Single molecule real-time sequencing data sets of Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets and cell suspension cultures.

Hypericum is a large genus that includes more than 500 species of pharmacological, ecological and conservation value. Although latest advances in sequencing technologies were extremely exploited for generating and assembling genomes of many living organisms, annotated whole genome sequence data is not publicly available for any of the Hypericum species so far. Bioavailability of secondary metabolites varies for different tissues and the data derived from different cultures will be a valuable tool for comparative studies. Here, we report the single molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT) data sets of Hypericum perforatum L. plantlets and cell suspension cultures for the first time. Sequencing data from cell suspension cultures yielded more than 33,000 high-quality transcripts from 20 Gb of raw data, while more than 55,000 high-quality transcripts were obtained from 35 Gb of raw data from plantlets. This dataset is a valuable tool for comparative transcriptomic analysis and will help to understand the unknown biosynthetic pathways of high medicinal value in the Hypericum genus.

Prospective Application of Nanoparticles Green Synthesized Using Medicinal Plant Extracts as Novel Nanomedicines.

The use of medicinal plants in green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is increasing day by day. A simple search for the keywords "green synthesis" and "nanoparticles" yields more than 33,000 articles in Scopus. As of August 10, 2021, more than 4000 articles have been published in 2021 alone. Besides demonstrating the ease and environmental-friendly route of synthesizing nanomaterials, many studies report the superior pharmacological properties of green synthesized nanoparticles compared to those synthesized by other methods. This is probably due to the fact that bioactive molecules are entrapped on the surface of these nanoparticles. On the other hand, recent studies have confirmed the nano-dimension and biocompatibility of metal ash (Bhasma) preparations, which are commonly macerated with biological products and administered for the treatment of various diseases in Indian medicine since ancient times. This perspective article argues for the prospective medical application of green nanoparticles in the light of Bhasma.

Identification, ontogeny and expression analysis of a novel laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2) transcript in Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer.

LGP2 (laboratory of genetics and physiology 2) is an important member of the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), which plays a significant role in antiviral innate immunity. In this study, we have cloned the full-length cDNA sequence of LGP2 from Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer (AsLGP2). The complete AsLGP2 cDNA sequence consisted of 2586 nucleotides encoding a putative protein of 681 amino acids with a molecular mass of 77.6 kDa. From the AsLGP2 protein, four different conserved domains were predicted: a DExDc (DEAD/DEAH box helicase domain), a bacterial type III restriction enzyme domain (RES III), a HELICc (Helicase superfamily c-terminal domain and a RIG-I_C-RD (RIG-I C-terminal regulatory domain). The transcript of AsLGP2 could be detected in all the 11 tissues tested in healthy animals with high expression noticed in tissues facing external environment such as gill, hindgut and skin. The ontogenic expression profile of AsLGP2 implies a possible maternal transfer of this gene as it has been detected in all early embryonic developmental stages along with unfertilized eggs. Viral analogue, poly I:C, injection resulted in rapid up-regulated expression in different tissues with the highest modulation of expression observed in kidney followed by liver and gill. A rapid response of AsLGP2 expression was also observed in the different tissues of Vibrio alginolyticus-injected L. calcarifer, while significant change in expression was noticed following Staphylococcus aureus infection. Similarly, exposure to different pathogen-mimicking microbial analogues such as poly I:C, LPS and PGN resulted in enhanced expression of AsLGP2 in SISK cell-line. Taking together, these observations suggest that AsLGP2 can act as both antiviral and antibacterial cytosolic receptor and may play a significant role in embryonic and larval development in marine euryhaline teleosts like Asian seabass.

Antimicrobial activity of cream incorporated with silver nanoparticles biosynthesized from Withania somnifera.

We report on the antimicrobial activity of a cream formulation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), biosynthesized using Withania somnifera extract. Aqueous extracts of leaves promoted efficient green synthesis of AgNPs compared to fruits and root extracts of W. somnifera. Biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized for their size and shape by physical-chemical techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, laser Doppler anemometry, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. After confirming the antimicrobial potential of AgNPs, they were incorporated into a cream. Cream formulations of AgNPs and AgNO3 were prepared and compared for their antimicrobial activity against human pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans) and a plant pathogen (Agrobacterium tumefaciens). Our results show that AgNP creams possess significantly higher antimicrobial activity against the tested organisms.

Effect of Costus igneus stem extract on calcium oxalate urolithiasis in albino rats.

The effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Costus igneus (stem) and isolated compounds lupeol and stigmasterol on calcium oxalate urolithiasis have been studied in male albino Wistar rats. Ethylene glycol feeding resulted in hyperoxaluria as well as increased renal excretion of calcium and oxalate. The increased deposition of stone-forming constituents in the urine, serum, and kidney homogenate of urolithic rats was significantly (p < 0.05) lowered by treatment using aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. igneus (stem), and isolated compounds lupeol and stigmasterol. The calcium oxalate crystal deposition in the kidney was significantly greater in ethylene glycol-induced urolithic rats. After administration of aqueous and ethanolic extract of C. igneus, the deposition of calcium and oxalate was significantly lowered. Treatment with lupeol and stigmasterol significantly reduced the deposition of calcium and oxalate in the kidney, and also in the blood serum; the lipid profile serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels at 50 and 100 mg/kg were significantly (p < 0.05) lowered in urolithiatic rats. From this study, we conclude that both the treatments with aqueous and ethanolic extract of C. igneus (stem) and isolated compounds lupeol and stigmasterol had an inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate urinary stone. Lupeol and stigmasterol were identified from the stem of C. igneus by high-performance thin layer chromatography technique. The isolated compounds were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and (13)C NMR spectra.

Effect of aqueous bark extract of Garuga pinnata Roxb. in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-II diabetes mellitus.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of aqueous extract of bark of Garuga pinnata Roxb. (Burseraceae). The various parameters studied included fasting blood sugar levels, serum lipid levels, liver glycogen content, serum insulin level and glycated hemoglobin in diabetic and normal rats. Streptozotocin-nicotinamide was used to induce type-II diabetes mellitus. Treatment with the extract at two dose levels showed a significant increase in the liver glycogen and serum insulin level and a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels. The total cholesterol and serum triglycerides levels were also significantly reduced and the HDL cholesterol levels were significantly increased upon treatment with the extract thus proving the potent antidiabetic property of the plant.

Alcoholic stem extract of Coscinium fenestratum regulates carbohydrate metabolism and improves antioxidant status in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats.

Alcoholic extract of the stems of Coscinium fenestratum, a medicinal plant indigenous to India and Sri Lanka used in ayurveda and siddha medicine for treating diabetes, was studied for its carbohydrate metabolism effect and antioxidant status in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats. Oral administration of C. fenestratum stem extract in graded doses caused a significant increase in enzymatic antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione synthetase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase and in the nonenzymatic antioxidants ascorbic acid, ceruloplasmin and tocopherol. Effects of alcoholic extract on glycolytic enzymes such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and hexokinase showed a significant increase in their levels, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the levels of gluconeogenic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase in treated diabetic rats. Serum creatinine and urea levels also declined significantly. This investigation demonstrates significant antidiabetic activity of C. fenestratum.

Antidiabetic activity of alcoholic stem extract of Coscinium fenestratum in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats.

The antidiabetic potential of the alcoholic stem extract of Coscinium fenestratum Colebr. (Menispermaceae), a medicinal plant widely used in the traditional Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus was evaluated in the STZ-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic model. Graded doses of the alcoholic stem extract were administered to normal and experimental diabetic rats for 12 days. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in fasting blood glucose levels were observed in the normal as well as in the treated diabetic animals. Serum insulin levels were not stimulated in the animals treated with the extract. In addition, changes in body weight, serum lipid profiles, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels, glycosylated hemoglobin and liver glycogen levels assessed in the extract treated diabetic rats were compared with diabetic control and normal animals. Significant results were observed in the estimated parameters, thereby justifying the use of the plant in the indigenous system of medicine.

Antipyretic activity of Alstonia macrophylla Wall ex A. DC: an ethnomedicine of Andaman Islands.

PURPOSE: Alstonia macrophylla Wall ex A. DC. Leaf, used in different ailments by the Onge tribes of Little Andaman Island, India, was investigated for its antipyretic potential. METHODS: The methanol extract and its fractions were tested on normal body temperature and yeast-induced pyrexia in Wistar Albino rats. RESULTS: The leaf extract at oral doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg, and the n-butanol fractions of the extract at 50 mg/kg showed significant reduction in normal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevated temperature in a dose-dependent manner comparable to that of standard antipyretic drug paracetamol. The antipyretic effect was started at 1 h and extended for at least 5 h after the drug administration. CONCLUSIONS: The antipyretic effect was more pronounced when the fraction A and B was administered together, indicating that both the fractions may contain antipyretic compounds which produce an additive effect in combination. Phytochemically these fractions contain beta-sitosterol and ursolic acid.

In vitro antioxidant studies of Annona squamosa Linn. leaves.

The free radical scavenging potential of the leaves of A. squamosa was studied by using different antioxidant models of screening. The ethanolic extract at 1000 microg/ml showed maximum scavenging of the radical cation, 2,2-azinobis- (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) observed upto 99.07% followed by the scavenging of the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) (89.77 %) and nitric oxide radical (73.64%) at the same concentration. However, the extract showed only moderate scavenging activity of superroxide radicals and antilipid peroxidation potential, which was performed using rat- brain homogenate. The findings justify the therapeutic applications of the plant in the indigenous system of medicine, augmenting its therapeutic value.

Neutralization potential of Viper russelli russelli (Russell's viper) venom by ethanol leaf extract of Acalypha indica.

The study aims to examine the Viper russelli russelli venom neutralization potential of the ethanol leaf extract (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg) of Acalypha indica (Euphorbiaceae). Administration of the ethanol leaf extract at i.p. dose levels of 500 and 750 mg/kg significantly inhibited, in a dose dependent manner, the Viper russelli venom-induced lethality, haemorrhage, necrotizing and mast cell degranulation in rats and the cardiotoxic and neurotoxic effects in isolated frog tissue. Administration of the extract also significantly inhibited venom-induced lipid peroxidation in RBC, decreased GSH and catalase levels of rat kidney tissue. The observations confirmed that the ethanol leaf extract of Acalypha indica possesses potent snake venom neutralizing properties.

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous leaf extract of Annona squamosa in streptozotocin-nicotinamide type 2 diabetic rats.

The claim by some tribal populations in parts of Northern India that the young leaves of the custard apple tree, Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) has antidiabetic properties was investigated. Diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozotocin-nicotinamide and graded doses of the aqueous leaf extracts were then administered in drinking water to normal and experimental diabetic rats for 12 days. Fasting plasma glucose levels, serum insulin levels, serum lipid profiles and changes in body weight were evaluated in normal rats while liver glycogen levels and pancreatic TBARS levels were evaluated additionally in diabetic rats. The diabetic groups treated with the aqueous leaf extract were compared with standard glibenclamide. The findings of the study support the antidiabetic claims of Annona squamosa.

Impact of zinc supplementation on diarrhoeal morbidity in rural children of West Bengal, India.

AIM: To determine the role of zinc supplementation in reducing diarrhoeal morbidity in children. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, community-based intervention study was conducted in 280 rural children aged between 6 and 41 mo. Children were randomly allocated into three groups. One group received a daily dose of 10 mg zinc for 5 d wk(-1), another group received 50 mg zinc once weekly and the remaining group received placebo. Zinc was supplemented for 16 wk from November 1999. Diarrhoeal episodes were detected by weekly surveillance during the supplementation period. RESULTS: Eighty diarrhoeal episodes were detected among 59 children in all 3 groups. The groups were compared with each other at baseline and as regard to the outcome variable (incidence of diarrhoea). The proportion of children suffering from diarrhoea during the period was significantly lower in the zinc-supplemented groups (15.8% in daily and 16.5% in weekly group) than in the placebo group (30.8%). The incidence of diarrhoea in the daily and weekly zinc-supplemented groups was 0.68 and 0.69 episodes child(-1) y(-1), and that in the placebo group was 1.67 episodes child(-1) y(-1) (relative risk 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.71). Diarrhoeal incidence of < 4 d duration was found to occur significantly less often in the supplemented groups. There was no difference in diarrhoeal incidence between the daily and weekly zinc-supplemented children. There were no detected adverse reactions in any of the supplemented groups. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that zinc supplementation is effective in reducing diarrhoeal morbidity when administered either daily or in a weekly schedule.

The anti-osteoporotic activity of amine-carboxyboranes in rodents.

Amine-carboxyboranes have been shown to prevent osteoporosis and loss of bone mass in rodents. In vitro studies using CF1 mouse pup calvaria and rat UMR-106 osteosarcoma cells showed that amine-carboxyborane derivatives reduced significantly the loss of intracellular calcium into the growth medium from 10(-4) to 10(-8) M over 48 hours. Amine-carboxyborane derivatives were more effective than calcitonin or simple boron salts. Calcium incorporation into these cells and proline incorporation into collagen was accelerated in the presence of amine carboxyboranes. The amine-carboxyborane derivatives effectively inhibited lysosomal and proteolytic enzymes as well as activities of serine elastase, prostaglandin cyclooxygenase, and 5'-lipoxygenase in mouse macrophages, human PMNs, leukocytes and Be Sal cells. IC50 values were in the range of 10(-6) M. In lactating ovariectomized female rats after administered amine-carboxyboranes for 14 days at 8 mg/kg/day orally, the femur and humerus showed increased volume, weight, density and ash weight. Serum calcium levels were elevated significantly with minimum reductions on serum inorganic phosphate levels. Femur calcium levels were elevated after treatment with amine-carboxyborane derivatives, but not with etidronate. Humerus total lipids after 14 days were slightly elevated probably due to increased levels of triglycerides and phospholipids.