Utilization of cockle shell powder as an adsorbent to remove phosphorus-containing wastewater.

The paper demonstrates the capability of using cockle shells as an adsorbent for phosphorus removal from simulated petrochemical wastewater, focusing on the actual condition of the petrochemical facultative pond. In this study, the physicochemical properties of shell powder were determined, such as the functional groups, surface morphology, crystalline structure, and surface area using FTIR, SEM, EDX, XRD, and BET. It was observed that the optimum conditions for effective phosphorus removal are under the presence of rotational speed (125 rpm), higher dosage (7 g/L), and larger surface area (smaller particle size) of the shell powder. Fine powder achieved up to 52.27% of phosphorus removal after 40 min compared to coarse powder which could only give 16.67% removal. Additionally, calcined shell powder demonstrated a higher phosphorus removal rate, i.e., up to 62.37%, compared to raw shell powders. The adsorption isotherm was studied using Langmuir and Freundlich models, but the isothermal data fit better for the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.9836). Overall, this study has successfully generated a greener and low-cost adsorbent.

Bacteria consortia enhanced hydrocarbon degradation of waxy crude oil.

Waxy crude oil is a problem to the oil and gas industry because wax deposition in pipelines reduces the quality of the crude oil. Currently, the industry uses chemicals to solve the problem but it is not environmentally friendly. As an alternative, the biodegradation approach is one of the options. Previously eleven thermophilic bacteria were isolated and exhibited high ability to degrade hydrocarbon up to 70% of waxy crude oil. However, despite the successful study on these single bacteria strains, it is believed that biodegradation of paraffin wax requires more than a single species. Five consortia were developed based on the biodegradation efficiency of 11 bacterial strains. Consortium 3 showed the highest biodegradation (77.77%) with more long-chain alkane degraded throughout the incubation compared to other consortia. Enhancement of hydrocarbon degradation was observed for all consortia especially in long chain alkane (C18-C40). Consortium 3 exhibited higher alkane monooxygenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, lipase, and esterase activities. Moreover, the dominant bacteria in the consortia were determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), which showed the domination of genera Geobacillus, Parageobacillus, and Anoxybacillus. It can be concluded that the bacterial consortia showed higher biodegradation and improved degrading more long-chain hydrocarbon compared to a single isolate.

Traditional and Complementary Medicine Use During Postpartum Period: A Cross-Sectional Analysis at a Rural, Public Maternal and Child Health Clinic in West Malaysia.

Background and objective Despite the widespread use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) during pregnancy, very few studies have focused on the use of these practices during the postpartum period among women in Malaysia. This study aimed to evaluate users' profiles and factors associated with the use of TCM during the postpartum period among women attending a community clinic in rural Malaysia. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 women at a maternal and child health clinic in Bagan Serai, Perak, Malaysia from January to April 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence, the different types, and reasons for the use of TCM and perceptions toward TCM. Factors associated with TCM use during the postpartum period were derived from multiple logistic regression analyses. Results The prevalence of TCM use during the postpartum period was 66.2% among the subjects. The most common type of TCM used was massage (88.3%), and the most common reason reported was to improve general well-being (72.1%). "Family belief" had the highest mean for influence toward TCM use (mean: 3.63). Malays (adj. OR: 4.52, 95% CI: 1.93-10.59, p=0.001) and those having a low monthly household income (adj. OR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.24-10.91, p=0.019) were the groups that were more likely to use TCM. Conclusion TCM use during the postpartum period is highly prevalent among Malay women with low household monthly incomes. Further studies should be conducted to address the benefits and risks of using TCM during the postpartum period.

Mechanistic Studies of the Antiallergic Activity of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. and Its Compounds.

Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. (Phyllanthaceae) is a medicinal plant that is commonly used to treat diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and anemia. This study aimed to examine the antiallergic activity of P. amarus extract and its compounds. The antiallergic activity was determined by measuring the concentration of allergy markers release from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells with ketotifen fumarate as the positive control. As a result, P. amarus did not stabilize mast cell degranulation but exhibited antihistamine activity. The antihistamine activity was evaluated by conducting a competition radioligand binding assay on the histamine 1 receptor (H1R). Four compounds were identified from the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis which were phyllanthin (1), hypophyllanthin (2), niranthin (3), and corilagin (4). To gain insights into the binding interactions of the most active compound hypophyllanthin (2), molecular docking was conducted and found that hypophyllanthin (2) exhibited favorable binding in the H1R binding site. In conclusion, P. amarus and hypophyllanthin (2) could potentially exhibit antiallergic activity by preventing the activation of the H1 receptor.

Phenolic profiling and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of Lepisanthes fruticosa (Roxb) Leenh fruit extracts.

The present study focused on the phytochemical profiling along with evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of various crudes and fractions obtained from Lepisanthes fruticosa (Roxb) Leenh fruit. Ethanolic seed crude extract exhibited the strongest radical scavenging, ß-carotene bleaching activity, α-glucosidase inhibition and the highest total phenolic content (TPC). Column chromatography afforded various fractions with fraction M4 being the most potent due to the strongest radical scavenging, ß-carotene bleaching, α-glucosidase inhibition and greatest amount of TPC. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of ethanolic seed crude extract and fraction M4 showed the presence of various phytochemicals with antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, which include mostly flavonoids and tannins. The results may suggest that the ethanolic crude seed extract and its fraction could be an excellent source of bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant and antidiabetic potential.

Biodiesel synthesized from waste cooking oil in a continuous microwave assisted reactor reduced PM and NOx emissions.

A synergistic effect of the activated limestone-based catalyst (LBC) and microwave irradiation on the transesterification of waste cooking oil (WCO) was screened using a two-level factorial design and response surface methodology. The catalyst was prepared using a wet-impregnation method and was characterised for its surface element, surface morphology, surface area and porosity. The reaction was performed in a purpose-built continuous microwave assisted reactor (CMAR), while the conversion and yield of biodiesel were measured using a gas chromatography. The results showed that the catalyst loading, methanol to oil molar ratio and the reaction time significantly affect the WCO conversion. The optimum conversion of oil to biodiesel up to 96.65% was achieved at catalyst loading of 5.47 wt%, methanol to oil molar ratio of 12.21:1 and the reaction time of 55.26 min. The application of CMAR in this work reduced the transesterification time by about 77% compared to the reaction time needed for a conventional reactor. The biodiesel produced in this work met the specification of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D6751). Engine test results shows the biodiesel has a lower NOx and particulate matters emissions compared to petrodiesel.

New Chemical Constituents from the Bark of Dendropanax morbifera Leveille and their Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities.

Four new constituents, as cis-6-oxogeran-4-enyl-10-oxy-O-ß-arabinopyranosyl-4'-O-ß-arabinopyranosyl-2''-octadec-9''',12''',15'''-trienoate (1), geran-3(10)-enyl-1-oxy-O-ß-arabinopyranosyl-4'-O-ß-arabinopyranosyl-2''-octadec-9''',12''',15'''-trienoate (2), geranilan-8-oxy-O-α-d-xylopyranosyl-2'-n-octadec-9'',12'',15''-trienoate (3), 1-cyclohex-2', 5'-dienyl 1-cyclohexylethanol-O-ß-d-xylopyranoside (4), along with six known constituents, guaiacol-O-ß-d-arabinopyaranoside (5), n-tetradecanyl oleate (6), oleyl-O-ß-d-xyloside (7), n-octadec-9,12-dienoyl-O-ß-d-arabinopyranoside (8), linolenyl-O-ß-d-arabinofuranoside (9) andglyceryl-1,3-dipalmito-2-olein (10), were isolated and identified from the Dendropanax morbifera bark. The new structures were established by one-and two-dimensional NMR (and in combination with IR, FAB-MSand HR-ESI-FTMS. The comparative evaluation of antioxidant potential by phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, FRAP and the NO assay of four different compounds (1-4), we have found that the compounds 1 and 2 have power as a natural antioxidant, whereas the compound 3 and 4 exhibited mild activity in comparison to compounds 1 and 2.

Pharmaceutico-analytical Study of Kushtae Shangarf Prepared with Jozbua (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) and Phitkari (Alum).

INTRODUCTION: Kushta of Shangarf (KS) is in therapeutic use since long time in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine. It requires extensive assessment with respect to its safety and processing because of the presence of mercury. KS prepared with Shangarf (HgS), Phitkari (alum), and Jozbua (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) was selected for the study. It is indicated as tonic, increases blood production, and improves complexion of face. Preparation of KS by classical and contemporary method and its comparative physicochemical analysis was attempted in this work. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Kushta was prepared by incinerating the drugs kept inside Buta in Bhatti with 24kg of Uple (cow-dung cakes) and also in muffle furnace. Samples obtained were evaluated by Unani specifications (test), powder characterizations, loss on drying, pH, ash value, solubility, particle size, and qualitative estimation of organic and inorganic constituents, X-ray diffraction (XRD), quantitative estimation by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, and so on. RESULTS: Physicochemical standards set in were comparable in KS prepared by classical method (KSCM) and in KS prepared by muffle furnace method (KSMFM), except water-soluble ash and solubility in water were found slightly more in KSMFM. XRD study revealed the presence of aluminum oxide phase and absence of mercury in both the samples. Quantitative estimation of elements in both the samples in decreasing order are as follows: sulfur > aluminum > calcium > iron > arsenic. Arsenic was found more than iron in KSCM at parts per million level. CONCLUSION: Preliminary understanding suggests that muffle furnace method could be a better option with respect to safety and ease of preparation. Shangarf incinerated above 900°C with Phitkari and Jaiphal did not show presence of mercury in both the samples, indicating KS prepared by incinerating at higher temperature can be safer than unroasted preparation. Studied formulation can be recommended or used for its indications without the concern of mercury toxicity.

Oscimum sanctum extract inhibits growth of Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains.

In the present study petroleum ether, chloroform and methanolic extracts of Oscimum sanctum were prepared using soxhlet extractor. The extracts were evaluated for antibacterial activity against one Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and one Gram negative (Escherichia coli) strain. The activity of the extracts was compared with the known antibacterial drugs, Oflaxacin and Penicillin G. Disc diffusion method revealed good antibacterial activity of the chloroform and methanol extracts compared to the petroleum ether extract. Methanolic extract was found to be most active against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains. The zone of inhibition of methanolic extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at 50 mg concentration was 16.0 and 18.0 mm, respectively. Chloroform extract also exhibited good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains. The zone of inhibition of chloroform extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains was 8.0 and 6.0 mm, respectively. The zone of inhibition of the drug Penicillin G against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was18.0 and 17.0 mm, respectively. Oflaxacin showed zone of inhibition to be 19.0 and 20.0 against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The petroleum ether extract exhibited no activity against any of the two tested bacterial strains. These findings suggest that methanolic extract of Oscimum sanctum has anti-bacterial potential and therefore should be investigated for phytochemistry.

Preparation and evaluation of antibacterial potential of Pithecellobium dulce root extract against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.

In the present study hexane, benzene, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of Pithecellobium dulce root were prepared using soxhlet extractor. The extracts were evaluated for antibacterial activity against one Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and three Gram negative (Acetobacter aceti, Acetobacter aceti, Klebsiella pneumoniae) strains. Disc diffusion method revealed promising antibacterial activity of the extracts prepared in polar solvents (ethyl acetate and ethanol) compared to non-polar solvents (hexane and benzene). Ethanolic root extract was found to be most active against Acetobacter aceti, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Enterobacter aerogenes bacterial strains. The zone of inhibition of ethanolic root extract against Acetobacter aceti, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Enterobacter aerogenes bacterial strains was 15.4, 11.0, 19.0 and 13.0 mm, respectively at 100 mg concentration. Ethyl acetate extract also exhibited good antibacterial activity against Entrobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia and Acetobacter aceti. The zone of inhibition of ethyl acetate root extracts against Entrobacter aerogenes, Acetobacter aceti and Klebsiella pneumonia was 10.5, 18.0 and 10.0 mm, respectively. The benzene extract showed some activity against Acetobacter aceti with the zone of inhibition 10.0 mm. The antibacterial activity of Pithecellobium dulce root hexane extract was found to be negligible against all the four tested strains of bacteria. These findings suggest that ethanolic and ethyl acetate root extracts of Pithecellobium dulce has potential as effective anti-bacterial agent.

Comparative Physicochemical Evaluation of Kharekhasak (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) Before and After Mudabbar Process.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mudabbar/Tadbeere advia is referred to the processes performed on the drugs to detoxify, purify, and enhance therapeutic action and to reduce its doses before making the formulations in Unani medicine. It improves quality of drugs either by optimizing its desirable characteristics or minimizing the undesirable ones; it makes drug effective, safe, and specific. There is a need of comparative evaluation to understand its significance. Tadbeer of Kharekhasak (KK) khurd (Tribulus terrestris Linn. fruit) is described by Rabban Al-Tabari in Firdausul Hikmat, Akbar Arzani in Qarabadeene Qadri, etc., during the compounding of aphrodisiac formulations. Mudabbar Kharekhasak (MKK) used in Safoofe Kharekhasak mentioned in Al-Qarabadeene was evaluated in this work. METHODS: Mudabbar/Tadbeer process was carried out by blending fresh KK. Juice with powdered dry KK and drying it under the sun. Juice used for process is thrice the weight of dry KK powder. The KK before and after the process was evaluated using physicochemical tests: powder characterization, extractive value, alcohol and water soluble matter, ash value, loss on drying (LOD) at 105°C, pH, high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting, and diosgenin content. RESULTS: Powder characterizations were set in. Increase in successive and nonsuccessive extractive values in various solvents, water/alcohol-soluble content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble ash, and sulfated ash of MKK was noted in comparison with KK. Decrease in LOD at 105°C and pH of MKK powder was observed. HPTLC fingerprinting data were developed for the identification and evaluation. Quantification of diosgenin content increased to 432.1 g/g in MKK as compared to 144.5 g/g in KK, suggesting significant increase in saponin content. CONCLUSION: Data obtained clearly indicated changes in MKK validating the classical Mudabbar process, probably to enhance/modify the action of drug. Standards for crude and MKK were established for future reference. SUMMARY: Mudabbar process on Tribulus terrestris Linn (KK) havebeen validated.Physicochemical data for Mudabbar and non mudabbar Kharekhasak (KK) powder have been set in.Diosgenin content was increased significantly in mudabbar KK. Abbreviations Used: KK: Kharekhasak, TT: Tribulus terrestris, MKK: mudabbar Kharekhasak, SK: Safoofe Kharekhasak, LOD: loss of weight on drying, HPTLC: High performance thin layer chromatography, BSS: British standard sieve, µl: microliter, SEM: Standard error of mean, nm: nanometer, g: gram.

Green synthesis of biogenic silver nanoparticles using Solanum tuberosum extract and their interaction with human serum albumin: Evidence of "corona" formation through a multi-spectroscopic and molecular docking analysis.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized by using Solanum tuberosum (potato) extract (PE) as a reducing as well as stabilizing agent which is reasonably cheaper, non-toxic and easily available material. The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has been carried out by very simple method and the nanoparticles were characterized by surface plasmon band as well as TEM measurements. The PE-AgNPs were highly dispersed in the solution and found to be spherical with around 10nm in size. Interaction of these nanoparticles was studied with plasma protein HSA by means of various spectroscopies, such as, UV-visible, fluorescence, DLS, CD and FTIR spectroscopies. The HSA was found to form the protein "corona" around the starch-capped PE-AgNPs. Absorption spectroscopy revealed that the interaction between HSA and PE-AgNPs resulted in the ground state complex formation. Due to the strong absorption of PE-AgNPs, the inner filter effect was corrected for the fluorescence data. PE-AgNPs were found to quench the fluorescence of HSA with a small blue shift attributed to the increase in the hydrophobicity near tryptophan residue due to the presence of amylopectin and amylose units in the starch. The value of n, Hill's constant, was found to be >1 which determines the existence of a cooperative binding between nanoparticle and albumin. Several parameters such as Stern-Volmer and binding constants in addition to the thermodynamic parameters have been analyzed and discussed which established that the complex formation has taken place via static quenching mechanism and the corona formation between albumin and PE-AgNPs was entropy driven process. Binding of biogenic PE-AgNPs to the HSA slightly affected the secondary structure of latter with a small decrease in α-helical contents resulting in the partial unfolding of the protein, though the structural motif remained the same. Molecular docking simulations revealed various possible binding modes between PE-AgNPs and albumin.

The integrated care pathway for post stroke patients (iCaPPS): a shared care approach between stakeholders in areas with limited access to specialist stroke care services.

BACKGROUND: Lack of intersectoral collaboration within public health sectors compound efforts to promote effective multidisciplinary post stroke care after discharge following acute phase. A coordinated, primary care-led care pathway to manage post stroke patients residing at home in the community was designed by an expert panel of specialist stroke care providers to help overcome fragmented post stroke care in areas where access is limited or lacking. METHODS: Expert panel discussions comprising Family Medicine Specialists, Neurologists, Rehabilitation Physicians and Therapists, and Nurse Managers from Ministry of Health and acadaemia were conducted. In Phase One, experts chartered current care processes in public healthcare facilities, from acute stroke till discharge and also patients who presented late with stroke symptoms to public primary care health centres. In Phase Two, modified Delphi technique was employed to obtain consensus on recommendations, based on current evidence and best care practices. Care algorithms were designed around existing work schedules at public health centres. RESULTS: Indication for patients eligible for monitoring by primary care at public health centres were identified. Gaps in transfer of care occurred either at post discharge from acute care or primary care patients diagnosed at or beyond subacute phase at health centres. Essential information required during transfer of care from tertiary care to primary care providers was identified. Care algorithms including appropriate tools were summarised to guide primary care teams to identify patients requiring further multidisciplinary interventions. Shared care approaches with Specialist Stroke care team were outlined. Components of the iCaPPS were developed simultaneously: (i) iCaPPS-Rehab© for rehabilitation of stroke patients at community level (ii) iCaPPS-Swallow© guided the primary care team to screen and manage stroke related swallowing problems. CONCLUSION: Coordinated post stroke care monitoring service for patients at community level is achievable using the iCaPPS and its components as a guide. The iCaPPS may be used for post stroke care monitoring of patients in similar fragmented healthcare delivery systems or areas with limited access to specialist stroke care services. TRIAL REGISTRATION: No.: ACTRN12616001322426 (Registration Date: 21st September 2016).

Plasma isoflavones in Malaysian men according to vegetarianism and by age.

Epidemiological studies indicate lower prevalences of breast and prostate cancers and cardiovascular disease in Southeast Asia where vegetarianism is popular and diets are traditionally high in phytoestrogens. This study assessed plasma isoflavones in vegetarian and non-vegetarian Malaysian men according to age. Daidzein, genistein, equol (a daidzein metabolite), formononetin, biochanin A, estrone, estradiol and testosterone were measured by validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS). Plasma isoflavone and sex hormone concentrations were measured in 225 subjects according to age (18-34, 35-44 and 45-67 years old). In all age groups, vegetarians had a higher concentration of circulating isoflavones compared with non-vegetarians especially in the 45-67 year age group where all isoflavones except equol, were significantly higher in vegetarians compared with omnivores. By contrast, the 18-34 year group had a significantly higher concentration of daidzein in vegetarians and significantly higher testosterone and estrone concentrations compared with non-vegetarians. In this age group there were weak correlations between estrone, estradiol and testosterone with some of the isoflavones. This human study provides the first Malaysian data for the phytoestrogen status of vegetarian and nonvegetarian men.

Synthesis and screening of ursolic acid-benzylidine derivatives as potential anti-cancer agents.

Ursolic acid present abundantly in plant kingdom is a well-known compound with various promising biological activities including, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiallergic and anti-HIV properties. Herein, a library of ursolic acid-benzylidine derivatives have been designed and synthesized using Claisen Schmidt condensation of ursolic acid with various aromatic aldehydes in an attempt to develop potent antitumor agents. The compounds were evaluated against a panel of four human carcinoma cell lines including, A-549 (lung), MCF-7 (breast), HCT-116 (colon), THP-1 (leukemia) and a normal human epithelial cell line (FR-2). The results from MTT assay revealed that all the compounds displayed high level of antitumor activities compared with the triazole analogs (previously reported) and the parent ursolic acid. However, compound 3b, the most active derivative was subjected to mechanistic studies to understand the underlying mechanism. The results revealed that compound 3b induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cell lines, arrest cell cycle in the G1 phase, caused accumulation of cytochrome c in the cytosol and increased the expression levels of caspase-9 and caspase-3 proteins. Therefore, compound 3b induces apoptosis in HCT-116 cells through mitochondrial pathway.

Bioactivity guided fractionation and hypolipidemic property of a novel HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor from Ficus virens Ait.

BACKGROUND: The current perspective for the search of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor has been shifted towards a natural agent also having antioxidant property. Thus, this study was intended to isolate and identify the bioactive compounds from methanolic extract of Ficus virens bark (FVBM) and to evaluate their antioxidant, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory and hypolipidemic activity. METHODS: Bioactivity guided fractionation and isolation of bioactive compound from FVBM extract has been done to isolate and characterize the potent HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) inhibitor with antioxidant activity by using repeated extensive column chromatography followed by spectroscopic methods, including Infrared (IR), 1H & 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Mass spectrum analysis. The in vitro HMGR inhibition and enzyme kinetic assay was determined using HMG-CoA as substrate. In addition, antioxidant activity of the new isolated compound, was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and FRAP value. In-silico molecular informatics of HMGR enzyme type inhibition and pharmacokinetics data of the new compound was further evaluated through molecular docking and ADME-T studies. Further, in-vivo hypolipidemic property of FVBM extract and newly isolated compound was also analyzed in triton-WR 1339 induced rats. RESULTS: Thereby, we report the discovery of n-Octadecanyl-O-α-D-glucopyranosyl(6'→1″)-O-α-D-glucopyranoside (F18) as a novel HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor with strong antioxidant property. This inhibitor exhibited not only higher free radical scavenging activity but also marked HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 84±2.8 ng/ml. This inhibitory activity concurred with kinetic study that showed inhibition constant (K i) of 84 ng/ml via an uncompetitive mode of inhibition. The inhibition was also corroborated by molecular docking analysis and in silico pharmacokinetics data. The in vivo study revealed that administration of FVBM extract (at higher dose, 100 mg/rat) and the inhibitor (1 mg/rat) to Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic rats significantly ameliorated the altered levels of plasma lipids and lipoproteins including hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity; this effect was comparable to the effect of standard drug atorvastatin. CONCLUSIONS: The in vitro, in silico and in vivo results clearly demonstrated the antioxidant potential and therapeutic efficacy of the inhibitor as an alternate drug against hyperlipidemia.

Persea declinata (Bl.) Kosterm Bark Crude Extract Induces Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cells via G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest, Bcl-2/Bax/Bcl-xl Signaling Pathways, and ROS Generation.

Persea declinata (Bl.) Kosterm is a member of the Lauraceae family, widely distributed in Southeast Asia. It is from the same genus with avocado (Persea americana Mill), which is widely consumed as food and for medicinal purposes. In the present study, we examined the anticancer properties of Persea declinata (Bl.) Kosterm bark methanolic crude extract (PDM). PDM exhibited a potent antiproliferative effect in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, with an IC50 value of 16.68 µg/mL after 48 h of treatment. We observed that PDM caused cell cycle arrest and subsequent apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, as exhibited by increased population at G0/G1 phase, higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and DNA fragmentation. Mechanistic studies showed that PDM caused significant elevation in ROS production, leading to perturbation of mitochondrial membrane potential, cell permeability, and activation of caspases-3/7. On the other hand, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis showed that PDM treatment increased the expression of the proapoptotic molecule, Bax, but decreased the expression of prosurvival proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, in a dose-dependent manner. These findings imply that PDM could inhibit proliferation in MCF-7 cells via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent worthy of further development.

Anti-proliferative action of silibinin on human colon adenomatous cancer HT-29 cells / Acción anti-proliferativa de silibinina sobre el cáncer adenomatoso de colon humano las células HT-29

Background: Silibinin a flavonoid from milk thistle(Silybum marianum) exhibit a variety of pharmacological actions, including anti-proliferative and apoptotic activities against various types of cancers in intact animals and cancer cell lines. In the present study, the effect of silibininon human colon cancer HT-29 cells was studied. Method: Incubations of cells with different silibinin concentrations (0.783-1,600 ug/ml) for 24, 48 or 72 h showed a progressive decline in cell viability. Results: Loss of cell viability was time dependent and optimum inhibition of cell growth (78%) was observed at72 h. Under inverted microscope, the dead cells were seenas cell aggregates. IC50 (silibinin concentration killing50% cells) values were 180, 110 and 40ug/ml at 24, 48 and72 h respectively. Conclusion: These findings re-enforce the anticancer potential of silibinin, as reported earlier for various other cancer cell lines (Ramasamy and Agarwal (2008), Cancer Letters, 269: 352-62) (AU)

Antecedentes: Silibinina un flavonoide a partir de laleche de cardo mariano (Silybum marianum) exhiben una variedad de acciones farmacológicas, incluyendo actividad esantiproliferativos y apoptóticos contra varios tipos de cánceres en animales intactos y líneas celulares de cáncer. En el presente estudio, se estudió el efecto de silibinina en células humanas de cáncer de colon HT-29.Método: Las incubaciones de las células con diferentes concentraciones silibinin (0,783-1.600 ug/ml) para 24, 48o 72 horas mostró un descenso progresivo de la viabilidad celular. Resultados: La pérdida de la viabilidad celular fue de tiempo de inhibición dependiente y óptima de crecimiento de las células (78%) se observó a las 72 horas. Bajo microscopio invertido, las células muertas fueron vistos como los agregados de células. IC50 (concentración de silibinina matar a las células 50%) los valores fueron 180,110 y 40 ug/ml a las 24, 48 y 72 horas, respectivamente. Conclusión: Estos resultados volver a hacer cumplir la potenciales contra el cáncer de silibinina, como se informó anteriormente para varias otras líneas celulares de cáncer (Ramasamy y Agarwal (2008), Cancer Letters,269: 352-62) (AU)

Antibacterial activity of resin rich plant extracts.

BACKGROUND: The in vitro antibacterial activity of resin rich methanolic extracts (RRMEs) of Commiphora myrrha, Operculina turpethum, and Pinus roxburghii. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different concentration were studied by agar-well diffusion method against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae). RESULTS: Among all the bacterial strains tested, E. faecalis was most sensitive and S. typhi was resistant to C. myrrha and P. roxburghii. The extracts of O. turpethum were active against all tested strains in which B. subtilis and S. aureus were the most sensitive. CONCLUSION: This suggested that the antibacterial activity of RRMEs of O. turpethum was more than C. myrrha and P. roxburghii. This probably explains the potential of these plants against a number of infections caused by bacterial strains tested.

New chemical constituents from Oryza sativa straw and their algicidal activities against blue-green algae.

Five new constituents, 5,4'-dihydroxy-7,3'-dimethoxyflavone-4'-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(2a→1b)-2a-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-(2b→1c)-2b-O-ß-D-xylopyranosyl-2c-octadecanoate (1), 5,4'-dihydroxy-7,3'-dimethoxyflavone-4'-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2a→1b)-2a-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2b→1c)-2b-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2c→1d)-2c-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-2d-octadecanoate (2), kaempferol-3-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2a→1b)-2a-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2b→1c)-2b-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2c→1d)-2c-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-2d-hexadecanoate (3), methyl salicylate-2-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2a→1b)-2a-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2b→1c)-2b-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2c→1d)-2c-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2d→1e)-2d-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2e→1f)-2e-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2f→1g)-2f-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-(2g→1h)-2g-O-α-D-xylopyranosyl-2h-geranilan-8',10'-dioic acid-1'-oate (4), and oleioyl-ß-D-arabinoside (5), along with eight known compounds, were isolated from a methanol extract of Oryza sativa straw. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated using one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopies in combination with IR, ESI/MS, and HR-ESI/FTMS. In bioassays with blue-green algae, the efficacies of the algicidal activities of the five new compounds (1-5) were evaluated at concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 mg/L. Compound 5 had the highest growth inhibition (92.6 ± 0.3%) for Microcystis aeruginosa UTEX 2388 at a concentration of 100 ppm (mg/L). Compound 5 has high potential for the ecofriendly control of weeds and algae harmful to water-logged rice.