Assessment of the changes in growth, photosynthetic traits and gene expression in Cynodon dactylon against drought stress.

Drought stress considered a key restrictive factor for a warm-season bermudagrass growth during summers in China. Genotypic variation against drought stress exists among bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.), but the selection of highly drought-tolerant germplasm is important for its growth in limited water regions and for future breeding. Our study aimed to investigate the most tolerant bermudagrass germplasm among thirteen, along latitude and longitudinal gradient under a well-watered and drought stress condition. Current study included high drought-resistant germplasm, "Tianshui" and "Linxiang", and drought-sensitive cultivars; "Zhengzhou" and "Cixian" under drought treatments along longitude and latitudinal gradients, respectively. Under water deficit conditions, the tolerant genotypes showed over-expression of a dehydrin gene cdDHN4, antioxidant genes Cu/ZnSOD and APX which leads to higher antioxidant activities to scavenge the excessive reactive oxygen species and minimizing the membrane damage. It helps in maintenance of cell membrane permeability and osmotic adjustment by producing organic osmolytes. Proline an osmolyte has the ability to keep osmotic water potential and water use efficiency high via stomatal conductance and maintain transpiration rate. It leads to optimum CO2 assimilation rate, high chlorophyll contents for photosynthesis and elongation of leaf mesophyll, palisade and thick spongy cells. Consequently, it results in elongation of leaf length, stolon and internode length; plant height and deep rooting system. The CdDHN4 gene highly expressed in "Tianshui" and "Youxian", Cu/ZnSOD gene in "Tianshui" and "Linxiang" and APX gene in "Shanxian" and "Linxiang". The genotypes "Zhongshan" and "Xiaochang" showed no gene expression under water deficit conditions. Our results indicate that turfgrass show morphological modifications firstly when subjected to drought stress; however the gene expression is directly associated and crucial for drought tolerance in bermudagrass. Hence, current research has provided excellent germplasm of drought tolerant bermudagrass for physiological and molecular study and future breeding.

Combination therapy with Hordeum vulgare, Elettaria cardamomum, and Cicer arietinum exhibited anti-diabetic potential through modulation of oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines.

Poly-herbal therapies for chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus (DM) have been practiced in south Asia for centuries. One of such therapies comprises of Hordeum vulgare, Elettaria cardamomum and Cicer arietinum that have shown encouraging therapeutic potential in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Therefore, poly-herbal granules (PHGs) of this formula were developed and investigated for their anti-diabetic and anti-obesity potential in obese-diabetic rats. The developed PHGs were chemical characterized and the virtual molecular docking was performed by Discovery studio visualizer (DSV) software. For in-vivo experiment, obesity in rats was induced with high-fat high-sugar diet. After that, diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate 150 mg/kg i.p. injection. The diseased rats were treated with PHGs at 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg/day for four weeks. GC-MS analysis of PHGs demonstrated the presence of 1,3-Benzenedicarboxylic acid bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid di-isooctyl ester and phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl). Molecular docking of these compounds demonstrated higher binding energies with receptor than metformin against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. PHGs exhibited a decline in body weight, HbA1c, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in diseased rats. The histopathological examination revealed that PHGs improved the alloxan-induced damage to the pancreas. Furthermore, PHGs increased the SOD, CAT and GSH while and the decreased the level of MDA in the liver, kidney and pancreas of diseased rats. Additionally, the PHGs had significantly downregulated the TNF-α and NF-κB while upregulated the expression of NrF-2. The current study demonstrated that the PHGs exhibited anti-diabetic and anti-obesity potential through amelioration of oxidative stress, NF-κB, TNF-α, and NrF-2 due to the presence of different phytochemicals.

A comprehensive review on the applications of ferrite nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Various conventional treatments including endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy have been used for several decades to treat breast cancer; however, these therapies exhibit various life-threatening and debilitating adverse effects in patients. Additionally, combination therapies are required for prompt action as well as to prevent drug resistance toward standard breast cancer medications. Ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly gaining momentum for their application in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Spinel ferrites are particularly used against breast cancer and have shown in vitro and in vivo better efficacy as compared to conventional cancer therapies. Magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents, magnetic particle imaging tracers, cell separation, and immune assays are some aspects related to the diagnosis of breast cancer against which different ferrite NPs have been successfully evaluated. Moreover, citrate-coated nickel ferrite, Mg/Zn ferrites, poly amidoamine dendrimers, cobalt ferrites, graphene oxide cobalt ferrites, doxorubicin functionalized cobalt ferrites, chitosan-coated zinc ferrites, PEG-coated cobalt ferrite, and copper ferrite NPs have demonstrated antiproliferative action against different breast cancer cells. Oxaliplatin-loaded polydopamine/BSA-copper ferrites, functionalized cobalt and zinc ferrites of curcumin, oxaliplatin-copper ferrite NPs, tamoxifen/diosgenin encapsulated ZnO/Mn ferrites, and fabricated core-shell fibers of doxorubicin have been developed to increase the bioavailability and anti-proliferative effect and decrease the toxicity of anticancer drugs. These ferrite NPs showed an anticancer effect at different doses in the presence or absence of an external magnetic field. The present review covers the in-depth investigations of ferrite NPs for the diagnosis and management of breast cancer.

UV-spectrophotometric Optimization of Temperature, pH, Concentration and Time for Eucalyptus Globulus Capped Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis, their Characterization and Evaluation of Biological Applications.

Morphology (size, shape) and structural variations (bonding pattern, crystallography, and atomic arrangements) have significant impacts on the efficacy of the metallic nanoparticles. Fabrication of these metal nanoparticles through green synthesis using plant extracts has increased attention due to their low cost, less hazardous byproducts, and multiple applications. In present study, Eucalyptus globulus extract was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Change of color from light brown to reddish brown and UV-visible spectral peak at 423 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs. The shifting of FTIR spectra peaks indicated the potential role of the functional groups in extract as capping agents. The DLS evaluated the average size and stability of the nanoparticles while the surface morphology, size and the elemental composition of the AgNPs was established by the FESEM and EDX analysis. The SEM images revealed spherical nanoparticles of size ranging from 40-60 nm. Biogenic AgNPs showed better DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 (13.44 ± 0.3) as compared to leaves extract with IC50 (10.57 ± 0.2). The synthesized AgNPs showed higher zones of inhibition (ZOI) by well diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Results of present study highlights the potential benefits of Eucalyptus globulus leaves extract-based AgNPs for various biomedical uses.

Evaluation of biological potential of UV-spectrophotometric, SEM, FTIR, and EDS observed Punica granatum and Plectranthus rugosus extract-coated silver nanoparticles: A comparative study.

Recent developments in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) using phytoconstituents have attracted the attention of the global scientific community. The present study was designed to synthesize silver NPs (AgNPs) using Punica granatum and Plectranthus rugosus plant extracts. The fabricated AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The shift in the color of the silver nitrate (AgNO3 ) solution after the addition of P. granatum and P. rugosus extracts indicated the synthesis of AgNPs. The effect of AgNO3 concentrations and pH on the synthesis of AgNPs was also evaluated. The findings of this study suggest that AgNO3 concentration of 1 mM, reaction time of 1 h, and pH of 7 at room temperature were the best suited conditions for the synthesis of AgNPs. According to the FTIR analysis, amidic and carbonyl compounds were primarily responsible for the encapsulation of AgNPs. SEM investigations have shown irregularly shaped geometry with sizes of 35 nm (P. granatum) and 33 nm (P. rugosus) with low agglomeration. The prepared AgNPs exhibited good potential for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, with values of 70% (P. granatum) and 68% (P. rugosus). Hence, we conclude that the leaves of P. granatum and P. rugosus are excellent material for designing of different plant-extracted-conjugated AgNPs for biomedical applications. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Preparation of the AgNPs using novel plants extracts. P. granatum and P. rugosus extract as reducing, capping, stabilizing, and optimizing agents. Thorough comparative characterization using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, SEM, and EDS which is a first of its kind. Comparative antioxidant activity.

Appraisal of anti-arthritic potential of Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. aqueous extract and its safety study in Wistar rats.

The current study aimed to find out the anti-arthritic activity and safety study of Coronopus didymus aqueous extract (CDAE) as well as its chemical characterization by HPLC-DAD. Safety study including acute and subacute toxicity studies of the plant aqueous extract was also performed. In complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic model (CFA), 0.15 ml CFA was injected in the left hind paw at day 1 in all rats except normal rats. Treatment with CDAE at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg and methotrexate (1 mg/kg) was administered at day 8 and continued till 28th day using oral gavage. The CDAE considerably (p < 0.05) reduced the paw swelling and arthritic score, and reinstated the body weight and blood parameters. The CDAE considerably modulated superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde level in liver homogenate in contrast to disease control. The CDAE at 400 mg/kg considerably reduced IL-6, IL -1ß, COX-2, and NF-ĸß, whereas elevated IL-10, IL-4, and I-kappa ß as equated to disease and standard groups. The LD50 of CDAE > 2000 mg/kg. In subacute toxicity study, CDAE at 200-800 mg/kg did not exhibit clinical signs of toxicity, mortality, hematological, biochemical, and histological alteration in the liver heart, kidney, and lungs in contrast to the normal group. It was concluded that the presence of delphinidine-3-glucoside, diosmetin, 3-feruloyl-4,5-dicaffeoyl quinic acid, and gallic acid in CDAE might be accountable for its anti-arthritic activity and safe use for a long period.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of a novel polyherbal formulation comprising of Hordeum vulgare, Elettaria cardamomum and Cicer arietinum extracts.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder. Numerous individual herbs possess anti-diabetic activity. The seeds of Hordeum vulgare, Elettaria cardamomum and Cicer arietinum are traditionally used to manage DM. The ambition of this work was to formulate the poly-herbal granules (PHGs) comprising of these three functional foods and evaluate their in-vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic potential. The dried seed extracts of Hordeum vulgare, Elettaria cardamomum and Cicer arietinum were used in a ratio of 2.5:1:1 to formulate PHGs by wet granulation method. The ratio of extracts was selected on the basis of traditional phytotherapies popularly used by local Hakeems of Pakistan to achieve glycemic control in diabetic patients resistant to traditional allopathic regime of medicine. The flow properties of developed PHGs were evaluated. The UV-Visible spectroscopic, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and HPLC-DAD of all seed extracts and PHGs were performed. The in-vitro antioxidant DPPH, FRAP, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Nitric Oxide (NO) scavenging assays were carried out on PHGs. The in-vitro antidiabetic activity of PHGs was investigated by alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity. The developed PHGs exhibited excellent flow properties. The UV-Vis spectra of all seed extracts and PHGs demonstrated peak at 278 nm showing the presence of flavonoids and phenols. The FTIR spectra confirmed the existence of flavonoids, and phenols along with amines in seed extracts as well as PHGs. The HPLC-DAD test revealed the existence of gallic acid, ascorbic acid, Quercetin-3-(caffeoyldiglucoside)-7-glucoside, Rosmarinic acid, delphinidin-3,5-diglucosides, Kaempferol-3-feruloylsophoroside-7-glucoside and Phloroglucinol in PHGs. The PHGs exhibited IC50 of 51.23, 58.57, 55.41 and 53.13 µg/mL in DPPH assay, FRAP assay, TAC, Nitric oxide scavenging assays respectively. The PHGs also demonstrated IC50 of 49.97 and 36.16 µg/mL in alpha-amylase and in alpha-glucosidase inhibition assays respectively in dose dependent manner. The developed PHGs exhibited an excellent flow property. These exhibit significant in-vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic profile by virtue of flavonoid and phenolic acid derivatives.

Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery Approaches of Mangiferin: Promises, Reality and Challenges in Cancer Chemotherapy.

Mangiferin (MGF), a xanthone derived from Mangifera indica L., initially employed as a nutraceutical, is now being explored extensively for its anticancer potential. Scientists across the globe have explored this bioactive for managing a variety of cancers using validated in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro anticancer potential of this biomolecule on well-established breast cancer cell lines such as MDA-MB-23, BEAS-2B cells and MCF-7 is closer to many approved synthetic anticancer agents. However, the solubility and bioavailability of this xanthone are the main challenges, and its oral bioavailability is reported to be less than 2%, and its aqueous solubility is also 0.111 mg/mL. Nano-drug delivery systems have attempted to deliver the drugs at the desired site at a desired rate in desired amounts. Many researchers have explored various nanotechnology-based approaches to provide effective and safe delivery of mangiferin for cancer therapy. Nanoparticles were used as carriers to encapsulate mangiferin, protecting it from degradation and facilitating its delivery to cancer cells. They have attempted to enhance the bioavailability, safety and efficacy of this very bioactive using drug delivery approaches. The present review focuses on the origin and structure elucidation of mangiferin and its derivatives and the benefits of this bioactive. The review also offers insight into the delivery-related challenges of mangiferin and its applications in nanosized forms against cancer. The use of a relatively new deep-learning approach to solve the pharmacokinetic issues of this bioactive has also been discussed. The review also critically analyzes the future hope for mangiferin as a therapeutic agent for cancer management.

Curative potential of Populus ciliata Wall ex. Royle extract against adjuvant-induced arthritis and peripheral neuropathy in Wistar rats.

Populus ciliata (PCCR) is traditionally used to treat muscular swelling, inflammation, pain, and fever. The current study was designed to validate the potential of aqueous ethanolic extract of the plant against inflammation, peripheral neuropathy, and pain in arthritic rats. The PCCR was chemically characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro antioxidant, and in vitro anti-inflammatory assays were carried out on PCCR. For anti-arthritic potential, Wistar rats' rear paws were injected with 0.1 ml Complete Freund's Adjuvant using methotrexate (3 mg/kg/week) as standard control. PCCR at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was given orally to arthritic rats for 21 days. The PCCR exhibited significant inhibition of bovine serum albumin denaturation (IC-50: 202.1 µg/ml), egg albumin denaturation (IC-50:553.5 mg/ml) and RBC membrane stabilization (IC-50: 122.5 µg/ml) and antioxidant (IC-50 = 49.43 µg/ml) activities. The PCCR notably decreased the paw diameter and increased body weight of treated arthritic animals as equated to diseased control. The treatment notably (p < 0.05-0.0001) decreased malondialdehyde, and increased superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and catalase in the liver and sciatic nerve homogenate in compared to diseased rats. The PCCR treatment remarkably (p < 0.05-0.0001) regulated the levels of nor-adrenaline and serotonin in sciatic nerve in contrast to diseased rats. Treatment with PCCR improved the motor activity, pain, ligament degeneration, and synovial hyperplasia in arthritic rats. Moreover, PCCR significantly (p < 0.01-0.0001) decreased the IL-6 and TNF-α. It is evident from the current study that PCCR had ameliorated polyarthritis and peripheral neuropathy through reduction of inflammatory markers, and improvement of oxidative stress might be due to presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols, and other fatty acids.

Toxicity profiling of Burgmansia aurea Lagerh. Leaves using acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Toxicity studies in appropriate animal models are an integral and very important component of pre-clinical studies in drug development. Brugmansia aurea lagerh. is used for both medicinal and non-medical purposes, including treating skin infections, different types of physical discomfort, inflammation, cough, hallucinations, and evil protection. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to detect any hazardous effects of B. aurea on animals and find out its LD50. MATERIALS & METHODS: An acute toxicity study was performed to find out the LD50 value and sub-acute toxicity study was performed to find out the toxicity on repeated dose administration till 28 days. Both studies were performed according to the organization of economic cooperation and development (OECD) 425 and 407 respectively. For the acute oral toxicity study, animals were divided into two groups, group I normal control (NC) and group II received a 2000mg/kg dose of B.aurea leaves extract. In the sub-acute toxicity study, male and female animals were divided into eight groups, I-IV for males and V-VIII for females received control, 100, 200 & 400mg/kg B. aurea leaves extract respectively. Hematological and biochemical markers were estimated at the end of each study. RESULTS: Results revealed that no mortality and morbidity were observed in acute oral as well as sub-acute toxicity studies. Oxidative stress markers were increased significantly in all organs of the treatment groups in both studies. Animals significantly decreased their food and water intake in an acute oral toxicity study. A slight difference in renal function tests was observed in the acute oral toxicity study when compared with the normal control group. No significant change in histopathology was observed in both studies on selected organs. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that B. aurea can be safely used for pharmacological purposes.

Burgeoning therapeutic strategies to curb the contemporary surging viral infections.

Significant efforts and initiatives were already made in the health care systems, however in the last few years; our world is facing emergences of viral infections which potentially leading to considerable challenges in terms of higher morbidity, mortality, increased and considerable financial loads on the affected populations. Over ten major epidemics or pandemics have been recorded in the twenty-first century, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic being one of them. Viruses being distinct obligate pathogens largely dependent on living beings are considered as one of the prominent causes of death globally. Although effective vaccines and antivirals have led to the eradication of imperative viral pathogens, the emergences of new viral infections as well as novel drug-resistant strains have necessitated the implementation of ingenious and efficient therapeutic approaches to treat viral outbreaks in the future. Nature being a constant source of tremendous therapeutical resources has inspired us to develop multi-target antiviral drugs, overcoming the challenges and limitations faced by pharmaceutical industry. Recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of viral reproduction have laid the groundwork for potential treatment approaches including antiviral gene therapy relying on the application of precisely engineered nucleic acids for disabling pathogen replication. The development of RNA interference and advancements in genome manipulating tools have proven to be especially significant in this regard. In this review, we discussed mode of actions and pathophysiological events associated with the viral infections; followed by distributions, and advancement made towards the detection strategies for timely diagnosis. In the later section, current approaches to cope up the viral pathogens and their key limitations have also been elaborated. Lastly, we also explored some novel and potential targets to treat such infections, where attentions were made on next generation gene editing technologies.

"Ficus johannis Boiss. leaves ethanolic extract ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats by upregulating the expressions of GCK, GLUT4, and IGF and downregulating G6P".

The leaves of Ficus johannis Boiss (F. johannis), commonly known as Fig tree, Anjir, and Teen, are used by the folk medicinal practitioners in Iran for controlling hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. This study investigated the pharmacological basis for antidiabetic effect of the ethanolic extract of F. johannis leaves using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Qualitative screening of phytochemicals, estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and in vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition assays were performed. Moreover, the High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification, acute toxicity, glucose tolerance, and in vivo antidiabetic effect along with the evaluation of gene expressions involved in diabetes mellitus were carried out. Significant quantities of phenolic (71.208 ± 2.89 mgg-1 GAE) and flavonoid (26.38 ± 3.53 mgg-1 QE) were present. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the plant extract exhibited an excellent in vitro antioxidant (IC50 = 33.81 µg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 = 12.18 µg/mL) inhibitory potential. The HPLC analysis confirmed the gallic acid (257.79 mgg-1) as main constituent of the extract followed by kaempferol (22.86 mgg-1), myricetin (0.16 mgg-1), and quercetin (3.22 mgg-1). Ethanolic extract displayed glucose tolerance in normo-glycemic rats. Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia declined dose dependently in the extract treated rats with improvement in lipid profile and liver and renal function biomarkers. The F. johannis-treated groups showed an increase in mRNA expressions of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4), glucokinase, insulin growth like factor 1 and peroxisomal proliferator activating receptor gamma in pancreas. However, the Glucose-6-phosphatase was downregulated. Present study suggests that the ethanolic extract of F. johannis leaves demonstrates a good anti-diabetic profile by improving insulin sensitivity, GLUT-4 translocation, and carbohydrate metabolism while inhibiting lipogenesis.

Membrane reactor for production of biodiesel from nonedible seed oil of Trachyspermum ammi using heterogenous green nanocatalyst of manganese oxide.

Conventional homogeneous-based catalyzed transesterification for the production of biodiesel can be replaced with a membrane reactor that has an immobilized heterogeneous catalyst. Combining reaction with separation while utilizing membranes with a certain pore size might boost conversion process. this investigation to study the effectiveness of membrane reactor in combination with heterogeneous green nano catalysis of MnO2. Techniques such as XRD, EDX, FTIR, SEM, and TGA were used to characterize the synthesized MnO2 nano catalyst. The highest conversion of around 94% Trachyspermum ammi oil was obtained by MnO2. The optimum process variables for maximum conversion were catalyst loading of 0.26 (wt.%), 8:1 M ratio, 90 °C reaction temperature, and time 120 min. The green nano catalyst of MnO2 was reusable up to five cycles with minimum loss in conversion rate of about 75% in the fifth cycle. Nuclear magnetic resonance validated the synthesis of methyl esters. It was concluded that membrane reactor a promising technique to efficiently transesterify triglycerides into methyl esters and enable process intensification uses MnO2 as a catalyst.

Membrane-processed honey samples for pollen characterization with health benefits.

Better processing techniques must be utilized widely due to the rising demand for honey. The most common honey processing techniques are applied to melissopalynomorphs to check the quality and quantity of valuable honey using microporous ultrafiltration membranes. It is essential to have the ability to selectively filter out sugars from honey using ultrafiltration. This study authenticated 24 honey samples using membrane reactors ultrafiltration protocol to describe the pollen spectrum of dominant vegetation. The purpose of this study was also to explore nutritional benefits as well as the active phytochemical constituents of honey samples. Honey samples were collected and labeled Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Ziziphus species based on plant resources provided by local beekeepers. A variety of honeybee flora was collected around the apiaries between 2020 and 2021. Honey analysis revealed that the pollen extraction of 24 bee foraging species belonging to 14 families. The honey membrane technology verified the identities of honey and nectar sources. Also, pollen identified using honey ultrafiltration membranes revealed dominant resources: Acacia spp. (69%), Eucalyptus spp. (52%) and Ziziphus spp. Honey filtration using a membrane technology classified 14 samples as unifloral, represented by six dominant pollen types. The absolute pollen count in the honey sample revealed that 58.33% (n = 14) belong to Maurizio's class I. Scanning ultrasculpturing showed diverse exine patterns: reticulate, psilate, scabrate-verrucate, scabrate-gemmate, granulate, perforate, microechinate, microreticulate, and regulate to fossulate for correct identification of honey pollen types. Honey ultrafiltration should be utilized to validate the botanical sources of honey and trace their biogeographic authenticity. Thus, it is imperative to look at the alternative useful method to identify the botanical origin of filtered honey. It is critical to separate honey from adulteration by a standardized protocol. Membrane technology has yielded significant outcomes in the purification of honey.

Transformation of waste seed biomass of Cordia myxa into valuable bioenergy through membrane bioreactor using green nanoparticles of indium oxide.

Depletion of non-renewable fuel has obliged researchers to seek out sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. Membranes have proven to be an effective technique in biofuel production for reaction, purification, and separation, with the ability to use both porous and non-porous membranes. It is demonstrated that a membrane-based sustainable and green production can result in a high degree of process intensification, whereas the recovery and repurposing of catalysts and alcohol are anticipated to increase the process economics. Therefore, in this study sustainable biodiesel was synthesized from inedible seed oil (37 wt%) of Cordia myxa using a membrane reactor. Transesterification was catalyzed by heterogenous nano-catalyst of indium oxide prepared with leaf extract of Boerhavia diffusa. Highest biodiesel yield of 95 wt% was achieved at methanol to oil molar ratio of 7:1, catalyst load 0.8 wt%, temperature 82.5 °C and time 180 min In2O3 nanoparticles exhibited reusability up to five successive transesterification rounds. The production of methyl esters was confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. The predominant fatty acid methyl ester detected in the biodiesel was 5, 8-octadecenoic acid. Biodiesel fuel qualities were determined to be comparable to worldwide ASTM D-6571 and EN-14214 standards. Finally, it was concluded that membrane technology can result in a highly intensified reaction process while efficient recovery of both nano catalysts and methanol increases the economics of transesterification and lead to sustainable production.

Mechanistic insights on the possible protective role of polyphenols extracted from Tamarix aphylla aerial parts against sodium arsenite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Arsenic exposure is associated with the induction of hepatotoxicity. Current study was aimed to investigate the hepato-protective ability of polyphenolic components of Tamarix aphylla (TA) ethanolic extract against sodium arsenite (SA)-induced liver injury of rats. Significantly higher quantities of phenolic (318.7±2.5 mgg-1GAE) and flavonoid (250.69 ±3.3 mgg-1QE) contents were present. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) exhibited an excellent potential for antioxidant (IC50= 25.99 µg/mL) assay. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) confirmed the existence of myercetin (10.40ppm), sinapic acid (2.131ppm), kaempferol (0.486ppm), caffeic acid (5.094 ppm). Forty-two rats were divided into 7 groups. Group 1 received normal saline (2 mL/kg/day, orally for 21 days), Group 2 received SA (10mg/kg/day for 21 days), and Group 3 received SA alone for 7 days (10mg/kg) and continues with silymarine for 21 days (25mg/kg orally). Group 4, 5, 6 received SA alone for 7 days and continue with TA extract up to 21 days (125mg/kg, 250mg/kg, and 500mg/kg orally) respectively, and Group 7 received TA extract (500mg/kg) for 21 days. SA was administered to all treated groups for 21 days. Treatment with polyphenolic ethanolic extract of TA restored the hepatic indices and oxidative markers in a dose-dependent manner. The upregulation in tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and cyclooxygenase-2 upon SA treatment suggesting inflammation was normalized by the treatment of rats. Above mentioned biochemical findings were supported well with histopathological screening. Present findings suggest that TA polyphenolic ethanolic extract could mitigate the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by SA in liver tissue.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Extract ameliorates branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism in acute reserpine-induced stress zebrafish model via 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics approach.

Depression is a common mental disorder that can adversely affect psychosocial function and quality of life. However, the exact aetiology and pathogenesis of depression are still unclear. Stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of depression. The use of currently prescribed antidepressants has many side effects. Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) has shown promising antidepressant activity in rodent models. Here, we developed a reserpine-induced zebrafish stress-like model and performed behavioural analysis, cortisol measurement and 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy-based metabolomics analysis to test the anti-stress activity of ethanolic extract of C. asiatica (RECA). A significant increase in total distance travelled (F(8,8) = 8.905, p = 0.0054) and a reduction in freezing duration (F(9, 9) = 10.38, p = 0.0018) were found in the open field test (OFT). Asiaticoside, one of tested C.asiatica's triterpenoid gives a significant increase in contact duration (F(5,5) = 142.3, (p = 0.0330) at 2.5 mg/kg). Eight biomarkers were found, i.e. ß-hydroxyisovaleric acid, leucine, threonine, scylloinositol, lactate, betaine, valine, choline and l-fucose, to be responsible for the class separation between stress and RECA-treated groups. Metabolic pathway alteration in zebrafish brain upon treatment with RECA was identified as valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, while alanine, aspartate, glutamate and glycerophospholipid metabolism was involved after fluoxetine treatment.

Wound Healing Potential and In Silico Appraisal of Convolvulus arvensis L. Methanolic Extract.

Convolvulus arvensis L. is rich in phenolic compounds and traditionally used to treat wounds, skin ulcer, and inflammation. The current study is aimed at scientifically potentiating its traditional wound healing use. The methanolic extract of C. arvensis stem (CaME) was analyzed for HPLC and GC-MS analyses. The binding modes of active compounds were investigated against protein targets glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß), c-myc, and ß-catenin by molecular docking followed by molecular dynamic simulations which revealed some conserved mode of binding as reported in crystal structures. The antioxidant potential of CaME was evaluated by in vitro methods such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and ferric reducing power assays. Ointment formulations of 10 and 20% CaME were applied topically and evaluated for wound healing potency against the excisional wound on the skin of Wistar rats. Gentamycin (0.1%) served as standard therapy. The healing process was observed for 20 days in the form of wound size and epithelialization followed by histopathological evaluation of the wound area. Chemical characterization showed the presence of 7-hexadecenoic acid, 2-hexadecylicosan-1-ol, quercetin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and other compounds. The plant extract exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity. The animals treated with 10% ointment showed moderate healing, whereas the treatment with 20% CaME revealed healing potential comparable to the standard 0.1% gentamycin as coevidenced from histopathological evaluation of skin. The study corroborates promising potential of C. arvensis on the healing of wounds, which possibly will be attributed to its antioxidant activity, fatty acids, quercetin, and gallic and caffeic acids, and binding potential of its phytoconstituents (phenolic acids) with wound healing targets.

Development and In Vitro/Ex Vivo Evaluation of Lecithin-Based Deformable Transfersomes and Transfersome-Based Gels for Combined Dermal Delivery of Meloxicam and Dexamethasone.

Transfersomes (TFS) are the promising carriers for transdermal delivery of various low and high molecular weight drugs, owing to their self-regulating and self-optimizing nature. Herein, we report synthesis and characterization of TFS loaded with meloxicam (MLX), an NSAID, and dexamethasone (DEX), a steroid, for simultaneous transdermal delivery. The different formulations of TFS containing varying amounts of lecithin, Span 80, and Tween 80 (TFS-1 to TFS-6) were successfully prepared by thin-film hydration method. The size of ranged between 248 and 273 nm, zeta potential values covering from -62.6 to -69.5 mV, polydispersity index (PDI) values in between 0.329 and 0.526, and entrapment efficiency of MLX and DEX ranged between 63-96% and 48-81%, respectively. Release experiments at pH 7.4 demonstrated higher cumulative drug release attained with Tween 80 compared to Span 80-based TFS. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of selected formulations -1 and TFS-3 revealed spherical shape of vesicles. Furthermore, three optimized transfersomal formulations (based on entrapment efficiency, TFS-1, TFS-3, and TFS-5) were incorporated into carbopol-940 gels coded as TF-G1, TF-G3, and TF-G5. These transfersomal gels were subjected to pH, spreadability, viscosity, homogeneity, skin irritation, in vitro drug release, and ex vivo skin permeation studies, and the results were compared with plain (nontransfersomal) gel having MLX and DEX. TFS released 71.72% to 81.87% MLX in 12 h; whereas, DEX release was quantified as 74.72% to 83.72% in same time. Nevertheless, TF-based gels showed slower drug release; 51.54% to 59.60% for MLX and 48.98% to 61.23% for DEX. The TF-G systems showed 85.87% permeation of MLX (TF-G1), 68.15% (TF-G3), and 68.94% (TF-G5); whereas, 78.59%, 70.54%, and 75.97% of DEX was permeated by TF-G1, TF-G3, and TF-G5, respectively. Kinetic modeling of release and permeation data indicated to follow Korsmeyer-Peppas model showing diffusion diffusion-based drug moment. Conversely, plain gel influx was found mere 26.18% and 22.94% for MLX and DEX, respectively. These results suggest that TF-G loaded with MLX and DEX can be proposed as an alternate drug carriers for improved transdermal flux that will certainly increase therapeutic outcomes.

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Arthritic Potential of Caralluma tuberculata N. E. Brown. and Its Chemical Characterization.

Present research was planned to assess the in vitro and in vivo anti-arthritic potential of Caralluma tuberculata N. E. Brown. methanolic (CTME) and aqueous (CTAQ) extracts. Chemical characterization was done by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography−mass spectrometry analysis. The Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) was injected in left hind paw of rat at day 1 and dosing at 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg was started on the 8th day via oral gavage in all groups except normal and disease control rats (which were given distilled water), whereas methotrexate (intraperitoneal; 1 mg/kg/mL) was administered to standard control. The CTME and CTAQ exerted significant (p < 0.01−0.0001) in vitro anti-arthritic action. Both extracts notably reduced paw edema, and restored weight loss, immune organs weight, arthritic score, RBCs, ESR, platelet count, rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein, and WBCs in treated rats. The plant extracts showed significant (p < 0.05−0.0001) downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukin-6, -1ß, NF-κB, and cyclooxygenase-2, while notably upregulated IL-4, IL-10, I-κBα in contrast to disease control rats. The plant extracts noticeably (p < 0.001−0.0001) restored the superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and MDA levels in treated rats. Both extracts exhibited significant anti-arthritic potential. The promising potential was exhibited by both extracts probably due to phenolic, and flavonoids compounds.