Wound healing mechanisms of Couroupita guianensis fruit pulp: An ethnomedicine used by traditional healers in India.

In connection to search for safe and alternative plant-based drugs, the wound healing mechanisms of an Indian ethnomedicine Couroupita guianensis fruit pulp was analyzed in this project work. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis revealed the existence of phytochemicals such as 2-furoic acid, 2,4-heptadienal, pyrazole and 8-hydroxyquinoline in the methanol extract. Methanol extract of C. guianensis exhibited remarkable radical scavenging activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (89.88%), superoxide (91.51%), hydrogen peroxide (24.25%) and hydroxyl radicals (73.62%). Further, it showed remarkable anti-inflammatory (24.09-62.16%) and anti-bacterial activity (zone of inhibition, ZOI: 13.00 mm, minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC: 6.25 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration, MBC: 12.51 mg/mL) and also controlled the growth rate of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within 30 min of treatment. The angiogenic potential of C. guianensis was proved in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and it does not exhibit any toxicity in peripheral blood monocyte cells (PBMC) model.

Partial characterization of purified glycoprotein from nutshell of Arachis hypogea L. towards macrophage activation and leishmaniacidal activity.

Arachis hypogea L. protein fraction-2 (AHP-F2) from the Peanut shell was extracted and characterized and its potent immunomodulatory and anti-leishmanial role was determined in this present study. AHP-F2 was found to be a glycoprotein as the presence of carbohydrates were confirmed by the analysis of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) yielded glucose, galactose, mannose, and xylose. AHP-F2 molecular mass was found to be ∼28 kDa as indicated in MALDI-TOF and peptide mass fingerprinting analysis followed by Mascot search. The peptide matches revealed the similarity of the mannose/glucose binding lectin with 71.07% in the BLAST analysis. After that, the 3D structure of the AHP-F2 model was designed and validated by the Ramachandran plot. The immunomodulatory role of AHP-F2 was established in murine peritoneal macrophages as induction of nitric oxide (NO), and stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12 and IFN-γ) in a dose-dependent manner was observed. Interestingly, it was also found that AHP-F2 has interacted with the innate immune receptor, toll-like receptors (TLRs) as established in molecular docking as well as mRNA expression. The anti-leishmanial potential of AHP-F2 was revealed with a prominent inhibition of amastigote growth within the murine macrophages with prompt induction of nitrite release. Altogether, the isolated AHP-F2 from Arachis hypogea L. has strong immunomodulatory and anti-leishmanial potential which may disclose a new path to treat leishmaniasis.

Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of loganic acid isolated from seeds of Strychnos potatorum L. against heavy metal induced toxicity in PBMC model.

Present work carried out with the objectives to isolate active component of S. potatorum and also to evaluate its free radical scavenging activity and preventing capacity against heavy metal toxicity. Solvents of different polarity were used to prepare crude extracts of S. potatorum seeds and screened for antioxidant activity. Among the crude extracts, methanolic extract was found to exhibit higher antioxidant activity (81.22%) which was fractionated by liquid-liquid partitioning method. Among the different fractions (LF1-LF4), LF-2 showed higher antioxidant activity (98.24%) as compared to other three liquid fractions and hence LF-2 was further purified by column chromatography. Among nine column fractions (CF1-CF9), fraction CF-7 was found to have higher antioxidant activity (92.14%), which was further analyzed using LC-MS and NMR and identified as loganic acid. In vitro radical scavenging assays showed remarkable antioxidant activity of loganic acid in terms of DPPH scavenging (IC50 149 µg/ml), superoxide radical scavenging (IC50 632.43 µg/ml) and hydroxyl radical scavenging (IC50 29.78 µg/ml). Loganic acid exhibited 81% prevention of heavy metal toxicity through the mechanism of inhibiting ROS generation (2046 AU vs. 5264 AU in control) and lipid peroxidation (95.01%). Thus, the active compound (loganic acid) isolated from S. potatorum has strong free radical scavenging activity and remarkable cyto-protective effect against heavy metal mediated toxicity.

Vitexin isolated from Prosopis cineraria leaves induce apoptosis in K-562 leukemia cells via inhibition of the BCR-ABL-Ras-Raf pathway.

OBJECTIVES: Leukemia is one of the severe cancer types all around the globe. Even though some chemotherapeutic drugs are available for treating leukemia, they have various side effects. As an alternative approach, herbal drugs are focused on current research to overcome leukemia. The present work was conducted to investigate the antileukemic mechanism of active phytochemical vitexin, which was isolated from ethno-medicine (Prosopis cineraria leaf) used by traditional healers of West Bengal, India. METHODS: Antiproliferative mechanisms of selected phyto-compound against K-562 cells were evaluated using cellular uptake, morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial membrane potential and signaling pathways analysis. KEY FINDINGS: Vitexin exhibited cytotoxicity by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential (32.40%) and causing DNA fragmentation (84.15%). The western blotting study indicated inhibition of cell survival proteins (BCR, ABL, H-RAS, N-RAS, K-RAS and RAF) and expression of apoptotic proteins (p38, BAX and caspase-9) in leukemia cells upon treatment with vitexin. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, presently investigated phyto-compound vitexin could be considered for developing safe and natural drugs to treat leukemia after conducting suitable preclinical and clinical trials.

Development and characterization of catechin-in-cyclodextrin-in-phospholipid liposome to eradicate MRSA-mediated surgical site infection: Investigation of their anti-infective efficacy through in vitro and in vivo studies.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the prime pathogens responsible for surgical site infection (SSI). Treatment of SSI remains challenging because of resistant nature of MRSA, which is a major threat in recent years. Our previous work revealed the antibacterial potential of catechin isolated from cashewnut shell against MRSA. However, the application of catechin to treat MRSA-mediated SSI is hampered because of its poor solubility and low trans-dermal delivery. Hence, the present study focused on developing catechin-in-cyclodextrin-in-phospholipid liposome (CCPL) and evaluating its physicochemical characteristics and anti-infective efficacy through in vitro and in vivo models. Encapsulation of catechin with ß-cyclodextrin and soybean lecithin was confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD techniques, while TEM imaging revealed the size of CCPL (206 nm). The CCPL displayed a higher level of water solubility (25.13%) and in vitro permeability (42.14%) compared to pure catechin. A higher level of encapsulation efficiency (98.9%) and antibacterial activity (19.8 mm of ZOI and 31.25 µg/mL of MIC) were noted in CCPL compared to the catechin/cyclodextrin complex. CCPL recorded significant and dose-dependent healing of the incision, significant reduction of bacterial count, improved epithelization, and effective prevention of inflammation in skin samples of SSI-induced Balb/c mice. Data of the present work suggest that the CCPL could be considered as a novel and potential candidate to mitigate MRSA-mediated SSI after clinical trials.

Apoptotic mechanisms of myricitrin isolated from Madhuca longifolia leaves in HL-60 leukemia cells.

Myricitrin, a naturally occurring flavonoid in Madhuca longifolia, possesses several medicinal properties. Even though our earlier work revealed its role against the proliferation of acute myelogenous leukemia cells (HL-60), its molecular mechanisms have not yet been revealed. The current study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms of myricitrin (isolated from an ethnomedicinal drug Madhuca longifolia) to induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells. Treatment with IC-50 dose of myricitrin (353 µM) caused cellular shrinkage and cell wall damage in HL-60 cells compared to untreated control cells. Myricitrin treatment reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (22.95%), increased DNA fragmentation (90.4%), inhibited the cell survival proteins (RAS, B-RAF, & BCL-2) and also induced pro-apoptotic proteins (p38, pro-caspase-3, pro-caspase-9 and caspase-3) in the HL-60 cells. The present study provides scientific evidence for the apoptosis caused by myricitrin in HL-60 leukemia cells. Hence, the phytochemical myricitrin could be considered as a potential candidate to develop an anticancer drug after checking its efficacy through suitable pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Catechin isolated from cashew nut shell exhibits antibacterial activity against clinical isolates of MRSA through ROS-mediated oxidative stress.

Staphylococcus aureus causes severe infections and among all methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) remains a great challenge in spite of decade research of antibacterial compounds. Even though some synthetic antibiotics have been developed, they are not effective against MRSA, and hence, there is a search for natural, alternative and plant-based antibacterial compound. In this connection, catechin isolated from cashew nut shell was investigated for its antibacterial potential against MRSA. Catechin exhibited zone of inhibition (ZOI) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in a range of 15.1-19.5 mm and 78.1-156.2 µg/ml, respectively, against ATCC and clinical isolates of MRSA. Among all clinical isolates, clinical isolate-3 exhibited highest sensitivity to catechin. Catechin has arrested the growth of MRSA strains and also caused toxicity by membrane disruption which was illustrated by AO/EB fluorescence staining. Increased nucleic acid leakage (1.58-28.6-fold) and protein leakage (1.40-23.50-fold) was noticed in MRSA due to catechin treatment when compared to methicillin. Bacteria treated with catechin at its MIC showed 1.52-, 1.87- and 1.74-fold increase of ROS production in methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), MRSA and clinical isolate-3 strains, respectively, as compared to control. Superoxide dismutase (5.31-9.63 U/mg protein) and catalase (1573-3930 U/mg protein) were significantly decreased as compared to control in catechin-treated S. aureus. Thus, catechin exhibited antibacterial activity through oxidative stress by increased production of ROS and decreased antioxidant enzymes. Altogether results suggest that catechin is a promising lead compound with antibacterial potential against MRSA. KEY POINTS: • Catechin was isolated and identified as active compound in cashew nut shell. • Catechin exhibited antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates of MRSA. • Bacterial cell wall damage was caused by catechin in MRSA strains. • Catechin increased the oxidative stress in MRSA by intracellular ROS production.

Gallic Acid an Agricultural Byproduct Modulates the Biofilm Matrix Exopolysaccharides of the Phytopathogen Ralstonia solanacearum.

Ralstonia solanacearum is a soil-borne plant pathogen which causes wilt disease in economically important crops of the Solanaceae family in tropical and temperate regions. As biofilm formation is the major virulence factor in R. solanacearum, research inputs are necessary to identify natural biofilm inhibitors to mitigate virulence of this bacterium. Hence in the present work, the anti-biofilm potential of phytochemical compound gallic acid (GA) isolated from an agricultural byproduct (cashewnut shell) was investigated. Initially the Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of crude extracts of cashewnut shell and coconut shell against R. solanacearum were investigated. The MIC of both the extracts were 400 µg/ml and their sub-MIC (200 µg/ml) inhibited biofilms in the range of 62-70% and 49-57%, respectively. As the cashewnut shell extract have higher biofilm inhibitory effect compared to coconut shell extract, we proceeded our further study by isolating the major compound GA from cashewnut shell by acid hydrolysate method. The sub-MIC of crude cashewnut shell extract inhibited 85% of young biofilms. The MIC of GA were observed at 3 mg/ml and sub-MIC (1.5 mg/ml) was found to eradicate 85% of mature biofilms which was confirmed by standard crystal violet assay and the biofilm reduction was further visualized under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopic images. Toxicity of GA was evaluated against R. solanacearum through XTT cell viability assay and found no antibacterial effect at sub-MIC. Additionally, it is confirmed with growth curve and time kill assays. Swimming and twitching motility were considered as an important virulence factors to invade plants and to block the xylem vessels. Therefore, sub-MIC of GA was found to inhibit both swimming and twitching motility of about 93% and 63% respectively. Anti-biofilm efficacy of GA was also worked well with tomato plant model where remarkable biofilm inhibition was found on treatment with GA before and after 24 h of infection with R. solanacearum. Hence GA will be an alternative, cheap source which is eco-friendly as well as novel source for the treatment of R. solanacearum biofilms and to prevent wilt disease in important crops.

Citral and linalool nanoemulsions: impact of synergism and ripening inhibitors on the stability and antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes.

The present work explored the influence of individual and combinations of citral and linalool along with different Ostwald ripening inhibitors on the nanoemulsion stability and their antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes. Nine different nanoemulsions (N1-N9) containing individual or combinations of citral, linalool with or without ripening inhibitors (medium chain triglycerides, coconut oil, sesame oil and castor oil) were formulated with 5% Tween-80 using ultrasonic emulsification. N1 formulation containing 5% citral without ripening inhibitors showed the least mean droplet diameter of 20.44 nm. Addition of linalool with the citral nanoemulsions was found to have deleterious effect on the thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities. Incorporation of ripening inhibitors controlled the increase of droplet size and polydispersity index in N6-N9 during the 90 days storage period, but decreased their antibacterial activity. N8 formulation containing sesame oil as ripening inhibitor was found to be the best in controlling Ostwald ripening. N1 formulation which showed the best antibacterial activity (MIC 0.312%) was found to disrupt the bacterial membrane integrity. N1 formulation also showed a promising biofilm inhibition of 83.51%. Therefore, N1 formulation containing 5% citral could be recommended as an efficient disinfectant against food-borne pathogen Listeria monoctyogenes in food industry. Moreover, addition of sesame oil in the nanoemulsion formulation of citral or linalool could increase their stability.

Oxidative stress mediated cytotoxicity in leukemia cells induced by active phyto-constituents isolated from traditional herbal drugs of West Bengal.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In search of safe and effective therapeutic agents as alternative to synthetic chemotherapeutics for the treatment of leukemia, the herbal drugs (Leaf of Madhuca longifolia, leaf of Prosopis cineraria and bark of Flacourtia indica) with long traditional use in West Bengal have received our attention. AIM OF THE STUDY: Present work was conducted to isolate and identify the active compounds of the selected herbal drugs using bio-assay guided fractionation and also to investigate their anticancer mechanism in leukemia cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bio-assay guided fractionation was used for the isolation of active constituents such as myricitrin, vitexin and vanillin from the aqueous extracts of M. longifolia, P. cineraria and F. indica, respectively using liquid partitioning and column chromatography and the compounds were characterized by HPLC, MS and NMR. Dose and time-dependent cytotoxicity of isolated compounds were studied against leukemia cells and their anticancer mechanism such as cell wall damage, nuclear damage, ROS and NO generation, SOD level, LDH release and lipid peroxidation were investigated. RESULTS: Aqueous extract of M. longifolia, P. cineraria and F. indica exhibited maximum anti-proliferative activity against HL-60 (Acute myeloid leukemia, AML, 72.06%), K-562 (Chronic myeloid leukemia, CML, 42.14%) and Jurkat (Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ALL, 51.71%) cells. Myricitrin, vitexin and vanillin exhibited dose-dependent (IC-50 values 164.4, 147 & 29.22 µg/ml) and time-dependent activity with maximum cytotoxicity at 48 h. All these three compounds caused apoptosis in leukemia cells by inducing free radicals such as ROS (1.33-2.65 Arbitrary units) and NO (11.17-18.53 µM), cell membrane damage and nuclear condensation which were evidenced by increased release of LDH (1326-1439 U/L), improved lipid peroxidation (10.19-14.41 nM/mg protein) and reduced SOD level (6.2-9.21 U/mg protein) in leukemia cells. CONCLUSIONS: Based on anti-proliferative activity, the isolated phyto-compounds myrcitrin, vitexin and vanillin from M. longifolia, P. cineraria and F. indica could be developed as natural drugs for treating AML, CML and ALL leukemia types, respectively.

Investigation of phytochemical constituents of anti-leukemic herbal drugs used by the traditional healers of Purulia, Birbhum and Bankura districts of West Bengal.

In the present work, 16 different plant drugs used by traditional healers from West Bengal were screened through in vitro cell line model. Herbal drugs used by traditional tribal healers in Purulia, Birbhum and Bankura districts of West Bengal were collected and screening against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line (HL-60). Among 16 plant extracts, bark of Flacourtia indica (66.67%), leaf of Madhuca longifolia (69.17%), and leaf of Prosopis cineraria (68.08%) showed better cytotoxicity results than other herbals. Further, time-dependent study showed maximum cytotoxicity of the selected herbal extracts between 36 and 48 hours of treatment in both acute and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell lines (HL-60 and K562). The LC-MS/MS analysis of the selected drugs revealed the presence of picrotoxinin and 10-deacetylbaccatin from F. indica, isoorientin and hirsutrin from M. longifolia, vitexin and rhoifolin in P. cineraria.

Agro food by-products and essential oil constituents curtail virulence and biofilm of Vibrio harveyi.

Vibrio harveyi causes severe loss to the aquaculture industry due to its virulence, which is mediated by Quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm formation. In the current study, we have explored the anti-virulent properties and biofilm disruption ability of luteolin (extracted from coconut shell) and linalool against this important aquaculture pathogen. HPLC analysis of the methanolic extract of coconut shells revealed a single major peak which matched to the standard luteolin which was further elucidated by NMR studies. Further, luteolin and linalool were screened for their ability to inhibit biofilms and various quorum sensing mediated virulence factors of V. harveyi. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the two compounds was determined and the sub-inhibitory concentrations of the compounds were able to inhibit biofilm formation. Both the compounds disrupted about 60-70% mature biofilms, which was also visually observed by light microscopy. Both linalool and luteolin exhibited a significant reduction in the production of EPS and alginate in the biofilms matrix of V. harveyi which was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Both compounds inhibited the swarming and swimming motility, the crucial quorum sensing (QS) mediated virulence of V. harveyi. The present study shows the presence of valuable polyphenolic compound like luteolin in coconut shells that are discarded as a waste. From the present study we envisage that luteolin and linalool can serve as potent anti-virulent agents to combat QS mediated infections against aquaculture pathogens.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Nardostachys jatamansi and evaluation of its anti-biofilm effect against classical colonizers.

In this communication, we present the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using medicinally important Nardostachys jatamansi rhizome extract in the presence of sunlight. UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) were employed to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. UV-visible spectroscopic studies confirmed the presence of biosynthesized AgNPs. Transmission Electron Microscopic studies revealed the structure of spherical AgNPs in the diameter range of 10-15 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis and elemental mapping clearly confirmed the presence of silver in AgNPs samples. Interestingly, biomolecules functionalised AgNPs exhibited a remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm activities and hence biosynthesized AgNPs from N. jatamansi can be used as a promising biomaterial for biomedical applications.

In vitro antibacterial activity of nut by-products against foodborne pathogens and their application in fresh-cut fruit model.

Aqueous extract of nut by-products (cashewnut shell, coconut shell, and peanut hull) were studied for their physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity and food preservation potential in an artificially inoculated fresh-cut fruit (papaya) model. Physicochemical characteristics revealed the colour, odor, nearly neutral pH (6.67-6.83), high water solubility (69.18-82.63%) and total phenolic content (1130.54-2403.41 mg GAE/100 g) of the extracts. The antibacterial property of the extracts evaluated by zone of inhibition assay revealed that cashew nut shell extract had a strong inhibition effect on Escherichia coli (18 mm), Listeria monocytogenes (18 mm), and Salmonella enterica (16 mm). Food preservative effect of extracts was examined in an artificially inoculated fresh-cut papaya model, and both cashewnut and coconut shell extracts significantly reduced the population of the above mentioned foodborne pathogens. However, when compared to coconut shell extract, the application of cashewnut shell extract was found to affect the sensory property of the fresh-cut fruit as darkening of the cut fruit was observed. So, the coconut shell extract could be considered as a natural source of antibacterial agent for food preservative applications. Phytochemical investigation through LC-MS/MS technique revealed that luteolin as the major constituent of coconut shell extract.

Potential anti-proliferative activity of AgNPs synthesized using M. longifolia in 4T1 cell line through ROS generation and cell membrane damage.

To overcome the problem of breast cancer, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using Indian medicinal plant Madhuca longifolia could be explored as an alternative anticancer medicine. Synthesized AgNPs were studied their characteristics and their anti-proliferative property was investigated in breast cancer cell line (4T1). Based on zeta sizer analysis, the size of the AgNPs was 103.5 nm and potential -9.57 eV. Fe-SEM results showed particle size of 69.4-99.4 nm while TEM images indicated the particle size of 18-24 nm. In dose-dependent study, AgNPs showed 93% of anti-proliferative activity at 50 µg/ml whereas the methanolic extract of M. longifolia showed 80% activity only at 10-fold increased concentration (500 µg/ml). AgNPs exhibited higher level of cytotoxicity in breast cancer cell line than extract through cell wall degradation and ROS generation. Such effective AgNPs could be investigated further through in vivo models with a view to develop anticancer drug.

Use of agricultural waste (coconut shell) for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and evaluation of their antibacterial activity against selected human pathogens.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is environmentally satisfactory because of their low cost and safe to nature. In the present study, extract of an agricultural waste, coconut (Cocos nucifera) shell is used to synthesize AgNPs and their antibacterial effect was investigated against selected human pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium. The AgNPs synthesized using coconut shell extract (CSE-AgNPs) were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy (absorption peak at 432 nm), Transmission Electron Microscopy (spherical shaped particles size of 14.2-22.96 nm), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy indicating the CSE capping around the AgNPs (Peaks 1384, 1609 and 3418 corresponds to organic molecules) and X-Ray Diffraction (Peak at 32.078 and 2-Theta). CSE-AgNPs exhibited zone of inhibition against S. aureus (15 mm), E. coli (13 mm), S. typhimurium (13 mm) and L. monocytogenes (10 mm) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 26, 53, 106 and 212 µg/ml, respectively. Growth curve assay showed the effectiveness of CSE-AgNPs to inhibit the selected pathogens when compared to amphicillin control and extract. Scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the cell wall degradation might be the possible mechanism of antibacterial action of CSE-AgNPs. Different concentrations of AgNPs (0.078-2.5 mg/ml) showed no toxicity against human PBMC cell line. Hence, such highly effective CSE-AgNPs could be explored as antibacterial agent.

Essential oil based nanoemulsions to improve the microbial quality of minimally processed fruits and vegetables: A review.

Due to the convenience and nutritional value, minimally processed fruits and vegetables (MPFV) are one of the rapid growing sectors in the food industry. However, their microbiological safety is a cause of great concern. Essential oils (EOs), known for potent antimicrobial efficacy have been shown to reduce microbial load in MPFV, but their low water solubility, high volatility and strong organoleptic properties limit their wide use. Encapsulating EOs to nanoemulsion offers a viable remedy for such limitations. Due to the unique properties of the EOs nanoemulsion, there has been an increasing interest in their fabrication and use in food system. The present review article encompasses the overview of the prominent microflora present in MPFV, the recent developments on the fabrication and stability of EOs based nanoemulsion, their in vitro antimicrobial activity and their application in MPFV. This review also discusses the EOs based nanoemulsions antimicrobial mechanism of action and their regulatory issues related to their use. Application of EOs based nanoemulsion either as washing disinfectant or with incorporation into edible coatings have been shown to considerably improve the microbial quality and safety of MPFV. This efficacy has been further shown to increase when combined with other hurdles. However, further studies are required on the toxicity of EOs based nanoemulsion to assure its commercial exploitation.

Gallic acid-coated sliver nanoparticle alters the expression of radiation-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in non-small lung cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is the most widely used treatment method for treating cancer with or without surgery and chemotherapy. In lung cancer, it is one of the important treatment steps in excising the tumor from the lung tissue; unfortunately, radiation can induce epithelial- mesenchymal transition (EMT), a typical physiological process in which cuboidal shaped epithelial cell loses its phenotype and acquires mesenchymal-like phenotype thus, increases the metastasis progression in the body. To prevent EMT mediated metastasis, we aimed to 1) synthesize silver nanoparticles by using Gallic acid, a potential antioxidant which acts as stabilizing and reducing agent in the form of silver nanoparticle (GA-AgNPs) 2) to analyze its effect on EMT markers during radiation-induced EMT in A549 cells. METHODS: A549 cells were irradiated with 8Gy (X-ray) and treated with GA-AgNPs at a fixed concentration under in vitro condition. GA-AgNPs were prepared and characterized for absorption, potential stability, size and morphology by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, Zeta potential and Transmission electron microscopy respectively. After irradiation, the morphology changes were observed using an inverted microscope, the gene and protein expression of EMT markers were analyzed by RT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: GA-AgNPs are in nano size with fair stability. The synthesized nanoparticles suppressed the EMT markers including Vimentin, N-cadherin, Snail-1 and increased E-cadherin expression which might inhibit cancer cells to acquire radio resistant metastasis potential.

Effects of an acid/alkaline treatment on the release of antioxidants and cellulose from different agro-food wastes.

The present investigation was aimed to evaluate the release of both antioxidants and cellulosic fibre from different agro-food wastes. Cost-effective and easily available agro-food residues (brewers' spent grains, hazelnut shells, orange peels and wheat straw) were selected and submitted to a double-step acid/alkaline fractionation process. The obtained acid and alkaline liquors were analysed for total phenols content and antioxidant capacity. The final fibre residue was analysed for the cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose content. The total phenols content and antioxidant capacity of the acid liquors were higher than the alkaline hydrolysates. Orange peels and wheat straw gave, respectively, the highest (19.70±0.68mg/gdm) and the lowest (4.70±0.29mg/gdm) total phenols release. Correlation between antioxidant capacity of the liquors and their origin depended on the analytical assay used to evaluate it. All the acid liquors were also rich in sugar degradation products (mainly furfural). HPLC analysis revealed that the most abundant phenolic compound in the acid liquors was vanillin for brewers' spent grains, hazelnut shells and wheat straw, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid for orange peels. Wheat straw served as the best raw material for cellulose isolation, providing a final residue with a high cellulose content (84%) which corresponded to 45% of the original cellulose. The applied process removed more than 90% of the hemicellulose fraction in all the samples, while delignification degree ranged from 67% (in hazelnut shells), to 93% (in brewers' spent grains). It was not possible to select a unique raw material for the release of highest levels of both total phenols and cellulose.

Studies on physicochemical and nutritional properties of aerial parts of Cassia occidentalis L.

In the present, work chemical composition and nutritional value of aerial parts of Cassia occidentalis L. was studied. The aerial parts of C. occidentalis possess favorable physicochemical properties with good nutritional value, such as high energy value, crude fibers, and vitamin levels. The X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry data revealed that the sample is rich in minerals, especially in Fe, Ca, K, and Mn. Further, minerals such as Mg, Zn, Cu, Na, P, and S are present in good amount and depicted the nutritional value of the selected material. The plant sample is rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, lignin, tannins, and phenols. The presence of phytochemical constituents was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry profile and high-performance thin layer chromatography fingerprinting techniques. The findings stimulate the on-farm cultivation of C. occidentalis on a large scale to relieve the iron deficiency in local community, and it can be used as a dietary supplement to treat anemia.