Synthesis of Quercetin-Loaded Silver Nanoparticles and Assessing Their Anti-Bacterial Potential.

The study delves into the multifaceted potential of quercetin (Qu), a phytoconstituent found in various fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, in combination with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The research explores the synthesis and characterization of AgNPs loaded with Qu and investigates their pharmaceutical applications, particularly focusing on antibacterial properties. The study meticulously evaluates Qu's identity, and physicochemical properties, reaffirming its suitability for pharmaceutical use. The development of Qu-loaded AgNPs demonstrates their high drug entrapment efficiency, ideal particle characteristics, and controlled drug release kinetics, suggesting enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. Furthermore, the research examines the antibacterial activity of Qu in different solvents, revealing distinct outcomes. Qu, both in methanol and water formulations, exhibits antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, with the methanol formulation displaying a slightly stronger efficacy. In conclusion, this study successfully synthesizes AgNPs loaded with Qu and highlights their potential as a potent antibacterial formulation. The findings underscore the influence of solvent choice on Qu's antibacterial properties and pave the way for further research and development in drug delivery systems and antimicrobial agents. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing microbial resistance and advancing pharmaceutical formulations for improved therapeutic outcomes.

The Protective Potential of Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss. on Paracetamol-Induced Hepatio-Renal Toxicity and Antiproteinuric Effect: A Biochemical, Hematological, and Histopathological Study.

Background and Objectives: Paracetamol overdose is a significant global issue due to its widespread use, which can lead to a lack of awareness regarding its potential side effects. Paracetamol can harm the liver, possibly resulting in liver failure. Conversely, this study employed extracts from Petroselinum crispum (PC), known for its rich content of bioactive compounds, with demonstrated antioxidant properties shown in previous research as well as protective effects against various diseases. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of Petroselinum crispum on altered hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood of rats exposed to paracetamol. Materials and Methods: The study involved twenty Wistar rats divided into four groups. Different groups of male rats were administered PC extract at 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 15 days, along with a standard reference dose of paracetamol at 200 mg/kg. The study assessed hepatoprotection capacity by analyzing liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin, albumin, and lipid profiles. Renal safety was evaluated through creatinine, urea, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total protein. Additionally, histopathological examinations of the liver and kidneys were conducted. Results: Following Paracetamol overdose, there were reductions in hemoglobin levels, serum total protein, albumin, and uric acid. Paracetamol overdose also elevated levels of several blood biomarkers, including creatinine, urea, nitrogen, ALT, AST, triglycerides, LDH activity, white blood cell count, and platelet count compared to the control group. However, using an ethanolic extract of Petroselinum crispum significantly mitigated the severity of these alterations and the extent of the effect correlated with the dose administered. Parsley extract helped prevent proteinuria and low hemoglobin, which are common side effects of Paracetamol. Conclusions: Therefore, parsley may hold promise in managing liver and kidney conditions-particularly in addressing proteinuria. Ultimately, these results may have implications for human health by potentially mitigating paracetamol-induced renal, hepatic, and hematological toxicity.

Antidepressive-Like Effect of Aegle marmelos Leaf Extract in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behaviour in Rats.

Background: Depression is a psychiatric disorder leading to anhedonia and lack of interest and motivation. Depressive symptoms are triggered by stressful life events, and patients with major depression are at significantly increased risk of attempting suicide. The crucial concern in depression treatment with antidepressant medications is that few weeks are required to show the therapeutic effect along with moderate side effects. The use of herbal medications is a new strategy for the treatment of depression which is often based on medicinal plants.Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. (family: Rutaceae) is reported to have several actions on the central nervous system producing beneficial effects in anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and convulsion. Thus, the current investigation designed to assess the antidepressant activity of the standardized hydroethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos (EAM) leaves in male rats exposed to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) paradigm. Methods: Rats were divided in 5 groups. The control group was not subjected to experimental CUMS paradigm, while 4 other groups were subjected to CUMS paradigm to induce depression-like behaviour from day 1 to day 28. Following the CUMS paradigm, 4 groups were divided as CUMS disease control, CUMS+EAM (150 mg/kg, p.o.), CUMS+EAM (300 mg/kg, p.o.), and CUMS+imipramine (15 mg/kg, p.o.), and treatment was given for seven consecutive days to the respective groups (day 29 to day 35). Behavioural parameters such as open field test, forced swim test, sucrose feeding test, and tail suspension test on day 1, day 28, and day 35 were measured, and biochemical parameters such as plasma corticosterone level, serotonergic system (5-HT, 5-HIAA, and 5-HT/5-HIAA), mitochondrial function, and proinflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) were estimated in hippocampus (HIP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions of the brain on day 35, after the behavioural observations. On the other hand, phytochemical profile of Aegle marmelos was done. Results: On day 35, EAM (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility time during the tail suspension test from 208.66 ± 4.72 s to 108.83 ± 4.81 s and forced swim test from 200.16 ± 4.12 s to 148.5 ± 4.58 s. It also enhanced the behavioural parameters in the open field test such as ambulation from 26.5 ± 2.14 to 56.5 ± 1.80, rearing from 8.33 ± 0.71 to 19 ± 0.57, time spent in centre from 9.16 ± 0.9 to 17.16 ± 0.79 s, total distance travelled from 2.36 ± 0.12 to 4.68 ± 0.10 m, and anhedonia in the sucrose feeding test from 109.33 ± 1.08 to 135.83 ± 3.91 mL. The stimulation of the HPA axis resulting elevated corticosterone level caused by CUMS was reduced by EAM (300 mg/kg) from 80.12 ± 2.020 to 48.25 ± 2.407 µg/dL. Furthermore, EAM (300 mg/kg) increase CUMS-induced changes in serotonin (5-HT) level in HIP and PFC from 3.132 ± 0.09586 to 4.518 ± 0.1812 and 4.308 ± 0.1593 to 5.262 ± 0.1014 ng/mg protein, respectively. EAM (300 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the CUMS-induced changes in proinflammatory cytokine production and mitochondrial function in HIP and PFC. One group used to determine the acute toxicity as per OECD-23 standard protocol which resulted that 300 mg/kg EAM has no significant acute toxicity. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of standardized hydroalcoholic extract of AM was found 95.024 ± 2.431 and 36.820 ± 3.41, respectively, and additional identification tests showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Conclusion: On the basis of findings, EAM can be inferred as a potential antidepressant-like effect of this plan in preclinical research.

Bioactive Compounds and Traditional Herbal Medicine: Promising Approaches for the Treatment of Dementia.

Dementia is a term that encompasses a group of clinical symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities, characterized by progressive impairment of memory performance and cognitive functions. There are several factors involved in the pathogenesis and progression of dementia, such as old age, brain ischemia, toxin exposure, and oxidative stress. There are extensive similarities between dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) either in clinical manifestations or experimental animal models. AD is the most dominant form of dementia, characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein and cholinergic neurotransmission deficits in the brain. Currently available medications for the treatment of dementia, such as choline esterase inhibitors, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists (memantine), have short-term efficacy and only relieve symptoms rather than targeting the main underlying pathogenesis. Several animal studies and clinical trials are being conducted to provide a rational approach to these medicinal plants in the prevention or treatment of memory deficits. This review highlights the potential effects of medicinal plants and their derived lead molecules, and explains the related mechanisms and effects reviewed from published literature as major thrust aspects and hopeful strategies in the prevention or treatment of dementia.