A comprehensive review of phytoconstituents in liver cancer prevention and treatment: targeting insights into molecular signaling pathways.

Primary liver cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a primary liver cancer that usually affects adults. Liver cancer is a fatal global condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite advances in technology, the mortality rate remains alarming. There is growing interest in researching alternative medicines to prevent or reduce the effects of liver cancer. Recent studies have shown growing interest in herbal products, nutraceuticals, and Chinese medicines as potential treatments for liver cancer. These substances contain unique bioactive compounds with anticancer properties. The causes of liver cancer and potential treatments are discussed in this review. This study reviews natural compounds, such as curcumin, resveratrol, green tea catechins, grape seed extracts, vitamin D, and selenium. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that these medications reduce the risk of liver cancer through their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, and antimetastatic properties. This article discusses the therapeutic properties of natural products, nutraceuticals, and Chinese compounds for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.

First molecular survey of tick-borne protozoan and bacterial pathogens in the questing tick population in Bangladesh.

Questing ticks carry various tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) that are responsible for causing tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in humans and animals around the globe, especially in the tropics and sub-tropics. Information on the distribution of ticks and TBPs in a specific geography is crucial for the formulation of mitigation measures against TBDs. Therefore, this study aimed to survey the TBPs in the questing tick population in Bangladesh. A total of 2748 questing hard ticks were collected from the pastures in Sylhet, Bandarban, Sirajganj, Dhaka, and Mymensingh districts through the flagging method. After morphological identification, the ticks were grouped into 142 pools based on their species, sexes, life stages, and collection sites. The genomic DNA extracted from tick specimens was screened for 14 pathogens, namely Babesia bigemina (AMA-1), Babesia bovis (RAP-1), Babesia naoakii (AMA-1), Babesia ovis (18S rRNA), Theileria luwenshuni (18S rRNA), Theileria annulata (Tams-1), Theileria orientalis (MPSP), Anaplasma marginale (groEL), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (16S rRNA), Anaplasma bovis (16S rRNA), Anaplasma platys (16S rRNA), Ehrlichia spp. (16S rRNA), Rickettsia spp. (gltA), and Borrelia (Bo.) spp. (flagellin B) using genus and species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. The prevalence of the detected pathogens was calculated using the maximum likelihood method (MLE) with 95 % confidence interval (CI). Among 2748 ixodid ticks, 2332 (84.86 %) and 416 (15.14 %) were identified as Haemaphysalis bispinosa and Rhipicephalus microplus, respectively. Haemaphysalis bispinosa was found to carry all the seven detected pathogens, while larvae of R. microplus were found to carry only Bo. theileri. Among the TBPs, the highest detection rate was observed in A. bovis (20/142 pools, 0.81 %, CI: 0.51-1.20), followed by T. orientalis (19/142 pools, 0.72 %, CI: 0.44-1.09), T. luwenshuni (9/142 pools, 0.34 %, CI: 0.16-0.62), B. ovis (4/142 pools, 0.15 %, CI: 0.05 - 0.34) and Bo. theileri (4/142 pools, 0.15 %, CI: 0.05-0.34), Ehrlichia ewingii (3/142 pools, 0.11 %, CI: 0.03-0.29), and Babesia bigemina (1/142, 0.04 %, CI: 0.00 - 0.16). This study reports the existence of T. luwenshuni, E. ewingii, and Bo. theileri in Bangladesh for the first time. The novel findings of this study are the foremost documentation of transovarian transmission of B. bigemina and E. ewingii in H. bispinosa and also provide primary molecular evidence on the presence of E. ewingii and Bo. theileri in H. bispinosa. Therefore, this study may shed light on the circulating TBPs in ticks in the natural environment and thereby advocate awareness among physicians and veterinarians to control and prevent TBDs in Bangladesh.

Is smokeless tobacco use associated with lower health-related quality of life? A cross-sectional survey among women in Bangladesh.

INTRODUCTION: Bangladesh has 22 million adult users of smokeless tobacco (ST). The prevalence among women is higher (24.8%). Health-related quality of life outcome (HRQoL) for ST use is little known. We investigated the association between HRQoL and daily ST use among adult women in Bangladesh. METHODS: Using multi-stage design, a cross-sectional survey was conducted. Adult women (randomly selected) were surveyed from 4 purposively selected divisions (Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Rangpur). Female ST users and non-users were compared using HRQoL scores. Self-perceived Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) values and HRQoL scores were modelled to examine their association with ST use. RESULTS: A total of 2610 women (1149 users and 1461 non-users) were surveyed. The proportion reported any type of problem in all health dimensions was significantly higher among female ST users than non-users (mobility: 43.3% vs 19.5%, self-care: 29.6% vs 11.9%, usual activities: 48.7% vs 21.8%, pain or discomfort: 69.8% vs 40.6%, and anxiety or depression: 61.3% vs 37.5%). The average HRQoL scores were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.78-0.81) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.89-0.90) for users and non-users, respectively. Moreover, EQ-VAS average values were significantly higher for non-users [80.7 (95% CI: 79.9-81.6) vs 70.27 (95% CI: 69.2-71.2)]. Controlling the sociodemographics, ST use significantly reduced the HRQoL score by an average of 0.15 points. The EQ-VAS values on average decreased by 0.04 points for ST use. CONCLUSIONS: ST use is significantly associated with the HRQoL of females in Bangladesh. Considering the higher prevalence of ST, especially among women, HRQoL hazards need to be communicated for awareness building.

Comprehensive review of the repositioning of non-oncologic drugs for cancer immunotherapy.

Drug repositioning or repurposing has gained worldwide attention as a plausible way to search for novel molecules for the treatment of particular diseases or disorders. Drug repurposing essentially refers to uncovering approved or failed compounds for use in various diseases. Cancer is a deadly disease and leading cause of mortality. The search for approved non-oncologic drugs for cancer treatment involved in silico modeling, databases, and literature searches. In this review, we provide a concise account of the existing non-oncologic drug molecules and their therapeutic potential in chemotherapy. The mechanisms and modes of action of the repurposed drugs using computational techniques are also highlighted. Furthermore, we discuss potential targets, critical pathways, and highlight in detail the different challenges pertaining to drug repositioning for cancer immunotherapy.

Green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles in Callistemon viminalis extracts and their antimicrobial activities.

In the current study, the bottlebrush [Callistemon viminalis (Sol. ex Gaertn.) G. Don] plant was selected for the green synthesis of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles and to evaluate its antibacterial and antifungal activities. Phytochemical screening of C. viminalis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponins, tannins, betacyanins, phlobatanins, coumarins, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, and proteins. To characterize the synthesized Ag and Au NPs, UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy for functional group identification, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) for particle size, and elemental analysis were performed using EDX. The UV-Visible absorption spectra of the green-synthesized Ag and Au nanoparticles were found to have a maximum absorption band at 420 nm for Ag NPs and 525 nm for Au NPs. FE-SEM analysis of the synthesized NPs revealed a circular shape with a size of 100 nm. Elemental analysis was performed for the synthesis of Ag and Au NPs, which confirmed the purity of the nanoparticles. The greenly synthesized Ag and Au NPs were also evaluated for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities, which exhibited prominent inhibition activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, C. krusei, Aspergillus sp., and Trichoderma species. The highest zone of inhibition 15.5 ± 0.75 and 15 ± 0.85 mm was observed for Ag NPs against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Similarly, Trichoderma sp. and Aspergillus sp. were inhibited by Ag NPs up to 13.5 ± 0.95 and 13 ± 0.70 mm. This work will open doors for the development of new antimicrobial agents using green chemistry.

Novel mutation in alpha-spectrin gene in Saudi patients with hereditary spherocytosis.

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is the most common hereditary hemolytic disorder induced by red blood cell (RBC) membrane defect. This study was undertaken to determine mutations in genes associated with RBC membrane defect in patients with HS such as α-spectrin gene (SPTA1), ß-spectrin gene (SPTB), ankyrin gene (ANK1), band 3 anion transport gene (SLC4A1) and erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.1 gene (EPB41). Blood samples were collected from 23 unrelated patients with HS. Patients were diagnosed according to the guidelines from the British Society for Hematology. All hematological examinations for the determination of RBC abnormalities and osmotic fragility tests were conducted. Genomic DNA were extracted from peripheral blood cells and coding exons of known genes for hereditary spherocytosis were enriched using Roche/KAPA sequence capture technology and sequenced on an Illumina system via next-generation sequencing (NGS). The data showed that most of the HS patients confirmed splenomegaly and showed elevated reticulocytes and abnormal bilirubin values. NGS analysis identified the heterozygous variant c.5501G > A in the exon 39 of SPTA1 gene, resulted in a Trp1834*, which leads to a premature stop codon and subsequent mRNA degradation (nonsense- mediated decay) or truncation in α spectrin. Moreover, our data also revealed conventional mutations in genes SPTB, ANK, SLC4A1 and EBP41 in severe patients of HS. In short, this is the first report that determined a novel mutation c.5501G > A in SPTA1 gene in the Saudi population. To the best of our knowledge, this variant c.5501G > A has not been described in global literature so far. This novel mutation in SPTA1 gene is unique in the Saudi population.

The impact of different levels of wheat diets on hepatic oxidative stress, immune response, and lipid metabolism in Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries).

BACKGROUND: Compared with corn, wheat contains higher crude protein, amino acids concentration. However, wheat contains a mass of anti-nutritional factors, resulting in increased of the digesta viscosity and impaired the intestinal function in ruminant. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of substitution of different amounts of wheat for corn on hepatic metabolism in the Tibetan lamb. METHODS: Ninety Tibetan lambs (Body weight = 12.37 ± 0.92 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups: 0% wheat diet (Control), 10% wheat diet (Low group), and 15% wheat diet (High group). The feeding trial lasted for 130 d, including a 10 d adaption period. Hepatic gene expression profiling was performed via RNA sequencing after the conclusion of the feeding trials. RESULTS: Results showed that greater level of glutathione peroxidase levels in L group compared with those of the C and H groups (P < 0.05). The immune indexes, including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and IgM were also elevated in L group compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Compared with H group, the hepatocytes were arranged radially, and hepatic plates anastomosed with each other to form a labyrinth-like structure in L group. Transcriptomic analysis showed 872 differentially expressed genes (DEG) between H and L group, of which 755 were down-regulated and 117 were up-regulated. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, 32 pathways were significantly enriched (Q-value < 0.05), such as the cAMP signaling pathway, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, leukocyte transendothelial migration, platelet activation and adipocytokine signaling pathway. Additionally, the expression of comment DEGs were verified via quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. CONCLUSION: In summary, our findings suggest that wheat can be supplemented up to 10% in Tibetan sheep, contributing to improve the hepatic oxidative stress, immune response and lipid metabolism through regulating the expression of related genes.

Fat deposition, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant capacity and differentially expressed genes in subcutaneous fat of Tibetan sheep fed wheat-based diets with and without xylanase supplementation.

Xylanase, an exogenous enzyme that plays an essential role in energy metabolism by hydrolysing xylan into xylose, has been shown to positively influence nutrient digestion and utilisation in ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of xylanase supplementation on the back-fat thickness, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant capacity, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the subcutaneous fat of Tibetan sheep. Sixty three-month-old rams with an average weight of 19.35 ± 2.18 kg were randomly assigned to control (no enzyme added, WH group) and xylanase (0.2% of diet on a dry matter basis, WE group) treatments. The experiment was conducted over 97 d, including 7 d of adaption to the diets. The results showed that xylanase supplementation in the diet increased adipocyte volume of subcutaneous fat (p < 0.05), shown by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Gas chromatography showed greater concentrations of C14:0 and C16:0 in the subcutaneous fat of controls compared with the enzyme-treated group (p < 0.05), while opposite trend was seen for the absolute contents of C18:1n9t, C20:1, C18:2n6c, C18:3, and C18:3n3 (p < 0.05). Compared with controls, supplementation with xylanase increased the activity of T-AOC significantly (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed the presence of 1630 DEGs between the two groups, of which 1023 were up-regulated and 607 were down-regulated, with enrichment in 4833 Gene Ontology terms, and significant enrichment in 31 terms (p < 0.05). The common DEGs were enriched in 295 pathways and significantly enriched in 26 pathways. Additionally, the expression of lipid-related genes, including fatty acid synthase, superoxide dismutase, fatty acid binding protein 5, carnitine palmytoyltransferase 1 A, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor A were verified via quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, dietary xylanase supplementation was found to reduce subcutaneous fat deposition in Tibetan sheep, likely through modulating the expression of lipid-related genes.

Enumeration of olive derived lignan, pinoresinol for activity against recent Omicron variant spike protein for structure-based drug design, DFT, molecular dynamics simulations, and MMGBSA studies.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first found in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Because the virus spreads quickly, it quickly became a global worry. Coronaviridae is the family that contains both SARS-CoV-2 and the viruses that came before (i.e., MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV). Recent sources portray that the COVID-19 virus has affected 344,710,576 people worldwide and killed about 5,598,511 people in the last 2 years. The B.1.1.529 strain, later called "Omicron," was named a Variant of Concern on November 24, 2021. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has gone through a never-ending chain of changes that have never happened before. As a result, it has many different traits. Most of these changes have occurred in the spike protein, where antibodies bind. Because of these changes, the Omicron type is very contagious and easy to pass on. There have been a lot of studies done to try to figure out this new challenge in the COVID-19 strains race, but there is still a lot that needs to be explained. This study focuses on virtual screening, docking, and molecular dynamic analysis; we aimed to identify therapeutic candidates for the SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron based on their ability to inhibit non-structural proteins. We investigate the prediction of the properties of a substantial database of drug molecules obtained from the OliveNet™ database. Compounds that did not exhibit adequate gastrointestinal absorption and failed the Lipinski test are not considered for further research. The filtered compounds were coupled with our primary target, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike protein. We focused on SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike protein and filtering potent olive compounds. Pinoresinol, the most likely candidate, is bound best (- 8.5 kcal/mol). Pinoresinol's strong interaction with the active site made the complex's dynamic structure more resilient. MD simulations explain the protein-ligand complex's stability and function. Pinoresinol may be a promising SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike protein receptor lead drug, and additional research may assist the scientific community.

Molecular dynamics exploration of Lupenone: therapeutic implications for glioblastoma multiforme and alzheimer's amyloid beta pathogenesis.

Neuro-oncological and neurodegenerative disorders, represented paradigmatically by glioblastoma and Alzheimer's disease, respectively, persist as formidable challenges in the biomedical realm. The interconnected molecular underpinnings of these conditions necessitate rigorous and novel therapeutic examinations. This comprehensive research was anchored on the premise of unveiling the therapeutic potential and specificity of Lupenone, a potent phytoconstituent, in targeting the molecular pathways underpinning both glioblastoma and Alzheimer's amyloid beta pathology. This was gauged through its interactions with key protein structures, 5H08 and 2ZHV. An integrative approach was adopted, marrying advanced proteomics and modern computer-aided drug design techniques. Molecular docking of Lupenone with 5H08 and 2ZHV was meticulously executed, with subsequent molecular dynamics simulations providing insights into the stability, viability, and intricacies of these interactions. Lupenone demonstrated profound binding affinities, evidenced by robust docking scores of -9.54 kcal/mol for 5H08 and -10.59 kcal/mol for 2ZHV. These interactions underscored Lupenone's eminent therapeutic potential in mitigating glioblastoma and modulating the amyloid beta pathology inherent to Alzheimer's. The introduction of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) further magnified the therapeutic prospects, accentuating Lupenone's efficacy. The findings of this study not only underscore the therapeutic acumen of Lupenone in addressing the challenges posed by glioblastoma and Alzheimer's but also lay a strong foundation for its consideration as a leading candidate in future neuro-oncological and neurodegenerative research endeavors. Given the compelling in-silico data, a clarion call is made for its empirical validation in holistic in-vivo settings, potentially pioneering a new therapeutic epoch in both glioblastoma and Alzheimer's interventions.

Antifungal and Antiproliferative Activity of Pistagremic Acid and Flavonoids Extracted from the Galls of Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima.

Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J.L. Stewart) Rech. f. is a plant known for its therapeutic applications in traditional medicine, which are related to its antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiarrheal, and muscle relaxant properties. The galls of P. chinensis are rich in triterpenes and flavonoids, and we here report the extraction of pistagremic acid (1), apigenin (2) and sakuranetin (3) from this source. The isolated compounds were tested against Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Fusarium solani, Microsporum canis and Trichoderma longibrachiatum. The results highlighted the antimicrobial activity of flavonoids 2 and 3, suggesting that this class of molecules may be responsible for the effect related to the traditional use. On the other hand, when the compounds and the extract were tested for their antiproliferative activity on a panel of 4 human cancer cell lines, the triterpene pistagremic acid (1) showed a higher potential, thus demonstrating a different bioactivity profile. Structure-based docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to help the interpretation of experimental results. Taken together, the here reported findings pave the way for the rationalization of the use of P. chinensis extracts, highlighting the contributions of the different components of galls to the observed bioactivity.

Role of Th17 and IL-17 Cytokines on Inflammatory and Auto-immune Diseases.

BACKGROUND: The IL-17 (interleukin 17) family consists of six structurally related pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-17A to IL-17F. These cytokines have garnered significant scientific interest due to their pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Notably, a specific subset of T-cells expresses IL-17 family members, highlighting their importance in immune responses against microbial infections. INTRODUCTION: IL-17 cytokines play a critical role in host defense mechanisms by inducing cytokines and chemokines, recruiting neutrophils, modifying T-cell differentiation, and stimulating the production of antimicrobial proteins. Maintaining an appropriate balance of IL-17 is vital for overall health. However, dysregulated production of IL-17A and other members can lead to the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. METHOD: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the IL-17 family and its involvement in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Relevant literature and research studies were analyzed to compile the data presented in this review. RESULTS: IL-17 cytokines, particularly IL-17A, have been implicated in the development of various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, pyoderma gangrenosum, autoimmune hepatic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, and graft-versus-host disease. Understanding the role of IL-17 in these diseases is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies. CONCLUSION: The significant involvement of IL-17 cytokines in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases underscores their potential as therapeutic targets. Current treatments utilizing antibodies against IL-17 cytokines and IL-17RA receptors have shown promise in managing these conditions. This review consolidates the understanding of IL-17 family members and their roles, providing valuable insights for the development of novel immunomodulators to effectively treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Price elasticity of cigarette smoking in Bangladesh: evidence from the Global Adult Tobacco Surveys (GATS).

INTRODUCTION: The overall prevalence of cigarette smoking has not changed significantly for over a decade in Bangladesh. Raising the price of cigarettes through taxation is an important policy instrument for reducing consumption and achieving public health goals. The price elasticity of cigarette demand is an important parameter for evaluating the effectiveness of raising prices through tax increases in reducing cigarette consumption. The objective of the study was to estimate the price elasticity of cigarette demand in Bangladesh using Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2009 and 2017 data. METHODS: Smoking prevalence and smoking intensity were estimated using a two-part model. Endogeneity of prices was minimised using the average consumption-weighted cigarette price in a cluster, for both smokers and non-smokers residing in a specific cluster. RESULTS: Cigarette demand was found to be price inelastic and ranged between -0.51 and -0.73. It is also price inelastic across wealth groups and areas of residence in Bangladesh. Although the total price elasticity did not differ considerably between rural and urban locations, it is evident that individuals in the lower-wealth group are more than twice as responsive to price increases as their high-wealth counterparts. CONCLUSION: A significant increase in cigarette prices through a tax increase would decrease smoking prevalence and increase tax revenue in Bangladesh. The greater price sensitivity among smokers in lower-wealth groups indicates that a tax-induced cigarette price increase would provide more health benefits to them, thereby contributing to improved health equity.

Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Mechanisms of the Multitargeted Flavonoid Fisetin.

Flavonoids effectively treat cancer, inflammatory disorders (cardiovascular and nervous systems), and oxidative stress. Fisetin, derived from fruits and vegetables, suppresses cancer growth by altering cell cycle parameters that lead to cell death and angiogenesis without affecting healthy cells. Clinical trials are needed in humans to prove the effectiveness of this treatment for a wide range of cancers. According to the results of this study, fisetin can be used to prevent and treat a variety of cancers. Despite early detection and treatment advances, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. We must take proactive steps to reduce the risk of cancer. The natural flavonoid fisetin has pharmacological properties that suppress cancer growth. This review focuses on the potential drug use of fisetin, which has been extensively explored for its cancer-fighting ability and other pharmacological activities such as diabetes, COVID-19, obesity, allergy, neurological, and bone disorders. Researchers have focused on the molecular function of fisetin. In this review, we have highlighted the biological activities against chronic disorders, including cancer, metabolic illnesses, and degenerative illnesses, of the dietary components of fisetin.

Heavy metal toxicity in poultry: a comprehensive review.

Arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) have been recognized as most toxic heavy metals that are continuously released into the environment, both from natural sources and from anthropogenic production of fertilizers, industrial activities, and waste disposal. Therefore, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb are found in increasing concentrations in bodies of water, fodder, feed, and in the tissues of livestock, including poultry, in the surroundings of industrial areas, leading to metabolic, structural, and functional abnormalities in various organs in all animals. In poultry, bioaccumulation of As, Pb, Cd, and Hg occurs in many organs (mainly in the kidneys, liver, reproductive organs, and lungs) as a result of continuous exposure to heavy metals. Consumption of Cd lowers the efficiency of feed conversion, egg production, and growth in poultry. Chronic exposure to As, Pb, Cd, and Hg at low doses can change the microscopic structure of tissues (mainly in the brain, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs) as a result of the increased content of these heavy metals in these tissues. Histopathological changes occurring in the kidneys, liver, and reproductive organs are reflected in their negative impact on enzyme activity and serum biochemical parameters. Metal toxicity is determined by route of exposure, length of exposure, and absorbed dosage, whether chronic and acute. This review presents a discussion of bioaccumulation of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg in poultry and the associated histopathological changes and toxic concentrations in different tissues.

Oleuropein: Chemistry, extraction techniques and nutraceutical perspectives-An update.

Olive family (Oleaceae) contains several species among which Olea europaea L. is mostly used for production of olive oils. Various parts of olive tree are rich source of diverse bioactive compounds such as Apigenin, elenolic acid, Hydroxytyrosol, Ligstroside, Oleoside, Oleuropein, Oleuropein aglycone, Tyrosol, etc. Among these, oleuropein, a secoiridoid is predominantly found in olive leaves and young olive fruits of different species of Oleaceae family. Scientists have adopted numerous extraction methods (conventional & latest) to increase the yield of oleuropein. Among these techniques, maceration, soxhlet, microwave-assisted, ultrasonication, and supercritical fluid methods are most commonly employed for extraction of oleuropein. Evidently, this review emphasizes on various in-vitro and in-vivo studies focusing on nutraceutical properties of oleuropein. Available literature highlights the pharmaceutical potential of oleuropein against various diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular complications, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, inflammation, microbial infections, and oxidation. This review will benefit the scientific community as it narrates comprehensive literature regarding absorption, metabolism, bioavailability, extraction techniques, and nutraceutical perspectives associated with oleuropein.

Studying the Bioactive Components and Phytochemicals of the Methanol Extract of Rhanterium epapposum Oliv.

Rhanterium epapposum Oliv. (locally known as Al-Arfaj) belongs to the family Asteraceae. This study was designed to discover the bioactive components and phytochemicals of the methanol extract of the aerial parts of Rhanterium epapposum, using Agilent Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST08 L). GC-MS analysis of the methanol extract of Rhanterium epapposum aerial parts showed presence of sixteen compounds. The major compounds among these were 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, (Z, Z, Z)- (9.89), n-hexadecenoic acid (8.44), 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one (6.60), benzene propanoic acid, ß-amino-4-methoxy- (6.12), 1.4-isopropyl-1,6-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,4 a,7,8,8a-octahedron-1-naphthalenol (6.00), 1-dodecanol, 3,7,11-trimethyl- (5.64), and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- (4.84), whereas the minor compounds were 9-Octadecenoic acid, (2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl ester, trans- (3.63), Butanoic acid (2.93), Stigmasterol (2.92), 2-Naphthalenemethanol (2.66), (2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-1-phenylmethanesulfonyl)benzene (2.45), 2-(Ethylenedioxy) ethylamine, N-methyl-N-[4-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-2-butynyl]- (2.00), 1-Heptatriacotanol (1.69), Ocimene (1.59), and ß-Sitosterol (1.25). Furthermore, the study was extended to determine the phytochemicals in the methanol extract of Rhanterium epapposum, which indicated the positive presence of saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Moreover, quantitative analysis revealed the presence of high content of flavonoids, total phenolic, and tannins. This study outcome suggests a podium of using Rhanterium epapposum aerial parts as a herbal remedy for various diseases especially cancers, hypertension, and diabetes.

Salvia officinalis L. Methanolic Extract Reduces Lead and Nicotine-Induced Sperm Quality Degeneration in Male Rats.

Most heavy metals and industrial chemicals such as nicotine and lead cause harm to the reproduction process through a decrease in sperm motility, fertilization process, and sperm binding to the oocyte. Salvia officinalis L. (sage) has been reported to enhance serum testosterone levels and other certain biochemical enzymes. Thus, the current study is aimed at evaluating the potential health benefits of S. officinalis L. methanol extract on lead and nicotine hydrogen tartrate-induced sperm quality degeneration in male rats and also identifying some of the non-polar volatile bioactive compounds that might be attributed to the bioactivity of S. officinalis extract using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In the study, fifty-four mature male albino rats of about 220-250 g [were divided randomly and equally into 9 groups (n=6)]. Sperm quality degeneration was induced through the oral administration of 1.5 g/L of lead acetate in drinking water or peritoneal injection of 0.50 mg/kg (animal weight) nicotine hydrogen tartrate for sixty days. Two doses (200 & 400 mg/kg b.w.) of S. officinalis L. were used. The rats were anesthetized after the experimental period and then sacrificed. Blood samples were collected while the epididymis, testicle, and accessory sex organs (prostates and seminal vesical) were taken for histopathological studies. Twelve major compounds were identified through the GC/MS analysis of S. officinalis L. methanol extract. Lead and nicotine toxicity had a great effect on the rats' sperm quality causing a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the quantity of sperm and sperm motility as well as an upsurge in the abnormalities of the sperm and a reduction in the length & diameter of seminiferous tubules and size & weight of sexual organs (accessory sex glands, epididymis, and testis). The administration of S. officinalis L. methanol extract, however, had a positive impact on the sexual organ weights, semen quality & quantity, and rats' fertility, thus, ameliorating the adversative effects of both lead and nicotine. Further evaluation and isolation of the bioactive components are recommended as potential drug leads.

Comparative GC-MS Analysis of Fresh and Dried Curcuma Essential Oils with Insights into Their Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities.

Species belonging to the Zingiberaceae family are of high nutritional, industrial, and medicinal values. In this study, we investigated the effect of processing steps (fresh vs. dried milled rhizomes) and extraction methodologies (hydrodistillation vs. hexane extraction) of curcuma essential oil on its chemical content (using GC-MS analysis), its antioxidant behavior (using in vitro assays such as DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelation), and its enzyme inhibitory activities (on tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase, butylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) supported by multivariate analysis, in silico studies, and molecular dynamics. The GC-MS investigations revealed a high degree of similarity in the chemical profile of fresh hydrodistilled and hexane-extracted essential oils with tumerone and curlone being the major metabolites. The extraction techniques affected the concentrations of other minor constituents such as terpinolene, caryophylla-4(12), 8(13)-dien-5α-ol, and neo-intermedeol, which were almost exclusively detected in the hydrodistilled fresh essential oil; however, zingiberene and ß-sesquiphellandrene were predominant in the hexane-extracted fresh essential oil. In the dried curcuma rhizomes, tumerone and curlone contents were significantly reduced, with the former being detected only in the hydrodistilled essential oil while the latter was doubly concentrated in the hexane-derived oil. Constituents such as D-limonene and caryophyllene oxide represented ca. 29% of the dried hydrodistilled essential oil, while ar-turmerone was detected only in the dried hydrodistilled and hexane-extracted essential oils, representing ca. 16% and 26% of the essential oil composition, respectively. These variations in the essential oil chemical content have subsequently affected its antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitory activities. In silico investigations showed that hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding were the characteristic binding modes of the bioactive metabolites to their respective targets. Molecular dynamics revealed the stability of the ligand-target complex over time. From the current study we conclude that fresh hexane-extracted essential oil showed the best radical scavenging properties, and fresh rhizomes in general display better enzyme inhibitory activity regardless of the extraction technique.