Herbal remedies in the management of hyperuricemia and gout: A review of in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidences.

Gout, or hyperuricemia is a multifactorial and multi-faceted metabolic disease that is quite difficult to manage and/or treat. Conventional therapies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as allopurinol, corticosteroids and colchicine amongst others, have helped in its management and treatment to some extent. This study aimed to compile and analyze the different herbal remedies used in the management of hyperuricemia and gout. A literature search was conducted from key databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar) using relevant keywords via the PRISMA model. Smilax riparia A.DC. from Traditional Chinese Medicine is used in many countries for its therapeutic effect on lowering serum urate levels. No single study was able to establish the efficacy of a specific traditionally used herb via in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Patients were found to use a panoply of natural remedies, mainly plants to treat hyperuricemia and gout, which have been validated to some extent by in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. Nonetheless, further research is needed to better understand the ethnopharmacological relationship of such herbal remedies.

Revisiting luteolin: An updated review on its anticancer potential.

Numerous natural products found in our diet, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, can prevent the progression of cancer. Luteolin, a natural flavone, present in significant amounts in various fruits and vegetables plays a key role as a chemopreventive agent in treating various types of cancer. By inducing apoptosis, initiating cell cycle arrest, and decreasing angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell proliferation, luteolin is used to treat cancer. Its anticancer properties are attributed to its capability to engage with multiple molecular targeted sites and modify various signaling pathways in tumor cells. Luteolin has been shown to slow the spread of cancer in breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, liver, skin, pancreatic, oral, and gastric cancer models. It exhibits antioxidant properties and can be given to patients receiving Doxorubicin (DOX) chemotherapy to prevent the development of unexpected adverse reactions in the lungs and hematopoietic system subjected to DOX. Furthermore, it could be an excellent candidate for synergistic studies to overcome drug resistance in cancer cells. Accordingly, this review covers the recent literature related to the use of luteolin against different types of cancer, along with the mechanisms of action. In addition, the review highlights luteolin as a complementary medicine for preventing and treating cancer.

Effects of supplemental vitamin A on reproduction and antioxidative status of aged laying hens, and growth, blood indices and immunity of their offspring.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the impacts of vitamin A (VA) supplementation in feed at levels of 0 (control), 2,000, 4,000, 6,000, and 8,000 IU VA/kg diet on the reproductive efficiency and antioxidative properties of aged Sinai laying hens at 52 wk of age (n = 300 females and 30 males) in 6 replicates (10 females + 1 male/replicate). As well as blood biochemical indicators, carcass characteristics, growth performance, immunity, and the antioxidative status of their chicks. Results showed that diets supplemented with 2,000 or 6,000 IU/kg of VA increased fertility rate and decreased early embryonic mortality (P < 0.05). Increasing VA from 4,000 to 6,000 IU/kg significantly boosted hatchability rates. All VA levels significantly enhanced glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and late embryonic mortality. In the shell gland, dietary supplementation of 6,000 or 8,000 IU/kg of VA enhanced actions of GPx actions, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In hatched chicks, all VA levels boosted (P < 0.05) hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and serum concentration of total proteins and IgA while decreasing eosinophils percentage and aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) concentration. Dietary VA supplementations from 4,000 to 8,000 IU/kg improved lymphocytes, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), SOD, and IgM, while decreasing heterophils, heterophils/lymphocytes ratio, and creatinine in hatched chicks. Serum triglyceride concentration was reduced by adding 6,000 or 8,000 IU/kg of VA, while globulin and high-density lipoprotein concentrations were heightened only by 8,000 IU/kg of VA. It could be concluded that the dietary supplementation of VA (6,000 IU/kg) improved reproductive efficiency and antioxidative status in the liver and the shell gland of aged laying hens and improved hemato-biochemicals parameters, antioxidative status, and immunity of their offspring.

Effects of varying dietary microalgae levels on performance, egg quality, fertility, and blood biochemical parameters of laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica).

This experiment was carried out to investigate the nutritional value of Spirulina and Dunaliella (SD) combination levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/kg) that affected the laying Japanese quail's efficiency, egg quality, fertility, and blood biological indicators. A total of 150 adult Japanese quails, aged 8 wk, were divided into 5 treatments at random, each consisting of 30 quails. There were 5 duplicates for every treatment, with 2 male and 4 female quails in each. Comparing the addition of various concentrations of a mixture of SD to the control treatment, the results showed no substantial rise in egg production, egg weight, or egg mass. When compared to the control group, final body weight (FBW) was improved with SD supplementation. The quails in control consumed more feed intake (FI) (p < 0.05), and they were different from the groups who got SD therapy in that they had a regular feed conversion ratio (FCR). The percentages of hatchability and fertility increased when SD was added to quail meals at up to 1.00 g/kg. When compared to the control quail, the quail supplemented with SD levels showed a non-significant rise in albumin%, yolk%, Haugh unit, and unit surface shell weight (USSW), as well as an increase in eggshell percentage and a drop in egg shape index (p < 0.05). Renal and hepatic enzyme functioning improved when SD was added to the diets. Additionally, lipid profile indicators were reduced by SD supplementation (except low-density lipoprotein-LDL). Moreover, compared to the control, incorporating SD led to a nonsignificant rise in immunoglobulin concentrations (IgG and IgM). In conclusion, adding SD to the diet can improve body weight, lipid profile, immunological response, and liver and kidney functions in Japanese quail.

The beneficial effect of nanomethionine supplementation on growth performance, gene expression profile, and histopathology of heat-stressed broiler chicken.

This study investigated the effects of nanomethionine (nano-meth) on performance, antioxidants, and gene expression of HSP70, HSP90 and Heat Shock factor-1 (HSF-1) from the liver, and TLR4 from the jejunum, of broiler chickens reared under normal temperatures or under heat stress. Three hundred 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups. Group 1 served as control. Under normal temperature, birds in group 2 received nano-meth (10 mL/L of drinking water) from d1 until the experiment ended. Group 3 birds were heat-stressed (HS) and did not receive any supplementation. Group 4 received nano-meth in the same dose from d1 old until experiment ended, and the birds were exposed to HS. Group 5 birds were HS and received supplementation of nano-meth during the HS period only. Nano-meth improved (P < 0.0001) final body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and also decreased (P < 0.0001) the effect of HS on growth performance. Reduction (P < 0.0001) in malondialdehyde and changes in antioxidant enzymes GPX and CAT activity indicated the antioxidant effect of nano-meth. Nano-meth supplementation caused an increase in the expression of HSP70 , HSP90 and HSF1, and a downregulation of TLR4 gene expression. Additionally, nano-meth-supplemented groups showed marked improvement in the histological liver structure, intestinal morphology and villus height compared to control or HS groups.

Impact of ß-glucan dietary supplementation on productive, reproductive performance and physiological response of laying hens under heat stress conditions.

The exploration for effective in-feed additives is growing owing to the global climatic change trend to alleviate the negative effects of heat stress in laying hens. This research assessed the potential of using B-glucan (G) as an antiheat stress agent in Matrouh laying hens subjected to early heat shock programs during the growing period. Factorial design (3 × 3) was used, including 3 levels of heat stress (control, heat shock at 3 d and at 3 d and 8 wk of age) and 3 levels of ß-glucan (0, 100, and 200 mg ß-glucan /kg diet). During the first 12 wk of egg production (EP), treatments were exposed to heat challenge. The results revealed that heat shock program applications at 3 d and 8 wk of age significantly decreased body weight at 36 wk of age (P < 0.05) and reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake (FI). While significantly (P < 0.05) improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), hemoglobin, RBCs, WBCs, immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and Heat shock protein (HSP70) of the Liver (P < 0.01) as compared with the control group. At the same time, there was a decrease in lymphocyte%, H/L ratio, cortisol, and T3 compared to the thermo-neutral control. When compared to the control group, hens fed a diet containing 200 mg of ßG significantly (P < 0.05) improved body weight at 16 wk and final weight at 36 wk, feed conversion (FCR) (g. feed/g. egg mass), hen-day egg production, and egg mass, as well as the digestibility coefficients of crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), metabolizable energy (ME), and cortisol. The interactions between heat chock programs and ßG levels were nonsignificant for the most studied traits except daily feed intake. Therefore, the early heat shock exposure 2 times and supplementation of Β-glucan (ßG) at 200 mg/kg diet during the growth period for laying hens that are exposed to heat stress during the reproductive period could improve productive, reproductive performance, HSP70 level and enhance immunity responses.

A clinical study and future prospects for bioactive compounds and semi-synthetic molecules in the therapies for Huntington's disease.

A neurodegenerative disorder (ND) refers to Huntington's disease (HD) which affects memory loss, weight loss, and movement dysfunctions such as chorea and dystonia. In the striatum and brain, HD most typically impacts medium-spiny neurons. Molecular genetics, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial, and metabolic dysfunction are a few of the theories advanced to explicit the pathophysiology of neuronal damage and cell death. Numerous in-depth studies of the literature have supported the therapeutic advantages of natural products in HD experimental models and other treatment approaches. This article briefly discusses the neuroprotective impacts of natural compounds against HD models. The ability of the discovered natural compounds to suppress HD was tested using either in vitro or in vivo models. Many bioactive compounds considerably lessened the memory loss and motor coordination brought on by 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP). Reduced lipid peroxidation, increased endogenous enzymatic antioxidants, reduced acetylcholinesterase activity, and enhanced mitochondrial energy generation have profoundly decreased the biochemical change. It is significant since histology showed that therapy with particular natural compounds lessened damage to the striatum caused by 3-NP. Moreover, natural products displayed varying degrees of neuroprotection in preclinical HD studies because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, maintenance of mitochondrial function, activation of autophagy, and inhibition of apoptosis. This study highlighted about the importance of bioactive compounds and their semi-synthetic molecules in the treatment and prevention of HD.

Targeted therapies of curcumin focus on its therapeutic benefits in cancers and human health: Molecular signaling pathway-based approaches and future perspectives.

The curry powder spices turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), which contains curcumin (diferuloylmethane), an orange-yellow chemical. Polyphenols are the most commonly used sources of curcumin. It combats oxidative stress and inflammation in diseases, such as hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, and depression. Most of these benefits are due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin consumption leads to decreased bioavailability, resulting in limited absorption, quick metabolism, and quick excretion, which hinders health improvement. Numerous factors can increase its bioavailability. Piperine enhances bioavailability when combined with curcumin in a complex. When combined with other enhancing agents, curcumin has a wide spectrum of health benefits. This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of curcumin with a specific emphasis on its approach based on molecular signaling pathways. This study investigated its influence on the progression of cancer, inflammation, and many health-related mechanisms, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Curcumin has a significant potential for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Curcumin modulates several biochemical pathways and targets involved in cancer growth. Despite its limited tissue accumulation and bioavailability when administered orally, curcumin has proven useful. This review provides an in-depth analysis of curcumin's therapeutic applications, its molecular signaling pathway-based approach, and its potential for precision medicine in cancer and human health.

Dietary supplement of fermented grass forage regulates growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune response of broiler chickens.

The current study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of fermented Juncao grass (FG) on growth parameters, blood constituents, immunity, and antioxidative properties of broilers. A total of 240 (21-d-old) broiler chicks were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments of sixty birds, with six replicate pens and ten birds in each. Fermented grass was added to the basal diet at four levels with 0, 5, 10, and 15% FG. The results revealed that broilers fed 5% FG had significantly higher (P < 0.05) final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (WG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI). The best conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded for broilers supplemented with 5% FG compared to the group supplemented with 15% FG (P < 0.05). Increasing FG % decreased (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10. However, FG increased (P < 0.05) proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-1, IL-2, IL-12, and TNF-α (P < 0.05). Moreover, IgA, IgG, and IgM levels increased (P < 0.05) with increasing FG %. In addition, increasing FG % in broiler rations significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum antioxidant levels of T-AOC, GSH-PX, SOD, CAT, NO and GSH, but decreased (P < 0.05) MDA levels compared to the control group. Conclusively, fermented Juncao grass would be considered a novel herbal feed additive for improving broiler performance, immunity, antioxidant, and health status. Nevertheless, further research at the molecular level is needed to quantify the effects of these herbal components on cellular and humoral immune functions in broiler chickens.

Bioactive molecules from terrestrial and seafood resources in hypertension treatment: focus on molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies.

Hypertension (HTN), a complex cardiovascular disease (CVD), significantly impacts global health, prompting a growing interest in complementary and alternative therapeutic approaches. This review article seeks to provide an up-to-date and thorough summary of modern therapeutic techniques for treating HTN, with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms of action found in substances found in plants, herbs, and seafood. Bioactive molecules have been a significant source of novel therapeutics and are crucial in developing and testing new HTN remedies. Recent advances in science have made it possible to understand the complex molecular mechanisms underlying blood pressure (BP)-regulating effects of these natural substances better. Polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and peptides are examples of bioactive compounds that have demonstrated promise in influencing several pathways involved in regulating vascular tone, reducing oxidative stress (OS), reducing inflammation, and improving endothelial function. The article explains the vasodilatory, diuretic, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) modifying properties of vital plants such as garlic and olive leaf. Phytochemicals from plants are the primary in traditional drug development as models for novel antihypertensive drugs, providing diverse strategies to combat HTN due to their biological actions. The review also discusses the functions of calcium channel blockers originating from natural sources, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and nitric oxide (NO) donors. Including seafood components in this study demonstrates the increased interest in using bioactive chemicals originating from marine sources to treat HTN. Omega-3 fatty acids, peptides, and minerals obtained from seafood sources have anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and antioxidant properties that improve vascular health and control BP. Overall, we discussed the multiple functions of bioactive molecules and seafood components in the treatment of HTN.

Assessment of the Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, and Hepatoprotective Effect of Andrographis paniculata against CCl4-Induced Liver Dysfunction in Wistar Albino Rats.

Recent studies have highlighted the necessity to thoroughly evaluate medicinal plants due to their therapeutic potential. The current study delves into the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and hepatoprotective effect of Andrographis paniculata. The investigation specifically targets its effectiveness in mitigating liver dysfunction induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in Wistar albino rats, aiming to uncover its promising role as a natural remedy for liver-related ailments. A. paniculata leaf extract was screened for phytoconstituents and antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects in Wistar albino rats against CCl4-induced liver dysfunction. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds in all extracts. The phenolic concentration ranged from 10.23 to 19.52 mg gallic acid per gram of the sample, while the highest flavonoid concentration was found in the ethanol fraction (8.27 mg rutin equivalents per gram). The antioxidant activity varied from 10.23 to 62.23. GC-MS analysis identified several phytochemicals including octadecanoic acid, stigmasterol, phenanthrenecarboxylic acid, and others. Effects of the ethanol extract of A. paniculata were evaluated in four groups of animals. Biochemical estimations of serum glutamine oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamine pyruvate transaminase, and serum bilirubin were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CCl4-treated group. Treatment with 300 mg/kg b.w. of the ethanol extract of A. paniculata significantly (p < 0.05) decreased these serum enzymes. Lipid peroxidation levels in carbon tetrachloride-treated animals showed a substantial (p < 0.05) rise when compared to untreated animals, while the lipid peroxidation levels were considerably (p < 0.05) reduced after treatment with ethanol extract at 300 mg/kg b.w. Liver biochemical catalase activities were significantly reduced in the carbon tetrachloride-treated animals. The results of this study conclusively demonstrate that A. paniculata extracts are a rich source of phytochemicals and possess significant antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and hepatoprotective properties.

Immune response, hematological traits, biochemical blood parameters, and histological status of laying hens influenced by dietary chitosan-oligosaccharides.

This experiment aimed to examine the effect of chitosan-oligosaccharides (COS) supplementation in laying hens' diets affected their immune response, hematological characteristics, blood biochemical parameters, and histological status. At the age of 34 wk, 200 laying hens and 20 cocks of the Mandarah chicken strain were allotted into four groups, each consisting of 50 hens and five cocks. The first group acted as a control group, fed on a basal diet. The second, third, and fourth experimental groups each received 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 g/kg of COS in addition to a base diet. Birds received COS at various dosages had significantly (P ˂ 0.05) increased serum concentration of immunoglobulins, avian influenza, and Newcastle disease antibodies compared with the control birds. Moreover, adding COS at level 0.2 g/kg diet insignificantly enhanced immune response than the rest of the treatment groups. Also, treated birds with COS at different levels had insignificantly improved hematological parameters such as red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit compared to the control group. Birds fed COS at all levels had significantly decreased serum cholesterol, triglycerides, Ca++ and alanine aminotransferase concentrations compared with control birds. In addition, compared to the control group, chitosan-treated birds showed enhanced histological examination of the small intestine, isthmus, and testis, notably in birds given COS at 0.1 g/kg diet compared to other treated birds. Cocks fed COS at all levels improved testicular tissues and increased the number and diameter of seminiferous tubules compared with control birds Morphological examination of the ileum showed increased villi number, height, and crypt depth. It is possible to conclude that laying hens' physiological performance and general health can be effectively improved by using chitosan at 0.1 or 2 g/kg diet levels enhanced immune response.

Edible mushrooms as potential functional foods in amelioration of hypertension.

Edible mushrooms are popular functional foods attributed to their rich nutritional bioactive constituent profile influencing cardiovascular function. Edible mushrooms are omnipresent in various prescribed Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Mediterranean diet, and fortified meal plans as they are rich in amino acids, dietary fiber, proteins, sterols, vitamins, and minerals. However, without an understanding of the influence of mushroom bioactive constituents, mechanism of action on heart and allergenicity, it is difficult to fully comprehend the role of mushrooms as dietary interventions in alleviating hypertension and other cardiovascular malfunctions. To accomplish this endeavor, we chose to review edible mushrooms and their bioactive constituents in ameliorating hypertension. Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are interrelated and if the former is managed by dietary changes, it is postulated that overall heart health could also be improved. With a concise note on different edible varieties of mushrooms, a particular focus is presented on the antihypertensive potential of mushroom bioactive constituents, mode of action, absorption kinetics and bioavailability. Ergosterol, lovastatin, cordycepin, tocopherols, chitosan, ergothioneine, γ-aminobutyric acid, quercetin, and eritadenine are described as essential bioactives with hypotensive effects. Finally, safety concerns on allergens and limitations of consuming edible mushrooms with special reference to chemical toxins and their postulated metabolites are highlighted. It is opined that the present review will redirect toxicologists to further investigate mushroom bioactives and allergens, thereby influencing dietary interventions for heart health.

Biomechanics of a Plant-Derived Sealant for Corneal Injuries.

Purpose: The corneal epithelium has a glycocalyx composed of membrane-associated glycoproteins, mucins, and galactin-3. Similar to the glycocalyx in visceral tissues, the corneal glycocalyx functions to limit fluid loss and minimize frictional forces. Recently, the plant-derived heteropolysaccharide pectin has been shown to physically entangle with the visceral organ glycocalyx. The ability of pectin to entangle with the corneal epithelium is unknown. Methods: To explore the potential role of pectin as a corneal bioadhesive, we assessed the adhesive characteristics of pectin films in a bovine globe model. Results: Pectin film was flexible, translucent, and low profile (80 µm thick). Molded in tape form, pectin films were significantly more adherent to the bovine cornea than control biopolymers of nanocellulose fibers, sodium hyaluronate, and carboxymethyl cellulose (P < 0.05). Adhesion strength was near maximal within seconds of contact. Compatible with wound closure under tension, the relative adhesion strength was greatest at a peel angle less than 45 degrees. The corneal incisions sealed with pectin film were resistant to anterior chamber pressure fluctuations ranging from negative 51.3 ± 8.9 mm Hg to positive 214 ± 68.6 mm Hg. Consistent with these findings, scanning electron microscopy demonstrated a low-profile film densely adherent to the bovine cornea. Finally, the adhesion of the pectin films facilitated the en face harvest of the corneal epithelium without physical dissection or enzymatic digestion. Conclusions: We conclude that pectin films strongly adhere to the corneal glycocalyx. Translational Relevance: The plant-derived pectin biopolymer provides potential utility for corneal wound healing as well as targeted drug delivery.

In-vitro antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and in-vivo muscle relaxant potential of the extract and constituent isolated from Diospyros kaki (Japanese Persimmon).

Diospyros kaki (Japanese persimmon) is cultivated specious of the Diospyros genus. D. kaki is a multi-medicinal application in the folk system for the cure of ischemic stroke, angina, atherosclerosis, muscle relaxation, internal hemorrhage, hypertension, high cough, and infectious disease. The main objective of this study was the isolated bioactive metabolites from chloroform fractions of D. kaki. The extract and fractions were then tested for various in-vitro (antioxidant and lipoxygenase) and in-vivo (muscle relaxant) activities. The repeated chromatographic separation of chloroform extract afforded compound 1. Compound 1, n-hexane, and chloroform fractions were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and in vivo muscle relaxant potency. The chloroform extract has 79.54% interaction with DPPH at higher concentrations (100 µg/ml) while the compound exhibited a maximum effect of 95.09% at 100 µg/ml. Compound 1 exhibited significant lipoxygenase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 36.98 µM followed by a chloroform extract of 57.09 µM. Similarly, compound 1 and chloroform extract showed excellent muscle relaxant effects at a higher dose. From this investigation, it is concluded that extracts and pure compounds exhibited promising antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and muscle relaxant activity. This study excellently rationalizes the traditional usage of D. kaki in curing various diseases. Furthermore, the docking results indicate, that the isolated compound fits well into the active site of the lipoxygenase, and makes strong interactions with the target protein.

The Current Landscape of Bioactive Molecules against DENV: A Systematic Review.

With a 30-fold increase in incidence over the previous 50 years, dengue fever is now the most widespread viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in the world. The intricate interaction of the human defense system, hereditary predisposition, and specific bitterness elements is more likely to be the pathogenesis of dengue. There are presently no viable treatments for dengue. Synthetic drugs which are used against this ailment also show major side effects. There must be a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanism generating severe symptoms to develop auguring markers, cutting-edge diagnostics, and treatments and finally a well-rounded and secure antiserum. Hence, the aim is to search for safer and more potent drugs derived from plants. Plants or herbs are mainly targeting replication or its enzyme or specific stereotypes, though an exact mechanism of phytoconstituents interfering with the viral replication is still undiscovered. The present attempt provided the update with the objective to bringing up forward pathophysiological eventualities involved in dengue virus along with the naturally derived treatment relevant to provide the impregnable therapy by evading the noxious symptoms for dengue fever. Governor's plum, Cryptocarya chartacea, magnolia berry, and Chinese ginger are such plants exhibiting many effective phytoconstituents against DENV and can be further explored for novel drug discovery by medicinal scientists.

Effect of dietary chitosan supplementation on productive and physiological performance parameters of growing New Zealand white rabbits.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary chitosan supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits, and some physiological parameters of weaned New Zealand White rabbits (NZW). Sixty-four NZWs were randomly distributed into four dietary experimental groups (n = 16) and fed a basal diet ad libitum for eight weeks: under Egyptian conditions. The basal diet without chitosan served as the control group, while the other three groups were fed diets containing 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 g chitosan/kg diet. We observed significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences among chitosan treatments. Specifically, groups supplemented with chitosan in their diets had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher final body weight and weight gain, as well as an improved feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. Rabbits fed chitosan at 0.2 g/kg diet performed the best in growth traits compared to other treatment groups. Rabbits fed chitosan at 0.4 g/kg diet had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher levels of total protein in their blood than in the control group. However, levels did not differ significantly from that in the 0.2 group. Likewise, the highest (P ≤ 0.05) levels of glucose and HDL concentrations were detected in rabbits fed chitosan at a 0.2 g/kg diet. All chitosan-supplemented groups (especially at 0.2 g/kg diet) had higher economic efficiency and relative profit levels than the control group. Moreover, morphometric evaluations of the small intestine revealed higher villi number and crypt depth values in chitosan-treated animals compared to the control group. We conclude that using chitosan at levels of 0.2 or 0.4 g/kg diet can effectively improve the body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and economic efficiency, as well as the overall health status of NZW under Egyptian conditions.

Sexual behaviour response, testicular development and semen quality of New Zealand white rabbit bucks as influenced by dietary chitosan.

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary chitosan supplementation on sexual behaviour responses, testicular development, and semen quality traits of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit bucks. Twenty-four 5-week-old rabbit bucks were used in this experiment. Animals were grouped into four equal experimental groups: the control group was fed only on a basal diet, whereas the other groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with three levels of chitosan at 0.2, 0.4, or 0.6 g/kg, respectively. Also, bucks that received chitosan at 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg had a significantly earlier time of sexual libido (p ≤ .05) and had significantly higher ejaculate volume and sperm concentration than other groups (p ≤ .001). Furthermore, basic and sexual behaviours were significantly improved in bucks fed chitosan at 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg compared with other groups. Therefore, it could be concluded that using chitosan at 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg enhanced sexual behaviour, improved semen quality, and reproductive efficiency in the NZW rabbit bucks.

Chemical profile, antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activities of essential oils of Pulicaria arabica against A549 lung cancer cell line.

Pulicaria arabica has been traditionally utilized in folk medicine for various purposes such as ulcer treatments as well as antidiarrheal agent. Herein, the chemical profiles of Pulicaria arabica essential oils (PAEOs) and the in vitro antiproliferative effect of PAEOs were investigated. Hydrodistillation was employed to prepare PAEOs which were then characterized by GC/MS, while the antiproliferative effects were investigated by MTT assay as well as flow cytometric and RT-PCR analysis. Sixty-four (99.99 %) constituents were recognized from PAEOs. Carvotanacetone (36.97 %), (-)-carvomenthone (27.20 %) and benzene, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,4-dimethoxy- (6.92 %) were the main components. PAEOs displayed IC50 values ranging from 30 to 50 µg/mL. DNA content analysis revealed that A549 cells exposed to PAEOs exhibited an increase in G1 cells population. The flow cytometry analysis results also showed that the PAEOs antiproliferative effect was mediated via apoptosis induction. Furthermore, a modulation in the pro-apoptotic markers (caspase-3 and Bax) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) was also observed. In conclusion, PAEOs exhibited a moderate anti-proliferative effect on A549 cells through modulating the cell cycle progression and apoptosis initiation. These findings could offer a potential therapeutic use of PAEOs in lung cancer treatment.