Plackett-Burman screening of physico-chemical variables affecting Citrus peel-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activity.

With the growing resistance of pathogenic microbes to traditional drugs, biogenic silver nanoparticles (SNPs) have recently drawn attention as potent antimicrobial agents. In the present study, SNPs synthesized with the aid of orange (Citrus sinensis) peel were engineered by screening variables affecting their properties via Plackett-Burman design. Among the variables screened (temperature, pH, shaking speed, incubation time, peel extract concentration, AgNO3 concentration and extract/AgNO3 volume ratio), pH was the only variable with significant effect on SNPs synthesis. Therefore, SNPs properties could be enhanced to possess highly regular shape with zeta size of 11.44 nm and zeta potential of - 23.7 mV. SNPs purified, capped and stabilized by cloud point extraction technique were then checked for their antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Listeria innocua, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium and Candida albicans. The maximum antimicrobial activity of SNPs was recorded against E. coli, L. monocytogenes and C. albicans with clear zone diameter of 33.2, 31.8 and 31.7 mm, respectively. Based on minimum inhibition concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of SNPs (300 mg/l) as well as their effect on respiratory chain dehydrogenases, cellular sugar leakage, protein leakage and lipid peroxidation of microbial cells, E. coli was the most affected. Scanning electron microscopy, protein banding and DNA fragmentation proved obvious ultrastructural and molecular alterations of E. coli treated with SNPs. Thus, biogenic SNPs with enhanced properties can be synthesized with the aid of Citrus peel; and such engineered nanoparticles can be used as potent antimicrobial drug against E. coli.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Natural Populations of Artemisia scoparia Collected at Different Altitudes: Antibacterial, Mosquito Repellent, and Larvicidal Effects.

The current study aimed to evaluate the presence of chemical variations in essential oils (EOs) extracted from Artemisia scoparia growing at different altitudes and to reveal their antibacterial, mosquito larvicidal, and repellent activity. The gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of A. scoparia EOs revealed that the major compounds were capillene (9.6-31.8%), methyleugenol (0.2-26.6%), ß-myrcene (1.9-21.4%), γ-terpinene (1.5-19.4%), trans-ß-caryophyllene (0.8-12.4%), and eugenol (0.1-9.1%). The EO of A. scoparia collected from the city of Attock at low elevation was the most active against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (minimum inhibitory concentration of 156-1250 µg/mL) and showed the best mosquito larvicidal activity (LC50, 55.3 mg/L). The EOs of A. scoparia collected from the high-altitude areas of Abbottabad and Swat were the most repellent for females of Ae. aegypti and exhibited repellency for 120 min and 165 min, respectively. The results of the study reveal that different climatic conditions and altitudes have significant effects on the chemical compositions and the biological activity of essential oils extracted from the same species.

Pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness of anti-cancer traditional Chinese medicine: molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study.

MCM7 (Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 7) is a component of the DNA replication licensing factor, which controls DNA replication. The MCM7 protein is linked to tumor cell proliferation and has a function in the development of several human cancers. Several types of cancer may be treated by inhibiting the protein, as it is strongly produced throughout this process. Significantly, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has a long history of clinical adjuvant use against cancer, is rapidly gaining traction as a valuable medical resource for the development of novel cancer therapies, including immunotherapy. Therefore, the goal of the research was to find small molecular therapeutic candidates against the MCM7 protein that may be used to treat human cancers. A computational-based virtual screening of 36,000 natural TCM libraries is carried out for this goal using a molecular docking and dynamic simulation technique. Thereby, ∼8 novel potent compounds i.e., ZINC85542762, ZINC95911541, ZINC85542617, ZINC85542646, ZINC85592446, ZINC85568676, ZINC85531303, and ZINC95914464 were successfully shortlisted, each having the capacity to penetrate the cell as potent inhibitors for MCM7 to curb this disorder. These selected compounds were found to have high binding affinities compared to the reference (AGS compound) i.e. < -11.0 kcal/mol. ADMET and pharmacological properties showed that none of these 8 compounds poses any toxic property (carcinogenicity) and have anti-metastatic, and anticancer activity. Additionally, MD simulations were run to assess the compounds' stability and dynamic behavior with the MCM7 complex for about 100 ns. Finally, ZINC95914464, ZINC95911541, ZINC85568676, ZINC85592446, ZINC85531303, and ZINC85542646 are identified as highly stable within the complex throughout the 100 ns simulations. Moreover, the results of binding free energy suggested that the selected virtual hits significantly bind to the MCM7 which implied these compounds may act as a potential MCM7 inhibitor. However, in vitro testing protocols are required to further support these results. Further, assessment through various lab-based trial methods can assist with deciding the action of the compound that will give options in contrast to human cancer immunotherapy.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The developments of cyan emitting phosphors to fulfill the cyan emission gap of white-LEDs.

Future generations of solid-state lighting (SSL) will prioritize the development of innovative luminescent materials with superior characteristics. The phosphors converted into white light-emitting diodes (white LEDs) often have a blue-green cavity. Cyan-emitting phosphor fills the spectral gap and produces "full-visible-spectrum lighting." Full-visible spectrum lighting is beneficial for several purposes, such as light therapy, plant growth, and promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. The design of cyan garnet-type phosphors, like Ca2LuHf2Al3O12 (CLHAO), has recently been the subject of interest. This review study reports a useful cyan-emitting phosphor based on CLHAO composition with a garnet structure to have a cyan-to-green emitting color with good energy transfer. It could be employed as cyan filler in warm-white LED manufacturing. Due to its stability, ability to dope with various ions suitable for their desired qualities, and ease of synthesis, this garnet-like compound is a great host material for rare-earth ions. The development of CLHAO cyan-emitting phosphors has exceptionally high luminescence, resulting in high CRI and warm-white LEDs, making them a viable desire for LED manufacturing. The development of CLHAO cyan-emitting phosphors with diverse synthesis techniques, along with their properties and applications in white LEDs, are extensively covered in this review paper.

Current Trends In Complete Denture Education In Undergraduate Dental Colleges Of Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the current trends in complete denture education in undergraduate dental colleges. METHODS: The survey-based study was conducted in April and May 2020 at undergraduate dental colleges of Pakistan, and comprised heads of the Prosthodontics Department at all dental colleges across Pakistan having at least one batch of final year dental students. Data was collected using an online predesigned questionnaire that explored theoretical and practical teaching patterns of complete denture prosthodontics in the undergraduate years, and the materials and practices of students when constructing complete dentures in the clinics. The participants were given the option of choosing more than one option where needed. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 49 subjects approached, 40(81.6%) returned the forms duly filled; 11(27.5%) from public-sector institutions and 29(72.5%) from the private sector. There were 26(65%) institutions which required that their undergraduate students fabricate 2-4 conventional complete dentures. In all 40(100%) colleges, faculty gave live clinical demonstrations before students fabricated conventional complete dentures in the outpatient departments. Teaching strategy included small group discussions in 25(62.5%) institutions. Green stick 40(100%), zinc oxide eugenol 40(100%) and impression compound 39(97.2%) were the materials of choice for various steps of impression making. In all the 40(100%) institutions, students fabricated conventional complete dentures during their prosthodontics rotation. Immediate, copy and overdentures were constructed by students in 8(20%), 3(7.5%) and 8(20%) institutions, respectively. Conclusion: Majority of the dental schools used similar impression materials and techniques for fabricating conventional complete dentures. Didactic teaching of conventional and unconventional complete dentures was being carried out at a huge majority of the dental institutions studied.

Evaluation of clinical trials of ethnomedicine used for the treatment of diabetes: A systematic review.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a widespread metabolic disorder with a yearly 6.7 million deaths worldwide. Several treatment options are available but with common side effects like weight gain, cardiovascular diseases, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Therefore, ethnomedicine is gaining the interest of researchers in the treatment of DM. Ethnomedicine works by preventing intestinal absorption and hepatic production of glucose as well as enhancing glucose uptake in muscles and fatty tissues and increasing insulin secretion. A variety of plants have entered clinical trials but very few have gained approval for use. This current study provides an evaluation of such clinical trials. For this purpose, an extensive literature review was performed from a database using keywords like "ethnomedicine diabetes clinical trial", "clinical trials", "clinical trial in diabetes", "diabetes", "natural products in diabetes", "ethno-pharmacological relevance of natural products in diabetes", etc. Clinical trials of 20 plants and natural products were evaluated based on eligibility criteria. Major limitations associated with these clinical trials were a lack of patient compliance, dose-response relationship, and an evaluation of biomarkers with a small sample size and treatment duration. Measures in terms of strict regulations can be considered to achieve quality clinical trials. A specific goal of this systematic review is to discuss DM treatment through ethnomedicine based on recent clinical trials of the past 7 years.

Prolonged Repellent Activity of Plant Essential Oils against Dengue Vector, Aedes aegypti.

Repellents are effective personal protective means against outdoor biting mosquitoes. Repellent formulations composed of EOs are finding increased popularity among consumers. In this study, after an initial screening of 11 essential oils (EOs) at the concentration of 33 µg/cm2, five of the most repellent EOs, Perovskia atriplicifolia, Citrus reticulata (fruit peels), C. reticulata (leaves), Mentha longifolia, and Dysphania ambrosioides were further investigated for repellent activity against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in time span bioassays. When tested at the concentrations of 33 µg/cm2, 165 µg/cm2 and 330 µg/cm2, the EO of P. atriplicifolia showed the longest repellent effect up to 75, 90 and 135 min, respectively, which was followed by C. reticulata (peels) for 60, 90 and 120 min, M. longifolia for 45, 60 and 90 min, and C. reticulata (leaves) for 30, 45 and 75 min. Notably, the EO of P. atriplicifolia tested at the dose of 330 µg/cm2 showed complete protection for 60 min which was similar to the commercial mosquito repellent DEET. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analyses of the EOs revealed camphor (19.7%), limonene (92.7%), sabinene (24.9%), carvone (82.6%), and trans-ascaridole (38.8%) as the major constituents of P. atriplicifolia, C. reticulata (peels), C. reticulata (leaves), M. longifolia, and D. ambrosioides, respectively. The results of the present study could help develop plant-based commercial repellents to protect humans from dengue mosquitoes.

Herbal therapies in gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders: An evidence-based clinical review.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the liver constitute the major organs of the human body. Indeed, the very survival of the human body depends on their proper functioning. Because the GIT is a huge and complex organ system, the maintenance of proper GIT and liver health is an arduous task. GIT disturbances such as diarrhea, stomach ache, flatulence, constipation, nausea, and vomiting are very common, and they contribute to a significant burden on the healthcare system. Pharmacies are full of over-the-counter pharmacological drugs to alleviate its common conditions. However, these drugs do not always prove to be fully effective and patients have to keep on living with these ailments without a proper and long-term solution. The aim of this review article is to present a practical reference guide to the role of herbal medicines in dealing with gastrointestinal and hepatic disorders, which is supported by systematic reviews and evidence-based trials. People have depended on herbal medications for centuries for the treatment of various ailments of the GIT, liver, and other organ system problems. Recently, this trend of incorporating herbal medication for the treatment of various diseases in both developing and developed countries have surged. Many people continue to use herbal medications, even though substantial data about their efficacy, uses, and toxicological effects do not exist. In addition, while herbal medicines have enormous benefits in both the prevention and the treatment of medical ailments, they can also have toxicological effects. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that appropriate time, energy, and resources are spent on the development of ethnopharmacology. In addition, herbal products should be classified in a pattern similar to pharmacological medications, including their uses, side effects, mechanism of action, efficacy, and so on.

Hepatoprotective effect of Cordia rothii extract against CCl4-induced oxidative stress via Nrf2-NFκB pathways.

Cordia rothii Roem. & Schult. possesses various beneficial effects and is traditionally used in folk medicine against liver diseases but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Cordia rothii methanolic fraction (CRMF) were investigated in CCl4-induced liver injury. Antioxidant effects were evaluated using DPPH assay, ferric thiocyanate (FTC) assay, and HepG2 cells. A qualitative analysis of phytochemicals was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The hepatoprotective effects of CRMF were assessed against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. Our results showed that CRMF significantly increased cell viability against CCl4-induced HepG2 cells. The in vivo results showed that CRMF significantly reduced the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, hepatic antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and increased glutathione level. Normal hepatocyte integrity and microstructures were observed in histopathological results. Furthermore, the mRNA level of inflammatory mediators including interleukon (IL)-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB), IL-10 and nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NrF2) were reverted in CRMF pretreatment groups. Thus, CRMF exhibited strong antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities, which may involve Nrf2-NFκB pathways.

Phytochemical investigations and biological work on aerial parts and roots of Trigonella polycerata.

The purpose of this study was to purify the phytoconstituents and to explore the antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic and cytotoxic potential of dichloromethane and methanol extracts of aerial and root parts of Trigonella polycerata. The phytochemical study on methanol extract of aerial parts of the plant led to the isolation and purification of seven compounds that were identified as 3,4-dimethoxycinnamaldehyde, Trigocoumarin, 6,7,8-trimethoxycoumarin, Penduletin, 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,4´-tetramethoxyflavone, 3,5,7-trihydroxy-6,4-dimethoxyflavone and 5-hydroxy-4,7-dimethoxyflavone. These structures were elucidated by interpretation of EI-MS and NMR spectral data. The plant aerial parts methanol extract (TPAM) demonstrated higher antibacterial (78.99%), phytotoxic (85% growth regulation at 1000µg/mL) and cytotoxic activities (LD50: 45.643µg/mL). While the methanol root extract (TPRM) was highly active against bacteria's; Salmonella typhi (71.56%), Staphylococcus aureus (70.15%), Escherichia coli (69%), fungi like Candida albicans (70.21%) and moderately active against Brine shrimp larvae (LD50: 125.663µg/mL). The dichloromethane aerial (TPAD) and root (TPRD) extracts exhibited significant antibacterial (78.03% and 50.21% inhibitions respectively) and phytotoxic (55% growth regulation at 1000µg/mL) potential. Only TPAD indicated the best inhibition against fungi; Aspergillus flavus (75.31%) and moderate inhibition against Microsporum canis (42.21%). This phytochemical and biological work is the first time reported in Trigonella polycerata.

Microbiota modulation and anti-obesity effects of fermented Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim extract against high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats.

Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim (Korean pear) has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional herbal medicine due to its strong phytochemical profile and pharmacological efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity potential of Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim extracts (PUE) and investigated the underlying mechanisms using a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and microbiota regulation approaches. In an adipogenesis assay, the fermented (F)PUE and non-fermented (NF)PUE significantly reduced the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 85.33 and 96.67 µg/mL, respectively. In a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rat model (n = 8 animals/group), oral administration of FPUE additionally reduced the total body weight gain significantly. No difference in food intake was observed, however, between the control-chow diet, FPUE, and NFPUE-treated HFD rats. Adipose tissue mass and systemic insulin resistance were markedly reduced in FPUE-treated HFD rats, in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with FPUE also greatly improved obesity-related biomarkers, including total cholesterol, leptin, active ghrelin, Total GIP, adiponectin, and proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, FPUE significantly suppressed HFD-induced adipogenic genes expression, while increasing fatty acid oxidation-related genes expression. Additionally, FPUE treatment attenuated the HFD-induced Firmicutes proportion within the intestinal microbiota by regulating key metabolic pathways, thus enhancing microbial population diversity (e.g., increasing Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, Eubacterium, and Clostridium). Together, these results reveal a strong anti-obesity potential of FPUE through adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, weight reduction, and microbiota regulation, raising the possibility of developing FPUE as a novel therapeutic agent to control obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disorders.

Phytochemistry, anti-diabetic and antioxidant potentials of Allium consanguineum Kunth.

AIM: The study was planned to investigate the phytochemicals, antidiabetic and antioxidant studies of A. consanguineum. METHODS: The preliminary studies were performed on crude extract and different solvent fractions. Based on the potency, the chloroform fraction was semi-purified to phyto-fractions CHF-1 - 5. Furthermore, CHF-3 was subjected to isolation of pure compounds using column chromatography. The α-glucosidase, α-amylase and antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, H2O2) were performed on all samples. The in-vivo experiments on compounds 1 and 2 were also performed using oral glucose tolerance test. Docking studies were performed on α-glucosidase and α-amylase targets. RESULTS: Among all fractions, the chloroform fraction exhibited excellent activities profile giving IC50 values of 824, 55, 117, 58 and 85 µg/ml against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, DPPH, ABTS and H2O2 targets respectively. Among the five semi-purified chloroform phyto-fractions (CHF-1-5), CHF-3 was the leading fraction in activities giving IC50 values of 85.54, 61.19 and 26.58 µg/ml against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and DPPH respectively. Based on the overall potency and physical amount of CHF-3, it was subjected to purification to get compounds 1 and 2. The two compounds were also found potent in in-vitro activities. The observed IC50 values for compound 1 were 7.93, 28.01 and 6.19 µg/ml against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and DPPH respectively. Similarly, the compound 2 exhibited IC50 of 14.63, 24.82 and 7.654 µg/ml against α-glucosidase, α-amylase and DPPH respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 were potent in decreasing the blood glucose levels in experimental animals. Compounds 1 and 2 also showed interactions with the respective enzymes with molecular docking. CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that A. Consanguineum is a rich source of natural antidiabetic agents. Bioguided isolation of compound 1 and 2 showed potential inhibitions in all tested in-vitro antidiabetic targets. Further, both the compounds were also able to decrease the blood glucose levels in experimental animals.

Ethanol-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Alcohol Metabolism Regulation by GABA-Enriched Fermented Smilax china Root Extract in Rats.

Chronic alcohol consumption can cause hepatic injury and alcohol-induced toxicities. Extracts from Smilax china root have been widely used in traditional medicine and for their potential pharmacological benefits. We aimed to determine if fermented Smilax china extract (FSC) regulates alcoholic fatty liver and liver injury using two in vivo experiments. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered ethanol (3 g/kg b.w.; po) with or without FSC pretreatment to induce an acute hangover. In another experiment, rats were fed either a normal or Lieber-DeCarli ethanol (6.7%) diet with or without FSC pretreatment (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.w.; po) for 28 days. Serum biomarkers, liver histopathology, and the mRNA levels of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipogenic, and lipolytic genes were analyzed. FSC pretreatment significantly reduced blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations, upregulated the mRNA expression of alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase, and decreased the activities of liver enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. It also downregulated SERBP-1c and upregulated PPAR-α and reduced the gene expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the liver. The final extract after fermentation had increased GABA content. Furthermore, FSC was found to be safe with no acute oral toxicity in female rats. Thus, FSC increases alcohol metabolism and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to induce hepatoprotection against alcohol-induced damage. It may be used as a functional food ingredient after excess alcohol consumption.

Protective Effect of Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim. Extract against Ethanol-Induced Gastritis in Rats.

Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim (Korean pear) has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional herbal medicine for asthma, cough, and atopic dermatitis in Korea and China. Although it was originally shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiatopic properties, its gastroprotective effects have not been investigated. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim extract (PUE) against ethanol-induced gastritis in rats. The bioactive compound profile of PUE was determined by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The gastroprotection of PUE at different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) prior to ethanol ingestion was evaluated using an in vivo gastritis rat model. Several endpoints were evaluated, including gastric mucosal lesions, cellular degeneration, intracellular damage, and immunohistochemical localization of leucocyte common antigen. The gastric mucosal injury and ulcer score were determined by evaluating the inflamed gastric mucosa and by histological examination. To identify the mechanisms of gastroprotection by PUE, antisecretory action and plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), gastric mucosal cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and histamine levels were measured. PUE exhibited significant antioxidant effects with IC50 values of 56.18 and 22.49 µg/mL for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'- azino-di-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) inhibition (%), respectively. In addition, GC/MS and HPLC analyses revealed several bioactive compounds of PUE. Pretreatment with PUE significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the ulcer index by preventing gastric mucosal lesions, erosion, and cellular degeneration. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed that PUE markedly attenuated leucocyte infiltration in a dose-dependent manner. The enhancement of PGE2 levels and attenuation of cAMP levels along with the inhibition of histamine release following PUE pretreatment was associated with the cytoprotective and healing effects of PUE. In contrast, the downregulation of the H+/K+ ATPase pathway as well as muscarinic receptor (M3R) and histamine receptor (H2R) inhibition was also involved in the gastroprotective effects of PUE; however, the expression of cholecystokinin-2 receptors (CCK2R) was unchanged. Finally, no signs of toxicity were observed following PUE treatment. Based on our results, we conclude that PUE represents an effective therapeutic option to reduce the risk of gastritis and warrants further study.

REPORT-The phytochemical valuation and lipid profile impression with Zanthoxylum armatum (Rutaceae) through animal-model.

The exploration of promising anti-obesity influence of Zanthoxylum armatum (Rutaceae) is determined through our study of in-vitro and animal models. Obesity was induced in experimental albino rabbits by feeding highly fat diet (HFD) with regular feed for fortnight. The appraisal of anti-obesity of MZA and CZA extracts of leaves, fruit and stem of Z. armatum was performed in obese rabbits. Animals were divided into 04 groups. One group was categorized as control who received only HFD with no any extracts and drug. Other group was given orlistat orally a standard drug (10 mg/kg) in combination with the HFD regularly for 03 weeks and marked as positive control. Other 02 groups were allocated as experimental groups, 1st and 2nd experimental groups were administered daily 300 mg/kg of MZA and CMA extracts per oral route respectively for the same period. The substantial fall of lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and TGs) and rise of HDL were perceived with methanolic extract on comparison to control groups. However, CMZ exhibited little response on serum lipid-profile. On conclusion, MZA extract of Z. armatum (areal parts) was considered a valid anti-obesity herbal remedy in experimental rabbits fed on high-feed diet.

Cornus officinalis Ethanolic Extract with Potential Anti-Allergic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic and chronic inflammatory skin disease. The present study investigates the anti-allergic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of Cornus officinalis (COFE) for possible applications in the treatment of AD. COFE inhibits the release of ß-hexosaminidase from RBL-2H3 cells sensitized with the dinitrophenyl-immunoglobulin E (IgE-DNP) antibody after stimulation with dinitrophenyl-human serum albumin (DNP-HSA) in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 0.178 mg/mL). Antioxidant activity determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging activity, result in EC50 values of 1.82, 10.76, and 0.6 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the extract significantly inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and the mRNA expression of iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α) through attenuation of NF-κB activation in RAW 264.7 cells. COFE significantly inhibits TNF-α-induced apoptosis in HaCaT cells without cytotoxic effects (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 2-furancarboxaldehyde and loganin are identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, respectively, as the major compounds. Molecular docking analysis shows that loganin, cornuside, and naringenin 7-O-ß-D-glucoside could potentially disrupt the binding of IgE to human high-affinity IgE receptors (FceRI). Our results suggest that COFE might possess potential inhibitory effects on allergic responses, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses.

A Review of Medicinal Plants in Cardiovascular Disorders: Benefits and Risks.

Many cultivated and wild plants are used for the management of various diseases, specifically renal and hepatic diseases and those of the immune and cardiovascular systems. In China, medicinal plants from ancient to modern history have been used in patients with angina pectoris, congestive heart failure (CHF), systolic hypertension, arrhythmia, and venous insufficiency for centuries. The latest increase in the fame of natural products and alternative medicine has revived interest in conventional remedies that have been consumed in the management of CVD. The cardio-protective properties of the various herbs are possibly due to their anti-oxidative, antihypercholesterolemic, anti-ischemic activities, and inhibition of platelet aggregation that reduce the risk of CVD. Ethno-pharmacological and biological properties of these plants are explored, based upon published scientific literature. Although a majority of medicinal plants having a biological mechanism that linked with CVD management, to date, published literature pertaining to their promising scientific properties are still poorly understood. Compared with synthetic medicines, alternative medicines do not need scientific studies before their formal approval from the government sector and due to this purpose; their safety, as well as efficacy, still remain elusive. Taken together, we addressed all accessible evidence on alternative medicines commonly consumed in CVD management. Our comprehensive analysis of the scientific literature indicated that many TCMs are available and valuable herbal medication would be the best alternative for the management of CVD as a complementary therapy. Furthermore, practitioners should always discuss possible benefits-risks of alternative medicines with patients so that they are aware of the consumption of alternative medications.

Appraisal of organic extracts and isolated compounds of Azadirachta indica for in-vitro antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.

The current study emphasized on assessment of Antioxidant, Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity of the crude methanolic and chloroform leaves extracts along with their isolated compounds derived from Azadirachta indica. Phytochemical analysis revealed the manifestation of ancillary metabolites like alkaloid, anthraqinones, catechins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins and steroids. Methanolic crude extract of Azadirachta indica leaves revealed comparable antioxidant activity as that of quercetin and propyl gallate. As far as enzyme inhibitory activity was concerned, a significant AChE enzymes inhibition was observed. These findings confirm the traditional use of Azadirachticha indica as medicinal plant in the treatment of mental ailments and anti-inflammatory illnesses. Chloroform crude extract and isolated compounds showed weak antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.

Hematopoietic effects of Azadirachta indica methanolic extract in cyclophosphamide mediated myelosuppressed albino rat.

Myelosuppression or bone marrow suppression is one of the most common side effects caused by anti-cancer drugs. Certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics and viruses like B19 virus can also cause bone marrow suppression resulting in serious consequences like leukopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Currently, it is mainly treated by Filgrastim, use of which is not without side effects. Certain natural drugs can be a safer alternative to treat myelosuppression. Azadirachta indica, commonly known as Neem, is an important medicinal plant of subcontinent. Keeping in view the traditional uses of Neem, present study aims to investigate its potential role in reversing myelosuppression. Albino rats were used to determine hematopoietic activity of Neem leaves after inducing myelosuppression by cyclophosphamide given subcutaneously. Filgrastim was used as reference standard to compare the antimyelosuppressant activity of the drug. The drug was evaluated in three doses i.e. 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg body weight, while blood samples were drawn on 0, 1st, 7th, 14th and 21st day. The drug was found to be effective in reversing bone marrow suppression in all three doses based on the hematological parameters (mean WBC, RBC, platelets, Hb, Hct etc.) which improved significantly. The results suggest that the drug can be used as antimyelosuppressant after establishing its safety and identifying its active constituents with their mechanism of action.

Insight on the fractionations and structural characterizations of innovative antidiarrheal compounds screened from leaves of Psidium guajava of local origin in Pakistan.

Numerous ailments have been effectively treated with natural plants for long time all over the world. Plants provided a back bone for the exploration of novel medicinal compounds. Therefore, chief focus of our study was to isolate the biologically active compounds from the plant source and evaluate their antidiarrheal potentials, as diarrhea is still the most dominant disease in developing countries. The isolation and structure elucidation of two new compounds were identified from methanolic and chloroform extracts of Psidium guajava (guava) leaves. Extracts of plants were acquired by successive maceration from dried powder. Castor oil induced diarrheal-model was used to evaluate the antidiarrheal activity and therapeutic response was endorsed to the suppression of normal and wet stools in Spraug Dawley rats. Through the series of fractionations, compound-A was obtained from methanolic extract and named 3-(4-amino 1,3,8-tri-OH 5,6-di-CH3 7-propyl 1,2,3,4,4a,5,8,8a-octahydronaphthalen 2-yl) propanoic3-(4-NH3 7-butyl 1,3,8-tri-OH 5,6-di-CH3 1,2,3,4,4a,5,8,8a-octahydronaphthalen 2-yl)propanoic anhydride. Compound-B was entitled 5-(3-hydroxy-1,4-di-CH3-1,2,3,4,4a,5,8,8a-octahydronaphthalen-2-yl)pent-3-enoic acid was acquired from the chloroform extract. The structure elucidations of both compounds were interpreted through spectroscopic data, including EI-MS, FTIR, 1HNMR and 13C-NMR. The significant antidiarrheal activities were determined with crude extracts and isolated compounds. In inference, present study revealed that substantial antidiarrheal feature of guava is confined to the identified compounds.