Botanical Extracts and Compounds of Castanea Plants and Methods of Use: US20190125818A1 - The United States Patent Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections are increasingly difficult to combat, which makes them a threat to public health on a global level. Staphylococcus aureus is considered one of the main causes of infections in hospitals, as it has a variety of virulence factors, as well as is able to produce bacterial biofilms, which, consequently, bring numerous damages to public health as a result of increased resistance to conventional antibiotics and a longer hospital stay. Therefore, the use of compounds extracted from medicinal plants is a potential pharmaceutically acceptable target, as they do not have toxicity and the potential to disrupt biofilms produced by Staphylococcus aureus already evidenced, thus revealing their relevance to our study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to perform a critical analysis of a patent with natural extracts against bacterial biofilms found in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, to map the possible bioactive compounds that may serve as potential future antimicrobial drugs. METHODS: A technological survey was carried out to verify existing patents using natural extracts with anti-biofilm potential. For this, it was searched with the keywords: Botanical extracts AND biofilms; which were performed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. Thus, the selected patent used a non-aqueous extract partitioned and vacuum-contracted, subsequently lyophilized for assays with antimicrobial potential. Because of this, a patent was analyzed regarding its chemistry, and biological activity, followed by a critical analysis of the technology proposed in the invention. RESULTS: When using the keywords Botanical extracts AND biofilms in the USPTO, it was possible to find twenty-two inventions; however, only four patents in the USPTO were in agreement with the proposal of the natural extract having antimicrobial activity and an anti-biofilm potential, of which two belonged to the same applicant with similar proposals. The key point of this invention was to enable the compounds of the Castanea sativa plant and its methods of obtaining the extract to present a significant antimicrobial action associated or not with antibiotics, promoting the development of new therapies against bacterial infections capable of disrupting biofilms. The invention developed a methodology for extracting Castanea sativa, in which pentacyclic triterpene compounds were found mostly in its leaves. Whereas for the extraction, the crude methanol extracts called extracts 224 from the ground leaves were made by maceration, filtered, combined, concentrated under pressure in rotary evaporators, and lyophilized. After that, they were resuspended in water and partitioned in succession with hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol. The most active refined partition was the 224C extract with the solvent ethyl acetate, which was subjected to further fractionation using silica column chromatography. Resulting in the most refined extract, which was 224C-F2, capable of acting directly on the quorum sensing of bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus, blocking the translation of RNAIII, including a series of exotoxins. Regarding the antimicrobial capacity against Staphylococcus aureus, it presented Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 1.56 µg/mL-1 and > 100 µg/mL -1, respectively. CONCLUSION: Given the analyzed patent, it was possible to verify the importance of alternatives to reduce the impact of bacterial biofilms, which causes damage to industries in general and to health. From this, the invention analyzed has a promising proposal with antimicrobial potential focusing on the great impact of bacterial biofilms. Therefore, natural extracts with antibiofilmic potential can help to minimize the economic losses caused to health due to these multidrug-resistant microorganisms with different virulence mechanisms.

A Descriptive Review of Cannabis sativa Patents for Cancer Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis use for tumor treatment has been explored in several areas, and its potential for tumor remission is currently being studied after the discovery of the endogenous cannabinoid. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to conduct a critical patent review to identify and explore the latest advances and therapeutic strategies using Cannabis to treat cancer. METHODS: The research was carried out in the free and online database Espacenet, using the descriptors "cancer" and "Cannabis or cannabidiol" in the title or abstract. A total of 95 patents were identified for preliminary evaluation in the database. Six duplicate patents were excluded, 12 referring to traditional Chinese medicine and 36 with a title in disagreement with the scope of this review. In addition the final selection involved 21 patents that were in line with the objective of the study. RESULTS: As observed in the reading of patents, the interest of pharmaceutical industries and researchers and the development of new products to fight cancer have increased in recent years. The main cannabinoids present in the patents are tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, and hemp. Moreover, the patents were classified and the main applicant countries were the United States followed by Japan, with a higher filing rate in 2019 and, mainly by the industry. CONCLUSION: In conclusion we can say that, the importance of parliamentary approval in the cultivation and investments that, in addition to bringing innovation to the industrial sector, enriches research in the area, contributing to the creation of new medicines.

Herbal Technological Prospects of Morus nigra L.: A Systematic Patent Analysis Review.

BACKGROUND: Morus nigra L. is a plant with significant potential for drug development due to the presence of numerous bioactive compounds in its various parts. OBJECTIVES: This article aims to compile the technological perspectives of Morus nigra L. towards drug development and therapeutic indications based on registered patents in databases. METHODS: The study analyzed patents published within the last five years, focusing on products derived from different parts of the Morus nigra L. plant. Patent databases such as the European Patent Office (EPO), the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the National Institute of Industrial Property Databases (INPI) were examined. RESULTS: A total of 45 patents were categorized by country of origin, type of applicant, extraction method, and therapeutic indications. China had the highest number of patent filings (43.48%), and private companies were the primary technology patent holders (38.64%). Noteworthy extraction methods included ultrasound-assisted extraction, decoction, infusion, and maceration. The most utilized plant parts were leaves (44.44%), followed by fruits (35.56%), root bark (15.56%), and stems (4.44%). The main therapeutic indications identified were the treatment of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia (43.33%), along with digestive problems, cosmetics, nutrition, and cleaning applications. CONCLUSION: The study of patents covers discoveries and advancements often absent in scientific articles, making a review focused on this advanced information crucial for expanding existing scientific knowledge. Even if some therapies have been explored previously, patents can reveal innovative approaches and fresh perspectives that contribute to sustained scientific progress.

Chebulinic Acid: An Incipient Anticancer Agent.

BACKGROUND: Terminalia chebula (T. chebula) comprising chebulinic acid as its principle active constituent is used to cure various diseases. T. chebula and chebulinic acid are used as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimutagenic, radioprotective, cardioprotective, antiproliferative, antiarthritic, anticaries, and so on. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this current study is to give an overview of the recent literature and patents of T. chebula and chebulinic acid including methods of its isolation/extraction and their application in the prevention of various cancers and other diseases. METHODS: Present research and patents highlighting the anti-cancer potential of T. chebula and chebulinic acid have been studied and discussed keeping in view the scientific novelty and impact. RESULTS: Both T. chebula and chebulinic acid are currently being explored for their anticancer potential in vitro and in vivo. They are either incorporated alone or in combination with other plants or drugs to show their activity and many clinical trials are also going on various potentials of the plant and chebulinic acid. Novel extraction techniques are also explored and patented. Efforts are being made to improve the bioavailability by developing Novel herbal drug delivery systems of the plant extract or chebulinic acid itself. CONCLUSION: Anti-cancer potential of T. chebula and chebulinic acid may be well established by promising clinical trials and may open new interventions in various tumors. Clinical trials in conjunction with standard therapies are required to explore and validate the actual potential of T. chebula and chebulinic acid respectively.

Enzymatic Properties of Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Leaf, Root Pulp, and Peel.

BACKGROUND: Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is botanically classified as a herbaceous biennial belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family and has several varieties with bulb colors ranging from yellow to red. Peroxidases are widely occurring in organisms including microorganisms, plants, and animals, and have been involved in various physiological and biochemical functions. OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of enzyme extracts from red beet leaves, root pulp, and peel. METHODS: The enzyme extraction involved the homogenization of the sample and filtrate in cold acetone and then the filtrate was homogenized in 0.1M sodium acetate buffer, pH 7. The protein content was determined using the Lowry assay using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a standard protein. Then, enzymatic activity was determined by peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and catalase assays. The patent for biological activity of enzymes was obtained from the Office of Career Development, Haramaya University. The antioxidant activities of the enzyme extract were conducted by using DPPH and hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging activities. RESULTS: The result indicated that the Enzymatic activity of crude enzyme extract of red beet leaf, root pulp and peel indicated that significantly the highest total soluble protein (16.68 mg/ml), peroxidase activity (PODA, 111.50 U/ml), polyphenol oxidase activity (PPOA, 170.90 U/ml), polyphenol oxidase specific activity (PPOspa, 10.25 U/mg), catalase activity (CATA, 180.50 U/ml) and catalase specific activity (CATspa, 10.82 U/mg), were recorded for red beet leaf enzyme extract. The antioxidant activity of the enzyme extracts demonstrated that significantly higher DPPH radical scavenging activity of leaf extract (59.16) and peel extract (61.92) were recorded. The Pearson correlation coefficient of enzyme activity parameters and free radical scavenging activities presented that protein content was significantly and positively correlated with CATA, PPOA, and PPOspa. Catalase- specific activity (CATspa) was significant and positively correlated only with HPSA. Peroxidase-specific activity (PODspa) was significant and positively correlated with PODA and DPPH. Based on the plot for principal component PC2 vs. PC1 for D statistics DPPH, PODA, and PODspa have close PC1 and PC2 scores (with vector angle < 90° showing similar/correlated effects. CONCLUSION: In this study, B. vulgaris has shown promising peroxidase enzyme activity. Beetroot peel contained higher antioxidant compounds thus promising a more intense utilization of the peels in food and nutraceuticals.

Recent Patents on the Industrial Application of Biosurfactants.

BACKGROUND: Biosurfactants are natural bioactive compounds produced from fungi, bacteria and plants. These molecules have several properties that enable them to be involved in various industrial applications. The surface-active properties of biosurfactants allow their use in various sectors, such as agriculture, health, cosmetics, bioremediation/ petroleum, mining, and bioprocess. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the patents deposited in intellectual property databases for applications of biosurfactants in the areas of agriculture, health, cosmetics, bioremediation/petroleum, mining, and bioprocesses, with the research period consisting of the last six years. METHODS: This study targeted the use of biosurfactants in various industrial sectors. The patent search was carried out using the Google Patents platform, a platform that is commonly used for this purpose and freely accessible. RESULTS: During the search for patents related to applications of biosurfactants in industry filed in the last 6 years, results were found to be distributed in the following areas: agriculture (70), cosmetics (2311), bioremediation/petroleum (179), health (1794), mining (5), and bioprocess (133). Six patents were selected from each area, except for health and mining, for which the search resulted in only 5 and 4 patents, respectively, to be discussed and provide information on the biotechnological applications of biosurfactants in the industry. CONCLUSION: The present study showed a wide area of application of biosurfactants in industry. The interest in the inclusion of biosurfactants in the industry is directly related to the need for more sustainable solutions to solve real market problems. The cosmetics sector presented the most patents that employ the use of biosurfactants.

Recent patent applications for coffee and coffee by-products as active ingredients in cosmetics.

OBJECTIVE: Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, and its production and consumption generate large amounts of by-products annually. Coffee by-products and coffee beans are rich in bioactive compounds of great commercial value, including potential applications as active ingredients in skin care products and cosmetic formulations. In addition, there has been growing interest in the use of natural ingredients for cosmetic purposes. Considering the importance of coffee in the world economy, its chemical constituents with potential for cosmetic and dermatological application, and the importance of patents for innovation and technological development, the present study aimed to review recent patents involving coffee and coffee by-product use in cosmetics. METHODS: This review was carried out using Espacenet. The following inclusion criteria were established: patents that included the terms "coffee" and "skin" in the title, abstract and claims and belonged to the classification A61Q, which is related to the "specific use of cosmetics or similar toilet preparations" considering the International Patent Classification (IPC) or Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC). RESULTS: Considering the 52 patents analysed, the bean was the main way to obtain extracts (39), followed by green beans (7), silverskin (3), peel and pulp (1), pulp (1) and beans and leaves (1). The formulations are mainly intended for use in nonspecific areas of skin (29), eye areas (12), scalp hair (9) and lip skin (2) with claims of anti-ageing, moisturizers, sun protection, hair growth, anti-dandruff, etc. CONCLUSION: Coffee and its residues have high amounts of phenolic compounds, caffeine, fatty acids and other substances known to have important biological properties for the skin. Coffee and its by-products are promising ingredients to be incorporated into topical formulations, ensuring skin health benefits and reducing the environmental impact.

OBJECTIF: Le café est l'une des boissons les plus consommées dans le monde, et sa production et sa consommation génèrent chaque année de grandes quantités de sous-produits. Les sous-produits du café et les grains de café sont riches en composés bioactifs d'une grande valeur commerciale, y compris des applications potentielles en tant qu'ingrédients actifs dans les produits de soins de la peau et les formulations cosmétiques. De plus, il y a eu un intérêt croissant pour l'utilisation d'ingrédients naturels à des fins cosmétiques. Compte tenu de l'importance du café dans l'économie mondiale, de ses constituants chimiques ayant un potentiel d'application cosmétique et dermatologique, et de l'importance des brevets pour l'innovation et le développement technologique, la présente étude visait à examiner les brevets récents concernant l'utilisation du café et des sous-produits du café dans les cosmétiques. MÉTHODES: Cette revue a été réalisée à l'aide d'Espacenet. Les critères d'inclusion suivants ont été établis: les brevets qui incluaient les termes "café" et "peau" dans le titre, l'abrégé et les revendications et appartenaient à la classification A61Q, qui est liée à "l'utilisation spécifique de cosmétiques ou de préparations de toilette similaires" compte tenu de la Classification internationale des brevets ou Classification coopérative des brevets. RÉSULTATS: Considérant les 52 brevets analysés, le grain était le principal moyen d'obtenir des extraits (39), suivi du grain vert (7), du silverskin (3), de la peau et de la pulpe (1), de la pulpe (1) et des grains et des feuilles (1). Les formulations sont principalement destinées à être utilisées dans des zones non spécifiques de la peau (29), des yeux (12), des cheveux du cuir chevelu (9) et de la peau des lèvres (2) avec des revendications anti-âge, hydratantes, protection solaire, croissance des cheveux, antipelliculaire, etc. CONCLUSION: Le café et ses résidus contiennent de grandes quantités de composés phénoliques, de caféine, d'acides gras et d'autres substances connues pour avoir des propriétés biologiques importantes pour la peau. Le café et ses sous-produits sont des ingrédients prometteurs à incorporer dans des formulations topiques, garantissant des bienfaits pour la santé de la peau et réduisant l'impact environnemental.

Ethnomedical Applications and Conservation Status of Leguminosae- Caesalpinioideae Plants in Uttar Pradesh, India.

BACKGROUND: This review highlights the folklore, ethnomedicinal uses and conservation status of Caesalpinioideae in Uttar Pradesh (India). AIMS: It aims at compiling available data on traditional medicine, biological activity, phytochemical information and assessing the regional red list status of Caesalpinioideae in Uttar Pradesh. The information provided would help in formulating new drugs and medicines and addressing global conservation issues of such medicinally exploited species. METHODS: The current study included an extensive and systematic review of available literature, the study of previous collections of herbarium specimens, random interviews with locals and tribals, field surveys, and GeoCAT tool-based assessment during 2016-2020. The study reports that the majority of species of Caesalpinioideae are used for curing digestive problems (about 20 species) and skin diseases (19 species). RESULTS: Almost all the species have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These pharmacological activities can be attributed to the presence of various types of anthraquinones in plants. CONCLUSION: The regional conservation status reveals that eight species qualified for the status of regionally threatened category while two species fall under the near threatened category.

Plant Extracts and Phytochemicals, a Promising Strategy Against Oral Lichen Planus: A Review on Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an autoimmune disease that distress keratinized cells of the oral epithelium. Topical corticosteroids and other potential therapies like immunosuppressives, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, mycophenolate, dapsone, retinoids, biologic agents are used for the management of OLP. However, their effectiveness, best dose, duration of treatment and safety remain mostly unidentified. Moreover, recurrence of disease and dose-related side effects are the other issues. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of the review is to explore the existing clinical trials for the efficacy of phytochemicals in treating OLP in comparison to corticosteroids. A comprehensive information about their mode of action is also discussed. METHODS: We have discussed different clinical trials conducted on various phytochemicals and plant extracts/formulations like curcumin, lycopene, quercetin, glycyrrhizin, purslane, raspberry, aloe vera gel and aloe vera mouthwash for the treatment of OLP. RESULTS: The current therapy for the management of OLP has numerous adverse effects and requires a long-term treatment. Phytochemicals can be a very good alternative in overcoming these side effects and reducing the course of treatment. CONCLUSION: Herbal extracts and their formulations can be an effective alternative to the current therapy due to their proven therapeutic effects, reduced side effects, long-term applicability, prevention of recurrence as well as progression into cancer.

Current Status and Medicinal Prominence of Arnebia euchroma (Ratanjot): A Critically Endangered Plant of Trans-Himalayan Region.

Trans-Himalayan region has been a major component of the India's opulent medicinal plant heritage that encompasses numerous critically endangered plant species. Arnebia euchroma (Royle ex Benth.) Johnston (common name: Ratanjot), a Trans- Himalayan native, is amongst them, and it belongs to the family Boraginaceae. Ratanjot has long been used as a colourant in food and cosmetics besides a major ingredient of traditional remedies prescribed for curing mild constipation, dermatitis, frostbite, and eczema like health disorders. Though principally harvested for its roots, almost all the parts of this plant have been used in pharmaceutical products, food, dyes and beverages since prehistoric times. Its roots are a rich source of naphthoquinone pigment(s) mainly shikonin, acetylshikonin and deoxyshikonin, accountable for its medicinal value as antimicrobial, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant agent(s). Considering the medicinal importance and critically endangered status of this taxon, the need of the hour is to conserve and propagate it for supplying sufficient raw materials for its commercial exploitation.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles of Vernonia cinerea Leaf Extract and their In vitro Cytotoxicity Activity against Neuroblastoma SHSY-5Y Cell Lines, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Studies.

BACKGROUND: Green syntheses of silver nanoparticles using plant extracts have potential anti- cancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, among other aspects. The aim of the present patent study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Vernonia cinerea plant extract. METHODS: The AgNPs were successfully prepared and characterized using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, particle size, Zeta potential, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. The in vitro cytotoxicity study was performed using neuroblastoma SHSY-5Y cell lines. Moreover, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity studies were also performed for AgNPs. RESULTS: The size of AgNPs determined through the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique was 49.5 nm and the zeta potential was -36.8 mV. The synthesized AgNPs were checked using UV-Visible spectroscopy at ƛmax 439 nm. The color was changed from green to dark brown, indicating the formation of AgNPs. The TEM study revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical in shape. The XRD pattern of AgNPs produced in this experiment was apparently crystalline. The results of FTIR study revealed that the majority of the obtained peaks correspond to the polyphenols, triterpenoids, and alkaloids which were abundant in the corresponding to the V. cinerea leaf extract and support to the formation of AgNPs. The cytotoxicity effect of the V. cinerea plant extract and biosynthesized AgNPs was found to be dosedependent. From the results of antimicrobial studies, it was reported that the gram negative bacteria were found to be more susceptible compared to the gram positive bacteria. Moreover, the results of antioxidant study revealed that the AgNPs showed good antioxidant activity (77.21%) in comparison to the V. cinerea plant extract (56.13%). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, it could be concluded that the green synthesized silver nanoparticles showed promising anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial activities as compared to the plain V. cineria plant extract.

Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Koseret (Lippia adoensis Hochst. Var. Koseret) Seed and Leaf Oil Extracts.

BACKGROUND: Lippia adoensis Hoechst var. adoensis (wild variety) and variety koseret (cultivated variety) have been used as traditional medicine, condiments, and endemic to Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the physicochemical properties and biological activities of oil extracts from seed and leaves of koseret (L. adoensis var. koseret). METHODOLOGY: Soxhlet apparatus was used for oil extraction using hexane as a solvent. The oil quality assessment was based on oil yield, acid value, percent free fatty acid, and peroxide value, while the biological activities were investigated based on antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The antimicrobial experiment was arranged as 2 x1x4 in a completely randomized factorial design with three replications. RESULTS: The result indicated that significantly higher oil yield (2.25%), acid value (2.66%) and free fatty acid (1.34%) were recorded for seed oil using the solvent extraction method. Leaf oil was recorded to have significantly higher values of DPPH (2,2- diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl), ascorbic acid and total carotenoid contents, but a lower value of hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity indicated that leaf oil presented higher antioxidant activity than seed oil in koseret. The koseret leaf oil demonstrated stronger antibacterial activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (14.50±0.21 mm), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, 0.25 µg/ml) and corresponding minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC, 0.25 µg/ml) against S. aureus. Furthermore, leaf oil has also presented stronger antifungal activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (14.83 mm), MIC (0.25 µg/ml), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC, 0.50 µg/ml) against Aspergillus versicolor. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from the results of this study that leaf oil extract has demonstrated better biological activities, including both antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials, than seed oil in koseret.

Recent Patents on Plant-Derived Nanoparticles and their Potential Application Towards Various Cancer Therapeutics.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology plays a vital role in the field of medicine. Especially various nanoparticles such as silver, gold, platinum are involved in the treatment of different types of cancer. The effective nanoparticles were synthesized using techniques like chemical, physical, electrochemical and biological methods. In order to overcome the limitations existing in the synthesis of nanoparticles, researchers turned their attention toward the biological single step nanoparticle synthesis method by using plant and plant products. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to overcome the side effects encountered in the existing anti- cancer agents like nonspecificity and fast excretion, and plant-derived nanoparticles that are ecofriendly, cost-effective and biologically active could serve as a promising alternative. CONCLUSION: From the thorough literature review and recent patents, it is understood that the plantderived nanoparticles exhibited an excellent anti-proliferation anti-tumor activity towards different types of cancers without affecting the normal cells. Especially, the traditional chemotherapeutic drugs obtained from the plant source incorporated with the nanoparticles show remarkable results against anti cancer studies. The present review focused on some of the existing herbal plant derived nanoparticles, formulations and their potential application in cancer therapeutics.

Powerful Stress Relieving Medicinal Plants for Anger, Anxiety, Depression, and Stress During Global Pandemic.

Consideration and improvement for anxiety and depression are important during a global pandemic. Appropriate healthcare can be obtained by paying more attention to traditional medicinal sciences. The adverse effects of stress with various symptoms can be managed by introducing plants that boost mental health. The most relevant psychological reactions in the general population related to the global pandemic are pervasive anxiety, frustration and boredom, specific and uncontrolled fear, disabling loneliness, significant lifestyle changes, and psychiatric conditions. Ginseng, chamomile, passionflower, herbal tea, lavender, saffron, kava, rose, cardamom, Chinese date, and some chief formula like yokukansan, Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san, so-ochim-tang-gamiband, and saikokaryukotsuboreito are notable herbal treatments for mental health problems. The most common medicinal plants that have been used in Iran for the cure of stress and anxiety are Viper's-buglosses, Dracocephalum, valerian, chamomile, common hop, hawthorns, and lavender. Medicinal plants and herbs can be used for the treatment and alleviation of the negative effects of stress, anger, and depression during the global pandemic.

A Review on the Main Phytoconstituents, Traditional Uses, Inventions, and Patent Literature of Gum Arabic Emphasizing Acacia seyal.

Acacia seyal is an important source of gum Arabic. The availability, traditional, medicinal, pharmaceutical, nutritional, and cosmetic applications of gum acacia have pronounced its high economic value and attracted global attention. In addition to summarizing the inventions/patents applications related to gum A. seyal, the present review highlights recent updates regarding its phytoconstituents. Traditional, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and medicinal uses with the possible mechanism of actions have been also reviewed. The patent search revealed the identification of 30 patents/patent applications of A. seyal. The first patent related to A. seyal was published in 1892, which was related to its use in the prophylaxis/treatment of kidney and bladder affections. The use of A. seyal to treat cancer and osteoporosis has also been patented. Some inventions provided compositions and formulations containing A. seyal or its ingredients for pharmaceutical and medical applications. The inventions related to agricultural applications, food industry, cosmetics, quality control of gum Arabic, and isolation of some chemical constituents (L-rhamnose and arabinose) from A. seyal have also been summarized. The identification of only 30 patents/patent applications from 1892 to 15 November 2021 indicates a steadily growing interest and encourages developing more inventions related to A. seyal. The authors recommend exploring these opportunities for the benefit of society.

Chitosan Oligomer and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Treating Wastewaters: US20190134086 Patent Evaluation.

With the utilisation of algae, wastewater reuse is becoming a viable option for the energy industry, especially green energy. The growth of these algae in these wastewaters provides an alternative source for bioenergetics, however, the growth of other microorganisms can directly affect the production of bioenergy, requiring the removal and reduction of contaminants in these waters, in addition to being a source of contamination for workers. Therefore, the use of nanoparticles in bioremediation has been an alternative to mitigate the contamination of these wastewaters that have microorganisms capable of reducing the algae growth capacity. The objective of this work was to verify in the United States Patent and Trademarker office database (USPTO) patents that used chitosan nanoparticles as a form of wastewater treatment and to carry out the analysis of patent US20190134086, which addresses the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles associated with chitosan that was developed and used to evaluate their antibacterial activity against resistant microorganisms and biofilm producers present in wastewater. Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the microorganisms involved in the evaluated invention, bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract, of clinical and environmental importance. The synthesized nanoparticles are arranged as a pharmaceutically acceptable and toxic vehicle against resistant bacteria, thus being described as nanoremediators. Given the analyzed patent, it was possible to verify the importance of alternatives to reduce the impact that pollution, in general, has on the environment, in addition to the proposed technology serving to maintain the survival and development capacity of the algae that will be able to produce green energy, the nanoparticles with antibacterial potential can help indirectly reduce these pathogenic strains with resistance to several antibiotics in the environment.

Nanotechnology-based Herbal Formulations: A Survey of Recent Patents, Advancements, and Transformative Headways.

Nanotechnology in association with herbal medicine can lead to enhanced therapeutic and diminished adverse effects of medication. In turn, it can lead to synergistic effects of administered compound overcoming its demerits. Nowadays, the trend of herbal compounds to treat even a small illness is gaining momentum. Gone are the days when the ineffectiveness of a compound was impossible to be dealt with. Nevertheless, in this competitive era of science and innovative technology, it has become possible to maximize the usefulness of ineffective yet potent herbal compounds. The demand for herbal compounds is getting amplified because of their ability to treat a myriad of diseases, including COVID-19, showing fewer side effects. The merger of nanotechnology with traditional medicine augments the potential of herbal drugs for devastating dangerous and chronic diseases like cancer. In this review article, we have tried to assimilate the complete information regarding the use of different nanocarriers to overcome the drawbacks of herbal compounds. In addition, all the recent advancements in the herbal field, as well as the future exploration to be emphasized, have been discussed.

Prospective Study on Microencapsulation of Oils and Its Application in Foodstuffs.

BACKGROUND: Edible oils have gained the interest of several industrial sectors for the different health benefits they offer, such as the supply of bioactive compounds and essential fatty acids. Microencapsulation is one of the techniques that has been adopted by industries to minimize the degradation of oils, facilitating their processing. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intellectual property related to patent documents referring to microencapsulated oils used in foods. METHODS: This prospective study investigated the dynamics of patents filed in the Espacenet and National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) databases, and it mapped technological developments in microencapsulation in comparison with scientific literature. RESULTS: The years 2015 and 2018 showed the greatest growth in the number of patents filed in the Espacenet and INPI databases, respectively, with China leading the domains of origin, inventors, and owners of microencapsulation technology. The largest number of applications of microcapsules were observed in the food industry, and the foods containing microencapsulated oils were powdered seasonings, dairy products, rice flour, nutritional formulae, pasta, nutritional supplements, and bread. The increase in oxidative stabilities of oils was the most cited objective to microencapsulate oils. Spray drying was the most widely used microencapsulation technique, and maltodextrin, gum arabic, and modified starch were the most widely used wall materials. CONCLUSION: Microencapsulation of oils has been expanding over the years and increasing the possibilities of the use of microcapsules, but further investments and development of policies and incentive programs to boost this technology need to be made in less developed countries. For future perspectives, the microencapsulation technique is already a worldwide trend in the food industry, enabling the development of new products to facilitate their insertion in the consumer market.

A Patent Data Analysis in Nanotechnology Applied to Essential Oils.

BACKGROUND: Essential oils (EOs) are natural substances that serve as sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. OBJECTIVE: This objective is to understand intellectual property related to patent documents on EOs and nanotechnology. METHODS: The nanotechnology growth curve applied to EOs demonstrated that the period from 2015 to 2017 was the most prominent, with a peak in 2016. China is the dominant country, mainly through research developed in the academic area. RESULTS: The food industry area had the highest number of patents filed, highlighting the preservation line. Ginger essential oil, chitosan and Tween 80 were preferentially used as a core, wall material, and emulsifier, respectively. In the market, the use of EOs is more associated with the pharmaceutical/ cosmetics industry. In addition, the food industry market bets more on products based on hemp oil nanocapsules. CONCLUSION: EO nanotechnology is promising for the development of sustainable food systems. However, this nanotechnology in Brazil has not yet advanced enough in the food industry, although there are government incentives that may change this paradigm in the future. The profile of the patent documents and the products in the market differ between the application and the types of oils. In addition, there is a gap between the volume of patent documents investigated and the transfer of technology to the commercial sector, but this constitution could be better explored, given the properties of EOs.