Multiphysical analysis of nanoparticles and their effects on plants.

Nanoparticles are the magic bullets and at the leading edge in the field of nanotechnology, and their unique properties make these materials indispensable and superior in many areas, including the electronic field. Extensive applications of nanomaterials are incontrovertibly entering our living system. The increasing use of nanomaterials into the ecosystem is one of the crucial environmental factors that human being is facing. Nanomaterials raise noticeable toxicological concerns; particularly their accumulation in plants and the resultant toxicity may affect the food chain. Here, we analyzed the characterization of nanomaterials, such as graphene, Al2 O3 , TiO2 , and semi-insulating or conducting nanoparticles. Quantitative evaluation of the nanomaterials was conducted and their commercialization aspects were discussed. Various characterization techniques, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet rays were utilized to identify the morphology, phase, absorbance, and crystallinity. In addition, we analyzed the effects of nanomaterials on plants. The toxicity of nanoparticles has severe effects on loss of morphology of the plants. Potential mechanisms including physical and physiological effects were analyzed. In future studies, it is indispensable to assess widely accepted toxicity evaluation for safe production and use of nanomaterials.

FDA Approval Summary: Lurbinectedin for the Treatment of Metastatic Small Cell Lung Cancer.

On June 15, 2020, the FDA granted accelerated approval to lurbinectedin for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Approval was granted on the basis of the clinically meaningful effects on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR), and the safety profile observed in a multicenter, open-label, multicohort clinical trial (PM1183-B-005-14, NCT02454972), referred to as Study B-005, in patients with advanced solid tumors. The trial included a cohort of 105 patients with metastatic SCLC who had disease progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. The confirmed ORR determined by investigator assessment using RECIST 1.1 in the approved SCLC patient population was 35% [95% confidence interval (CI): 26-45], with a median DOR of 5.3 (95% CI: 4.1-6.4) months. The drug label includes warnings and precautions for myelosuppression, hepatotoxicity, and embryo-fetal toxicity. This is the first drug approved by the FDA in over 20 years in the second line for patients with metastatic SCLC. Importantly, this approval includes an indication for patients who have platinum-resistant disease, representing an area of particular unmet need.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Essential Oil and Organic Extracts of Euphorbia tithymaloides L. from Kushtia Region.

BACKGROUND: In the traditional system of medicine, leaves and stem bark of Euphorbia tithymaloides L. have been used for the treatment of asthma, persistent coughing, laryngitis, skin diseases and mouth ulcers. Some studies have reported the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of phytochemicals from the leaf; however, the analysis of essential oil and its antioxidant property is still unexplored. METHODS: This study evaluates the in vitro antioxidant potential of the essential oil and organic extracts from aerial parts of Euphorbia tithymaloides L. RESULTS: Thirty one compounds representing 96.37% of total oil were detected by GC-MS, of which eugenol (22.52%), phenyl ethyl alcohol (14.63%), 3-pentanol (9.22%), caryophyllene oxide (7.73%), isoeugenol (7.32%), pentadecanol (5.14%), spathulenol (5.11%) and α-pinene (3.32%) were the major compounds. The oil and ethyl acetate extract displayed potent DPPH (IC50 = 13.67 and 17.59 µg/mL, respectively) and superoxide (IC50 = 21.83 and 42.34 µg/mL, respectively) radical-scavenging activities among all the tested samples. The oil and methanol extract also exhibited remarkable nitric oxide radical-scavenging activities (IC50 = 90.45 and 112.63 µg/mL, respectively) among other extracts. Furthermore, the methanol extract contained the highest amount of total phenolics as compared to other samples. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the oil and extracts of E. tithymaloides could serve as natural antioxidants for using in pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries.

Multi-functional pharmacological credence of triterpenoid 16-hydroxy betulinicacid isolated from Mikania cordata / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To isolate and characterize bioactive compound from traditionally impor-tant medicinal plant Mikania cordata,and to investigate muti-faced pharmacological activities of the isolated compound.METHODS A triterpeenoid, 16-hydroxy betulinic acid(16 HBA)was isolated from Mikania cordata leaf and the structure of the compound was determined by NMR spectroscopic means.Antimi-crobial activity of 16 HBA was tested by disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against the tested microorganisms was determined. The analgesic property of 16 HBA was tested using acetic acid-induced writhes in mice and hot plate thermal stimulation in rats. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenin-induced paw edema method. The antipyretic potential of 16 HBA was evaluated by using yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats. RESULTS The triterpenoid 16 HBA showed potent antibacterial activity with inhibition zone of diameter ranging from 12.0~17.5 mm and antifungal activity with mycelial growth inhibition ranges from 37.6%~54.5%.The MIC values for antibacterial and antifungal activities ranged from 31.5~125 and 250~1000 μg·mL-1respectively.The compound(50 and 100 mg·kg-1body weight)showed potent peripheral and central analgesic activity having 55.19% and 41% of writhing inhibition at 90 min after administration of the compound and the highest 55.98%, 79.18% elongation of reaction time,respectively.In anti-inflammatory activity screening,the compound (100 mg·kg-1)revealed the highest 77.08% edema inhibition at 4 h after administration of carrageenan. In antipyretic assay, 16 HBA exhibited a strong antipyretic effect in yeast-induced rats.CONCLUSION The present study confirmed that 16-hydroxy betulinic acid isolated from Mikania cordata has potent anti-microbial,analgesic,anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties.Our results can be seen as scientific support for the traditional and folklore usage of Mikania cordata in Bangladesh for the treatment of different ailments and provide opportunities to explore this plant as a source bioactive compounds for biochemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Dry and ripe fruit of Aegle marmelos. L: A potent source of antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitors and free radical scavenger.

The antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory activities and free radical scavenging capacity of the crude extract, aqueous and some organic fractions of dry and ripe fruit of Aeglemarmelos. L were studied to understand the protective and therapeutic role for the use of the fruit as a remedy in different ailments. All the tested fractions and extracts showed to possess significant antioxidant, free radical scavenging capacity and lipoxygenase inhibitory potential. However, chloroform and aqueous fractions showed significant ability to quench radicals, to reduce ferric chloride and to inhibit soyabean lipoxygenase. Their antioxidant and lipoxygenase inhibition was estimated by IC50 values, for antioxidant ranging from 88-65% activity at concentration of 5-0.15µ/mL and similarly for lipoxygenase inhibition ranging from 89-69% at various concentrations of 5-0.15µ/mL, in chloroform and aqueous fractions respectively. The scavenger molecules in the dry and ripe fruit of A. marmelos may attribute to therapeutic and protective effect during different progressive stages of ailments.

Evaluation of wound healing effects between Salvadora persica ointment and Solcoseryl jelly in animal model.

In this research study very first time a herbal ointment contain 10% Salvadora persica extract was compared with Solcosseryl jelly 10% and blank Vaseline to evaluate wound healing effects using excision wound healing model in animals. Three groups of rats (n-6) were experimentally wounded on the back of their neck. Group I was dressed with Vaseline containing 10% test drug, Group II was treated with thin layer of Solcoseryl jelly 10% as reference drug while Group III was dressed with thin layer of blank Vaseline as control group. The effect of vehicle on rate of wound healing were assessed and in all cases there were progressive decreased in wound area with time but wound dress with Vaseline containing S. persica extract and wound treated with Solcosseryl jelly significantly healed earlier than those treated with Vaseline. It is concluded that S. persica extract significantly enhance the acceleration rate of wound enclosure in rats.

Pharmacological rational of dry ripe fruit of Aegle marmelos L. as an anti-nociceptive agent in different painful conditions.

The aim of study is to investigate central and peripheral analgesic effects of methanolic extract of dry ripe fruit of Aegle marmelos Linn. Corea (Am. Cr) by two methods, tail flick test and acetic acid induced writhing test at 100, 250 and 500mg/kg doses in animal models. Analgesic activity against tail flick test revealed that Am. Cr induced significant increase in latency period in dose dependent manner i.e. 65.38% at 100mg/kg, 395.37% at 250mg/kg (p<0.01) and 459.25% at 500mg/kg (p<0.01) body weight at 1hr after drug delivery while at 2hr effect decreased i.e. 61.53% at 100mg/kg, 161.11% (p<0.01) at 250mg/kg and 165.74% (p<0.01) at 500mg/kg but interestingly again there is an elongation in latency period at 3hr i.e. 106.15% at 100mg/kg dose, 251.85% (p<0.01) at 250mg/kg and 293.51% (p<0.05) at 500mg/kg respectively. The standard drug Diclofenac sodium at the dose of 5mg/kg continuously increased the latency period but less significantly as compared to the test substance i.e. 79.43%, 113.08% and 222.42% (p<0.05) respectively. Acetic acid induced writhing test produced highest significant activity at the dose of 100mg/kg i.e. 89.83% (p<0.01) as compared to Diclofenic sodium (standard drug) at a dose of 5mg/kg body weight i.e 63.63% (p<0.01). It is concluded that dry ripe fruit of A. marmelos possesses significant dual analgesic activities i.e. central and peripheral.

Evaluation of analgesic activity of P. domestica L.

This research study was conducted to investigate acute oral toxicity and analgesic activity of ethanol extract of P. domestica fruit by using tail flick analgesiometer at 300 and 500mg/kg doses in animal models. Acute oral toxicity results showed that crude extract is safe up to the dose of 5g/kg body weight of animals. The analgesic activity revealed that P. domestica extract at 500mg/kg dose possesses highest significant and prolonged analgesic activity in dose dependent manner as compared to standard and control groups. Aspirin 300mg/kg body weight was used as standard drug. Phytochemical analysis was also carried out which showed the presence of certain phytochemicals constituents in test drug that are responsible for analgesic activity. Therefore the results are justified.

Pharmacological profile of Salvadora persica.

This work was conducted to investigate the various pharmacological activities of Salvadora. persica family Salvadoracea and that includes anti inflammatory, analgesic, CNS, bleeding and clotting time activity by oral administration at the dose of 300 and 500mg/kg of body weight in animal models. Acute oral toxicity results showed that crude extract of S. persica is safe up to the dose of 5g/kg body weight of animals. Carraganeen induced hind paw edema method for anti inflammatory activity, tail immersion test method for analgesic activity, Rota rod and grip strength test for CNS activity were carried out in animal models. The analgesic activity was compared with aspirin, 300mg/kg body weight, anti inflammatory activity was compared with indomethacine, 10mg/kg body weight, Transamin 250mg/kg and Vitamin K 10mg were used for bleeding and clotting time activity respectively while diazepam 5mg/kg were used as standard for behavior and CNS activities. In all activities S. persica showed prolonged and dose dependent effects. Phytochemical analysis was also carried out which showed the presence of certain phytoconstituents which possesses these properties. Therefore the results justified the traditional use of the plant.

Antibacterial properties of essential oils and methanol extracts of sweet basil Ocimum basilicum occurring in Bangladesh.

The antibacterial potential of essential oils and methanol extracts of sweet basil Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae) was evaluated for controlling the growth range of food-borne pathogenic bacteria. Essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves and stems were analyzed by GC-MS. Fifty-seven compounds representing 94.9 and 96.1% of the total leaf and stem oils, respectively, were identified, of which methyl chavicol (36.7 and 29.9%), gitoxigenin (9.3 and 10.2%), trimethoquinol (10.3 and 8.4%), beta-guaiene (3.7 and 4.1%), aciphyllene (3.4 and 3.0%), alizarin (3.2 and 4.4%), naphthaline (2.2 and 3.8%), (-)-caryophyllene (2.0 and 1.9%), and mequinol (1.6 and 1.8%) were the major compounds. The essential oils (10 microL/disc of 1:5, v/v dilution with methanol) and methanol extracts (300 microg/disc) of O. basilicum displayed a great potential of antibacterial activity against Bacillius cereus, B. subtilis, B. megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Shigella boydii, S. dysenteriae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. mimicus, and Salmonella typhi with their respective zones of inhibition of 11.2-21.1 mm and MIC values of 62.5-500 microg/mL. The results of this study suggest that the natural products derived from O. basilicum may have potential use in the food and/or pharmaceutical industries as antimicrobial agents.

Chemical composition and inhibitory parameters of essential oil and extracts of Nandina domestica Thunb. to control food-borne pathogenic and spoilage bacteria.

The aim of this study was to examine the chemical composition of the essential oil isolated from the floral parts of Nandina domestica Thunb. by hydrodistillation, and to test the efficacy of essential oil and various organic extracts against a panel of food-borne pathogenic and spoilage bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC19166, Staphylococcus aureus KCTC1916, S. aureus ATCC6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCTC2004, Salmonella typhimurium KCTC2515, Salmonella enteridis KCCM12021, Escherichia coli 0157-Human, E. coli ATCC8739, E. coli 057:H7 ATCC43888 and Enterobacter aerognes KCTC2190. The chemical composition of essential oil was analysed by GC-MS. It was determined that 79 compounds, which represented 87.06% of total oil, were present in the oil. The oil contained mainly 1-indolizino carbazole (19.65%), 2-pentanone (16.4%), mono phenol (12.1%), aziridine (9.01%), methylcarbinol (4.6%), ethanone (3.3%), furfural (2.96%), 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (1.29%) and 2(5H)-furanone (1.32%). The oil (1000 ppm/disc), and various organic extracts of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol (1500 ppm/disc) exhibited promising antibacterial effect as a diameter of zones of inhibition (9-18 and 7-13 mm) and MIC values (62.5 to 1000 and 250 to 2000 microg/ml), respectively against the tested bacteria. Also the oil had strong detrimental effect on the viable count of the tested bacteria. These results indicate the potential efficacy of plant-based natural products such as essential oil and organic extracts of N. domestica to control food-borne pathogenic and spoilage bacteria.