Rhus coriaria L. (Sumac), a Versatile and Resourceful Food Spice with Cornucopia of Polyphenols.

In recent years, utilization of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) is upgrading not only in their culinary use and human nutrition, but also in the pharmaceutical industry, food industry and veterinary practices. This is driven by accumulating evidence that support the ethnobotanical use of this plant; in particular, advanced knowledge of the content of nutritional, medicinal and techno-functional bioactive ingredients. Herein, we discuss polyphenolic compounds as the main bioactive ingredients in Rhus coriaria L., which contribute mainly to the significance and utility of this spice. Most of the antioxidant potential and therapeutic roles of sumac are increasingly attributed to its constituent tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Hydroxyphenyl pyranoanthocyanins and other anthocynins are responsible for the highly desired red pigments accounting for the strong pigmentation capacity and colorant ability of sumac. Certain polyphenols and the essential oil components are responsible for the peculiar flavor and antimicrobial activity of sumac. Tannin-rich sumac extracts and isolates are known to enhance the food quality and the oxidative stability of animal products such as meat and milk. In conclusion, polyphenol-rich sumac extracts and its bioactive ingredients could be exploited towards developing novel food products which do not only address the current consumers' interests regarding organoleptic and nutritional value of food, but also meet the growing need for 'clean label' as well as value addition with respect to antioxidant capacity, disease prevention, and health promotion in humans.

Phytochemical Constituents, Folk Medicinal Uses, and Biological Activities of Genus Angelica: A Review.

Genus Angelica is one of the widely distributed and well-known genera of family Umbelliferae. It is utilized mainly by Chinese and Korean populations especially in their folk medicine. Angelica comprises a lot of medicinally important phytoconstituents such as coumarins, furanocoumarins, flavonoids, essential oils, verbascosides, polysaccharides, etc. Members of this genus play important roles, namely antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, skin-whitening, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, and many others. This review draws attention to many species of genus Angelica with much focus on A. dahurica being one of the highly medicinally used species within this genus.

Bioactive Compounds, Pharmacological Actions, and Pharmacokinetics of Genus Acacia.

Plants are a promising source of bioactive compounds that can be used to tackle many emerging diseases both infectious and non-infectious. Among different plants, Acacia is a very large genus and exhibits a diverse array of bioactive agents with remarkable pharmacological properties against different diseases. Acacia, a herb found all over the world, contains approximately more than 1200 species of the Fabaceae family. In the present review, we have collected detailed information on biochemical as well as pharmacological properties. The data were retrieved using different databases, such as Elsevier, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Scopus, and an extensive literature survey was carried out. Studies have shown that Acacia possesses several secondary metabolites, including amines, cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, seed oils, cyclitols, fluoroacetate, gums, non-protein amino acids, diterpenes, fatty acids, terpenes, hydrolyzable tannins, and condensed tannins. These compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmaceutical applications such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiviral, liver protective effects, and so on. Thus, the literature shows the tremendous phytochemical impact of the genus Acacia in medicine. Overall, we recommend that more research should be conducted on the medicinal value and isolation and purification of the effective therapeutic agents from Acacia species for the treatment of various ailments.

Biological Properties, Bioactive Constituents, and Pharmacokinetics of Some Capsicum spp. and Capsaicinoids.

Pepper originated from the Capsicum genus, which is recognized as one of the most predominant and globally distributed genera of the Solanaceae family. It is a diverse genus, consisting of more than 31 different species including five domesticated species, Capsicum baccatum, C. annuum, C. pubescen, C. frutescens, and C. chinense. Pepper is the most widely used spice in the world and is highly valued due to its pungency and unique flavor. Pepper is a good source of provitamin A; vitamins E and C; carotenoids; and phenolic compounds such as capsaicinoids, luteolin, and quercetin. All of these compounds are associated with their antioxidant as well as other biological activities. Interestingly, Capsicum fruits have been used as food additives in the treatment of toothache, parasitic infections, coughs, wound healing, sore throat, and rheumatism. Moreover, it possesses antimicrobial, antiseptic, anticancer, counterirritant, appetite stimulator, antioxidant, and immunomodulator activities. Capsaicin and Capsicum creams are accessible in numerous ways and have been utilized in HIV-linked neuropathy and intractable pain.

Ameliorative Effects of Honey, Propolis, Pollen, and Royal Jelly Mixture against Chronic Toxicity of Sumithion Insecticide in White Albino Rats.

Sumithion (Fenitrothion) (SUM) is an organophosphorus insecticide used to combat a wide variety of plant pests. Exposure to SUM causes significant toxicity to the brain, liver, kidney, and reproductive organs through, for example, binding to DNA, and it induces DNA damage, which ends with oxidative stress. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the protective role of bee products: a mixture of honey, propolis, palm pollen, and royal jelly (HPPJ) against SUM-induced toxicity. Twenty-four male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were classified into four groups, each containing six rats: control (corn oil), SUM (85 mg/kg; 1/20 LD50), HPPJ, and SUM + HPPJ once daily for 28 consecutive days. Blood samples were gently collected in sterilized ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes for blood picture analyses and tubes without anticoagulant for serum isolation. Serum was used for assays of enzymatic and biochemical characteristics. The results revealed that SUM increased the weights of the liver, kidney, and brain as well as the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GP), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Additionally, SUM significantly increased the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) and glucose, uric acid, and creatinine contents, while decreasing the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity and total lipids and total protein content. Furthermore, because of the inclusion of phenolic, flavonoids, terpenoids, and sugars, the HPPJ mixture counteracted the hematological, renal, and hepatic toxicity of SUM exposure.

The Toxicological Aspects of the Heat-Borne Toxicant 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Animals: A Review.

The incidence of adverse reactions in food is very low, however, some food products contain toxins formed naturally due to their handling, processing and storage conditions. 5-(Hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural (HMF) can be formed by hydrogenation of sugar substances in some of manufactured foodstuffs and honey under elevated temperatures and reduced pH conditions following Maillard reactions. In previous studies, it was found that HMF was responsible for harmful (mutagenic, genotoxic, cytotoxic and enzyme inhibitory) effects on human health. HMF occurs in a wide variety of food products like dried fruit, juice, caramel products, coffee, bakery, malt and vinegar. The formation of HMF is not only an indicator of food storage conditions and quality, but HMF could also be used as an indicator of the potential occurrence of contamination during heat-processing of some food products such as coffee, milk, honey and processed fruits. This review focuses on HMF formation and summarizes the adverse effects of HMF on human health.

Chemo-Protective Potential of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles against Fipronil-Induced Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, Inflammation and Reproductive Dysfunction in Male White Albino Rats.

Fipronil (FIP) is an insecticide commonly used in many fields, such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, and public health, and recently it has been proposed as a potential endocrine disrupter. The purpose of this study was to inspect the reproductive impacts of FIP and the possible protective effects of cerium nanoparticles (CeNPs) on male albino rats. Rats received FIP (5 mg/kg bwt; 1/20 LD50), CeNPs (35 mg/kg bwt) and FIP+CeNPs per os daily for 28 days. Serum testosterone levels, testicular oxidative damage, histopathological and immunohistochemical changes were evaluated. FIP provoked testicular oxidative damage as indicated by decreased serum testosterone (≈60%) and superoxide dismutase (≈50%), glutathione peroxidase activity (≈46.67%) and increased malondialdehyde (≈116.67%) and nitric oxide (≈87.5%) levels in testicular tissues. Furthermore, FIP induced edematous changes and degeneration within the seminiferous tubules, hyperplasia, vacuolations, and apoptosis in the epididymides. In addition, FIP exposure upregulated interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS), caspase-3 (Casp3) and downregulated the Burkitt-cell lymphomas (BCL-2), inhibin B proteins (IBP), and androgen receptor (Ar) mRNA expressions Casp3, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), and IL-1ß immunoreactions were increased. Also, reduction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), mouse vasa homologue (MVH), and SOX9 protein reactions were reported. Interestingly, CeNPs diminished the harmful impacts of FIP on testicular tissue by decreasing lipid peroxidation, apoptosis and inflammation and increasing the antioxidant activities. The findings reported herein showed that the CeNPs might serve as a supposedly new and efficient protective agent toward reproductive toxicity caused by the FIP insecticide in white male rats.

Effects of the dietary inclusion of a probiotic or prebiotic on florfenicol pharmacokinetic profile in broiler chicken.

We evaluated the effect of prebiotic or probiotic as feed additives on florfenicol kinetic in broilers feed. Unsexed two hundred, thirty-five-day-old broiler chickens, were put in four equal groups (n = 50). The first group was administrated florfenicol intravenous at 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) only once dosage without pre- or probiotic administration to determine the bioavailability. While, the second group was administrated florfenicol (intracrop routes; a dosage of 30 mg/kg BW for five progressive days) without pre- or probiotic co-administration. The third and the fourth groups were administrated the same dose of florfenicol (intracrop route) for five successive days, followed by 10 days of prebiotic or probiotic treatment respectively. The plasma florfenicol % was identified by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) after the first florfenicol administration (intravenous or intracrop routes) in all groups. Then, the residual levels of florfenicol were determined in liver, kidney and muscle tissues from the second, third and fourth groups which were exposed to florfenicol orally. Our results demonstrated that broilers pre-treated with prebiotic or probiotic significantly increased Cmax , AUC0- t , AUC0-inf as well as AUMC values, while significant drop was recorded in V/F and CL/F. Prebiotic or probiotic influenced the cumulative effect of florfenicol in liver and kidney tissues of treated birds.

Ceftiofur pharmacokinetics in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus after intracardiac and intramuscular administrations.

Ceftiofur is a broad-spectrum third generation cephalosporin, which acts by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as Aeromonas hydrophila and ß-lactamase-producing strains, which are common pathogens in freshwater fish. Ceftiofur pharmacokinetics in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were studied following single intracardiac (i.c.) or intramuscular (i.m.) administration of ceftiofur sodium (NAXCEL®) in a dose of 5 mg ceftiofur kg-1 body weight. After i.c. injection, ceftiofur plasma concentrations decreased biexponentially, suggesting a 2-compartmental open model. Distribution and elimination half-lives (t0.5(α) and t0.5(ß)) were 0.61 ± 0.22 and 0.14 ± 0.03 h mean ±SD, respectively. Elimination constant (Kel) and total body clearances (Cltot) were 3.22 ± 0.48 h-1 and 1.64 ± 0.47 l h-1 kg-1, respectively. Volume of distribution (Vss) and areas under curves (AUC) were 0.12 ± 0.03 l kg-1 and 24.18 ± 8.81 µg ml-1 h, respectively. Following i.m. injection of ceftiofur, plasma concentrations were best described by a 1-compartment open model with a first order absorption; bioavailability was quite high (96.85 ± 23.74%). Plasma maximum concentration (Cmax) was 12.32 ± 6.53 µg ml-1; achieved at time of maximum concentration (Tmax) of 0.74 ± 0.04 h. Absorption and elimination half-lives (t0.5ab and t0.5ß) were 0.49 ± 0.06 and 0.53 ± 0.03 h, respectively. In conclusion, i.m. injection of ceftiofur sodium produced extremely high bioavailability with high plasma concentrations that persisted up to 6 h post injection, which may make ceftiofur a useful alternative antibiotic for treatment of brood stock or important ornamental fishes.

The ceramide inhibitor fumonisin B1 mitigates the pulmonary effects of low-dose diesel exhaust inhalation in mice.

Recent studies have suggested that inhalation of diesel exhaust (DE), a major source of air pollution, results in pulmonary alterations; however, the effects of DE at low concentrations are poorly understood. Therefore, this study was conducted to elucidate the pulmonary effects of low-level exposure to DE and the potential role of a ceramide de novo biosynthesis inhibitor, fumonisin B1 (FB1) to ameliorate the DE-toxicity. Male C57BL/6J mice underwent 1- or 7-day experiments (4 equal groups/experiment) and were assigned to the control, DE (0.1mg/m(3)), FB1 (6.75mg/kg body weight SC at days 0, 3 and 6) or DE+FB1 groups. DE and/or FB1 treatment had no effect on the expression of Nos2, a biomarker of oxidative stress. Ceramide production in the bronchial epithelial cells and Sphk1 mRNA expression were induced in the lung after the 7-day DE exposure and were partially suppressed by the FB1 treatment. Additionally, the effects of DE on SP-A and SP-D mRNA expression were also suppressed by the FB1 treatment. These results suggest that ceramide and Sphk1 may be sensitive biomarkers for low-level DE-induced pulmonary effects. Collectively, ceramide likely contributes to the DE-induced early stage of airway inflammation, which is considered a potential pulmonary target during low-level DE exposure.

Efficacy of deltamethrin, diazinon, and ivermectin on Boophilus annulatus ticks (in vitro and in vivo study).

Tick infection is considered a cause of major concern as it is a vector for some disease transmission. The use of chemicals to control tick infection is increasing in farm systems. The efficacy of three chemicals was studied on the tick Boophilus annulatus. In vitro and in vivo studies were done. The active ticks were collected from naturally infected cattle for in vitro study. They were incubated with the three chemicals which are commercially used. An in vitro study recorded that the highest effect of the three chemicals was 100% at 3 h postexposure (p.e.) time for deltamethrin and 6 h for diazinon and ivermectin on the adult ticks. Egg batches were less affected. In vivo results showed more plain efficacy. The efficacy of deltamethrin was increased gradually until complete cessation of ticks showed within 3rd day posttreatment (d.p.t.), 100% efficacy. But the tick population begins to reappear gradually within 7 d.p.t., while diazinon showed 100% efficacy at 7 d.p.t. and the ticks reappear again within 14 d.p.t. The most preferred results were obtained with ivermectin which showed 100% efficacy at 7 d.p.t., and the cattle was still free from infection until 21 d.p.t. only. Ticks begin to reappear within 28 d.p.t. in slight few numbers. This concluded that the powerful and safe chemical which is commercially used was ivermectin. Even so, it is used also as an anthelmintic drug.

The therapeutic value of Myrtus communis L.: an updated review.

Myrtus communis L. (Family: Myrtaceae) is naturally found in the western part of Asia, Southern Europe, and North Africa. It has been reportedly applied in pharmaceutical industry, traditional medicine, cosmetics, spices, and food. Pubmed, Google scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus were utilized to seek out relevant content concerning the therapeutic potential of M. communis. Subsequently, we conducted a review to identity noteworthy updates pertaining to M. communis. Myrtle berries, leaves, seeds, and essential oils are natural sources of several nutrients and bioactive compounds with marked health effects. The chemical analysis showed that M. communis contained oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, coumarins, saponosides, tannins, quinines, and anthraquinones. A pharmacological investigation revealed that M. communis possessed anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimutagenic, immunomodulatory, dermatological, cardiovascular, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal protective effects, among numerous other biological effects. This current review focused on the biochemical, pharmacological, therapeutic effects, and various biological activities of different parts of M. communis. It signifies that M. communis is a therapeutic plant with numerous applications in medicine and could be used as a drug isolate based on its safety and effectiveness.

Bioactive compounds, pharmacological actions and pharmacokinetics of Cupressus sempervirens.

The roles of plants and its products in all forms of life cannot be overemphasized. The medicinal products from plant are phytochemicals, drugs, food supplements, beauty products, etc. In ethnomedicine, leaves, fruits, stem, bark, root and fluids from plants are used in the cure, management and prevention of several diseases. Cupressus sempervirens, sometimes called Italian or Mediterranean cypress, is found in subtropical Asia, North America and eastern Mediterranean region. Pharmacological investigations of Cupressus sempervirens showed biological properties such as aromatherapeutic, antiseptic, astringent, balsamic or anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiperspirant, diuretic and antispasmodic. Chemical analysis of Cupressus sempervirens gives phytochemicals like monoterpenes, diterpenes, flavonoid glycosides and bioflavonoids. The current review highlights interactions, conventional uses and biological actions of Cupressus sempervirens plant and plant products.

A review of the bioactive components and pharmacological properties of Lavandula species.

Lavandula species is a flowering plant that is common in Europe and across the Mediterranean. Lavender has many health benefits for humans. In addition to its use in herbal medicine, it is widely used in the fields of cosmetics, perfumes, foods, and aromatherapy. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for relevant material on the phytochemical ingredients, the pharmacologic effects of the ingredients, and the mechanism of action of the Lavandula species identified. These materials were reviewed in order to have access to important updates about the Lavandula species. Lavender as referred to in English contains essential oils, anthocyanins, phytosterols, sugars, minerals, coumaric acid, glycolic acid, valeric acid, ursolic acid, herniarins, coumarins, and tannins. It has been used to treat colic and chest ailments, worrisome headaches, and biliousness, and in cleaning wounds. It has antifungal, antibacterial, neurologic, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-diabetic, and analgesic effects among others. Lavandula species has prospects for various biological applications, especially with its dermatological application. Advances in drug development would enable characterization of various bioactive constituents; thus, its development and application can have a more positive impact on humanity. Here, we highlighted updated information on the history, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacology, and various biological activities of Lavandula species.

Morus alba: a comprehensive phytochemical and pharmacological review.

Morus alba is a fast-growing shrub or medium-sized tree with a straight, cylindrical trunk. Medicinally, whole plants, leaves, fruits, branches, and roots have been employed. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for relevant material on the phytochemical components and pharmacologic and mechanism of action of the Morus alba. This was reviewed to assess important updates about Morus alba. The fruits of Morus alba have traditionally been used as an analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, hypotensive, hypoglycemia, purgative, restorative, sedative tonic, and blood stimulant. Various plant parts were used as a cooling, sedating, diuretic, tonic, and astringent agent to treat nerve disorders. The plant contained tannins, steroids, phytosterols, sitosterol, glycosides, alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids, as well as saponins, triterpenes, phenolics, flavonoids, benzofuran derivatives, anthocyanins, anthraquinones, glycosides, vitamins, and minerals. Previous pharmacological research identified antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunological, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, hypolipidemic, anti-obesity, dermatological, neurological, muscular, and protecting effects. This study looked at Morus alba's traditional uses, chemical components, and pharmacological effects.

The phytochemical profiling, pharmacological activities, and safety of malva sylvestris: a review.

Malva sylvestris is a plant commonly found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The leaves and flowers of this plant have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as cough, cold, diarrhoea, and constipation. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for relevant material on the phytochemical profiling and pharmacologic activities of Malva sylvestris. The techniques used in phytochemical profiling and the pharmacologic activity of each compound were extracted from the included studies, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. The phytochemical analysis of Malva sylvestris revealed that the leaves and flowers are the most commonly used parts of the plant and contain various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, mucilages, terpenoids, phenol derivatives, coumarins, sterols, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. These phytochemicals are responsible for the many pharmacological activities of Malva sylvestris, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, laxative, antiproliferative and antioxidant properties. This review has presented an overview of the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and the cytotoxic effects of Malva sylvestris on different types of cancer cells. It has also summarised the work on developing copper oxide nanoparticles using Malva sylvestris leaf extract and its potential use in food and medicine. This review aims to highlight the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and safety of Malva sylvestris.

Commiphora myrrh: a phytochemical and pharmacological update.

Medicinal plants have a long track record of use in history, and one of them is Commiphora myrrh which is commonly found in the southern part of Arabia, the northeastern part of Africa, in Somalia, and Kenya. Relevant literatures were accessed via Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to give updated information on the phytochemical constituents and pharmacological action of Commiphora myrrh. It has been used traditionally for treating wounds, mouth ulcers, aches, fractures, stomach disorders, microbial infections, and inflammatory diseases. It is used as an antiseptic, astringent, anthelmintic, carminative, emmenagogue, and as an expectorant. Phytochemical studies have shown that it contains terpenoids (monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and volatile/essential oil), diterpenoids, triterpenoids, and steroids. Its essential oil has applications in cosmetics, aromatherapy, and perfumery. Research has shown that it exerts various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, analgesic, anti-parasitic, and recently, it was found to work against respiratory infections like COVID-19. With the advancement in drug development, hopefully, its rich phytochemical components can be explored for drug development as an insecticide due to its great anti-parasitic activity. Also, its interactions with drugs can be fully elucidated.This review highlights an updated information on the history, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacology, and various biological activities of Commiphora myrrh. Graphical summary of the phytochemical and pharmacological update of Commiphora myrrh.

A Systematic Review of Phytochemistry, Nutritional Composition, and Pharmacologic Application of Species of the Genus Viola in Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

Viola L. is the largest genus of the Violaceae family with more than 500 species across the globe. The present extensive literature survey revealed Viola species to be a group of important nutritional and medicinal plants used for the ethnomedicinal treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, asthma, lung diseases, and fatigue. Many plant species of this genus have also received scientific validation of their pharmacological activities including neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anticancer, antihypertensive, antidyslipidemic, analgesic, antipyretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and antioxidant. Viola is highly rich in different natural products some of which have been isolated and identified in the past few decades; these include flavonoids terpenoids and phenylpropanoids of different pharmacological activities. The pharmacokinetics and clinical studies on this genus are lacking, and the present review is aimed at summarizing the current understanding of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, nutritional composition, and pharmacological profile of medicinal plants from the Viola genus to reveal its therapeutic potentials, gaps, and subsequently open a new window for future pharmacological research.

Therapeutic potential of Lawsonia inermis Linn: a comprehensive overview.

Lawsonia inermis Linn, commonly known as henna, is a member of the Lythraceae family and has been found to contain a variety of compounds with both industrial and medicinal applications in its stem, bark, roots, flowers, and seeds. This report provides a comprehensive review of the bioactive components, pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological side effects of Lawsonia inermis. Relevant materials were gathered from Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science and reviewed for important properties and updates about the plant. Lawsonia inermis contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenoids, steroids, xanthones, polyphenols, fatty acids, alkaloids, quinones, tannins, leucocyandin, epicatechin, catechin, and quercetin. The plant is been traditionally used to treat numerous conditions, including ulcers, bronchitis, lumbago, hemicrania, leukoderma, scabies, boils, ophthalmic disorders, hair loss, and jaundice. It has also been found to possess a range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiparasitic, hepatoprotective, antifungal, antitumor, wound healing, and hypoglycemic effects. The potential of Lawsonia inermis for various biological applications is promising, and further studies are needed to fully explore its therapeutic benefits for various diseases of public health. Concern advances in drug development could enable the characterization of various bioactive constituents and facilitate their development and application for the benefit of humanity.

Favipiravir in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Is it Worth it?

Favipiravir is a potential antiviral drug undergoing clinical trials to manage various viral infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Favipiravir possesses antiviral properties against RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Unfortunately, these viruses do not have authorized antiviral drugs for the management of diseases resulting from their infection, hence the dire need to accentuate the discovery of antiviral drugs that are efficacious and have a broad spectrum. Favipiravir acts primarily by blocking inward and outward movements of the virus from cells. Favipiravir is a prodrug undergoing intracellular phosphorylation and ribosylation to form an active form, favipiravir-RTP, which binds viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Considering the novel mechanism of favipiravir action, especially in managing viral infections, it is vital to pay more attention to the promised favipiravir hold in the management of SARS-CoV-2, its efficacy, and dosage regimen, and interactions with other drugs. In conclusion, favipiravir possesses antiviral properties against RNA viruses, including COVID- 19. Favipiravir is effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection through inhibition of RdRp. Pre-clinical and large-scalp prospective studies are recommended for efficacy and long-term safety of favipiravir in COVID-19.