Chemical composition and antimicrobial study of Crossobamon orientalis body oil.

Geckos and their products have been used in Asian traditional medicine. Medicinal properties of desert-dwelling Gecko species, Crossobamon orientalis remain unexplored. In this study, natural bioactive macromolecules present in oil extracted from C. orientalis (COO) and their biological activities were evaluated. Chemical constitution of COO was explored by using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial activities of COO extracts were assessed using various assays, including DPPH free-radical-protocol, HET-CAM method, in ovo-antiviral technique, and disc-diffusion method. GC-MS study reported 40 different compounds in COO. n-hexane and methanol extracts of COO demonstrated highest DPPH radical inhibition, with values of 70 and 63.3%, respectively. Extracts of COO in solvents, namely 1-butanol, methanol, diethyl ether, and n-hexane significantly inhibited the proliferation of four pathogenic viruses. Maximum zone of inhibition was observed for Escherichia coli (13.65 ± 0.57 mm). These findings suggest that COO possesses potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties against viral and bacterial strains, thanks to its biologically active components having no side effects. Further studies are essential to isolate and identify individual bioactive compounds present in COO and to investigate their potential as therapeutic agents.

In-vivo anti-hyperglycemic effect of herbal extracts Tribulus terrestris (L) and Curcuma amada (R) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and its associated histopathological studies.

Dia/betes is a serious health concern in many countries with high blood glucose, obesity, and multiple organ failures in late stages. Treating diabetes with effective drugs is still a challenging issue since most of the available diabetic drugs are not effective in combating diabetes, especially in secondary disease complications like obesity, retinopathy, and nephropathy associated with diabetes. Hence search for effective antidiabetic medication, especially from natural sources is mandatory with no adverse side effects. In the present study, a combined herbal aqueous extract of Tribulus terrestris and Curcuma amada was administered to diabetic-induced rats for 37 days. During experimentation, the mean blood glucose level was estimated and at the end of the experiment on the 37th day, the animal was sacrificed and observed for weight gain, plasma insulin, glycogen, glycated hemoglobin, urea, and creatinine level. The results revealed that TT and CA extract-treated diabetic groups significantly lowered the mean blood glucose level followed by increased glycogen and insulin level. Urea, creatinine, and HbA1c levels were considerably reduced in TT and CA-treated diabetic animals as compared to that of antidiabetic drug Glibenclamide-treated groups. TT and CA-treated diabetic animals showed considerable net body weight gain at the end of the experimental day. A concluding remark of the study shows that TT and CA herbal extract is effective against diabetes and it can be considered as an antidiabetic agent in ayurvedic medicine practice.

Antimicrobial drug resistant features of Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated with treatment failure.

Tuberculosis stands as a prominent cause of mortality in developing countries. The treatment of tuberculosis involves a complex procedure requiring the administration of a panel of at least four antimicrobial drugs for the duration of six months. The occurrence of treatment failure after the completion of a standard treatment course presents a serious medical problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial drug resistant features of Mycobacterium tuberculosis associated with treatment failure. Additionally, it aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of second line drugs such as amikacin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, and the efflux pump inhibitor verapamil against M. tuberculosis isolates associated with treatment failure. We monitored 1200 tuberculosis patients who visited TB centres in Lahore and found that 64 of them were not cured after six months of treatment. Among the M. tuberculosis isolates recovered from the sputum of these 64 patients, 46 (71.9%) isolates were simultaneously resistant to rifampicin and isoniazid (MDR), and 30 (46.9%) isolates were resistant to pyrazinamide, Resistance to amikacin was detected in 17 (26,5%) isolates whereas resistance to moxifloxacin and linezolid was detected in 1 (1.5%) and 2 (3.1%) isolates respectively. Among MDR isolates, the additional resistance to pyrazinamide, amikacin, and linezolid was detected in 15(23.4%), 4(2.6%) and 1(1.56%) isolates respectively. One isolate simultaneously resistant to rifampicin, isoniazid, amikacin, pyrazinamide, and linezolid was also identified. In our investigations, the most frequently mutated amino acid in the treatment failure group was Serine 315 in katG. Three novel mutations were detected at codons 99, 149 and 154 in pncA which were associated with pyrazinamide resistance. The effect of verapamil on the minimum inhibitory concentration of isoniazid and rifampicin was observed in drug susceptible isolates but not in drug resistant isolates. Rifampicin and isoniazid enhanced the transcription of the efflux pump gene rv1258 in drug susceptible isolates collected from the treatment failure patients. Our findings emphasize a high prevalence of MDR isolates linked primarily to drug exposure. Moreover, the use of amikacin as a second line drug may not be the most suitable choice in such cases.

Quantum leap in the light of molecular elucidation of garlic genome.

Garlic, a popular vegetable cum condiment is known widely for its health benefits, pharmacological properties and in curing several pathological conditions. This compelling horticultural bulb crop is propagated asexually from individual bulbils or cloves. It is an obligate apomict that lost its fertility and blooming potential long ago and probable reason for evolution from fertility to sterility to greater contiguity of human selection to asexual propagules as they are used in culinary as and when required. The crop is likely to be sterile owing to nutritional competition between topsets, pollen degeneration, chromosomal deletion, irregular chromosomal pairing and abnormal meiosis during gametogenesis and thus curbing genetic variation is needed utmost for its improvement. With asexual reproduction, molecular studies are challenging due to its expected and complex genome. Alongside classical molecular markers like RAPDs, AFLPs, SRAPs, SSRs, and isozymes; recent high-throughput genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approaches like DArTseq has allowed characterization, mapping, whole-genome profiling, DNA fingerprinting among others in garlic. However, in recent years, biotechnological tools, genetic transformation via biolistic or Agrobacterium tumefaciens, polyploidization or chromosomal doubling have emerged as a potent breeding tool in enabling the improvement of vegetatively propagated plants such as garlic. In recent times biological responses of garlic and its compounds have been studied using epigenomics, proteomics and transcriptomics by researchers in preclinical studies instigating the biological effects of garlic and such gene expression revealed many early mechanistic events which may clinically underlie important health benefits pertaining to garlic intake. This review thus encompasses efforts achieved till present date towards elucidation of garlic genome with regard to molecular, biotechnological analysis and gene expression in terms of in vitro and in vivo studies.

Insights into nanoparticles-induced neurotoxicity and cope up strategies.

Nanoparticle applications are becoming increasingly popular in fields such as photonics, catalysis, magnetics, biotechnology, manufacturing of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medicines. There is still a huge pile of undermining information about the potential toxicity of these products to humans, which can be encountered by neuroprotective antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Nanoparticles can be administered using a variety of methods, including oronasal, topical applications, and enteral and parenteral routes of administration. There are different properties of these nanomaterials that characterize different pathways. Crossing of the blood-brain barrier, a direct sensory nerve-to-brain pathway whose barriers are bypassed, these checks otherwise prevent the nanoparticles from entering the brain. This inflicts damage to sensory neurons and receptors by nanoparticles that lead to neurotoxicity of the central nervous system. A number of routes make nanoparticles able to penetrate through the skin. Exposure by various routes to these nanoparticles can result in oxidative stress, and immune suppression triggers inflammatory cascades and genome-level mutations after they are introduced into the body. To out-power, these complications, plant-based antioxidants, essential oils, and dietary supplements can be put into use. Direct nanoparticle transport pathways from sensory nerves to the brain via blood have been studied grossly. Recent findings regarding the direct pathways through which nanoparticles cross the blood-brain barriers, how nanoparticles elicit different responses on sensory receptors and nerves, how they cause central neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration through sensory nerve routes, and the possible mechanisms that outcast these effects are discussed.

Curcumin in the treatment of liver cancer: From mechanisms of action to nanoformulations.

Liver cancer is the sixth most prevalent cancer and ranks third in cancer-related death, after lung and colorectal cancer. Various natural products have been discovered as alternatives to conventional cancer therapy strategies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Curcumin (CUR) with antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities has been associated with therapeutic benefits against various cancers. It can regulate multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, Wnt/ß-catenin, JAK/STAT, p53, MAPKs, and NF-ĸB, which are involved in cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and autophagy. Due to its rapid metabolism, poor oral bioavailability, and low solubility in water, CUR application in clinical practices is restricted. To overcome these limitations, nanotechnology-based delivery systems have been applied to use CUR nanoformulations with added benefits, such as reducing toxicity, improving cellular uptake, and targeting tumor sites. Besides the anticancer activities of CUR in combating various cancers, especially liver cancer, here we focused on the CUR nanoformulations, such as micelles, liposomes, polymeric, metal, and solid lipid nanoparticles, and others, in the treatment of liver cancer.

Chemical Characterization of Honey and Its Effect (Alone as well as with Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles) on Microbial Pathogens' and Human Cancer Cell Lines' Growth.

The antibacterial, anticancer, and wound-healing effects of honey can vary according to the type, geographical region, honey bee species, and source of the flowers. Nanotechnology is an innovative and emerging field of science with an enormous potential role in medical, cosmetics, and industrial usages globally. Metal nanoparticles that derived from silver and range between 1 nm and 100 nm in size are called silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Much advanced research AgNPs has been conducted due to their potential antibacterial and anticancer activity, chemical stability, and ease of synthesis. The purpose of the present study was to explore the physicochemical properties of honey and the potential to use forest honey to synthesize AgNPs as well as to appraise the nanoparticles' antimicrobial and anticancer effects. Here, we used three different percentages of forest honey (20%, 40%, and 80%) as biogenic mediators to synthesize AgNPs at room temperature. The development of AgNPs was confirmed by color change (to the naked eye) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy studies, respectively. The absorbance peak obtained between 464 to 4720 nm validated both the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band and the formation of AgNPs. Regarding the sugar profile, the contents of maltose and glucose were lower than the content of fructose. In addition, the results showed that the SPR band of AgNPs increased as the percentage of forest honey increased due to the elevation of the concentration of the bio-reducing agent. A bacterial growth kinetic assay indicated the strong antibacterial efficacy of honey with silver nanoparticles against each tested bacterial strain. Honey with nanotherapy was the most effective against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colon cancer (HCT 116) cells, with IC50s of 23.9 and 27.4 µg/mL, respectively, while being less effective against breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7), with an IC50 of 32.5 µg/mL.

Biosynthesized Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles CeO2NPs: Recent Progress and Medical Applications.

Currently, nanobiotechnology represents a leading research area that primarily focuses on the safe, eco-friendly synthesis of biocompatible metal oxide nanoparticles. Among these, biosynthesized cerium oxide nanoparticles have particularly received attention in medical science as their unique surface chemistry and dual oxidation state make them excellent antioxidants and freeradical scavengers. Currently, plant extracts are widely explored and employed for the biosynthesis of CeO2NPs. Other biological sources such as marine oyster shell extract, egg-white, biopolymers, e.g., chitosan, agarose, alginate, and others, have also been successfully used for the fabrication of CeO2NPs. This review highlights the recent progress in the biosynthesis of CeO2NPs and the investigation of their medical use as biocompatible anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and wound healing agents. Furthermore, prospects associated with the use of biogenic CeO2NPs in developing novel products in the medical sector are also highlighted.

Patterns of lipid-injectable emulsion use in neonatal intensive care units across the United States: A multi-institution survey.

BACKGROUND: Lipid-injectable emulsions (ILEs) are a necessity for neonates dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN). In this manuscript, we describe the patterns of ILE use in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the United States (US). METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to 488 NICUs across the US between December 2020 and March 2021. Survey fields included availability and utilization of various ILE in neonates. RESULTS: The response rate was 22% (107 out of 488). Soybean oil ILE (SO-ILE) and soybean oil, medium-chain triglycerides, olive oil, fish oil ILE (SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE) had similar availability (87% vs 86%, respectively), and SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE was more commonly used (SO-ILE, 71% vs SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE, 86%). Fish oil-ILE (FO-ILE) was used by 55% of centers. SO-ILE was most frequently used with PN and needs <4 weeks without cholestasis (79%). The most common reason for SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE use was cholestasis (71%). ILE minimization was used by 28% of SO-ILE and 22% of SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE users; 95% of these centers restrict SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE to doses ≤2 g/kg/day. Twenty-two percent of centers started FO-ILE at direct bilirubin of >5 mg/dl. CONCLUSION: The results of this survey reveal significant variability in ILE usage across the US. Lipid minimization with SO, MCT, OO, FO-ILE and initiation of FO-ILE for cholestasis at higher bilirubin thresholds are prevalent. Such reports are crucial for a better understanding of ILE use in the NICU and in future ILE development.

Ethanolic extract of Coleus aromaticus leaves impedes the proliferation and instigates apoptotic cell death in liver cancer HepG2 cells through repressing JAK/STAT cascade.

Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a leading cause for cancer burden across the globe, and incidences have tripled since the last two decades. Poor diagnosis of primary liver cancer and limited treatment strategies aggravate the challenges. Researchers globally have shown a steep inclination toward the exploration of plant-based compounds for their nutraceutical and anticancer potential to fit into the role of novel chemotherapeutics. Coleus aromaticus is a well-known culinary herb that earlier has been reported for several medicinal attributes. The current investigation deals with exploring the anticancer potential of ethanolic leaf extract of C. aromaticus (CoL-EtOH) against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line. The observations made it evident that CoL-EtOH extract impeded the viability of HepG2 at 400 µg/ml (p < .01). Additionally, the extract also succeeded in escalating ROS production (p < .01) which aided dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential and disruption of nuclear morphology. CoL-EtOH further activated caspase-8, -9, and -3 which was reaffirmed by increase in apoptosis at 400 µg/ml (p < .01). Moreover, post treatment with CaLEt-OH extract significantly reduced the expression of JAK-1 & STAT-3 genes (p < .01) along with regulated expression of Mcl1, Bcl-2, cyclinD1, p21, and p27 within HepG2 cells. This evidence portrays the promising anticancer potential of CoL-EtOH projecting it as a novel chemotherapeutic agent against HCC. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The herb Coleus aromaticus belonging to Lamiaceae family and Coleus genus is known by various names in different regions of the world and several language-specific vernacular names. The herb has been used in therapeutic and medicinal applications as well as in culinary preparations. Various attributes of the nutritional strength and functional characteristics of the leaves in terms of carotenoids, minerals, phenols, dietary fiber, and antioxidant activity have been reported by several researchers. Carvacrol and thymol are majorly found in the plant, while chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid etc. as the phenolic components. The herb has been used in therapeutic and medicinal implications as well as in culinary preparations.

Cirsilineol Inhibits the Proliferation of Human Prostate Cancer Cells by Inducing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-Mediated Apoptosis.

Cirsilineol has been reported to exhibit anticancer effects against several human cancer cell lines. The present study was designed to evaluate the anticancer effects of cirsilineol against the human DU-145 prostate cancer cells. The results showed that cirsilineol suppressed the proliferation of DU-145 cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner with minimal cytotoxic effects against the normal cells. The IC50 of cirsilineol was found to be 7 µM and 110 µM against prostate cancer DU-145 and normal HPrEC prostate cells, respectively. Acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining showed that cirsilineol induced apoptosis in DU-145 prostate cancer cells. The Annexin V/PI staining further confirmed the induction of apoptosis in DU-145 cells. The western blot analysis showed that cirsilineol suppressed the expression of Bax and upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 in prostate cancer DU-145 cells. Moreover, cirsilineol caused a dose-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in prostate cancer. Wound healing and Transwell assays showed that cirsilineol inhibits migration and invasion of DU-145 prostate cancer cells. Summing up, the results suggest that cirsilineol suppresses the proliferation of prostate cancer cells and may prove to be a beneficial lead molecule for the development of chemotherapy for prostate cancer.

Screening of the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of extracted essential oils from Thunbergia coccinea, Acacia polyacantha, Polygonum micrpcephallum, Abies spectabilis and Clerodendrum colebrookianum.

During the previous few decades, it has been seen that there is a rapid emergence of pathogens resistant to multiple antibiotics. This has now become a global crisis. Some unexplored or less explored plants also provide some antibacterial, bactericidal and antioxidant properties. The antibacterial, bactericidal effects of extracted essential oils (EEOs) of Thunbergia coccinea, Acacia polyacantha, Polygonum micrpcephallum, Abies spectabilis and Clerodendrum colebrookianum was tested in comparison with standard antibiotics. The methods chosen were disc diffusion and deduction of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by microbroth dilution assays of the EEOs against the bacterial strains.The antioxidant activity was found out utilizing DPPH free radical scavenging assay, MDA, Hydrogen peroxide radical inhibition assay and Superoxide radical inhibition assay (O 2 -). Some commonly used standard antibiotics (metronidazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, rifampicin, clindamycin and oxacillin,) were utilized to compare the EEO antibacterial action. Clerodendrum colebrookianum (85.17 ± 3.06 µg MDA/g extract) had a reasonable MDA. Acacia polyacantha in MIC had values of 3.86 ± 0.25 to 6.20 ± 0.16. Polygonum micrpcephallum had excessive H2O2 (48.27 ± 2.4 5%). The antibacterial actions determined by the paper disc­diffusion technique of the EEO extracted from these plants showed that most had some antibacterial actions. Also, it was seen that the bactericidal action of the EEO extracted from E. alba was most potent against S. pyogenes (4.06 ± 0.15). The extract of the plant at varying concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80 and100 mg/mL) demonstrated noteworthy (P< 0.001) anthelmintic action in an effective change when the dose was adjusted. In conclusion, most of the tested plants contain a medicinal value, which can be utilized in the future to supplement artificial medicines and cure emerging diseases that create havoc for mankind.

Crocus sativus L. Tepal Extract Induces Apoptosis in Human U87 Glioblastoma Cells.

Crocus sativus (C. sativus) is considered as the costliest spice and an important medicinal plant. Herein, we investigated the effects of tepal extract (TE) of C. sativus on the viability of the human glioblastoma cells. Results revealed that TE significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the proliferation of U87 glioblastoma cells in a dose-dependent manner with comparatively lower toxic effects against normal astrocytes. The IC50 of TE against U87 glioblastoma cells was found to be 130 µg/mL as compared to 600 µg/mL against normal astrocytes. TE also inhibited the colony formation of U87 cells significantly (P < 0.05). The AO/EB and Annexin V/PI staining assays indicated that TE stimulated apoptosis in U87 cells dose dependently. The early and late apoptotic U87 cells increased from 0.66% and 2.3% at control to 14.2% and 21.4% at 260 µg/mL of TE. Moreover, TE caused upregulation of Bax and suppression of Bcl-2. Wound healing assay showed that migration of the U87 cells was suppressed significantly (P < 0.05) at 80 µg/mL of TE. Taken together, these results suggest that TE exhibits antiproliferative effects against U87 glioma cells and may prove to be an important source of natural anticancer agents.

Flavonoids a Bioactive Compound from Medicinal Plants and Its Therapeutic Applications.

Plants generally secrete secondary metabolites in response to stress. These secondary metabolites are very useful for humankind as they possess a wide range of therapeutic activities. Secondary metabolites produced by plants include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and steroids. Flavonoids are one of the classes of secondary metabolites of plants found mainly in edible plant parts such as fruits, vegetables, stems, grains, and bark. They are synthesized by the phenylpropanoid pathway. Flavonoids possess antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic properties. Due to their various therapeutic applications, various pharmaceutical companies have exploited different plants for the production of flavonoids. To overcome this situation, various biotechnological strategies have been incorporated to improve the production of different types of flavonoids. In this review, we have highlighted the various types of flavonoids, their biosynthesis, properties, and different strategies to enhance the production of flavonoids.

Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity (Excision Wound Model) of Ointment Prepared from Infusion Extract of Polyherbal Tea Bag Formulation in Diabetes-Induced Rats.

In the present investigation, Ichnocarpus frutescens, Ficus dalhousiae, Crateva magna, Alpinia galanga, and Swertia chirata plants were selected to formulate polyherbal tea bag. The infusion obtained from these polyherbal tea bags was used to formulate 5% and 10% ointment formulation to perform its wound healing activity. The excision wound model was used to assess the wound healing activity in diabetic as well nondiabetic rats. The mean percentage closure of wound area was calculated on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th, and finally 21st day. The wound healing activity of formulation was found to be significantly compared with that of the reference standard and untreated groups. The percentages of closure of excision wound area on the 21st day in diabetic animals treated with ointment formulations (F1 and F2) were found to be 93.91 ± 1.65% and 99.12 ± 5.21% respectively, whereas the chloramphenicol sodium drug solution was found to be 99.81 ± 3.16%. The percentages of closure of excision wound area in nondiabetic animals treated with ointment formulations (F1 and F2) were found to be 96.81 ± 2.04% and 98.13 ± 1.14%, respectively, whereas the chloramphenicol sodium drug solution was found to be 99.15 ± 1.41% at 21st day. Therefore, from the above results, we have concluded that this polyherbal ointment can be used clinically for the treatment of diabetic and nondiabetic wounds.

Assessment of Antioxidative and Alpha-Amylase Potential of Polyherbal Extract.

The present study aims to prepare a polyherbal formulation (PHF) of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera), Allium sativum (garlic), Acacia arabica (Babul), and Aegle marmelos (Bel) and evaluation of antidiabetic and antioxidant activity utilizing the in vitro model. Air-dried powder of 5 medicinal plants, which are divided into equal portions, and PHF, is prepared by the soxhlet technique using polar and nonpolar solvents. The PHF is screened for the phytochemical screening, and then the antidiabetic activity is determined by alpha-amylase inhibition. The extracts thus obtained are also subjected to the inhibition assay by the use of (DNS) dinitro salicylic acid. The antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH radical scavenging assay, H2O2 scavenging assay, and TBARS assay. In in vitro study, the result revealed polyherbal formulation in which hot water extract has the topmost inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase activity, ranging from 20.4% to 79.5% with an IC50 value of 48.98 ± 0.31 µg/ml. This extract clearly showed the effective lowering of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia (PPHG). In the antioxidant activity carried out by using the (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, the highest result was obtained by the concentration of 250 µg/ml, which was around 77.2 ± 0.05 with statistical significance compared with control (a: p < 0.01; b: p < 0.001), while in the GTA method, the highest result was obtained by the concentration of 250 µg/ml, which was around 78.2 ± 0.05, and in the case of the TBARS assay, the concentration of 250 µg/ml gave around 76.2 ± 0.03 anti-oxidant value. In conclusion, the study shows that polyherbal formulation has superior antidiabetic activity and antioxidant properties.

Encapsulation of Lactic Acid Bacteria by Lyophilisation with Its Effects on Viability and Adhesion Properties.

Lactobacillus (LAB) genera are considered important functional food but are found to have a short shelf life. In this study, two LAB, Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr), were isolated from sheep's milk, and whole-genome sequencing was carried out by using 16s rRNA Illumina Nextseq, the Netherlands. The LAB were encapsulated by the lyophilisation technique using different lyoprotective pharmaceutical excipients. This process was carried out using a freeze dryer (U-TECH, Star Scientific Instruments, India). Shelf-life determination was carried out by a 12-month study using the viability survival factor (Vsf). The in vitro cell adhesion technique was carried out by using the red snapper fish along with autoaggregation and cell surface hydrophobicity as vital probiotic properties. It was observed that Lp has a significantly higher (P < 0.001) Vsf of 7.2, while Lr has a Vsf of 7 (P < 0.05) when both are encapsulated with 10% maltodextrin + 5% sucrose kept at 4°C for 12 months. The result demonstrated that Lp had significantly high (P < 0.05) cell adhesion, 96% ± 1.2 autoaggregation, and 6% cell surface hydrophobicity as compared to Lr. Moreover, this study demonstrated that lyophilised LAB with lyoprotective excipients enhances shelf life without any changes in probiotic properties when kept at 4°C exhibiting all its probiotic properties.

GC/MS characterization and computational kinome-wide screening of pomegranate fruit extract identifies key phytochemicals interacting to CDK kinases implicated in acute myeloid leukemia cells.

Punica granatum (Pomegranate fruit) and its constituents are proven effective against various cancer types. However, a kinome-wide screening for the active phytochemicals against kinases is not reported. This study aims in validating pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, and computationally identifying the phytochemicals interacting with active kinases. PFE was made with Soxhlet extractor using absolute ethanol. Gas-chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) for phytochemical identification and MTT assay for cytotoxicity in AML (THP-1, TF-1 and HL-60) cells were performed. Apoptosis, CDK5 and CDK8 were assessed with flow cytometry. Kinase profiling was performed using In silico kinome screening. GC-MS analysis revealed 38 bioactive phytochemicals in PFE including pyrazoles, aldehydes, phenols, esters, pyranosides, and octadecadienoic acids. The extract inhibited the AML cell proliferations with GI50 values of 195.5 µg/ml, 289.1 µg/ml, and 353.5 µg/ml in THP-1, THP-1, and HL-60 cells, respectively. PFE also exhibited a dose-responsive increase in apoptotic cell populations when treated to the AML cells. Computational screening and modeling predicted three critical constituents, viz., Deoxyartemisinin, 3-Methyl-3-phenyl-3H-indazole, and 8-fluoro-5,6-dimethoxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one of pomegranate extract to interact mainly with cyclin-dependent kinases, including CDK5 and CDK8. Proteinand ligand docking predicted binding energies, and binding pose for top candidate lead molecules. In vitro assay exhibited the anticancer properties of PFE in AML cells. Computational kinome screening predicted top three PFE constituents targeting CDKs which may be responsible for the demonstrated anticancer efficacy of the extract against AML. This hypothesis further aligned with observed efficacy of PFE to inhibit CDK5 and CDK8 in all AML cells tested. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Though Punica granatum (Pomegranate fruit) and its constituents are proven effective against various cancer types, a kinome-wide screening for the active phytochemicals against kinases is not reported. In this study, we have conducted GC/MS characterization of the active phytochemicals of PFE and have performed a kinome-wide screening for all the 38 identified compounds toward 310 active kinases commonly expressed in cancers. These observations warrant isolation and further evaluation of these phytochemicals or their analogues as effective CDK inhibitors against AML proliferation. Further, the computational methods used in this study will throw light on literature for new options of kinome panel screening of active phytochemicals or small molecules.

Pharmacological Efficacy and Safety of Glycyrrhiza glabra in the Treatment of Respiratory Tract Infections.

Respiratory tract infections are underestimated because they are mild and disabling, but in clinical medicine, these are the most prevalent problems. According to the World Health Organization third-most comprehensive cause of death in the world till 2030 would be Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Dominating viruses of respiratory infections are influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinoviruses, and human coronaviruses. Antibiotics are mostly used to treat bacterial infections, and they do not effectively manage viral infections like sinusitis, sore throats, bronchitis, influenza, and common respiratory infections. Presently no medication is available only symptomatic interventions is an option in our hand. However, a lot of research is going on the vaccine and drugs-based approaches against respiratory viruses worldwide. Traditional medicines are getting the attraction to treat many diseases. It is vital to screen the medicinal plants to find the potential of new compounds for treatment against antiviral and antimicrobial activities. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Licorice) pharmacological actions modulate the immune system, inhibit virus growth, produce anti-inflammatory activity, and inactivate viruses. This comprehensive review mainly focuses on the role of licorice in managing respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria, including complications associated with its excess intake. There has been limited human research's exhibited licorice effectiveness in respiratory infections; therefore, there is a need for uncompromising and long-term research. This paper will be a valuable reference for biologists and physicians looking for a medication for respiratory infections. Glycyrrhiza glabra could open the door to novel agents in drug discovery and development.

Synergistic antibacterial activity of herbal extracts with antibiotics on bacteria responsible for periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: Development of bacterial resistance and antimicrobial side-effect has shifted the focus of research toward Ethnopharmacology. A biologically active compound derived from the plants may increase the effectiveness of antibiotic when used in combination. The present study aims to determine the synergistic antibacterial effect of ethanolic extracts of Punica granatum (pericarp), Commiphora molmol, Azadirachta indica (bark) in combination with amoxicillin, metronidazole, tetracycline, and azithromycin on periodontopathic bacteria: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. METHODOLOGY: Periodontopathic bacterial strains were isolated from the plaque sample that was collected from periodontitis patients and grown under favorable conditions. Susceptibility of bacteria to the antibiotics and extracts was determined by disc diffusion method by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zones. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of plant extracts were evaluated against each bacterium. Synergistic effect of plant extract in combination with antibiotics was tested against each bacterium by measuring the diameter of zone of inhibition (ZOI). RESULTS: Findings revealed that all plant extracts exhibited an inhibitory effects on the proliferation and growth of periodontopathic bacteria. The maximum antibacterial effect was exhibited by C. molmol on P. gingivalis (ZOI = 20 ± 0.55 mm, MIC = 0.53 ± 0.24 mg/mL and MBC = 5.21 ± 1.81 mg/mL) (p < 0.05), meanwhile, no antibacterial activity was exhibited by P. granatum on T. forsythia. Synergistic antibacterial effect was recorded when plant extracts were used in combination with antibiotics. The best synergism was exhibited by P. granatum with amoxicillin against A. actinomycetemcomitans (24 ± 1.00 mm) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The synergistic test showed significant antibacterial activity when plant extracts were combined with antibiotics against all the experimented bacteria.