The complete Chloroplast genome of Stachys geobombycis and comparative analysis with related Stachys species.

Herb genomics, at the forefront of traditional Chinese medicine research, combines genomics with traditional practices, facilitating the scientific validation of ancient remedies. This integration enhances public understanding of traditional Chinese medicine's efficacy and broadens its scope in modern healthcare. Stachys species encompass annual or perennial herbs or small shrubs, exhibiting simple petiolate or sessile leaves. Despite their wide-ranging applications across various fields, molecular data have been lacking, hindering the precise identification and taxonomic elucidation of Stachys species. To address this gap, we assembled the complete chloroplast (CP) genome of Stachys geobombycis and conducted reannotation and comparative analysis of seven additional species within the Stachys genus. The findings demonstrate that the CP genomes of these species exhibit quadripartite structures, with lengths ranging from 14,523 to 150,599 bp. Overall, the genome structure remains relatively conserved, hosting 131 annotated genes, including 87 protein coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Additionally, 78 to 98 SSRs and long repeat sequences were detected , and notably, 6 highly variable regions were identified as potential molecular markers in the CP genome through sequence alignment. Phylogenetic analysis based on Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods strongly supported the phylogenetic position of the genus Stachys as a member of Stachydeae tribe. Overall, this comprehensive bioinformatics study of Stachys CP genomes lays the groundwork for phylogenetic classification, plant identification, genetic engineering, evolutionary studies, and breeding research concerning medicinal plants within the Stachys genus.

Antibacterial Property of Silver Nanoparticles Green Synthesized from Stachys schtschegleevii Plant Extract on Urinary Tract Infection Bacteria.

Urinary tract infections are one of the most common infections worldwide. Given the increasing antibiotic resistance, monitoring antibiotic sensitivity patterns is crucial. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles synthesized from Stachys schtschegleevii can exhibit potent antibacterial, antibiotic, and antifungal properties. The plant S. schtschegleevii was collected from its natural habitat, dried, and its extract was then exposed to silver nitrate. Under specific conditions, silver nanoparticles were synthesized from it. Subsequently, the production and validation of silver nanoparticles were confirmed through techniques such as FTIR analysis, UV-Vis analysis, TEM, SEM, EDX analysis, and zeta potential analysis. In the in vitro section of the research, the impact of the extracted silver nanoparticles on bacteria isolated from patients' urine and standard bacterial culture (control) was assessed using the disc diffusion and MIC test methods. The results of the analyses are FTIR (high protein content; proteins and phenols serve as stabilizing agents), UV-Vis (peak of 460 nm), TEM (spherical to occasionally elliptical shapes), SEM (sizes: 26 to 72 nm), EDX (peak at 3 keV), and zeta potential (- 15.76 ± 0.05 mV). The effect of silver nanoparticles by disc diffusion method (mm) is Enterococcus faecalis = 18.31 ± 0.35, Escherichia coli = 21.51 ± 0.61, and Staphylococcus aureus = 19.02 ± 1.28, and by MIC test (µg/ml), E. faecalis = 19, E. coli = 18, and Staphylococcus aureus = 16. Antibacterial activity of the silver nanoparticles synthesized from S. schtschegleevii means that these herbal nanoparticles treat urinary tract infections caused by some of the test isolates.

Uncovering chemical profiles, biological potentials, and protection effect against ECM destruction in H2 O2 -treated HDF cells of the extracts of Stachys tundjeliensis.

The genus Stachys L., one of the largest genera of the Lamiaceae family, is highly represented in Turkey. This study was conducted to determine the bio-pharmaceutical potential and phenolic contents of six different extracts from aerial parts of Stachys tundjeliensis. The obtained results showed that the ethanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the antioxidant assays. Meanwhile, the ethanol extract displayed strong inhibitory activity against α-tyrosinase, the dichloromethane extract exhibited potent inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase, and the n-hexane extract against α-amylase. Based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis, more than 90 secondary metabolites, including hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, and their glycosides, acylquinic acids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and various flavonoids were identified or tentatively annotated in the studied S. tundjeliensis extracts. It was observed that the application of S. tundjeliensis eliminated H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress. It was determined that protein levels of phospho-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), receptor for advanced glycation endproducts, and activator protein-1, which are activated in the nucleus, decreased, and the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 also decreased to basal levels. Overall, these findings suggest that S. tundjeliensis contains diverse bioactive compounds for the development of nutraceuticals or functional foods with potent biological properties.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of a methanol extract from Stachys brachyclada de Noé ex Coss. leaves.

Stachys brachyclada de Noé ex Coss. (Lamiaceae) is a quite rare medicinal plant endemic to the Mediterranean basin. In this study, seven secondary metabolites from a methanol extract of its leaves have been isolated and identified by a combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D NMR experiments and ESIMS analysis). They include one ethyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (1), three acylated flavone glycosides (2-4), one diapigenin derivative (5) and two flavone aglycones (6-7). Stachysetin (5) was found the major compound of the extract (74.0 mg/g of dry matter). Moreover, the produced extract showed the ability in inhibiting the α-glucosidase enzyme (IC50 = 13.7 µg/mL), in quenching the radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (EC50 = 74.6 µg/mL), and in reducing the intracellular oxidative stress level in Human Dermal Fibroblast (64% inhibition at 50 µg/mL).

Isolation and Purification of Harpagogenin as an Nrf2-ARE Activator from the Tubers of Chinese Artichoke (Stachys sieboldii).

Chinese artichoke tuber (Stachys sieboldii Miq.) is used as an herbal medicine as well as edible food. This study examined the effect of the Chinese artichoke extracts on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway that induces the expression of antioxidant enzymes to explore its novel characteristics. Hot water extracts exhibited relatively high ARE activity. ARE activity was observed in two fractions when the hot water extracts were separated in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid using HPLC. Conversely, the highly active fraction disappeared when the hot water extracts were separated in the absence of trifluoroacetic acid. These results indicate that acidic degradation produces active ingredients. The structural analysis of the two active fractions identified harpagide, which is an iridoid glucoside, and harpagogenin. In vitro experiments revealed that harpagide was converted into harpagogenin under acidic conditions and that harpagogenin, but not harpagide, had potent ARE activity. Therefore, this study identified harpagogenin, which is an acid hydrolysate of harpagide, as an ARE activator and suggests that Nrf2-ARE pathway activation by Chinese artichoke contributes to the antioxidative effect.

Climate change impacts on optimal habitat of Stachys inflata medicinal plant in central Iran.

Stachys inflata Benth. is a perennial shrub plant, with powerful natural antioxidant agents, which is recognized as a famous medicinal plant that is widely applied to treat Infection, Asthma, and Rheumatism. Iran is renowned as a center of diversity for Stachys, however, the ideal habitats of S. inflata in this nation remain unknown. The potential and future distribution of suitable habitats for S. inflata were projected using an ensembles ecological niche model in Isfahan province, Iran. We used occurrence data (using GPS), bioclimatic and topographic variables from the Chelsa and WorldClim databases to model the current and future potential distribution of this valuable species. The results showed that: (i) S. inflata is mainly distributed in the south, southwest, center, and west of the Isfahan province, and the excellent habitats of S. inflata accounted for 14.34% of the 107,000 km2 study area; (ii) mean annual temperature, mean daily temperature of wettest quarter, annual precipitation, and elevation were the four most important variables that affect the distribution of S. inflata, with a cumulative contribution of 56.55%; and (iii) about the half (- 42.36%) of the currently excellent habitats of S. inflata show a tendency to decrease from now to the 2080s, while often the area of other S. inflata habitats increases (the area of unsuitable habitat: 5.83%, the area of low habitat suitability: 24.68%, the area of moderate habitat suitability: 2.66%, and the area of high habitat suitability: 2.88%). The increase in the area of other S. inflata habitats is different and they are less favorable than the excellent habitat. The results help establishing a framework for long-term in-situ and ex-situ conservation and management practices in habitats of S. inflata in rangeland and agricultural ecosystems.

Effect of stachys lavandulifolia on occupational stress in emergency medical technicians.

OBJECTIVE: According to studies, occupational stress is quite prevalent among Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). On the other hand, it has been shown that Stachys lavandulifolia, also known as the Mountain Tea in Iran, has anxiolytic properties. Considering the current increasing trend of using remedies based on alternative medicine for stress management, the present clinical trial intended to investigate the effect of Stachys lavandulifolia on occupational stress in EMTs METHODS: The present study included 60 EMTs working in Arak, Markazi province, Iran, who were randomly divided into study and control groups. The study group was treated with tea made of Stachys lavandulifolia (2 g daily) for 2 months, while the control group was treated with black tea. Moreover, the level of occupational stress in the study participants was assessed using the Hospital Stress Scale (HSS-35) before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: According to our results, the mean occupational stress score was significantly decreased in the study group after the intervention (p < 0.05). Moreover, the post-intervention scores were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in occupational stress in the control group after the intervention (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In combination with other stress-relieving options, the tea made of Stachys lavandulifolia can be used as a complementary therapy for alleviating occupational stress in EMTs.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Stachys spectabilis: Identification, catalytic degradation, and antioxidant activity.

Nanotechnology has become the focus of scientific research due to its widespread and effective use. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced utilizing Stachys spectabilis, and their antioxidant effect and catalytic degradation of methylene blue were investigated. The structure of ss-AgNPs was clarified by spectroscopy. FTIR demonstrated the possible functional group responsible for reducing agents. The absorption at 498 nm in the UV-Vis measurement verified the nanoparticle structure. XRD measurement demonstrated the nanoparticles to be face-centered cubic crystalline structures. TEM image proved the nanoparticles as spherical, and the size was determined as 10.8 nm. The intense signals at 2.8-3.5 keV in EDX confirmed desired product. The observation of zeta potential at -12.8 mV indicated the stability of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can degrade the methylene blue with 54% at 40 h. The antioxidant effect of extract and nanoparticles was performed by ABTS radical cation, DPPH free radical scavenging, and FRAP assay. Nanoparticles revealed excellent ABTS activity (4.42 ± 0.10) in comparison to the standard BHT (7.12 ± 0.10). ss-AgNPs may be a promising agent for the pharmacy.

A Novel Based Synthesis of Silver/Silver Chloride Nanoparticles from Stachys emodi Efficiently Controls Erwinia carotovora, the Causal Agent of Blackleg and Soft Rot of Potato.

In recent years, the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles has captured researchers' attention due to their unique chemical, physical and biological properties. In this study, we report an efficient, nonhazardous, and eco-friendly method for the production of antibacterial silver/silver chloride nanoparticles utilizing the leaf extract of Stachys emodi. The synthesis of se-Ag/AgClNPs was confirmed using UV-visible spectroscopy, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). An intense peak absorbance was observed at 437 nm from the UV-visible analysis. The Stachys emodi extract showed the highest DPPH scavenging activity (89.4%). FTIR analysis detected various bands that indicated the presence of important functional groups. The SEM morphological study revealed spherical-shaped nanoparticles having a size ranging from 20 to 70 nm. The XRD pattern showed the formation of a spherical crystal of NPs. The antibacterial activity performed against Erwinia carotovora showed the maximum inhibition by centrifuged silver nanoparticles alone (se-Ag/AgClNPs) and in combination with leaf extract (se-Ag/AgClNPs + LE) and leaf extract (LE) of 98%, 93%, and 62% respectively. These findings suggested that biosynthesized NPs can be used to control plant pathogens effectively.

Investigating Biological Properties of Zinc Oxide/Curcumin Nanocomposites Synthesized from Stachys byzantina Extract by Green Synthesis.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Nanotechnology attempts to solve the problem of antibiotic resistance. Zinc oxide nanoparticles and curcumin have been shown to be antimicrobial agents and promising anticancer agents, both on their own as well as in combination, and this incorporation will likely improve these properties via a possible additive effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles was done by the distilled extract of Stachys byzantina via the co-precipitation method, which is an economical and eco-friendly green synthesis method. Then, curcumin was loaded to zinc oxide nanoparticles. Antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated against five intracellular bacteria; moreover, cytotoxicity was evaluated on breast cancer cells. RESULTS: To confirm the synthesis and characterization of the nanoparticles, some techniques, such as XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and EDX were used. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of biosynthetic zinc oxide/curcumin nanocomposites was evaluated against selected bacterial strains. The uniform spherical nature of the zinc oxide nanoparticles was observed in the FESEM images, with the particle sizes ranging from 20 to 40 nm. The EDX spectrum showed the presence of C, O, and Zn and curcumin uptake on zinc oxide nanoparticles. CONCLUSION: The zinc oxide/curcumin nanocomposites demonstrated an effective antibacterial effect in the disk diffusion method against five bacterial species. Furthermore, the zinc oxide/ curcumin nanocomposites showed a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of breast cancer cells in the MTT test. Thus, it seems that the synthesized zinc oxide/curcumin nanocomposites have promising high potential antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects.

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles obtained from Stachys schtschegleevii extract: ct-DNA interaction and in silico and in vitro investigation of antimicrobial activity.

The aim of this study was the synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using Stachys schtschegleevii extract and checking the composition, morphology and size of the green synthesized AgNPs using the analytical techniques (UV-vis, DLS, zeta potential, SEM-EDX, FT-IR and TEM). The TEM images of AgNPs represent a smooth surface and are spherical in shape with an average particle size of 31.43 nm. The antioxidant activities of green synthesized AgNPs were appraised by radical scavenging 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl test and the green synthesized AgNPs showed a strong ability to scavenge free radicals. In addition, AgNPs displayed a remarkable antibacterial and antifungal activity against various microorganisms. We employed molecular docking to investigate the AgNPs interaction with Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans and there is a good agreement between molecular docking and our experimental results. The result of ct-DNA-AgNPs interaction demonstrated that AgNPs can bind to ct-DNA through partial intercalation binding mode.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The clinical application value of compound Stachys sieboldii Miq granules to stable COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to explore the application value of Stachys sieboldii Miq granules which is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. METHODS: Randomized double-blind method was used to select 160 patients with stable COPD. The patients were randomly divided into placebo group and Stachys sieboldii Miq group. Both groups underwent test items for 2 months, detected plasma cytokines, Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, pulmonary function, and the frequency of acute exacerbation (AE) at week 12. Follow-up was done every 12 weeks till 48 weeks to record the frequency of AE. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients with 60 in each group were included. At week 12, there were significant differences in the plasma concentrations of TH17, IL-17A, IFN-γ and IL-10 between the two groups (all P=0.000). The proinflammatory factors TH17 and IL-17A were significantly lower in control group, while the anti-inflammatory factors IFN-γ and IL-10 were higher in the control group. And the SGRQ Score of Stachys sieboldii Miq group was significantly lower. There was no significant difference in lung function (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC) between the two groups (P=0.510, 0.529, and 0.843). Within 48 weeks, the AE frequency and change with time showed significant differences between the two groups (P=0.029), and the incidence of AE was reduced by 47.9% in Stachys sieboldii Miq group. CONCLUSIONS: Stachys sieboldii Miq granules reduced proinflammatory factors and increased anti-inflammatory factors in stable COPD patients, reducing the probability of inducing AE treatment.

Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl. exhibits promising in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial activity against Leishmania major infection.

This study aimed to consider the in vitro and in vivo effects of the Stachys lavandulifolia methanolic extract (SLME) (2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 µg/mL) against Leishmania major infection. The in vitro antileishmanial effects of SLME was studies on promastigote and amastigote forms of L. major. The effect of SLME on the nitric oxide (NO) and apoptosis, secretion of Th1/2 cytokines, and infectivity rate in macrophages cells were also studies. The cytotoxicity of SLME on human (THP-1) and murine (J774-A1 cell) macrophage cells was investigated through the measuring the 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC50). Moreover, the in vivo effects of SLME for healing the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions in infected BALB/c mice studied by assessing the lesions size and the parasite load during four weeks of treatment. The calculated 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) valuesfor SLME and meglumine antimoniate (MA) against the promastigote stage were 23.4 and 71.1 µg/mL, respectively. For amastigote stage, the IC50 values for SLME and MA were 39.3 µg/mL and 44.3 µg/mL, respectively. Followed by 28 days' topically therapy with SLME at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, the CL lesions size as well as parasite load were significantly (p<0.001) reduced; such that the recovery percentage of the infected mice was 80% and 97% after treatment with SLME at the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. SLME also markedly induced the NO production and apoptosis; whereas decreased infection rate in macrophage cells. After incubation of infected macrophages with SLME, the level interferon gamma was meaningfully (p<0.001) elevated as a dose-dependent response; in contrast, release of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and IL-4 markedly (p<0.001) decreased. The CC50 value for SLME against THP-1 and J774-A1 cell was 996.4 µg/mL and 741.3 µg/mL, respectively. The calculated selectivity index of >10 for SLME and MA confirmed their specificity to amastigotes and the low toxicity for macrophages. Our results showed the potent effects of SLME in eliminating and controlling Leishmania parasites in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Based on the current experimental study, SLME can be suggested as an alternative medicine for the isolation and production of a new agent for treating CL caused by L. major. Although, we found some cellular mechanisms of SLME against Leishmania parasites, but, additional surveys are necessary to specify the accurate mechanisms of action, toxicity, and its efficacy mainly in human subjects.

The chemical composition of the aerial parts of Stachys spreitzenhoferi (Lamiaceae) growing in Kythira Island (Greece), and their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative properties.

The Stachys L. genus has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin inflammations, stomach disorders, and stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical profile and biological activity of the methanolic extract of Stachys spreitzenhoferi Heldr. (Lamiaceae) aerial parts, collected on the island of Kythira, South Greece. The analysis by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and high-resolution mass spectrometry [LC-(-)ESI/HRMSn] of the methanol extract revealed the occurrence of thirty-six compounds - flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids, quinic acid derivatives, aliphatic alcohol glycosides, and oligosaccharides - highlighting the substantial presence, as main peaks, of the iridoid melittoside (2) along with flavonoid compounds such as 4'-O-methylisoscutellarein mono-acetyl-diglycoside/chrysoeriol mono-acetyl-diglycoside (24), trimethoxy- (35) and tetramethoxyflavones (36). This extract was tested for its antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and negative pathogenic strains. The extract was not active against Gram-negative bacteria tested, but it possessed a good dose-dependent antimicrobial activity towards S. aureus (MIC: 1.0 mg/mL) and L. monocytogenes (MIC: 1.0 mg/mL) Gram-(+) strains. Furthermore, this extract has been tested for its possible antioxidant activity in vitro. In particular, it has been shown that these molecules cause a decrease in DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 radicals. The extract of S. spreitzenhoferi exhibited anti-DPPH activity (IC50: 0.17 mg/mL), anti-H2O2 activity (IC50: 0.125 mg/mL), and promising antiradical effect with an IC50 value of 0.18 mg/mL for anti-ABTS activity. S. spreitzenhoferi extract caused a decrease in ROS (at the concentration of 200 µg/mL) and an increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GPX in OZ-stimulated PMNs. Furthermore, it exhibited antiproliferative activity against acute myeloid leukemia (U937 cell), causing 50% of cell death at the 0.75 mg/mL.

Stachys schtschegleevii tea, matrix metalloproteinase, and disease severity in female rheumatoid arthritis patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Stachys schtschegleevii (SSC) is a herbal medicine used to treat infections. To date, this is the first study aimed to investigate the effects of SSC tea on disease activity score (DAS), serum inflammatory biomarkers and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) among women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: This pilot, triple-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted among forty-four women (age: 30-65 years) diagnosed with moderately active RA. Subjects were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) into either SSC group (2.4 g/day SSC + 2.4 g/day black tea, n=22) or placebo (2.4 g/day black tea, n=22) for 8 weeks. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and MMPs were measured using ELISA. According to the American College of Rheumatology guideline considering hs-CRP, DAS28 was assessed. RESULTS: Both study groups had respondent rates above 94.9%. The SSC intervention caused significant reductions in the number and the percent changes of the tender joints (SSC: -74.39% vs. placebo: -57.15%, mean differences= -0.77; P<0.05) and DAS28 [SSC: -32.44% vs. placebo: -22.32%, mean differences= -0.41, P<0.05). Unlike the intervention within SSC group that showed significant reductions in the mean serum levels of hs-CRP, IL-1ß, and MMP-3, SSC caused significant MMP-3 reductions (SSC: -20.59% vs. placebo: 1.29%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The SSC intervention showed an appropriate clinical efficacy for female RA patients, accompanying remarkable reductions in the number of tender and swollen joints, DAS28, and serum levels of MMP-3. This can provide additional insights to the interventional studies controlling RA-related pathological and inflammatory outcomes. Trial registration Prospectively registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), linked to the WHO Registry Network ( https://en.irct.ir/trial/11602 , IRCT registration number: IRCT2015032011335N5, Registration date:2015-05-12). Key Points • Stachys schtschegleevii improved clinical outcomes and attenuated disease severity in RA patients. • Stachys schtschegleevii ameliorated serum level of MMP-3 in RA patients.

Liposome Extract of Stachys pilifera Benth Effectively Improved Liver Damage due to Bile Duct Ligation Rats.

Herbal medicines harbor essential therapeutic agents for the treatment of cholestasis. In this study, we have assessed the anticholestatic potential of Stachys pilifera Benth's (SPB's) hydroalcoholic extract encapsulated into liposomes using bile duct ligation- (BDL-) induced hepatic cholestasis in rats. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol (T-SH) content, protein carbonyl (PCO), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), and nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels were measured in either liver tissue or plasma to assess liver damage. Moreover, expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and TNF-α) and liver fibrosis markers (TGF-ß and SM-α) which are driving forces of many liver disorders was also determined. The activity of AST, ALT, and ALP was significantly enhanced in the BDL group in comparison to the control group; however, treatment with liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract significantly reduced AST and ALT's activity. Increases in MDA, TBIL, and NO levels and T-SH content due to BDL were restored to control levels by liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment. Similarly, hepatic and plasma oxidative marker MDA levels, significantly enhanced by BDL, were significantly decreased by liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment. Moreover, histopathological findings further demonstrated a significant decrease in hepatic damage in the liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract-treated BDL group. In addition, liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment decreased the liver expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, TNF-α) and liver fibrosis markers (TGF-ß and SM-α). Since liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment alleviated the BDL-induced injury of the liver and improved the hepatic structure and function more efficiently in comparison to free SPB hydroalcoholic extract, probable liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract exhibits required potential therapeutic value in protecting the liver against BDL-caused oxidative injury.

PVA based nanofiber containing cellulose modified with graphitic carbon nitride/nettles/trachyspermum accelerates wound healing.

Today, bacterial cellulose has received a great deal of attention for its medical applications due to its unique structural properties such as high porosity, good fluid uptake, good strength, and biocompatibility. This study aimed to fabricate and study bacterial cellulose/graphitic carbon nitride/nettles/trachyspermum nanocomposite by immersion and PVA/BC/g-C3 N4 /nettles/trachyspermum nanofiber by electrospinning method as a wound dressing. The g-C3 N4 and g-C3 N4 solution were synthesized and then were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, Zeta Potential, and scanning electronic microscope analyzes. Also, the antibacterial properties of the synthesized materials were proved by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using the minimum inhibitory concentration method. Besides, the toxicity, migration, and cell proliferation results of the synthesized materials on NIH 3T3 fibroblasts were evaluated using MTT and scratch assays and showed that the BC/PVA/g-C3 N4 /nettles/trachyspermum composite not only had no toxic effect on cells but also contributed to cell survival, cell migration, and proliferation has done. To evaluate the mechanical properties, a tensile strength test was performed on PVA/BC/g-C3 N4 /nettles/trachyspermum nanofibers, and the results showed good strength of the nanocomposite. In addition, in vivo assay, the produced nanofibers were used to evaluate wound healing, and the results showed that these nanofibers were able to accelerate the wound healing process so that after 14 days, the wound healing percentage showed 95%. Therefore, this study shows that PVA/BC/g-C3 N4 /nettles/trachyspermum nanofibers effectively inhibit bacterial growth and accelerate wound healing.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic activities of ethyl acetate fraction of Stachys riederi var. japonica (Miq.) in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice.

This work analysed the chemical composition, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activities of solvent extract (SJ-ME) and fractions (SJ-HF, SJ-EAF, and SJ-MF) of the Stachys riederi var. japonica (Miq.) (SJ). Furthermore, the effect of SJ-EAF in STZ induced type 2 diabetic mice was examined. Among the samples, SJ-EAF exhibited a lower IC50 concentration of 64.2 ± 0.48 µg/mL for DPPH and 82.6 ± 0.09 µg/mL for ABTS+. The SJ-EAF concentration of 2.89 ± 0.03 µg and 2.27 ± 0.98 µg was equivalent to 1 µg of acarbose mediated enzyme inhibitory effect against α-amylase and α -glucosidase, respectively. The SJ-EAF did not show cytotoxicity (<80%) to NIH3T3 nor HepG2 cells but enhanced the glucose uptake in the IR-HepG2. LC-MS/MS of SJ-EAF showed the presence of a total of 16 compounds. Among the identified compounds, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid showed high catalytic activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The treatments of SJ-EAF restored the level of blood glucose, body weight, insulin, HDL and mRNA level of IRS1, GLUT2, GLUT4 and Akt whereas it reduced the excess elevation of total cholesterol, total triglycerides, LDL, AST, ALT, ALP, BUN, and creatinine in STZ induced diabetic mice. Overall, the present study concluded that the SJ-EAF exhibited promising antidiabetic activity.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the essential oil from the leaves of Stachys pilifera Benth.

Stachys pilifera Benth is an endemic species of Stachys family found in Iran with a wide application as an herbal tea. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the essential oil from the aerial parts of S. pilifera. Essential oil (EO) composition analysis showed that cis-Chrysanthenyl acetate (24.9%), viridiflorol (18.3%), trans-Caryophyllene (9.8%), caryophyllene oxide (4.6%), α-terpineol (3.3%) and linalool (3.1%) were the most abundant components. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the EO showed a higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) than Gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli, Shigella sonnei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica). The antioxidant activity of EO was studied using DPPH, FRAP and ß-carotene/linoleic acid assays. IC50 for the DPPH, FRAP and ß-carotene/linoleic acid tests were 23.2, 28.7 and 16.1 µg/mL, respectively, that it was higher than the results for BHT (P ≤ 0.05). The cytotoxic activity of the EO was evaluated using HT29 and HUVEC cells and it was observed that by increasing in EO concentration from 0.026 to 19.4 ug/mL, the viability of the cells for HT29 and HUVEC reduced to 6.8 and 7.1%, respectively. The results from this study suggest the possibility to use the essential oils from S. pilifera Benth as a natural preservative in processed or packaged food due to its high antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.

Chemical composition, antitumor and antioxidant effects of four lebanese plants extracts on human pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Lung cancer leading cause of humans' cancer-related death remains incurable with current drug therapies having many side-effects. Finding new natural cancer remedies would help design better therapies. This study aims to investigate the anticancer and antioxidant effects of the Levant endemic plants Prango sasperula, Stachys ehrenbergii, Hirtellina lobelia, and Salvia multicaulis on human pulmonary adenocarcinoma. GC/MS and NMR analyzed the bioactive compounds of methanolic extracts of these plants. Their antioxidant effect was measured by ABTS assay. The effect of these extracts on the viability of A549 (Human lung adenocarcinoma cell line) and NHBE (Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells) was examined using MTT and Anchorage-Independent Colony Formation assays. Our findings show an interesting, specific cytotoxic effect of these plant extracts on A549 cells. Additionally, S. ehrenbergii and H. lobelii present a specific high alkylation potential. Data reveal an interesting antitumor potential attributed to their antiproliferative and alkylation actions towards human pulmonary adenocarcinoma.