Targets and Effects of Common Biocompounds of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Delphinidin-3-Sambubiosid, Quercetin, and Hibiscus Acid) in Different Pathways of Human Cells According to a Bioinformatic Assay.

The utilization of food as a therapeutic measure for various ailments has been a prevalent practice throughout history and across different cultures. This is exemplified in societies where substances like Hibiscus sabdariffa have been employed to manage health conditions like hypertension and elevated blood glucose levels. The inherent bioactive compounds found in this plant, namely, delphinidin-3-sambubioside (DS3), quercetin (QRC), and hibiscus acid (HA), have been linked to various health benefits. Despite receiving individual attention, the specific molecular targets for these compounds remain unclear. In this study, computational analysis was conducted using bioinformatics tools such as Swiss Target Prediction, ShinnyGo 0.77, KEGG, and Stringdb to identify the molecular targets, pathways, and hub genes. Supplementary results were obtained through a thorough literature search in PubMed. DS3 analysis revealed potential genetic alterations related to the metabolism of nitrogen and glucose, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation, particularly impacting the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. QRC analysis demonstrated interconnected targets spanning multiple pathways, with some overlap with DS3 analysis and a particular focus on pathways related to cancer. HA analysis revealed distinct targets, especially those associated with pathways related to the nervous system. These findings emphasize the necessity for focused research on the molecular effects of DS3, QRC, and HA, thereby providing valuable insights into potential therapeutic pathways.

Effect of Administration of Selenium Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Onion Extract on Biochemical and Inflammatory Parameters in Mice Fed with High-Fructose Diet: In Vivo and In Silico Analysis.

Fructose consumption has increased globally and has been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) can regulate glucose and lipid concentrations and have immunoregulatory properties. Four study groups (n = 7/group) of eight-week-old male mice (Balb/c) were formed for this investigation. One group received a standard diet (C), another standard diet plus SeNPs (C + SeNPs), a high fructose diet (F), and a group with a high fructose diet plus SeNPs (F + SeNPs). Weight, glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol were evaluated. In the end, mice were sacrificed, blood samples were obtained to assess cytokine profile, and liver, kidney, and pancreas were removed for histological examination. The study was complemented with an in silico analysis where the CTD, STITCH, ToppGene Suite, ShinyGO 0.76.3 databases, and Cytoscape software were implemented. The results of in vivo analysis showed that SeNPs regulated biochemical parameters and showed anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma and increasing IL-10. No damage was observed in the studied organs. In addition, SeNPs regulate oxidative stress, preserve cell organelles, and regulate metabolic pathways to avoid the adverse effects of fructose consumption, according to bioinformatics analysis. In conclusion, SeNPs protect against the undesirable effects of a diet rich in fructose.

Biofunctionalization of natural extracts, trends in biological activity and kinetic release.

The health benefits provided by plant matrices is due to the presence of certain compounds that, in studies carried out in vitro and in vivo, have shown to have biological activity in certain conditions, not only as a natural treatment against various conditions, but also for the quality of preventing chronic diseases, these compounds, already identified and studied, they can increase their biological function by undergoing structural chemical modifications or by being incorporated into polymer matrices that allow, in the first instance, to protect said compound and increase its bioaccessibility, as well as to preserve or increase the biological effects. Although the stabilization of compounds is an important aspect, it is also the study of the kinetic parameters of the system that contains them, since, due to these studies, the potential application to these systems can be designated. In this review we will address some of the work focused on obtaining compounds with biological activity from plant sources, the functionalization of extracts through double emulsions and nanoemulsions, as well as their toxicity and finally the pharmacokinetic aspects of entrapment systems.

Evaluation of the Biological Properties of an Optimized Extract of Polygonum cuspidatum Using Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction.

Phytochemicals are natural compounds found in plants that have potential health benefits such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, and immune reinforcement. Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. is a source rich in resveratrol, traditionally consumed as an infusion. In this study, P. cuspidatum root extraction conditions were optimized to increase antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS+), extraction yield, resveratrol concentration, and total polyphenolic compounds (TPC) via ultrasonic-assisted extraction using a Box-Behnken design (BBD). The biological activities of the optimized extract and the infusion were compared. The optimized extract was obtained using a solvent/root powder ratio of 4, 60% ethanol concentration, and 60% ultrasonic power. The optimized extract showed higher biological activities than the infusion. The optimized extract contained 16.6 mg mL-1 resveratrol, high antioxidant activities (135.1 µg TE mL-1 for DPPH, and 230.4 µg TE mL-1 for ABTS+), TPC (33.2 mg GAE mL-1), and extraction yield of 12.4%. The EC50 value (effective concentration 50) of the optimized extract was 0.194 µg mL-1, which revealed high cytotoxic activity against the Caco-2 cell line. The optimized extract could be used to develop functional beverages with high antioxidant capacity, antioxidants for edible oils, functional foods, and cosmetics.

PLGA-TiO2 as a Carrier System for Drug Release.

This paper reports the results of the PLGA-TiO2 nanocomposite regarding the green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using a natural extract, its characterization, and encapsulation with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). UV-visible spectrometry was used for the identification of terpenes present in the extracts. The morphology of the nanoparticles was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy was used for the determination of functional groups, while X-ray diffraction was used to determine the crystal structure. The analysis of the extended release of the encapsulated extract in the matrix of the nanomaterial resulted in a maximum visible UV absorbance at approximately 260 nm and confirmed the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Moreover, terpenes enhance synthesis and stabilize titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The synthesized structures are spherical and amorphous, 44 nm in size, and encapsulated at 65 nm.

Extraction of Acetogenins Using Thermosonication-Assisted Extraction from Annona muricata Seeds and Their Antifungal Activity.

The objective of this work was to find the optimal conditions by thermosonication-assisted extraction (TSAE) of the total acetogenin content (TAC) and yield from A. muricata seeds, assessing the effect of the temperature (40, 50, and 60 °C), sonication amplitude (80, 90, and 100%), and pulse-cycle (0.5, 0.7, and 1 s). In addition, optimal TSAE conditions of acetogenins (ACGs) were compared with extraction by ultrasound at 25 °C and the soxhlet method measuring TAC and antioxidant capacity. Moreover, solubility and identification of isolated ACGs were performed. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of ACGs crude extract and isolated ACGs was evaluated. Optimal TSAE conditions to extract the highest TAC (35.89 mg/g) and yield (3.6%) were 50 °C, 100% amplitude, and 0.5 s pulse-cycle. TSAE was 2.17-fold and 15.60-fold more effective than ultrasound at 25 °C and the Soxhlet method to extract ACGs with antioxidant capacity. Isolated ACGs were mostly soluble in acetone and methanol. Seven ACGs were identified, and pseudoannonacin was the most abundant. The inhibition of Candida albicans, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis was higher from isolated ACGs than crude extract. TSAE was effective to increase the yield in the ACGs extraction from A. muricata seeds and these ACGs have important antifungal activity.

Anticancer Activity of Selenium Nanoparticles In Vitro Studies.

Health systems worldwide consider cancer a disease that causes the highest number of deaths per year. The low efficacy of current cancer therapies has led other areas of science to search for new alternatives, including nanomaterial sciences. Selenium nanoparticles have anticancer activity, as revealed by in vitro tests performed on prostate, breast, cervical, lung, colorectal, and liver cancer cell lines. Studies attribute anticancer activity to the anti-metastatic effect due to the inhibition of migration and invasion processes. The antiproliferative effect is the low expression of molecules such as cyclin D1, cyclin E, and CDK2. In addition to the activation of cell apoptosis by caspase-dependent mechanisms, there is a low expression of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and a high expression of the apoptotic proteins like Bax and Bad. Other studies attribute anticancer activity to the activation of cell necroptosis, where molecules such as TNF and IRF1 participate. The pharmacological potential of selenium nanoparticles depends primarily on the administered dose, particle size, and chemical composition. Furthermore, several studies have shown that the administration of these nanoparticles is safe due to their low toxicity in non-cancerous cells. In this review, the most relevant antecedents on the anticancer potential of selenium nanoparticles in prostate, breast, cervical, lung, liver, and colorectal cancer cell lines are discussed.

Review of Therapies using TiO2 Nanomaterials for Increased Anticancer Capability.

Recently, Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been studied as an alternative to treat cancer diseases under different activation therapies. The aim of this review was to describe the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on some cancer cell lines and their interaction with phototherapies such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and ultraviolet therapy (UV) for anticancer treatment. The use of TiO2 combined with PDT, PTT, SDT, or UV has shown a remarkable capacity to enhance the killing of cancer cells through reactive oxygen species formation. Thus, the combination of TiO2 and activation therapies exhibited great potential and could be a viable anticancer treatment strategy. However, more studies on phototherapies in combination with TiO2 and their effects under different experimental conditions (TiO2 concentration, type of cancer cells, and intensity and frequency of therapies) are necessary to guarantee the safe use of this kind of therapy.

A Review of the Antimicrobial Activity of Selenium Nanoparticles.

Antimicrobial resistance has become a severe problem for health systems worldwide, and counteractions are challenging because of the lack of interest of pharmaceutical companies in generating new and effective antimicrobial drugs. Selenium nanoparticles have attracted considerable interest in treating bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses of clinical importance due to their high therapeutic efficacy and almost zero generation of adverse effects. Some studies have revealed that the antimicrobial activity of these nanoparticles is due to the generation of reactive oxygen species, but more studies are needed to clarify their antimicrobial mechanisms. Other studies show that their antimicrobial activity is increased when the surface of the nanoparticles is functionalized with some biomolecules or when their surface carries a specific drug. This review addresses the existing background on the antimicrobial potential offered by selenium nanoparticles against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites of clinical importance.

A Review of the Effects of Gold, Silver, Selenium, and Zinc Nanoparticles on Diabetes Mellitus in Murine Models.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that presents great challenges for healthcare systems worldwide, and the identification of alternative therapies for the treatment of this disease is of vital importance. Metallic nanoparticles (gold, silver, and selenium) and metallic oxide (ZnO) have been studied in different areas such as medicine, biotechnology, the environment, and the food industry with promising results. In medicine, current research has revealed these nanoparticles' anti-diabetic properties thanks to the implementation of animal models. This review will address the existing antecedents and the effects of gold, silver, selenium, and zinc oxide nanoparticles in diabetes administered alone, functionalized with other molecules, or combined with drugs that have shown promising therapeutic effects. The anti-diabetic effects of these nanoparticles are related to the regulation of glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles. In addition, oxidative stress markers, liver and kidney markers, the reduction of inflammation, apoptosis of the pancreas, and the restoration of normal liver and kidney histology are also reported in the literature after using these nanoparticles. However, the therapeutic effects that these nanoparticles provide are limited due to the lack of specific protocols dictated by international organizations to evaluate the risks of using these nanoparticles.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Total Acetogenins from the Soursop Fruit by Response Surface Methodology.

The soursop fruit or Annona muricata (A. muricata) fruit is recognized by its bioactive compounds and acetogenins (ACG) are among the most important. The effect of ACGs, with greater importance in health, is that they present anti-tumor activity; however, the methods of extraction of ACGs are very slow and with a high expenditure of solvents. To our knowledge, there is no report of an optimal method for the extraction of acetogenins from the Annonaceae family by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE); therefore, the aim was to find the best UEA conditions of acetogenins from A. muricata fruit (peel, pulp, seed, and columella) by using response surface methodology. The effect of amplitude (40%, 70%, and 100%), time (5, 10, and 15 min), and pulse-cycle (0.4, 0.7, and 1 s) of ultrasound at 24 kHz was evaluated on the total acetogenin content (TAC). Optimal extraction conditions of acetogenins (ACGs) with UEA were compared with the extraction of ACGs by maceration. The optimal UEA conditions in the A. muricata pulp and by-products were dependent on each raw material. The highest TAC was found in the seed (13.01 mg/g dry weight (DW)), followed by the peel (1.69 mg/g DW), the pulp (1.67 mg/g DW), and columella (1.52 mg/g DW). The experimental TAC correlated well with the model (Adjusted R2 with values between 0.88 and 0.97). The highest effectiveness in ACG extraction was obtained in seeds and peels using UEA compared to extraction by maceration (993% and 650%, respectively). The results showed that A. muricata by-products are an important source of ACGs and that UAE could be a viable alternative, with high potential for large-scale extraction.