Promising applications of phyto-fabricated silver nanoparticles: Recent trends in biomedicine.

The prospective contribution of phyto-nanotechnology to the synthesis of silver nanomaterials for biomedical purposes is attracting increasing interest across the world. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) through plants has been extensively examined recently, and it is now seen to be a green and efficient path for future exploitation and development of practical nano-factories. Fabrication of Ag-NPs is the process involves use of plant extracts/phyto-compounds (e.g.alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds) to synthesise nanoparticles in more economical and feasible. Several findings concluded that in the field of medicine, Ag-NPs play a major role in pharmacotherapy (infection and cancer). Indeed, they exhibits novel properties but the reason is unclear (except some theoretical interpretation e.g. size, shape and morphology). But recent technological advancements help to address these questions by predicting the unique properties (composition and origin) by characterizing physical, chemical and biological properties. Due to increased list of publications and their application in the field of agriculture, industries and pharmaceuticals, issues relating to toxicity are unavoidable and question of debate. The present reviews aim to find out the role of plant extracts to synthesise Ag-NPs. It provides an overview of various phytocompounds and their role in the field of biomedicine (antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory etc.). In addition, this review also especially focused on various applications such as role in infection, oxidative stress, application in medical engineering, diagnosis and therapy, medical devices, orthopedics, wound healing and dressings. Additionally, the toxic effects of Ag-NPs in cell culture, tissue of different model organism, type of toxic reactions and regulation implemented to reduce associated risk are discussed critically. Addressing all above explanations, this review focus on the detailed properties of plant mediated Ag-NPs, its impact on biology, medicine and their commercial properties as well as toxicity.

Potential use of the Asteraceae family as a cure for diabetes: A review of ethnopharmacology to modern day drug and nutraceuticals developments.

The diabetes-associated mortality rate is increasing annually, along with the severity of its accompanying disorders that impair human health. Worldwide, several medicinal plants are frequently urged for the management of diabetes. Reports are available on the use of medicinal plants by traditional healers for their blood-sugar-lowering effects, along with scientific evidence to support such claims. The Asteraceae family is one of the most diverse flowering plants, with about 1,690 genera and 32,000 species. Since ancient times, people have consumed various herbs of the Asteraceae family as food and employed them as medicine. Despite the wide variety of members within the family, most of them are rich in naturally occurring polysaccharides that possess potent prebiotic effects, which trigger their use as potential nutraceuticals. This review provides detailed information on the reported Asteraceae plants traditionally used as antidiabetic agents, with a major focus on the plants of this family that are known to exert antioxidant, hepatoprotective, vasodilation, and wound healing effects, which further action for the prevention of major diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), liver cirrhosis, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Moreover, this review highlights the potential of Asteraceae plants to counteract diabetic conditions when used as food and nutraceuticals. The information documented in this review article can serve as a pioneer for developing research initiatives directed at the exploration of Asteraceae and, at the forefront, the development of a botanical drug for the treatment of DM.

In Vitro and In Silico Characterization of Curcumin-Loaded Chitosan-PVA Hydrogels: Antimicrobial and Potential Wound Healing Activity.

Curcumin has been used in traditional medicine forages. The present study aimed to develop a curcumin-based hydrogel system and assess its antimicrobial potential and wound healing (WH) activity on an invitro and in silico basis. A topical hydrogel was prepared using chitosan, PVA, and Curcumin in varied ratios, and hydrogels were evaluated for physicochemical properties. The hydrogel showed antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. In silico studies showed good binding energy scores and significant interaction of curcumin components with key residues of inflammatory proteins that help in WH activity. Dissolution studies showed sustained release of curcumin. Overall, the results indicated wound healing potential of chitosan-PVA-curcumin hydrogel films. Further in vivo experiments are needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of such films for wound healing.

Bioaccumulation of CdSe Quantum Dots Show Biochemical and Oxidative Damage in Wistar Rats.

Cadmium selenium quantum dots (CdSe QDs) with modified surfaces exhibit superior dispersion stability and high fluorescence yield, making them desirable biological probes. The knowledge of cellular and biochemical toxicity has been lacking, and there is little information on the correlation between in vitro and in vivo data. The current study was carried out to assess the toxicity of CdSe QDs after intravenous injection in Wistar male rats (230 g). The rats were given a single dose of QDs of 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg and were kept for 30 days. Following that, various biochemical assays, hematological parameters, and bioaccumulation studies were carried out. Functional as well as clinically significant changes were observed. There was a significant increase in WBC while the RBC decreased. This suggested that CdSe quantum dots had inflammatory effects on the treated rats. The various biochemical assays clearly showed that high dose induced hepatic injury. At a dose of 80 mg/kg, bioaccumulation studies revealed that the spleen (120 g/g), liver (78 g/g), and lungs (38 g/g) accumulated the most. In treated Wistar rats, the bioretention profile of QDs was in the following order: the spleen, liver, kidney, lungs, heart, brain, and testis. The accumulation of these QDs induced the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, resulting in an alteration in antioxidant activity. It is concluded that these QDs caused oxidative stress, which harmed cellular functions and, under certain conditions, caused partial brain, kidney, spleen, and liver dysfunction. This is one of the most comprehensive in vivo studies on the nanotoxicity of CdSe quantum dots.

Exploring Edible Mushrooms for Diabetes: Unveiling Their Role in Prevention and Treatment.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex illness in which the body does not create enough insulin to control blood glucose levels. Worldwide, this disease is life-threatening and requires low-cost, side-effect-free medicine. Due to adverse effects, many synthetic hypoglycemic medications for diabetes fail. Mushrooms are known to contain natural bioactive components that may be anti-diabetic; thus, scientists are now targeting them. Mushroom extracts, which improve immune function and fight cancer, are becoming more popular. Mushroom-derived functional foods and dietary supplements can delay the onset of potentially fatal diseases and help treat pre-existing conditions, which leads to the successful prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes, which is restricted to the breakdown of complex polysaccharides by pancreatic-amylase and the suppression of intestinal-glucosidase. Many mushroom species are particularly helpful in lowering blood glucose levels and alleviating diabetes symptoms. Hypoglycaemic effects have been observed in investigations on Agaricussu brufescens, Agaricus bisporus, Cordyceps sinensis, Inonotus obliqus, Coprinus comatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Phellinus linteus, Pleurotus spp., Poria cocos, and Sparassis crispa. For diabetics, edible mushrooms are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals and low in fat and cholesterol. The study found that bioactive metabolites isolated from mushrooms, such as polysaccharides, proteins, dietary fibers, and many pharmacologically active compounds, as well as solvent extracts of mushrooms with unknown metabolites, have anti-diabetic potential in vivo and in vitro, though few are in clinical trials.

Nanobiotechnological approaches in anticoagulant therapy: The role of bioengineered silver and gold nanomaterials.

Nanotechnology is a novel area that has exhibited various remarkable applications, mostly in medicine and industry, due to the unique properties coming with the nanoscale size. One of the notable medical uses of nanomaterials (NMs) that attracted enormous attention recently is their significant anticoagulant activity, preventing or reducing coagulation of blood, decreasing the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other serious conditions. Despite successful in vitro experiments, in vivo analyses are yet to be confirmed and further research is required to fully prove the safety and efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) and to introduce them as valid alternatives to conventional ineffective anticoagulants with various shortcomings and side-effects. NMs can be synthesized through two main routes, i.e., the bottom-up route as a more preferable method, and the top-down route. In numerous studies, biological fabrication of NPs, especially metal NPs, is highly suggested given its eco-friendly approach, in which different resources can be employed such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae. This review discusses the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as two of the most useful metal NPs, and also their alloys in different studies focussing on their anticoagulant potential. Challenges and alternative approaches to the use of these NPs as anticoagulants have also been highlighted.

Soil treatment using a biosurfactant producing bacterial consortium in rice fields contaminated with oily sludge- a sustainable approach.

A consortium of two biosurfactant-producing bacteria (Bacillus pumilus KS2 and Bacillus cereus R2) was developed to remediate petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated paddy soil. Soil samples from a heavily contaminated rice field near Assam's Lakwa oilfield were collected and placed in earthen pots for treatment. After each month of incubation, 50 g of soil from each earthen pot was collected, and the soil TPH (ppm) in each sample was determined. The extracted TPH samples were analysed by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to confirm microbial degradation. The soil samples were examined for changes in pH, conductivity, total organic content (TOC), water holding capacity, and total nitrogen content in addition to TPH degradation. An increasing trend in TPH degradation was observed with each passing month. After six months of treatment, the sample with the lowest initial TPH concentration (1735 ppm) had the highest degradation (91.24%), while the soil with the highest amount of TPH (5780 ppm) had the lowest degradation (74.35%). A wide range of aliphatic hydrocarbons found in soil samples was degraded by the bacterial consortium. The soil samples contained eight different low- and high-molecular-weight PAHs. Some were fully mineralized, while others were significantly reduced. With the decrease in the TPH level in the polluted soil, a significant improvement in the soil's physicochemical qualities (such as pH, electrical conductivity, total organic content, and water-holding capacity) was observed.

Computational Analysis of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. Compounds for Drug Development against Neurodegenerative Disorders.

AIM: With several experimental studies establishing the role of Bacopa monnieri as an effective neurological medication, less focus has been employed to explore how effectively Bacopa monnieri brings about this property. The current work focuses on understanding the molecular interaction of the phytochemicals of the plant against different neurotrophic factors to explore their role and potential as potent anti-neurodegenerative drugs. BACKGROUND: Neurotrophins play a crucial role in the development and regulation of neurons. Alterations in the functioning of these Neurotrophins lead to several Neurodegenerative Disorders. Albeit engineered medications are accessible for the treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders, due to their numerous side effects, it becomes imperative to formulate and synthesize novel drug candidates. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the potential of Bacopa monnieri phytochemicals as potent antineurodegenerative drugs by inspecting the interactions between Neurotrophins and target proteins. METHODS: The current study employs molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies to examine the molecular interactions of phytochemicals with respective Neurotrophins. Further inspection of the screened phytochemicals was performed to analyze the ADME-Tox properties in order to classify the screened phytochemicals as potent drug candidates. RESULTS: The phytochemicals of Bacopa monnieri were subjected to in-silico docking with the respective Neurotrophins. Vitamin E, Benzene propanoic acid, 3,5-bis (1,1- dimethylethyl)- 4hydroxy-, methyl ester (BPA), Stigmasterol, and Nonacosane showed an excellent binding affinity with their respective Neurotrophins (BDNF, NT3, NT4, NGF). Moreover, the molecular dynamic simulation studies revealed that BPA and Stigmasterol show a very stable interaction with NT3 and NT4, respectively, suggesting their potential role as a drug candidate. Nonacosane exhibited a fluctuating binding behavior with NGF which can be accounted for by its long linear structure. ADME-Tox studies further confirmed the potency of these phytochemicals as BPA violated no factors and Vitamin E, Stigmasterol and Nonacosane violated 1 factor for Lipinski's rule. Moreover, their high human intestinal absorption and bioavailability score along with their classification as non-mutagen in the Ames test makes these compounds more reliable as potent antineurodegenerative drugs. CONCLUSION: Our study provides an in-silico approach toward understanding the anti-neurodegenerative property of Bacopa monnieri phytochemicals and establishes the role of four major phytochemicals which can be utilized as a replacement for synthetic drugs against several neurodegenerative disorders.

Identification of Concomitant Inhibitors against Glutamine Synthetase and Isocitrate Lyase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Natural Sources.

Tuberculosis (T.B.) is a disease that occurs due to infection by the bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which is responsible for millions of deaths every year. Due to the emergence of multidrug and extensive drug-resistant Mtb strains, there is an urgent need to develop more powerful drugs for inclusion in the current tuberculosis treatment regime. In this study, 1778 molecules from four medicinal plants, Azadirachta indica, Camellia sinensis, Adhatoda vasica, and Ginkgo biloba, were selected and docked against two chosen drug targets, namely, Glutamine Synthetase (G.S.) and Isocitrate Lyase (I.C.L.). Molecular Docking was performed using the Glide module of the SchrÓ§dinger suite to identify the best-performing ligands; the complexes formed by the best-performing ligands were further investigated for their binding stability via Molecular Dynamics Simulation of 100 ns. The present study suggests that Azadiradione from Azadirachta indica possesses the potential to inhibit Glutamine Synthetase and Isocitrate Lyase of M. tuberculosis concomitantly. The excellent docking score of the ligand and the stability of receptor-ligand complexes, coupled with the complete pharmacokinetic profile of Azadiradione, support the proposal of the small molecule, Azadiradione as a novel antitubercular agent. Further, wet lab analysis of Azadiradione may lead to the possible discovery of a novel antitubercular drug.

Variation of phytochemical constituents, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of Grantia aucheri (Boiss.) at different growth stages.

Phyto-natural products are deeply associated with ethno-medicinal practices with less or more scientific validation for curing many vital diseases. Thus, the present study was carried out to asses chemical constituents and bioactivities of Grantia aucheri Boiss at different growth stages (vegetative, flowering, and seeding). For this aim, the chemical composition of G. aucheri ethanolic extracts was analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC-MS), their total phenolics, total flavonoids, total tannins, and total anthocyanins concentrations were also spectrophotometrically determined. Antifungal and antibacterial activities were determined against three pathogenic fungi and six human pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS scavenging) and anti-inflammatory activity (Human Red Blood Cell Stabilization Method) were evaluated. The highest content of total phenolics, total flavonoids, total tannins, and total anthocyanins were established in the extract of G. aucheri at its flowering stage. Such phyto-compounds as boranyl acetate, ß-himachalene and himachalol were major compounds found among 34 chemical constituents identified. The best antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial activities were also found for this extract. Its phytochemicals presented bactericidal activities, mainly against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Streptococcus pyogenes along with moderate fungicidal activity, however, it was less effective than the first one. Apart from antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities, chemical constituents of G. aucheri may be potential alternative biomedical applications to reduce synthetic chemicals drugs.

Green Synthesis of Endolichenic Fungi Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles: The Role in Antimicrobial, Anti-Cancer, and Mosquitocidal Activities.

Green nanotechnology is currently a very crucial and indispensable technology for handling diverse problems regarding the living planet. The concoction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has opened new insights in cancer therapy. The current investigation caters to the concept of the involvement of a novel eco-friendly avenue to produce AgNPs employing the wild endolichenic fungus Talaromyces funiculosus. The synthesized Talaromyces funiculosus-AgNPs were evaluated with the aid of UV visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The synthesized Talaromyces funiculosus-AgNPs (TF-AgNPs) exhibited hemo-compatibility as evidenced by a hemolytic assay. Further, they were evaluated for their efficacy against foodborne pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Listeria innocua, and Micrococcus luteus and nosocomial Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Bacillus subtilis bacterial strains. The synthesized TF-AgNPs displayed cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner against MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells and eventually condensed the chromatin material observed through the Hoechst 33342 stain. Subsequent analysis using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy provided the inference of a possible role of intracellular ROS (OH-, O-, H2O2, and O2-) radicals in the destruction of mitochondria, DNA machinery, the nucleus, and overall damage of the cellular machinery of breast cancerous cells. The combined effect of predation by the cyclopoid copepod Mesocyclops aspericornis and TF-AgNPS for the larval management of dengue vectors were provided. A promising larval control was evident after the conjunction of both predatory organisms and bio-fabricated nanoparticles. Thus, this study provides a novel, cost-effective, extracellular approach of TF-AgNPs production with hemo-compatible, antioxidant, and antimicrobial efficacy against both human and foodborne pathogens with cytotoxicity (dose dependent) towards MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma.

Exploration of Lamiaceae in Cardio Vascular Diseases and Functional Foods: Medicine as Food and Food as Medicine.

In the current scenario, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most life-threatening diseases that has caused high mortality worldwide. Several scientists, researchers, and doctors are now resorting to medicinal plants and their metabolites for the treatment of different diseases, including CVD. The present review focuses on one such family of medicinal plants, called Lamiaceae, which has relieving and preventive action on CVD. Lamiaceae has a cosmopolitan distribution and has great importance in the traditional system of medicine. Lamiaceae members exhibit a wide range of activities like antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, vasorelaxant, and thrombolytic effect, both in vitro and in vivo-these are mechanisms that contribute to different aspects of CVD including stroke, heart attack, and others. These plants harbour an array of bioactive compounds like phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and other phytochemicals responsible for these actions. The review also highlights that these plants are a rich source of essential nutrients and minerals like omega-3 and hence, can serve as essential sources of functional foods-this can have an additional role in the prevention of CVDs. However, limitations still exist, and extensive research needs to be conducted on the Lamiaceae family in the quest to develop new and effective plant-based drugs and functional foods that can be used to treat and prevent cardiovascular diseases worldwide.

Plant Source Derived Compound Exhibited In Silico Inhibition of Membrane Glycoprotein In SARS-CoV-2: Paving the Way to Discover a New Class of Compound For Treatment of COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for causing COVID-19 disease in humans, creating the recent pandemic across the world, where lower production of Type I Interferon (IFN-I) is associated with the deadly form of the disease. Membrane protein or SARS-CoV-2 M proteins are known to be the major reason behind the lower production of human IFN-I by suppressing the expression of IFNß and Interferon Stimulated Genes. In this study, 7,832 compounds from 32 medicinal plants of India possessing traditional knowledge linkage with pneumonia-like disease treatment, were screened against the Homology-Modelled structure of SARS-CoV-2 M protein with the objective of identifying some active phytochemicals as inhibitors. The entire study was carried out using different modules of Schrodinger Suite 2020-3. During the docking of the phytochemicals against the SARS-CoV-2 M protein, a compound, ZIN1722 from Zingiber officinale showed the best binding affinity with the receptor with a Glide Docking Score of -5.752 and Glide gscore of -5.789. In order to study the binding stability, the complex between the SARS-CoV-2 M protein and ZIN1722 was subjected to 50 ns Molecular Dynamics simulation using Desmond module of Schrodinger suite 2020-3, during which the receptor-ligand complex showed substantial stability after 32 ns of MD Simulation. The molecule ZIN1722 also showed promising results during ADME-Tox analysis performed using Swiss ADME and pkCSM. With all the findings of this extensive computational study, the compound ZIN1722 is proposed as a potential inhibitor to the SARS-CoV-2 M protein, which may subsequently prevent the immunosuppression mechanism in the human body during the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Further studies based on this work would pave the way towards the identification of an effective therapeutic regime for the treatment and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a precise and sustainable manner.

Exploring Dose-Dependent Cytotoxicity Profile of Gracilaria edulis-Mediated Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles against MDA-MB-231 Breast Carcinoma.

Green-based synthesis of metal nanoparticles using marine seaweeds is a rapidly growing technology that is finding a variety of new applications. In the present study, the aqueous extract of a marine seaweed, Gracilaria edulis, was employed for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles without using any reducing and stabilizing chemical agents. The visual color change and validation through UV-Vis spectroscopy provided an initial confirmation regarding the Gracilaria edulis-mediated green synthesized silver nanoparticles. The dynamic light scattering studies and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy pictographs exhibited that the synthesized Gracilaria edulis-derived silver nanoparticles were roughly spherical in shape having an average size of 62.72 ± 0.25 nm and surface zeta potential of -15.6 ± 6.73 mV. The structural motifs and chemically functional groups associated with the Gracilaria edulis-derived silver nanoparticles were observed through X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Further, the synthesized nanoparticles were further screened for their antioxidant properties through DPPH, hydroxyl radical, ABTS, and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The phycosynthesized nanoparticles exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cells having IC50 value of 344.27 ± 2.56 µg/mL. Additionally, the nanoparticles also exhibited zone of inhibition against pathogenic strains of Bacillus licheniformis (MTCC 7425), Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC 3216), Vibrio cholerae (MTCC 3904), Escherichia coli (MTCC 1098), Staphylococcus epidermidis (MTCC 3615), and Shigella dysenteriae (MTCC9543). Hence, this investigation explores the reducing and stabilizing capabilities of marine sea weed Gracilaria edulis for synthesizing silver nanoparticles in a cost-effective approach with potential anticancer and antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles synthesized through green method may be explored for their potential utility in food preservative film industry, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Edible Mushrooms as Novel Myco-Therapeutics: Effects on Lipid Level, Obesity and BMI.

Obesity, usually indicated by a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m2, is a worsening global health issue. It leads to chronic diseases, including type II diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Conventional treatments for obesity include physical activity and maintaining a negative energy balance. However, physical activity alone cannot determine body weight as several other factors play a role in the overall energy balance. Alternatively, weight loss may be achieved by medication and surgery. However, these options can be expensive or have side effects. Therefore, dietary factors, including dietary modifications, nutraceutical preparations, and functional foods have been investigated recently. For example, edible mushrooms have beneficial effects on human health. Polysaccharides (essentially ß-D-glucans), chitinous substances, heteroglycans, proteoglycans, peptidoglycans, alkaloids, lactones, lectins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, terpenes, phenols, nucleotides, glycoproteins, proteins, amino acids, antimicrobials, and minerals are the major bioactive compounds in these mushrooms. These bioactive compounds have chemo-preventive, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Consumption of edible mushrooms reduces plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and plasma glucose levels. Polysaccharides from edible mushrooms suppress mRNA expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, contributing to their anti-obesity properties. Therefore, edible mushrooms or their active ingredients may help prevent obesity and other chronic ailments.

Narrative Review: Bioactive Potential of Various Mushrooms as the Treasure of Versatile Therapeutic Natural Product.

Mushrooms have remained an eternal part of traditional cuisines due to their beneficial health potential and have long been recognized as a folk medicine for their broad spectrum of nutraceuticals, as well as therapeutic and prophylactic uses. Nowadays, they have been extensively investigated to explain the chemical nature and mechanisms of action of their biomedicine and nutraceuticals capacity. Mushrooms belong to the astounding dominion of Fungi and are known as a macrofungus. Significant health benefits of mushrooms, including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, antifungal, wound healing, anticancer, immunomodulating, antioxidant, radical scavenging, detoxification, hepatoprotective cardiovascular, anti-hypercholesterolemia, and anti-diabetic effects, etc., have been reported around the globe and have attracted significant interests of its further exploration in commercial sectors. They can function as functional foods, help in the treatment and therapeutic interventions of sub-optimal health states, and prevent some consequences of life-threatening diseases. Mushrooms mainly contained low and high molecular weight polysaccharides, fatty acids, lectins, and glucans responsible for their therapeutic action. Due to the large varieties of mushrooms present, it becomes challenging to identify chemical components present in them and their beneficial action. This article highlights such therapeutic activities with their active ingredients for mushrooms.

Corrigendum: Anti-biofilm and Antibacterial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by the Reducing Activity of Phytoconstituents Present in the Indian Medicinal Plants.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01143.].

Anti-biofilm and Antibacterial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by the Reducing Activity of Phytoconstituents Present in the Indian Medicinal Plants.

Biofilm forming from a variety of microbial pathogens can pose a serious health hazard that is difficult to combat. Nanotechnology, however, represents a new approach to fighting and eradicating biofilm-forming microorganisms. In the present study, the sustainable synthesis and characterization of biocompatible silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from leaf extracts of Semecarpus anacardium, Glochidion lanceolarium, and Bridelia retusa was explored. Continuous synthesis was observed in a UV-vis spectroscopic analysis and the participating phytoconstituents, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, phytosterols, and glycosides, were characterized by Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The size and surface charge of the particles were also measured by dynamic light scattering spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy study was employed to examine the morphology of the nanoparticles. The spectroscopic and microscopic study confirmed the successful synthesis of AgNPs by plant extracts acting as strong reducing agents. The synthesized AgNPs were screened for antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against human pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Results of the study demonstrate the potential of phyto-synthesized AgNPs to act as anti-biofilm agents and for other biomedical applications.

Phyto-assisted synthesis of bio-functionalised silver nanoparticles and their potential anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and wound healing activities.

Bio- synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was made by using the aqueous leaf extract of Ardisia solanacea. Rapid formation of AgNPs was observed from silver nitrate upon treatment with the aqueous extract of A. solanacea leaf. The formation and stability of the AgNPs in the colloidal solution were monitored by UV-visible spectrophotometer. The mean particle diameter of AgNPs was calculated from the DLS with an average size ∼4 nm and ∼65 nm. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of alcohols, aldehydes, flavonoids, phenols and nitro compounds in the leaf which act as the stabilizing agent. Antimicrobial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was performed using agar well diffusion and broth dilution method against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Further, robust anti-oxidative potential was evaluated by DPPH assay. The highest antimicrobial activity of synthesized AgNPs was found against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28.2 ± 0.52 mm) whereas moderate activity was found against Bacillus subtilis (16.1 ± 0.76), Candida kruseii (13.0 ± 1.0), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (12.6 ± 1.52). Moreover, the potential wound healing activity was observed against the BJ-5Ta normal fibroblast cell line. Current research revealed that A. solanacea was found to be a suitable source for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Cassia fistula (Linn.): In vitro assessment of their antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities.

The present study reports on biogenic-synthesised silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived by treating Ag ions with an extract of Cassia fistula leaf, a popular Indian medicinal plant found in natural habitation. The progress of biogenic synthesis was monitored time to time using a ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The effect of phytochemicals present in C. fistula including flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds and alkaloids on the homogeneous growth of AgNPs was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The dynamic light scattering studies have revealed an average size and surface Zeta potential of the NPs as, -39.5 nm and -21.6 mV, respectively. The potential antibacterial and antifungal activities of the AgNPs were evaluated against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida kruseii and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Moreover, their strong antioxidant capability was determined by radical scavenging methods (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil assay). Furthermore, the AgNPs displayed an effective cytotoxicity against A-431 skin cancer cell line by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, with the inhibitory concentration (IC50) predicted as, 92.2 ± 1.2 µg/ml. The biogenically derived AgNPs could find immense scope as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer agents apart from their potential use in chemical sensors and translational medicine.