Deep temporal networks for EEG-based motor imagery recognition.

The electroencephalogram (EEG) based motor imagery (MI) signal classification, also known as motion recognition, is a highly popular area of research due to its applications in robotics, gaming, and medical fields. However, the problem is ill-posed as these signals are non-stationary and noisy. Recently, a lot of efforts have been made to improve MI signal classification using a combination of signal decomposition and machine learning techniques but they fail to perform adequately on large multi-class datasets. Previously, researchers have implemented long short-term memory (LSTM), which is capable of learning the time-series information, on the MI-EEG dataset for motion recognition. However, it can not model very long-term dependencies present in the motion recognition data. With the advent of transformer networks in natural language processing (NLP), the long-term dependency issue has been widely addressed. Motivated by the success of transformer algorithms, in this article, we propose a transformer-based deep learning neural network architecture that performs motion recognition on the raw BCI competition III IVa and IV 2a datasets. The validation results show that the proposed method achieves superior performance than the existing state-of-the-art methods. The proposed method produces classification accuracy of 99.7% and 84% on the binary class and the multi-class datasets, respectively. Further, the performance of the proposed transformer-based model is also compared with LSTM.

Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Indigenous Microbiome of High Temperature Oil Reservoirs.

Crude oil is a primary energy source used for economic expansion across the world. Secondary recovery processes employed by industries to recover oil from oil wells leave behind 70% of the oil trapped in marginal and deleted zones of reservoirs. To recover the oil from depleted zones, microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) tertiary processes were introduced, which involve the production of metabolites from the indigenous microbiome. In this study, the indigenous microbiota was identified as Marinobacterium sp., Silvanigrella sp., Petrothermobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., Nitrincola sp., Halomonas sp., Uncultured Roseovarius sp., and Phaeobacter. Further, the secondary metabolites such as volatile fatty acids (ethanol, acetone, and acetate), biomass, gases (CO2, CH4), and biosurfactants were estimated through gas chromatography and FTIR spectroscopy. Once stable microbial growth was attained in the baltch media, it was optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) to minimize the process cost. The optimized media with 9 g/L of molasses, 1.75 g/L of sodium bicarbonate, and 1.25 g/L of ammonium chloride showed a significant impact on metabolite production. Additionally, core flood studies to simulate field studies were performed that represented that TeriK-1 brought a significant increment of 18.9%, which makes it suitable for MEOR field implementation. This study is one of its kind where the indigenous thermophilic sp. was successfully established and is capable of producing the secondary metabolites that aid in the MEOR process.

Methanolic fraction of Cassia fistula L. bark exhibits potential to combat oxidative stress and possess antiproliferative activity.

Cassia fistula L. is well known for its traditional medicinal properties as an anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antifungal, antibacterial, antimutagenic, and wound healing agent. The aim of the present study was to determine antioxidant, genoprotective, and cytotoxic potential of different fractions of C. fistula bark including hexane (CaMH), chloroform (CaMC), ethyl acetate (CaME), and methanol (CaMM). Among all the fractions studied, CaMM exhibited maximal radical scavenging activity in antioxidant DPPH assay, Superoxide anion radical scavenging assay and nitric oxide radical scavenging assay displayed an IC50 value of 18.95, 29.41, and 13.38 µg/ml, respectively. CaMM fraction possessed the highest phenolic (130.37 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight of extract) and flavonoid (36.96 mg rutin equivalent/g dry weight of fraction) content. Data demonstrated significant positive correlation between polyphenol levels and radical scavenging activity. Single cell gel electrophoresis (Comet assay) exhibited genoprotective potential of C. fistula bark fractions against DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in human lymphocytes. CaMM fraction displayed highest protective ability against H2O2 induced-toxicity as evidenced by significant decrease in % tail DNA content from 30 to 7% at highest concentration (200 µg/ml). CaMM was found to be rich in catechin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and kaempferol. The phenolic content and antioxidant ability of the fractions was markedly negatively correlated with H2O2- induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes. Cytotoxic potential was evaluated against dermal epidermoid carcinoma (A431), pancreatic (MIA PaCa-2) and brain glioblastoma (LN-18) cancer cell lines using MTT assay. Results showed that C. fistula bark fractions possessed highest toxicity against the skin carcinoma cells. CaMM fraction reduced over 50% cell growth at the concentration of 76.72 µg/ml in A431 cells. These findings suggest that fractions of C. fistula bark exhibit potential to be considered as therapeutic agents in various carcinomas.

Commercialization potential of agro-based polyhydroxyalkanoates biorefinery: A technical perspective on advances and critical barriers.

The exponential increase in the use and careless discard of synthetic plastics has created an alarming concern over the environmental health due to the detrimental effects of petroleum based synthetic polymeric compounds. Piling up of these plastic commodities on various ecological niches and entry of their fragmented parts into soil and water has clearly affected the quality of these ecosystems in the past few decades. Among the many constructive strategies developed to tackle this global issue, use of biopolymers like polyhydroxyalkanoates as sustainable alternatives for synthetic plastics has gained momentum. Despite their excellent material properties and significant biodegradability, polyhydroxyalkanoates still fails to compete with their synthetic counterparts majorly due to the high cost associated with their production and purification thereby limiting their commercialization. Usage of renewable feedstocks as substrates for polyhydroxyalkanoates production has been the thrust area of research to attain the sustainability tag. This review work attempts to provide insights about the recent developments in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates using renewable feedstock along with various pretreatment methods used for substrate preparation for polyhydroxyalkanoates production. Further, the application of blends based on polyhydroxyalkanoates, and the challenges associated with the waste valorization based polyhydroxyalkanoates production strategy is elaborated in this review work.

Myo-inositol: a potential prophylaxis against premature onset of labour and preterm birth.

The incidence of preterm birth (PTB), delivery before 37 completed weeks of gestation, is rising in most countries. Several recent small clinical trials of myo-inositol supplementation in pregnancy, which were primarily aimed at preventing gestational diabetes, have suggested an effect on reducing the incidence of PTB as a secondary outcome, highlighting the potential role of myo-inositol as a preventive agent. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which myo-inositol might be able to do so remain unknown; these may occur through directly influencing the onset and progress of labour, or by suppressing stimuli that trigger or promote labour. This paper presents hypotheses outlining the potential role of uteroplacental myo-inositol in human parturition and explains possible underlying molecular mechanisms by which myo-inositol might modulate the uteroplacental environment and inhibit preterm labour onset. We suggest that a physiological decline in uteroplacental inositol levels to a critical threshold with advancing gestation, in concert with an increasingly pro-inflammatory uteroplacental environment, permits spontaneous membrane rupture and labour onset. A higher uteroplacental inositol level, potentially promoted by maternal myo-inositol supplementation, might affect lipid metabolism, eicosanoid production and secretion of pro-inflammatory chemocytokines that overall dampen the pro-labour uteroplacental environment responsible for labour onset and progress, thus reducing the risk of PTB. Understanding how and when inositol may act to reduce PTB risk would facilitate the design of future clinical trials of maternal myo-inositol supplementation and definitively address the efficacy of myo-inositol prophylaxis against PTB.

Effect of Medically Supervised Prolonged Fasting Therapy on Vitamin D, B12, Body Weight, Body Mass Index, Vitality and Quality of Life: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Recent research indicates prolonged fasting for more than 7 days is beneficial in priming the vitamin D metabolism. However, methodological limitations in previous studies, such as insufficient sample size and a lack of control group, limits its generalizability. The present study evaluated the impact of prolonged fasting (10 days) on vitamin D, vitamin B12, body mass index (BMI), weight, hemoglobin, vitality and quality of life (QoL) compared to a normal diet. Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted in an in-patient private yoga and naturopathy setting between February and April 2022. A total of 52 participants (mean age 51.57 ± 13.67 years) with varying medical conditions were randomized into a fasting group (FG) or a normal diet group (NDG) with 26 participants in each group. The FG was on a fasting diet (500 kCal/day) which included holy basil herbal tea, lemon honey water, and water (3 L). The NDG (1500 kCal/day) consumed a routine diet that included Indian bread, pulses, steamed rice, vegetable salads, and beverages. Results: The FG has shown significant increase in the Vitamin D levels (P = .003, d = 0.475), vitality (P = .006, d = 0.425), physical QoL (P < .001, d = 0.549), psychological QoL (P = .002, d = 0.488), and environmental QoL (P = .004, d = 0.457) compared to NDG. No significant changes were observed in vitamin B12, weight, BMI, haemoglobin, and social QoL. A weak to moderate (ρ = 0.330-0.483) positive correlation was observed between vitality scores and QoL domains, whereas BMI scores showed an inverse correlation (ρ = -.280) with vitamin D levels. Conclusion: The results suggest that prolonged fasting for 10 days can improve vitamin D levels, improve vitality, and promote quality of life compared to a normal diet. Unlike previous studies, the FG does not differ from the NDG concerning weight and BMI. Nevertheless, fasting may be utilized as an effective tool to tackle vitamin D deficiency and associated health insufficiencies.

Co-administration of Pterocarpus marsupium Extract and Glibenclamide Exhibits Better Effects in Regulating Hyperglycemia and Associated Changes in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Mice.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-known global metabolic disorder. For its treatment, glibenclamide (GLB) is very often prescribed. However, herbal drugs are considered effective and better alternatives due to their low risk of side effects. This study was conducted to determine the combined effects of GLB and Pterocarpus marsupium (PM, a commonly available Indian herb) extract for the effective and safe treatment of hyperglycemia in the mouse model. METHODS: Healthy adult male mice were distributed into five groups (n=7 in each group). Group I acted as the control, whereas groups II, III, IV, and V were considered experimental groups which received a single dosage (150 mg/kg body weight) of alloxan (ALX) intraperitoneally (i.p.). In addition, groups III, IV, and V received a pre-standardized dose of GLB (500 µg/kg body weight), PM extract (150 mg/kg body weight), and GLB+PM, respectively, at the same doses as used in individual treatment, after the seventh day of ALX administration for 15 days and the alterations in different DM related parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: ALX-induced hyperglycemia and other adverse effects were nearly normalized by GLB and PM co-treatment as evidenced by marked suppression in glucose, triglyceride, total-cholesterol, lipid-peroxidation, and lipid-hydroperoxides with an increase in antioxidants status and liver glycogen content. The positive effects were more pronounced when both GLB and PM were given, as compared to that of either of the drugs, administered alone. Liver ultra-structure, analyzed through histology and transmission electron microscopy revealed normalization of the ALX-induced damaged hepatocytes. The presence of epicatechin, the major phytoconstituent of the PM extract, as confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), is responsible for its antioxidative and glucose-lowering activities. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal that PM, along with GLB, exhibits synergistic and better effects than the individual drug in regulating hyperglycemia and associated changes in alloxan-induced mice.

Myo-Inositol Moderates Glucose-Induced Effects on Human Placental 13C-Arachidonic Acid Metabolism.

Maternal hyperglycemia is associated with disrupted transplacental arachidonic acid (AA) supply and eicosanoid synthesis, which contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Since placental inositol is lowered with increasing glycemia, and since myo-inositol appears a promising intervention for gestational diabetes, we hypothesized that myo-inositol might rectify glucose-induced perturbations in placental AA metabolism. Term placental explants (n = 19) from women who underwent a mid-gestation oral glucose-tolerance-test were cultured with 13C-AA for 48 h in media containing glucose (5, 10 or 17 mM) and myo-inositol (0.3 or 60 µM). Newly synthesized 13C-AA-lipids were quantified by liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry. Increasing maternal fasting glycemia was associated with decreased proportions of 13C-AA-phosphatidyl-ethanolamines (PE, PE-P), but increased proportions of 13C-AA-triacylglycerides (TGs) relative to total placental 13C-AA lipids. This suggests altered placental AA compartmentalization towards storage and away from pools utilized for eicosanoid production and fetal AA supply. Compared to controls (5 mM glucose), 10 mM glucose treatment decreased the amount of four 13C-AA-phospholipids and eleven 13C-AA-TGs, whilst 17 mM glucose increased 13C-AA-PC-40:8 and 13C-AA-LPC. Glucose-induced alterations in all 13C-AA lipids (except PE-P-38:4) were attenuated by concurrent 60 µM myo-inositol treatment. Myo-inositol therefore rectifies some glucose-induced effects, but further studies are required to determine if maternal myo-inositol supplementation could reduce AA-associated pregnancy complications.

In vitro effect of Withania somnifera, AYUSH-64, and remdesivir on the activity of CYP-450 enzymes: Implications for possible herb-drug interactions in the management of COVID-19.

Ayurvedic medicines Withania somnifera Dunal (ashwagandha) and AYUSH-64 have been used for the prevention and management of COVID-19 in India. The present study explores the effect of Ashwagandha and AYUSH-64 on important human CYP enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and CYP2D6) to assess their interaction with remdesivir, a drug used for COVID-19 management during the second wave. The study also implies possible herb-drug interactions as ashwagandha and AYUSH-64 are being used for managing various pathological conditions. Aqueous extracts of ashwagandha and AYUSH-64 were characterized using LC-MS/MS. A total of 11 and 24 phytoconstituents were identified putatively from ashwagandha and AYUSH-64 extracts, respectively. In addition, in silico studies revealed good ADME properties of most of the phytoconstituents of these herbal drugs and suggested that some of these might possess CYP-450 inhibitory activity. In vitro CYP-450 studies with human liver microsomes showed moderate inhibition of CYP3A4, 2C8, and 2D6 by remdesivir, while ashwagandha had no inhibitory effect alone or in combination with remdesivir. AYUSH-64 also exhibited a similar trend; however, a moderate inhibitory effect on CYP2C8 was noticed. Thus, ashwagandha seems to be safe to co-administer with the substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and CYP2D6. However, caution is warranted in prescribing AYUSH-64 along with CYP2C8 substrate drugs. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical PK studies would be helpful for their effective and safer use in the management of various ailments along with other drugs.

The Use of Integrative Medical Services to Address Psychological Concerns around Infertility in an Indian Academic Medical Centre.

Background: Alternative and complementary therapies have been gaining popularity as ways to reduce anxiety in patients. Aim: This study aimed to assess whether yoga and meditation could decrease the severity of anxiety in Indian women diagnosed with infertility Study. Study Setting and Design: This was a retrospective data analysis of anxiety score of 354 women undergoing treatment at a tertiary infertility hospital between January 2016 and December 2018. Materials and Method: Women participated in group yoga, meditation and counselling therapy intervention during their treatment period. A self-reported questionnaire that used the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 criteria measured the participants' severity of anxiety at the start of and again at the end of the intervention. Statistical Analysis: Demographic analysis and a two-tailed paired t-test were applied between groups. Results: The results indicated that there was a statistically significant mean reduction (7.3 ± 2.7) in the anxiety scores of the participants between entry (12.94 ± 2.65) and following exposure (5.39 ± 1.99) to the intervention (P < 0.0001). The mean reduction in scores remained similar between participants who received ≤6 sessions (7.50 ± 2.68) and participants who received >6 sessions (7.10 ± 2.64) (P > 0.05). Among the participants that experienced mild anxiety at baseline (n = 43), 72.1% (n = 31) reported experiencing minimal anxiety following the intervention (P < 0.0001). Among those that experienced moderate anxiety at baseline (n = 213), 32.4% (n = 69) reported experiencing minimal anxiety post-intervention (P < 0.0001). Participants who expressed severe anxiety at baseline (n = 94, 26.6%), reported experiencing minimal anxiety (13.8% [n = 13)], mild anxiety (81.9% [n = 77]) and moderate anxiety (4.3% [n = 4]) after exposure to the intervention (P < 0.0001). None of the participants reported experiencing severe anxiety post-intervention. Conclusion: The benefits of alternative anxiety-reduction therapies for women diagnosed with infertility have been demonstrated in this study. These therapies can be used to complement the routine treatment of such patients.

Development, optimization, and validation of Inflammatory Bowel Disease rat model using isotretinoin.

BACKGROUND: and Purpose: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a persistent bio-psychological disorder with the absence of actual pathological reason. Association between IBD and isotretinoin has been reported by many human and in vitro studies. However, in this study, our focus is on finding the causal relationship between IBD and isotretinoin for the development of a new animal model. METHODS: Twenty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were taken for this study and divided into five groups (i.e. Group 1: Normal control, Group 2: Standard IBD Model Group (Indomethacin treated), Group 3: Isotretinoin low dose (7 mg/kg), Group 4: Isotretinoin medium dose (35 mg/kg), Group 5: Isotretinoin high dose (70 mg/kg). The rats were treated according to assigned treatment and observed on different days to evaluate the severity of IBD with the help of symptomatical (nausea, diarrhea, stool consistency, etc.) activity, biochemical parameters, macroscopy, and histological analyses. KEY RESULTS: During the entire study period, body weight, stool consistency and frequency of the animals had been observed daily. No significant reduction in body weight was observed between the disease induced and normal control animals; however, it was observed that the stool consistency of the animals became less (mucus in stool) day by day and stool frequency increased (frequent defecation) in the different isotretinoin groups compared to the control group. There was statistically significant increase in TBARS levels of isotretinoin low (p < 0.05), medium (p < 0.001) and high dose (p < 0.01) treated group was observed, as compared to control group. Similarly, statistically significant effects of isotretinoin on GSH level (p < 0.01), CAT activity (p < 0.01), and SOD (p < 0.01) were also observed. Increase in TNF-α levels found significantly higher in isotretinoin medium dose (35 mg/kg) treated group (p < 0.001) as compared with control group as well as standard IBD model group. All the three-isotretinoin treated groups (Isotretinoin low dose: p < 0.001; Isotretinoin medium dose: p < 0.001; Isotretinoin high dose: p < 0.001) depicted significant difference in macroscopic scores as compared with control group; these results are comparable with standard IBD model group. Histological analyses revealed that, among three-dose groups of isotretinoin, there was excessive amount of crypt abscesses, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and formation of ulceration observed in isotretinoin medium dose treated group. CONCLUSION: As standard indomethacin treated group, isotretinoin also caused significant damage to intestinal mucosa, and form ulceration in gastrointestinal tract. Compared to control group, isotretinoin significantly worsens the disease condition, which were comparable to the indomethacin-treated group; however, isotretinoin at the dose of 35 mg/kg caused maximum severe damage to the intestinal mucosa.

Multisensory Stimulation and Soft Tissue Therapy on Pain and Neurodevelopment Among Preterm Neonates.

PURPOSE: To determine the combined effects of multisensory stimulation (MSS) and soft tissue therapy (STT) in managing procedural pain and promoting neurodevelopment in neonates undergoing repetitive painful procedures during their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay. METHODS: Total of 104 preterm neonates admitted in NICU will be recruited for this trial. The intervention will be given for 5 consecutive days to both the groups. Experimental group will receive both MSS and STT; control group will receive routine NICU care. The premature infant pain profile and Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale will be used for assessing procedural pain, and Infant Neurological International Battery and Premie-Neuro will be used for assessing neurodevelopmental maturity. Relevant parametric or nonparametric test will be used to analyze the data for all outcomes. DISCUSSION: This is a study protocol analyzing the combined effects of nonpharmacological interventions (MSS and STT) in preterm neonates.

Pharmacological evaluation of bromelain in mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

The current study elucidates pharmacological evaluation of bromelain as a bioactive compound obtain from pineapple stem belongs to family Bromeliaceae in AlCl3 and D - galactose induced mice. In mice, co-administration of AlCl3 at dose 5 mg/kg b.w., via the oral route, and D - galactose at dose 60 mg/kg b.w., via intraperitoneal route for 90 days resulted in cognitive impairment, spatial learning, and memory deficits, as well as neurotoxicity. However, 30 consecutive days, treatments via an intraperitoneal route with bromelain low dose (Brm L) at dose 10 mg/kg b.w., bromelain high dose (Brm H) at dose 20 mg/kg b.w., donepezil (Dnpz) at dose 2 mg/kg b.w., and Brm L + Dnpz at doses 10, 2 mg/kg b.w. were considerably reversed the effect of AlCl3 and D - galactose induced AD mice. Consequences of behavioral parameters (Morris water maze, elevated plus maze and locomotor), biochemical estimation (MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, Nitrite and AChE), and ELISA tests (mouse BACE, Aß1 - 42, TNF-α, IL-6, and BDNF) confirmed significant (p < 0.05) neuroprotective effect of treatments in AlCl3 and D - galactose induced mice. Additionally, hematoxylin and eosin staining of the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus exposed eosinophilic lesions and hyperchromatic nuclei in AD mice, but these neurodegenerative effects were eliminated by Brm L, Brm H, Dnpz, and Brm L + Dnpz treatments. Thus, bromelain alone and in combination with donepezil prevent AlCl3 and D - galactose induced spatial learning and memory deficits, as well as cognitive impairment, by increasing cholinergic activity and synaptic plasticity, as well as reducing oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, Aß 1-42 aggregations, and histopathological damage, according to our findings. The present study consequences indicate that bromelain alone and in combination with donepezil appears to have neuroprotective properties. Henceforward, this may be a promising treatment option for Alzheimer's disease.

A review of the role of inositols in conditions of insulin dysregulation and in uncomplicated and pathological pregnancy.

Inositols, a group of 6-carbon polyols, are highly bioactive molecules derived from diet and endogenous synthesis. Inositols and their derivatives are involved in glucose and lipid metabolism and participate in insulin-signaling, with perturbations in inositol processing being associated with conditions involving insulin resistance, dysglycemia and dyslipidemia such as polycystic ovary syndrome and diabetes. Pregnancy is similarly characterized by substantial and complex changes in glycemic and lipidomic regulation as part of maternal adaptation and is also associated with physiological alterations in inositol processing. Disruptions in maternal adaptation are postulated to have a critical pathophysiological role in pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. Inositol supplementation has shown promise as an intervention for the alleviation of symptoms in conditions of insulin resistance and for gestational diabetes prevention. However, the mechanisms behind these affects are not fully understood. In this review, we explore the role of inositols in conditions of insulin dysregulation and in pregnancy, and identify priority areas for research. We particularly examine the role and function of inositols within the maternal-placental-fetal axis in both uncomplicated and pathological pregnancies. We also discuss how inositols may mediate maternal-placental-fetal cross-talk, and regulate fetal growth and development, and suggest that inositols play a vital role in promoting healthy pregnancy.

Antioxidant properties, phenolics and flavonoids content of some economically important plants from North-west Indian Himalaya.

The present study investigated antioxidant properties, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in methanol extract of the leaf, stem bark, and fruit of Olea ferruginea Royle, Olea europaea L., and Tilia europaea L. grow naturally in the north-west Indian Himalaya. Phenolics and flavonoids content was found to be maximum in methanol extracts of stem bark and leaf (9.28 mg GAE/g fw and 14.73 mg QE/g fw, respectively) of O. ferruginea plants. Ferric reducing antioxidant power and DPPH radical scavenging activity were found to be maximum in leaf and stem bark (38.88 mM AAE/g fw and 20.31 mM AAE/g fw, respectively) of O. ferrugenia plants, whereas maximum ABTS radical scavenging activity (4.52 mM AAE/g fw) was recorded with stem bark of T. europaea plants. These tree species were found rich in natural compounds and also possess antioxidant activities. Therefore, their pharmaceutical and local uses for the health benefits are suggested.

Dereplication Based Strategy for Rapid Identification and Isolation of a Novel Anti-inflammatory Flavonoid by LCMS/MS from Colebrookea oppositifolia.

Colebrookea oppositifolia is a folkloric medicinal plant, well known for its tremendous medicinal properties such as curing epilepsy, ulcers, and urinary problems. The aim of the present study was to apply the dereplication strategy on the ethanol extract of C. oppositifolia with potent anti-inflammatory activity for the rapid identification and isolation of novel bioactive molecules to aid the drug discovery process. An integrated approach using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) followed by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the isolation of potent molecules from the anti-inflammatory extract of C. oppositifolia . Purity of the compounds (>98.5%) was established by HPLC, and identification was carried out by NMR and ESI-MS. 5,6,7-Trihydroxyflavone-3-O-glucuronide methyl ester (compound III) isolated from C. oppositifolia was extensively studied for anti-inflammatory potential in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and the mice model. Compound III significantly repressed various proinflammatory mediators and upregulated the release of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Compound III reduced inflammation when studied for parameters such as the phagocytic index, carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice, and effect on organ weight. It reduced inflammation in a dose-dependent manner both in vitro and in vivo. Further molecular insights into the study revealed that compound III blocks the phosphorylation of I kappa b kinase α/ß (IKKα/ß), IκBα, and nuclear factor kB p65 (NF-κBp65) which is a key controller of inflammation, thereby showing anti-inflammatory potential. Hence, this study permits further investigation to develop compound III as an anti-inflammatory drug.

Beneficial Role of Antioxidant Secondary Metabolites from Medicinal Plants in Maintaining Oral Health.

Plant-derived phytochemicals have been touted as viable substitutes in a variety of diseases. All over the world, dentists have turned to natural remedies for dental cure due to the negative possessions of certain antibacterial mediators used in dentistry. Antimicrobial and other drugs are currently in use, but they show some side effects. Since ancient times, antioxidant EOs have been used for different ailments and have grown in popularity over time. Several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials have shown the safety and effectiveness of antioxidant essential oils (EOs) in oral health obtained from medicinal plants. The current review of literature provides a summary of secondary metabolites, more specifically EOs from 20 most commonly used medicinal plants and their applications in maintaining oral health. Dental caries and periodontal diseases are the most common and preventable global infectious diseases, with diseases of the oral cavity being considered major diseases affecting a person's health. Several clinical studies have shown a connection between oral diseases and oral microbiota. This review discusses the role of antioxidant secondary metabolites in inhibiting the growth of oral pathogens and reducing the formation of dental plaque, and as well as reducing the symptoms of oral diseases. This review article contributes a basic outline of essential oils and their healing actions.

Validation of molecular response of tuberization in response to elevated temperature by using a transient Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) in potato.

Temperature plays an important role in potato tuberization. The ideal night temperature for tuber formation is ~17 °C while temperature beyond 22 °C drastically reduces the tuber yield. Moreover, high temperature has several undesirable effects on the plant and tubers. Investigation of the genes involved in tuberization under heat stress can be helpful in the generation of heat-tolerant potato varieties. Five genes, including StSSH2 (succinic semialdehyde reductase isoform 2), StWTF (WRKY transcription factor), StUGT (UDP-glucosyltransferase), StBHP (Bel1 homeotic protein), and StFLTP (FLOWERING LOCUS T protein), involved in tuberization and heat stress in potato were investigated. The results of our microarray analysis suggested that these genes regulate and function as transcriptional factors, hormonal signaling, cellular homeostasis, and mobile tuberization signals under elevated temperature in contrasting KS (Kufri Surya) and KCM (Kufri Chandramukhi) potato cultivars. However, no detailed report is available which establishes functions of these genes in tuberization under heat stress. Thus, the present study was designed to validate the functions of these genes in tuber signaling and heat tolerance using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Results indicated that VIGS transformed plants had a consequential reduction in StSSH2, StWTF, StUGT, StBHP, and StFLTP transcripts compared to the control plants. Phenotypic observations suggest an increase in plant senescence, reductions to both number and size of tubers, and a decrease in plant dry matter compared to the control plants. We also establish the potency of VIGS as a high-throughput technique for functional validation of genes.

Potential anti-epileptic phytoconstituents: An updated review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Epilepsy is one of the most commonly occurring non-communicable neurological disorder that affects people of all age groups. Around 50 million people globally are epileptic, with 80% cases in developing countries due to lack of access to treatments determined by high cost and poor availability or it can be defined by the fraction of active epileptic patients who are not appropriately being treated. The availability of antiepileptic drugs and their adjuvant therapy in such countries is less than 50% and these are highly susceptible to drug interactions and severe adverse effects. As a result, the use of herbal medicine is increasingly becoming popular. AIM OF THE STUDY: To provide pharmacological information on the active constituents evaluated in the preclinical study to treat epilepsy with potential to be used as an alternative therapeutic option in future. It also provides affirmation for the development of novel antiepileptic drugs derived from medicinal plants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant information on the antiepileptic potential of phytoconstituents in the preclinical study (in-vitro, in-vivo) is provided based on their effect on screening parameters. Besides, relevant information on pharmacology of phytoconstituents, the traditional use of their medicinal plants related to epilepsy and status of phytoconstituents in the clinical study were derived from online databases, including PubMed, Clinicaltrial. gov, The Plant List (TPL, www.theplantlist.org), Science Direct. Articles identified using preset searching syntax and inclusion criteria are presented. RESULTS: More than 70% of the phytoconstituents reviewed in this paper justified the traditional use of their medicinal plant related to epilepsy by primarily acting on the GABAergic system. Amongst the phytoconstituents, only cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol have been explored for clinical application in epilepsy. CONCLUSION: The preclinical and clinical data of the phytoconstituents to treat epilepsy and its associated comorbidities provides evidence for the discovery and development of novel antiepileptic drugs from medicinal plants. In terms of efficacy and safety, further randomized and controlled clinical studies are required to understand the complete pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic picture of phytoconstituents. Also, specific botanical source evaluation is needed.