Evaluation of antifungal potentials of Albizia kalkora extract as a natural fungicide: In vitro and computational studies.

The antifungal bioactivity potential of the organic extract of silk tree (Albizia kalkora) was investigated in the current study. The crude extracts of A. kalkora and methanol, n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions were prepared. The antifungal activity of obtained fractions of A. kalkora was studied at different concentrations ranging from 0.39-50 µg/mL. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was taken as a toxicity control, whereas thiophanate methyl (TM) as a positive control. All the fractions significantly reduced the FOL growth (methanolic: 9.49-94.93 %, n-hexane: 11.12-100 %, chloroform: 20.96-91.41 %, and ethyl acetate: 18.75-96.70 %). The n-hexane fraction showed 6.25 µg/mL MIC as compared to TM with 64 µg/mL MIC. The non-polar (n-hexane) fraction showed maximum antifungal bioactivity against FOL in comparison with chloroform, methanol, and ethyl acetate fractions. GC/MS analysis exhibited that the n-hexane fraction contained hexadecanoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, methyl stearate, and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylic acid. The results of in vitro antifungal inhibition were further reinforced by molecular docking analysis. Five virulence proteins of FOL i.e., pH-responsive PacC transcription factor (PACC), MeaB, TOR; target of rapamycin (FMK1), Signal transducing MAP kinase kinase (STE-STE7), and High Osmolarity Glycerol 1(HOG1) were docked with identified phytocompounds in the n-hexane fraction by GC/MS analysis. MEAB showed maximum binding affinities with zinnimide (-12.03 kcal/mol), HOG1 and FMK1with α-Tocospiro-B (-11.51 kcal/mol) and (-10.55 kcal/mol) respectively, STE-STE7 with docosanoic acid (-11.31 kcal/mol), and PACC with heptadecanoic acid (-9.88 kcal/mol) respectively with strong hydrophobic or hydrophilic interactions with active pocket residues. In conclusion, the n-hexane fraction of the A. kalkora can be used to manage FOL.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Carboxymethylated and Crosslinked Albizia procera Gum in Diltiazem Hydrochloride Matrix Tablets: A Comparative Analysis.

This study investigates the efficacy of modified Albizia procera gum as a release-retardant polymer in Diltiazem hydrochloride (DIL) matrix tablets. Carboxymethylated Albizia procera gum (CAP) and ionically crosslinked carboxymethylated Albizia procera gum (Ca-CAP) were utilized, with Ca-CAP synthesized via crosslinking CAP with calcium ions (Ca2+) using calcium chloride (CaCl2). Fourier Transform (FT) IR analysis affirmed polymer compatibility, while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) assessed thermal behavior and crystallinity, respectively. Zeta potential analysis explored surface charge and electrostatic interactions, while rheology examined flow and viscoelastic properties. Swelling and erosion kinetics provided insights into water penetration and stability. CAP's carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COO-) heightened divalent cation reactivity, and crosslinking with CaCl2 produced Ca-CAP through -CH2-COO- and Ca2+ interactions. Structural similarities between the polymers were revealed by FTIR, with slight differences. DSC indicated modified thermal behavior in Ca-CAP, while Zeta potential analysis showcased negative charges, with Ca-CAP exhibiting lower negativity. XRD highlighted increased crystallinity in Ca-CAP due to calcium crosslinking. Minimal impact on RBC properties was observed with both polymers compared to the positive control as water for injection (WFI). Ca-CAP exhibited improved viscosity, strength, controlled swelling, and erosion, allowing prolonged drug release compared to CAP. Stability studies confirmed consistent six-month drug release, emphasizing Ca-CAP's potential as a stable, sustained drug delivery system over CAP. Robustness and accelerated stability tests supported these findings, underscoring the promise of Ca-CAP in controlled drug release applications.

A comparative untargeted metabolomic analysis and assessment of antiplasmodial potential of nine Albizia species.

The genus Albizia is one of the richest genera in phenolics besides other classes of secondary metabolites including saponins, terpenes, and alkaloids with promising medicinal applications. In the current study, UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS-based metabolic profiling of leaves of Albizia lebbeck, Albizia julibrissin, Albizia odoratissima, Albizia procera, Albizia anthelmintica, Albizia guachapele, Albizia myriophylla, Albizia richardiana, and Albizia lucidior resulted in the tentative identification of 64 metabolites, mainly flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, and alkaloids. Some metabolites were identified in Albizia for the first time and could be used as species-specific chemotaxonomic markers, including: apigenin 7-O-dihydroferuloyl hexoside isomers, apigenin 7-O-pentosyl hexoside, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside 7-O-deoxyhexoside, quercetin 3,7-di-O-hexoside deoxyhexoside, quercetin 7-O-feruloyl hexoside, methyl myricetin 7-O-deoxyhexoside, kaempferol di-3-O-di-deoxyhexoside-7-O-hexoside, and kaempferol 3-O-neohesperidoside 7-O-hexoside. Comparative untargeted metabolomic analysis was undertaken to discriminate between species and provide a chemotaxonomic clue that can be used together with morphological and genetic analyses for more accurate classification within this genus. Moreover, the in vitro antiplasmodial activity was assessed and correlated to the metabolic profile of selected species. This was followed by a molecular docking study and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) prediction of the identified budmunchiamine alkaloids, revealing promising interactions with the active site of lactate dehydrogenase of Plasmodium falciparum and good pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, which could help in designing novel antimalarial drugs.

[Protective effect of Albizia chinensis saponin on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats focus on mucus and mucosal barriers].

This study aims to explore the protective effect of Albizia chinensis saponin on ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats and elucidate its mechanisms. SD rats were deprived of water for 24 hours before the experiment. The control group and model group were administered water by gavage, and the positive drug group received rabeprazole sodium solution(40 mg·kg~(-1)) by gavage. The experimental groups were given different doses of Albizia chinensis saponin solution(3, 10, and 30 mg·kg~(-1)). After 30 minutes, the control group received 1.5 mL of water by gavage, while the other groups were administered an equal volume of 95% ethanol for modeling. After six hours, the rats were killed by cervical dislocation, and the stomachs were collected. The ulcer area was measured, and the ulcer index was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was performed to assess histopathological changes in gastric tissue. Periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining was used to evaluate the distribution of gastric mucosal surface mucus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of phospholipids and aminohexose in the gastric mucosa. Western blot was performed to determine the expression levels of the bicarbonate transporter, matrix metalloproteinase, and tight junction-associated proteins in gastric tissue. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) staining was conducted to quantify the number of positive cells for secreted mucin and tight junction-associated proteins. The results showed that the gastric tissue surface of rats in the control group was smooth without ulceration, and the gastric ulcer index of rats in the model group was 35±11. Albizia chinensis saponin at doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg·kg~(-1) resulted in inhibition rates of gastric ulcer of 46%(P<0.01), 85%(P<0.001), and 100%(P<0.001), respectively. Severe disruption of gastric mucosal structure and absence of the mucus layer were observed in the model group. Compared with the model group, the Albizia chinensis saponin group showed intact gastric mucosal surface mucus layer, significantly increased levels of phospholipids and aminohexose in the mucus, increased number of MUC5AC positive cells, and upregulated expression levels of the bicarbonate transporter SLC26A3 and CFTR. It also showed decreased phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun, reduced expression levels of MMP-8, elevated expression of TIMP-1, and increased expression levels of Occludin and ZO-1. In conclusion, Albizia chinensis saponin enhances the function of the mucus-bicarbonate barrier by upregulating the content of MUC5AC, phospholipids, and aminohexose and increasing the expression levels of the bicarbonate transporter SLC26A3 and CFTR. Moreover, Albizia chinensis saponin exerts its protective effects on gastric ulcers by inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway to prevent excessive activation of MMP-8, thereby reducing the degradation of Occludin and ZO-1 and enhancing the mucosal barrier function. In summary, Albizia chinensis saponin exerts its anti-gastric ulcer effects by simultaneously enhancing the mucus barrier and the mucosal barrier.

A New Triterpenoid Saponin from Albizia zygia Induced Apoptosis by Reduction of Mitochondrial Potential Status in Malignant Melanoma Cells.

In our ongoing research program on the proapoptotic function of saponins, two previously undescribed saponins, named zygiaosides E (1: ) and F (2: ), were isolated from the leaves of Albizia zygia. Their structures were established based on extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data, HR-ESI-MS analysis, and by chemical degradation. The proapoptotic effect of zygiaoside E (1: ) was evaluated on human malignant melanoma (A375), human epidermoid cancer (A431), and normal Homo sapiens skin tissue (TE 353.SK.) cell lines by cytometric analysis. Zygiaoside E (1: ) induced apoptosis of the two human cancer cell lines (A375 and A431) in a dose-dependent manner at 1 µM but did not induce apoptosis in noncancerous skin cells (TE 353.Sk), even when treated with concentrations up to 15 µM. The underlying mechanism of the apoptosis induction activity of zygiaoside E (1: ) on the mitochondrial membrane potential status in A375 cells was further assessed by monitoring the uptake rate of DiOC6, a mitochondrial specific and voltage-dependent fluorescent dye. The number of malignant melanoma cells emitting high fluorescence levels was decreased when cells were treated with 3 or 5 µM of zygiaoside E (1: ) during either 12 or 24 h, thereby revealing a drop of mitochondrial membrane potential in A375 cells upon treatment, which indicated mitochondrial perturbation.

Chemical constituents from the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin and their SREBP-1c inhibitory activity.

One new lignan, julibrissinoside II, along with thirteen known compounds, was isolated from the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin. The structure of julibrissinoside II was determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods, including NMR and CD spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds were tested for their SREBP-1c inhibitory activity at different concentrations using mouse hepatocyte AML12 cell lines. Among them, linoleic acid (2) and 3-O-methylfisetin (4) showed significant SREBP-1c inhibitory activity at the concentration of 100 µM.

Albizia julibrissin Exerts Anti-Obesity Effects by Inducing the Browning of 3T3L1 White Adipocytes.

This study investigated the effects of the Albizia julibrissin Leaf extracts (AJLE) on adipocytes using 3T3-L1 cells. AJLE inhibited adipogenesis by reducing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs) that regulate enzymes involved in fat synthesis and storage, and subsequently reduced intracellular lipid droplets, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), and triglyceride (TG). AJLE also increased the expression of brown adipocyte markers, such as uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1), PR/SET domain 16 (PRDM16), and bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) by inducing the differentiation of brown adipocytes, as shown by a decrease in the lipid droplet sizes and increasing mitochondrial mass. AJLE increased the expression of transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, and UCP-1 protein expression, all of which are key factors in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis. AJLE-induced browning was shown to be regulated by the coordination of AMPK, p38, and SIRT1 signaling pathways. The ability of AJLE to inhibit adipogenesis and induce brown adipocyte differentiation may help treat obesity and related diseases.

The Standardized Wood Extract of Albizia myriophylla: Its Potential as an Active Ingredient in an Anti-inflammatory Herbal Gel Formulation.

Albizia myriophylla has been used in Thai folk medicine for treating inflammation-related diseases. The wood of this medicinal plant is traditionally used as a single herbal drug in the form of an aqueous decoction and as a component in several Thai herbal formulations for the remedy of fever, sore throat, and aphthous ulcers. This study aimed to evaluate in vivo the anti-inflammatory potential and possible mechanism of action of the standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla as well as to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and physicochemical properties of the developed herbal gel formulation containing standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla. Results of quantitative HPLC analysis demonstrated that the standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla contained 22.95 mg/g of 8-methoxy-7,3',4'-trihydroxyflavone, a bioactive marker compound of A. myriophylla. The standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla (1% w/v) exhibited remarkable inhibition (54.4 - 80.3%) in the croton oil model of topical inflammation at all assessment times, comparable to standard indomethacin (55.3 - 63.6%). Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to clarify the anti-inflammatory mechanism of standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla, and the result showed that this standardized extract decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. The developed herbal gel containing standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla (1% w/w) had good physicochemical characteristics and exhibited potent inhibition (51.4 - 77.8%) of inflammation in a rat ear edema model at all assessment times, comparable to indomethacin gel (33.3 - 40.5%). The notable anti-inflammatory activity of standardized wood extract of A. myriophylla and its developed herbal gel formulation indicates their potential application as natural anti-inflammatory agents.

Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Constituents from the Fruit of Albizia lebbeck L. Benth (Fabaceae).

Twenty-two compounds were isolated from the fruit of Albizia lebbeck including one unprecedented, rare amino acid-derived zwitterionic and one new flavone derivative. The isolation was performed on repeated column chromatography over silica gel and their structures were determined by 1D-, 2D-NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectra together with reported data in the literature. The chemophenetic significance is also discussed. Some isolated compounds were reported for the first time to be found in the species. Additionally, compound 2 showed antibacterial activity and compounds 1 and 2 revealed moderate cytotoxic activity against the Raw 264.7 cancer cell line with IC50 values of 37.19 µM and 29.36 µM, respectively. Furthermore, a proposed biosynthetic pathway of compound 1 is described.

Identification of Antibacterial Metabolites from Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, Isolated from Albizia lucidior Leaves (Fabaceae), Utilizing Metabolomic and Molecular Docking Techniques.

The rapid spread of bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus has become a problem to public health despite the presence of past trials devoted to controlling the infection. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the chemical composition of the extract of endophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, isolated from Albizia lucidior leaves, and investigate the antimicrobial activity of isolated metabolites and their probable mode of actions. The chemical investigation of the fungal extract via UPLC/MS/MS led to the identification of at least forty-two metabolites, as well as the isolation and complete characterization of eight reported metabolites. The antibacterial activities of isolated metabolites were assessed against S. aureus using agar disc diffusion and microplate dilution methods. Compounds ergosterol, helvolic acid and monomethyl sulochrin-4-sulphate showed minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 15.63, 1.95 and 3.90 µg/mL, respectively, compared to ciprofloxacin. We also report the inhibitory activity of the fungal extract on DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which led us to perform molecular docking using the three most active compounds isolated from the extract against both enzymes. These active compounds had the required structural features for S. aureus DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV inhibition, evidenced via molecular docking.

Effects of using siris (Albizia lebbeck) foliage in the diet of fattening lambs on nutrient digestibility, blood and rumen parameters, growth performance, and meat quality characteristics.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of substitution of siris foliage with alfalfa forage in the diet of fattening lambs on digestibility, fermentation, and growth performance of fattening lambs. In the present experiment, 27 8-month-old Arabi lambs (31.3 ± 6) with an initial weight of 28.8 ± 1.99 kg were used in a completely randomized design. The effect of experimental diets on dry matter intake was not significant; however, the diets had a significant effect on the intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude protein (P < 0.05). The effect of experimental diets on the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, NDF, ADF, and crude protein was not significant (P < 0.05). Ammonia nitrogen concentration, pH, and a total population of ruminal fluid protozoa and blood parameters were not affected by experimental diets. Parameters of fattening performance such as feed intake, live weight changes, feed conversion ratio, some carcass traits such as mean weight and size of carcass parts, and colorimetric indices of muscle tissue in the order of fattening lambs were not affected by experimental diets. The use of foliage of siris in the diet of fattening lambs as a substitute with part of alfalfa had no adverse effect on the characteristics studied in the present experiment. Therefore, siris be recommended as part of the diet of fattening lambs.

Anti-diabetic and anti-lipidepmic effect of Albizia lebbeck seeds against HepG2 cells.

Albizia lebbeck has been a medicinally important plant for its pharmacological potential. This study aims to determine the in vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic potential of A. lebbeck seeds. The seed extracts were prepared in petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol. Crude methanolic extract (ME ext) was subjected further to sequential fractionation in increasing polarity based solvents. Extracts and fractions were analyzed for their antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic potentials using hepatic cell line, HepG2. Results showed that crude extracts of A. lebbeck seeds specifically, ME ext are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. ME ext has also shown highly significant antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibition potential compared to petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. In vitro assays using different fractions of methanolic extract further highlighted the ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions exhibiting significant antioxidant and anti-diabetic potentials. Alpha-amylase inhibition coupled with enhanced glucose uptake of cells treated with ME ext and ethyl acetate fraction emphasized on significant anti-diabetic potential of the plant. Expression alteration of genes and reduced level of cholesterol suggested the lipid synthesis mediated anti-diabetic activity of the plant. It is therefore, concluded that A. lebbeck seed has significant antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic potentials.

Comprehensive analysis of chloroplast genome of Albizia julibrissin Durazz. (Leguminosae sp.).

MAIN CONCLUSION: The Albizia julibrissin chloroplasts have a classical chloroplast genome structure, containing 93 coding genes and 34 non-coding genes. Our research provides basic data for plant phylogenetic evolutionary studies. There is limited genomic information available for the important Chinese herb Albizia julibrissin Durazz. In this study, we constructed the chloroplast (Cp) genome of A. julibrissin. The length of the assembled Cp genome was 175,922 bp consisting of four conserved regions: a 5145 bp small single-copy (SSC) region, a 91,323 bp large single-copy (LSC) region, and two identical length-inverted repeat (IR) regions (39,725 bp). This Cp genome included 34 non-coding RNAs and 93 unique genes, the former contains 30 transfer and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. Gene annotation indicated some of the coding genes (82) in the A. julibrissin Cp genome classified in the Leguminosae family, with some to other related families (11). The results show that low GC content (36.9%) and codon bias towards A- or T-terminal codons may affect the frequency of gene codon usage. The sequence analysis identified 30 forward, 18 palindrome, and 1 reverse repeat > 30 bp length, and 149 simple sequence repeats (SSR). Fifty-five RNA editing sites in the Cp of A. julibrissin were predicted, most of which are C-to-U conversions. Analysis of the reverse repeat expansion or contraction and divergence area between several species, including A. julibrissin, was performed. The phylogenetic tree revealed that A. julibrissin was most closely related to Albizia odoratissima and Albizia bracteata, followed by Samanea saman, forming an evolutionary branch with Mimosa pudica and Leucaena trichandra. The research results are helpful for breeding and genetic improvement of A. julibrissin, and also provide valuable information for understanding the evolution of this plant.

Molecular and phytochemical variability among genus Albizia: a phylogenetic prospect for future breeding.

Fabaceae, the third-largest Angiosperm family, exhibits great morphological diversity with significantly high species diversification rate. Albizia, one of the largest genera of the legume family, possesses high ecological, economical and medicinal application prospects and displays a global distribution. The taxonomic classification among Albizia remains, however, unclear and has been subjected to changes. The resolution of phylogenetic relationships among members of genus Albizia is a priority. Nine Albizia species cultivated in Egypt; Albizia lebbeck, A. julibrissin, A. odoratissima, A. procera, A. anthelmintica, A. guachapele, A. myriophylla, A. richardiana and A. lucida were subjected to molecular classification via DNA fingerprinting techniques viz. Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) and Start Codon Targeted polymorphism (SCoT) using ten primers, five for each technique. The total number of bands produced by ISSR and SCoT primers was 28 and 40, respectively. The percentage of polymorphism varied from 64.28% in ISSR to 67.50% in SCoT analysis. Additionally, chemotaxonomic analysis was implemented based on UV spectroscopic profiling and total phenolic content coupled to unsupervised chemometric tools; Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Interspecific relationships were confirmed via molecular and phytochemical analyses between A. procera and A. guachapele; A. lebbeck and A. odoratissima; and A. julibrissin and A. lucida. The study reveals that chemotaxonomic data can reflect phylogenetic relationships among examined Albizia species and provides insights to the significance of utilizing the strengths of both molecular taxonomy and chemotaxonomy to resolve phylogenetic relationship among this genus which offers baseline for breeding programs. Future strategies to enrich taxonomic classification among Albizia includes extensive morphological characterization, DNA barcoding techniques and metabolomic profiling.

Biosynthesized ZnO Nanoparticles Using Albizia lebbeck Extract Induced Biochemical and Morphological Alterations in Wistar Rats.

Nano-based particles synthesized via green routes have a particular structure that is useful in biomedical applications as they provide cheap, eco-friendly, and non-toxic nanoparticles. In the present study, we reported the effect of various concentrations of Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using A. lebbeck stem bark extract (ZnO NPsAL) as stabilizing agent on rat biochemical profiles and tissue morphology. Adult Wistar rats weighing 170 ± 5 g were randomly classified into eight groups of five rats each; Group A served as a control fed with normal diet and water. Groups B1, B2, C1, C2, D1, D2, and E were treated with 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of the 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 M biosynthesized ZnO NPsAL and zinc nitrate daily by the gavage method, respectively. The rats were anesthetized 24 h after the last treatment, blood samples, kidney, heart, and liver tissues were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The rats mean body weight, serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, bilirubin, protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and high-density lipoprotein were significantly altered with an increased concentration of biosynthesized ZnO NPsAL when compared with the control group (p < 0.05; n ≥ 5). Furthermore, histopathological analysis of treated rats' kidney, heart, and liver tissue revealed vascular congestion, tubular necrosis, inflammation, and cytoplasmic vacuolation. Biosynthesized ZnO NPsAL showed significant alteration in biochemical parameters and tissue morphology in rats with increasing concentrations of the nanoparticles.

Ameliorative effect of Albizia chinensis synthesized ZnO-NPs on Mycoplasma pneumoniae infected pneumonia mice model.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among the children and adults that results upper and lower respiratory tract infections. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to inspect the ameliorative action of A. chinensis synthesized ZnONPs against M. pneumoniae infected pneumonia mice model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ZnO NPs was synthesized from Albizia chinensis bark extract and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and atomic force microscope (AFM) analyses. The antibacterial effectual of synthesized ZnONPs were examined against clinical pathogens. The pneumonia was induced to BALB/c mice via injecting the M. pneumoniae and treated with synthesized ZnONPs, followed by the total protein content, total cell counts and inflammatory mediators level was assessed in the BALF of experimental animals. The Histopathological investigation was done in the lung tissues of test animals. RESULTS: The outcomes of this work revealed that the formulated ZnONPs was quasi-spherical, radial and cylindrical; the size was identified as 116.5 ± 27.45 nm in diameter. The in vitro antimicrobial potential of formulated ZnO-NPs displayed noticeable inhibitory capacity against the tested fungal and bacterial strains. The administration of synthesized ZnO-NPs in MP infected mice model has significantly reduced the levels of total protein, inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and transforming growth factor (TGF). Besides, the histopathological examination of MP infected mice lung tissue showed the cellular arrangements were effectively retained after administration of synthesized ZnO-NPs. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, synthesized ZnO-NPs alleviate pneumonia progression via reducing the level of inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cells in MP infected mice model.

Quick and improved immune responses to inactivated H9N2 avian influenza vaccine by purified active fraction of Albizia julibrissin saponins.

BACKGROUND: H9N2 Low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV) raises public health concerns and its eradication in poultry becomes even more important in preventing influenza. AJSAF is a purified active saponin fraction from the stem bark of Albizzia julibrissin. In this study, AJSAF was evaluated for the adjuvant potentials on immune responses to inactivated H9N2 avian influenza virus vaccine (IH9V) in mice and chicken in comparison with commercially oil-adjuvant. RESULTS: AJSAF significantly induced faster and higher H9 subtype avian influenza virus antigen (H9-Ag)-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b antibody titers in mice and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and IgY antibody levels in chicken immunized with IH9V. AJSAF also markedly promoted Con A-, LPS- and H9-Ag-stimulated splenocyte proliferation and natural killer cell activity. Furthermore, AJSAF significantly induced the production of both Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-10) cytokines, and up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and transcription factors in splenocytes from the IH9V-immunized mice. Although oil-formulated inactivated H9N2 avian influenza vaccine (CH9V) also elicited higher H9-Ag-specific IgG and IgG1 in mice and HI antibody titer in chicken, this robust humoral response was later produced. Moreover, serum IgG2a and IgG2b antibody titers in CH9V-immunized mice were significantly lower than those of IH9V alone group. CONCLUSIONS: AJSAF could improve antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, and simultaneously trigger a Th1/Th2 response to IH9V. AJSAF might be a safe and efficacious adjuvant candidate for H9N2 avian influenza vaccine.

Isolation and Identification of Lignans and Other Phenolic Constituents from the Stem Bark of Albizia julibrissin Durazz and Evaluation of Their Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Activity.

A dibenzylbutane-type lignan (16), along with eight furofuran-type (1-8), five furan-type (9-13), two dibenzylbutane-type (14 and 15), two bibenztetrahydronaphthalene-type lignans (17 and 18), two neolignans (19 and 20), and six phenolic derivatives (21-26) were isolated from an MeOH extract of the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin Durazz. The chemical structures of the obtained compounds were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses. Of the evaluated compounds, 14 were isolated from A. julibrissin and the Fabaceae family for the first time. Anti-inflammatory effects of the isolated analogs were investigated in terms of the inhibition of the nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Ten compounds (10-12, 14, and 17-22) displayed significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects against the NO production, with IC50 values ranging from 5.4 to 19.2 µM. Moreover, eight compounds (1-4, 9, 13, 15, and 16) exhibited moderate inhibitory activities, with IC50 values ranging from 21.0 to 62.5 µM.

Non-antibacterial as well as non-anticancer activity of flower extract and its biogenous silver nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by using the white flower extract of Albizia lebbeck as a source of reducing and capping agents. A. lebbeck white flower extract and silver nanoparticles were checked for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Ba cillus subtilis by using Mueller Hinton agar, nutrient agar and Luria Bertani agar using the well diffusion method. The synthesized silver nanoparticles did not show antibacterial activity at lower (0.1-0.4 mg ml-1) or higher (0.5-2.5 mg ml-1) concentrations against any of the four organisms on either of the media, even though silver nanoparticles have been well known to show antibacterial activity even at lower concentrations. The non-antibacterial properties of the synthesized silver nanoparticles against all four bacteria were confirmed using viability counting. With this unique non-antibacterial property of biogenous silver nanoparticles observed in this study, it can be stated that case by case evaluation of every synthesized silver nanoparticle needs to be done as there are multiple factors influencing their properties. Anticancer activity of these nanoparticles at different concentrations against A549 cancer cells did not show any significant decrease in cell viability highlighting its biocompatible nature. Thus, these silver nanoparticles can be a best suited candidate for drug delivery.

Evaluation and characteristics of immunological adjuvant activity of purified fraction of Albizia julibrissin saponins.

PURPOSE: The purified fraction of Albizia julibrissin saponins (AJSAF) was evaluated and characterized for the adjuvant activity on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine. METHODS: The effects of AJSAF on serum PRRSV N protein-specific antibody titers, splenocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell activity, mRNA expression of cytokines and transcription factors, secretion of cytokines, T cells response in splenocytes, as well as delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in the mice immunized PRRSV vaccine were determined by ELISA, MTT assay, flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: AJSAF not only significantly enhanced the serum PRRSV N protein-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b antibody titers in the mice immunized with PRRSV CH-1R modified live vaccine (CH-1R MLV), inactivated vaccine (CH-1R IAV), and highly pathogenic JXA1-R modified live vaccine (JXA1-R MLV), but promoted the concanavalin A (Con A)-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and PRRSV N protein-stimulated splenocyte proliferation, the activities of NK cells and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in the mice immunized CH-1R MLV. AJSAF also remarkably induced the production of both Th1 (IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-10) cytokines, and up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-2) and transcription factors (T-bet and STAT4) as well as Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) and transcription factors (GATA-3 and STAT6) in splenocytes from the CH-1R MLV-immunized mice. Furthermore, AJSAF markedly increased the frequencies of PRRSV N protein-specific Th1 (INF-γ+ and IL-2+) and Th2 (IL-4+ and IL-10+) CD4 T cells as well as Tc1 (INF-γ+ and IL-2+) and Tc2 (IL-4+ and IL-10+) CD8 T cells in splenocytes from the CH-1R MLV-immunized mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that AJSAF had a potential to enhance and improve immune responses and elicit both Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 response to PRRSV vaccine, and that AJSAF would be a promising adjuvant candidate for PRRSV vaccine.