Metabolomic Approach to Identify the Potential Metabolites from Alpinia malaccensis for Treating SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The advent of the new coronavirus, leading to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, has presented a substantial worldwide health hazard since its inception in the latter part of 2019. The severity of the current pandemic is exacerbated by the occurrence of re-infection or co-infection with SARS-CoV-2. Hence, comprehending the molecular process underlying the pathophysiology of sepsis and discerning possible molecular targets for therapeutic intervention holds significant importance. For the first time, 31 metabolites were tentatively identified by GC-MS analysis from Alpinia malaccensis. On the other hand, five phenolic compounds were identified and quantified from the plant in HPLC-DAD analysis, including (-) epicatechin, rutin hydrate, rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol. Nine GC-MS and five HPLC-identified metabolites had shown interactions with 45 and 30 COVID-19-associated human proteins, respectively. Among the proteins, PARP1, FN1, PRKCA, EGFR, ALDH2, AKR1C3, AHR, and IKBKB have been found as potential therapeutic targets to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 infection. KEGG pathway analysis also showed a strong association of FN1, EGFR, and IKBKB genes with SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and cytokine overexpression due to viral infection. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis also showed that TP53, MMP9, FN1, EGFR, and NOS2 proteins are highly related to the genes involved in COVID-19 comorbidity. These proteins showed interaction with the plant phytoconstituents as well. As the study offers a robust network-based procedure for identifying biomolecules relevant to COVID-19 disease, A. malaccensis could be a good source of effective therapeutic agents against COVID-19 and related viral diseases.

Longevity Spinach (Gynura procumbens) Ameliorated Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators in Cisplatin-Induced Organ Dysfunction in Rats: Comprehensive in†vivo and in silico Studies.

This study focused to assess the efficacy of Gynura procumbens (GP) leaf extract against cisplatin (CP)-induced hepatorenal complications in Wister albino rats. Additionally, it aims to detect polyphenolic compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). The rats were treated intraperitoneally with CP (7.5 mg/kg) to mediate hepatorenal damage. They were then treated with GP extract (75 and 150 mg/kg, P.O.) for 7 consecutive days. Although GP extract significantly ameliorated CP-mediated hepatorenal biomarkers like alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in a dose-dependent manner, GP extract at 150 mg/kg dose normalized hepatorenal biomarkers ALP (45.11 U/L), ALT (34 U/L), AST (29 U/L), creatinine (10.3 mg/dl) and BUN (11.19 mg/dl) while comparing to control and disease group. Similarly, though it significantly reduced CP-induced oxidative stress inducers, including nitric oxide (NO) and advanced oxidative protein products (AOPP), higher dose (150 mg/kg) exhibited better activity in reducing NO (281.54 mmol/gm tissue in liver and 52.73 mmol/gm tissue in the kidney) and AOPP (770.95 mmol/mg protein in liver and 651.90 mmol/mg protein in the kidney). Besides, it showed better enhancement in the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, and glutathione levels at a higher dose (150 mg/kg). Histopathological studies showed that CP caused collagen accumulation in the liver and kidney tissues. GP extract drained the collagen mass and acted against hepatorenal damage. Ellagic acid, gallic acid, quercetin hydrate, kaempferol, and rutin hydrate were revealed in GP extract. In-silico modelling showed good docking scores of the polyphenolic compounds with molecular targets including CYP4502E1, NF-κB, caspase-3, and TNF-α. GP could be an effective therapeutic option for management of anticancer drugs' complications like CP-induced organ damage, although clinical studies are required to establish herbal formulation.

Polyphenols Profile and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Blumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC.: A Potential Candidate against Obesity, Aging, and Skin Disorder.

Blumea lacera (Burm. f.) DC. is attracting scientific interest due to the diverse biological activities of its various parts and its use in folk medicine. The present study was undertaken to investigate the tissue-specific differential expression pattern of its total bioactive compounds. The study was further extended to whole plant phenolics profiling, in vitro enzyme inhibition activities, followed by in silico enzyme inhibition analysis to assess its potential as herbal medicine. The amount of total phenolics in different tissues was followed in decreasing order as old leaf, flower bud, root, young leaf, flower, old stem, and young stem, while that for the flavonoids was old leaf, root, young leaf, flower bud, flower, young stem, and old stem. This study identified rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol in this plant for the first time. The solvent extracts demonstrated strong inhibition of lipase and tyrosinase activity, along with varying degrees of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase activity. Among the detected compounds, ten displayed strong in silico binding affinities with the tested enzymes. The findings provide a new insight into further investigation of the medicinal potential of this species against obesity, neurological disorders, and aberrant skin color.

Fimbristylis aestivalis Vahl: a potential source of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme that accelerates the biosynthesis of PGs during inflammation and has emerged as an important therapeutic target for anti-inflammatory drugs. Natural compounds may serve as a source of inspiration for pharmaceutical chemists and a foundation for developing innovative COX-2 inhibitors with fewer side effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the potent COX-2 inhibitor and anti-inflammatory activity of the Fimbristylis aestivalis whole plant extract (FAWE). The plant extract was found dominant with rosmarinic acid followed by catechin hydrate, syringic acid, rutin hydrate, (-) epicatechin, quercetin, myricetin, and catechol. FAWE exhibited considerable dose-dependent analgesic efficacy in all analgesic test models. FAWE also showed promising anti-inflammatory potential in carrageenan-induced inflammations in mice. This result was corroborated by molecular docking, revealing that the aforesaid natural polyphenols adopt the same orientation as celecoxib in the COX-2 active site. On the other hand, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed between the most abundant components (rosmarinic acid, catechin hydrate, and syringic acid) and COX-2. Based on hydrogen bonding, RMSD, RMSF, radius of gyration, PCA, and Gibbs free energy landscape analysis, the results demonstrated that these compounds are very stable in the active site of COX-2, indicating substantial COX-2 inhibitory activity.

Cardamom powder supplementation prevents obesity, improves glucose intolerance, inflammation and oxidative stress in liver of high carbohydrate high fat diet induced obese rats.

BACKGROUND: Cardamom is a well-known spice in Indian subcontinent, used in culinary and traditional medicine practices since ancient times. The current investigation was untaken to evaluate the potential benefit of cardamom powder supplementation in high carbohydrate high fat (HCHF) diet induced obese rats. METHOD: Male Wistar rats (28 rats) were divided into four different groups such as Control, Control + cardamom, HCHF, HCHF + cardamom. High carbohydrate and high fat (HCHF) diet was prepared in our laboratory. Oral glucose tolerance test, organs wet weight measurements and oxidative stress parameters analysis as well as liver marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were assayed on the tissues collected from the rats. Plasma lipids profiles were also measured in all groups of animals. Moreover, histological staining was also performed to evaluate inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis in liver. RESULTS: The current investigation showed that, HCHF diet feeding in rats developed glucose intolerance and increased peritoneal fat deposition compared to control rats. Cardamom powder supplementation improved the glucose intolerance significantly (p > 0.05) and prevented the abdominal fat deposition in HCHF diet fed rats. HCHF diet feeding in rats also developed dyslipidemia, increased fat deposition and inflammation in liver compared to control rats. Cardamom powder supplementation significantly prevented the rise of lipid parameters (p > 0.05) in HCHF diet fed rats. Histological assessments confirmed that HCHF diet increased the fat deposition and inflammatory cells infiltration in liver which was normalized by cardamom powder supplementation in HCHF diet fed rats. Furthermore, HCHF diet increased lipid peroxidation, decreased antioxidant enzymes activities and increased advanced protein oxidation product level significantly (p > 0.05) both in plasma and liver tissue which were modulated by cardamom powder supplementation in HCHF diet fed rats. HCHF diet feeding in rats also increased the ALT, AST and ALP enzyme activities in plasma which were also normalized by cardamom powder supplementation in HCHF diet fed rats. Moreover, cardamom powder supplementation ameliorated the fibrosis in liver of HCHF diet fed rats. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that, cardamom powder supplementation can prevent dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and hepatic damage in HCHF diet fed rats.

Supplementation of Syzygium cumini seed powder prevented obesity, glucose intolerance, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in high carbohydrate high fat diet induced obese rats.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and related complications have now became epidemic both in developed and developing countries. Cafeteria type diet mainly composed of high fat high carbohydrate components which plays a significant role in the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the effect of Syzygium cumini seed powder on fat accumulation and dyslipidemia in high carbohydrate high fat diet (HCHF) induced obese rats. METHOD: Male Wistar rats were fed with HCHF diet ad libitum, and the rats on HCHF diet were supplemented with Syzygium cumini seed powder for 56 days (2.5% w/w of diet). Oral glucose tolerance test, lipid parameters, liver marker enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and lipid peroxidation products were analyzed at the end of 56 days. Moreover, antioxidant enzyme activities were also measured in all groups of rats. RESULTS: Supplementation with Syzygium cumini seed powder significantly reduced body weight gain, white adipose tissue (WAT) weights, blood glucose, serum insulin, and plasma lipids such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL concentration. Syzygium cumini seed powder supplementation in HCHF rats improved serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities. Syzygium cumini seed powder supplementation also reduced the hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and elevated the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities as well as increased glutathione (GSH) concentration. In addition, histological assessment showed that Syzygium cumini seed powder supplementation prevented inflammatory cell infiltration; fatty droplet deposition and fibrosis in liver of HCHFD fed rats. CONCLUSION: Our investigation suggests that Syzygium cumini seed powder supplementation prevents oxidative stress and showed anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity in liver of HCHF diet fed rats. In addition, Syzygium cumini seed powder may be beneficial in ameliorating insulin resistance and dyslipidemia probably by increasing lipid metabolism in liver of HCHF diet fed rats.

Supplementation of fresh ucche (Momordica charantia L. var. muricata Willd) prevented oxidative stress, fibrosis and hepatic damage in CCl4 treated rats.

BACKGROUND: Ucche (Momordica charantia L. var. muricata (Willd.) Chakravarty) has been reported to possess many benefits and medicinal properties. However, the protective effect of ucche against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity have not been clarified fully yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ucche on oxidative stress and inflammation in liver of CCl4 treated rats. METHODS: Female Long Evans rats were administered with CCl4 orally (1 ml/kg) twice a week for 2 weeks and were supplemented with freshly prepared crashed ucche (10% wt/wt of diet) with powdered chaw food. Both plasma and liver tissues were analyzed for AST, ALT and ALP activities. Oxidative stress parameters were measure by determining malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), advanced protein oxidation product (APOP), and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations and catalase activities in plasma and liver tissues. Moreover, inflammation and tissue fibrosis were confirmed by histological staining of liver tissue sections. RESULTS: Our data suggest that ucche significantly prevented CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, indicated by both diagnostic indicators of liver damage (serum transferases activities) and histopathological analysis. Moreover, CCl4 administration induced profound elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress, as evidenced by increasing lipid peroxidation level and depletion of antioxidant enzymes in liver. Fresh ucche supplementation prevented the oxidative stresses and improved antioxidant enzyme function. Furthermore, fresh ucche supplementation reduced hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration, iron deposition and fibrosis in liver of CCl4 treated rats. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these results suggested that the inhibition of CCl4-induced inflammation by ucche is due at least in part to its anti-oxidant activity and its ability to modulate the inflammation and fibrosis in liver.

Central-stimulating and analgesic activity of the ethanolic extract of Alternanthera sessilis in mice.

BACKGROUND: Alternanthera sessilis is a popular vegetable and used in traditional medicinal practice of Bangladesh and other parts of Asia to relive tiredness, laziness, and sleeps as well as pain and inflammation. However, no report was found on the neuropharmacological and analgesic activity of this plant to-date. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the neuropharmacological and analgesic activity of the ethanol extract of A. sessilis whole plant (ETAS) in mice models. METHODS: Central stimulating activity was investigated by pentobarbitone induced sleeping time, open field, and hole cross tests. Analgesic activity was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing and hot-plate methods. The tests were performed at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight dose levels. RESULTS: In sleeping time test, ETAS significantly (p < 0.001) increased the onset of sleep, and decreased the duration of sleep. In open field and hole cross tests, ETAS significantly (p < 0.001) increased the movements of mice which persisted throughout the study period. In writhing test, ETAS showed, significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of writhing reflex. In hot plate test, ETAS significantly (p < 0.001) raised the pain threshold. In HPLC analysis for polyphenols, (+)-catechin, rutin, ellagic acid, and quercetin were detected in ETAS (117.72, 490.74, 3007.26, and 13.85 mg/100 g of dry extract, respectively). CONCLUSION: Present study supported the traditional uses of A. sessilis and indicated that the plant can be a potential source of bioactive molecules.

Antinociceptive and antioxidant activity of Zanthoxylum budrunga wall (Rutaceae) seeds.

Different parts of the medicinal plant Zanthoxylum budrunga Wall enjoy a variety of uses in ethnobotanical practice in Bangladesh. In the present study, a number of phytochemical and pharmacological investigations were done on the ethanol extract of Z. budrunga seeds (ZBSE) to evaluate its antinociceptive and antioxidant potential. ZBSE was also subjected to HPLC analysis to detect the presence of some common antioxidants. In acetic acid induced writhing test in mice, ZBSE showed 65.28 and 74.30% inhibition of writhing at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg and the results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). In hot-plate test, ZBSE raised the pain threshold significantly (P < 0.001) throughout the entire observation period. In DPPH scavenging assay, the IC50 of ZBSE was observed at 82.60 µg/mL. The phenolic content was found to be 338.77 mg GAE/100 g of dried plant material. In reducing power assay, ZBSE showed a concentration dependent reducing ability. HPLC analysis indicated the presence of caffeic acid with a concentration of 75.45 mg/100 g ZBSE. Present investigation supported the use of Zanthoxylum budrunga seed in traditional medicine for pain management. Constituents including caffeic acid and other phenolics might have some role in the observed activity.

Antioxidant and antidiarrheal activities of ethanol extract of Ardisia elliptica fruits.

CONTEXT: Ardisia elliptica Thunb Lam. (Myrsinaceae) is widely used traditionally in the treatment of diarrhea related health disorders in Bangladesh. OBJECTIVE: The crude ethanol extract of Ardisia elliptica fruits (EFA) was evaluated for its antioxidant and antidiarrhoeal activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power and Fe(++) ion chelating ability were used for determining antioxidant activities and animal models were used for antidiarrheal activities such as the castor oil and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea, enteropooling induced by the administration of castor oil and magnesium sulfate at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. RESULTS: The extract possessed a significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 30.75 µg/ml compared to ascorbic acid (IC50: 7.89 µg/ml). The IC50 values of the extract and ascorbic acid were 51.72 and 38.68 µg/ml, respectively, in nitric oxide scavenging assay. The IC50 value of the extract for Fe(++) ion chelating ability (41.30 µg/ml) was also found to be significant compared to the IC50 value of EDTA (22.57 µg/ml). The EFA also showed a significant protection (p < 0.001) against experimentally induced diarrhea by castor oil and magnesium sulfate as evidenced by a decrease in the number of defecation with respect to control. The diarrhea induced by castor oil and magnesium sulfate enteropooling was prevented by all the tested doses. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the obtained results confirm the antioxidant and antidiarrheal activity of EFA and thus support the traditional uses of this plant as a modality for antioxidant and antidiarrheal activity.

Polyphenols and extracts from Zingiber roseum (Roxb.) Roscoe leaf mitigate pain, inflammation and pyrexia by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2: an in vivo and in silico studies.

Zingiber roseum (Roxb.) Roscoe, a perennial herb from the Zingiberaceae family, has a long history of traditional use in the treatment of several ailments including pain, inflammation, fever, cough, arthritis, skin diseases, and liver infections. This study sought to confirm the efficacy of Zingiber roseum (Roxb.) Roscoe leaves methanol extract (ZrlME) as reported in traditional usage by evaluating its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic capabilities. In addition, in silico molecular docking of the metabolites identified in ZrlME was studied to verify the experimental outcomes. ZrlME demonstrated strong dose-dependent analgesic efficacy against all analgesic tests. ZrlME (400 mg/kg) showed higher anti-inflammatory activity than the standard in the carrageenan-induced paw edema test model. A significant reduction of rectal temperature (3.97°F↓) was also recorded at the same dose of ZrLME after 24 h of treatment. Seven polyphenolic metabolites were identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD analysis, including 3, 4- dihydroxy benzoic acid, (-) epicatechin, rutin hydrate, p-coumaric acid, trans-ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, and myricetin. Strong binding affinities (ranges from -5.8 to -8.5 Kcal/mol) between the aforesaid polyphenols and cyclooxygenase-2 were discovered. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) demonstrated that these polyphenols exhibit significant COX-2 inhibitory activity due to their high stability in the COX-2 active site. In computational prediction, the polyphenols were also found to be nontoxic, and a variety of biological activities, such as antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and hepatoprotective, were observed. The results of this study revealed that ZrlME possesses notable analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties.

Investigating the infection dynamics and molecular detection of Cryptosporidium in Buffaloes in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Cryptosporidiosis, a zoonotic infection impacting both livestock and humans, is inadequately understood in terms of its prevalence and transmission dynamics involving buffaloes in Bangladesh. This research, conducted in the Sylhet division, aimed to explore the prevalence and potential risk factors influencing Cryptosporidium spp. in the faecal samples of 392 buffaloes. Detection of the parasite utilized modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, with molecular identification achieved through nested PCR (nPCR). The comprehensive analysis revealed 9.18% (36/392) prevalence at the individual animal level and 40.48% (17/42) at the herd level. Age-based analysis revealed fluctuating infection rates of Cryptosporidium spp. in buffaloes across distinct age brackets, with rates of 22.61% in those aged 0-6 months, 5.00% in those aged 6-12 months, and 1.03% in those aged 12-18 months. Diarrheic buffaloes showed a significantly (p < 0.001) higher infection rate (26.67%; 28/105) compared to non-diarrheic buffaloes (2.79%; 8/287). In risk factor analysis, binary logistic regression revealed that buffaloes aged 0-6 months were experiencing a likelihood that is 14.84 times higher to be affected by Cryptosporidium in contrast to their older counterparts (OR = 14.85; p = 0.02). Additionally, diarrhoeic buffaloes were found to be more susceptible to Cryptosporidium compared to healthy buffaloes (OR = 17.50; p < 0.001). A higher stocking density was associated with an increased likelihood of infection in buffaloes (OR = 11.20; p = 0.01). The results of this study emphasize the necessity for targeted interventions, considering factors like diarrheic condition and stocking density, to effectively manage and control cryptosporidiosis in Bangladesh.

Antibacterial potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from raw cow milk in Sylhet district, Bangladesh: A molecular approach.

BACKGROUND: The most prevalent probiotic bacterium employed in the food industry is Lactobacillus because it can produce metabolites with antibacterial capabilities and exhibits hostility towards infections and microorganisms that cause spoilage. AIM: This study set out to identify naturally occurring Lactobacillus and plantaricin (pln EF) coding genes in raw cow milk and to assess the antibacterial potency of isolated Lactobacillus isolates. METHODS: Following enrichment in De Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) broth, single colonies were isolated, and pure colonies were obtained by streaking on MRS agar. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm the cultural positivity of all isolates. Additionally, the presence of plantaricin was verified by targeting the pln EF gene through PCR. OUTCOME: Out of the 166 raw milk specimens acquired from cows, 153 (91.17%; CI: 86.98-95.76) were identified as positive for Lactobacillus through both culture and biochemical screening. Subsequently, 121 (72.89%; CI: 65.46-79.49) of the isolates were affirmed to harbour Lactobacillus through PCR analysis. Within this subset, 6 isolates (4.96%; CI: 1.84-10.48) were found to possess the plnEF gene. When exposed to Lactobacillus isolates, Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella enterica displayed an average maximum zone of inhibition with a diameter measuring 24 mm. In contrast, Escherichia coli exhibited an average minimum zone of inhibition, featuring a diameter of 11 mm. Additionally, the Lactobacillus isolates demonstrated inhibitory zones against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca, measuring 14, 22 and 19 mm, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Lactic acid bacteria, particularly Lactobacilli, are plentiful in cow milk and possess broad-spectrum antibacterial properties.

Exploring of spectrum beta lactamase producing multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovars in goat meat markets of Bangladesh.

The emergence of Salmonella enterica serovars that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and exhibit multi-drug resistance (MDR) poses a substantial global threat, contributing to widespread foodborne illnesses and presenting an alarming issue for public health. This study specifically concentrated on the isolation and identification of ESBL-resistant genes (bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTX-M1, bla CTX-M2, bla CTX-M9, MultiCase ACC, MultiCase MOX, MultiCase DHA, bla OXA) and the antibiogram profiling of Salmonella enterica serovars found in goat meat samples procured from retail outlets in Bangladesh. During the research in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh, researchers gathered a total of 210 samples of goat meat from 13 different Upazilas. Primarily, cultural and biochemical methods were used for isolation of bacteria from the selected samples. Salmonella enterica serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis, along with three ESBL-resistant genes, were identified through polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). The disk diffusion test was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibilities. Out of 210 samples analysed, Salmonella spp. was detected in 18.10 % (38 out of 210), with S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium found in 9.05 % (19 out of 210) and 5.24 % (11 out of 210) of the samples, respectively. A total of 72.73 % (8/11) of S. Enteritidis and 100 % (19/19) of S. Typhimurium isolates were positive by Multidrug-resistant patterns. The positive outcomes were found of S. Typhimurium tested 63.16 % (12 out of 19) for the bla TEM gene and 21.05 % (4/19) for the bla SHV, gene. The study proposes that the retail goat meat market channel could be a prominent transmission way of ESBL-producing MDR Salmonella enterica serovars, representing a significant public health hazard.

Antinociceptive and antioxidant potential of the crude ethanol extract of the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides grown in Bangladesh.

CONTEXT: Ageratum conyzoides Linn. (Asteraceae) is an annual herbaceous plant with a long history of traditional medicinal and agricultural uses; it is usually grown in the northeast part of Bangladesh. OBJECTIVE: The ethanol extract of the plant leaves was evaluated for preliminary phytochemical screening with its antinociceptive and antioxidant activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed on the basis of standard procedures. The analgesic activity of the extract was investigated using the acetic acid-induced writhing method in mice. Five complementary tests such as DPPH free radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging, reducing power, Fe(++) ion chelating ability and total phenolic content were used for determining antioxidant activities. RESULTS: The results of preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, saponins, gums, steroids, tannins and flavonoids. The extract possessed a significant dose-dependent DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 18.91 µg/ml compared to ascorbic acid (IC50: 2.937 µg/ml) and butylated hydroxyanisole (IC50: 5.10 µg/ml). The IC50 value of the extract for NO scavenging (41.81 µg/ml) was also found to be significant compared to the IC50 value of ascorbic acid (37.93 µg/ml). Moreover, the extract showed reducing power activity and Fe(++) ion chelating ability. The total phenolic amount was also calculated as quite high (378.37 mg/g of gallic acid equivalents) in the crude ethanol extract. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Therefore, the obtained results tend to suggest the antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of the ethanol extract of the plant leaves and justify its use in folkloric remedies.

Integrating in vivo and in silico approaches to investigate the potential of Zingiber roseum rhizome extract against pyrexia, inflammation and pain.

Zingiber roseum is a perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family. The plant is native to Bangladesh, and rhizomes are frequently used in traditional medicine to cure gastric ulcers, asthma, wounds, and rheumatic disorders. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyse the antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties of Z. roseum rhizome to confirm its efficacy in traditional applications. After 24 h of treatment, ZrrME (400 mg/kg) showed a considerable drop in rectal temperature (3.42°F) compared to standard paracetamol (5.26°F). At both doses (200 and 400 mg/kg), ZrrME showed a substantial dose-dependent decrease in paw oedema. However, after 2, 3 and 4 h of testing, the extract (200 mg/kg) had a lower anti-inflammatory response than standard indomethacin, whereas the higher dose (400 mg/kg) of rhizome extract had a more robust response compared to standard. ZrrME also showed substantial analgesic activity against all in vivo analgesic test models. The in vivo findings were further evaluated by in silico study of our previously identified compounds of ZrrME with the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (3LN1). The substantial binding energy (ranges from-6.2 to-7.7 Kcal/mol) of the polyphenols (excluding catechin hydrate) to the COX-2 enzyme affirm the in vivo test results of the present studies. In addition, the compounds were found effective as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents, according to the biological activity prediction software. Both in vivo and in silico results demonstrated promising antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects of Z. roseum rhizome extract, which corroborate the claim of its traditional uses.

Nanostructured chitosan-polyphenolic patch for remote NIR-photothermal controlled dermal drug delivery.

We describe the synthesis of a nanostructured dermal patch composed of chitosan-tannic acid (CT) that can carry near-infrared (NIR) active Indocyanine green (ICG) dye for performing photothermal heat conversion activity. The NIR-responsive CT-I dermal patch can deliver topical antibiotic drugs (Neomycin). The CT-I and drug-loaded CT-I/N patches have been demonstrated by FTIR, SEM/EDX, TGA, and DSC analysis. The in vitro drug release from the CT-I/N patch are favorable in the dermal environment (pH = 5.5) and significantly increases 25 % more at higher temperatures of 40 to 45 °C. The CT-I/N showed increasing photothermal heat in response to NIR (808 nm) light. The in vivo thermograph demonstrated that the CT-I/N patch can generate >45 °C within 5 min NIR irradiation. As a result, sustained wound healing was shown in H&E (hematoxylin and eosin) staining dermal tissue. Such NIR-active nanostructure film/patch is promising for the future of any sustained on-demand drug delivery system.

Crataeva nurvala Bark (Capparidaceae) Extract Modulates Oxidative Stress-Related Gene Expression, Restores Antioxidant Enzymes, and Prevents Oxidative Stress in the Kidney and Heart of 2K1C Rats.

Objective: Crataeva nurvala is a medicinal plant, which contains a wide range of polyphenolic and bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to evaluate the renal-protective activity of Crataeva nurvala in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) rats. Methods: In this study, the ethanol extract of Crataeva nurvala bark at a dose of 100 mg/kg was orally used to treat 2K1C rats for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed and tissue samples were collected for further biochemical and histological assessments. Results: This investigation showed that Crataeva nurvala treatment prevented the kidney dysfunction in 2K1C rats. Uric acid and creatinine concentration and CK-MB activities increased in 2K1C rats which were normalized by Crataeva nurvala. 2K1C rats also showed increased oxidative stress, depicted by the elevated level of MDA, NO, and APOP in plasma and tissues. Oxidative stress parameters declined in 2K1C rats by the treatment of Crataeva nurvala. These results could be attributed to the restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase and SOD. Crataeva nurvala extracts also upregulated antioxidant gene expression in the kidneys of 2K1C rats. Moreover, several anti-inflammatory genes were suppressed by Crataeva nurvala treatment in 2K1C rats. Furthermore, fibrosis and collagen deposition in the kidneys were also lowered by the treatment of the Crataeva nurvala extract. Conclusion: The experimental data suggest that the Crataeva nurvala extract protected renal damage and oxidative stress, probably by restoring antioxidant enzymes activities in 2K1C rats.

Rutin hydrate and extract from Castanopsis tribuloides reduces pyrexia via inhibiting microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1.

Castanopsis tribuloides belongs to the oak species (Fagaceae) and it is commonly distributed in evergreen forests of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, China, and Thailand. Our present study aimed at uncovering the antipyretic potential of methanol extract of C. tribuloides bark (CTB) in the mice models. Baker's yeast pyrexia model was employed to determine the antipyretic potentials of the extract. Besides, molecular docking and dynamics simulation of CTB phenolic compounds were explored to validate the experimental results and gain insight into the possible antipyretic mechanism of action that can lead to the design and discovery of novel drugs against mPGES-1. The results revealed that CTB (400 mg/kg) significantly inhibited (P < 0.001) the elevated body temperature of mice since 0.5 h, which is more prominent than the standard. At dose 200 mg/kg, the bark extract also produced significant (P < 0.05) antipyretic activity since 2 h. HPLC-DAD analysis identified and quantified nine polyphenolic compounds from the extract, including rutin hydrate, (-) epicatechin, caffeic acid, catechin hydrate, catechol, trans-ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, and rosmarinic acid. Molecular docking study suggested probable competition of these phenolic compounds with glutathione, an essential cofactor for microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) activity. Additionally, RMSF, RMSD, Rg, and hydrogen bonds performed during MD simulations revealed that rutin hydrate (rich in CTB) bound to the mPGES-1 active site in a stable manner and thus inactivating mPGES-1. Therefore, it can be concluded that rutin hydrate reduces pyrexia in mice via downregulating PGE2 synthesis by inhibiting mPGES-1 activity.

Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers amid COVID-19: Chemical Formulation, Analysis, Safety.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) containing ethanol (EtOH) or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to inactivate microorganisms help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. These products have become very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from vaccines or other preventative antiseptic measures, the majority of consumers have relied on different types of ABHSs to disinfect their hands. As a result, there has been a global rush in the demand for these ABHSs and other antiseptic hygiene products. This has resulted in the formation of many new commercial sanitizer producers. There are around fifty companies of varying sizes that have been marketing their ABHSs in Bangladesh, most of which have only been manufacturing their products for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. To monitor the quality and components of these products, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) analyzed approximately 200 different hand sanitizer samples using GC-FID method. All samples were alcohol-based except for 3 which were alcohol-free aqueous hand sanitizers. Of the supplied formulated ABHSs, 80 samples were found to contain only IPA and 54 contained only EtOH. However, 28 samples were found to be contaminated with methanol (MeOH), 7 samples contained only MeOH and 18 samples contained both EtOH and IPA. This is the first study to explore the analysis of alcohol content in formulated ABHSs and their marketing status in Bangladesh, but the findings could be of use in other jurisdictions as similar issues have been raised in many parts of the world.