Maximizing the extraction yield of plant gum exudate using response surface methodology and artificial neural networking and pharmacological characterization.

Prunus armeniaca gum is used as food additive and ethno medicinal purpose. Two empirical models response surface methodology and artificial neural network were used to search for optimized extraction parameters for gum extraction. A four-factor design was implemented for optimization of extraction process for maximum yield which was obtained under the optimized extraction parameter (temperature, pH, extraction time, and gum/water ratio). Micro and macro-elemental composition of gum was determined by using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy. Gum was evaluated for toxicological effect and pharmacological properties. The maximum predicted yield obtained by response surface methodology and artificial neural network was 30.44 and 30.70% which was very close to maximum experimental yield 30.23%. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopic spectra confirmed the presence Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Sodium, Lithium, Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Oxygen. Acute oral toxicity study showed that gum is non-toxic up to 2000 mg/Kg body weight in rabbits, accompanied by high cytotoxic effects of gum against HepG2 and MCF-7cells by MTT assay. Overall, Aqueous solution of gum showed various pharmacological activities with significant value of antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-nociceptive, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and thrombolytic activities. Thus, optimization of parameters using mathematical models cans offer better prediction and estimations with enhanced pharmacological properties of extracted components.

Evaluation of clinical trials of ethnomedicine used for the treatment of diabetes: A systematic review.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a widespread metabolic disorder with a yearly 6.7 million deaths worldwide. Several treatment options are available but with common side effects like weight gain, cardiovascular diseases, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Therefore, ethnomedicine is gaining the interest of researchers in the treatment of DM. Ethnomedicine works by preventing intestinal absorption and hepatic production of glucose as well as enhancing glucose uptake in muscles and fatty tissues and increasing insulin secretion. A variety of plants have entered clinical trials but very few have gained approval for use. This current study provides an evaluation of such clinical trials. For this purpose, an extensive literature review was performed from a database using keywords like "ethnomedicine diabetes clinical trial", "clinical trials", "clinical trial in diabetes", "diabetes", "natural products in diabetes", "ethno-pharmacological relevance of natural products in diabetes", etc. Clinical trials of 20 plants and natural products were evaluated based on eligibility criteria. Major limitations associated with these clinical trials were a lack of patient compliance, dose-response relationship, and an evaluation of biomarkers with a small sample size and treatment duration. Measures in terms of strict regulations can be considered to achieve quality clinical trials. A specific goal of this systematic review is to discuss DM treatment through ethnomedicine based on recent clinical trials of the past 7 years.

Green Synthesis: The Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Potential of Silver Nanoparticles Using Extract of Teucrium stocksianum.

Green synthesis is one of the promising pathways for biologically active nanoscale materials. Herein, an eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) was carried out using an extract of Teucrium stocksianum. The biological reduction and size of NPS were optimized by controlling the physicochemical parameters such as concentration, temperature, and pH. A comparison of fresh and air-dried plant extracts was also undertaken to establish a reproducible methodology. The biosynthesized SNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM, DLS, and XRD analyses. The prepared SNPs exhibited significant biological potential against multi-drug-resistant pathogenic strains. The results revealed that the biosynthesized SNPs exhibit high antimicrobial activity at low concentrations compared to the parent plant extract. Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values were found between 5.3 µg/mL to 9.7 µg/mL for the biosynthesized SNPs, whereas the aqueous extract of the plant showed many high values of MIC, i.e., between 69 and 98 µg/ML. Furthermore, the synthesized SNPs were found efficient in the photolytic degradation of methylene blue under sunlight.

Hepatoprotective effect of Cordia rothii extract against CCl4-induced oxidative stress via Nrf2-NFκB pathways.

Cordia rothii Roem. & Schult. possesses various beneficial effects and is traditionally used in folk medicine against liver diseases but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Cordia rothii methanolic fraction (CRMF) were investigated in CCl4-induced liver injury. Antioxidant effects were evaluated using DPPH assay, ferric thiocyanate (FTC) assay, and HepG2 cells. A qualitative analysis of phytochemicals was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The hepatoprotective effects of CRMF were assessed against CCl4-induced liver damage in rats. Our results showed that CRMF significantly increased cell viability against CCl4-induced HepG2 cells. The in vivo results showed that CRMF significantly reduced the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, hepatic antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, and increased glutathione level. Normal hepatocyte integrity and microstructures were observed in histopathological results. Furthermore, the mRNA level of inflammatory mediators including interleukon (IL)-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB), IL-10 and nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (NrF2) were reverted in CRMF pretreatment groups. Thus, CRMF exhibited strong antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities, which may involve Nrf2-NFκB pathways.

Development of ß-cyclodextrin/polyvinypyrrolidone-co-poly (2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid) hybrid nanogels as nano-drug delivery carriers to enhance the solubility of Rosuvastatin: An in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

The present study is aimed at enhancing the solubility of rosuvastatin (RST) by designing betacyclodextrin/polyvinypyrrolidone-co-poly (2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid) crosslinked hydrophilic nanogels in the presence of crosslinker methylene bisacrylamide through free-radical polymerization method. Various formulations were fabricated by blending different amounts of betacyclodextrin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid, and methylene bisacrylamide. The developed chemically crosslinked nanogels were characterized by FTIR, SEM, PXRD, TGA, DSC, sol-gel analysis, zeta size, micromeritics properties, drug loading percentage, swelling, solubility, and release studies. The FTIR spectrum depicts the leading peaks of resultant functional groups of blended constituents while a fluffy and porous structure was observed through SEM images. Remarkable reduction in crystallinity of RST in developed nanogels revealed by PXRD. TGA and DSC demonstrate the good thermal stability of nanogels. The size analysis depicts the particle size of the developed nanogels in the range of 178.5 ±3.14 nm. Drug loading percentage, swelling, solubility, and release studies revealed high drug loading, solubilization, swelling, and drug release patterns at 6.8 pH paralleled to 1.2 pH. In vivo experiments on developed nanogels in comparison to marketed brands were examined and better results regarding pharmacokinetic parameters were observed. The compatibility and non-toxicity of fabricated nanogels to biological systems was supported by a toxicity study that was conducted on rabbits. Efficient fabrication, excellent physicochemical properties, improved dissolution, high solubilization, and nontoxic nanogels might be a capable approach for the oral administration of poorly water-soluble drugs.

A critical analysis of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) complexities, emerging variants, and therapeutic interventions and vaccination strategies.

Coronavirus is a family of viruses that can cause diseases such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The universal outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS coronaviruses 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic. The ß-Coronaviruses, which caused SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), have spread in more than 213 countries, infected over 81 million people, and caused more than 1.79 million deaths. COVID-19 symptoms vary from mild fever, flu to severe pneumonia in severely ill patients. Difficult breathing, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute kidney disease, liver damage, and multi-organ failure ultimately lead to death. Researchers are working on different pre-clinical and clinical trials to prevent this deadly pandemic by developing new vaccines. Along with vaccines, therapeutic intervention is an integral part of healthcare response to address the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19. Despite the global efforts to understand and fight against COVID-19, many challenges need to be addressed. This article summarizes the current pandemic, different strains of SARS-CoV-2, etiology, complexities, surviving medications of COVID-19, and so far, vaccination for the treatment of COVID-19.

Ficus benghalensis as Potential Inhibitor of 5α-Reductase for Hair Growth Promotion: In Vitro, In Silico, and In Vivo Evaluation.

The screening of hair follicles, dermal papilla cells, and keratinocytes through in vitro, in vivo, and histology has previously been reported to combat alopecia. Ficus benghalensis has been used conventionally to cure skin and hair disorders, although its effect on 5α-reductase II is still unknown. Currently, we aim to analyze the phytotherapeutic impact of F. benghalensis leaf extracts (FBLEs) for promoting hair growth in rabbits along with in vitro inhibition of the steroid isozyme 5α-reductase II. The inhibition of 5α-reductase II by FBLEs was assessed by RP-HPLC, using the NADPH cofactor as the reaction initiator and Minoxin (5%) as a positive control. In silico studies were performed using AutoDock Vina to visualize the interaction between 5α-reductase II and the reported phytoconstituents present in FBLEs. Hair growth in female albino rabbits was investigated by applying an oral dose of the FBLE formulation and control drug to the skin once a day. The skin tissues were examined by histology to see hair follicles. Further, FAAS, FTIR, and antioxidants were performed to check the trace elements and secondary metabolites in the FBLEs. The results of RP-HPLC and the binding energies showed that FBLEs reduced the catalytic activity of 5α-reductase II and improved cell proliferation in rabbits. The statistical analysis (p < 0.05 or 0.01) and percentage inhibition (>70%) suggested that hydroalcoholic FBLE has more potential in increasing hair growth by elongating hair follicle's anagen phase. FAAS, FTIR, and antioxidant experiments revealed sufficient concentrations of Zn, Cu, K, and Fe, together with the presence of polyphenols and scavenging activity in FBLE. Overall, we found that FBLEs are potent in stimulating hair follicle maturation by reducing the 5α-reductase II action, so they may serve as a principal choice in de novo drug designing to treat hair loss.

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad (Bitter Apple Fruit): Promising Traditional Uses, Pharmacological Effects, Aspects, and Potential Applications.

Health consciousness and increased knowledge about the side effects of synthetic drugs have enhanced interest in traditional medicines. Medicinal plants offer cures for various diseases, leading to improved living standards. This has brought ethnomedicinal studies into the spotlight and increased demand for herb-based medicines. Citrullus colocynthis is an herbaceous plant containing an abundance of nutrients that play a key role in the improvement of wellbeing. C. colocynthis has many biological properties, such as antioxidative, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, gastrointestinal tract, reproduction, protection, anti-microbial, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antineoplastic, profibrinolytic, anti-allergic, pesticidal, and immune-stimulatory. There are numerous bioactive compounds like cucurbitacin, flavonoids, and polyphenols in C. colocynthis that give it medicinal properties. Herein, we have extensively compiled, reviewed, and analyzed significant information on C. colocynthhis from the best published available evidence in PubMed, Scopus (Embase), Web of Science (Web of Knowledge), Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, etc. Scientific literature evidenced that owing to the bioactive constituents, including cucurbitacin, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other potent molecules, C. colocynthis has many pharmacological and physiological functions. It possesses multi-beneficial applications in treating various disorders of humans and animals. So, the primary purpose of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of the findings of positive impacts and risks of C. colocynthis consumption on human health, especially in poultry and veterinary fields. In the future, this narrative article will be aware of discoveries about the potential of this promising natural fruit and its bioactive compounds as the best nutraceuticals and therapeutic drugs in veterinary and human medicine.

In Vivo Screening and Antidiabetic Potential of Polyphenol Extracts from Guava Pulp, Seeds and Leaves.

The present study investigates the antidiabetic potential of polyphenol extracts purified from guava pulp, seeds and leaves using an in vivo experiment on albino rats. The polyphenols from guava pulp, seeds and leaves were extracted using methanol solvent and the sonication method while being evaluated by total phenolic contents and radical scavenging activity assay. The proximate composition of powders revealed that ash, protein and total sugars were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in leaves and seeds, while vitamin C was highest in pulp. Total phenolic and antioxidant activities were highest in pulp followed by leaves and seeds. The findings of feed intake and body gain revealed that the supplementation of polyphenols, especially from pulp, significantly (p < 0.05) increased the feed intake, which resulted in increased body weight. Moreover, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased, while the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased in groups fed with polyphenols from guava pulp compared to both (+ive and -ive) control groups. Furthermore, blood glucose and triglycerides were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in supplemented groups compared to the control group of diabetes mice, which resulted in the inhibition of α-amylase and glucose transport. Besides this, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin, red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and platelet levels were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in pulp's extract followed by leaves and seeds compared to both control groups. Overall, the antidiabetic potential of different extracts was in the following order: pulp > leaves > seeds. The findings suggest the feasibility of adding 200-250 mg/kg.bw of polyphenol extracts of pulp as an alternative to diabetic drugs.

Novel multiparticulate pH triggered delayed release chronotherapeutic drug delivery of celecoxib-ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes by using Box-Behnken design.

This study aimed to prepare novel colon targeted celecoxib-ß-cyclodextrin (CXB-ß-CD) inclusion complex loaded eudragit S 100 (ES100) microparticles for chronotherapy of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) which is an innovative approach, never reported before, for the fabrication of CXB-ß-CD complex in the form of microparticles and its colon targeting. CXB was complexed with ß-cyclodextrin by kneading technique and we evaluated the effect of ß-CD on saturation solubility of CXB. Microparticles were developed by oil-in-oil emulsion solvent evaporation technique and formulation variables (polymer conc, surfactant conc and stirring speed) were optimized by using three-factor three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD). SEM imaging revealed smooth, uniform and spherical shape microparticles. There was 7.3 fold increases in saturation solubility of CXB-ß-CD inclusion complex in distilled water as compared to pure CXB. Particle size was in the range of 50.42 µm to 238.38 µm with entrapment efficiency of 68.47% to 91.65%. Biphasic drug release pattern was found i.e initially delayed release in stomach and small intestine followed by fast release at colonic pH. Response variable results achieved from optimized formulation were very close to the response values suggested by BBD signifying the actual reliability and robustness of BBD in the fabrication of colon targeted CXB-ß-CD microparticles. The comparison of CXB-ß-CD optimized formulation with optimized formulation containing pure CXB showed increase in drug release due to enhancement of water solubility of CXB-ß-CD inclusion complex. So, it can be concluded that CXB-ß-CD loaded ES100 microparticles can be successfully fabricated with enhanced solubility for the chronotherapy of rheumatoid arthritis.

The genus Cuscuta (Convolvolaceac): An updated review on indigenous uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology.

Cuscuta, commonly known as dodder, is a genus of family convolvolaceace. Approximately 170 species of Cuscuta are extensively distributed in temperate and subtropical areas of the world. Species of this genus are widely used as essential constituents in functional foods and traditional medicinal systems. Various parts of many members of Cuscuta have been found efficacious against a variety of diseases. Phytochemical investigations have confirmed presence of biologically active moieties such as flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans, saponines, phenolics, tannins, and fatty acids. Pharmacological studies and traditional uses of these plants have proved that they are effective antibacterial, antioxidant, antiostioporotic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antipyretic, antihypertensive, analgesic, anti hair fall, and antisteriogenic agents.

Portulaca oleracea L. as a Prospective Candidate Inhibitor of Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Serine Protease.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide health problem affecting about 300 million individuals. HCV causes chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. Many side effects are associated with the current treatment options. Natural products that can be used as anti-HCV drugs are thus of considerable potential significance. NS3 serine protease (NS3-SP) is a target for the screening of antiviral activity against HCV. The present work explores plants with anti-HCV potential, isolating possible lead compounds. Ten plants, used for medicinal purposes against different infections in rural areas of Pakistan, were collected. The cellular toxicity effects of methanolic extracts of the plants on the viability of Huh-7 cells were studied through the Trypan blue dye exclusion method. Following this, the anti-HCV potential of phytoextracts was assessed by infecting liver cells with HCV-3a-infected serum inoculum. Only the methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) exhibited more than 70% inhibition. Four fractions were obtained through bioassay-guided extraction of PO. Subsequent inhibition of all organic extract fractions against NS3 serine protease was checked to track the specific target in the virus. The results showed that the PO methanolic crude and ethyl acetate extract specifically abridged the HCV NS3 protease expression in a dose-dependent fashion. Hence, PO extract and its constituents either alone or with interferon could offer a future option to treat chronic HCV.