Genus Berberis: A comprehensive and updated review on ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.

Genus Berberis is an excellent choice for research due to its history in traditional medicine, diverse pharmacological properties, and it has potential for drug discovery. This review presents information on the ethnobotany, pharmacological activities, and many phytochemicals identified from Berberis species. It examines the existing literature on the genus Berberis, drawn from online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Elsevier, and Google Scholar, etc encompassing the data from 1960 to 2023. This review focuses on the structural details of reported phytochemicals of Berberis species and pharmacological actions. Different extraction techniques were evaluated for extracts preparation. According to literature review, phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. A major bioactive alkaloid, berberine exhibits its main role in treatment of many gastric, infectious, and chronic disorders. This literature indicates that Berberis genus exhibits a variety of biological activities, i.e anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antioxidant activities and utilization of these effects in the treatment and management of various diseases, like diabetes, microbial infections, inflammation, liver disorders, and cancer. However, conventional medicines, validation of traditional uses, and in-depth phytochemical analysis are areas of research in genus Berberis.

An exploration of factors influencing the selection of generic and innovator medicines in Saudi Arabia using an observational cross-sectional study.

Background and objectives: Generic medications are cost-effective without compromising therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate, using a cross-sectional study design, the factors influencing Saudi Arabian consumers' preferences between innovator and generic medications. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Saudi Arabia using a Google survey form. For data collection, a simple random sampling strategy was used. The recruited participants were surveyed using a validated questionnaire that focused on six influencing domains: physician, pharmacist, perceived effectiveness, price, information availability, and confidence based on prior experience. The obtained data was used to analyze factors that have an association with any of the six domains using multinomial regression analysis. A correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between domains. Results: The 317 participants included 64.4 % females, 52 % aged ≥ 26, and a large proportion of Saudi nationals (82.6 %) and university graduates (78.9 %). Being employed (OR:3.029; P = 0.006; CI: 6.715-1.366), a healthcare providers (OR:2.298; P = 0.043; CI: 5.151-1.025), and having insurance coverage (OR:1.908; P = 0.017; CI: 3.245-1.122) had a greater influence on medication selection. Participants with linguistic and business educational backgrounds (OR:3.443; P = 0.022; CI: 9.950-1.191), those living in the northern region of Saudi Arabia (OR:3.174; P = 0.009; CI: 7.585-1.328), having chronic ailments (OR:3.863; P = 0.013; CI: 11.274-1.324), and possess insurance (OR:1.748; P = 0.039; CI: 2.971-1.028) get readily influenced by pharmacist. People who were married and lived in Saudi Arabia's southern region were influenced by perceived effectiveness when choosing medicine. Participants from the northern region were found to be influenced by the price of the medicines, information about the medicines, and confidence based on previous experience. The price of medicines has a significant impact on those suffering from chronic diseases. At a significant level of P = 0.01, all six influencing domains were found to be positively correlated with each other. Conclusion: The study shows that healthcare providers, drug prices, perceived efficacy, and information availability all have a big influence on the Saudi Arabian population's choice of medications. Educational background, location, and chronic disease status are associated with several influencing domains. Aside from public awareness campaigns, healthcare professionals should be involved in the implementation of the generic medication policy.

Novel ibuprofen prodrug: A possible promising agent for the management of complications of Alzheimer's disease.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe, varied, and complex brain condition that gradually impairs memory and cognitive function. Epidemiological studies have shown that patients who have a history of long-term NSAID use have a decreased risk of developing AD. The objective of this study is to conduct the structural analysis of a novel ibuprofen prodrug and test its anti-Alzheimer's properties. Methods: Computational and docking studies were conducted using AMBER 18 package. The in-vivo studies were performed using aluminum chloride-induced experimental AD in rats. Adult Wistar rats of either sex were used and treated with aluminum chloride (32.5 mg/kg, p.o) and ibuprofen prodrug (50 mg/kg, p.o) daily for 30 days. The hole-board test and elevated plus maze were conducted on 10th, 20th and 30th day. Further, on 31st day, animals were euthanized and the brain tissue was used for histopathology. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA and Dunnet's test, p < 0.05 was considered to indicate the significance. Results: The structural configuration of the novel compound indicated the presence of several structures such as aliphatic, aromatic, and asymmetry in the compound. The geometrical analysis indicated that the ibuprofen conjugate has dreiding energy of 51.22 kcal/mol with a van der waals radius of 62.56 A. The Huckel analysis confirmed the presence of aromatic rings in the compound. The molecular docking studies suggested affinity towards beta-secretase and acetylcholinesterase, besides indicating that the compound has ideal characteristics for the oral route (Log P = 2.33), cellular absorption (TPSA = 95.50), and oral bioavailability (number of rotatable bonds = 10). The toxicity profile indicated devoid of major systemic toxicity with mild possibility of cytotoxicity. The in-vivo analysis showed that the Ibu-prodrug significantly (P < 0.001) reversed the changes induced by aluminum chloride and restored histomorphological features in brain tissue. Conclusion: The findings suggested that the ibuprofen conjugate might possess the potential to manage the complications of AD. The action appears to be mediated through inhibition of beta-secretase and acetylcholinesterase activities. More studies might aid in identifying a specific therapeutic intervention that is still lacking in the treatment of AD.

A Patent Review on the Therapeutic Application of Monoclonal Antibodies in COVID-19.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains spike proteins that assist the virus in entering host cells. In the absence of a specific intervention, efforts are afoot throughout the world to find an effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2. Through innovative techniques, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are being designed and developed to block a particular pathway of SARS-CoV-2 infection. More than 100 patent applications describing the development of MAbs and their application against SARS-CoV-2 have been registered. Most of them target the receptor binding protein so that the interaction between virus and host cell can be prevented. A few monoclonal antibodies are also being patented for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Some of them, like Regeneron® have already received emergency use authorization. These protein molecules are currently preferred for high-risk patients such as those over 65 years old with compromised immunity and those with metabolic disorders such as obesity. Being highly specific in action, monoclonal antibodies offer one of the most appropriate interventions for both the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Technological advancement has helped in producing highly efficacious MAbs. However, these agents are known to induce immunogenic and non-immunogenic reactions. More research and testing are required to establish the suitability of administering MAbs to all patients at risk of developing a severe illness. This patent study is focused on MAbs as a therapeutic option for treating COVID-19, as well as their invention, patenting information, and key characteristics.

Tectona grandis L.f: A comprehensive review on its patents, chemical constituents, and biological activities.

Tectona grandis L.f is a timber plant that is commonly referred to as teak. Its wide use as a medicine in the various indigenous systems makes it a plant of importance. A wide gamut of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, phenolic glycosides, steroids, etc. has been reported. A renewed interest in this plant has resulted in scientific investigations by various researchers towards the isolation and identification of active constituents along with scientific proof of its biological activities. The different parts of the plant have been scientifically evaluated for their antioxidant, antipyretic, analgesic, hypoglycemic, wound healing, cytotoxic, and many more biological activities. Documentation of this scientific knowledge is of importance to have consolidated precise information encompassing the various aspects of this plant, which could provide a base for future studies. This review is a compilation of the salient reports on these investigations concerning phytochemistry, the methods used to identify and quantify the constituents, the evaluation methods of the biological activity, toxicological studies, allergies and the patent/patent applications. This will further help researchers to find an area of the gap for future studies.

Total phenolic, flavonoid contents, and biological activities of stem extracts of Astragalus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl. grown in Northern Border Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective: Genus Astragalus belongs to the family Fabaceae and is one among the largest genera consisting of around 3000 species. The plants have been used traditionally in treatment of various ailments in folklore. The study was planned to assess the analgesic and inflammatory activity of Astragulus spinosus (Forssk.) Muschl extract of the stem. Materials and methods: Course powder of stems of Astragulus spinosus was extracted using chloroform and methanol as solvents. Folin ciocalteu method was employed for determination of the phenolic acid content. Aluminum chloride colorimetric procedure was followed for estimating the flavonoid content. Both chloroform and methanolic extracts at 250 and 500 mg/kg, were tested for the analgesic activity, however, only methanolic extract was selected for anti-inflammatory property based on the results of analgesic activity. The analgesic effect was executed on male rats by the hot plate model. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied in the carrageenan rat paw edema model. The experimental information was interpreted statistically using one-way ANOVA and p < 0.05 was used to express importance of the results. Results: The total phenolics of the methanol extract was 420 µg and that of chloroform extract was 265 µgwhile total flavonoid content in terms of quercetin was found to be 68 µg and 17.5 µg for methanol and chloroform extract respectively. Only methanolic extract exhibited significant (p < 0.001) analgesic activity by elevating the pain threshold starting from 15 min. The methanolic extract inhibited (p < 0.001) the edema in carrageenan induced model. The performance of higher dose (500 mg/kg) was better with reference to lower dose (250 mg/kg). Conclusion: Outcome of the results show that the methanolic stem extracts exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory-like activity with reference to chloroform extract. Credit of which is given to flavonoids and phenolic content present in the methanolic extract. However, more research is suggested to establish the safety and effectiveness of the herbal drug to manage diseased states including pain and inflammation.

Report: synthesis and evaluation of mannich bases of Benzimidazo [1,2-c] quinazolin- 6(5h)-thione for antimicrobial activity.

The intermediate Benzimidazo[1,2-c] quinazolin-6(5H)-thione (1) was obtained by cyclization of 2-(2'-aminophenyl) benzimidazole with carbon disulfide. Mannich base (2a-d) of compound (1) was obtained on treatment with Para formaldehyde and secondary aliphatic amines, similarly treatment of (1) with different ketones afforded respective mannich bases (3 e-h). All derivatives synthesized were characterized from IR and 1HNMR spectral data's. Moderate anti bacterial activity was exhibited from 2a-d and from 3f, 3h against S. aureus, E. coli, and E. fecalis but very negligent activity were seen from these compounds when screened against P aeruginosa.

COVID-19 and Psychological Health of Female Saudi Arabian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented on physical and mental health. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 event on mental health among Saudi Arabian females of Riyadh by a cross-sectional study design. The samples of the study were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling methods. The questionnaire is composed of items related to sociodemographic profile, general mental status, negative attitude scale, impact of event (COVID-19 pandemic) scale (R) and negative health impact. The data obtained were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis. Out of the 797 samples (34.58 ± 12.89 years), 457 (57.34%) belonged to an age group of ≥25 years. The average BMI of the participants was 26.73 (kg/m2). Significantly (p = 0.000), a large proportion of the participants were overweight and unemployed. Age group (>25 years) have more odds for abnormal mental status (OR; 1.592), development of negative attitudes (OR; 1.986), the intense impact of COVID-19 events (OR; 1.444) and susceptibility to attain negative health impacts (OR; 1.574). High body weight is another risk factor for altered mental status, negative attitude and developing impact of COVID-19 quickly. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic was directly associated with stress (53%), anxiety (63%) and depression (44%) in our sample population. There is an urgent need for psychological counseling for the distressed population.

Evaluation of Tectona grandis leaves for wound healing activity.

The frontal leaves of Tectona grandis (Verabinaceae) are widely used in the folklore for the treatment of various kinds of wounds, especially burn wound. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of hydrochloric extract of Tectona grandis on experimentally induced wounds in rats and compare the effects observed with a known wound healing agent, Aloe vera. The models selected were excision wound, incision wound, burn wound and dead space wound. A suitable gel formulation was selected for the application using cellophane membrane penetration. In the excision wound and burn wound models, animals treated with Tectona grandis leaf extract showed significant reduction in period of epithelisation and wound contraction 50%. In the incision wound model, a significant increase in the breaking strength was observed. Tectona grandis leaf extract treatment orally produced a significant increase in the breaking strength, dry weight and hydroxyproline content of the granulation tissue in dead space wound. It was concluded that Tectona grandis leaf extract applied topically (5% and 10% gel formulation) or administered orally (250 mg and 500 mg/kg body weight) possesses wound healing activity.

Anti microbial and anti-oxidant properties of the isolated compounds from the methanolic extract from the leaves of Tectona grandis.

The compounds Gallic acid (GA), rutin(R), quercitin (Q), ellagic acid (EA) and sitosterol(S) were isolated from the methanolic extract of the leaves of Tectona grandis. These compounds were subjected to antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The zone of inhibition of isolated compounds was evaluated by cup plate method against bacteria i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Eschericia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and fungi Candida albicans. The anti oxidant activity of the extract and the isolated compounds were evaluated by using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Rutin has shown significant anti microbial activity against both the gram positive and gram negative bacteria when compared to the other compounds. The results of the anti oxidant activity revealed that quercitin showed good activity followed by rutin gallic acid, ellagic acid and sitosterol. The difference in both these activities of the isolated compounds was attributed to the number and position of the phenolic OH groups.