Novel insights into the anti-asthmatic effect of Raphanus sativus L. (Raphani Semen): Targeting immune cells, inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress markers.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Raphanus sativus L. is a well-known medicinal plant with traditional therapeutic applications in various common ailments including inflammation and asthma. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and anti-asthmatic potential of the hydro-methanolic extract of the leaves of R. sativus L. (Rs.Cr) using various in vitro and in vivo investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Rs.Cr was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPLC profiling. The safety was assessed through oral acute toxicity tests in mice. The antiasthmatic effect of the extract was studied using milk-induced leukocytosis and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma models established in mice. While mast cell degranulation and passive paw anaphylaxis models were established in rats. Moreover, effect of the extract was studied on various oxidative and inflammatory makers. The antioxidant effect of the extract was also studied by in vitro DPPH method. RESULTS: The HPLC profiling of Rs.Cr showed the presence of important polyphenols in a considerable quantity. In toxicity evaluation, Rs.Cr showed no sign of morbidity or mortality with LD50 < 2000 mg/kg. The extract revealed significant mast cell disruption in a dose-dependent manner compared to the intoxicated group. Similarly, treatment with Rs.Cr and dexamethasone significantly (p < 0.001) reduced paw edema volume. Subcutaneous injection of milk at a dose of 4 mL/kg, after 24 h of its administration, showed an increase in the leukocyte count in the intoxicated group. Similarly, mice treated with dexamethasone and Rs.Cr respectively showed a significant decrease in leukocytes and eosinophils count in the ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model. The extract presented a significant (p˂0.001) alleviative effect on the levels of SOD and GSH, MDA, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the intoxicated group. Furthermore, the histological evaluation also revealed a notable decrease in inflammatory and goblet cell count with reduced mucus production. CONCLUSION: The current study highlights mechanism-based novel insights into the anti-asthmatic potential of R. sativus that also strongly supports its traditional use in asthma.

Fabrication, organoleptic evaluation and in vitro characterization of cream loaded with Carica papaya seed extract.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to provide preliminary insights into potential biopharmaceutical applications of Carica papaya seed extract by evaluating its phytochemical and biological profiles. Furthermore, the study aimed to develop a stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion for the effective delivery of antioxidant-rich biologicals for cosmetic purposes. METHODS: The hydroethanolic (ethanol 80%: 20% water) extract of C. papaya seeds was prepared via maceration technique. The chemical composition was carried out through preliminary phytochemical screening and estimation of total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC). The biological profile of the extract was explored using various in-vitro antioxidant methods. The homogenization procedure was used to create a cream of O/W and various tests were applied to assess the stability of the emulsion. By keeping the emulsion at different storage conditions (8 ± 0.5°C, 25 ± 0.5°C, 40 ± 0.5°C, and 40 ± 0.5°C ± 75% relative humidity [RH]) for a period of 28 days), the physical stability parameters of the emulsion, including pH, viscosity, centrifugation, phase separation, and conductivity, as well as rheological parameters and organoleptic parameters (odor, color, liquefaction, and creaming), were assessed. RESULTS: The preliminary phytochemical screening assay revealed the presence of various plant secondary metabolites including alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and quinones. The extract was found to be rich in TPC and TFC. The in vitro antioxidant study gave maximum activity in the DPPH method. The plant extract containing cosmetic cream exhibited remarkable stability during the entire research. Data gathered indicated that no phase separation or liquefaction was seen after the experimental period. Throughout the experimental period, a small variation in the pH and conductivity values of the base and formulation was seen. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the seed extract of C. papaya is a rich source of polyphenols with antioxidant potential and can be a promising alternative for the treatment of various ailments. The stability of emulsion paves the way for its utilization as a carrier for the delivery of 3% C. papaya seed extract and applications in cosmetics products.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS profiling of Viola stocksii Boiss. and evaluation of aphrodisiac potential and risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Viola stocksii Boiss. locally known as makhni or makhanr booti, is an important medicinal food plant with multiple therapeutic applications, including erectile dysfunction (ED). It is mixed with butter and used for boosting energy and sexual health in the subcontinent. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, aphrodisiac potential and effect of V. stocksii on the risk factors associated with ED. METHODOLOGY: The hydroethanolic extract of V. stocksii (HEEVS) was prepared through the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique. The chemical composition was evaluated using preliminary phytochemical screening and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Metals and minerals analysis was performed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The aphrodisiac activity of HEEVS was evaluated using an in vivo aphrodisiac model established in male albino rats and the effect on various sexual parameters such as mount, intromission, ejaculation frequencies and mount, intromission, ejaculation latencies, postejaculatory interval, penile reflexes and serum hormone concentration were analyzed. The effect of HEEVS on various risk factors associated with ED, including prostate cancer (PC), bacterial infections, diabetes and obesity, was evaluated using various in vitro assays. Moreover, four compounds were selected from the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS profile and evaluated for in silico computational analysis against phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) for possible interaction. FINDINGS: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites in HEEVS, while 58 compounds were tentatively identified in the UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Various important minerals and metals such as zinc, calcium, cadmium and magnesium were detected in the atomic absorption spectrometry analysis. The in vivo aphrodisiac evaluation showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies and a decrease in the mount, intromission latencies and post-ejaculatory intervals at a dose of 300 mg/kg. A marked (p < 0.05) increase was observed in the concentration of serum testosterone and luteinizing hormones in HEEVS treated animals with a significant increase in total penile reflexes. The extract displayed significant anti-prostate cancer activity and a potential antibacterial spectrum against E. coli and S. aureus, with MIC50 values of 215.72 µg/mL and 139.05 µg/mL, respectively. Similarly, HEEVS was found active towards pancreatic lipase (67.34 ± 1.03%), α-glucosidase (3.87 ± 0.54 mmol ACAE/g d.w.) and α-amylase (6.98 ± 1.63 mmol ACAE/g d.w.). The in silico docking study presented a potential interaction between the selected compounds and residues of the active site of PDE-5. CONCLUSION: This report highlights the aphrodisiac potential of V. stocksii and provides experimental support for its traditional use in ED with an attenuative effect on the risk factors associated with ED. Moreover, the chemical composition displayed the presence of functional phytoconstituents and minerals in HEEVS and paves the way for the isolation of compounds with potent aphrodisiac activity.

Evaluating the Aphrodisiac Potential of Mirabilis jalapa L. Root Extract: Phytochemical Profiling and In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Assessments in Normal Male Rats.

The traditional use of Mirabilis jalapa L. roots to enhance male sexual performance prompted us to assess the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo aphrodisiac activities of its hydroethanolic extract using normal male rats. Spectroscopic characterization indicated the presence of ß-D-glucopyranoside, methyl-1,9-benzyl-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine, and Bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate; these compounds have a significant inhibitory effect on the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) enzyme in silico evaluation and minerals (including zinc, cadmium, and magnesium). Other phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These phytochemicals and minerals may contribute to the aphrodisiac activities of the extract. Additionally, the in vivo study revealed that the administration of M. jalapa root extract (300 mg/kg) significantly enhanced (p < 0.01, p < 0.03) mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequencies while significantly (p < 0.05) decreasing the mount and intromission latencies, as well as the post-ejaculatory interval time, in comparison with the standard drugs sildenafil and ginseng, resulting in enhanced erection and sexual performance in the rats. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased penile reflexes and also elevated the levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormones. Extract (300 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the PDE-5 enzyme in an in vitro study. Concludingly, the comprehensive findings of this study suggest that a standardized herbal extract derived from M. jalapa roots alleviates erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation in male rats. M. jalapa root extract proved to be an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.

Bi-polymeric Spongy Matrices Through Cross-linking Polymerization: Synthesized and Evaluated for Solubility Enhancement of Acyclovir.

In this study, two hydrophilic polymers hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and beta-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) are used to synthesize highly responsive and spongy polymeric matrices. Porous and stimulus-responsive polymeric network was developed to improve the solubility of acyclovir (ACV) at significant level. Grafting was successfully carried out by free radical polymerization technique. Spongy matrices were characterized by percentage entrapment efficiency, drug loading, solubility studies, FTIR, powder X-ray diffraction, TGA, DSC, XRD, SEM, swelling studies, and in vitro studies. Acute oral toxicity studies were conducted to determine the safety of oral administration of prepared HPMC-ßCD-g-poly(AMPS) formulation. Porous and spongy structures were depicted in SEM images. Complex formation and thermal stability of constituents and drug (ACV) were analyzed by FTIR, TGA, and DSC spectra. XRD analysis revealed reduction in acyclovir crystallinity in spongy matrices. Particle size of optimized formulation was found in the range of 197 ± 2.55 nm. The momentous difference with reference product committed that drug solubility and release characteristics were markedly enhanced by the developed spongy matrices. Toxicity studies endorsed that developed spongy matrices were non-toxic and compatible to biological system. The efficient method of preparation, enhanced solubility, excellent physico-chemical characteristics, high dissolution, and non-toxic HPMC-ßCD-g-poly(AMPS) spongy matrices may be a promising approach for oral delivery of poorly soluble drugs.

Exploration and local utilization of medicinal vegetation naturally grown in the Deusai plateau of Gilgit, Pakistan.

In the study area, the traditional knowledge regarding the uses of local wild medicinal plants for the health care of human and domestic animals is totally in hold of old people. The young ones are unaware about such an indispensable practices. The objective of the current study was to transfer this sort of precious knowledge from old members of the community to young generations in documented form.

An overview of the ongoing insights in selenium research and its role in fish nutrition and fish health.

In the present review, the ongoing researches about selenium research in fish nutrition have been comprehensively discussed. Selenium research is getting popularity in fish nutrition as it is required for the normal growth and proper physiological and biochemical functions in fish. Its deficiency or surplus amounts create severe problems in fish. It is available as inorganic form, organic form, and nano form. In fish, most of the previous research is about the selenium requirements for fish by using only one selenium source mainly the inorganic one. Selenium shows maximum biological activity and bioavailability when it is supplied in proper form. However, to differentiate the more bioavailable and less toxic form of selenium, sufficient information is needed about the comparative bioavailability of different selenium forms in different fish species. In fish, important data about the new forms of selenoproteins is still scarce. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on the determination and elucidation of the new selenoproteins in fish through the utilization of recent approaches of molecular biology and proteomics. The adaptation of these new approaches will replace the old fashioned methodologies regarding the selenium research in fish nutrition. Moreover, the use of molecular biology and proteomics-based new approaches in combination with selenium research will help in optimizing the area of fish nutrition and will improve the feed intake, growth performance, and more importantly the flesh quality which has a promising importance in the consumer market.

EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF MELILOTUS OFFICINALIS L. AGAINST PARACETAMOL AND CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED HEPATIC INJURY IN MICE.

Hepatic diseases are becoming common day by day and pose serious health threats to the life of humans. In order to treat these diseases, the attention of man is diverting towards herbal drugs, which are much safer and cost effective than synthetic drugs. The aim of present study was to investigate hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Melilomus officinalis against paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage. Melilotus officinalis at selected oral doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg showed significant hepatoprotective effects by decreasing the levels of serum marker enzymes such as total bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, albumin and total protein, when compared with standard drug (silymarin) and negative control. Similarly, histopathological studies also supported biochemical estimations. It was concluded that extract of Melilotus officinali has strong hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol and carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity, which might be due to free radical scavenging mechanisms exhibited by flavonoids and phenolics, thus affirming its traditional therapeutic role in liver injury.