Recent Advances of carbon Pathways for Sustainable Environment development.

Carbon dots (CDs) are an emerging type of carbon nanomaterial with strong biocompatibility, distinct chemical and physical properties, and low toxicity. CDs may emit fluorescence in the ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR) range, which renders them beneficial for biomedical applications. CDs are usually made from carbon precursors and can be synthesized using top-down and bottom-up methods and it can be easily functionalized using different methods. For specific cases of biomedical applications carbon dot functionalization augments the materials' characteristics. Novel functionalization techniques are still being investigated. This review will look at the benefits of functionalization to attain a high yield and various biological applications. Biomedical applications such as photodynamic and photothermal therapy, biosensing, bioimaging, and antiviral and antibacterial properties will be covered in this review. The future applications of green synthesized carbon dots will be determined in part by this review.

Multifunctional natural derived carbon quantum dots from Withania somnifera (L.) - Antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviron.

Natural carbon dots (NCQDs) are expediently significant in the photo-, nano- and biomedical spheres owing to their facile synthesis, optical and physicochemical attributes. In the present study, three NCQDs are prepared and optimized from Withania somnifera (ASH) by one-step hydrothermal (bottom-up) method: HASHP (without dopant), nitrogen doped HASHNH3 (surface passivation using ammonia) and HASHEDA (surface passivation with ethylenediamine). The HR-TEM images reveal that HASHP, HASNH3, HASHEDA are spherically shaped with 2.5 ± 0.5 nm, 4 ± 1 nm and 5 ± 2 nm particle size, respectively, whereas FTIR confirms the aqueous solubility and nitrogen doping. The XRD patterns ensure that the NCQDs are amorphous and graphitic in nature. Comparatively, HASHNH3 (32.5%) and HASHEDA (27.6%) portray better fluorescence quantum yield than HASHP (5.6%). The increase in quantum yield for the doped NCQDs can be attributed to the surface passivation using ammonia and ethylenediamine. Surface passivation plays a crucial role in enhancing the fluorescence properties of quantum dots. The introduction of nitrogen through ammonia and ethylenediamine provides additional electronic states, possibly reducing non-radiative recombination sites and hence boosting the QY. In addition, an antiviral study unveils the striking potential of surface passivated NCQDs to curb Covid-19 crises with around 85% inhibition of SARS-CoV pseudoviron cells, which is better in comparison to the non-doped NCQDs. Hence, to understand the paramount efficacy of these NCQDs, a hypothesis on their possible mechanism of action against Covid-19 is discussed.

Distinct selectivity inside self-assembled coordination cages.

Supramolecular containers have long been applied to regulate organic reactions with distinct selectivity, owing to their diverse functions such as the ability to pose a guest molecule(s) with a certain orientation and conformation. In this review, we try to illustrate how self-assembled coordination cages could achieve this goal. Two representative cage hosts, namely, self-assembled Pd(II)-ligand octahedral coordination cages ([Pd6L4]12+) and self-assembled Ga(III)-ligand tetrahedral coordination cages ([Ga4L6]12-) are selected as the pilot hosts that this mini review covers. Representative works in this area are presented here in brief.

The Efficacy of the Novel Bioavailable Curcumin (Cureit) in the Management of Sarcopenia in Healthy Elderly Subjects: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Study.

Sarcopenia represents the progressive loss of skeletal muscles, which occurs as a result of aging. Plant-derived phytochemicals have the potential ability to manage sarcopenial conditions. The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study involving thirty subjects evaluated the efficacy of Cureit™ supplementation in the management of sarcopenial conditions by measuring the variables, such as hand grip strength, weight lift strength, time/distance before feeling tired after cycling, walking and climbing stairs, and Karnofsky performance scale index along with effects on general fitness, such as protein, urea, oxidative stress, and hematology parameters. The results showed that Cureit supplementation resulted in a significant increase of 1.43% (P < .001) in the handgrip strength compared with placebo. The weight-lifting capacity of subjects supplemented with Cureit showed an increase of 6.08%, whereas placebo showed a 4.54% decrease after the end of the study period. The results demonstrated that the Cureit tended to have a positive impact on distance covered before feeling tired as shown by an increase (P = .09) of 5.51%, compared with placebo group, which showed an increase of 2.29%. The time taken to walk the same distance was reduced in the Cureit group (1.15%), whereas in the placebo group, it was increased (2.02%). Cureit plays a significant role in the management of sarcopenia by anti-inflammatory action, increased hand grip strength, antifatigue effects, and muscle protein management. Clinical Trials Registry-India registration no. CTRI/2018/05/014176.

Natural carbon-based quantum dots and their applications in drug delivery: A review.

Natural carbon based quantum dots (NCDs) are an emerging class of nanomaterials in the carbon family. NCDs have gained immense acclamation among researchers because of their abundance, eco-friendly nature, aqueous solubility, the diverse functionality and biocompatibility when compared to other conventional carbon quantum dots (CDs).The presence of different functional groups on the surface of NCDs such as thiol, carboxyl, hydroxyl, etc., provides improved quantum yield, physicochemical and optical properties which promote bioimaging, sensing, and drug delivery. This review provides comprehensive knowledge about NCDs for drug delivery applications by outlining the source and rationale behind NCDs, different routes of synthesis of NCDs and the merits of adopting each method. Detailed information regarding the mechanism behind the optical properties, toxicological profile including biosafety and biodistribution of NCDs that are favourable for drug delivery are discussed. The drug delivery applications of NCDs particularly as sensing and real-time tracing probe, antimicrobial, anticancer, neurodegenerative agents are reviewed. The clinical aspects of NCDs are also reviewed as an initiative to strengthen the case of NCDs as potent drug delivery agents.

Preparation and Characterization of Liposomal ß-Caryophyllene (Rephyll) by Nanofiber Weaving Technology and Its Effects on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Crossover-Designed, and Placebo-Controlled Study.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a complex spreading out, which is related to swelling of muscles, tenderness, rigidity, pain, disruption of muscle fiber, alteration in the kinematics of joint, acute tissue damage, and reduction in power and strength. ß-Caryophyllene (BCP), a potent phytocannabinoid, could play an important role in managing DOMS because of its wide diversity of biological activities, particularly its anti-inflammatory activity; however, its poor stability in light, temperature, high volatility, and insolubility can restrict the medical practices. In this study, liposomal ß-caryophyllene (Rephyll) was designed and established in powder form constructed by the nanofiber weaving technology to improve the bioavailability of BCP with improved stability. Rephyll was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry studies. Encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and in vitro release studies revealed that Rephyll can be an auspicious drug delivery arrangement for BCP. The effects of Rephyll were evaluated by a randomized, double-blinded, crossover-designed, placebo-controlled study. The oral consumption of Rephyll significantly reduced the pain visual assessment score, revealing that Rephyll effectively reduced DOMS with improved recovery without any side effects due to the bioavailable form of the phytocannabinoid BCP in the liposomal powder formulation.

Extraction of Nanochitin from Marine Resources and Fabrication of Polymer Nanocomposites: Recent Advances.

Industrial sea food residues, mainly crab and shrimp shells, are considered to be the most promising and abundant source of chitin. In-depth understanding of the biological properties of chitin and scientific advancements in the field of nanotechnology have enabled the development of high-performance chitin nanomaterials. Nanoscale chitin is of great economic value as an efficient functional and reinforcement material for a wide range of applications ranging from water purification to tissue engineering. The use of polymers and nanochitin to produce (bio) nanocomposites offers a good opportunity to prepare bioplastic materials with enhanced functional and structural properties. Most processes for nanochitin isolation rely on the use of chemical, physical or mechanical methods. Chitin-based nanocomposites are fabricated by various methods, involving electrospinning, freeze drying, etc. This review discusses the progress and new developments in the isolation and physico-chemical characterization of chitin; it also highlights the processing of nanochitin in various composite and functional materials.

The Effects of Bioavailable Curcumin (Cureit) on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Induced By Eccentric Continuous Exercise: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Study.

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a multifactorial progression related to muscle pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, altered joint kinematics, muscle fiber disruption, decreased strength and power, and acute tissue damage. Curcumin, a natural phytonutrient, could manage DOMS induced by eccentric continuous exercise due to its wide range of biological activities. This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study to assess the efficacy of Cureit™-a bioavailable form of curcumin that may decrease damage from inflammation and oxidative stress associated with severe muscle damage induced by continuous eccentric exercise. The results of the study showed that oral consumption of Cureit significantly reduced DOMS, slightly reduced creatinine kinase concentrations, and slightly increased VO2 max value compared with placebo, and found safe for administration. The consumption of Cureit led to improved recovery and reduction of DOMS without any side effects due to the enhancement of bioavailable form of curcumin.

Preparation, characterization and antimicrobial activity of polyvinyl alcohol/gum arabic/chitosan composite films incorporated with black pepper essential oil and ginger essential oil.

Natural materials have attracted increasing attention in wound dressing and food packaging process, which could overcome the serious environmental issues caused by conventional synthetic materials. Essential oils (EOs) such as black pepper essential oil (BPEO) and ginger essential oil (GEO) have extensively been reported for their nutritional and biomedical properties. In this study, biocomposite films based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gum arabic (GA) and chitosan (CS) incorporated with BPEO and GEO were fabricated by solvent casting method. FTIR, XRD, SEM and DSC were performed with mechanical and antimicrobial properties of PVA/GA/CS films with and without BPEO and GEO. The BPEO-PVA/GA/CS film showed heterogeneous rough surface with cavities containing entrapment of BPEO droplets, whereas, the GEO-PVA/GA/CS film showed heterogeneous rough surface with coarseness due to the incorporation of respective EOs. The BPEO and GEO incorporated PVA/GA/CS films were considerable resistant to breakage and flexible with improved heat stability. The BPEO and GEO incorporated PVA/GA/CS films were significantly inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The obtained results have demonstrated that both BPEO and GEO incorporated PVA/GA/CS films are promising alternatives to wound dressing and food packaging materials.

A novel bioavailable hydrogenated curcuminoids formulation (CuroWhite™) improves symptoms and diagnostic indicators in rheumatoid arthritis patients - A randomized, double blind and placebo controlled study.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that cause chronic pain, disability and joint destruction. The present placebo controlled randomized study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel hydrogenated curcuminoid formulation-CuroWhite™, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Twenty four RA patients were randomized in 1:1:1 ratio to receive 250 mg, 500 mg CuroWhite or placebo as one capsule a day, over a period of three months. Improvement in the ACR response, changes in disease activity assessed using the DAS 28 score, change in physical function assessed on change in ESR, CRP, RF values were evaluated before and after the study. Results suggested that patients who received CuroWhite both low and high doses reported statistically significant changes in their clinical symptoms towards end of the study when compared with placebo. There were significant changes in DAS28 (50-64%) VAS (63-72%) ESR (88-89%), CRP (31-45%) RF (80-84%) values and ACR response for CuroWhite groups in comparison with placebo. Thus, CuroWhite acts as the analgesic and anti-inflammatory product for management of RA by the reduction of the inflammatory action which was confirmed by improvement in ESR, CRP, VAS, RF, DAS-28 and ACR responses. CuroWhite was significantly effective against RA with highly safe without serious side effects and well tolerated.

Neuropharmacological and cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst - A review on its mechanistic aspects.

Bacopa monnieri (L.) - (BM) is a perennial, creeping herb which is widely used in traditional ayurvedic medicine as a neural tonic to improve intelligence and memory. Research into the biological effects of this plant has burgeoned in recent years, promising its neuroprotective and memory boosting ability among others. In this context, an extensive literature survey allows an insight into the participation of numerous signaling pathways and oxidative mechanism involved in the mitigation of oxidative stress, along with other indirect mechanisms modulated by bioactive molecules of BM to improve the cognitive action by their synergistic potential and cellular multiplicity mechanism. This multi-faceted review describes the novel mechanisms that underlie the unfounded but long flaunted promises of BM and thereby direct a way to harness this acquired knowledge to develop innovative approaches to manipulate its intracellular pathways.

Chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites with cellulose nanofibers from ginger rhizomes and its antimicrobial activities.

The agro-industrial waste obtained after the isolation of bio-constituents from ginger is available in abundance. In the present study, the effective isolation of ginger nanofibers (GNF) was carried out by acid hydrolysis and high pressure homogenization to get cellulose nanofibers with 100 to 200 nm width. Bionanocomposites were also prepared by reinforcing different ratios of (1% to 7%) GNF with chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrices by solvent cast method and the 5% GNF with CS and PVA resulted a high mechanical strength composites than others. The surface morphology and structural analysis of the composites were identified by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The inhibitory effect of 5% GNF bionanocomposites against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium indicated good antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites due to the addition of GNF in the biopolymer matrices. The use of GNF will help to increase the economic values of agricultural waste and the characteristic properties of GNF derived bionanocomposites could be possibly used in medical and packaging areas.

Preparation and characterization of nanocomposite films based on gum arabic, maltodextrin and polyethylene glycol reinforced with turmeric nanofiber isolated from turmeric spent.

Turmeric nanofibers (TNF) were used as reinforcement in the gum arabic (GA), maltodextrin (MDX) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) matrices to enhance the physicochemical properties. The TNF were prepared from turmeric spent by acid hydrolysis accompanied by high pressure homogenization. The thermal and mechanical properties, structure morphology and antimicrobial activities of the prepared nanocomposites were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data indicate that the addition of TNF significantly increased the onset temperature (To), peak temperature (Tp) and conclusion temperature (Tc) of the melting peaks of nanocomposites, but considerably decreased the enthalpy change values. The tensile properties showed that the addition of TNF enhanced mechanical properties due to the formation of networks within the GA, MDX and PEG. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the films of GA-TNF and MDX-TNF show smooth, homogenous surface due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and the film of PEG-TNF shows good dispersion of TNF with PEG matrix with rough surface because of strong interfacial adhesion between TNF and PEG and strong hydrogen bonding, which are further confirmed by the FT-IR spectroscopy. XRD results exhibited the disappearances of peaks of TNF indicating the reinforcement of TNF in the prepared nanocomposite matrices. The antibacterial tests show the prepared nanocomposites exhibited excellent antibacterial performance against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium.

Non-Curcuminoids from Turmeric and Their Potential in Cancer Therapy and Anticancer Drug Delivery Formulations.

Over the past decades curcuminoids have been extensively studied for their biological activities such as antiulcer, antifibrotic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antimutagenic, antifertility, antidiabetic, anticoagulant, antivenom, antioxidant, antihypotensive, antihypocholesteremic, and anticancer activities. With the perception of limited toxicity and cost, these compounds forms an integral part of cancer research and is well established as a potential anticancer agent. However, only few studies have focused on the other bioactive molecules of turmeric, known as non-curcuminoids, which are also equally potent as curcuminoids. This review aims to explore the comprehensive potency including the identification, physicochemical properties, and anticancer mechanism inclusive of molecular docking studies of non-curcuminoids such as turmerones, elemene, furanodiene (FN), bisacurone, germacrone, calebin A (CA), curdione, and cyclocurcumin. An insight into the clinical studies of these curcumin-free compounds are also discussed which provides ample evidence that favors the therapeutic potential of these compounds. Like curcuminoids, limited solubility and bioavailability are the most fragile domain, which circumscribe further applications of these compounds. Thus, this review credits the encapsulation of non-curcuminoid components in diverse drug delivery systems such as co-crystals, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, polar-non-polar sandwich (PNS) technology, which help abolish their shortcomings and flaunt their ostentatious benefits as anticancer activities.

Development of Validated Methods and Quantification of Curcuminoids and Curcumin Metabolites and Their Pharmacokinetic Study of Oral Administration of Complete Natural Turmeric Formulation (Cureit™) in Human Plasma via UPLC/ESI-Q-TOF-MS Spectrometry.

Specific and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-QTOF-MS) methods have been developed for the determination of curcuminoids and curcumin metabolites in human blood plasma. The UPLC-QTOF-MS method used a binary solvent delivery system and the chromatographic separation was performed on a C-18 (2.1 × 50 mm; 1.7 µm) column. Mass spectra were obtained on a Waters Xevo G2S Q-TOF mass spectrometer. The developed methods to characterize the pharmacokinetics of curcuminoids and curcumin metabolites in human blood plasma after an oral administration of bioavailable curcumin-Cureit™-were validated. It was found that the complete turmeric matrix enhances the concentration of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), hexahydrocurcumin (HHC), octahydrocurcumin (OHC), curcumin-O-glucuronide (COG) and curcumin-O-sulfate (COS) in the blood plasma once the product is administrated.

Oral toxicity study of sports nutritional powder in Wistar rats: A 90 day repeated dose study.

Fitnox is a newly developed dietary ingredient for physical endurance composed of the extracts of Moinga oleifera leaf (45-50%), Kaempferia parviflora (black ginger) root (15-20%) and Punica granatum peel (25-30%). The aim of this study was to assess the subchronic oral toxicity of Fitnox (test substance) - in Wistar albino rats. Forty rats equally divided into 4 groups (control male, control female, treatment male and treatment female) administrated the test substance at 1000 mg/kg per rat daily for 90 days. All the animals were observed for body weight, mortality and clinical observations during the entire study. Results revealed no significant changes between the control and Fitnox treated groups. Based on the results, it was concluded that orally administered Fitnox to rats (dose of 1000 mg/kg per rat, orally-90 days) is safe with no drug-related toxicity was observed during the study period. Thus, the no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for the present study is evaluated to be 1000 mg/kg body weight in both the sexes.

A Toxicological Evaluation of a Standardized Hydrogenated Extract of Curcumin (CuroWhite™).

A series of toxicological investigations were conducted in order to evaluate the genotoxic potential and repeated-dose oral toxicity of CuroWhite, a proprietary extract of curcumin that has been hydrogenated and standardized to not less than 25% hydrogenated curcuminoid content. All tests were conducted in general accordance with internationally accepted standards. The test item was not mutagenic in the bacterial reverse mutation test or in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, and no in vivo genotoxic activity was observed in rat bone marrow in the micronucleus test. A 90-day repeated-dose study was conducted in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Two mortalities occurred in the main and satellite high-dose groups and were determined due to gavage error. No organ specific or other toxic effects of the test item were observed up to the maximum dose of 800 mg/kg bw/day, administered by gavage. NOAEL was, therefore, estimated as 800 mg/kg bw/day.

A Randomized Single Dose Parallel Study on Enhancement of Nitric Oxide in Serum and Saliva with the Use of Natural Sports Supplement in Healthy Adults.

Sports supplements that stimulate the production of nitric oxide (NO) are widely promoted agents in the sports nutrition domain, and nitric oxide plays an important role to enhance the cardiovascular and physical fitness of the sports participants. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether oral intake of a sports nutritional supplement (Fitnox) is able to increase nitrate (NO3-) and nitrite (NO2-) levels in blood serum and saliva of healthy adults. Fitnox is a unique blend of Kaempferia parviflora methoxy flavones, pomegranate peel polyphenols, and Moringa oleifera leaf saponins. Twenty-four healthy male adults were equally divided and underwent the double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with a single oral dose of sports nutrition formulation (250 mg capsules); blood and saliva samples were analyzed at different time intervals by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After administration of Fitnox (250 mg capsule as single dose), NO3- and NO2- levels in serum and saliva were found to be significantly higher (p <.05) than in the placebo group in 24 hours. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as the area under the plasma concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-inf), AUC calculated to the last measured concentration (AUC0-t), maximum drug serum concentrations (Cmax), time of maximum concentration in serum observed (Tmax), and time required for the concentration of the drug to reach half of its original value (Thalf) were also statistically significant (p <.05) compared with the placebo. The results indicate that a single oral dose of Fitnox is able to increase the NO3- and NO2- levels considerably in the body relative to placebo for at least 12 hours. Therefore, Fitnox can improve the overall performance of sport participants and enhance physical endurance.

Comparative Oral Absorption of Curcumin in a Natural Turmeric Matrix with Two Other Curcumin Formulations: An Open-label Parallel-arm Study.

Curcuminoids are the major bioactive molecules in turmeric, and poor bioavailability deters them from being the major components of many health and wellness applications. This study was conducted to assess the bioavailability of a completely natural turmeric matrix formulation (CNTMF) and compare its bioavailability with two other commercially available formulations, namely, curcumin with volatile oil (volatile oil formulation) and curcumin with phospholipids and cellulose (phospholipid formulation) in healthy human adult male subjects (15 each group) under fasting conditions. Each formulation was administrated orally as a single 500-mg dose in capsule form, and blood samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry at various time intervals up to 24 h. The ingestion of the CNTMF was very well absorbed and resulted in a mean curcuminoids plasma Cmax of 170.14 ng/mL (Tmax  = 4 h) compared with 47.54 ng/mL and 69.63 ng/mL for the volatile oil (Tmax  = 3 h) and phospholipid (Tmax  = 2.25 h) formulations, respectively. The extent of absorption of total curcuminoids in the blood for the CNTMF was 6× greater than volatile oil formulation and 5× greater than phospholipids formulation. The results of this study indicate that curcumin in a natural turmeric matrix exhibited greater bioavailability than the two comparator products. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preparation, characterization and anti-colitis activity of curcumin-asafoetida complex encapsulated in turmeric nanofiber.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a main form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Asafoetida (ASF) and turmeric have traditionally been used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, including UC, because ASF is rich in sulfur compounds and turmeric contains curcumin (CUR). Turmeric nanofiber (TNF), the modified cell wall component of turmeric is considered to play important role in the human diet, health and can be used as a carrier agent to encapsulate bioactive components. A novel gut health product (GHP) was formulated by encapsulation of ASF and CUR complex onto TNF. The GHP was characterized by UPLC, GC-MS, FTIR, XRD, SEM with EDS and DSC studies. GHP was evaluated for anti-colitis activity in a rat model of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced UC. Treatment with GHP significantly attenuated the disease activity index, colitis score, histopathological changes and myeloperoxidase activity. GHP has significant protective effects against DSS induced colitis.