Solvent based fractional biosynthesis, phytochemical analysis, and biological activity of silver nanoparticles obtained from the extract of Salvia moorcroftiana.

Multi-drug resistant bacteria sometimes known as "superbugs" developed through overuse and misuse of antibiotics are determined to be sensitive to small concentrations of silver nanoparticles. Various methods and sources are under investigation for the safe and efficient synthesis of silver nanoparticles having effective antibacterial activity even at low concentrations. We used a medicinal plant named Salvia moorcroftiana to extract phytochemicals with antibacterial, antioxidant, and reducing properties. Three types of solvents; from polar to nonpolar, i.e., water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and hexane, were used to extract the plant as a whole and as well as in fractions. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in all extracts (except hexane-based extract) were spherical, smaller than 20 nm, polydispersed (PDI ranging between 0.2 and 0.5), and stable with repulsive force of action (average zeta value = -18.55±1.17). The tested bacterial strains i.e., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis were found to be sensitive to even small concentrations of Ag-NPs, especially P. aeruginosa. The antibacterial effect of these Ag-NPs was associated with their ability to generate reactive oxygen species. DMSO (in fraction) could efficiently extract antibacterial phytochemicals and showed activity against MDR bacteria (inhibition zone = 11-12 mm). Thus, the antibacterial activity of fractionated DMSO extract was comparable to that of Ag-NPs because it contained phytochemicals having solid antibacterial potential. Furthermore, Ag-NPs synthesized from this extract owned superior antibacterial activity. However, whole aqueous extract-based Ag-NPs MIC was least (7-32 µg/mL) as compared to others.

Red light enhances the antibacterial properties, biofabrication, and stability of Fagonia indica callus-based silver nanoparticles.

Plant-based nanoparticles can be tuned through the frequency of light for efficient synthesis, structural properties, and antibacterial applications. This research assessed the effect of material type (callus and whole-plant extract) and the interaction with a specific range of light wavelength on AgNP synthesis. All types of AgNPs were characterized by their size, shape, associated functional groups, and surface charge. Interestingly, the size of red light and callus-based AgNPs (RC-AgNPs) was smaller (6.32 nm) compared to 14.59 nm for Ultraviolet light and callus-based AgNPs (UV-C-AgNPs). Zeta potential analysis showed that RC-AgNPs had higher stability (-29.2 mV) compared to UV-C-AgNPs (-16.7 mV). Similarly, red light-based AgNPs had higher Oxidation reduction potential in both whole-plant-based and callus-based AgNPs, indicating a more oxidizing nature compared to those synthesized under UV light. This was confirmed by the lower total phenolic and flavonoid content associated with them and their lower antioxidant activity. The higher antibacterial activities and lower minimum inhibitory concentrations of red light-based AgNPs against highly resistant pathogenic bacteria demonstrated the role of red light in enhancing antibacterial activity. These results indicate that AgNPs synthesized in red light and callus extract are more active compared to those synthesized under other wavelengths and/or in whole-plant extracts.

Conceptual Understanding of Preventive Strategies for Metabolic Disorders in Unani Medicine: A Narrative Review.

Background: The global burden of metabolic disorders is increasing at an alarming rate. These disorders have a huge impact in terms of human suffering and economic implications. There is an urgent need for effective strategies, including the use of traditional systems of medicine, to reduce the burden of these diseases. Objective: The objective of this article is to compile information on preventive strategies for metabolic disorders found in Unani medicine. Methods: A literature survey of classical Unani texts was conducted to understand the conceptual framework in Unani medicine underlying preventive strategies for metabolic disorders. Electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched to obtain the evidence needed to validate the Unani medicine viewpoint. Results: Unani scholars have described a set of clinical conditions caused by the insufficiency of the nutritive faculty. These conditions correlate in many ways with metabolic disorders. Cold dystemperament of the liver is considered to be the cause of insufficiency of nutritive faculty. Therefore, care and protection of the liver is considered as the main preventive approach for metabolic disorders in Unani medicine. Several epidemiological studies have also reported a strong relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: The broad set of approaches (based on its theoretical foundations) used by Unani scholars to maintain the nutritive faculty in its optimal functional state seems to be an effective measure for the prevention of metabolic disorders.

Delpinium uncinatum mediated green synthesis of AgNPs and its antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, cytotoxic and antimicrobial potentials.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is becoming a method of choice for biological research due to its environmentally benign outcomes, stability and ease of synthesis. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using stem (S-AgNPs), root (R-AgNPs) and mixture of stem and root (RS-AgNPs) of Delphinium uncinatum. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by standardized techniques and evaluated for their antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, cytotoxic and antimicrobial potentials. The AgNPs exhibited efficient antioxidant activities and considerable enzyme inhibition potential against alpha amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. S-AgNPs showed strong cytotoxicity against human hepato-cellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) and high enzyme inhibitory effect (IC50 values 27.5µg/ml for AChE and 22.60 µg/ml for BChE) compared to R-AgNPs and RS-AgNPs. RS-AgNPs showed significant inhibition of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Aspergillus flavus and exhibited higher biocompatibility (<2% hemolysis) in human red blood cells hemolytic assays. The present study showed that biologically synthesized AgNPs using the extract of various parts of D. uncinatum have strong antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials.

Antiprotozoal Activity of Thymoquinone (2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) for the Treatment of Leishmania major-Induced Leishmaniasis: In Silico and In Vitro Studies.

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical parasitic disease (NTPD), is caused by various Leishmania species. It transmits through the bites of the sandfly. The parasite is evolving resistance to commonly prescribed antileishmanial drugs; thus, there is an urgent need to discover novel antileishmanial drugs to combat drug-resistant leishmaniasis. Thymoquinone (2-isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone; TQ), a primary pharmacologically active ingredient of Nigella sativa (black seed) essential oil, has been reported to possess significant antiparasitic activity. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the in vitro and in silico antileishmanial activity of TQ against various infectious stages of Leishmania major (L. major), i.e., promastigotes and amastigotes, and its cytotoxicity against mice macrophages. In silico molecular dockings of TQ were also performed with multiple selected target proteins of L. major, and the most preferred antileishmanial drug target protein was subjected to in silico molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The in vitro antileishmanial activity of TQ revealed that the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50), half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50), and selectivity index (SI) values for promastigotes are 2.62 ± 0.12 µM, 29.54 ± 0.07 µM, and 11.27, while for the amastigotes, they are 17.52 ± 0.15 µM, 29.54 ± 0.07 µM, and 1.69, respectively. The molecular docking studies revealed that squalene monooxygenase is the most preferred antileishmanial drug target protein for TQ, whereas triosephosphate isomerase is the least preferred. The MD simulation revealed that TQ remained stable in the binding pocket throughout the simulation. Additionally, the binding energy calculations using Molecular Mechanics Generalized-Born Surface Area (MMGBSA) indicated that TQ is a moderate binder. Thus, the current study shows that TQ is a promising antileishmanial drug candidate that could be used to treat existing drug-resistant leishmaniasis.

Application of exogenous melatonin in vitro and in planta: a review of its effects and mechanisms of action.

Melatonin is a natural indolamine that regulates many physiological functions in plants. The most prominent role of melatonin in plants has been its ability to work as an anti-stressor agent. Exogenous melatonin can prevent cell death and promote cell proliferation through its antioxidant properties, enhancement of polyamine biosynthesis, and the ability to shift cell metabolism in case of stressors like sugar starvation. Melatonin scavenges reactive oxygen species and thus preventing damage to cell membranes and other organelles. Its application in different plant culture systems reveals its important physiological and biochemical roles during the growth and development of these cultures. It has been observed that the exogenous melatonin protects callus culture, reduces cold-induced apoptosis in cell suspension, and stimulates adventitious and lateral roots formation. This review presents the physiological and biochemical effects of exogenous melatonin on in vitro culture systems, including its impact on biomass accumulation, growth, and development of plants.

An Update on Natural Antileishmanial Treatment Options from Plants, Fungi and Algae.

Efficient drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis, which is classified as a neglected tropical disease, are sought for. This review covers potential drug candidates from natural plant, fungus and algae sources, which were described over the last six years. The identification of these natural antileishmanials often based on the knowledge of traditional medicines. Crucial insights into the activities of these natural remedies against Leishmania parasites and against infections caused by these parasites in laboratory animals or patients are provided and compared with selected former active examples published more than six years ago. In addition, immuno-modulatory natural antileishmanials and recent developments on combination therapies including natural products and approved antileishmanials are discussed. The described natural products revealed promising data warranting further efforts on the discovery and development of new antileishmanials based on patterns from nature.

Unani medicinal herbs as potential air disinfectants: an evidence-based review.

OBJECTIVES: Indoor air quality has a significant impact on our health and quality of life, as people spends 80-90% of their time indoors. Fumigation of several medicinal herbs has been recommended by Unani scholars to improve air quality, but their efficacy in air purification is still unknown. Hence, this article aims to discuss the applicability of proposed medicinal herbs in the light of current researches. METHODS: A manual literature survey of classical Unani texts was conducted to collect information about the herbs recommended for air purification. In addition, research databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were extensively searched for evidence on the efficacy and mechanism of action of the suggested herbs in air purification. RESULTS: In classical Unani texts, authors have found descriptions of 26 herbs that have been recommended for improving air quality. In-vitro studies have confirmed the antimicrobial activity of 19 of these herbs. Moreover, the efficacy of Styrax benzoin, Commiphora myrrha and Acorus calamus fumigation on aerial microbes have also been validated by studies. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the literature review clearly demonstrated that the herbs recommended by Unani scholars for air purification have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, indicating that these herbs could be a potential candidate for air disinfectant. Therefore, authors recommend the further researches on proposed herbs to validate their efficiency against airborne pathogens in the vapour phase.

Effects of ciprofloxacin or co-amoxicillin with and without antidepressants on behavioral deficit in rats induced with chronic suppurative otitis media.

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is chronic infection of middle ear which is usually managed with antibiotic therapy. This infection may cause the depression and cognitive changes in patients. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of antibiotic (ciprofloxacin and co-amoxicillin) with antidepressant or without antidepressants (bromazepam and imipramine) at low doses on rats with induced with CSOM. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was used to induce CSOM by in rat ear (tympanic bulla). The rats were divided into eight groups having six animals in each group. Neuropharmacological activities and gross behavior were observed in open field activity, force swimming cage, maze test, light and dark activity box and traction test. Observations were noted weekly after the administration of ciprofloxacin (15.3mg/kg), co-amoxicillin (15.3mg/kg), imipramine (1.15mg/kg) and bromazepam (0.09mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The altered behavior and depression was observed in control positive but reverted back in groups maintained on antidepressants with antibiotics with significant improved locomotor activity, memory in memory cage, muscular co-ordination and body balance and decreased anxiety. On the other hand, groups treated with only antibiotics showed significant improvement only in force swimming and traction test at day 14. Therefore, the antidepressant effects of the drugs can be employed to attenuate stress and depression in patients with CSOM.

Iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles-triggered elicitation of important phenolic compounds in cell cultures of Fagonia indica.

The callus cultures of Fagonia indica could prove as factories for the production of important phytochemicals when triggered through different types of stress. In this study, we initiated callus cultures from healthy stem explants in the presence of iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Fe-ZnO-NPs). We performed experiments with the callus cultures of F. indica to determine the impact of Fe-ZnO-NPs in concentrations (15.62-250 µg/mL) on biomass accumulation, production of important phenolic and flavonoids, and antioxidative potential. Our results showed that maximum callus biomass [Fresh weight (FW) = 13.6 g and Dry weight (DW) = 0.58 ± 0.01] was produced on day 40 when the media was supplemented with 250 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. Similarly, maximum total phenolic content (268.36 µg GAE/g of DW) was observed in 40 days old callus added with 125 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. Maximum total flavonoid content (78.56 µg QE/g of DW) was recorded in 20 days old callus grown in 62.5 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs containing media. Maximum total antioxidant capacity (390.74 µg AAE/g of DW) was recorded in 40 days old callus with 125 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs treated cultures, respectively. Similarly, the highest free radical scavenging activity (93.02%) was observed in callus derived from media having 15.62 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. The antioxidant potential was observed to have positive correlation with TPC (r = 0.44). HPLC analysis showed that Fe-ZnO-NPs produced compounds (e.g., Epigallocatechin gallate) that were either absent or in lesser quantities in the control group. These results showed that Fe-ZnO-NPs elicitors could increase the biomass and activate secondary metabolism in F. indica cells. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11240-021-02123-1.

Interactive effects of zinc oxide nano particles and different light regimes on growth and silymarin biosynthesis in callus cultures of Silybum marianum L.

Silybum marianum L. commonly known as milk thistle is a medicinally potent plant with a multitude of pharmacological applications. The present investigations demonstrated the effects of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on callus growth and biosynthesis of silymarin in milk thistle under various light conditions. The callus cultures developed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media containing ZnO NPs (0.15 mg/L), under the dark condition maintained for two weeks, followed by transference into normal light produced the maximum callus fresh weight (2294 mg/L FW). Further, the metabolite profiling revealed that ZnO NPs significantly augmented the production of silymarin and upregulated the antioxidant system in the callus cultures. Maximum TPC (total phenolic content: 37 ± 0.20 mg/g DW), TFC (total flavonoid content: 8.9 ± 0.023), DPPH antioxidant activity (91.5 ± 1.75%), Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD: 4.1 ± 0.045 nM/min/mg FW) and the highest silymarin content (14.6 ± 0.023 mg/g DW) were recorded in the callus cultures developed on MS media supplemented with solitary ZnO NPs (0.15 mg/L). While the callus culture evolved in presence of only PGRs (2,4 D and BA: 2 mg/L, each) accumulated the lesser fresh weight (562 mg/L FW). A higher concentration of ZnO NPs (0.15 mg/L) enhanced the secondary metabolite accumulation and silymarin content in the callus of Silybum marianum. This is the first standardized protocol to be applied on the industrial level for the production of silymarin.

LC-MS/MS-based profiling of bioactive metabolites of endophytic bacteria from Cannabis sativa and their anti-Phytophthora activity.

Protection of crop plants from phytopathogens through endophytic bacteria is a newly emerged area of biocontrol. In this study, endophytic bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of Cannabis sativa. Based on initial antimicrobial screening, three (03) bacteria Serratia marcescens MOSEL-w2, Enterobacter cloacae MOSEL-w7, and Paenibacillus MOSEL-w13 were selected. Antimicrobial assays of these selected bacteria against Phytophthora parasitica revealed that E. cloacae MOSEL-w7 and Paenibacillus sp. MOSEL-w13 possessed strong activity against P. parasitica. All these bacterial extracts showed strong inhibition against P. parasitica at different concentrations (4-400 µg mL-1). P. parasitica hyphae treated with ethyl acetate extract of E. cloacae MOSEL-w7 resulted in severe growth abnormalities compared to control. The extracts were further evaluated for in vivo detached-leaf assay against P. parasitica on the wild type tobacco. Application of 1% ethyl acetate bacterial extract of S. marcescens MOSEL-w2, E. cloacae MOSEL-w7, and Paenibacillus sp. MOSEL-w13 reduced P. parasitica induced lesion sizes and lesion frequencies by 60-80%. HPLC based fractions of each extract also showed bioactivity against P. parasitica. A total of 24 compounds were found in the S. marcescens MOSEL-w2, 15 compounds in E. cloacae MOSEL-w7 and 20 compounds found in Paenibacillus sp. MOSEL-w13. LC-MS/MS analyses showed different bioactive compounds in the bacterial extracts such as Cotinine (alkylpyrrolidine), L-tryptophan, L-lysine, L-Dopa, and L-ornithine. These results suggest that S. marcescens MOSEL-w2, E. cloacae MOSEL-w7, and Paenibacillus MOSEL-w13 are a source of bioactive metabolites and could be used in combination with other biocontrol agents, with other modes of action for controlling diseases caused by Phytophthora in crops. They could be a clue for the broad-spectrum biopesticides for agriculturally significant crops.

Public health approach of Unani medicine to cope and stay safe in hot environmental conditions.

The rising episodes of deadly heat waves have intensified the need for a heat protection strategy. The Unani system of medicine offers ways to stay healthy in different climatic conditions. Hence, this article aims to discuss the applicability of health protection measures suggested by Unani scholars for hot weather conditions in the light of current researches. The manual literature survey of classical Unani texts was conducted to collect information on health safety measures for hot weather. A substantial search of scientific databases such as "Google Scholar" and "Medline" for proposed measures in combination with "heat-stroke", "heat exhaustion" and "heat rash" was also conducted to identify their possible activity in heat-related illnesses. The guidelines for summer seasons in the classical Unani literature are described under the title tadabir-i-mavsam. Unani scholars have discussed in detail the pathophysiological effects of heat and the measures to stay healthy by regulating the body system through lifestyle, diet and herbs. Most of the measures proposed by them are backed up by evidences. However, some measures have not yet been evaluated for their therapeutic or prophylactic efficacy in heat-related illnesses. On the basis of findings, the authors advocate the adoption of evidence-based measures and propose further investigation of those measures that are not well supported by the evidence or have not yet been evaluated.

Plant in vitro Culture Technologies; A Promise Into Factories of Secondary Metabolites Against COVID-19.

The current pandemic has caused chaos throughout the world. While there are few vaccines available now, there is the need for better treatment alternatives in line with preventive measures against COVID-19. Along with synthetic chemical compounds, phytochemicals cannot be overlooked as candidates for drugs against severe respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The important role of secondary metabolites or phytochemical compounds against coronaviruses has been confirmed by studies that reported the anti-coronavirus role of glycyrrhizin from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra. The study demonstrated that glycyrrhizin is a very promising phytochemical against SARS-CoV, which caused an outbreak in 2002-2003. Similarly, many phytochemical compounds (apigenin, betulonic acid, reserpine, emodin, etc.) were isolated from different plants such as Isatis indigotica, Lindera aggregate, and Artemisia annua and were employed against SARS-CoV. However, owing to the geographical and seasonal variation, the quality of standard medicinal compounds isolated from plants varies. Furthermore, many of the important medicinal plants are either threatened or on the verge of endangerment because of overharvesting for medicinal purposes. Therefore, plant biotechnology provides a better alternative in the form of in vitro culture technology, including plant cell cultures, adventitious roots cultures, and organ and tissue cultures. In vitro cultures can serve as factories of secondary metabolites/phytochemicals that can be produced in bulk and of uniform quality in the fight against COVID-19, once tested. Similarly, environmental and molecular manipulation of these in vitro cultures could provide engineered drug candidates for testing against COVID-19. The in vitro culture-based phytochemicals have an additional benefit of consistency in terms of yield as well as quality. Nonetheless, as the traditional plant-based compounds might prove toxic in some cases, engineered production of promising phytochemicals can bypass this barrier. Our article focuses on reviewing the potential of the different in vitro plant cultures to produce medicinally important secondary metabolites that could ultimately be helpful in the fight against COVID-19.

Therapeutic potential of medicinal plants against COVID-19: The role of antiviral medicinal metabolites.

There are numerous trials underway to find treatment for the COVID-19 through testing vaccines as well as existing drugs. Apart from the many synthetic chemical compounds, plant-based compounds could provide an array of \suitable candidates for testing against the virus. Studies have confirmed the role of many plants against respiratory viruses when employed either as crude extracts or their active ingredients in pure form. The purpose of this review article is to highlight the importance of phytomedicine against COVID-19. The main aim is to review the mechanistic aspects of most important phytochemical compounds that have showed potential against coronaviruses. Glycyrrhizin from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra has shown promising potential against the previously epidemic coronavirus, SARS-CoV. Other important plants such as Artemisia annua, Isatis indigotica, Lindera aggregate, Pelargonium sidoides, and Glychirrhiza spp. have been employed against SARS-CoV. Active ingredients (e.g. emodin, reserpine, aescin, myricetin, scutellarin, apigenin, luteolin, and betulonic acid) have shown promising results against the coronaviruses. Phytochemicals have demonstrated activity against the coronaviruses through mechanisms such as viral entry inhibition, inhibition of replication enzymes and virus release blockage. However, compared to synthetic drugs, phytomedicine are mechanistically less understood and should be properly evaluated before application. Nonetheless, phytochemicals reduce the tedious job of drug discovery and provide a less time-consuming alternative for drug testing. Therefore, along with other drugs currently tested against COVID-19, plant-based drugs should be included for speedy development of COVID-19 treatment.

Global health, global surgery and mass casualties: II. Mass casualty centre resources, equipment and implementation.

Trauma/stroke centres optimise acute 24/7/365 surgical/critical care in high-income countries (HICs). Concepts from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) offer additional cost-effective healthcare strategies for limited-resource settings when combined with the trauma/stroke centre concept. Mass casualty centres (MCCs) integrate resources for both routine and emergency care-from prevention to acute care to rehabilitation. Integration of the various healthcare systems-governmental, non-governmental and military-is key to avoid both duplication and gaps. With input from LMIC and HIC personnel of various backgrounds-trauma and subspecialty surgery, nursing, information technology and telemedicine, and healthcare administration-creative solutions to the challenges of expanding care (both daily and disaster) are developed. MCCs are evolving initially in Chile and Pakistan. Technologies for cost-effective healthcare in LMICs include smartphone apps (enhance prehospital care) to electronic data collection and analysis (quality improvement) to telemedicine and drones/robots (support of remote regions and resource optimisation during both daily care and disasters) to resilient, mobile medical/surgical facilities (eg, battery-operated CT scanners). The co-ordination of personnel (within LMICs, and between LMICs and HICs) and the integration of cost-effective advanced technology are features of MCCs. Providing quality, cost-effective care 24/7/365 to the 5 billion who lack it presently makes MCCs an appealing means to achieve the healthcare-related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

Variation in surface properties, metabolic capping, and antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles: comparison of bio-fabrication potential in phytohormone-regulated cell cultures and naturally grown plants.

We compared surface properties, metabolic capping and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles, synthesized through extracts of cell cultures of Fagonia indica and its naturally grown form. Extracts from cell cultures (produced with thidiazuron (TDZ) or melatonin (MLN)) were compared to the naturally grown whole plant extracts (WPEs) for their reducing potential, and their effects on physical and biochemical properties of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed that the surface plasmon resonance peaked at λ = 415 nm for MLN-AgNPs, λ = 430 nm for TDZ-AgNPs and λ = 460-465 nm for WPE-AgNPs. Transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-rays of AgNPs showed that compared to WPE-AgNPs (mean diameter = 22 nm), extracts from MLN- and TDZ-induced cell cultures produced particles with spherical shapes and smaller diameters (i.e. mean diameter = 15 nm and 19 nm, respectively). Size distribution analysis also showed that TDZ-AgNPs were nearer to a symmetric distribution in terms of diameter (skewness = 0.80) as compared to WPE-AgNPs (skewness = 0.9) and MLN-AgNPs (skewness = 1.4). Furthermore, MLN-induced cell culture extracts produced AgNPs in higher concentration (210 µg mL-1) compared to AgNPs from TDZ-induced cell culture extracts (160 µg mL-1) and WPE (138 µg mL-1). Two-way comparisons of LC-MS/MS profiles of TDZ-AgNPs, MLN-AgNPs, and WPE-AgNPs revealed differences in their secondary metabolite profiles, which might account for differences in their differential response in bio-fabrication, and size distribution. Activity against different pathogenic bacterial strains, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Xanthomonas citri, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Streptomyces griseus, and Erwinia carotovora suggested that MLN-AgNPs were more effective compared to TDZ- and WPE-AgNPs. These results indicated that phytohormones induced cell cultures can enhance the production, physical and biochemical properties of AgNPs.

Evaluation of the antibacterial potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized through the interaction of antibiotic and aqueous callus extract of Fagonia indica.

Fagonia indica is a widely known medicinal plant. The extracts of Fagonia species contain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. Silver nanoparticles are known for antibacterial properties. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized using the callus extract of F. indica as a reducing agent. Characterization through different techniques suggests that the AgNPs absorbed light and gave SPR peaks at 414 nm while in case of ciprofloxacin supplemented callus mediated AgNPs the peak were recorded at 419 nm. Furthermore, FTIR analysis revealed the role of amides, acyl group, nitro group of callus extract of F. indica, and some functional groups of the ciprofloxacin in the reduction process as well as the capping and stabilization of AgNPs. Similarly, X-Ray Diffraction analysis indicate the structure of AgNPs as face-centered cubic crystalline particles. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs and ciprofloxacin and callus extract as control against resistant bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Shigella sonnei, and Salmonella typhi was studied. The combination of AgNPs and antibiotic showed better antibacterial activity as compared to AgNPs alone and ciprofloxacin alone. Maximum inhibition zone of E. coli, C. amalonaticus, S. sonnei, and S. typhi in response to AgNPs and ciprofloxacin was 38.5 mm, 35.5 mm, 33 mm, and 35.5 mm, respectively. It can, therefore, be suggested that the AgNPs along with Ciprofloxacin might have worked in interaction and resulted in better antibacterial activity against all the tested pathogens.

Piper Species: A Comprehensive Review on Their Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Applications.

Piper species are aromatic plants used as spices in the kitchen, but their secondary metabolites have also shown biological effects on human health. These plants are rich in essential oils, which can be found in their fruits, seeds, leaves, branches, roots and stems. Some Piper species have simple chemical profiles, while others, such as Piper nigrum, Piper betle, and Piper auritum, contain very diverse suites of secondary metabolites. In traditional medicine, Piper species have been used worldwide to treat several diseases such as urological problems, skin, liver and stomach ailments, for wound healing, and as antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, Piper species could be used as natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents in food preservation. The phytochemicals and essential oils of Piper species have shown strong antioxidant activity, in comparison with synthetic antioxidants, and demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activities against human pathogens. Moreover, Piper species possess therapeutic and preventive potential against several chronic disorders. Among the functional properties of Piper plants/extracts/active components the antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuropharmacological activities of the extracts and extract-derived bioactive constituents are thought to be key effects for the protection against chronic conditions, based on preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, besides clinical studies. Habitats and cultivation of Piper species are also covered in this review. In this current work, available literature of chemical constituents of the essential oils Piper plants, their use in traditional medicine, their applications as a food preservative, their antiparasitic activities and other important biological activities are reviewed.

Anticancer Plants: A Review of the Active Phytochemicals, Applications in Animal Models, and Regulatory Aspects.

The rising burden of cancer worldwide calls for an alternative treatment solution. Herbal medicine provides a very feasible alternative to western medicine against cancer. This article reviews the selected plant species with active phytochemicals, the animal models used for these studies, and their regulatory aspects. This study is based on a meticulous literature review conducted through the search of relevant keywords in databases, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Twenty plants were selected based on defined selection criteria for their potent anticancer compounds. The detailed analysis of the research studies revealed that plants play an indispensable role in fighting different cancers such as breast, stomach, oral, colon, lung, hepatic, cervical, and blood cancer cell lines. The in vitro studies showed cancer cell inhibition through DNA damage and activation of apoptosis-inducing enzymes by the secondary metabolites in the plant extracts. Studies that reported in vivo activities of these plants showed remarkable results in the inhibition of cancer in animal models. Further studies should be performed on exploring more plants, their active compounds, and the mechanism of anticancer actions for use as standard herbal medicine.