitive and resistant Gram-positive bacteria. The better antimicrobial activity found in the present study compared with previously reported activity should be highlighted and may be related to the higher concentration of total phenolics present in the tested extract. Moreover, the content of tannins found suggests a species with high quality that produces tannins. These new findings suggest an innovative profile regarding therapeutic resources that can be adopted to combat resistant microbial strains.