Assessment of hepatoprotective, nephroprotective efficacy, and antioxidative potential of Moringa oleifera leaf powder and ethanolic extract against PCOS-induced female albino mice (Mus Musculus).

Moringa oleifera is a medicinal plant that has anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, tissue-protective, and antioxidant activities. Here, we evaluated the protective effect of M. oleifera leaf powder (MoLP) and 70% ethanol M. oleifera leaf extract (MoLE) on mitigating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-induced liver and kidney dysfunction via regulating oxidative stress in female albino mice (Mus musculus). The efficacy of M. oleifera was compared with metformin (standard medicine used to treat infertility in women). PCOS was induced by intramuscular injection of testosterone enanthate at 1.0 mg/100 g BW for 35 days. PCOS-induced mice were treated with MoLP (250 and 500 mg/Kg), MoLE (250 and 500 mg/kg), and metformin (250 mg/kg) orally for 14 days. Renal function test (RFT), liver function test (LFT), and oxidative stress biomarker malondialdehyde (MDA) were quantified in serum at 0, 7, and 14 days of intervention. Mice treated with M. oleifera and metformin showed a significant decrease (p < .001) in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphate (ALP), total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, and a significant increase (p < .001) in total protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. Oxidative stress decreased significantly (p = .00) with respect to treatments, exposure days, and their interaction in metformin and all M. oleifera-treated groups. M. oleifera leaf powder and extract reduce oxidative stress and enhance nephron-hepatic activity in PCOS-induced female albino mice.

Uncovering the key factors influencing sustainable green production behavior among Chinese medicinal herb growers.

Promoting green production behavior among farmers is crucial for enhancing income, improving industrial efficiency, and ensuring ecological security. This study analyzes the determinants of green production behavior among farmers in Cheifeng, China, Using a binary logistic model on a sample of 860 microdata. The result of empirical analysis pointed out that the implementation rate of rural households was low at 54.5 %, highlighting the need for intervention. The results suggest that age, party members, total income, total area, irrigation conditions, market, policy, social factors, and knowledge transfer ability significantly influence green production behavior. Among these factors, age, party member, total area, irrigation conditions, and knowledge transfer ability have negative effects, while other factors positively affect green production. To promote green production behavior, this study recommends improving access to information, developing a training system, enhancing quality and safety information disclosure, establishing traceability mechanisms, and providing policy subsidies. This stud also highlights the need to strengthen publicity, technical guidance, and media persuasion for promoting the green production of Chinese medicinal materials.

Impact of graded levels of coated calcium butyrate on growth performance and serological indices during pre-weaning stage in Holstein calves.

The study aimed to analyze the impact of calcium butyrate supplementation in calf starter on growth performance indices associated with early rumen development to decrease the volume of milk or milk replacer feeding and enhance early starter intake in Holstein calves. For this purpose, twelve Holstein calves were randomly assigned into three treatments (n = 4/treatment); a control without coated calcium butyrate, T1, and T2 treatments supplemented with coated calcium butyrate 3 g and 6 g per day/head, respectively. Body weight was measured at days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 of the trial, and the average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were determined. Blood samples were collected at 14, 28, 42, and 56 days of trial for serological parameters. Gut morphometry was performed at the end of trial at slaughtering by collecting duodenal samples. Furthermore, the meat was also evaluated for its quality parameters including pH and tenderness after slaughtering. The results indicated that the feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and gut morphometric parameters involving villus height and crypts depth of calves were improved in coated calcium butyrate-supplemented groups. Furthermore, the supplementation of calf starter with coated calcium butyrate significantly enhanced serum concentrations of glucose and total protein. Besides, Beta hydroxy butyrate (BHBA) levels of blood were also found to be elevated in both treatment groups. However, it was revealed that coated calcium butyrate supplementation had no significant effect on meat quality parameters. In conclusion, the supplementation of calf starter with coated calcium butyrate could improve calf performance.

Evaluating the Potential of Green Light Exposure on Nociception-A Mini Review.

The capacity of animals to react to unpleasant stimuli that might endanger their integrity is known as nociception. Pharmacological treatments do not show satisfactory results in response to nociception. In the recent era, light therapy emerged as a potential non-pharmacological approach for treating various diseases, including seasonal affective disorders, migraine, pain, and others. Evaluating the potential of green light exposure on nociception involves studying its effects on different types of pain and pain-related conditions and determining the optimal exposure methods. This review provides the beneficial effects of green light on the reduction in the frequency of pain. The green light exposure on nociception changes the activity of pain-related genes and proteins in cells. This review could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms by which green light modulates pain. Overall, evaluating the potential of green light exposure on nociception requires a multidisciplinary approach and should consider the safety, efficacy, optimal dose, and duration of green light exposure and the type of pain. However, few studies have been reported so far; therefore, light therapy for treating migraines require more studies on animal models to provide precise results of light effects on nociception.

Structural Diversity, Spectral Data, and Pharmacological Effects of Genus Nigella.

Nigella is one of the most studied plants because of its pharmacological properties like anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, hepatoprotective, and anti-cancerous. In this study, about 20 species of the genus Nigella were reviewed and among them, N. damascene, N. glandulifera, and N. sativa are widely studied for their phytochemical and pharmacological effects. This review describes the phytochemical composition of the genus Nigella, which constitutes many of the compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids. The extracts produced by using different solvents and the isolated compounds displayed a wide range of biological activity. These compounds were identified by different spectral techniques. The spectral detail of some advanced techniques including EIS-MS, UV/VIS, IR, 13 C-NMR, and 1 H-NMR of some important phytoconstituents of Nigella spp. has been compiled for the first time in this review which will be helpful to explore and further investigate the chemical composition of this genus.

Long-Term Impact of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation on Micronutrient Status, Hemoglobin Level, and Growth in Children 24 to 59 Months of Age: A Non-Randomized Community-Based Trial from Pakistan.

Cost-effective interventions are needed to address undernutrition, particularly micronutrient deficiencies, which are common in children under the age of five in low- and middle-income countries. A community-based, non-randomized clinical trial was undertaken in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January 2018 to June 2019, to evaluate the effect of locally produced micronutrient powder (local name: Vita-Mixe) on plasma micronutrient status, hemoglobin level, and anthropometric outcomes. Children aged 24-48 months old were recruited and allocated to the intervention and control arm of the study. The enrolled children in the intervention arm received one micronutrient powder (MNP) sachet for consumption on alternate days for 12 months. To assess the impact of the intervention on plasma levels of zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, and hemoglobin level, blood samples were taken at baseline and after one year following the intervention. The analysis was conducted using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), atomic absorption spectrometry, and an automated hematology analyzer. For the impact on growth parameters, the anthropometric assessment was performed using WHO standard guidelines. A 24 h dietary recall interview was used to assess the nutrient intake adequacy. Results showed that in the intervention arm, children had on average a 7.52 ng/mL (95% CI 5.11-9.92, p-value < 0.001) increase in the plasma level of vitamin A, 4.80 ng/mL (95% CI 1.63-7.95, p-value < 0.002) increase in vitamin D levels and 33.85 µg/dL (95% CI 24.40-43.30, p-value < 0.001) increase in the plasma zinc level, as well as a 2.0g/dL (95% CI 1.64-2.40, p-value < 0.001) increase in hemoglobin level. Statistically significant improvement was observed in the weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) (from -1.0 ± 0.88 to -0.40 ± 1.01, p < 0.001) and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) (from -1.40 ± 0.50 to -1.05 ± 0.49, p < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. No statistically significant change was observed in the height-for-age z-score (HAZ) in the intervention group (p = 0.93). In conclusion, micronutrient powder supplementation is a cost-effective intervention to improve the micronutrient status, hemoglobin level, and growth parameters in under-five children, which can be scaled up in the existing health system to address the alarming rates of undernutrition in Pakistan and other developing countries.

Senna: As immunity boosting herb against Covid-19 and several other diseases.

Introduction: A novel coronavirus outbreak in China (SARS-CoV-2) which began in December 2019, was proven major threat to global health. However, several results from clinical practices indicate that herbal medicine plays an important role in the prevention of COVID-19, which brings new hope for its treatment. The objective of this study is to check the effectivity of senna (Senna alexandrina Mill.) as an immunity-boosting herb against Covid-19 and several other diseases. Method: The literature search was carried out using scientific databases comprising of Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Hub and Google Scholar, up to May 2020, using the following keywords: "senna", "senna makki", "Senna alexandrina", "senna nutrition value", "senna medicinal effect", "vitamins in senna", "mineral in senna", "bioactive compounds in senna", "laxiary components in senna", "senna against diseases", "senna enhance immunity", "covid_19″, "covid_19 symptoms". The authors also obtained data from primary and secondary sources as well. Result: The results of different studies showed that senna was composed of a wide range of immunity-enhancing bioactive components like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and laxatives. These bioactive components are effective against COVID-19 and other diseases. Conclusion: Senna has medicinal and nutritional effects on the human body and has a key role in boosting immunity to prevent COVID-19 symptoms. Important nutritional components of senna include antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals that aids in reducing the risk of various diseases and also enhances the immune system.

Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): A therapeutic weapon in metabolic disorders.

The growth of functional components containing agricultural foods is enhancing because these components aid the human body against different chronic diseases. Currently, chia seeds basically belong to the mint family and are edible seeds of Salvia hispanica. These seeds are composed of different functional components including fiber, polyphenols, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acid vitamins, minerals, and peptides. Besides, these seeds are also a good source of vegetable protein, unsaturated fat, carbohydrates, and ash. Chia seed components are helpful in cardiovascular disease (CVD) by reducing blood pressure, platelet aggregation, cholesterol, and oxidation. In GI-tract-related diseases like diabetes and constipation, chia fiber reduces the blood glucose level and provides bulk to stool. However, antioxidants and polyphenols are protected beta cells of the pancreas from inflammation. These components are protected from the cell damage of the different body parts, which can provide help in different types of cancer including breast, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic. Conclusively, some pervious studies approved that chia seed components are played important role in chronic diseases.

Crocin: Functional characteristics, extraction, food applications and efficacy against brain related disorders.

Crocin is a bioactive compound that naturally occurs in some medicinal plants, especially saffron and gardenia fruit. Different conventional and novel methods are used for its extraction. Due to some control conditions, recent methods such as ultrasonic extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, enzyme-associated extraction, microwave extraction, and pulsed electric field extraction are widely used because these methods give more yield and efficiency. Crocin is incorporated into different food products to make functional foods. However, it can also aid in the stability of food products. Due to its ability to protect against brain diseases, the demand for crocin has been rising in the pharmaceutical industry. It also contain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidepressant qualities. This review aims to describe crocin and its role in developing functional food, extraction, and bioavailability in various brain-related diseases. The results of the literature strongly support the importance of crocin against various diseases and its use in making different functional foods.

Valorization of camelina oil to biobased materials and biofuels for new industrial uses: a review.

Global environmental pollution is a growing concern, especially the release of carbon dioxide from the use of petroleum derived materials which negatively impacts our environment's natural greenhouse gas level. Extensive efforts have been made to explore the conversion of renewable raw materials (vegetable oils) into bio-based products with similar or enhanced properties to those derived from petroleum. However, these edible plant oils, commonly used for human food consumption, are often not suitable raw materials for industrial applications. Hence, there is an increasing interest in exploring the use of non-edible plant oils for industrial applications. One such emerging oil seed crop is Camelina sativa, generally known as camelina, which has limited use as a food oil and so is currently being explored as a feedstock for various industrial applications in both Europe and North America. Camelina oil is highly unsaturated, making it an ideal potential AGH feedstock for the manufacture of lower carbon footprint, biobased products that reduce our dependency on petroleum resources and thus help to combat climate change. This review presents a brief description of camelina highlighting its composition and its production in comparison with traditional plant oils. The main focus is to summarize recent data on valorization of camelina oil by various chemical means, with specific emphasis on their industrial applications in biofuels, adhesives and coatings, biopolymers and bio-composites, alkyd resins, cosmetics, and agriculture. The review concludes with a discussion on current challenges and future opportunities of camelina oil valorization into various industrial products.

Therapeutic application of carvacrol: A comprehensive review.

Carvacrol is a major natural constituent and is significantly present as an essential oil in aromatic plants and is well known for its numerous biological activities. Therapeutic properties of carvacrol have been demonstrated as anti-oxidant, anticancer, diabetes prevention, cardioprotective, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective and reproductive role, antiaging, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. The carvacrol biosynthesis has been mediated through mevalonate pathway. Carvacrol has the anticancer ability against malignant cells via decreasing the expressions of matrix metalloprotease 2 and 9, inducing apoptosis, enhancing the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins, disrupting mitochondrial membrane, suppressing extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction, and also decreasing the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B. It also decreased the concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase as well as also restored liver function, insulin level, and plasma glucose level. Carvacrol also has been found to exert antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Coagulase-negative staphylococcus, Salmonella spp., Enterococcus sp. Shigella, and Escherichia coli. The current review article summarizes the health-promoting perspectives of carvacrol through various pathways.

Fiber-enriched botanicals: A therapeutic tool against certain metabolic ailments.

Plant-based foods are natural sources including vegetables, fruits, cereals and legumes. These foods consist of various types of nutrients in which carbohydrate is the basic component. However, some plant-based diets contain carbohydrates in the form of fiber. The fiber is usually a nondigestible polysaccharide that is not digested in the human body. It is present in the form of soluble or insoluble in different part of foods like peel, bran, pulp and grain. Pectin, beta-glucan, mucilage, psyllium, resistant starch and inulin are soluble fiber, and cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are insoluble fiber attained from plant foods. The major function enhances immunity by creating gastrointestinal barrier, mucus production, immune cell activity and IgA level. Previous evidences showed that peoples with strong immunity have fewer chances of viral disease. A recent viral disease named COVID-19 spread in the world and millions of peoples died due to this viral disease. Coronavirus mostly attacks humans that suffer with weak immune system. It is due chronic diseases like diabetes and CVD (cardiovascular disease). The current review shows that fiber-containing plant-based foods boost immunity and aid human against COVID-19. The therapeutic role of fiber in the human body is to control the risk of hypertension and diabetes because a high-fiber diet has the ability to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Fibers aid in GIT (gastrointestinal tract) and prevent constipation because it absorbs water and adds bulk to stool.

Potential Role of Phytochemical Extract from Saffron in Development of Functional Foods and Protection of Brain-Related Disorders.

The present review is designed to measure the effects of saffron extract in functional foods and its pharmacological properties against various disorders. Saffron is a traditional medicinal plant used as a food additive. The stigma of saffron has bioactive compounds such as safranal, crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, kaempferol, and flavonoid. These bioactive compounds can be extracted using conventional (maceration, solvent extraction, soxhlet extraction, and vapor or hydrodistillation) and novel techniques (emulsion liquid membrane extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, enzyme-associated extraction, pulsed electric field extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction). Saffron is used as a functional ingredient, natural colorant, shelf-life enhancer, and fortifying agent in developing different food products. The demand for saffron has been increasing in the pharma industry due to its protection against cardiovascular and Alzheimer disease and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidepressant properties. Conclusively, the phytochemical compounds of saffron improve the nutrition value of products and protect humans against various disorders.

Comprehensive Biological Potential, Phytochemical Profiling Using GC-MS and LC-ESI-MS, and In-Silico Assessment of Strobilanthes glutinosus Nees: An Important Medicinal Plant.

Plants of the genus Strobilanthes have notable use in folklore medicines as well as being used for pharmacological purposes. The present work explored the biological predispositions of Strobilanthes glutinosus and attempted to accomplish a comprehensive chemical profile through GC-MS of different fractions concerning polarity (chloroform and n-butanol) and LC-ESI-MS of methanolic extract by both positive and negative ionization modes. The biological characteristics such as antioxidant potential were assessed by applying six different methods. The potential for clinically relevant enzyme (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase) inhibition was examined. The DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP results revealed that the methanol fraction presented efficient results. The phosphomolybdenum assay revealed that the n-hexane fraction showed the most efficient results, while maximum metal chelation potential was observed for the chloroform fraction. The GC-MS profiling of n-butanol and chloroform fractions revealed the existence of several (110) important compounds presenting different classes (fatty acids, phenols, alkanes, monoterpenes, diterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, and sterols), while LC-ESI-MS tentatively identified the presence of 44 clinically important secondary metabolites. The n-hexane fraction exhibited the highest potential against α-amylase (497.98 mm ACAE/g extract) and α-glucosidase (605.85 mm ACAE/g extract). Significant inhibitory activity against tyrosinase enzyme was displayed by fraction. Six of the prevailing compounds from the GC-MS study (lupeol, beta-amyrin, stigmasterol, gamma sitosterol, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, and n-hexadecanoic acid) were modelled against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes along with a comparison of binding affinity to standard acarbose, while three compounds identified through LC-ESI-MS were docked to the mushroom tyrosinase enzyme and presented with significant biding affinities. Thus, it is assumed that S. glutinosus demonstrated effective antioxidant and enzyme inhibition prospects with effective bioactive molecules, potentially opening the door to a new application in the field of medicine.

Multifaced Assessment of Antioxidant Power, Phytochemical Metabolomics, In-Vitro Biological Potential and In-Silico Studies of Neurada procumbens L.: An Important Medicinal Plant.

This work was undertaken to explore the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibiting properties of Neurada procumbens L. extracts/fractions of varying polarity (methanol extract and its fractions including n-hexane, chloroform, n-butanol, and aqueous fractions). A preliminary phytochemical study of all extracts/fractions, HPLC-PDA polyphenolic quantification, and GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane fraction were used to identify the phytochemical makeup. Antioxidant (DPPH), enzyme inhibition (against xanthine oxidase, carbonic anhydrase, and urease enzymes), and antibacterial activities against seven bacterial strains were performed for biological investigation. The GC-MS analysis revealed the tentative identification of 22 distinct phytochemicals in the n-hexane fraction, the majority of which belonged to the phenol, flavonoid, sesquiterpenoid, terpene, fatty acid, sterol, and triterpenoid classes of secondary metabolites. HPLC-PDA analysis quantified syringic acid, 3-OH benzoic acid, t-ferullic acid, naringin, and epicatechin in a significant amount. All of the studied extracts/fractions displayed significant antioxidant capability, with methanol extract exhibiting the highest radical-scavenging activity, as measured by an inhibitory percentage of 81.4 ± 0.7 and an IC50 value of 1.3 ± 0.3. For enzyme inhibition experiments, the n-hexane fraction was shown to be highly potent against xanthine oxidase and urease enzymes, with respective IC50 values of 2.3 ± 0.5 and 1.1 ± 0.4 mg/mL. Similarly, the methanol extract demonstrated the strongest activity against the carbonic anhydrase enzyme, with an IC50 value of 2.2 ± 0.4 mg/mL. Moreover, all the studied extracts/fractions presented moderate antibacterial potential against seven bacterial strains. Molecular docking of the five molecules ß-amyrin, campesterol, ergosta-4,6,22-trien-3ß-ol, stigmasterol, and caryophyllene revealed the interaction of these ligands with the investigated enzyme (xanthine oxidase). The results of the present study suggested that the N. procumbens plant may be evaluated as a possible source of bioactive compounds with multifunctional therapeutic applications.

Parathyroid hormone of ≥1.6 pmol/L at 6 months is associated with recovery in 'long-term' post-surgical hypoparathyroidism.

Objective: Post-surgical hypoparathyroidism (PoSH) usually settles within few months after thyroid surgery, but several patients require long-term supplementation with calcium/activated vitamin D. When PoSH persists beyond 6 months, it is considered 'chronic' or 'permanent', however, late recovery has been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of late recovery and explore factors predicting late recovery of parathyroid function. Methods: Adult patients undergoing total/completion thyroidectomy between 2009 and 2018 were included in this retrospective cohort observational study. The records of patients with evidence of PoSH were reviewed to identify those with persisting PoSH at 6 months. Demographic, biochemical, surgical, pathological, and clinical follow-up data were collected and analysed. Results: Out of 911 patients undergoing thyroidectomy, 270 were identified with PoSH. Of these, 192 were started on supplements and 138 (71.9%) recovered within 6 months. Of the remaining 54 patients, 35 had ongoing PoSH with median (range) follow-up of 3.4 (0.5-11.1) years. Nineteen patients were weaned off supplements and achieved remission at median (range) follow-up of 1.3 (0.6-4.8) years. All of those who recovered had a PTH of ≥1.6 pmol/L at 6 months. There was no difference in age, gender, diagnosis, type, and extent of surgery between those who did and did not show late recovery. Conclusions: Recovery from PoSH is common beyond 6 months, raising the question whether a 6-month threshold to define 'long-term' PoSH is appropriate. The chances of recovery are high (~50%) in patients with PTH level ≥1.6 pmol/L at 6 months, where attempts at weaning may be focussed.

Ethanolic extracts of Pakistani euphorbiaceous plants induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells through induction of DNA damage and caspase-dependent pathway.

BACKGROUND: Numerous plants of Euphorbiaceae, thespurgefamily are traditionally used for the treatment of different diseases and recent studies also reported anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities of these plants. However, the medicinal potential of several indigenous euphorbiaceous plants of Pakistan is not described yet. Therefore, we intended to evaluate the in vitro anti-breast cancer potential of 10 euphorbiaceous plants of Pakistan. METHODS: Cytotoxic screening of ethanolic extracts of selected plants was performed by MTT assay. The qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed to find the major groups of chemicals responsible for cytotoxic activity. To determine the genotoxic effect of plant extracts, microscopic analysis was carried out. Flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopic analysis were done to detect apoptosis. To find out the expression analysis of cell cycle and cell death regulatory genes, quantitative real-time polymerase reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed. RESULTS: Among the 10 tested plants, ethanolic extracts of Croton tiglium (CTL) and Euphorbia royleana (ERA) were found to possess the highest anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7), with IC50 values 100 and 80 µg/mL respectively. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, and steroids in both plant extracts, whereas, glycosides and saponins were found only in CTL and ERA, respectively. The cellular aberrations and nuclear morphologies with a distinct DNA laddering pattern substantiated the genotoxic effects. Furthermore, our data showed that CTL and ERA induce cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase by down-regulating the CDK4 and Cyclin D1 expression followed by caspase-dependent induction of apoptosis in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. However, based on the activation of initiator and executioner caspases, two distinct types of apoptotic pathways are proposed for these plants. The CTL prompted extrinsic while ERA triggered the intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate the strong anti-proliferative and caspase-dependent apoptotic potential of CTL and ERA against breast cancer cells. Further studies are suggested to find clinical implications of these plants in breast cancer therapeutic.

In-vitro examination and isolation of antidiarrheal compounds using five bacterial strains from invasive species Bidens bipinnata L.

Bidens bipinnata is widely utilized medicinal plant for treatment of diseases like malaria, sore throat, acute nephritis and dysentery. However, despite its traditional uses Bidens bipinnata is not widely explored for its antimicrobial effect. Thus, the current study is aimed to form antimicrobial activity report of Bidens bipinnata extracts, along with isolation and evaluation of antibacterial activity of the isolated compounds through bioassay-guided purification. Hexane extract of its leaves has appeared to be most active thus it is exposed to automated column chromatography. Further purification using High-performance liquid chromatography has led to isolation of active peaks, identified by Gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry, as 16-Pregnenolone and 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester. Their antimicrobial activity was confirmed via broth dilution procedure on Staphylococcus aureus, 16-Pregnenolone revealed a strong antimicrobial activity with MIC50 of 72 µg/mL whereas 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester display an MIC50 of >250 µg/mL. Present study is the first report on isolation of these compounds from Bidens bipinnata.

Catechins, theaflavins and ginger freeze-dried extract based functional drink significantly mitigate the hepatic, diabetic and lipid abnormalities in rat model.

The Current study was planned to explore the therapeutic potential of green tea, black tea and ginger based nutraceuticals (catechins, theaflavins and ginger freeze dried extract) against obesity, diabetes and renal malfunctioning. Bioevaluation study was carried out by involving 250 male Sprague Dawley rats. Accordingly, three types of studies were conducted on the basis of different diets i.e. study I (Hyperglycemic rats), study II (obese rats), study III (liver malfunctional rats) each study comprised of five groups of rats ten in each (Sample size according to power analysis) were provided the five types of drinks i.e. control, theaflavin enriched, catechins enriched, ginger extract supplemented and combination of catechins, theaflavins and ginger extract were given to the representative groups. Results showed that the body weight of rats effected significantly with functional drinks in all studies. However, catechin enriched drink (T1) resulted maximum reduction in weight during the entire study. Similarly, T2 exerted maximum decline in cholesterol level during study I, II and III by 11.03 & 10.63, 7.62 & 8.05 and 5.99 & 6.01% whereas LDL by 14.25 & 15.10, 10.45 & 12.10 and 7.25 & 8.01%, respectively (trial 1 & 2). The attenuation in serum glucose and enhancement in insulin level of rats are the indicators for the positive impact of black tea functional drinks. In this context, Catechins+theaflavins+GFD enriched drink (T4) Showed better performance than rest and caused 8.82 & 9.77, 11.03 & 12.23 and 5.83 & 5.96% reduction in glucose. Moreover, the T4 significantly improved the liver and antioxidant enzymes. Accordingly, T4 was proved effective for glutathione enhancement whilst T2 alleviated TBARS efficiently during the investigation. The normal ranges of renal function tests and hematological aspects proved the safety of resultant drinks. From the current exploration, it is concluded that drinks supplemented with theaflavin and catechins & GFD are effectual to mitigate lifestyle related malfunctioning.

Physicochemical, antioxidant and enzymes activities of grape fruit peel and pomace enriched functional drinks.

Experiment was conducted to determine the proximate, minerals, antioxidant capacities and enzymes activities of grape fruit peel and grape fruit pomace along with sensorial evaluation of functional drinks. In this milieu, values of grapefruit peel and pomace powder for moisture, fat, crude protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber, ash, and NFE were recorded as 10.85±1.34,8.9±0.08 , 9.27±0.03, 7.69±0.02, 60.22±2.32, 50.33±2.1, 6.13±0.02, 6.13±0.01, 2.97±0.01 ,2.16±0.01 ,10.56±1.97, 24.97±2.4, respectively whilst in time intervals highest TPC for peel (118.66±8.9) mg/g was observed in 60 min followed by (102.33±7.6) mg/g at 90 min and (82.02±5.5) mg/g at 30 min respectively Whereas, the recorded TPC for pomace at 30, 60 and 90 minute were (112.73±9.1) mg/g has observed in 60 min followed by (97.21±7.9) mg/g at 90 min and (84.55±5.8) mg/g at 30 min respectively. Among the time intervals highest flavonoids contents of peel were at 60 min 52.3±1.9% followed by 52.51±1.7% at 90 min and minimum 50.72±1.4% at 30 min. The highest ABTS value was observed for peel content 248.33±5.6 λg/ml in ethanol extract followed by methanolic extract 212.11±4.4 λg/ml least in water extract 152.5±3.2 λg/ml. The means reviewed FRAP activity highest value for ethanol in peel and pomace were (92.66±5.3 µg/ml Fe2+/g) & (82.47±4.2 µg/ml Fe2+/g) followed by methanol (86.33±4.1 µg/ml Fe2+/g) & (76.83±3.4 µg/ml Fe2+/g) and least in water (66.46±2.2 µg ml Fe2+/g) &(54.24±2.1 µg/ml Fe2+/g) respectively. The color acceptability varied significant effect between 7.49 to 7.55 in T0 to T3. Likewise, storage imparted more significant decline from 7.72 to 7.30 at 0th to 60th days, respectively. The flavor scores were 7.59, 7.41, 7.26 and 7.53 in T0, T1, T2 and T3 respectively. The overall acceptability of drink was significantly increase from initiation (0th) day to termination (60th) day as 7.68 to 6.9.