Innovative utilization of harvested mushroom substrate for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles: A multi-response optimization approach.

In this work, harvested mushroom substrate (HMS) has been explored for the first time through a comprehensive optimization study for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). A multiple response central composite design with three parameters: pH of the reaction mixture, temperature, and incubation period at three distinct levels was employed in the optimization study. The particle size of AgNPs, UV absorbance, and the percentage of Ag/Cl elemental ratio were considered as the response parameters. For each response variable examined the model used was found to be significant (P < 0.05). The ideal conditions were: pH 8.9, a temperature of 59.4 °C, and an incubation period of 48.5 h. The UV-visible spectra of AgNPs indicated that the absorption maxima for AgNP-3 were 414 nm, 420 for AgNPs-2, and 457 for AgNPs-1. The XRD analysis of AgNPs-3 and AgNPs-2 show a large diffraction peak at ∼38.2°, ∼44.2°, ∼64.4°, and ∼77.4°, respectively, which relate to the planes of polycrystalline face-centered cubic (fcc) silver. Additionally, the XRD result of AgNPs-1, reveals diffraction characteristics of AgCl planes (111, 200, 220, 311, 222, and 400). The TEM investigations indicated that the smallest particles were synthesized at pH 9 with average diameters of 35 ± 6 nm (AgNPs-3). The zeta potentials of the AgNPs are -36 (AgNPs-3), -28 (AgNPs-2), and -19 (AgNPs-1) mV, respectively. The distinct IR peak at 3400, 1634, and 1383 cm-1 indicated the typical vibration of phenols, proteins, and alkaloids, respectively. The AgNPs were further evaluated against gram (+) strain Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 736) and gram (-) strain Escherichia coli (MTCC 68). All of the NPs tested positive for antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains. The study makes a sustainable alternative to disposing of HMS to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Three New Species of Laccaria (Hydnangiaceae) from India (Darjeeling Hills) Based on Molecular and Morphological Evidence.

Three new species of Laccaria infundibuliformis, L. pallidus, and L. darjeelingensis, collected from Darjeeling, India, are described based on morphological and molecular evidence. Laccaria infundibuliformis is characterized by its small infundibuliform basidiocarps, and echinulate basidiospores with spines up to 1.36 µm long. Laccaria pallidus is characterized by medium-sized greyish-red basidiocarps, and echinulate basidiospores with spines up to 1.9 µm long. Laccaria darjeelingensis is characterized by dull red basidiocarps, and echinulate basidiospores with spines up to 1.27 µm long. Altogether, the study shows that these three Laccaria species are previously unknown to science.

Myco-remediation of plastic pollution: current knowledge and future prospects.

To date, enumerable fungi have been reported to participate in the biodegradation of several notorious plastic materials following their isolation from soil of plastic-dumping sites, marine water, waste of mulch films, landfills, plant parts and gut of wax moth. The general mechanism begins with formation of hydrophobin and biofilm proceding to secretion of specific plastic degarding enzymes (peroxidase, hydrolase, protease and urease), penetration of three dimensional substrates and mineralization of plastic polymers into harmless products. As a result, several synthetic polymers including polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane and/or bio-degradable plastics have been validated to deteriorate within months through the action of a wide variety of fungal strains predominantly Ascomycota (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Penicillium spp.). Understanding the potential and mode of operation of these organisms is thus of prime importance inspiring us to furnish an up to date view on all the presently known fungal strains claimed to mitigate the plastic waste problem. Future research henceforth needs to be directed towards metagenomic approach to distinguish polymer degrading microbial diversity followed by bio-augmentation to build fascinating future of waste disposal.

Anticancer activity and other biomedical properties of ß-sitosterol: Bridging phytochemistry and current pharmacological evidence for future translational approaches.

Sterols, including ß-sitosterol, are essential components of cellular membranes in both plant and animal cells. Despite being a major phytosterol in various plant materials, comprehensive scientific knowledge regarding the properties of ß-sitosterol and its potential applications is essential for scholarly pursuits and utilization purposes. ß-sitosterol shares similar chemical characteristics with cholesterol and exhibits several pharmacological activities without major toxicity. This study aims to bridge the gap between phytochemistry and current pharmacological evidence of ß-sitosterol, focusing on its anticancer activity and other biomedical properties. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of ß-sitosterol's potential for future translational approaches. A thorough examination of the literature was conducted to gather relevant information on the biological properties of ß-sitosterol, particularly its anticancer therapeutic potential. Various databases were searched, including PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using appropriate keywords. Studies investigating the effects of ß-sitosterol on different types of cancer were analyzed, focusing on mechanisms of action, pharmacological screening, and chemosensitizing properties. Modern pharmacological screening studies have revealed the potential anticancer therapeutic properties of ß-sitosterol against various types of cancer, including leukemia, lung, stomach, breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancer. ß-sitosterol has demonstrated chemosensitizing effects on cancer cells, interfering with multiple cell signaling pathways involved in proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, survival, metastasis invasion, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Structural derivatives of ß-sitosterol have also shown anti-cancer effects. However, research in the field of drug delivery and the detailed mode of action of ß-sitosterol-mediated anticancer activities remains limited. ß-sitosterol, as a non-toxic compound with significant pharmacological potential, exhibits promising anticancer effects against various cancer types. Despite being relatively less potent than conventional cancer chemotherapeutics, ß-sitosterol holds potential as a safe and effective nutraceutical against cancer. Further comprehensive studies are recommended to explore the biological properties of ß-sitosterol, including its mode of action, and develop novel formulations for its potential use in cancer treatment. This review provides a foundation for future investigations and highlights the need for further research on ß-sitosterol as a potent superfood in combating cancer.

Spermine induced endogenous signal ameliorates osmotic stress in Lens culinaris.

The present study evaluates the alleviation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) mediated osmotic stress by exogenous spermine (SP) application on seeds of Lens culinaris. Seeds were soaked overnight with SP (0.05 M) and PEG (10%) separately. Third set was prepared by combined treatment with SP (0.05 M) and PEG (10%). Further, various physiological parameters, defense enzymes, phenol, flavonoid, nitric oxide (NO), proline content, chromosomal abnormality studies etc. was conducted after 5 days of incubation. PEG application significantly hampered the seed germination, root length, shoot length, relative water content and vigour index. Application of PEG induced electrolytic leakage in root cells. PEG application also significantly reduced the activities of different defense parameters viz. peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase and ß-1,3 glucanase, total phenol and flavonoid accumulation over control. Reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, cell death was found significantly high in PEG treated sets. However, NO level has been significantly decreased by PEG treatment. Cytological studies showed reduced mitotic index and highest abnormalities under osmotic stress. Contrary to that, application of SP either alone or in combination with PEG showed improved responses of aforesaid defense parameters compared to control and solely PEG treated sets. Interestingly, cytological abnormalities were also reduced in SP treated roots. Overall, these results suggests that SP application on seeds reduced the PEG induced damage and intricately improved the defense mechanisms which might help to fight against oxidative stress.

Identification of novel mycocompounds as inhibitors of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway against RCC.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is one of the frequently disrupted signaling pathways in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that plays a significant role in tumor formation, disease progression and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, novel natural molecules targeting the critical proteins of this pathway will provide the best alternative to existing drugs, which are toxic and develops resistance. Recent studies have recognized the anti-cancer therapeutic potential of mycocompounds. The current study is focused on screening various mycocompounds from Astraeus hygrometricus against key cancer signaling proteins phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B, PKB (AKT1) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). We also studied in-silico cancer cells cytotoxicity and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) profiles to elucidate the molecular mechanism against RCC and also to uncover the pharmacokinetic profile of these compounds. Astrakurkurone and Ergosta-4,6, 8-(14) 22-tetraene-3-one were the two most efficacious compounds with highest interaction scores and bonding. These compounds were both active against RCC4 and VMRC-RCZ cell lines of RCC. The ADME profiles of both were satisfactory based on druglikeness and bioavailability score criteria. Thus, this proposed study identified astrakurkurone and ergosta-4,6, 8-(14) 22-tetraene-3-one as potential anticancer drug candidates, and provides comparative structural insight into their binding to the 3 protein kinases.

A natural derivative from ethnomedicinal mushroom potentiates apoptosis, autophagy and attenuates cell migration, via fine tuning the Akt signaling in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549).

Although comprehensive exertions have been made in late decades for treating advanced lung cancer with inclusive therapies but efficient anti-lung cancer therapeutics are statically inadequate in the clinics. Hence, compelling novel anti-lung cancer drugs are considerably desired. This backdrop enticed us to unveil anticancer efficacy of astrakurkurol, derivative of wild edible mushroom against lung cancer, whose effects have not yet been described. Mechanistic analysis disclosed that sensitizing effect of astrakurkurol is due to cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, increased level of Fas, FADD, decreased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and increased cleaved form of caspase 9, 8, and 3. Apart from the induction of apoptosis, it was demonstrated for the first time that astrakurkurol induced an autophagic response as evidenced by the development of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) with up-regulation of beclin-1, Atg7, and downregulated p62. Apoptosis and autophagy can be sparked by the same stimuli, which was as evident from the astrakurkurol-induced inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling. The thorough scanning of the mechanism of crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy is requisite for prosperous anticancer remedy. Triterpenoid has evidently intensified cytotoxicity, induced apoptosis and autophagy on A549 cells. Besides astrakurkurol could also curb migration and regress the size of tumor in ex ovo xenograft model. All these findings put forth astrakurkurol as a convincing novel anti-cancer agent, for scrutinizing the lung cancer therapies and as a robust contender for future in vitro and in vivo analysis.

A mushroom derived 'carbohydrate-fraction' reinstates host-immunity and protects from Leishmania donovani infection.

The anti-leishmanial effect of the 'carbohydrate-fraction', isolated from an edible mushroom Astraeus hygrometricus, was evaluated against Leishmania donovani infection both in vitro and in vivo. Ahf-Car induced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (iNOS2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-12, with subsequent downregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokines as TGF-ß and IL-10, in vitro and in vivo along with a remarkable increase in the expressions of IL-6, IL-1ß, IFN-γ and IRFs, IRF-7 and IRF-8 in vivo. Ahf-Car also reduced the parasite burden in the spleen and liver dose-dependently with a simultaneous proliferation of Ly6C+ cells in the bone marrow of Leishmania-infected experimental animals. It also increased the monocyte population dose-dependently and the expression of the myeloid transcription factor PU.1, in vivo, which presumably signifies the expansion of protective macrophages. Thus, Ahf-Car might be a potent anti-leishmanial lead with unique and effective adjuvant capacity.

Phytochemical constituents, biological activities, and health-promoting effects of the genus Origanum.

Origanum species are mostly distributed around the Mediterranean, Euro-Siberian, and Iran-Siberian regions. Since time immemorial, the genus has popularly been used in Southern Europe, as well as on the American continent as a spice now known all over the world under the name "oregano" or "pizza-spice." Origanum plants are also employed to prepare bitter tinctures, wines, vermouths, beer, and kvass. The major components of Origanum essential oil are various terpenes, phenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids with predominant occurrence of carvacrol and thymol (with reasonable amounts of p-cymen and -terpinene) or of terpinene-4-ol, linalool, and sabinene hydrate. Many species of Origanum genus are used to treat kidney, digestive, nervous, and respiratory disorders, spasms, sore throat, diabetes, lean menstruation, hypertension, cold, insomnia, toothache, headache, epilepsy, urinary tract infections, etc. Origanum essential oil showed potent bioactivities owing to its major constituents' carvacrol, thymol, and monoterpenes. Several preclinical studies evidenced its pharmacological potential as antiproliferative or anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, renoprotective, antiinflammatory, vasoprotective, cardioprotective, antinociceptive, insecticidal, and hepatoprotective properties. Its nanotechnological applications as a promising pharmaceutical in order to enhance the solubility, physicochemical stability, and the accumulation rate of its essential oils have been investigated. However, Origanum has been reported causing angioedema, perioral dermatitis, allergic reaction, inhibition of platelet aggregation, hypoglycemia, and abortion. Conclusive evidences are still required for its clinical applications against human medical conditions. Toxicity analyses and risk assessment will aid to its safe and efficacious application. In addition, elaborate structure-activity studies are needed to explore the potential use of Origanum-derived phytochemicals as promising drug candidates.

Fungal diversity notes 1387-1511: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on genera and species of fungal taxa.

This article is the 13th contribution in the Fungal Diversity Notes series, wherein 125 taxa from four phyla, ten classes, 31 orders, 69 families, 92 genera and three genera incertae sedis are treated, demonstrating worldwide and geographic distribution. Fungal taxa described and illustrated in the present study include three new genera, 69 new species, one new combination, one reference specimen and 51 new records on new hosts and new geographical distributions. Three new genera, Cylindrotorula (Torulaceae), Scolecoleotia (Leotiales genus incertae sedis) and Xenovaginatispora (Lindomycetaceae) are introduced based on distinct phylogenetic lineages and unique morphologies. Newly described species are Aspergillus lannaensis, Cercophora dulciaquae, Cladophialophora aquatica, Coprinellus punjabensis, Cortinarius alutarius, C. mammillatus, C. quercoflocculosus, Coryneum fagi, Cruentomycena uttarakhandina, Cryptocoryneum rosae, Cyathus uniperidiolus, Cylindrotorula indica, Diaporthe chamaeropicola, Didymella azollae, Diplodia alanphillipsii, Dothiora coronicola, Efibula rodriguezarmasiae, Erysiphe salicicola, Fusarium queenslandicum, Geastrum gorgonicum, G. hansagiense, Helicosporium sexualis, Helminthosporium chiangraiensis, Hongkongmyces kokensis, Hydrophilomyces hydraenae, Hygrocybe boertmannii, Hyphoderma australosetigerum, Hyphodontia yunnanensis, Khaleijomyces umikazeana, Laboulbenia divisa, Laboulbenia triarthronis, Laccaria populina, Lactarius pallidozonarius, Lepidosphaeria strobelii, Longipedicellata megafusiformis, Lophiotrema lincangensis, Marasmius benghalensis, M. jinfoshanensis, M. subtropicus, Mariannaea camelliae, Melanographium smilaxii, Microbotryum polycnemoides, Mimeomyces digitatus, Minutisphaera thailandensis, Mortierella solitaria, Mucor harpali, Nigrograna jinghongensis, Odontia huanrenensis, O. parvispina, Paraconiothyrium ajrekarii, Parafuscosporella niloticus, Phaeocytostroma yomensis, Phaeoisaria synnematicus, Phanerochaete hainanensis, Pleopunctum thailandicum, Pleurotheciella dimorphospora, Pseudochaetosphaeronema chiangraiense, Pseudodactylaria albicolonia, Rhexoacrodictys nigrospora, Russula paravioleipes, Scolecoleotia eriocamporesi, Seriascoma honghense, Synandromyces makranczyi, Thyridaria aureobrunnea, Torula lancangjiangensis, Tubeufia longihelicospora, Wicklowia fusiformispora, Xenovaginatispora phichaiensis and Xylaria apiospora. One new combination, Pseudobactrodesmium stilboideus is proposed. A reference specimen of Comoclathris permunda is designated. New host or distribution records are provided for Acrocalymma fici, Aliquandostipite khaoyaiensis, Camarosporidiella laburni, Canalisporium caribense, Chaetoscutula juniperi, Chlorophyllum demangei, C. globosum, C. hortense, Cladophialophora abundans, Dendryphion hydei, Diaporthe foeniculina, D. pseudophoenicicola, D. pyracanthae, Dictyosporium pandanicola, Dyfrolomyces distoseptatus, Ernakulamia tanakae, Eutypa flavovirens, E. lata, Favolus septatus, Fusarium atrovinosum, F. clavum, Helicosporium luteosporum, Hermatomyces nabanheensis, Hermatomyces sphaericoides, Longipedicellata aquatica, Lophiostoma caudata, L. clematidis-vitalbae, Lophiotrema hydei, L. neoarundinaria, Marasmiellus palmivorus, Megacapitula villosa, Micropsalliota globocystis, M. gracilis, Montagnula thailandica, Neohelicosporium irregulare, N. parisporum, Paradictyoarthrinium diffractum, Phaeoisaria aquatica, Poaceascoma taiwanense, Saproamanita manicata, Spegazzinia camelliae, Submersispora variabilis, Thyronectria caudata, T. mackenziei, Tubeufia chiangmaiensis, T. roseohelicospora, Vaginatispora nypae, Wicklowia submersa, Xanthagaricus necopinatus and Xylaria haemorrhoidalis. The data presented herein are based on morphological examination of fresh specimens, coupled with analysis of phylogenetic sequence data to better integrate taxa into appropriate taxonomic ranks and infer their evolutionary relationships.

Elucidation of the biochemical and molecular basis of the differential disease expression in two cultivars of chili (Capsicum annuum) in response to Colletotrichum capsici infection.

Chili plants are affected by the hemibiotrophic ascomycota fungus Colletotrichum capsici causing Anthracnose. Infection results in yield and marketability loss due to a decrease in the quality of fruits. The study of morphological symptom development in two cultivars, Bullet, and Beldanga, showed very different disease expression pattern. To understand the reasons behind such differential response, we investigated, in a time-dependent manner, biochemical activities of important defense enzymes, PR proteins, like peroxidase, polyphenol-oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, ß-glucanase, chitinase, catalase, as well as phenols, flavonoids, chlorophyll and the key signaling molecule nitric oxide in their leaves. We further performed real-time nitric oxide (NO) detection studies. The results showed striking differences in the activity profile of these defense molecules through the course of the study. We monitored the gene expression levels of 12 important defense-related genes under in vivo condition. The transcription levels were mostly increased in the tolerant cultivar till 7 days post-infection (DPI), while downregulation of some of the genes were observed in the susceptible one. These data indicated that disease manifestation is a simulated response of these defense molecules which can nullify the effect of the pathogen and its products, when resistance occurs. Alternatively, the pathogen suppresses the host defense when the disease develops. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11738-021-03334-x.

Exploration of nutritional, antioxidative, antibacterial and anticancer status of Russula alatoreticula: towards valorization of a traditionally preferred unique myco-food.

Healthy food trend is becoming popular these days fueling search for ingredients empowered by pharma-nutritional benefits. In contrast, numerous wild-growing mushrooms are traditionally cherished as health promoting gastronomies in India; although credibility of their effects has so far been limited. Hence the present study aimed to unveil a unique tribal cuisine, Russula alatoreticula, with nutritional, chemical and pharmacological relevance. The outcome demonstrated an excellent alimentary composition with carbohydrate and protein as prominent macronutrients in contrast to fat providing oleic acid (36.66%), linoleic acid (16.84%), palmitic acid (16.01%) and stearic acid (15.31%) indicative of profitable nutritive account. Conversely, ethanolic fraction enriched with phenolics (pyrogallol > cinnamic acid) presented effective antioxidant property in terms of radical scavenging, Fe2+ chelating and reducing power with EC50 ranging from 785 to 2500 µg/ml. Remarkable antibacterial activity was also noted against the tested microorganisms (MIC of 72.5-1560 µg/ml) preferentially targeting Gram-positive one. Besides treatment of the preparation rendered Hep3B proliferation as evident by phenotypic changes, cell cycle interference, reactive oxygen species generation, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction, DNA fragmentation, change in Bax/Bcl2 ratio and activation of caspase9 signifying induction of intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Thus the study represents R. alatoreticula as a value-added bio-resource that could be featured in food and pharmaceutical industries for betterment of humankind.

Biological activities and health-promoting effects of Pyracantha genus: a key approach to the phytochemical's potential.

Pyracantha spp. are commonly called firethorn, and attract human attention due to their colorful berries. These berries are eaten globally as a traditional remedy for treating different stomach abnormalities, and as a cooking ingredient for folk diets. The present review aims to provide an overview on Pyracantha genus' geographical distribution and botanical description, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, biological activities and safety issues. Several biological activities have been reported to Pyracantha species, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, larvicidal and cytotoxic properties, most of them attributed to the use of their fruits. Pyracantha species phytochemical composition reveal the presence of interesting bioactive molecules, such as pyracrenic acid and fortuneanosides. The currently reported biological activities to these plants derive from in vitro and in vivo studies, so that clinical trials are needed to confirm these preclinical results. Nonetheless, Pyracantha species can be suggested as a safe herb useful to develop future drug formulations and functional foods.

Astrakurkurone, a sesquiterpenoid from wild edible mushroom, targets liver cancer cells by modulating Bcl-2 family proteins.

Induction of apoptosis is the target of choice for modern chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer, where lack of potent "target-specific" drugs has led to extensive research on anticancer compounds from natural sources. In our study, we have used astrakurkurone, a triterpene isolated from wild edible mushroom, Astraeus hygrometricus. We have discussed the structure and stability of astrakurkurone employing single-crystal X-ray crystallography and studied its potential apoptogenicity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Our experiments reveal that it is cytotoxic against the HCC cell lines (Hep 3B and Hep G2) at significantly low doses. Further investigations indicated that astrakurkurone acts by inducing apoptosis in the cells, disrupting mitochondrial membrane potential and inducing the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins, for example, Bax, and the downstream effector caspases 3 and 9. A molecular docking study also predicted direct interactions of the drug with antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Thus, astrakurkurone could become a valuable addition to the conventional repertoire of future anticancer drugs. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 1-11, 2019.

Cucurbits Plants: A Key Emphasis to Its Pharmacological Potential.

Cucurbita genus has received a renowned interest in the last years. This plant species, native to the Americas, has served worldwide folk medicine for treating gastrointestinal diseases and intestinal parasites, among other clinical conditions. These pharmacological effects have been increasingly correlated with their nutritional and phytochemical composition. Among those chemical constituents, carotenoids, tocopherols, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, sterols, fatty acids, and functional carbohydrates and polysaccharides are those occurring in higher abundance. However, more recently, a huge interest in a class of triterpenoids, cucurbitacins, has been stated, given its renowned biological attributes. In this sense, the present review aims to provide a detailed overview to the folk medicinal uses of Cucurbita plants, and even an in-depth insight on the latest advances with regards to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer effects. A special emphasis was also given to its clinical effectiveness in humans, specifically in blood glucose levels control in diabetic patients and pharmacotherapeutic effects in low urinary tract diseases.

Symphytum Species: A Comprehensive Review on Chemical Composition, Food Applications and Phytopharmacology.

Symphytum species belongs to the Boraginaceae family and have been used for centuries for bone breakages, sprains and rheumatism, liver problems, gastritis, ulcers, skin problems, joint pain and contusions, wounds, gout, hematomas and thrombophlebitis. Considering the innumerable potentialities of the Symphytum species and their widespread use in the world, it is extremely important to provide data compiling the available literature to identify the areas of intense research and the main gaps in order to design future studies. The present review aims at summarizing the main data on the therapeutic indications of the Symphytum species based on the current evidence, also emphasizing data on both the efficacy and adverse effects. The present review was carried out by consulting PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Database, Science Direct and Google Scholar (as a search engine) databases to retrieve the most updated articles on this topic. All articles were carefully analyzed by the authors to assess their strengths and weaknesses, and to select the most useful ones for the purpose of review, prioritizing articles published from 1956 to 2018. The pharmacological effects of the Symphytum species are attributed to several chemical compounds, among them allantoin, phenolic compounds, glycopeptides, polysaccharides and some toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Not less important to highlight are the risks associated with its use. In fact, there is increasing consumption of over-the-counter drugs, which when associated with conventional drugs can cause serious and even fatal adverse events. Although clinical trials sustain the folk topical application of Symphytum species in musculoskeletal and blunt injuries, with minor adverse effects, its antimicrobial potency was still poorly investigated. Further studies are needed to assess the antimicrobial spectrum of Symphytum species and to characterize the active molecules both in vitro and in vivo.

Selective in vitro inhibition of Leishmania donovani by a semi-purified fraction of wild mushroom Grifola frondosa.

The current study was designed to assess the anti-leishmanial effect of a semi-purified fraction of wild mushroom Grifola frondosa against Leishmania donovani, in vitro. A total of five extracts from three wild mushrooms [Grifola frondosa (family, Meripilaceae) Laetiporus sulphurous (family, Polyporaceae) and Meripilus giganteus (family, Meripilaceae) were explored for novel anti-leishmanial leads against promastigotes. The ethanol extract of G. frondosa was selected as the most efficient against L. donovani promastigotes (IC50: 93.9 µg/mL). A semi-purified fraction was obtained from an active ethanol extract of G. frondosa and found to inhibit the survival of promastigotes of L. donovani (MHOM/IN/83/AG83) significantly (IC50: 20.37 µg/mL) and it also had some effect against L. major LV39 (MRHO/Sv/59/P strain) and L. tropica WR683 (MHOM/SU/58/OD) strains at higher concentrations (IC50: 46.08 µg/mL and 53.79 µg/mL respectively). The semi-purified fraction also interfered in lipid biosynthesis, altered parasite morphology and induced apoptosis in L. donovani promastigotes. The semi-purified fraction was also effective against intracellular amastigotes in infected macrophages and enhanced the release of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines, in vitro. Interestingly, the 50% inhibitory concentration of the semi-purified fraction against the intracellular amastigotes (IC50: 2.48 µg/mL) was much lower in comparison to promastigotes (IC50: 20.37 µg/mL). The semi-purified fraction was found to inhibit the intracellular amastigotes slightly more efficiently in comparison to conventional anti-leishmanial drugs; sodium antimony gluconate, amphotericin B, miltefosine and paromomycin and noticeably non-toxic towards host splenocytes. The findings of the present study established that G. frondosa might be a natural resource for development of a new anti-leishmanial lead.

Toxicological Effect of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles on Soil and Aquatic Habitats.

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MO-NPs) with multifunctional properties are used extensively in various industries and released into the environment as industrial effluents and waste nano-products. These non-degradable, toxic MO-NPs are accumulating in the environment, debilitating the ecosystem and their biological communities. In this review article, a real-time scenario of MO-NP toxicity towards the soil and aquatic ecosystem and their mode of toxicity have been addressed in detail. The up-to-date information presented here suggests serious consideration of the consequences before random utilization of MO-NPs.

An eco-friendly route of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles formation and investigation of the mechanical properties of the HPMC-γ-Fe2O3 nanocomposites.

In recent times, biosynthetic approaches toward the synthesis of nanoparticles have been shown to have several advantages over physical and chemical methods. Here, we report the extracellular mycosynthesis of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles by Alternaria alternata. The fungal biomass when exposed to aqueous iron(III) chloride solution led to the formation of highly stable γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles extracellularly. The influence of these biosynthesized γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the properties of hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose was also investigated. Characterization of the biosynthesized γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and HPMC-γ-Fe2O3 nanocomposite films were done by the different types of spectral and electron microscopic analysis. The size of the γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles ranges from 75 to 650 nm. The mechanical effect of the agglomerated γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles into the HPMC polymer matrix was also investigated.

Biochemical basis of improvement of defense in tomato plant against Fusarium wilt by CaCl2.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of calcium chloride (CaCl2), as potential elicitor, on tomato plants against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Foliar application of CaCl2 showed significant reduction of wilt incidence after challenge inoculation. Increased production of defense and antioxidant enzymes was observed in elicitor treated sets over control. Simultaneously, altered amount of phenolic acids were analyzed spectrophotometrically and by using high performance liquid chromatography. Significant induction of defense-related genes expressions was measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Greater lignifications by microscopic analysis were also recorded in elicitor treated plants. Simultaneously, generation of nitric oxide (NO) in elicitor treated plants was confirmed by spectrophotometrically and microscopically by using membrane permeable fluorescent dye. Furthermore, plants treated with potential NO donor and NO modulators showed significant alteration of all those aforesaid defense molecules. Transcript analysis of nitrate reductase and calmodulin gene showed positive correlation with elicitor treatment. Furthermore, CaCl2 treatment showed greater seedling vigor index, mean trichome density etc. The result suggests that CaCl2 have tremendous potential to elicit defense responses as well as plant growth in co-relation with NO, which ultimately leads to resistance against the wilt pathogen.