Regulating microsomal triglyceride transfer protein with natural products for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia.

Hyperlipidaemia, characterised by elevated levels of lipids, particularly LDL-C, is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. While synthetic inhibitors of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) have shown potential in lowering LDL-C, they are associated with adverse effects. This study explores a novel approach by screening natural products to identify plant extracts that down-regulate MTP gene expression, aiming to reduce hyperlipidaemia with fewer side effects. Modulating MTP expression, rather than direct inhibition, offers a promising avenue for lowering plasma lipids and mitigating cardiovascular risk. Various plant extracts were examined for their potential as MTP down-regulators, with Liquorice root and Pomegranate rind extracts demonstrating the highest efficacy. Additionally, the study assessed the total phenolic content of these extracts, revealing their -antioxidant capacity. This research provides a foundation for further investigation into bioactive molecules as potential anti-hyperlipidemic agents with improved safety profiles, addressing a critical need in cardiovascular disease prevention.

In-vivo and in-silico studies of Eucalyptus kino polyphenolics: outstanding activity in quenching solid liver tumors through inhibition of MMP-9 and TGF-ß gene expression.

As a result of our continuous research efforts to investigate the molecular mechanisms of Eucalyptus kino polyphenolics for healing liver solid tumors, in-vivo histopathological studies of the solid tumor tissues and in-silico molecular docking were carried out. Histopathology of female mice treated with a dose of 200 mg/kg Eucalyptus kino methanolic extract in combination with low level ionising γ-radiation (0.25 Gy) recovered a near-to-normal histological structure revealing a substantial number of cells with hyper-chromachia in nuclei, fibroblast lobules and necrotic cells. Analysis for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) by Western blot and also molecular docking study were conducted to evaluate and rank the potential of the individual components dominated in the extract to inhibit MMP-9 and TGF-ß. The current study presents new lead compounds for the design of novel MMP-9 and TGF-ß strong inhibitors of natural origin.

Intriguing diverse chemistry and unique molecular mechanisms: new medicines with diverse pharmacological activities from cephalopods ink.

The ink that cephalopods secrete to hide and frighten the enemies contains a treasury rich in bioactive diverse compounds like DOPA, melanin, melanin synthase, tyrosinase, angiotensin converting enzyme, catecholamines, oligopeptides, polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, fatty acids and minerals. These groups of the aforementioned compounds have promising unique in-vitro and in-vivo biological activities like antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory, vasopressin, anti-Parkinson, anti-cancer, anti-coagulant, antimicrobial, anti-retroviral, anti-ulcerogenic and immune boosting activities. Cephalopods ink can be offered in its raw state or after separation and purification of its chemical constituents for use as natural medicine to treat many diverse diseases.

Eucalyptus kino: a treasure trove of polyphenols eradicating tumors in-vivo by elevating caspase-3 level, inhibiting TGF-ß and NF-κb gene expression.

30 secondary polyphenolic metabolites were characterised in Eucalyptus kino methanol extract using HPLC-MS/MS. The antitumor activity of the extract in combination with low level ionising radiation in female mice with solid tumors from inoculated Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells was investigated. Tumor cell-inoculated mice received daily extract doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kgBW) with or without a single exposure to 0.25 Gy γ-rays, and cis-platin as a reference anticancer drug. Changes in the tumor volume, oxidative state, levels of caspase-3, TGF-ß and Nf-κB were assessed by q-PCR. Surprisingly, a dose of 200 mg/kg extract together with γ-radiation remarkably reduced the tumor volume, improved the oxidative and apoptotic biomarker levels. In conclusion, results showed that a combination of kino extract with low level γ-radiation synergistically reduced tumor progression due to the antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities of the polyphenolics in the extract.