Implementation of plant extracts for cheddar-type cheese production in conjunction with FTIR and Raman spectroscopy comparison.

Plant extracts have demonstrated the ability to act as coagulants for milk coagulation at an adequate concentration, wide temperatures and pH ranges. This research is focused on the use of different vegetative extracts such as Citrus aurnatium flower extract (CAFE), bromelain, fig latex, and melon extract as economical and beneficial coagulants in the development of plant-based cheddar-type cheese. The cheddar-type cheese samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis in comparison to controlled cheese samples made from acetic acid and rennet. The fat, moisture, protein, and salt contents remained the same over the storage period, but a slight decline was observed in pH. The Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) increased with the passage of the ripening period. The FTIR and Raman spectra showed exponential changes and qualitative estimates in the binding and vibrational structure of lipids and protein in plant-based cheeses. The higher FTIR and Raman spectra bands were observed in acid, rennet, bromelain, and CAFE due to their firm and strong texture of cheese while lower spectra were observed in cheese made from melon extract due to weak curdling and textural properties. These plant extracts are economical and easily available alternative sources for cheese production with higher protein and nutritional contents.

Investigations of Electronic, Structural, and In Silico Anticancer Potential of Persuasive Phytoestrogenic Isoflavene-Based Mannich Bases.

Isoflavenes have received the greatest research attention among the many groups of phytoestrogens. In this study, various isoflavene-based Mannich bases were selected for their theoretical studies. The purpose of this research was to discover the binding potential of all the designated Mannich bases acting as inhibitors against cancerous proteins EGFR, cMet, hTrkA, and HER2 (PDB codes: 5GTY, 3RHK, 6PL2, and 7JXH, respectively). For their virtual screening, DFT calculations and molecular docking studies were undertaken using in silico software. Docking studies predicted that ligands 5 and 15 exhibited the highest docking score by forming hydrogen bonds within the active pocket of protein 6PL2, ligands 1 and 15 both with protein 3RHK, and 7JXH, 12, and 17 with protein 5GTY. Rendering to the trends in polarizability and dipole moment, the energy gap values (0.2175 eV, 0.2106 eV) for the firm conformers of Mannich bases (1 and 4) replicate the increase in bioactivity and chemical reactivity. The energy gap values (0.2214 eV and 0.2172 eV) of benzoxazine-substituted isoflavene-based Mannich bases (9 and 10) reflect the increase in chemical potential due to the most stable conformational arrangements. The energy gap values (0.2188 eV and 0.2181 eV) of isoflavenes with tertiary amine-based Mannich bases (14 and 17) reflect the increase in chemical reactivity and bioactivity due to the most stable conformational arrangements. ADME was also employed to explore the pharmacokinetic properties of targeted moieties. This study revealed that these ligands have a strong potential to be used as drugs for cancer treatment.

Efficacy of ultrasound guided dry needling as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy for patients with jumper's knee: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Jumper's knee is a degenerative condition among athletes, and it has been treated with conventional physical therapy (CPT). Ultrasound guided dry needling (USG-DN) is a relatively new technique to explore clinical outcomes in patients with tendinopathy. Methods: This parallel group, single-blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out involving 94 athletes with clinically diagnosed jumper's knee, divided into an intervention group (USG-DN + CPT, n = 47) and a control group (CPT, n = 47). Participants received a 4-week programme; the intervention group received ultrasound guided patellar tendon dry needling (DN) in conjunction with CPT. The control group received only CPT. The visual analog scale (VAS), Victorian institute of sports assessment-Patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P) questionnaire, Lysholm scale, Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and ultrasonographic features of patellar tendinopathy were evaluated at baseline,1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The data were analyzed through SPSS-26. Results: The study found statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) regarding VAS, Lysholm, VISA-P, and KOOS scales at baseline, 1st, 2nd, and 4th week post-intervention. Within-group differences also showed statistically significant results after the intervention. There were significant results observed in ultrasonographic outcomes between both groups at 1 month post-intervention (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest, ultrasound guided DN of patellar tendon in combination with CPT reduced pain, improved function, and showed a tendency to decrease tendon thickness in patients with patellar tendinopathy. Clinical Trial Registration Number: (IRCT20210409050913N1). Dated: 17.04.2021. https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/55607/view.

Clinical, Nutritional, and Functional Evaluation of Chia Seed-Fortified Muffins.

Health-protective functional foods are gaining popularity in the world of nutrition because they promote excellent health while decreasing pharmaceutical burdens. Chia seeds (CS) (Salvia hispanica L.), the greatest vegetative source of α-linolenic acid, bioactive proteins, and fibers, are among the top unconventional oilseeds shown to have bounteous benefits against various non-communicable diseases. Purposely, this study was designed to integrate roasted CS powder into white-flour-based ordinary bakery goods to improve their nutritional and nutraceutical profiles. CS efficacy in normal and hyperlipidemic Sprague-Dawley rats resulted in mitigating blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while elevating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell counts, and platelets. The nutritional profiling of chia-fortified muffins indicated significant increases of 47% in fat, 92% in fiber, 15% in protein, and 62% in minerals. The farinographic experiments of CS-blends revealed generally improved dough quality features with a significant rise in the degree of softening as fortification levels increased. A marketable recipe for CSF-muffins with several degrees of fortification demonstrated a significant rise in fat, 92% rise in fiber, 15% rise in protein, and 62% rise in minerals. Sensorial evaluation by trained taste panelists revealed a maximum appraisal of the 15% chia-fortified muffins due to aroma, appearance, and overall acceptability, and were forwarded for being acceptable for commercialization.

Biologically Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles Show Considerable Degradation of Reactive Red 81 Dye: An Eco-Friendly Sustainable Approach.

Diospyros kaki leaf extract was used in this study as a favorable basis for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy approaches were used to characterize the biologically synthesized copper nanoparticles. The XRD analysis showed that copper nanoparticles were face-centered cubic structure. Various experimental levels like conc. of dye, concentration of Cu NPs, pH, reaction time, and temperature were optimized to decolorize reactive red 81 dye using the synthesized Cu NPs. Reactive red 81 dye was decolorized maximum using Cu NPs of 0.005 mg/L. Additionally, reactive red 81 dye was decolorized at its maximum at pH = 6, temperature = 50°C. Our study reported that chemical oxidation demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) deduction efficacies were 74.56% and 73.24%. Further degradation study of reactive red 81 dye was also carried out. Cu NPs have the ability and promising potential to decolorize and degrade reactive red 81 dye found in wastewater.

Synthesis, in Vitro Cholinesterase Inhibition, Molecular Docking, DFT, and ADME Studies of Novel 1,3,4-Oxadiazole-2-Thiol Derivatives.

A series of 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol derivatives bearing various alkyl or aryl moieties were designed, synthesized, and characterized using modern spectroscopic methods to yield 17 compounds (6a-6q) that were screened for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes in the search for 'lead' compounds for Alzheimer's disease treatment (AD). The compounds 6q, 6p, 6k, 6o, and 6l showed inhibitory capability against AChE and BChE, with IC50 values ranging from 11.73±0.49 to 27.36±0.29 µM for AChE and 21.83±0.39 to 39.43±0.44 µM for BChE, inhibiting both enzymes within a limited range. The SAR ascertained that the substitution of the aromatic moiety had a profound effect on the AChE and BChE inhibitory potential as compared to the aliphatic substitutions which were supported by the molecular docking studies. The drug-likeness of the most synthesized compounds was confirmed by in silico ADME investigations. These results were additionally supplemented by the molecular orbital analysis (HOMO-LUMO) and electrostatic potential maps got from DFT calculations. ESP maps expose that on all structures, there are two potential binding sites conquered by the most positive and most negative districts.

Boswellia sacra Extract-Loaded Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nano Particles: Synthesis and Biological Effects.

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are being increasingly considered for numerous biomedical applications. The loading of natural compounds onto BGs to increase the BG biological activity is receiving increasing attention. However, achieving efficient loading of phytotherapeutic compounds onto the surface of bioactive glass is challenging. The present work aimed to prepare novel amino-functionalized mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) loaded with the phytotherapeutic agent Boswellia sacra extract. The prepared amino-functionalized MBGNs showed suitable loading capacity and releasing time. MBGNs (nominal composition: 58 wt% SiO2, 37 wt% CaO, 5 wt% P2O5) were prepared by sol-gel-modified co-precipitation method and were successfully surface-modified by using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). In order to evaluate MBGNs loaded with Boswellia sacra, morphological analysis, biological studies, physico-chemical and release studies were performed. The successful functionalization and loading of the natural compound were confirmed with FTIR, zeta-potential measurements and UV-Vis spectroscopy, respectively. Structural and morphological evaluation of MBGNs was done by XRD, SEM and BET analyses, whereas the chemical analysis of the plant extract was done using GC/MS technique. The functionalized MBGNs showed high loading capacity as compared to non-functionalized MBGNs. The release studies revealed that Boswellia sacra molecules were released via controlled diffusion and led to antibacterial effects against S. aureus (Gram-positive) bacteria. Results of cell culture studies using human osteoblastic-like cells (MG-63) indicated better cell viability of the Boswellia sacra-loaded MBGNs as compared to the unloaded MBGNs. Therefore, the strategy of combining the properties of MBGNs with the therapeutic effects of Boswellia sacra represents a novel, convenient step towards the development of phytotherapeutic-loaded antibacterial, inorganic materials to improve tissue healing and regeneration.

Synthetic berberine derivatives as potential new drugs

Abstract The modern process of new drug discovery and development is an exciting, yet a challenging, endeavor. Although it can result in significant financial income and meet the medical needs of patients, it ultimately may result in failure. To achieve a fast and successful new product discovery and development process, natural products which are evolutionarily optimized as drug-like molecules have gained great attention as better potential sources of new chemical entities. Historically, plant species containing berberine are used in various traditional phytotherapy. However, despite the various therapeutic effects it exerts, berberine is not yet developed into a drug product. Addressing the barriers that hinder its successful development and the efforts made to overcome them is thus crucial. The toxicological and pharmacokinetic properties of berberine are the main barriers towards its development into a marketed drug product. It has low aqueous solubility, poor absorption, fast metabolism, and wide tissue distribution which lead to low bioavailability limiting its clinical application. Synthetic berberine derivatives with improved properties are suggested as better alternatives for further development and future therapeutic application. Hence, this paper summarizes the preclinical research studies conducted in the last decade to reveal the therapeutic potential of synthetic berberine derivatives for the treatment of various diseases and hence achieve successful berberine-based drug development in the future. To exploit the value of natural products as a source of leads for the development of effective drugs, collaboration among the different discovery and development scientists is essential.

An Intricate Review on Nutritional and Analytical Profiling of Coconut, Flaxseed, Olive, and Sunflower Oil Blends.

Vegetable oils (VOs), being our major dietary fat source, play a vital role in nourishment. Different VOs have highly contrasting fatty acid (FA) profiles and hence possess varying levels of health protectiveness. Consumption of a single VO cannot meet the recommended allowances of various FA either from saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), Ω-3 PUFAs, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). Coconut oil (CO), flaxseed oil (FO), olive oil (OO), and sunflower oil (SFO) are among the top listed contrast VOs that are highly appreciated based on their rich contents of SFAs, Ω-3 PUFAs, MUFAs, and Ω-6 PUFA, respectively. Besides being protective against various disease biomarkers, these contrasting VOs are still inappropriate when consumed alone in 100% of daily fat recommendations. This review compiles the available data on blending of such contrasting VOs into single tailored blended oil (BO) with suitable FA composition to meet the recommended levels of SFA, MUFA, PUFA, MCTs, and Ω-3 to Ω-6 PUFA ratios which could ultimately serve as a cost-effective dietary intervention towards the health protectiveness and improvement of the whole population in general. The blending of any two or more VOs from CO, FO, OO, and SFO in the form of binary, ternary, or another type of blending was found to be very conclusive towards balancing FA composition; enhancing physiochemical and stability properties; and promising the therapeutic protectiveness of the resultant BOs.

Green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Allium cepa peels for degradation of Congo red direct dye: an environmental remedial approach.

Direct dyes are used in different textile operations and processings. The textile industries are disposing of unused direct dyes into the aquatic environment which is posing a serious alarming threat to aquatic lives. The current study deals with the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles using Allium cepa peels aqueous extract. Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Synthesized NiO-NPs were used to remove Congo red direct dye. Various experimental factors like concentration of dye and nanoparticles, pH, and temperature were optimized. Congo red direct dye was decolorized up to 90% at optimized conditions (Congo Red Direct dye concentration 0.02%, catalyst dose 0.003 g·L-1, pH 6, and temperature 50 °C). The real textile industry effluent disclosed 70% decolorization at optimized conditions. The percent reduction in total organic carbon (TOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) was found to be 73.24% and 74.56% in the case of Congo red dye catalytic treatment and the percent reduction in TOC and COD was found to be 62.47% and 60.23%, respectively, in the treatment of textile effluent using nickel oxide nanoparticles as a catalyst. Treated and untreated dye samples were exposed to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Visible spectral analyses too. The reaction products were studied by degradation pathway.

Applications of Cannabis Sativa L. in Food and Its Therapeutic Potential: From a Prohibited Drug to a Nutritional Supplement.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a herbaceous anemophilous plant that belongs to the Cannabinaceae family. The cannabis seed (hemp) has long been utilized as a food source and is commercially important as an edible oil source. In this review, the positive and negative health effects of cannabis, the relationship between cannabis and various diseases, and the use of cannabis in various food products have been discussed. In addition, the scientific literature on the potential use of cannabis and its derivatives as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and chronic degenerative diseases in animals and humans has been reviewed. Cannabis is being developed as a key ingredient in a variety of food items, including bakery, confectionery, beverages, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and meat. Hemp seeds are high in readily digestible proteins, lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), insoluble fiber, carbs, and favorable omega-6 PUFA acid to omega-3 PUFA ratio and have high nutritional value. The antioxidants of cannabis, such as polyphenols, help with anxiety, oxidative stress, and the risk of chronic illnesses, including cancer, neurological disorders, digestive problems, and skin diseases. Cannabis has been shown to have negative health impacts on the respiratory system, driving, and psychomotor functions, and the reproductive system. Overall, the purpose of this research is to stimulate more in-depth research on cannabis's adaptation in various foods and for the treatment of chronic illnesses.

An overview of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) bioactive peptides' derivation and utilization as an emerging nutraceutical food.

Chia (S. hispanica L.) is an annual herbaceous plant that has gained popularity for its seeds of high-quality vegetative proteins, richest contents of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3 PUFA), soluble dietary fiber, and great gelling ability, as well as its high contents of bioactive peptides of antioxidative and nutraceutical potential for many other clinical biomarkers. Such health protective bioactive peptides should be utilized for supplementation in the food and nutrition industries. This review was therefore designed to align the researches done on chia bioactive peptide's derivation, processing, consumption and to identify their antioxidative and nutraceutical potential for various disease biomarkers. The evidence gathered is fairly compelling for the health-promising nutraceutical and clinical potential of chia seed bioactive peptides as antioxidants, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors (DPP4), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Their assimilation into everyday diets has the potential to open new doors in health departments and food sectors.

Nutritional and lifestyle changes required for minimizing the recovery period in home quarantined COVID-19 patients of Punjab, Pakistan.

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a new battle in human history for a safe and fearless life. Therefore, this cross-sectional survey was conducted (Punjab, Pakistan) on healthy recovered, home quarantined COVID-19 patients to draw conclusive health support guidelines in the fight against this pandemic. COVID-19 recovered patients (n = 80) of age ≥14 years were randomly selected during the period November 2020 to February 2021. A nutrition and lifestyle changes questionnaire, containing ten sections and seventy questions, was completed through the telephone/WhatsApp. Data were transferred into an Excel spreadsheet and statistically analyzed by applying chi-square, correlation, and a t test of independent values using SPSS-16 software. The patients had an age range of 14 to 80 years, of which 52 (65%) were male and 28 (35%) were female, and 32 (40%) had a normal BMI. The patients had a peak COVID-19 recovery period of 2 weeks, and a mean recovery period of 2.8 ± 1.4 weeks. Certain variables, including gender (males), age (>40 years), sleep (≤5 hr), less/no physical activity, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and autoimmune diseases, were significantly associated with delayed recovery. Poor nutritional outcomes, including lower intakes of water, legumes, nuts, meat, and milk/yogurt; and higher consumption of fast/fried/junk/spicy foods and cold water/drinks, were also significantly associated with a longer recovery period. The results were similar for not taking daily doses of multivitamins, and vitamins C, D, E, and zinc. This study identified that staying physically active, maintaining sensible body weight, having a sleep of 7 hr, consuming more foods of plant origin especially plant-based proteins from nuts and legumes, taking supplemental doses of multivitamins, vitamin D, E, and zinc, along with drinking ≥2 L of water daily can provide a significant role in early and safe recovery from COVID-19.

Comparative effectiveness of routine physical therapy with and without instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization in patients with neck pain due to upper crossed syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of routine physical therapy with and without instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation on pain intensity and range of motion in patients with neck pain due to upper crossed syndrome. METHODS: The randomised controlled trial was conducted from January to March 2020, and comprised diagnosed male patients aged 18-40 years of upper crossed syndrome complaining of neck pain visiting the Agile Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Complex and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. The subjects were randomised into control group A which received routine physical therapy and experimental group B which received instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization along with routine physical therapy. The inclinometer was used to measure range of motion and the numeric pain rating scale for pain measurement. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 60 subjects, there were 30(50%) in group A with a mean age of 31.50±6.388 years and 30(50%) in group B with a mean age of 32.60±5.55 years. Pain rating at baseline in group B compared to group A show significant difference (p=0.01). Neck range of motion, including flexion, neck right bending, and neck left bending showed significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). The results for neck extension showed that both techniques were equally effective (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation with combination of stretching exercises was found to be more effective in the management of neck pain in upper crossed syndrome compared to routine physical therapy. REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20190912044754N1.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Parthenium Hysterophorus: Optimization, Characterization and In Vitro Therapeutic Evaluation.

Traditional synthetic techniques for silver nanoparticles synthesis involve toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans as well as the environment. The green chemistry method for nanoparticle synthesis is rapid, eco-friendly, and less toxic as compared to the traditional methods. In the present research, we synthesized silver nanoparticles employing a green chemistry approach from Parthenium hysterophorus leaf extract. The optimized parthenium silver nanoparticles (PrSNPs) had a mean particle size of 187.87 ± 4.89 nm with a narrow size distribution of 0.226 ± 0.009 and surface charge -34 ± 3.12 mV, respectively. The physicochemical characterization of optimized SNPs was done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Moreover, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis indicates the spherical shape of NPs with an average diameter of 20-25 nm. PrSNPs were investigated for in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and showed excellent profiles. The cytotoxic activity was analyzed against two cancer cell lines, i.e., B16F10 and HepG2 for 24 h and 48 h. PrSNPs proved to be an excellent anticancer agent. These PrSNPs were also employed for the treatment of wastewater by monitoring the E. coli count, and it turned out to be reduced by 58%; hence these NPs could be used for disinfecting water. Hence, we can propose that PrSNPs could be a suitable candidate as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor agent for the treatment of several ailments.

Synthesis of nickel nanoparticles using Citrullus colocynthis stem extract for remediation of Reactive Yellow 160 dye.

In current years, pollution caused by synthetic dyes has become one of the most serious environmental issues. By rapidly developing industrial units, effluents having synthetic dyes are directly or indirectly being discharged into the environment. Bio-sorption is cost-effective way for the eradication of toxic dyes present in textile effluent. The present study involves the synthesis of nickel nanoparticles using Citrullus colocynthis stem extract. The characterization of synthesized nickel nanoparticles (Ni-NPs) was done by SEM. The synthesized Ni-NPs were used to degrade the Reactive Yellow 160 dye following the optimization of different experimental parameters. The maximum decolorization (91.4%) was obtained at 0.02% dye conc., 9 mg/L conc. of Ni-NPs, pH 7 at 40 °C. TOC and COD were used to assess the efficiency of this experiment. Percent reduction in COD and TOC was found to be 84.35% and 83.24% respectively. The degradation pathway of dye under study confirmed the formation of non-toxic end-products.

A New Oleanane Type Saponin from the Aerial Parts of Nigella sativa with Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Diabetic Potential.

Natural product studies explore potential and interesting new compounds to discover innovative drugs. Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Ranunculaceae) is traditionally used to treat diabetes. Flavonoids and triterpenoid mostly show anti-diabetic activity. The current study aim to identify new compounds by a systematic study of the anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic activity of aerial parts of N. sativa concerning. Phytochemicals were isolated from the methanolic extract of aerial parts of the plant by column chromatography and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy. A new triterpenoid saponin glycoside was isolated along with flavonoids. The anti-diabetic study was carried out by DPPH, ABTS, α -glucosidase, and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B assays at doses of 12.5 to 250 µM. The isolated phytochemicals were identified as 3-O-(ß-d-xylopyranosyl-(1-3)-α-l-rhamnopyrnaosyl-(1-2)-α-l-arabinopyranosyl]-28-O-(α-l-rhamno-pyranosyl-(1-4)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1-6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl] hederagenin (1), flaccidoside III (2), catechol (3), quercetin-3-gentiobiosides (4), magnoflorine (5), nigelflavonoside B (6), nigelloside (7), quercetin sphorotrioside (8), kaempferol-3, 7-diglucoside (9), kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside (10), rutin (11), 3-O-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranpsylhederagenin (12), 3ß,23,28-trihydroxyolean-12-ene-3-O-α-l-arabinopyranoside(1→4)-a-rhamnopyranosyl,(1→4)-ß-d-gluco-pyranoside (13), 3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-l-arabinopyranpsyl]-28-O-ß-d-gluco-pyranosyl hederagenin (14), and α-hederin (15). These were isolated and are reported for the first time in this study. Compared 13 was identified as a new compound. Compound 2 was isolated for first time from the genus Nigella. Compound 6 was found to be the most active in the DPPH, and ABTS assays and compound 10 was found to be the most active in the α-glucosidase assay, with IC50 32.7 ± 0.1, 95.18 ± 0.9, 214.5 ± 0.0 µΜ, respectively. Compound 12, at a dose of 125 µΜ, showed anti-diabetic activity in a PTP1B assay with IC50 91.30 ± 2.5 µΜ. In conclusion, the anti-diabetic activity of N. sativa is due to its flavonoids and TTSGs. Therefore, our studies suggest that the aerial parts of N. sativa are also a valuable and alternate source of valuable phytochemicals that could be used to develop anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic medicines.

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

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

Preparation of microemulsion containing Lycopersicon esculentum extract: In vitro characterization and stability studies.

Lycopene, the active component of Lycopersicon esculentum species, has been reported for the protecting capabilities against ultra-violet induced skin pigmentation, antioxygen and antityrosinase activities. In the present study, extract of tomato fruit was obtained from the Lycopersicon esculentum plant using solvent system comprised of hexaneethanol-acetone. The phyto chemical active constituent lycopene was then identified by spectrophotometric technique at 470nm. Micro emulsions were developed containing different ratio of water, isopropyl myristate (oil), tween 80 and propylene glycol as surfactant and co-surfactant respectively via pseudoternary phase diagram. Various physicochemical tests were performed including globular size, conductivity, viscosity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), refractive index (RI) and pH measurement for the formulation characterization. Results of physical and chemical stability studies showed that the micro emulsion with proportion of surfactant: co-surfactant of 2:1 (Smix) was found to be optimized formulation and with enhanced stability. Therefore, concluded that the stability of the micro emulsion was dependent on the proportions of surfactant co-surfactant, water and oil in the preparation.

Failure of an Innovative Low-Cost, Noninvasive Thermotherapy Device for Treating Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania tropica in Pakistan.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a neglected parasitic skin disease, is endemic in Pakistan, where Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major are the causative protozoan species. Standard treatment with antimonial injections is long, painful, and costly; has toxic side effects; and is not always available in public hospitals. Small pilot studies have previously evaluated a low-cost and noninvasive hand-held exothermic crystallization thermotherapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis (HECT-CL) device. We aimed to further establish the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of HECT-CL in L. tropica. In a prospective observational study, patients with parasitological confirmation of CL were treated using the HECT-CL heat pack for 3 minutes with an initial temperature of 52-53°C for 7 consecutive days. Dried blood spot samples were taken for species identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Effectiveness was assessed by using medical photographs and measurements of the lesion size at baseline and subsequent follow-up visits, for up to 180 days. We intended to enroll 317 patients. The HECT-CL treatment was easy to apply and well tolerated. Species identification demonstrated the presence of L. tropica. Interim analysis of 56 patients showed a failure rate of 91% at follow-up (median 45 days after treatment, interquartile range 30-60 days). Enrollment of patients was prematurely suspended because of futility. This study showed a high failure rate for HECT-CL thermotherapy in this setting. Leishmania tropica is known to be less sensitive to antileishmanial drugs, more temperature-resistant, and spontaneous healing is slower than that in L. major. More research is needed to identify low-cost, effective, and more patient-friendly treatment for L. tropica.