Phytofabricated bimetallic synthesis of silver-copper nanoparticles using Aerva lanata extract to evaluate their potential cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities.

In this study, we demonstrate the green synthesis of bimetallic silver-copper nanoparticles (Ag-Cu NPs) using Aerva lanata plant extract. These NPs possess diverse biological properties, including in vitro antioxidant, antibiofilm, and cytotoxic activities. The synthesis involves the reduction of silver nitrate and copper oxide salts mediated by the plant extract, resulting in the formation of crystalline Ag-Cu NPs with a face-centered cubic structure. Characterization techniques confirm the presence of functional groups from the plant extract, acting as stabilizing and reducing agents. The synthesized NPs exhibit uniform-sized spherical morphology ranging from 7 to 12 nm. They demonstrate significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, inhibiting extracellular polysaccharide secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The Ag-Cu NPs also exhibit potent cytotoxic activity against cancerous HeLa cell lines, with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 17.63 µg mL-1. Additionally, they demonstrate strong antioxidant potential, including reducing capability and H2O2 radical scavenging activity, particularly at high concentrations (240 µg mL-1). Overall, these results emphasize the potential of A. lanata plant metabolite-driven NPs as effective agents against infectious diseases and cancer.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases in South Asians: Scrutinizing Traditional Risk Factors and Newly Recognized Risk Factors Sarcopenia and Osteopenia/Osteoporosis.

One of the primary reasons for complications and death worldwide are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with a death toll of approximately 18 million per year. CVDs include cardiomyopathy, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart attack, hearth failure, etc. Over 80% of the CVD mortality is recorded from lower and middle-income countries. Records from the past decade have highlighted the increase of CVDs among the South Asian populations, and the prime purpose of the review is to jot down the reasons for the steep spike in CVDs. Studies analyzing the causative factors for the increase of CVDs in South Asians are still to be verified. Apart from known predisposing and lifestyle factors, other emerging risk factors associated with CVDs, namely the musculoskeletal diseases sarcopenia and osteopenia, should be tracked to tackle research gaps in upcoming analyses. This requires loads of scientific efforts. With proper monitoring, the raising alarm that the CVD burden generates can be reduced. This review discusses the already established signs and recognizes important clues to the emerging etiology of CVDs in the Asian population and prevention measures to keep it at bay.

Bio surfactants from lactic acid bacteria: an in-depth analysis of therapeutic properties and food formulation.

Healthy humans and animals commonly harbor lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on their mucosal surfaces, which are often associated with food fermentation. These microorganisms can produce amphiphilic compounds, known as microbial surface-active agents, that exhibit remarkable emulsifying activity. However, the exact functions of these microbial surfactants within the producer cells remain unclear. Consequently, there is a growing urgency to develop biosurfactant production from nonpathogenic microbes, particularly those derived from LAB. This approach aims to harness the benefits of biosurfactants while ensuring their safety and applicability. This review encompasses a comprehensive analysis of native and genetically modified LAB biosurfactants, shedding light on microbial interactions, cell signaling, pathogenicity, and biofilm development. It aims to provide valuable insights into the applications of these active substances in therapeutic use and food formulation as well as their potential biological and other benefits. By synthesizing the latest knowledge and advancements, this review contributes to the understanding and utilization of LAB biosurfactants in the food and nutritional areas.

Fortification of polysaccharide-based packaging films and coatings with essential oils: A review of their preparation and use in meat preservation.

As the demand for botanical food additives and eco-friendly food packaging materials grows, the use of essential oils, edible biodegradable films and coatings are becoming more popular in packaging. In this review, we discussed the recent research trends in the use of natural essential oils, as well as polysaccharide-based coatings and films: from the composition of the substrates to preparing formulations for the production of film-forming technologies. Our review emphasized the functional properties of polysaccharide-based edible films that contain plant essential oils. The interactions between essential oils and other ingredients in edible films and coatings including polysaccharides, lipids, and proteins were discussed along with effects on film physical properties, essential oil release, their active role in meat preservation. We presented the opportunities and challenges related to edible films and coatings including essential oils to increase their industrial value and inform the development of edible biodegradable packaging, bio-based functional materials, and innovative food preservation technologies.

One-Pot Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ageratum conyzoides and Their Biological Efficacy.

The main objective of the present research work is to assess the biological properties of the aqueous plant extract (ACAE) synthesised silver nanoparticles from the herbal plant Ageratum conyzoides, and their biological applications. The silver nanoparticle syntheses from Ageratum conyzoides (Ac-AgNPs) were optimised with different parameters, such as pH (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) and varied silver nitrate concentration (1 mM and 5 mM). Based on the UV-vis spectroscopy analysis of the synthesised silver nanoparticles, the concentration of 5 mM with the pH at 8 was recorded as the peak reduction at 400 nm; and these conditions were optimized were used for further studies. The results of the FE-SEM analysis recorded the size ranges (~30-90 nm), and irregular spherical and triangular shapes of the AC-AgNPs were captured. The characterization reports of the HR-TEM investigation of AC-AgNPs were also in line with the FE-SEM studies. The antibacterial efficacies of AC-AgNPs have revealed the maximum zone of inhibition against S. typhi to be within 20 mm. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity of AC-AgNPs is shown to have an effective antiplasmodial property (IC50:17.65 µg/mL), whereas AgNO3 has shown a minimum level of IC50: value 68.03 µg/mL, and the Ac-AE showed >100 µg/mL at 24 h of parasitaemia suppression. The α-amylase inhibitory properties of AC-AgNPs have revealed a maximum inhibition similar to the control Acarbose (IC50: 10.87 µg/mL). The antioxidant activity of the AC-AgNPs have revealed a better property (87.86% ± 0.56, 85.95% ± 1.02 and 90.11 ± 0.29%) when compared with the Ac-AE and standard in all the three different tests, such as DPPH, FRAP and H2O2 scavenging assay, respectively. The current research work might be a baseline for the future drug expansion process in the area of nano-drug design, and its applications also has a lot of economic viability and is a safer method in synthesising or producing silver nanoparticles.

Genotoxic repercussion of high-intensity radiation (x-rays) on hospital radiographers.

Recent technological advances in the medical field have increased the plausibility of exposing humans to high-intensity wavelength radiations like x-rays and gamma rays while diagnosing or treating specific medical maladies. These radiations induce nucleotide changes and chromosomal alterations in the exposed population, intentionally or accidentally. A radiological investigation is regularly used in identifying the disease, especially by the technicians working in intensive care units. The current study observes the genetic damages like chromosomal abnormalities (CA) in clinicians who are occupationally exposed to high-intensity radiations (x-rays) at their workplaces using universal cytogenetic tools like micronucleus assay (MN), sister chromatid exchange and comet assay. The study was conducted between 100 exposed practitioners from the abdominal scanning, chest scanning, cranial and orthopedic or bone scanning department and age-matched healthy controls. We observed a slightly higher rate of MN and CA (p < .05) in orthopedic and chest department practitioners than in other departments concerning increasing age and duration of exposure at work. Our results emphasize taking extra precautionary measures in clinical and hospital radiation laboratories to protect the practitioners.

Process and applications of alginate oligosaccharides with emphasis on health beneficial perspectives.

Alginates are linear polymers comprising 40% of the dry weight of algae possess various applications in food and biomedical industries. Alginate oligosaccharides (AOS), a degradation product of alginate, is now gaining much attention for their beneficial role in food, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. Hence this review was aimed to compile the information on alginate and AOS (prepared from seaweeds) during 1994-2020. As per our knowledge, this is the first review on the potential use of alginate oligosaccharides in different fields. The alginate derivatives are grouped according to their applications. They are involved in the isolation process and show antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertension, anticancer, and immunostimulatory properties. AOS also have significant applications in prebiotics, nutritional supplements, plant growth development and others products.

Bioactive compounds, health benefits, and industrial applications of Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum).

Tartary buckwheat belongs to the family Polygonaceae, which is a traditionally edible and medicinal plant. Due to its various bioactive compounds, the consumption of Tartary buckwheat is correlated to a wide range of health benefits, and increasing attention has been paid to its potential as a functional food. This review summarizes the main bioactive compounds and important bioactivities and health benefits of Tartary buckwheat, emphasizing its protective effects on metabolic diseases and relevant molecular mechanisms. Tartary buckwheat contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, phenylpropanoid glycosides, bioactive polysaccharides, and bioactive proteins and peptides, as well as D-chiro-inositol and its derivatives. Consumption of Tartary buckwheat and Tartary buckwheat-enriched products is linked to multiple health benefits, e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antihypertensive, and hepatoprotective activities. Especially, clinical studies indicate that Tartary buckwheat exhibits remarkable antidiabetic activities. Various tartary buckwheat -based foods presenting major health benefits as fat and blood glucose-lowering agents have been commercialized. Additionally, to address the safety concerns, i.e., allergic reactions, heavy metal and mycotoxin contaminations, the quality control standards for Tartary buckwheat and its products should be drafted and completed in the future.

Emerging role of nutritional short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) against cancer via modulation of hematopoiesis.

The understanding of gut microbiota has emerged as a significant frontier in development of strategies to maintain normal human body's homeostasis and preventing the disease development over the last decade. The composition of the gut microbiota influences the clinical benefit of immune checkpoints in patients with advanced cancer, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. Cancer is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. So far, there is no universal treatment for cancer and despite significant advances, a lot of improvement on cancer therapy is required. Owing to its role in preserving the host's health and maintaining cellular integrity, the human gut microbiome has recently drawn a lot of interest as a target for cancer treatment. Dietary fiber is fermented by the gut microbiota to generate short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate, which are physiologically active metabolites. SCFAs can modulate the pathophysiology of the tumor environment through various critical signaling pathways. In addition, SCFAs can bind to carcinogens and other toxic chemicals, thus facilitating their biotransformation and elimination through different excretory mechanisms. This review discusses the mechanisms of action of short-chain fatty acids in modulating hematopoiesis of various immune system cells and the resultant beneficial anti-cancer effects. It also provides future perspectives on cancer therapy.

Lycium barbarum (Goji) as functional food: a review of its nutrition, phytochemical structure, biological features, and food industry prospects.

Lycium genus (Goji berry) is recognized as a good source of homology of medicine and food, with various nutrients and phytochemicals. Lately, numerous studies have focused on the chemical constituents and biological functions of the L. barbarum L., covering phytochemical and pharmacological aspects. We aim to provide exclusive data on the nutrients of L. barbarum L. fruits and phytochemicals, including their structural characterization, the evolution of extraction, and purification processes of different phytochemicals of L. barbarum L. fruit while placing greater emphasis on their wide-ranging health effects. This review also profitably offers innovative approaches for the food industry and industrial applications of L. barbarum L. and addresses some current situations and problems in the development of L. barbarum L. in deep processing products, which can provide clues for the sustainable development of L. barbarum L. industry.

The nutraceutical properties and health benefits of pseudocereals: a comprehensive treatise.

This review article depicts the possible replacement of staple cereal sources with some pseudocereals like Chia, Quinoa, Buckwheat, and Amaranth, which not only provide recommended daily allowance of all nutrients but also help to reduce the chances of many non-communicable infections owing to the presence of several bioactive compounds. These pseudocereals are neglected plant seeds and should be added in our routine diet. Besides, they can serve as nutraceuticals in combating various diseases by improving the health status of the consumers. The bioactive compounds like rutin, quercetin, peptide chains, angiotensin I, and many other antioxidants present in these plant seeds help to reduce the oxidative stress in the body which leads toward better health of the consumers. All these pseudocereals have high quantity of soluble fiber which helps to regulate bowel movement, control hypercholesterolemia (presence of high plasma cholesterol levels), hypertension (high blood pressure), and cardiovascular diseases. The ultimate result of consumption of pseudocereals either as a whole or in combination with true cereals as staple food may help to retain the integrity of the human body which increases the life expectancy by slowing down the aging process.

The potential role of extracellular vesicles in bioactive compound-based therapy: A review of recent developments.

Recent studies have explored the field of extracellular vesicles (EVs), driving an increasing interest in their application to human health. EVs have unique physicochemical traits to participate in intercellular communication, thus fostering the idea of using EVs to yield synergistic, preventive, and therapeutic effects. Many reports have shown that EVs contain natural bioactive compounds, such as lipids, proteins, RNA, and other active components that regulate biological processes, thereby contributing to human health. Therefore, in this review, we comprehensively elucidate various facets of the relationship between EVs and bioactive compounds that modulate EVs contents, including RNAs and proteins, discussing different forms of biological regulation. The use of EVs for cargo-loading bioactive compounds to exert biological functions and methods to load bioactive compounds into EVs are also discussed. This review highlighted the effect of EV-delivered bioactive compounds on several therapeutic mechanisms and applications, providing new insight into nutrition and pharmacology.

Effects of green tea polyphenol extract and epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate on diabetes mellitus and diabetic complications: Recent advances.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major non-communicable diseases accounting for millions of death annually and increasing economic burden. Hyperglycemic condition in diabetes creates oxidative stress that plays a pivotal role in developing diabetes complications affecting multiple organs such as the heart, liver, kidney, retina, and brain. Green tea from the plant Camellia sinensis is a common beverage popular in many countries for its health benefits. Green tea extract (GTE) is rich in many biologically active compounds, e.g., epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), which acts as a potent antioxidant. Recently, several lines of evidence have shown the promising results of GTE and EGCG for diabetes management. Here, we have critically reviewed the effects of GTE and EGCC on diabetes in animal models and clinical studies. The concerns and challenges regarding the clinical use of GTE and EGCG against diabetes are also briefly discussed. Numerous beneficial effects of green tea and its catechins, particularly EGCG, make this natural product an attractive pharmacological agent that can be further developed to treat diabetes and its complications.

Influence of SERPINA1 Gene Polymorphisms on Anemia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Background: Anemia is one of the predominant hematological conditions, whereas chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a predominant respiratory disease. These two diseases were found to be interlinked, but the physiological pathways are still unclear. Aim: The current study has been aimed at analysing the genetic interrelationship between anemia and COPD in accordance with different altitudes. Methodology. The genetic analysis was performed in the SERPINA1 gene of anemia, COPD, and healthy individuals for the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism at rs28949274 and rs17580 locations. Result and Discussion. The single nucleotide polymorphism at the locations rs28949274 and rs17580 was present in both anemic and COPD patients. The COPD patients were more prone to mutations (63% had rs28949274, and 11% had rs17580 polymorphisms) than the anemic patients (40% had rs28949274, and 1% had rs17580 polymorphisms). On the basis of altitude, high-altitude individuals were found to be more susceptible to both the polymorphisms. Conclusion: Based on the current findings, we suggest that the SERPINA1 gene has a positive correlation with anemia as well as COPD, and the increase in altitude also influences the diseased conditions in a positive manner.

Derivation, Functionalization of (S)-Goniothalamin from Goniothalamus wightii and Their Derivative Targets SARS-CoV-2 MPro, SPro, and RdRp: A Pharmacological Perspective.

The tracing of an alternative drug, Phytochemicals is a promising approach to the viral threats that have emerged over the past two years. Across the world, herbal medicine is a better solution against anti-viral diseases during pandemic periods. Goniothalamus wightii is an herbal plant, which has diverse bioactive compounds with anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-viral properties. The aim of the study was to isolate the compound by chromatography studies and functionalization by FT-IR, LC-MS, and NMR (C-NMR, H-NMR). As a result, the current work focuses on whether (S)-Goniathalamin and its analogue could act as natural anti-viral molecules for multiple target proteins viz., MPro, RdRp, and SPro, which are required for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, 954 compounds were examined and the molecular-docking studies were performed on the maestro platform of Schrodinger software. Molecular-dynamics simulation studies were performed on two complex major compounds to confirm their affinity across 150 simulations. This research suggests that plant-based drugs have high levels of antiviral properties against coronavirus. However, more research is needed to verify its antiviral properties.

Dark chocolate: An overview of its biological activity, processing, and fortification approaches.

Dark chocolate gets popularity for several decades due to its enormous health benefits. It contains several health-promoting factors (bioactive components - polyphenols, flavonoids, procyanidins, theobromines, etc, and vitamins and minerals) that positively modulate the immune system of human beings. It confers safeguards against cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancers, and other brain-related disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, etc. Dark chocolate is considered a functional food due to its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. It also has a well-established role in weight management and the alteration of a lipid profile to a healthy direction. But during the processing of dark chocolate, several nutrients are lost (polyphenol, flavonoids, flavan 3 ol, ascorbic acid, and thiamine). So, fortification would be an effective method of enhancing the overall nutrient content and also making the dark chocolate self-sufficient. Thus, the focus of this review study is to gather all the experimental studies done on dark chocolate fortification. Several ingredients were used for the fortification, such as fruits (mulberry, chokeberries, and elderberries), spices (cinnamon), phytosterols, peanut oil, probiotics (mainly Lactobacillus, bacillus spices), prebiotics (inulin, xanthan gum, and maltodextrin), flavonoids, flavan-3-ols, etc. Those fortifications were done to raise the total antioxidant content as well as essential fatty acid content simultaneously reducing total calorie content. Sometimes, the fortification was done to improve physical properties like viscosity, rheological propertiesand also improve overall consumer acceptance by modifying its bitter taste.

Chemical features and biological functions of water-insoluble dietary fiber in plant-based foods.

Insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) is a nutritional component constituting the building block of plant cell walls. Our understanding of the role of IDF in plant-based foods has advanced dramatically in recent years. In this Review, we summarize research progress on the subtypes, structure, analysis, and extraction methods of IDF. The impact of different food processing methods on the properties of IDF is discussed. The role of gut microbiota in the health benefits of IDF is introduced. This review provides a better understanding of the chemical features and biological functions of IDF, which may promote the future application of IDF in functional food products. Further investigation of the mechanisms underlying the health benefits of IDF enables the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

Underutilized green leafy vegetables: frontier in fortified food development and nutrition.

From the ancient period, Green leafy vegetables (GLV) are part of the daily diet and were believed to have several health beneficial properties. Later it has been proved that GLV has outstanding nutritional value and can be used for medicinal benefits. GLV is particularly rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc. These are also rich in vitamins like beta carotene, vitamin E, K, B and vitamin C. In addition, some anti-nutritional elements in GLV can be reduced if it is grown properly and processed properly before consumption. Tropical countries have a wide variety of these green plants such as Red Spinach, Amaranth, Malabar Spinach, Taro Leaf, Fenugreek leaf, Bengal Gram Leaves, Radish Leaves, Mustard Leaves, and many more. This review focuses on listing this wide range of GLVs (in total 54 underutilized GLVs) and their compositions in a comparative manner. GLV also possesses medicinal activities due to its rich bioactive and nutritional potential. Different processing techniques may alter the nutritional and bioactive potential of the GLVs significantly. The GLVs have been considered a food fortification agent, though not explored widely. All of these findings suggest that increasing GLV consumption could provide nutritional requirements necessary for proper growth as well as adequate protection against diseases caused by malnutrition.

The Efficacy of S-Adenosyl Methionine and Probiotic Supplementation on Depression: A Synergistic Approach.

Depression is a common and serious health issue affecting around 280 million people around the world. Suicidal ideation more frequently occurs in people with moderate to severe depression. Psychotherapy and pharmacological drugs are the mainstay of available treatment options for depressive disorders. However, pharmacological options do not offer complete cure, especially in moderate to severe depression, and are often seen with a range of adverse events. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) supplementation has been widely studied, and an impressive collection of literature published over the last few decades suggests its antidepressant efficacy. Probiotics have gained significant attention due to their wide array of clinical uses, and multiple studies have explored the link between probiotic species and mood disorders. Gut dysbiosis is one of the risk factors in depression by inducing systemic inflammation accompanied by an imbalance in neurotransmitter production. Thus, concomitant administration of probiotics may be an effective treatment strategy in patients with depressed mood, particularly in resistant cases, as these can aid in dysbiosis, possibly resulting in the attenuation of systemic inflammatory processes and the improvement of the therapeutic efficacy of SAMe. The current review highlights the therapeutic roles of SAMe and probiotics in depression, their mechanistic targets, and their possible synergistic effects and may help in the development of food supplements consisting of a combination of SAMe and probiotics with new dosage forms that may improve their bioavailability.