Non-encapsulated, encapsulated, and lyophilized probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri SW23 influenced the growth and gut health in calves.

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of non-encapsulated, air-dried microencapsulated, and lyophilized microencapsulated probiotics in indigenous cattle calves (Bos indicus). Twenty-four (5-7 days old) indigenous cattle calves were selected and assigned into four groups, with six calves in each as follows: control (CON), fed milk and basal diet alone, and treatment groups supplemented with non-encapsulated (NEC), air-dried microencapsulated (AEC) and lyophilized microencapsulated (LEC) probiotic L. reuteri SW23 at 108 CFU/head/day in skim milk as a carrier provided for 60 days. The animals were divided into four groups, adopting a complete randomized design, and the effects were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. Probiotics supplementation increased (p < 0.05) body weight gain (kg), average daily gain, and structural growth measurements in calves of all treatment groups. Dry matter intake (g/d), feed conversion efficiency, and fecal counts of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria were also increased in the treatment groups compared to CON. The fecal consistency index was highest in CON (0.70 ± 0.03), followed by NEC (0.68 ± 0.01), AEC (0.66 ± 0.02), and LEC (0.65 ± 0.02). Fecal pH and ammonia levels were reduced (p < 0.05) in the probiotic-fed groups compared to CON, with a concomitant increase in fecal lactate, acetate, and propionate levels. In addition, cell-mediated and humoral immunity were significantly increased in supplemented groups as compared to CON. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of the probiotics in microencapsulated/non-encapsulated forms to neonatal calves had a variety of positive effects on their health, including better performance, improved gut health, and a lower fecal consistency index. Moreover, among all supplemented groups, the lyophilized microencapsulated group outperformed air-dried microencapsulated and non-microencapsulated groups in terms of ADG, DMI, and gut health.

Evaluation of different regression models for detection of adulteration of mustard and canola oil with argemone oil using fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics.

Mustard and canola oils are commonly used cooking oils in Asian countries such as India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, making them prone to adulteration. Argemone is a well-known adulterant of mustard oil, and its alkaloid sanguinarine has been linked with health conditions such as glaucoma and dropsy. Utilising a non-destructive spectroscopic method coupled with a chemometric approach can serve better for the detection of adulterants. This work aimed to evaluate the performance of various regression algorithms for the detection of argemone in mustard and canola oils. The spectral dataset was acquired from fluorescence spectrometer analysis of pure as well as adulterated mustard and canola oils with some local and commercial samples also. The prediction performance of the eight regression algorithms for the detection of adulterants was evaluated. Extreme gradient boosting regressor (XGBR), Category gradient boosting regressor (CBR), and Random Forest (RF) demonstrate potential for predicting adulteration levels in both oils with high R2 values.

Adhatoda vasica and Tinospora cordifolia extracts ameliorate clinical and molecular markers in mild COVID-19 patients: a randomized open-label three-armed study.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infections caused mild-to-moderate illness. However, a sizable portion of infected people experience a rapid progression of hyper-inflammatory and hypoxic respiratory illness that necessitates an effective and safer remedy to combat COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 150 COVID-19-positive patients with no to mild symptoms, between the age groups 19-65 years were enrolled in this randomized, open-labeled three-armed clinical trial. Among them, 136 patients completed the study with RT-PCR negative reports. The patients received herbal drugs orally (Group A (Adhatoda vasica; AV; 500 mg; n = 50); Group B (Tinospora cordifolia; TC; 500 mg; n = 43), and Group C (AV + TC; 250 mg each; n = 43)) for 14 days. Clinical symptoms, vital parameters, and viral clearance were taken as primary outcomes, and biochemical, hematological parameters, cytokines, and biomarkers were evaluated at three time points as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: We found that the mean viral clearance time was 13.92 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.85-14.99) in Group A, 13.44 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.14-14.74) in Group B, and 11.86 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.62-13.11) days in Group C. Over a period of 14 days, the mean temperature in Groups A, and B significantly decreased linearly. In Group A, during the trial period, eosinophils, and PT/INR increased significantly, while monocytes, SGOT, globulin, serum ferritin, and HIF-1α, a marker of hypoxia reduced significantly. On the other hand, in Group B hsCRP decreased at mid-treatment. Eosinophil levels increased in Group C during the treatment, while MCP-3 levels were significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: All the patients of the three-armed interventions recovered from COVID-19 and none of them reported any adverse effects from the drugs. Group C patients (AV + TC) resulted in a quicker viral clearance as compared to the other two groups. We provide the first clinical report of AV herbal extract acting as a modifier of HIF-1α in COVID-19 patients along with a reduction in levels of ferritin, VEGF, and PT/INR as the markers of hypoxia, inflammation, and thrombosis highlighting the potential use in progression stages, whereas the TC group showed immunomodulatory effects. Trial registration Clinical Trials Database -India (ICMR-NIMS), CTRI/2020/09/028043. Registered 24th September 2020, https://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=47443&EncHid=&modid=&compid=%27,%2747443det%27.

Antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activity of Psidium guajava L. leaf extract: In vitro and in silico approach.

The quorum sensing mechanism relies on the detection and response to chemical signals, termed autoinducers, which regulate the synthesis of virulence factors including toxins, enzymes, and biofilms. Emerging therapeutic strategies for infection control encompass approaches that attenuate quorum-sensing systems. In this study, we evaluated the antibacterial, anti-quorum sensing, and anti-biofilm activities of Psidium guajava L. methanolic leaf extracts (PGME). Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of PGME were determined as 500 µg/ml for C. violaceum and 1000 µg/ml for P. aeruginosa PAO1. Significantly, even at sub-MIC concentrations, PGME exhibited noteworthy anti-quorum sensing properties, as evidenced by concentration-dependent inhibition of pigment production in C. violaceum 12742. Furthermore, PGME effectively suppressed quorum-sensing controlled virulence factors in P. aeruginosa PAO1, including biofilm formation, pyoverdin, pyocyanin, and rhamnolipid production, with concentration-dependent inhibitory effects. Phytochemical analysis utilizing GC-MS revealed the presence of compounds such as alpha-copaene, caryophyllene, and nerolidol. In-silico docking studies indicated a plausible mechanism for the observed anti-quorum sensing activity, involving favorable binding and interactions with QS-receptors, including RhlR, CviR', LasI, and LasR proteins. These interactions were found to potentially disrupt QS pathways through suppression of AHL production and receptor protein blockade. Collectively, our findings propose PGME as a promising candidate for the treatment of bacterial infections. Its attributes that mitigate biofilm development and impede quorum-sensing mechanisms highlight its potential therapeutic value.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of Abroma augusta stabilized silver (Ag) nanoparticles against drug-resistant clinical pathogens.

Infectious diseases remain among the most pressing concerns for human health. This issue has grown even more complex with the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. To address bacterial infections, nanoparticles have emerged as a promising avenue, offering the potential to target bacteria at multiple levels and effectively eliminate them. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AA-AgNPs) were synthesized using the leaf extract of a medicinal plant, Abroma augusta. The synthesis method is straightforward, safe, cost-effective, and environment friendly, utilizing the leaf extract of this Ayurvedic herb. The UV-vis absorbance peak at 424 nm indicated the formation of AA-AgNPs, with the involvement of numerous functional groups in the synthesis and stabilization of the particles. AA-AgNPs exhibited robust antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). The MIC values of AA-AgNPs ranged from 8 to 32 µg/mL. Electron microscopic examination of the interaction of AA-AgNPs with the test bacterial pathogens showed a deleterious impact on bacterial morphology, resulting from membrane rupture and leakage of intracellular components. AA-AgNPs also demonstrated a dose-dependent effect in curtailing biofilm formation below inhibitory doses. Overall, this study highlights the potential of AA-AgNPs in the successful inhibition of both the growth and biofilms of MRSA and VRE bacteria. Following studies on toxicity and dose optimization, such AgNPs could be developed into effective medical remedies against infections.

Sida cordifolia L.: Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Phytonanotechnology, and Commercial Application.

BACKGROUND: After a period of prolonged indifference, where synthetic drugs were preferred, interest in the biological aspects and bioactive ingredients of plants accountable for therapeutic potential has been explored eminently. Sida cordifolia L. is a perennial herb that has been widely utilized in Indian (Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha), American, and Chinese folk medicine and herbalism practice for curing a wide range of ailments in human beings. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this review is to elucidate indigenous knowledge parallelly with the pharmacotherapeutics potential of Sida cordifolia L. against various diseases. It is also intended to display pertinent information related to nanoparticle profiling. METHODS: In the current comprehensive study, web-based searches were performed by using several databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, Science Direct, and Scopus, to figure out relevant research work and data published in academic journals from 1930 to July, 2023 using single or combination of keywords listed herewith. RESULTS: More than 50 chemical constituents, including quinazoline and phenethylamine alkaloids, flavones, flavonol, phytosterol, fatty acids, etc., were reported to be found in different parts of healthy plants. Apart from traditional claims and pharmacological aspects, several marketed herbal formulations and granted patents were also described. CONCLUSION: Several in-vitro and in-vivo studies validated the usage of S. cordifolia as antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anthelmintic, anticancer, antiulcer, cardioprotective, hypoglycemic, etc. agent. Few patents are also related to S. cordifolia, and more research work needs to be carried out for its potential granted to use as an antiviral agent and other new drug discovery molecules.

Bioefficacy of Sida cordifolia L. phytoextract against foodborne bacteria: optimization and bioactive compound analysis.

Aim: To elucidate the antibacterial activity of Sida cordifolia L. phytoextract, evaluate its polyphenol profile and optimize conditions against certain common foodborne bacteria. Methods: After polarity-based sequential extraction, S. cordifolia phytoextracts were tested for antibacterial potential against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Box-Behnken design was used to optimize several process parameters and ultra-performance liquid chromatography confirmed the phenolic composition of the best possible outcome. Results: Agar well diffusion and MIC/MBC assay confirmed a strong bactericidal effect of ethanolic (SC04-ET) extract against ampicillin and colistin-resistant Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The direct interactive effect of optimized conditions showed maximum antibacterial performance and ultra-performance liquid chromatography revealed a high amount of phenolic compounds. Conclusion: The results confirmed that ethanolic extract of S. cordifolia has potent bactericidal action against foodborne bacteria.

What is this article about? There are bacteria in food that can make people ill. These are usually treated with antibiotics but sometimes, these bacteria become less susceptible to the antibiotics. This article looks at a natural alternative to antibiotics that is tested against three types of bacteria linked to foodborne illness. What were the results? This study found that the plant extract, a natural extract derived from different parts of plants such as leaves, stems or roots, can kill bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. What do the results of the study mean? This study suggests that the plant extract could be a natural and effective way to kill bacteria. This could be useful in the food and medicine industries.

Effect of synbiotics on growth performance, gut health, and immunity status in pre-ruminant buffalo calves.

Synbiotics are employed as feed additives in animal production as an alternate to antibiotics for sustaining the gut microbiota and providing protection against infections. Dairy calves require a healthy diet and management to ensure a better future for the herd of dairy animals. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the effect of synbiotics formulation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal bacterial count, metabolites, immunoglobulins, blood parameters, antioxidant enzymes and immune response of pre-ruminant Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty-four apparently healthy calves (5 days old) were allotted into four groups of six calves each. Group I (control) calves were fed a basal diet of milk, calf starter and berseem with no supplements. Group II (SYN1) calves were fed with 3 g fructooligosaccharide (FOS) + Lactobacillus plantarum CRD-7 (150 ml). Group III (SYN2) calves were fed with 6 g FOS + L. plantarum CRD-7 (100 ml), whereas calves in group IV (SYN3) received 9 g FOS + L. plantarum CRD-7 (50 ml). The results showed that SYN2 had the highest (P < 0.05) crude protein digestibility and average daily gain compared to the control. Fecal counts of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium were also increased (P < 0.05) in supplemented groups as compared to control. Fecal ammonia, diarrhea incidence and fecal scores were reduced in treated groups while lactate, volatile fatty acids and antioxidant enzymes were improved compared to the control. Synbiotic supplementation also improved both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in buffalo calves. These findings indicated that synbiotics formulation of 6 g FOS + L. plantarum CRD-7 in dairy calves improved digestibility, antioxidant enzymes, and immune status, as well as modulated the fecal microbiota and decreased diarrhea incidence. Therefore, synbiotics formulation can be recommended for commercial use in order to achieve sustainable animal production.

The genus Leucas: A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.

Genus Leucas (family Lamiaceae) has been used as the traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of disorders like skin diseases, diabetes, rheumatic pain, wounds, snake bites, etc. Several species of genus Leucas have been explored for their pharmacological activities and found to possess diverse properties like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and anticancer, antinociceptive, antidiabetic, antitussive, wound healing, phytotoxic, etc. Phytochemical investigations of the different plant parts of Genus Leucas have revealed the presence of phytochemicals including terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, phenolic glycosides, sterols, and essential oils. Terpenoids have been obtained as the major components of the isolated compounds and could be used as the marker compounds for the genus Leucas. The traditional uses of Leucas spp. have been established scientifically and were shown due to the presence of different phytochemicals. Although the pharmacological activities of Leucas plants have been well-documented, further studies are needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and clinical applications. In conclusion, the phytochemistry and pharmacological activity of genus Leucas make it a promising source of natural products for drug discovery and development. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive note on the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the genus Leucas.

Breeding and adoption of biofortified crops and their nutritional impact on human health.

Micronutrient malnutrition has affected over two billion people worldwide and continues to be a health risk. A growing human population, poverty, and the prevalence of low dietary diversity are jointly responsible for malnutrition, particularly in developing nations. Inadequate bioavailability of key micronutrients, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and vitamin A, can be improved through agronomic and/or genetic interventions. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research prioritizes developing biofortified food crops that are rich in minerals and vitamins through the HarvestPlus initiative on biofortification. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of biofortified food crops along with evidence supporting their acceptability and adoption. Between 2004 and 2019, 242 biofortified varieties belonging to 11 major crops were released in 30 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These conventionally bred biofortified crops include Fe-enriched beans, pearl millet, and cowpea; Zn-enriched rice, wheat, and maize; both Fe- and Zn-enriched lentil and sorghum; and varieties with improved vitamin A in orange-fleshed sweet potato, maize, cassava, and banana/plantain. In addition to ongoing efforts, breeding innovations, such as speed breeding and CRISPR-based gene editing technologies, will be necessary for the next decade to reach two billion people with biofortified crops.

Dietary supplementation of Aloe vera extract modulates rumen microbes and improves the functional food value of milk by altering phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and fatty acid profile in lactating goats.

Twenty-four cross-breed (Alpine × Beetal) lactating goats (average body weight: 37.5 ± 2.7 kg and milk yield: 1.78 ± 0.31 kg/day) were chosen for the ninety days duration of the experiment and divided into three groups following a completely randomized design. Group I acted as control (T0) and received only a basal diet as per requirement, whereas group II (T1) and group III (T2) received basal diet added with Aloe vera extract at 2% and 4% of dry matter intake (DMI), respectively. Total phenolic compounds (TPC) and milk antioxidant status were higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2 than T0. Relative abundance of methanogen, protozoa, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, and Ruminococcus flavefaciens in the rumen were lower, while Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens population was higher (p < 0.05) in T2 and T1 compared to T0. Saturated fatty acids levels in milk were lower, whereas different polyunsaturated fatty acids levels were higher (p < 0.05) in T1 and T2 than T0. Nutritional indices of milk increased in both supplemented groups. Overall, it may be concluded that dietary supplementation of Aloe vera extract at 2% and 4% of DMI may enhance the functional characteristics of milk by boosting TPC and antioxidant status, as well as the FA profile and nutritional quality indices of milk fat.

Quality of life, social support, and pathways of care among persons with psychiatric disorders-A cross-sectional study.

Background: Patients with psychiatric disorders have varied psychosocial realities embedded in the community context. Help-seeking behavior is extremely crucial in determining the prognosis and outcome of interventions. Objectives: (1) To assess the levels of quality of life, perceived social support, and decision to first seek help. (2) To assess the association of socio-demographic variables with these domains. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey with 100 psychiatric patients in a tertiary care setting employed three scales, namely WHOQOL-BREF, PSSS, and WHO Pathways Encounter form. Results: Patients had higher levels of quality of life and perceived social support. The majority of patients chose health professionals over faith healers at the onset of symptoms, had higher reliance on family members, and continued with hospital visits till the third follow-up. Sex, occupation, and marital status were associated with perceived social support, and duration of illness was associated with help-seeking behavior. Conclusions: Community-based interventions must include holistic services and reduce the gap between onset and first contact, leading to higher quality of life and perceived social support.

Prophylactic treatment of Glycyrrhiza glabra mitigates COVID-19 pathology through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the hamster model and NETosis.

Severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is accompanied by acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary pathology, and is presented mostly with an inflammatory cytokine release, a dysregulated immune response, a skewed neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and a hypercoagulable state. Though vaccinations have proved effective in reducing the COVID-19-related mortality, the limitation of the use of vaccine against immunocompromised individuals, those with comorbidity, and emerging variants remains a concern. In the current study, we investigate for the first time the efficacy of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) extract, a potent immunomodulator, against SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters. Prophylactic treatment with GG showed protection against loss in body weight and a 35%-40% decrease in lung viral load along with reduced lung pathology in the hamster model. Remarkably, GG reduced the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). In vitro, GG acted as a potent immunomodulator by reducing Th2 and Th17 differentiation and IL-4 and IL-17A cytokine production. In addition, GG also showed robust potential to suppress ROS, mtROS, and NET generation in a concentration-dependent manner in both human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and murine bone marrow-derived neutrophils (BMDNs). Taken together, we provide evidence for the protective efficacy of GG against COVID-19 and its putative mechanistic insight through its immunomodulatory properties. Our study provides the proof of concept for GG efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 using a hamster model and opens the path for further studies aimed at identifying the active ingredients of GG and its efficacy in COVID-19 clinical cases.

Anti-quorum sensing, antibiofilm, and antibacterial activities of extracts of Centella asiatica L. leaves, and in vitro derived leaves-calli through tissue culture: a potential for biofouling-prevention.

Extracts of Centella asiatica leaves (LEs), and in-vitro leaf-calli (CEs), were investigated for antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing activities. Ethyl acetate extracts from leaves (EALE), leaf-calli (EACE), methanolic extracts from leaves (MELE), and leaf-calli (MECE) showed antibacterial activity; the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of LEs and CEs ranged from 0.312-2.50 mg ml-1 and 0.625 - 2.50 mg ml-1, respectively. The MICs of EALE and EACE were 2.50 mg ml-1, each, for C. violaceum 12742, and P. aeruginosa PAO1. At sub-MIC levels, EALE and EACE showed anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) activity, demonstrated by concentration dependent pigment inhibition of C. violaceum 12742. Similarly, EALE and EACE inhibited QS-controlled virulence factors in P. aeruginosa PAO1 (biofilm, pyocyanin, and pyoverdin); again, the inhibition was concentration-dependent. The best effect was at immediate sub-MIC concentration i.e. 1250 µg ml-1. GC-MS analyses revealed the presence of compound 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, and in silico docking study suggested interactions with QS-receptors CviR', LasI, and LasR proteins for anti-QS activity.

Establishment of antitick efficacy of a phytoformulation prepared from Annona squamosa leaf extracts for the management of acaricide resistant tick infestations on cattle.

To combat the problem of acaricide resistance in ticks, efforts have been made to develop eco-friendly herbal acaricides which are safe for animal use with no possibilities of evoking environment and residual toxicity. In the present study, the acaricidal properties of a commonly available plant, Annona squamosa have been established to develop a novel antitick phytoformulation using leaf extract, suitable solvents and emulsifier for managing resistant tick infestations in animals. The quality control of the safe and stable phytoformulation using Rutin as a major constituent was maintained by HPTLC profiling. Several phytformulations (A-E) were prepared and formulation 'C' is identifried as the most effective showing 52.5-75% antitick activity against in vitro treated resistant strains of R. microplus (IVRI-IV and V) with 33.8-40.2% inhibition of oviposition while 65-85% mortality against multiacaricide resistant field populations. The phytoformulation provided 70.4% efficacy after first larval challenge in experimentally infested animals. The field efficacy of the formulation in different multilocational field trials was 68.53-77.8%. The detail antitick efficacy of the formulation along with safety and stability are explained as a component of antitck technology to manage resistant tick problem in livestock.

Role of ACE2-Ang (1-7)-Mas axis in post-COVID-19 complications and its dietary modulation.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (COVID-19) virus uses Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a gateway for their entry into the human body. The ACE2 with cleaved products have emerged as major contributing factors to multiple physiological functions and pathogenic complications leading to the clinical consequences of the COVID-19 infection Decreased ACE2 expression restricts the viral entry into the human cells and reduces the viral load. COVID-19 infection reduces the ACE2 expression and induces post-COVID-19 complications like pneumonia and lung injury. The modulation of the ACE2-Ang (1-7)-Mas (AAM) axis is also being explored as a modality to treat post-COVID-19 complications. Evidence indicates that specific food components may modulate the AAM axis. The variations in the susceptibility to COVID-19 infection and the post-COVID its complications are being correlated with varied dietary habits. Some of the food substances have emerged to have supportive roles in treating post-COVID-19 complications and are being considered as adjuvants to the COVID-19 therapy. It is possible that some of their active ingredients may emerge as the direct treatment for the COVID-19.

Supplementation of Aloe vera extract in lactating goats' diet: effects on rumen fermentation efficiency, nutrient utilization, lactation performance, and antioxidant status.

The present work was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing Aloe vera extract on rumen fermentation efficiency, nutrient utilization, lactation performance, and antioxidant status of goats. Twenty-four crossbreed lactating goats (Alpine × Beetal) were divided into three experimental groups (AV0, AV2, and AV4). AV0 had no supplementation, groups AV2 and AV4 received ready to feed aqueous extract of Aloe vera at 20 and 40 g/kg dry matter intake, respectively, along with basal diet and experiment lasted for 100 days. Average DMI did not vary (P > 0.05) among treatment groups; however, the metabolic bodyweight of AV4 was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the AV0 and AV2 groups (AV0 = AV2 > AV4). Intake and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF, and EE were unaffected (P > 0.05) by Aloe vera supplementation. The milk production, yield of milk fat, protein, lactose, and solid not fat (SNF) of goats in the AV4 group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than other groups (AV4 > AV2 = AV0). The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes and levels of plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power were high (P < 0.01) in the Aloe vera supplemented group (AV4 = AV2 > AV0). There was no significant difference (P = 0.979) in the pH, acetic acid (P = 0.449), and butyric acid (P = 0.864) concentration of the rumen liquor among the treatment groups. The propionic acid concentration was similar between AV2 and AV4 and significantly higher (P = 0.024) than the AV0 group (AV4 = AV2 > AV0). Moreover, C2:C3 values were significantly lower (P = 0.037) in the AV4 group compared to the control (AV0). Thus, Aloe vera supplementation enhanced milk yield, propionic acid production, and antioxidant status without affecting nutrient utilization; however, results were better in the AV4 group. The inclusion of Aloe vera at 40 g/kg of DMI would improve the rumen fermentation efficiency, lactation performance, and overall health status of the dairy goats.

Rice bran, an off-shoot to newer therapeutics in neurological disorders.

Normal brain functioning involves the interaction of interconnected molecular and cellular activities, which appear to alter normal to abnormal brain functioning when worsened, contributing to the emergence of neurological disorders. There are currently millions of people who are living with brain disorders globally and this will rise if suitable prevention strategies are not explored. Nutraceutical intended to treat numerous health goals with little adverse effect possible together can be more beneficial than pharmaceutical monotherapy for fostering balanced brain functioning. Nutraceutical provides a specific composition of effective macronutrients and micronutrients that are difficult to synthesize in the laboratory. Numerous elements of rice fibers in rice bran are characterized as natural anti-oxidant and having potential anti-inflammatory activity. The rice bran captures interest among the researchers as it is widespread, affordable, and rich in nutrients including protein, fat, carbohydrates, bioactive components, and dietary fiber. This review covers the neuroprotective multiplicity of rice bran and its constituents to deter pathological conditions of the brain and to facilitate balanced brain functioning at the same time.

Role of vitamins and minerals as immunity boosters in COVID-19.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) known as coronavirus disease (COVID-19), emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. On March 11, 2020, it was declared a global pandemic. As the world grapples with COVID-19 and the paucity of clinically meaningful therapies, attention has been shifted to modalities that may aid in immune system strengthening. Taking into consideration that the COVID-19 infection strongly affects the immune system via multiple inflammatory responses, pharmaceutical companies are working to develop targeted drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19. A balanced nutritional diet may play an essential role in maintaining general wellbeing by controlling chronic infectious diseases. A balanced diet including vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and K, and some micronutrients such as zinc, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphorus may be beneficial in various infectious diseases. This study aimed to discuss and present recent data regarding the role of vitamins and minerals in the treatment of COVID-19. A deficiency of these vitamins and minerals in the plasma concentration may lead to a reduction in the good performance of the immune system, which is one of the constituents that lead to a poor immune state. This is a narrative review concerning the features of the COVID-19 and data related to the usage of vitamins and minerals as preventive measures to decrease the morbidity and mortality rate in patients with COVID-19.

The Beneficial Effect of Rice Bran Extract Against Rotenone-Induced Experimental Parkinson's Disease in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative diseases have become an increasing cause of various disabilities worldwide, followed by aging, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Parkinson's disease is a degenerative brain disorder distinguished by growing motor & non-motor failure due to the degeneration of medium-sized spiked neurons in the striatum region. Rotenone is often employed to originate the animal model of PD. It is a powerful blocker of mitochondrial complex-I, mitochondrial electron transport chain that reliably produces Parkinsonism-like symptoms in rats. Rice bran (RB) is very rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and nutritionally beneficial compounds, such as γ-oryzanol, tocopherols, and tocotrienols and sterols are believed to have favorable outcomes on oxidative stress & mitochondrial function. OBJECTIVE: The present study has been designed to explore RB extract's effect against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in rats. METHODS: In the present study, Rotenone (2 mg/kg, s.c) was administered systemically for 28 days. The hexane extract of RB was prepared using Soxhlation. Hexane extract (250 & 500 mg/kg) was administered per oral for 28 days in rotenone-treated groups. Behavioral parameters (grip strength, motor coordination, locomotion, and catalepsy) were conducted on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day. Animals were sacrificed on the 29th day for biochemical estimation in the striatum and cortex. RESULTS: This study demonstrates significant alteration in behavioral parameters, oxidative burden (increased lipid peroxidation, nitrite concentration, and decreased glutathione, catalase, SOD) in rotenone-treated animals. Administration of hexane extract of RB prevented the behavioral, biochemical alterations induced by rotenone. The current research has been sketched to inspect RB extract's effect against rotenone-developed neurotoxicity in rats. CONCLUSION: The findings support that PD is associated with impairments in motor activity. The results also suggest that the nutraceutical rice bran that contains γ-oryzanol, Vitamin-E, ferulic acid etc., may underlie the adjuvant susceptibility towards rotenone-induced PD in experimental rats.