A comparative anticancer analysis of Iron Oxide nanoparticles of Hippophae rhamnoides and Cichorium intybus found in the Karakoram Range of Gilgit Baltistan against liver cancer targeting the RhoA gene.

ObjectiveThe current research work focused on the evaluation of of H. rhamnoides and C. intybus Fe2O3 NPs against liver cancer cell line (HepG2) by performing antiproliferative assay targeting the RhoA gene and apoptotic pathway genes and proteins.MethodsFe2O3 NPs were synthesized using extracts of H. rhamnoides and C. intybus and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM/EDS and XRD. MTT assay was used to study cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cells. Real-time qPCR and ELISA were used for the gene and protein analysis.ResultsAn absorbance peak at 300 nm for H. rhamnoides and 289 nm for C. intybus nanoparticles were observed by UV-Vis analysis. The FTIR bands of H. rhamnoide Fe2O3 NPs suggested the presence of aldehydes, alcohols and polyols whereas bands of C. intybus Fe2O3 NPs suggested the presence of carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, alkynes and amines. The size of Fe2O3 NPs was found to be 27 ± 5nm for H. rhamnoides and 84 ± 4nm for C. intybus. The IC50 value of 41.69 µM for H. rhmnoides and 71.04 µM for C. intybus Fe2O3 NPs compared to plant extract (78.10 µM and 96.03 µM for H. rhamnoides and C. intybus respectively) were found against HepG2 cells. The gene expression and protein levels of RhoA were decreased whereas those of bax, caspase,3, caspase, 8 and caspase 9 were found increased.ConclusionNanoparticles and extract of H. rhamnoides were found more effective as compared to C. intybus which was evident by the results of cytotoxicity and analysis of studied genes and proteins.

An In-depth Review on Argemone mexicana in the Management of Liver Health and Liver Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Argemone mexicana, commonly known as the Mexican prickly poppy, has been historically employed in traditional medicine for various ailments, including liver disorders. Given the rising prevalence of liver diseases, including cancer, investigating the potential efficacy of Argemone mexicana in promoting liver health is of paramount importance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the hepatoprotective and anticancer properties of Argemone mexicana. METHODOLOGY: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and relevant botanical and pharmacological databases. Studies from various sources, including in vitro experiments, animal models, and clinical trials, were included in the review. The search focused on articles published up to 2010-2023, encompassing research that explored the botanical characteristics, chemical composition, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties of Argemone mexicana, specifically emphasizing its impact on liver health and cancer. RESULTS: The review revealed a wealth of studies highlighting the diverse pharmacological properties of Argemone mexicana. The botanical composition includes compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, suggesting hepatoprotective effects. Studies using in vitro and in vivo models demonstrated promising outcomes regarding liver function improvement and inhibition of liver cancer cell proliferation. While some clinical studies supported the traditional uses of Argemone mexicana, further well-designed trials are warranted to establish its clinical efficacy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Argemone mexicana shows promise as a natural agent for promoting liver health and combating liver cancer. Bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suggest potential hepatoprotective effects. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires further rigorous investigation, including well-designed clinical trials. This review provides a foundation for future research efforts aimed at elucidating the full therapeutic potential of Argemone mexicana in liver health and cancer management.

Biogenic nanoparticles: pioneering a new era in breast cancer therapeutics-a comprehensive review.

Breast cancer, a widespread malignancy affecting women globally, often arises from mutations in estrogen/progesterone receptors. Conventional treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy face limitations such as low efficacy and adverse effects. However, nanotechnology offers promise with its unique attributes like targeted delivery and controlled drug release. Yet, challenges like poor size distribution and environmental concerns exist. Biogenic nanotechnology, using natural materials or living cells, is gaining traction for its safety and efficacy in cancer treatment. Biogenic nanoparticles synthesized from plant extracts offer a sustainable and eco-friendly approach, demonstrating significant toxicity against breast cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. They surpass traditional drugs, providing benefits like biocompatibility and targeted delivery. Thus, this current review summarizes the available knowledge on breast cancer (its types, stages, histopathology, symptoms, etiology and epidemiology) with the importance of using biogenic nanomaterials as a new and improved therapy. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive examination of the challenges and strategies for advancing the industrial utilization of biogenic metal and metal oxide NPs. Additionally; it underscores the potential of plant-mediated synthesis of biogenic NPs as effective therapies for breast cancer, detailing their mechanisms of action, advantages, and areas for further research.

Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction from Aerial Parts of Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo by Ultrasound- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction.

Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo is a subshrub or shrub that is indigenous to the arid and semiarid region of northern Argentina and is known to possess several medicinal properties. The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions so as to maximize the yield of bioactive total phenolic compound (TPC) and flavonoids (F) of F. punensis' aerial parts by using non-conventional extraction methods, namely ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE, and microwave-assisted extraction, MAE, and to compare the biological activities and toxicity of optimized extracts vs. conventional extracts, i.e., those gained by maceration. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to apply factorial designs to optimize the parameters of extraction: solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time, ultrasound amplitude, and microwave power. The experimental values for TPC and F and antioxidant activity under the optimal extraction conditions were not significantly different from the predicted values, demonstrating the accuracy of the mathematical models. Similar HPLC-DAD patterns were found between conventional and UAE- and MAE-optimized extracts. The main constituents of the extracts correspond to phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids) and apigenin was identified. All extracts showed high scavenger capacity on ABTS•+, O2•- and H2O2, enabling the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory enzymes xanthine oxidase (XO) and lipoxygenase (LOX). They also showed an antimutagenic effect in Salmonella Typhimurium assay and cytotoxic/anti-proliferative activity on human melanoma cells (SKMEL-28). Toxicological evaluation indicates its safety. The results of this work are important in the development of efficient and sustainable methods for obtaining bioactive compounds from F. punensis for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage.

Pulmonary hypertension and the potential of 'drug' repurposing: A case for African medicinal plants.

Abstract: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a haemodynamic disorder in which elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation is caused by abnormal vascular tone. Despite advances in treatment, PH mortality remains high, and drug repurposing has been proposed as a mitigating approach. This article reviews the studies that have investigated drug repurposing as a viable option for PH. We provide an overview of PH and highlight pharmaceutical drugs with repurposing potential, based on limited evidence of their mechanisms of action. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the benefits of medicinal plants in PH, most of which are of Indian or Asian origin. Africa is a rich source of many medicinal plants that have been scientifically proven to counteract myriad pathologies. When perusing these studies, one will notice that some African medicinal plants can counteract the molecular pathways (e.g. proliferation, vasoconstriction, inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction) that are also involved in the pathogenesis of PH. We review the actions of these plants with actions applicable to PH and highlight that they could be repurposed as adjunct PH therapies. However, these plants have either never been tested in PH, or there is little evidence of their actions against PH. We therefore encourage caution, as more research is needed to study these plants further in experimental models of PH while acknowledging that the outcomes of such proof of-concept studies may not always yield promising findings. Regardless, this article aims to stimulate future research that could make timely contributions to the field. Study synopsis: What the study adds. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains a fatal disease, and 80% of the patients live in developing countries where resources are scarce and specialised therapies are often unavailable. Drug repurposing is a viable option to try to improve treatment outcomes.Implications of the findings. We propose that another form of 'drug' repurposing is the use of medicinal plants, many of which have demonstrated benefits against pathological processes that are also key in PH, e.g. apoptosis, tumour-like growth of cells, proliferation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Plant natural compounds in the cancer treatment: A systematic bibliometric analysis.

Plant-derived natural compounds are significant resources for the discovery of potential anticancer drugs. While research in the plant-based anticancer field has surged in recent years, systematic bibliometric analyses covering a longer period and containing up-to-date publications remain scarce. Here, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of literature on the anticancer properties of plant natural compounds over the past three decades, leveraging the bibliometric framework and open-access platform, KNIME. Our findings showed that the number of plant anticancer-related publications underwent an accelerating growth from 1992 to 2023. The country and institution analyses revealed that countries with traditional medical systems contributed a large portion of publications in the plant anticancer field, such as India, China, and South Korea. This study also highlighted the top ten eminent researchers and publications, assisting researchers in identifying pivotal literature. The primary publications were domains of chemistry and biology-related fields, such as Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Plant Sciences, and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Additionally, we noted that flavonoids have been focal plant compounds in anticancer, with strong anticancer potential. Our study provides new insights into the progress and trends in the plant anticancer field and will assist researchers in grasping the future research direction.

Endophytic fungi: A future prospect for breast cancer therapeutics and drug development.

Globally, breast cancer is a primary contributor to cancer-related fatalities and illnesses among women. Consequently, there is a pressing need for safe and effective treatments for breast cancer. Bioactive compounds from endophytic fungi that live in symbiosis with medicinal plants have garnered significant interest in pharmaceutical research due to their extensive chemical composition and prospective medicinal attributes. This review underscores the potentiality of fungal endophytes as a promising resource for the development of innovative anticancer agents specifically tailored for breast cancer therapy. The diversity of endophytic fungi residing in medicinal plants, success stories of key endophytic bioactive metabolites tested against breast cancer and the current progress with regards to in vivo studies and clinical trials on endophytic fungal metabolites in breast cancer research forms the underlying theme of this article. A thorough compilation of putative anticancer compounds sourced from endophytic fungi that have demonstrated therapeutic potential against breast cancer, spanning the period from 1990 to 2022, has been presented. This review article also outlines the latest trends in endophyte-based drug discovery, including the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, multi-omics approaches, and high-throughput strategies. The challenges and future prospects associated with fungal endophytes as substitutive sources for developing anticancer drugs targeting breast cancer are also being highlighted.

Protective effects of Allium jesdianum essential oil on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to sub-lethal toxicity of cypermethrin.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Allium jesdianum essential oil (AJEO) in decreasing cypermethrin toxicity for rainbow trout. First, the safety of the 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% AJEO supplements was assayed after 60 days. Then, the protective effects of AJEO were studied on fish exposed to 12.5% 96h LC50 cypermethrin after 14 days. Results showed that 1 and 1.5% AJEO administration enhanced protease and lipase activities in the intestine and improved growth performance. Moreover, feeding fish with 1 and 1.5% AJEO increased catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase activities (SOD) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA). Also, AJEO increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in serum. However, exposure to cypermethrin significantly decreased these enzyme activities and increased MDA. The oxidative biomarkers remained normal in fish fed with AJEO after exposure to cypermethrin. The administration of 1 and 1.5% AJEO significantly decreased cortisol and glucose levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities. Although exposure to cypermethrin significantly increased these biochemical biomarkers, AJEO could adjust them. A significant effect of 1% AJEO on total protein and globulin was observed before and after exposure to cypermethrin. Exposure to cypermethrin decreased all immunological parameters in the serum and mucus. However, administration of 1% AJEO increased protease, lysozyme (LYS) activities, total immunoglobulin (Ig), complement C3 and C4, and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) in the serum and ALP, LYS, protease activities and Ig in mucus. In conclusion, results showed that AJEO could potentially decrease the toxicity effects of cypermethrin in fish.

Ethanolic Extract of Salvia officinalis Leaves Affects Viability, Survival, Migration, and the Formation and Growth of 3D Cultures of the Tumourigenic Murine HPV-16+-Related Cancer Cell Line.

Salvia officinalis (SO) is one of the most widely used plants in traditional medicine worldwide. In the present study, the effect of an ethanolic extract of S. officinalis leaves on hallmarks of cancer of HPV-16-positive cancer tumorigenic cells, TC-1, was analyzed in vitro. Phytochemical and spectroscopic analysis were performed. Additionally, the extract's flavonoid content, reducing iron, and antioxidant capacity were determined. In regard to the in vitro tests, the cytotoxic activity and its effect on the replicative capacity and on the cell migration of TC-1 cells were analyzed by viability and clonogenic, survival, and wound healing assays. The effect of a pre-treatment or treatment on 3D culture formation, growth, and reversion capacity was also examined. The results of the phytochemical analysis allowed the detection of tannins, saponins, steroids, and flavonoids. The flavonoids content was found to be 153.40 ± 10.68 µg/mg of extract. Additionally, the extract exhibited an antioxidant capacity and a ferric-reducing capacity of around 40% compared to the ascorbic acid. Thin layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis and spectroscopic tests showed the presence of compounds similar to quercetin and catechin flavonoids in the extract. In the in vitro assays, the SO extract induced in a concentration-dependent way changes in cell morphology, the decrease of cell viability, survival, and migration. At a concentration of 125 µg/mL, the extract inhibited spheroid formation, reduced their growth, and affected their reversion to 2D. Ethanolic extract of S. officinalis leaves had inhibitory effects on hallmarks of the cancer line HPV-16+. This suggests that the phytochemicals present in it may be a source of chemotherapeutics against cervical cancer.

Green Extraction of Plant Materials Using Supercritical CO2: Insights into Methods, Analysis, and Bioactivity.

In recent years, the supercritical CO2 extraction method has gained attention due to its use of environmentally friendly, non-toxic solvents, ability to operate at lower temperatures that do not cause the degradation of bioactive compounds, and capacity for rapid extraction. This method is particularly notable for isolating bioactive compounds from plants. The extracts obtained have shown superior properties due to their activity against diseases such as cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The aim of this study is to provide an in-depth understanding of the supercritical CO2 extraction method, as well as to discuss its advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the study includes specific data on various plant materials, detailing the following parameters: plant name and region, bioactive compounds or compound classes, extraction temperature (°C), pressure (bar), time (minutes), co-solvent used, and flow rate. Additionally, this study covers extensive research on the isolation of bioactive compounds and the efficacy of the obtained extracts against cancer.

Literature-based Survey of Medicinal Plants Since 1900: A Case Study to Treat Cancer in the Sultanate of Oman.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Due to the high prevalence of cancer, researchers for the past decades have made considerable efforts for its management and treatment. Medicinal plants have always been exploited to discover novel anticancer agents. Oman's huge biodiversity has created a rich source of traditional medicine. OBJECTIVE: The current survey has aimed to document the traditionally used medicinal plants of Oman and their therapeutic role in the treatment of cancer. MATERIAL METHOD: This study comprises of literature-based survey through different databases, including Google, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer Link, BioMed Central and PubMed. RESULTS: The current review revealed a total of 57 plant species that belong to 35 families that are used in the treatment of cancer in Oman. Most documented plants belong to Solanaceae (6 sp.), Apocyanaceae (5 sp.) and Lamiaceae (4 sp.). The literature reveals that the residents of the area mostly use leaves (38.5%) and prepare their recipes in the form of decoction (40.3%). Moreover, herbs are the most dominant life form (43.85%). Among all forms of cancer in Oman, breast (47%), wound (26), and lung cancer (0.5%) were found dominantly. A literature study confirmed that the medicinal plants used for cancer in Oman are rich in phytochemicals such as quercetin, allicin, coumarin, alliin, kaempferol, solamargine, rutin, lupeol, ursolic acid and luteolin that have shown significant biological activities including anti-cancer potential. It reflects the efficacy of these plants to be used as a medicine in clinical trials. Among all, Boswellia sacra Flueck. is of key importance due to the presence Boswellic acid being used for the treatment of different types of cancer. CONCLUSION: The residents of Oman have great knowledge about the traditional use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases like cancer. The therapeutic potential and physiological efficacy of Omani medicinal plants should be further explored at a molecular level via in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Effects of Senna rugosa Leaf and Root Extracts on Human Leukemia Cell Lines.

Senna rugosa is a species found in the Cerrado and used in folk medicine as a vermifuge and in the treatment of poisonous snakebites accidents. In this work, we identified the main secondary metabolites present in ethanolic extracts of the leaves (ELSR) and roots (ERSR) of S. rugosa and evaluated the potential cytoprotective effect against cellular macromolecular damage, as well as the cytotoxic properties of the extracts on the K562 and Jurkat leukemic cell lines. The identification of metabolites was carried out by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activities were investigated by direct ABTS•+ and DPPH• radical scavenging methods, protection against oxidative damage in proteins, and DNA. Cytotoxic properties were investigated against healthy cells, isolated from human peripheral blood (PBMC) and leukemic cell lines. The leaf extracts contained catechin, rutin, epigallocatechin derivatives, kaempferol glycosides, luteolin, and dimeric and trimeric procyanidins, while the root extract profile showed obtusichromoneside derivatives, 2-methoxystypandrone, stilbene derivatives, naphthopyranones, and flavanone derivatives. The extracts showed antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 4.86 ± 0.51 µg/mL and 8.33 ± 0.90 µg/mL in the ABTS assay for ELSR and ERSR, respectively. Furthermore, in the DPPH• assay, the IC50 was 19.98 ± 1.96 µg/mL for ELSR and 13.37 ± 1.05 µg/mL for ERSR. The extracts protected macromolecules against oxidative damage at concentrations of 5 µg/mL. The cytotoxicity test against leukemic strains was observed after 24 and 48 h of treatment. After 48 h, results against the K562 cell line demonstrate an IC50 of 242.54 ± 2.38 µg/mL and 223.00 ± 2.34 µg/mL for ELSR and ERSR, respectively. While against the Jurkat cell line, these extracts showed an IC50 of 171.45 ± 2.25 µg/mL and 189.30 ± 2.27 µg/mL, respectively. The results pertaining to PBMC viability demonstrated that the extracts showed selectivity for the leukemic cell lines. Together, our results reveal that the leaves and roots of S. rugosa have completely distinct and complex chemical compositions and expand their significant pharmacological potential in oxidative stress and leukemia conditions.

High-Altitude Medicinal Plants as Promising Source of Phytochemical Antioxidants to Combat Lifestyle-Associated Oxidative Stress-Induced Disorders.

Oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur species (ROS, RNS, RSS), poses a significant threat to cellular integrity and human health. Generated during mitochondrial respiration, inflammation, UV exposure and pollution, these species damage cells and contribute to pathologies like cardiovascular issues, neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic syndromes. Lifestyle factors exert a substantial influence on oxidative stress levels, with mitochondria emerging as pivotal players in ROS generation and cellular equilibrium. Phytochemicals, abundant in plants, such as carotenoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherols and polyphenols, offer diverse antioxidant mechanisms. They scavenge free radicals, chelate metal ions, and modulate cellular signalling pathways to mitigate oxidative damage. Furthermore, plants thriving in high-altitude regions are adapted to extreme conditions, and synthesize secondary metabolites, like flavonoids and phenolic compounds in bulk quantities, which act to form a robust antioxidant defence against oxidative stress, including UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. These plants are promising sources for drug development, offering innovative strategies by which to manage oxidative stress-related ailments and enhance human health. Understanding and harnessing the antioxidant potential of phytochemicals from high-altitude plants represent crucial steps in combating oxidative stress-induced disorders and promoting overall wellbeing. This study offers a comprehensive summary of the production and physio-pathological aspects of lifestyle-induced oxidative stress disorders and explores the potential of phytochemicals as promising antioxidants. Additionally, it presents an appraisal of high-altitude medicinal plants as significant sources of antioxidants, highlighting their potential for drug development and the creation of innovative antioxidant therapeutic approaches.

Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extract Induces Apoptosis in HeLa Cells: A Metabolomics and Proteomics Study.

Medicinal plants produce various bioactive molecules with potential anti-cancer properties with favorable safety profiles. We aimed to investigate the comprehensive composition of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract and its cytotoxic effects via apoptosis in HeLa cells. The metabolomics approach using LC-MS/MS was conducted to gather the metabolite profile of the extract. Proteomics was performed to understand the comprehensive mechanistic pathways of action. The apoptosis was visualized by cellular staining and the apoptotic proteins were evaluated. V. amygdalina leaf extract exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on both HeLa and Vero cells after 24 h of exposure in the MTT assay with the IC50 values of 0.767 ± 0.0334 and 4.043 ± 0.469 µg mL-1, respectively, which demonstrated a higher concentration required for Vero cell cytotoxicity. The metabolomic profile of 112 known metabolites specified that the majority of them were alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and steroids. Among these metabolites, deacetylvindoline and licochalcone B were suggested to implicate cytotoxicity. The cytotoxic pathways involved the response to stress and cell death which was similar to doxorubicin. The upstream regulatory proteins, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), were significantly altered, supporting the regulation of apoptosis and cell death. The levels of apoptotic proteins, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), p53, and caspase-9 were significantly increased. The novel insights gained from the metabolomic profiling and proteomic pathway analysis of V. amygdalina leaf extract have identified crucial components related to apoptosis induction, highlighting its potential to develop future chemotherapy.

Standard medical ethnobotany of Kohistan, North Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: This study was exclusively focused on the documentation and cross-cultural evaluation of ethnomedicinal knowledge (EMK) within the diverse linguistic groups of Kohistan situated between the Himalayan and Hindukush Mountain ranges in the north Pakistan. METHODS: Data were gathered during the field survey (May 2022 to July 2023) through group conversations, semi-structured interviews, and on-site observation. Venn diagrams were employed to illustrate the comparative assessment of EMK, and different ethnobotanical indices were utilized to examine the data. RESULTS: A total of 96 wild medicinal plant species (MPs) belonging to 74 genera and 52 botanical families were documented. The most reported MPs belong to the family Polygonaceae (11 species), followed by Asteraceae (9 species) and Lamiaceae (8 species). The ethnomedicinal uses of Leontopodium himalayanum, Pedicularis oederi, Plocama brevifolia, Polypodium sibiricum, Pteridium esculentum, Sambucus wightiana, Solanum cinereum, Teucrium royleanum, Rhodiola integrifolia, Aconitum chasmanthum were reported for the first time in this region. Among the reported taxa herbaceous species were dominated (72%), followed by trees and shrubs (17% and 10%, respectively). Digestive problems (40 taxa and 114 use reports) and skin disorders (19 taxa and 549 use reports) were the most cited disease categories, whereas M. communis, M. longifolia, Ajuga integrifolia, Ziziphus jujuba, and Clematis grata exhibited the highest percentage fidelity levels. Out of 109 documented medicinal uses, a mere 12 were shared across all linguistic groups, and Bateri emerges as a notable outlier with the highest number of medicinal uses. In addition, a significant homogeneity was noted in the reported botanical taxa (61 species) among different linguistic groups. However, since the last decade biocultural heritage of Kohistan is facing multifaceted risks that need urgent attention. CONCLUSION: Our findings could be valuable addition to the existing stock of ethnomedicinal knowledge and may provide ethnopharmacological basis to novel drug discovery for preexisting and emerging diseases prioritizing detailed phytochemical profiling and the evaluation of bioactive potential.

Vasorelaxant effects of biochemical constituents of various medicinal plants and their benefits in diabetes.

Endothelial function plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular health, and dysfunction in this context diminishes vasorelaxation concomitant with endothelial activity. The nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway, prostacyclin-cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway, inhibition of phosphodiesterase, and the opening of potassium channels, coupled with the reduction of calcium levels in the cell, constitute critical mechanisms governing vasorelaxation. Cardiovascular disease stands as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality among individuals with diabetes, with adults afflicted by diabetes exhibiting a heightened cardiovascular risk compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. A plethora of medicinal plants, characterized by potent pharmacological effects and minimal side effects, holds promise in addressing these concerns. In this review, we delineate various medicinal plants and their respective biochemical constituents, showcasing concurrent vasorelaxant and anti-diabetic activities.

In vitro and in silico evaluation of bioactivities and chemical composition of the aerial parts of Anchusa officinalis L. methanol extract.

The main objective of the study is to evaluate the antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities of Anchusa officinalis L. in vitro and in silico. The dried aerial parts of A. officinalis L. were extracted with methanol. Total phenolic and flavonoid content was analyzed. Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects were tested against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 10 phytochemical compounds, and cyclobutane (26.07%) was identified as the major photochemical compound. The methanol extract exhibited the maximum amount of total phenolic content (118.24 ± 4.42 mg QE/g dry weight of the dry extract) (R2 = 0.994) and the total flavonoid content was 94 ± 2.34 mg QE/g dry weight of the dry extract (R2 = 0.999). The IC50 value for 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid was 107.12 ± 3.42 µg/mL, and it was high for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (123.94 ± 2.31 µg/mL). The IC50 value was 72.49 ± 3.14 against HepG2 cell lines, and a decreased value was obtained (102.54 ± 4.17 g/mL) against MCF-7 cell lines. The methanol extract increased the expression of caspase mRNA and Bax mRNA levels when compared to the control experiment (p < .05). The conclusions, A. officinalis L. aerial parts extract exhibited antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities.

Photoactive metabolite mediated photodynamic therapy of Rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines using medicinal plants and Doxorubicin co-treatments.

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plant-mediated combinational therapies have gained importance globally due to minimal side effects and enhanced treatment outcomes compared to single-drug modalities. We aimed to analyze the cytotoxic potential of each conventional treatment i.e., photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemotherapy (doxorubicin hydrochloride; Dox-HCl) with or without various concentrations of medicinal plant extracts (PE) on soft tissue cancer Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell line. METHODS: The Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell line was cultured and treated with Photosensitizer (Photosense (AlPc4)), Chemo (Dox-HCl), and their combinations with different concentrations of each plant extract i.e., Thuja occidentalis, Moringa oleifera, Solanum surattense. For the source of illumination, a Diode laser (λ = 630 nm ± 1 nm, Pmax = 1.5 mW) was used. Photosensitizer uptake time (∼ 45 min) was optimized through spectrophotometric measurements (absorption spectroscopy). Drug response of each treatment arm was assessed post 24 h of administration using 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5- 5-diphenyl-2 H- tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS: PE-mediated Chemo-Photodynamic therapy (PDT) exhibited synergistic effects (CI < 1). Moreover, Rhabdomyosarcoma culture pretreated with various plant extracts for 24 h exhibited significant inhibition of cell viability however most effective outcomes were shown by low and high doses of Moringa oleifera compared to other plant extracts. Post low doses treated culture with all plant extracts followed by PDT came up with more effectiveness when compared to all di-therapy treatments. CONCLUSION: The general outcome of this work shows that the ethanolic plant extracts (higher doses) promote the death of cancerous cells in a dose-dependent way and combining Dox-HCl and photo-mediated photodynamic therapy can yield better therapeutic outcomes.

Panax notoginseng: Pharmacological Aspects and Toxicological Issues.

Current evidence suggests a beneficial role of herbal products in free radical-induced diseases. Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen has long occupied a leading position in traditional Chinese medicine because of the ergogenic, nootropic, and antistress activities, although these properties are also acknowledged in the Western world. The goal of this paper is to review the pharmacological and toxicological properties of P. notoginseng and discuss its potential therapeutic effect. A literature search was carried out on Pubmed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The following search terms were used: "notoginseng", "gut microbiota", "immune system", "inflammation", "cardiovascular system", "central nervous system", "metabolism", "cancer", and "toxicology". Only peer-reviewed articles written in English, with the full text available, have been included. Preclinical evidence has unraveled the P. notoginseng pharmacological effects in immune-inflammatory, cardiovascular, central nervous system, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases by acting on several molecular targets. However, few clinical studies have confirmed the therapeutic properties of P. notoginseng, mainly as an adjuvant in the conventional treatment of cardiovascular disorders. Further clinical studies, which both confirm the efficacy of P. notoginseng in free radical-related diseases and delve into its toxicological aspects, are mandatory to broaden its therapeutic potential.