Solvent based fractional biosynthesis, phytochemical analysis, and biological activity of silver nanoparticles obtained from the extract of Salvia moorcroftiana.

Multi-drug resistant bacteria sometimes known as "superbugs" developed through overuse and misuse of antibiotics are determined to be sensitive to small concentrations of silver nanoparticles. Various methods and sources are under investigation for the safe and efficient synthesis of silver nanoparticles having effective antibacterial activity even at low concentrations. We used a medicinal plant named Salvia moorcroftiana to extract phytochemicals with antibacterial, antioxidant, and reducing properties. Three types of solvents; from polar to nonpolar, i.e., water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and hexane, were used to extract the plant as a whole and as well as in fractions. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in all extracts (except hexane-based extract) were spherical, smaller than 20 nm, polydispersed (PDI ranging between 0.2 and 0.5), and stable with repulsive force of action (average zeta value = -18.55±1.17). The tested bacterial strains i.e., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis were found to be sensitive to even small concentrations of Ag-NPs, especially P. aeruginosa. The antibacterial effect of these Ag-NPs was associated with their ability to generate reactive oxygen species. DMSO (in fraction) could efficiently extract antibacterial phytochemicals and showed activity against MDR bacteria (inhibition zone = 11-12 mm). Thus, the antibacterial activity of fractionated DMSO extract was comparable to that of Ag-NPs because it contained phytochemicals having solid antibacterial potential. Furthermore, Ag-NPs synthesized from this extract owned superior antibacterial activity. However, whole aqueous extract-based Ag-NPs MIC was least (7-32 µg/mL) as compared to others.

Acute liver failure secondary to the use of unmonitored drugs and herbal supplements: an underreported and serious issue.

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a potentially fatal illness marked by the abrupt development of jaundice, coagulopathy, and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in persons having no previous history of hepatic disease. It is a relatively uncommon illness, having an incidence of 1 to 8 per million people. Hepatitis A, B, and E viruses have been documented as the most prevalent etiologies of acute liver failure in Pakistan and other developing nations. However, ALF may also occur secondary to toxicity caused by the unmonitored overdosing and toxicity of traditional medicines, herbal supplements, and alcohol. Similarly, in some instances, the etiology remains unknown. Herbal products, alternative, and complementary therapies are frequently practiced across the globe for treating various illnesses. In recent times, their use has gained much popularity. Indications and the use of these supplementary drugs vary significantly. The majority of these products have not gained approval from Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Unfortunately, the incidence of documented adverse effects linked to the usage of herbal products has increased recently, but still, these events are underreported, and the condition is known as drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and herb-induced liver injury (HILI). The estimated total herbal retail sales increased from $4230 million in 2000 to $6032 million in 2013, representing a total of 42 and 3.3% per annum increase. To reduce the occurrence of HILI and DILI, physicians in general practice settings should inquire about patients' understanding of potential toxicity with the consumption of hepatotoxic and herbal medicines.