In vitro Evaluation of Anti-Cancer Potential of Different Solvent Extracts Derived from Clerodendrum Infortunatum Linn against Cervical Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a prevalent and deadly malignancy in females, with chemotherapy often proving ineffective due to significant side effects and the development of chemo-resistance. This study investigates the medicinal potential of Clerodendrum infortunatum linn. , a genus with approximately 500 species in the Lamiaceae family. Limited research exists on the species of Clerodendrum infortunatum and its various solvent extracts. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to assess the anti-cancer properties of different solvent extracts from this plant on human cervical cancer cells. METHODS: The study examines the plant's phytochemical components and their potential to inhibit cancer growth. Aerial parts of the plant were extracted using the Soxhlet method, and the presence of Rutin, Quercetin, and Gallic Acid in specific solvent extracts was validated through High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). In vitro assays, including MTT, Apoptosis, Cell Cycle analysis, Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species assessment, and Gene expression PCR, were conducted to investigate the plant's anti-cancer properties further. RESULTS: The outcomes of the phytochemical assessment indicated that Rutin was predominantly present in the water extract, with quercetin being more concentrated in the decoction, and the hydro-alcoholic extract showing elevated levels of gallic acid. Notably, the decoction extract demonstrated the highest cytotoxic activity, primarily through early apoptosis and arrests in the S-phase and G2M phases. Clerodendrum infortunatum exhibited a reduction in Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species. The gene expression analysis disclosed an impact on the BCL-2 gene. CONCLUSION: Notably, Clerodendrum infortunatum exhibited the ability to initiate early apoptosis, halt the cell cycle at the S and G2M phases, and diminish levels of reactive oxygen species significantly. The gene expression analysis revealed an influence on the BCL-2 gene. To sum up, this research underscores the encouraging cytotoxic and antioxidant attributes of Clerodendrum infortunatum, implying its potential for cervical cancer treatment.

Utilization and Assessment of Throat Swab and Urine Specimens for Diagnosis of Chikungunya Virus Infection.

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne infection with clinical presentation of fever, arthralgia, and rash. The etiological agent Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is generally transmitted from primates to humans through the bites of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Outbreaks of Chikungunya occur commonly with varied morbidity, mortality, and sequele according to the epidemiological, ecological, seasonal, and geographical impact. Investigations are required to be conducted as a part of the public health service to understand and report the suspected cases as confirmed by laboratory diagnosis. Holistic sampling at a time of different types would be useful for laboratory testing, result conclusion, and reporting in a valid way. The use of serum samples for virus detection, virus isolation, and serology is routinely practiced, but sometimes serum samples from pediatric and other cases may not be easily available. In such a situation, easily available throat swabs and urine samples could be useful. It is already well reported for measles, rubella, and mumps diseases to have the virus diagnosis from throat swabs and urine. Here, we present the protocols for diagnosis of CHIKV using throat swab and urine specimens.