Meta-analysis of nano-phytosomes: unleashing the potential of plant-derived compounds for advancing cancer therapy.

Nano-phytosomes are considered as an efficient drug delivery system for phytochemicals. Phytosomes enhance stability and significantly improves phytochemicals bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Thorough meta-analysis of 93 articles, phytochemical versus phytosomes size, charge, polydispersity index (PDI) and IC50 values were investigated. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance revealed significant phytochemicals type effects, even when accounting for cancer cell type and phospholipid type as covariates. Least Significant Difference (LSD) post hoc tests described unique attributes among various phytosomes. Flavonoid-based phytosomes exhibited larger particle sizes than others. In contrast, terpenoid-based phytosomes displayed significantly lower charges. Flavonoids demonstrated higher poly dispersity index (PDI) values than alkaloids and polyphenols. Alkaloids exhibited more extensive PDI values, while polyphenols had lower PDI values than terpenoids. Furthermore, flavonoid-containing nanoparticles exhibited higher IC50 values than terpenoids. In conclusion, nano-phytosomes offer promising prospects for revolutionising drug delivery methodologies and advancing the development of innovative therapeutic solutions in the domain of cancer therapy.

Preparation, characterization and wound-healing effect of PEGylated nanoliposomes loaded with oleuropein.

Chronic wounds have become a major concern for healthcare systems, as they have been related to diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers and pressure ulcers. Oleuropein is an active compound that is extracted from olive leaves and it has the ability to reduce injury to tissues owing to its antioxidant effect, hence improving wound healing. The poor pharmacokinetics of oleuropein have limited its use clinically. This work is aimed toward studying the impact of PEGylated and non-PEGylated nanoliposomes loaded with oleuropein, as a carrier model, on wound-healing activity. The thin film hydration method was used to compose PEGylated and non-PEGylated liposomes, both loaded with oleuropein. The results indicated that each free, PEGylated and non-PEGylated composition was within the limit of optimum nanoliposome characterization. The results showed that non-PEGylated compositions produced higher efficiency in encapsulation (47.09 ± 10.06%) than the PEGylated ones (20.97 ± 10.52%). The PEG-nanoliposomes loaded with oleuropein (PEG-oleu) had mean size, charge and polydispersity index of 129.35 nm, -9.55 mV and 0.1010, respectively. The scratch assay results proved that PEGylated liposomal compositions have a more rapid wound-healing activity than non-PEGylated ones at different time intervals at 0, 2, 24 and 28 h.

Formulating co-loaded nanoliposomes with gallic acid and quercetin for enhanced cancer therapy.

Cancer is considered one of the top global causes of death. Natural products have been used in oncology medicine either in crude form or by utilizing isolated secondary metabolites. Biologically active phytomolecules such as gallic acid and quercetin have confirmed antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and neoplastic properties. There is an agreement that microorganisms could mediate oncogenesis or alter the immune system. This research project aims to develop a novel formulation of co-loaded gallic acid and quercetin into nanoliposomes and investigate the efficacy of the free and combined agents against multiple cancerous cell lines and bacterial strains. Thin-film hydration technique was adopted to synthesize the nanocarriers. Particle characteristics were measured using a Zetasizer. The morphology of nanoliposomes was examined by scanning electron microscopy, Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were evaluated using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Cytotoxicity was determined against Breast Cancer Cells MCF-7, Human Carcinoma Cells HT-29, and A549 Lung Cancer Cells. The antibacterial activities were evaluated against Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Therapeutic formulas were categorized into groups: free gallic acid, free quercetin, free-mix, and their nano-counterparts. Findings revealed that drug loading capacity was 0.204 for the mix formula compared to 0.092 and 0.68 for free gallic acid and quercetin, respectively. Regarding the Zeta potential, the mix formula showed more amphiphilic charge than the free quercetin and free gallic acid formulas (P-values 0.003 and 0.002 receptively). On the contrary, no significant difference in polydispersity indices was reported. Lung cancerous cells were the most affected by the treatments. The best estimated IC50 values were observed in breast and lung cancer lines for the nano-gallic acid and co-loaded particles. The nano-quercetin formula exhibited the least cytotoxicity with an IC50 value of ≥200 µg/mL in both breast (MCF-7) and colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines (HT-29) with no activity against the lung. A remarkable improvement in the efficacy of quercetin was measured after mixing it with gallic acid against the breast and lungs. The tested therapeutic agents exhibited antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria. Nano-liposomes can either enhance or reduce the cytotoxicity activity of active compounds depending on the physical and chemical properties of drug-loaded and type of cancer cells.

Synergistic Effects of AgNPs and Biochar: A Potential Combination for Combating Lung Cancer and Pathogenic Bacteria.

The synthesis of reliable biological nanomaterials is a crucial area of study in nanotechnology. In this study, Emericella dentata was employed for the biosynthesis of AgNPs, which were then combined with synthesized biochar, a porous structure created through biomass pyrolysis. The synergistic effects of AgNPs and biochar were evaluated through the assessment of pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-apoptotic gene expression, and antibacterial activity. Solid biosynthesized AgNPs were evaluated by XRD and SEM, with SEM images revealing that most of the AgNPs ranged from 10 to 80 nm, with over 70% being less than 40 nm. FTIR analysis indicated the presence of stabilizing and reducing functional groups in the AgNPs. The nanoemulsion's zeta potential, hydrodynamic diameter, and particle distribution index were found to be -19.6 mV, 37.62 nm, and 0.231, respectively. Biochar, on the other hand, did not have any antibacterial effects on the tested bacterial species. However, when combined with AgNPs, its antibacterial efficacy against all bacterial species was significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the combined material significantly reduced the expression of anti-apoptotic genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to individual treatments. This study suggests that low-dose AgNPs coupled with biochar could be a more effective method to combat lung cancer epithelial cells and pathogenic bacteria compared to either substance alone.

Ethnopharmacological Study of Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Skin Burns in the Arab World.

Traditional healers are often practiced in rural areas owing to cultural beliefs and are known to provide various forms of healthcare and home remedies. Patients in the Mediterranean region rely on traditional medicine to cure a variety of health concerns, like skin burns. This study was conducted to identify the various practices used by traditional healers for treating skin burns. The survey was conducted in 18 Arab countries, including Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Bahrain, Palestine, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, Yemen, Tunisia, Oman, Morocco, and Sudan. Between September 2020 and July 2021, an online questionnaire was administered to 7530 participants from 12 Asian and 5 African countries. The survey was designed to gather information from common medicinal plant users and herbalists on their practices as specialists in using various herbal and medicinal plant products for diagnosis and treatment. Among the participants, 2260 had a scientific background in plant application, and the study included one phytotherapeutic professional. The crude-extraction technique was favored, by Arabic folk, for plant preparation over the maceration and decoction method. Olive oil was the most commonly used product among participants as an anti-inflammation and for scar reduction. Aloe vera, olive oil, sesame, Ceretonia siliqua, lavender, potato, cucumber, shea butter, and wheat flour are used as crude drugs to reduce pain because of their analgesic and cooling effects. The present study is the first database of medicinal plants with burn-healing properties conducted in Arab countries. These plants can be employed in the search for new bioactive substances through pharmacochemical investigations, as well as in the development of new formulations containing a combination of these plants.

Fungal-Mediated Silver Nanoparticle and Biochar Synergy against Colorectal Cancer Cells and Pathogenic Bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are attractive substrates for new medicinal treatments. Biochar is pyrolyzed biomass. Its porous architecture allows it to hold and gather minuscule particles, through which nanoparticles can accumulate in its porous structure. This study examined AgNPs' antibacterial and anticancer properties alone and combined with biochar. METHODS: The fungus Emericella dentata was responsible for biosynthesis of AgNPs. The characterization of AgNPs using STEM images and a Zetasizer was carried out. Accordingly, the antibacterial and antiproliferation activity of AgNPs and biochar was studied using MIC and MTT assays, respectively. To evaluate the antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of AgNPs with biochar, VEGF and cytokines including TNF alpha, IL-6 and IL-beta were tested using an ELISA assay. RESULTS: The size of the AgNPs ranged from 10 to 80 nm, with more than 70% of them being smaller than 40 nm. The combination of AgNPs and biochar enhanced the antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria. Furthermore, this combination showed antiproliferative properties against HT29 cancer cells with high selectivity to fibroblasts at low concentrations. AgNPs with biochar significantly reduced VEGF and proinflammatory cytokine expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: Biochar and AgNPs may be novel treatments for bacteria and colorectal cancer cells, according to the current findings.

Rosmarinus officinalis and Mentha piperita Oils Supplementation Enhances Memory in a Rat Model of Scopolamine-Induced Alzheimer's Disease-like Condition.

Alzheimer's disease is regarded as a common neurodegenerative disease that may lead to dementia and the loss of memory. We report here the nootropic and anti-amnesic effects of both peppermint and rosemary oils using a rat model of scopolamine-induced amnesia-like AD. Rats were administered orally with two doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) of each single oil and combined oils. The positive group used donepezil (1 mg/kg). In the therapeutic phase, rats were administered scopolamine (1 mg/kg) through the oral administration of oils. During the nootropic phase, both oils showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in radial arm maze latency times, working memory, and reference memory errors compared with the normal group, along with significant (p < 0.05) enhancements of long-term memory during the passive avoidance test. Therapeutic phase results revealed significant enhancements of memory processing compared with the positive groups. In the hippocampus, oils exhibited an elevation of BDNF levels in a dose-dependent manner. Immunohistochemistry findings showed increased hippocampal neurogenesis suppressed by scopolamine in the sub-granular zone, and the anti-amnesic activity of single oil was enhanced when the two oils combined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) of the two oils revealed sufficient compounds (1,8-Cineole, α-Pinene, menthol and menthone) with potential efficacy in the memory process and cognitive defects. Our work suggests that both oils could enhance the performance of working and spatial memory, and when combined, more anti-amnesic activity was produced. A potential enhancement of hippocampal growth and neural plasticity was apparent with possible therapeutic activity to boost memory in AD patients.

The revolution of cosmeceuticals delivery by using nanotechnology: A narrative review of advantages and side effects.

BACKGROUND: The qualified and paradigm jump in the formulation and production of cosmeceuticals refer in some way to the great revolution in nanotechnology. Nowadays, the industry of nano-formulated cosmeceuticals plays a significant and essential role in the evolution and growth of the pharmaceutical industries. This review manuscript focuses on the use of nanocarriers in delivering the cosmetic agents into the target area such as skin, hair, and nails. METHODS: Many steps were performed in the preparation of this review including identification of different classes of nanocarriers for delivery of nanocosmeceuticals, literature survey of relevantstudies regarding the applications of nanotechnology in cosmeceuticals and their toxicological effects. RESULTS: When nanoparticles introduced in the cosmetic industry, the quality and the elegance of the final products were raised significantly. Sadly, this revolution is accompanied by many health hazards as these tiny molecules can penetrate intact skin barriers and cause undesired effects. Cosmeceuticals with nanotechnology include sunscreens, hair cleansing products, nail products, and agents fighting fine lines. CONCLUSIONS: The expansion and growth of the cosmetic industry and the introduction of nanotechnology in cosmeceuticals industry necessitates the urgent need for scientific research investigating their efficacy, safety profile and use.

Nano, micro particulate and cosmetic delivery systems of polylactic acid: A mini review.

BACKGROUND: Poly lactic acid and its copolymers are considered to be the preferred substrates for drug delivery devices. Poly lactic acid is a biocompatible, biodegradable and nontoxic polymer. It was approved by Food and Drug Administration and thought to be among the most attractive polymeric candidates intended for controlling drug delivery. It was utilized for the development of devices for the delivery of small molecules, proteins, genes, vaccines, anticancer drugs, and macromolecules. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: This manuscript lists the different techniques for synthesizing poly lactic acid-based nano and microparticles such as emulsion-based methods, precipitation-based methods, direct compositing methods, in situ forming micro-particles, and microfluidic technique. CONCLUSIONS: In addition, it describes the application and use of poly lactic acid in biomedical and cosmetic delivery systems.

Effects of Ginseng Ingestion on Salivary Testosterone and DHEA Levels in Healthy Females: An Exploratory Study.

Ginseng is a traditional herbal adaptogen that has been historically used in China and the Far East. Ginsenosides are the active component of ginseng known to exert several actions by targeting "multi-receptor systems", both extracellular and intracellular. In humans, ginseng effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether ginseng can influence salivary androgen levels (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)) in females. The study followed a parallel partially controlled design. Healthy women (n = 24) were recruited and divided into two groups (A = 20-32 and B = 38-50 years). Volunteers were asked to maintain a food diary pre and post ginseng consumption and collected four salivary samples (7 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.) before and after ingesting 75 mg red Korean ginseng extract per day for seven days. Testosterone and DHEA were then assayed by ELISA methods. Group A's mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion increased from 76.3 ± 16.6 to 98.4 ± 21.1 pg/mL post ginseng (p < 0.01) with significant difference at all time points, and mean daily salivary DHEA increased from 1.53 ± 0.63 to 1.98 ± 0.89 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.02). Group B's mean daily salivary testosterone pre ginseng ingestion was 61.2 ± 16.9 and post ginseng 68.1 ± 11.5 pg/mL (p = 0.132), and daily salivary DHEA increased from 0.91 ± 0.32 to 1.62 ± 0.49 ng/mL post ginseng (p = 0.014) with significant difference at all time points. In conclusion, it appears that ginseng intake significantly increased salivary testosterone levels in the younger women group, but only slightly in the older group. However, DHEA levels in the older women showed a marked and significant increase. These results suggest a potential role for ginseng in modulating salivary androgen levels and that such effect may be more evident in older women where the levels of androgens (DHEA) start to decline. However, it has to be stressed that our results are preliminary and further properly controlled trials are justified.