Pharmacological evaluation and phytochemical profiling of butanol extract of L. edodes with in- silico virtual screening.

L. edodes (L. edodes) is the most consumed mushroom in the world and has been well known for its therapeutic potential as an edible and medicinal candidate, it contains dietary fibers, vitamins, proteins, minerals, and carbohydrates. In the current study butanolic extract of mushroom was used to form semisolid butanol extract. The current study aimed to explore biometabolites that might have biological activities in n-butanol extract of L. edodes using FT-IR and GC-MS and LC-MS. The synergistic properties of bioactive compounds were futher assessed by performing different biological assays such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic. FTIR spectra showed different functional groups including amide N-H group, Alkane (C-H stretching), and (C = C stretching) groups at different spectrum peaks in the range of 500 cm-1 to 5000 cm-1 respectively. GC-MS profiling of n-butanol extract depicted 34 potent biomolecules among those dimethyl; Morphine, 2TMS derivative; Benzoic acid, methyl ester 1-(2-methoxy-1-methylethoxy)-2-propanol were spotted at highest range. Results indicate that L. edodes n-butanol extract showed a maximum anti-inflammatory potential 91.4% at 300 mg/mL. Antioxidant activity was observed by measuring free radical scavenging activity which is 64.6% at optimized concentration along with good antidiabetic activity. In-silico study executed the biopotential of active ingredient morphine which proved the best docking score (- 7.0 kJ/mol) against aldose reductase. The in-silico drug design analysis was performed on biometabolites detected through GC-MS that might be a potential target for sulfatase-2 to treat ruminated arthritis. Morphine binds more strongly (- 7.9 kJ/mol) than other bioactive constituents indicated. QSAR and ADMET analysis shown that morphine is a good candidates against ruminated arthritis. The current study showed that L. edodes might be used as potent drug molecules to cure multiple ailments. As mushrooms have high bioactivity, they can be used against different diseases and to develop antibacterial drugs based on the current situation in the world in which drug resistance is going to increase due to misuse of antibiotics so new and noval biological active compounds are needed to overcome the situation.

Characterization, Synthesis, and Biological Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Produced via Green Synthesis Method Using Thymus Vulgaris Aqueous Extract.

Introduction: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been found to exhibit unique properties which show their potential to be used in various therapies. Green synthesis of AgNPs has been progressively gaining acceptance due to its cost-effectiveness and energy-efficient nature. Objective: In the current study, aqueous extract of Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) was used to synthesize the AgNPs using green synthesis techniques followed by checking the effectiveness and various biological activities of these AgNPs. Methods: At first, the plant samples were proceeded for extraction of aqueous extracts followed by chromatography studies to measure the phenolics and flavonoids. The synthesis and characterization of AgNPs were done using green synthesis techniques and were confirmed using Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), zeta potential, zeta sizer and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. After confirmation of synthesized AgNPs, various biological activities were checked. Results: The chromatography analysis detected nine compounds accounting for 100% of the total amount of plant constituents. The FT-IR, UV-vis spectra, SEM, zeta potential, zeta sizer and XRD analysis confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs and the variety of chemical components present on the surface of synthesized AgNPs in the plant extract. The antioxidant activity of AgNPs showed 92% inhibition at the concentration of at 1000 µg/mL. A greater inhibitory effect in anti-diabetic analysis was observed with synthesized AgNPs as compared to the standard AgNPs. The hemolytic activity was low, but despite low concentrations of hemolysis activity, AgNPs proved not to be toxic or biocompatible. The anti-inflammatory activity of AgNPs was observed by in-vitro and in-vivo approaches in range at various concentrations, while maximum inhibition occurs at 1000 µg (77.31%). Conclusion: Our data showed that the potential biological activities of the bioactive constituents of T. vulgaris can be enhanced through green synthesis of AgNPs from T. vulgaris aqueous extracts. In addition, the current study depicted that AgNPs have good potential to cure different ailments as biogenic nano-medicine.

Melatonin alleviated cadmium accumulation and toxicity by modulating phytohormonal balance and antioxidant metabolism in rice.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination is an eminent dilemma that jeopardizes global food safety and security, especially through its phytotoxicity in rice; one of the most edible crops. Melatonin (MET) has emerged as a protective phytohormone in stress conditions, but the defensive role and underlying mechanisms of MET against Cd toxicity in rice still remain unclear. To fulfill this knowledge gap, the present study is to uncover the key mechanisms for MET-mediated Cd-stress tolerance in rice. Cd toxicity significantly reduced growth by hindering the process of photosynthesis, cellular redox homeostasis, phytohormonal imbalance, and ultrastructural damages. Contrarily, MET supplementation considerably improved growth attributes, photosynthetic efficiency, and cellular ultrastructure as measured by gas exchange elements, chlorophyll content, reduced Cd accumulation, and ultrastructural analysis via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). MET treatment significantly reduced Cd accumulation (39.25%/31.58%), MDA (25.87%/19.45%), H2O2 (17.93%/9.56%), and O2 (29.11%/27.14%) levels in shoot/root tissues, respectively, when compared with Cd treatment. More importantly, MET manifested association with stress responsive phytohormones (ABA and IAA) and boosted the defense mechanisms of plant by enhancing the activities of ROS-scavenging antioxidant enzymes (SOD; superoxide dismutase, POD; peroxidase, CAT; catalase, APX; ascorbate peroxidase) and as well as regulating the key stress-responsive genes (OsSOD1, OsPOD1, OsCAT2, OsAPX1), thereby reinstate cellular membrane integrity and confer tolerance to ultrastructural damages under Cd-induced phytotoxicity. Overall, our findings emphasized the potential of MET as a long-term and cost-effective approach to Cd remediation in paddy soils, which can pave the way for a healthier and more environmentally conscious agricultural sector.

Assessment of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of local coffee populations in southwestern Saudi Arabia using DNA barcoding.

The genetic diversity of local coffee populations is crucial to breed new varieties better adapted to the increasingly stressful environment due to climate change and evolving consumer preferences. Unfortunately, local coffee germplasm conservation and genetic assessment have not received much attention. Molecular tools offer substantial benefits in identifying and selecting new cultivars or clones suitable for sustainable commercial utilization. New annotation methods, such as chloroplast barcoding, are necessary to produce accurate and high-quality phylogenetic analyses. This study used DNA barcoding techniques to examine the genetic relationships among fifty-six accessions collected from the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. PCR amplification and sequence characterization were used to investigate the effectiveness of four barcoding loci: atpB-rbcl, trnL-trnF, trnT-trnL, and trnL. The maximum nucleotide sites, nucleotide diversity, and an average number of nucleotide differences were recorded for atpB-rbcl, while trnT-trnL had the highest variable polymorphic sites, segregating sites, and haploid diversity. Among the four barcode loci, trnT-trnL recorded the highest singleton variable sites, while trnL recorded the highest parsimony information sites. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis clustered the Coffea arabica genotypes into four different groups, with three genotypes (KSA31, KSA38, and KSA46) found to be the most divergent genotypes standing alone in the cluster and remained apart during the analysis. The study demonstrates the presence of considerable diversity among coffee populations in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it also shows that DNA barcoding is an effective technique for identifying local coffee genotypes, with potential applications in coffee conservation and breeding efforts.

Improved remediation of amoxicillin-contaminated water by floating treatment wetlands intensified with biochar, nutrients, aeration, and antibiotic-degrading bacteria.

Residual antibiotics have become emerging contaminants of concern for their adverse impact on the ecosystem. Additionally, their accumulation in the environment is increasing antibiotic resistance among pathogens. This study assessed the impact of intensification of biochar, nutrients, aeration, and bacteria (BNAB) on the remediation potential of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) to treat amoxicillin (AMX)-contaminated water. The FTWs were developed with saplings of Vetiveria zizanioides and intensified with biochar (1.5%), nutrients (25 mgL-1 N, 25 mgL-1 P, 20 mg L1 K), aeration (7 mg L-1), and AMX-degrading bacteria. The results showed that all the amendments enhanced the AMX degradation, while the maximum reduction in COD (89%), BOD (88%), TOC (87%), and AMX (97%) was shown by the combined application of all the amendments. The combined application also enhanced plant growth and persistence of the inoculated bacteria in the water, roots, and shoots. This approach can be employed for the low-cost, environment-friendly treatment, and recycling of antibiotic-contaminated wastewater, where BNAB intensification can further improve the bioremediation efficiency of FTWs in the case of heavily polluted waters.

Vetiver grass floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) removed 83% amoxicillin.Intensification of floating treatment wetlands enhanced amoxicillin removal to 97%.Intensified-FTW removed COD, BOD, and TOC by 89%, 88%, and 87%, respectively.Potential of Intensified-FTW for bioremediation of highly polluted water is shown.

A case report of hypokalemic periodic muscular weakness secondary to Sjögren's syndrome with distal renal tubular acidosis.

Key Clinical Message: An underlying autoimmune condition should be suspected in patients who presented with periodic muscular weakness secondary to distal RTA that leads to hypokalemia because distal RTA is commonly associated with autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome. Abstract: A 22-year-old female presented with a sudden onset of bilateral weakness in both upper and lower limbs. The patient had a history of muscular weakness secondary to hypokalemia and dryness of the eyes for the last 3 years. Laboratory investigations revealed decreased potassium and metabolic acidosis. Further investigations confirmed distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and Sjögren's syndrome. A diagnosis of distal RTA secondary to Sjögren's syndrome was made. Her potassium levels were replaced, and she was discharged with oral potassium supplements, steroids, and artificial tears.

In-vivo anticoccidial efficacy of green synthesized iron-oxide nanoparticles using Ficus racemosa Linn leaf extract. (Moraceae) against Emeria tenella infection in broiler chicks.

Coccidiosis is an acute gastrointestinal parasitic disease and causes approximately $2.80 to $3.27 per m2 loss in a broiler farm of a 33-day-old flock. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were green synthesized using the aqueous leaf extract of Ficus racemosa as a reducing and capping agent to reduce the emerging resistance in coccidia spores against conventional treatments and boost the immune level in broilers. These IONPs were evaluated for their impacts on the growth performance, biochemistry, blood profile, and histology in the coccidiodized broiler chicken with Emeria tenella under in vivo conditions. The characteristics and stability of particles were obtained using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray absorption (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential and zeta size. The results indicated that IONPs at the moderate dose of 15 mg/kg (p = 0.001) reduced the coccidial impacts by eliminating oocyst shedding per gram feces (up to 91%) and reducing clinical symptoms (lesions (LS = 0), bloody diarrhea (No), and mortality (0%) in chicken at day 10 of treatment as compared to the negative control group-B (infected & non-treated). A dose-dependent and time-dependent trend were observed during treatments (10, 15, and 20 mg/kg) of 1-3 weeks using IONPs against the coccidial impacts on the growth parameters (body weight gain, mean feed consumption, feed conversion ratio) and biochemistry (plasma glucose, total protein, uric acid, ALT, AST, and ALP) in chickens. Additionally, F. racemosa IONPs at a dose of 15 and 20 mg/kg significantly recovered the parasitized and highly damaged hepatocytes, liver tissues, and ceca tissues after 1-3 weeks of treatment in broiler chickens. Overall, the 15 mg/kg concentration of IONPs exhibited fast recovery and growth enhancement in coccidiodized broilers. Therefore, the 15 mg/kg dose of green synthesized IONPs using leaf extract of F. racemosa could be a potential and safe anticoccidial agent with targeted implications in the poultry industry.

Pharmacological Activities and In-Silico Studies of Bioactive Compounds Identified in Organic Fractions of the Methanolic Extract of Citrullus Colocynthis.

Medicinal plants have been extensively exploited for their immense pharmacological and immune-supporting potential. Fruit of Citrullus colocynthis has several active secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, and essential oils that are used in traditional medicines as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agents. In this study, phytoconstituents in organic fractions (n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) of the methanolic extract of C. colocynthis were analyzed and identified by FT-IR, HPLC, and GC-MS analysis. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antioxidant scavenging (76 ± .769%) and anti-inflammatory (40 ± .473%) activities at the concentration of 3 mg/mL. Similarly, antidiabetic effect was measured by inhibition of α-amylase where, ethyl acetate fraction (77 ± .844%) exhibited the highest antidiabetic activity. Among all organic fractions, ethyl acetate exhibited strong antimicrobial potential followed by n-hexane and chloroform fractions against selected pathogenic bacteria. Various concentrations of the ethyl acetate extract were tested in-vivo for cytotoxicity and results indicated minor morphological changes in liver cells including ballooning, fatty droplets, and slight accumulation of extracellular matrix even at concentrations of 400 mg/kg. In-silico study showed that stigmasta-7,16-dien-3-ol had a strong interaction with COX-1 and COX-2 to reduce inflammation. The abovementioned results indicate the pharmacological strengths of C. colocynthis to fight several diseases.

Larvicidal activity of green synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles using Grevillea robusta Cunn. leaf extract against vector mosquitoes and their characterization.

Extensive fumigation of synthetic pesticides to control the mosquito vector during each post-monsoon season in Pakistan significantly enhanced the environmental contamination and extinction of beneficial insects from the urban ecosystems. In this context, the present study examined the larvicidal efficacy of green synthesized iron nanoparticles (IONPs), using an aqueous leaf extract of Grevillea robusta against the early 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi in Pakistan. The prepared IONPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrum, FTIR, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive diffraction. Larvicidal bioassay was conducted at various concentrations (80, 160, 240, 320, and 400 ppm) of IONPs prepared from leaf extract of G. robusta, and readings were taken-every 12 h for two consecutive days. In vitro, larvicidal assay, G. robusta leaf extract IONPs exhibited high mortalities of 64-96% (LC50 = 259.07 ppm; LC90 = 443.92 ppm) for the second instar and 65-98% (LC50 = 238.05 ppm; LC90 = 433.93 ppm) for the fourth instar of Ae. aegypti, while in the case of An. stephensi 56-84% (LC50 = 297.96 ppm; LC90 = 528.69 ppm) for the second and 56-88% (LC50 = 292.72 ppm; LC90 = 514.00 ppm) mortality for fourth larvae at 12-48 h post-exposure times were observed respectively. Significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent and exposure time-dependent trends were observed among the 2nd and 4th larvalinstar of An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti. However, both species showed similar response and observed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in percentage mortality between the vector mosquitoes An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti. Overall, this study demonstrates that the larvicidal efficacy of green synthesized IONPs at low concentrations can be an ideal eco-friendly and cost-effective biocontrol of vector mosquitoes' larvae of An. stephensi and Ae. aegypti.

Phytobioactive compounds as therapeutic agents for human diseases: A review.

Phytobioactive compounds are plant secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds abundantly present in medicinal plants and have remarkable therapeutic potential. Oxidative stress and antibiotic resistance are major causes of present-day ailments such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and inflammation. The data for this review were collected from Google Scholar, PubMed, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and Science Direct by using keywords: "Medicinal plants, Phytobioactive compounds, Polyphenols, Alkaloids, Carotenoids etc." Several studies have reported the pharmacological and therapeutic potential of the phytobioactives. Polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenes, and polysaccharides isolated from medicinal plants showed remarkable antioxidant, anticancer, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic activities. This literature review was planned to provide comprehensive insight into the biopharmacological and therapeutic potential of phytobioactive compounds. The techniques used for the extraction and isolation of phytobioactive compounds, and bioassays required for their biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities, have been discussed. Characterization techniques for the structural elucidation of phytobioactive compounds such as HPLC, TLC, FTIR, GC-MS/MS, and NMR have also been discussed. This review concludes that phytobioactive compounds may be used as potential alternative to synthetic compounds as therapeutic agents for the treatment of various diseases.

Omics Approaches in Invasion Biology: Understanding Mechanisms and Impacts on Ecological Health.

Invasive species and rapid climate change are affecting the control of new plant diseases and epidemics. To effectively manage these diseases under changing environmental conditions, a better understanding of pathophysiology with holistic approach is needed. Multiomics approaches can help us to understand the relationship between plants and microbes and construct predictive models for how they respond to environmental stresses. The application of omics methods enables the simultaneous analysis of plant hosts, soil, and microbiota, providing insights into their intricate relationships and the mechanisms underlying plant-microbe interactions. This can help in the development of novel strategies for enhancing plant health and improving soil ecosystem functions. The review proposes the use of omics methods to study the relationship between plant hosts, soil, and microbiota, with the aim of developing a new technique to regulate soil health. This approach can provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying plant-microbe interactions and contribute to the development of effective strategies for managing plant diseases and improving soil ecosystem functions. In conclusion, omics technologies offer an innovative and holistic approach to understanding plant-microbe interactions and their response to changing environmental conditions.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activities of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Derived from Secondary Metabolites of Lentinula edodes.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are the second most prevalent metal oxide, owing to their characteristics of low cost, safe, and easily prepared. ZnO NPs have been found to exhibit unique properties which show their potential to be used in various therapies. Numerous techniques have been devised for the manufacture of zinc oxide because it is one of the nanomaterials that has received major research interest. Mushroom sources are proven to be efficient, ecologically friendly, inexpensive, and safe for humankind. In the current study, an aqueous fraction of methanolic extract of Lentinula edodes (L. edoes) was used to synthesize ZnO NPs. The biosynthesis of ZnO NPs was achieved by using the reducing and capping capability of an L. edodes aqueous fraction. Bioactive compounds from mushroom, such as flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, are used in the green synthesis process to biologically reduce metal ions or metal oxides to metal NPs. Biogenically synthesized ZnO NPs were further characterized by using UV-Vis, FTIR, HPLC, XRD, SEM, EDX, zeta sizer and zeta potential analyses. The FTIR showed the functional group at the spectra in the range 3550-3200 cm-1 indicated the presence of the hydroxyl (OH) group, while bands in the range 1720-1706 cm-1 indicated C=O carboxylic stretches bonds. Furthermore, the XRD pattern of ZnO NPs created in the current study was found to be nanocrystals which are hexagonal. The SEM analysis of ZnO NPs showed spherical shapes and size distributions in the range 90-148 nm. Biologically synthesized ZnO NPs have substantial biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential. Biological activities showed significant antioxidant (65.7 ± 1.09), antidiabetic (85.18 ± 0.48), and anti-inflammatory potential (86.45 ± 0.60) at 300 µg inhibition in paw inflammation of (1.1 ± 0.06) and yeast-induced pyrexia (97.4 ± 0.51) at 10 mg in a dose-dependent manner. The outcomes of this research indicated that ZnO NPs significantly reduced inflammation and have the ability to scavenge free radicals and prevent protein denaturation, while also indicating their possible use in food and nutraceutical applications to treat various ailments.

Characterization of Bioactive Compounds and Novel Proteins Derived from Promising Source Citrullus colocynthis along with In-Vitro and In-Vivo Activities.

Herbal products are preferable to synthetic medicines, and the use of traditional medicines is increasing day-by-day. The current study was designed to evaluate the potentials of bioactive compounds from Citrullus colocynthis by performing FTIR, HPLC, and GC-MS analyses, which explore the good concentration of the secondary metabolites, such as gallic acid (74.854 ppm), vanillic acid (122.616 ppm), and ferulic acid (101.045 ppm) with considerable bioactivities. Antimicrobial protein was estimated by performing SDS-PAGE, ranging from 15 to 70 kDa in all protein fractions. The current study also checked the cytotoxicity of the bioactive compounds in the active fraction of C. colocynthis, and to perform this activity, the groups of rats were arranged with 16 rats randomly divided into four groups (three experimental and one control) by administering various dosage of methanolic fractions in dose-dependent manner. Histopathology was conducted on the livers of the rats after 15 days of sacrifice under deep anesthesia. In liver cell slides examined at the maximum dose of 600 mg/kg, minimal morphological changes, such as slight ballooning, nuclear variation, vacuolar degeneration, and hydropic degeneration, were observed. Furthermore, the in silico analysis identified bioactive compounds as potential drug candidates.

An Inventory of Anthelmintic Plants across the Globe.

A wide range of novelties and significant developments in the field of veterinary science to treat helminth parasites by using natural plant products have been assessed in recent years. To the best of our knowledge, to date, there has not been such a comprehensive review of 19 years of articles on the anthelmintic potential of plants against various types of helminths in different parts of the world. Therefore, the present study reviews the available information on a large number of medicinal plants and their pharmacological effects, which may facilitate the development of an effective management strategy against helminth parasites. An electronic search in four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) was performed for articles published between January 2003 and April 2022. Information about plant species, local name, family, distribution, plant tissue used, and target parasite species was tabulated. All relevant studies meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed, and 118 research articles were included. In total, 259 plant species were reviewed as a potential source of anthelmintic drugs. These plants can be used as a source of natural drugs to treat helminth infections in animals, and their use would potentially reduce economic losses and improve livestock production.

HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS Analyses of Thymus vulgaris Phytochemicals Executing In Vitro and In Vivo Biological Activities and Effects on COX-1, COX-2 and Gastric Cancer Genes Computationally.

Medicinal plants have played an essential role in the treatment of various diseases. Thymus vulgaris, a medicinal plant, has been extensively used for biological and pharmaceutical potential. The current study was performed to check the biopotential of active biological compounds. The GC-MS analysis identified 31 compounds in methanolic crude extract, among which thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, and eugenol are the main phytoconstituents present in T. vulgaris. The HPLC analysis quantified that flavonoids and phenolic acids are present in a good concentration in the active fraction of ethyl acetate and n-butanol. FTIR confirmed the presence of functional groups such as phenols, a carboxylic group, hydroxy group, alcohols, and a benzene ring. Among both fractions, ethyl acetate showed high antioxidant activity in the DPPH (84.1 0.88) and ABTS (87.1 0.89) assays, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity of the fractions was done in vitro and in vivo by using a carrageenan-induced paw edema assay, while the hexane-based extract showed high anti-inflammatory activity (57.1 0.54) in a dose-response manner. Furthermore, the lead compound responsible for inhibition in the denaturation of proteins is thymol, which exhibits the highest binding affinity with COX1 (-6.4 KJ/mol) and COX2 (-6.3 KJ/mol) inflammatory proteins. The hepatotoxicity analysis showed that plant-based phytoconstituents are safe to use and have no toxicity, with no necrosis, fibrosis, and vacuolar degeneration, even at a high concentration of 800 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, the in silico analysis of HPLC phytochemical compounds against gastric cancer genes showed that chlorogenic acid exhibited anticancer activity and showed good drug-designing characteristics. Thrombolysis and hemolysis are the major concerns of individuals suffering from gastric cancer. However, the T. vulgaris fractions showed thrombolysis from 17.6 to 5.4%; similarly, hemolysis ranged from 9.73 to 7.1% at a concentration of 12 mg/mL. The phytoconstituents present in T. vulgaris have the potential for multiple pharmacological applications. This should be further investigated to isolate bioactive compounds that can be used for the treatment of different ailments.

Potential Role of Phytochemical Extract from Saffron in Development of Functional Foods and Protection of Brain-Related Disorders.

The present review is designed to measure the effects of saffron extract in functional foods and its pharmacological properties against various disorders. Saffron is a traditional medicinal plant used as a food additive. The stigma of saffron has bioactive compounds such as safranal, crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, kaempferol, and flavonoid. These bioactive compounds can be extracted using conventional (maceration, solvent extraction, soxhlet extraction, and vapor or hydrodistillation) and novel techniques (emulsion liquid membrane extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, enzyme-associated extraction, pulsed electric field extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction). Saffron is used as a functional ingredient, natural colorant, shelf-life enhancer, and fortifying agent in developing different food products. The demand for saffron has been increasing in the pharma industry due to its protection against cardiovascular and Alzheimer disease and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antidepressant properties. Conclusively, the phytochemical compounds of saffron improve the nutrition value of products and protect humans against various disorders.

Isolation and characterization of phytochemicals from ethyl acetate fraction of Solanum nigrum using GC-MS.

Solanum nigrum plant has rich therapeutic potential and different developed countries utilize this plant as a chief element for oriental medicinal practice including cancer therapy. The current study determines the isolation and purification of S. nigrum bioactive constituents through column chromatography from ethyl acetate extract of the plant followed by the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) to analyze the isolated compounds Different gradient elutions followed by thin layer chromatography of collected fractions were done and structural analysis of the isolated compounds was performed following GCMS analysis, More specifically the compounds were identified as 1, 2 benzene dicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (95%) and as Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (84%) along with 3 hydroxy 4 carboxy 2 methyl 6 pyridine (58%) with reference to chemical abstract service which may be responsible for its pharmacological properties. According to the best information available, no documented information exists regarding GC-MS based identification of the isolated chemical compounds from the S. nigrum. Present findings will help in exploring the therapeutic potential of 1, 2 benzene dicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (95%), Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (84%) and 3 hydroxy 4 carboxy 2 methyl 6 pyridine (58%) will be helpful in the development of new composites in pharmaceutical fields.

Withania somnifera Chemical Constituents' In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Their Response on Spermatozoa Parameters.

Background: Phytomedicine is becoming more acceptable as an alternative medicinal approach in the modern era. Objectives: The current study examined the antioxidant capacity and in vitro response of phytochemical constituents of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on standard parameters of healthy volunteer semen. Methods: The phytochemicals and their pharmacological response in a hydroethanolic (30:70 v/v) extract of W. somnifera roots were determined using standard protocols. Results: The constituents included flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and terpenoids were reported. High-performance liquid chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy determined a diverse array of biologically active chemical constituents in the extract. The extract of W. somnifera exhibits substantial antioxidant properties, including total antioxidant capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition, H2O2 scavenging, and Fe3+ reducing potential (P < .05). The analysis of essential natural minerals explored adequate levels determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cytotoxic studies revealed significant thrombolytic, RBC membrane stabilization, and DNA damage protection activity (P < .05) while remaining non-mutagenic against Salmonella typhi TA98 and TA100. The best protective response of W. somnifera extract on human semen parameters (n = 30), such as total motility, progressive motility, and viability, demonstrated a significant (P < .05) improvement, particularly at the dose of 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL. Conclusion: The study concludes that W. somnifera possesses favorable in vitro characteristics that could aid in the preservation of sperm during intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Operational parameters optimization for remediation of crude oil-polluted water in floating treatment wetlands using response surface methodology.

The application of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) is an innovative nature-based solution for the remediation of polluted water. The rational improvement of water treatment via FTWs is typically based on multifactorial experiments which are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Here, we used the response surface methodology (RSM) for the optimization of FTW's operational parameters for the remediation of water polluted by crude oil. The central composite design (CCD) of RSM was used to generate the experimental layout for testing the effect of the variables hydrocarbon, nutrient, and surfactant concentrations, aeration, and retention time on the hydrocarbon removal in 50 different FTW test systems planted with the common reed, Phragmites australis. The results from these FTW were used to formulate a mathematical model in which the computational data strongly correlated with the experimental results. The operational parameters were further optimized via modeling prediction plus experimental validation in test FTW systems. In the FTW with optimized parameters, there was a 95% attenuation of the hydrocarbon concentration, which was very close to the 98% attenuation predicted by the model. The cost-effectiveness ratio showed a reduction of the treatment cost up to $0.048/liter of wastewater. The approach showed that RSM is a useful strategy for designing FTW experiments and optimizing operational parameters.

Enhanced degradation of hydrocarbons in constructed wetlands aided with nutrients, surfactant, and aeration.

The use of constructed wetlands (CWs) is a promising approach for the remediation of hydrocarbon-polluted wastewater. The amendments of CWs with nutrients, surfactants, and aeration enhances the removal of pollutants from wastewater. The objective of the present study was to explore the effect of external stimulants, i.e., nutrients, surfactant, and aeration on hydrocarbons degradation potential of CWs. The CWs mesocosms were developed by the vegetation of Phragmites australis and amendments with nutrients (20 mg l-1 N, 2.6 mg l-1 P, and 16.4 mg l-1 K), surfactant Tween 20 (0.2%, v/v), and aeration (7 mg l-1) for the remediation of diesel-spiked water (2%, w/v). The comparative analysis showed that the addition of nutrients, surfactant, and aeration individually enhanced total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) reduction, and maximum TPHs reduction (88.4%) was achieved after 60 days in the mesocosms amended with the combination of nutrients, surfactant, and aeration. Among different individual treatments, the aeration (alone) also played a pivotal role in TPHs reduction (61%). The least (12%) reduction in TPHs was achieved in the mesocosms supplied with surfactant only. This study revealed that the combined application of nutrients, surfactant, and aeration in CWs enhanced its hydrocarbons degradation performance.

The biodegradability of crude oil-polluted wastewater is not efficient. It is mainly due to the low bioavailability of hydrocarbons, and less amount of nutrients and dissolved oxygen in the wastewater. This study explores the importance of the amendments of nutrients, surfactant, and aeration on the enhanced performance of constructed wetlands (CWs) for the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated water. The application of nutrients, surfactant, and aeration in CWs not only enhanced hydrocarbon degradation and toxicity reduction but also improved plant growth.