Novel Anti-Viral Properties of the Herbal Extract of Davallia mariesii against Influenza A Virus.

Gu-Sui-Bu, the dried rhizome of Davallia mariesii, is a traditional Chinese herbal remedy with a significant history of treating osteoporosis and inflammatory conditions. However, its potential as an anti-influenza agent and its underlying mechanisms of action remain unexplored. To obtain a more potent extract from D. mariesii and gain insights into its mechanism of action against influenza A virus (IAV), we utilized a partitioning process involving organic solvents and water, resulting in the isolation of butanolic subfractions of the D. mariesii extract (DMBE). DMBE exhibited a broad anti-viral spectrum, effectively inhibiting IAV, with an EC50 of 24.32 ± 6.19 µg/mL and a selectivity index of 6.05. We subsequently conducted a series of in vitro assays to evaluate the antiviral effects of DMBE and to uncover its mechanisms of action. DMBE was found to inhibit IAV during the early stages of infection by hindering the attachment of the virus onto and its penetration into host cells. Importantly, DMBE was observed to hinder IAV-mediated cell-cell fusion. It also inhibited neuraminidase activity, plaque size, and the expression levels of phospho-AKT. In summary, this study provides evidence for the effectiveness of D. mariesii as a complementary and alternative herbal remedy against IAV. Specifically, our data highlight DMBE's capabilities in inhibiting viral entry and the release of virions.

Onosma bracteatum Wall Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract Suppresses Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats via Regulation of TNF-α, IL-6, and C-Reactive Protein.

Onosma bracteatum Wall (O. bracteatum) has been used traditionally for the management of arthritis; however, its therapeutic potential warrants further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of the aqueous-ethanolic extract of O. bracteatum leaves (AeOB) in a rat model of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. Rats were treated with AeOB (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg), indomethacin (10 mg/kg), or a vehicle control from days 8 to 28 post-CFA injection. Arthritic score, paw diameter, and body weight were monitored at regular intervals. X-ray radiographs and histopathological analysis were performed to assess arthritic severity. Inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were quantified by qPCR and icromatography. Phytochemical analysis of AeOB revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, Saponins, and glycosides. AeOB also exhibited antioxidant potential with an IC50 of 73.22 µg/mL in a DPPH assay. AeOB and diclofenac exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities. Rats treated with AeOB at 750 mg/kg and indomethacin showed significantly reduced arthritic symptoms and joint inflammation versus the CFA control. The AeOB treatment downregulated TNF-α and IL-6 and decreased CRP levels compared with arthritic rats. Radiography and histopathology also showed improved prognosis. These findings demonstrate the anti-arthritic potential of AeOB leaves.

A review on triterpenoid and triterpenoid saponins from Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bung.

Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge, also known as Tu-Mu-Gua and Wen-Dan-Ge-Zi, has several applications. Clinical data and experimental studies have shown anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant properties of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge that inhibits prostate hyperplasia, lowers blood pressure and lipid level, and treats enuresis and urinary incontinence. It also has neuroprotective effects and can treat Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's syndrome. The research on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge has been increasing. Triterpenoid and triterpenoid saponins are the main constituents in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge and exhibit biological activities. In this review, we summarized the research progress on triterpenoids and their glycosides in Xanthoceras sorbifolia, including the chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and biogenic pathways of triterpenoid mother nucleus. The results would provide a reference for further research and development of triterpenoids and their glycosides in Xanthoceras sorbifolia.

Lepiginosides A-D: three new triterpenoid saponins and a new farnesyl glycoside from the stembarks of Lepisanthes rubiginosa (roxb.) leenh.

Phytochemical investigation of methanolic extract of L. rubiginosa using modern chromatographic techniques has led to the isolation of three new triterpenoid saponins, lepiginosides A-C (1-3), a new farnesyl glycoside, lepiginoside D (4), together with lepisantheside B (5) and gleditsoside C (6). The characterization and structural elucidation of the isolated compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic data analysis and comparison with literature data. Moreover, the antibacterial activity against seven bacteria, but none is active.

Cellulose fibers and ellagitannin-rich extractives from rambutan (Nephelium Lappaceum L.) peel by an eco-friendly approach.

This study assesses the viability of an accelerated solvent extraction technique employing environmentally friendly solvents to extract ellagitannins while producing cellulose-rich fibers from rambutan peel. Two sequential extraction protocols were investigated: 1) water followed by acetone/water (4:1, v:v), and 2) acetone followed by acetone/water (4:1, v:v), both performed at 50 °C. The first protocol had a higher extraction yield of 51 %, and the obtained extractives featured a higher total phenolic (531.4 ± 22.0 mg-GAE/g) and flavonoid (487.3 ± 16.9 mg-QE/g) than the second protocol (495.4 ± 32.8 mg-GAE/g and 310.6 ± 31.4 mg-QE/g, respectively). The remaining extractive-free fibers were processed by bleaching using either 2 wt% sodium hydroxide with 3 wt% hydrogen peroxide or 4-5 wt% peracetic acid. Considering bleaching efficiency, yield, and process sustainability, the single bleaching treatment with 5 wt% of peracetic acid was selected as the most promising approach to yield cellulose-rich fibers. The samples were analyzed by methanolysis to determine the amount and type of poly- and oligosaccharides and studied by 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. The products obtained from the peels demonstrate significant potential for use in various sectors, including food, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and paper production.

Safety Assessment of Schleichera oleosa Lour. Leaves Extract: Acute and Subchronic Studies.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Schleichera oleosa</i> (Sapindaceae) has been reported to be useful in traditional medicine and it has some potential pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This study aimed to assess its safety to provide complete data required for the development of <i>S. oleosa</i> as herbal medicine. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The safety assessment of the extract was carried out by testing acute and subchronic toxicity in mice (male and female) and rats (male and female), respectively. The doses used in the acute toxicity test were 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 mg kg¹ of body weight and those in the subchronic treatment were 100, 200 and 400 mg kg¹ of body weight. <b>Results:</b> In the acute toxicity test, the <i>S. oleosa</i> leaf extract at all doses indicated that the LD₅₀ value of the extract was higher than 5000 mg kg¹ b.wt., which suggested that this extract is practically non-toxic according to the toxicity criteria. Furthermore, the subchronic toxicity test found that the administration of the extract to male and female rats at a daily dose of 100 and 200 mg kg¹ b.wt., for 90 days did not cause any significant change in blood haematology, blood biochemistry and histopathological picture of liver, kidney, heart, lymph and lung. Despite there being a significant increase in white blood counts, long-term use of the <i>S. oleosa</i> leaf extract is relatively safe. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results provided evidence regarding the potential of <i>S. oleosa</i> leaves to be used as herbal medicine. However, further research needs to be done to verify that activity and its safety in long-term use.

Physicochemical characteristics, polyphenols and antioxidant activities of Dimocarpus longan grown in different geographical locations.

Longan is widely consumed due to its high nutritional value. The growing area has substantial effect on nutrient component and secondary metabolism of fruits. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in physicochemical characteristics, polyphenol profiles, and antioxidant activity of longan fruits grown in four regions of China. Two representative cultivars 'Shixia' and 'Chuliang' located in Chongqing, Guanxi, Zhanjiang and Hainan were collected and analyzed. The results showed that the fruit weights, edible rates, and total soluble solids were 5.63-12.57 g, 52.7-68.7% and 17.54-23.68%, respectively. The titratable acids, reducing sugars, vitamin C contents were 0.22-0.62%, 2.27-5.55% and 68.29-157.34 mg/100 g, respectively. Interestingly, contents of total polyphenols and antioxidant activities in longan pericarps from Chongqing were higher than those from low-latitude regions for two cultivars. In addition, 10 polyphenols were detected by UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS which showed that the content of polyphenols was much higher in longan pericarps than in pulps. The content of polyphenol profiles in longan was mainly influenced by its tissue distribution. Cultivar type may also affect the polyphenol profile of longan.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of ethanolic extract from Serjania erecta leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The infusion of Serjania erecta Radlk (Sapindaceae) (popular name "cipó-cinco-folhas") leaves is used in popular medicine to treat back pain. The anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperalgesic and anti-nociceptive properties of the ethanolic extract from S. erecta leaves (EESE) has not been yet completely clarified. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study investigated the anti-hyperalgesic, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of EESE in experimental models in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: EESE was fractionated by chromatographic techniques and the compound was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), infrared (IR) spectrum, ultraviolet (UV) methods. Mice received a single dose of EESE by oral route (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) and were submitted to nociception induced by formalin, pleurisy induced by carrageenan and peritonitis induced by zymosan models. Mice also received EESE (30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 22 days in Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) model and another group received EESE for 7 days (30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) in pleurisy induced by Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). The cytotoxicity (MTT), phagocytic and chemotactic inhibitory activities of EESE were performed in in vitro assays. RESULTS: The fractionation of EESE led to the identification of kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside. The oral administration of all doses of EESE decreased the nociceptive response induced by formalin. EESE significantly inhibited leukocyte migration in carrageenan-induced pleurisy and zymosan peritonitis models. The daily administration of EESE during for 7 days inhibited the leukocyte migration and the mycobacteria growth of pleural material obtained from animals which received BCG. EESE significantly reduced edema, cold allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia responses induced by CFA. EESE did not induce cytotoxicity, and also decreased the leukocyte phagocytic activity, as well as, neutrophil chemotaxis. CONCLUSIONS: EESE showed analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in acute and persistent experimental models in mice. EESE also reduced in vitro leukocyte chemotaxis and phagocytic activity without inducing cytotoxicity. The continuous oral treatment with EESE was effective against hyperalgesia and inflammation and these results could explain the popular use of S. erecta as an analgesic natural agent.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous extract obtained from Serjania marginata Casar leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Serjania marginata Casar (Sapindaceae Family) Leaves are popularly used against abdominal pain. Antiulcer properties of S. marginata were scientifically described, however rare studies showed the antinociceptive effects of this plant. AIM OF STUDY: In this study, we investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract obtained from Serjania marginata leaves (AESM) in nociception/inflammation models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: AESM was analyzed in FIA-ESI-IT-MS and Mass spectrometer LTQ XL. AESM oral administration (p.o.) (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg), dexamethasone subcutaneous injection (1 mg/kg, s.c.) and morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) were tested against the acetic acid-induced nociception, carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory paw edema/hyperalgesia, formalin-induced nociception and carrageenan-induced pleurisy in Swiss mice. RESULTS: Flavonoids rutin was detected in the phytochemical analysis of this extract. Oral treatment of AESM 300 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing. AESM (100 and 300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited formalin-induced nociception, mechanical hyperalgesia and paw edema in carrageenan-model. Furthermore, AESM significantly inhibited leukocyte migration and protein exudation in the carrageenan-induced pleurisy test. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activity of AESM, which may explain, in part, the popular use of this plant as a natural antinociceptive agent. This pharmacological action can be caused by flavonoids such as rutin and other compounds present in AESM.

Antitumor effects of polyphenol-rich extract of Euphoria longana seed by vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta signaling inhibition in experimentally induced oral cancer in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Oral cancers are found to have high risk in South Central Asia due to exposure of various risk factors. Euphoria longana Lam. (EL) has been traditionally used to relieve insomnia, prevent amnesia, and treat palpitation. In addition, EL has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant activities. The investigation was aimed to evaluate the mechanism of action and antitumor activity of polyphenol-rich EL seeds extract against oral cancer induced by 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were formulated: normal animals, oral cancer induced with 4-NQO, EL-treated normal control, EL-treated disease control from 0-day, EL-treated disease control from 60 days, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated disease control from day 60, and combined EL- and 5-FU-treated disease control animals from day 60. The animal tongue was smeared with 0.5% 4-NQO at frequency of thrice a week for 12 weeks to induce oral cancer. At the end of treatment, excised tongues were used for biochemical and tumour-specific parameters along with histopathology assessment. RESULTS: Treatment with EL, 5-FU, and combination of both in diseased animals exhibited significant improvement in interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) levels, antioxidant status together with histoarchitecture of the tongue tissue. In addition, the combination of both was slightly more effective than EL and 5-FU alone. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest antitumor activity of Euphoria longana Lam. Extract against 4-NQO induced oral cancer in rats, which could be attributed to alteration in the VEGF and TGF-ß signaling axis.

Comparison of Different Extraction Processes on the Physicochemical Properties, Nutritional Components and Antioxidant Ability of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge Kernel Oil.

In this study, we investigated and compared the oil yield, physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, nutrient content, and antioxidant ability of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Bunge (X. sorbifolia) kernel oils obtained by cold-pressing (CP), hexane extraction (HE), aqueous enzymatic extraction (AEE), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The results indicated that X. sorbifolia oil contained a high percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (49.31-50.38%), especially oleic acid (30.73-30.98%) and nervonic acid (2.73-3.09%) and that the extraction methods had little effect on the composition and content of fatty acids. X. sorbifolia oil is an excellent source of nervonic acid. Additionally, the HE method resulted in the highest oil yield (98.04%), oxidation stability index (9.20 h), tocopherol content (530.15 mg/kg) and sterol content (2104.07 mg/kg). The DPPH scavenging activity rates of the oil produced by SFE was the highest. Considering the health and nutritional value of oils, HE is a promising method for X. sorbifolia oil processing. According to multiple linear regression analysis, the antioxidant capacity of the oil was negatively correlated with sterol and stearic acid content and positively correlated with linoleic acid, arachidic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid content. This information is important for improving the nutritional value and industrial production of X. sorbifolia.

Fatty acid acylated flavonol glycosides from the seeds of Nephelium lappaceum and their nitric oxide suppression activity.

Five undescribed fatty acid esters of flavonol glycosides, nephelosides A-E, along with eight known compounds, were isolated from the seeds of Nephelium lappaceum L. The structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of spectroscopic data in combination with GC-MS analysis. Potency of compounds toward nitric oxide suppression was assessed by monitoring the inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated nitric oxide production in J744.A1 macrophage cells. Nepheloside D, kaempferol and kaempferol 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside showed significant activity with IC50 values of 26.5, 11.6 and 12.0 µM, respectively.

Recovery of Bioactive Ellagitannins by Ultrasound/Microwave-Assisted Extraction from Mexican Rambutan Peel (Nephelium lappaceum L.).

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is a tropical fruit from Asia which has become the main target of many studies involving polyphenolic analysis. Mexico produces over 8 million tons per year of rambutan, generating a huge amount of agro-industrial waste since only the pulp is used and the peel, which comprises around 45% of the fruit's weight, is left behind. This waste can later be used in the recovery of polyphenolic fractions. In this work, emerging technologies such as microwave, ultrasound, and the hybridization of both were tested in the extraction of phenolic compounds from Mexican rambutan peel. The results show that the hybrid technology extraction yielded the highest polyphenolic content (176.38 mg GAE/g of dry rambutan peel). The HPLC/MS/ESI analysis revealed three majoritarian compounds: geraniin, corilagin, and ellagic acid. These compounds explain the excellent results for the biological assays, namely antioxidant activity evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, and LOI (Lipid oxidation inhibition) assays that exhibited great antioxidant capacity with IC50 values of 0.098, 0.335, and 0.034 mg/mL respectively, as well as prebiotic activity demonstrated by a µMax (maximum growth) of 0.203 for Lactobacillus paracasei. Lastly, these compounds have shown no hemolytic activity, opening the door for the elaboration of different products in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and current uses of underutilized Xanthoceras sorbifolium bunge: A review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Plant Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge (X. sorbifolia) has a long history of medicinal use as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine to deal with sterilizing, killing sperm, stabilizing capillary, hemostasis, lowering cholesterol, rheumatism, and pediatric enuresis. Additionally, X. sorbifolia is an oil crop for the production of edible oil due to the health-promotion effect. In recent years, X. sorbifolia has attracted worldwide attention as an important economic crop with low investment and high-income potential. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review aims to provide a comprehensive appraisal of X. sorbifolia, including the traditional uses, nutrients, phytochemical data, biological activities, and current applications. The natural compounds of X. sorbifolia and potential utilization in pharmacology are highlighted. The aim of this review is to inspire the research enthusiasm to X. sorbifolia and promote the comprehensive utilization of X. sorbifolia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research information of X. sorbifolia was collected via Elsevier, American Chemical Society (ACS), PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Baidu scholar, and Google scholar. Additionally, some information was collected from Ph.D. and Master's dissertations, as well as local books. RESULTS: The identification of approximately 195 major phytochemical compounds from different parts of X. sorbifolia is presented in this review, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, lignans, meroterpenoids, monoterpene, alkaloids, and sterol. Among them, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids are the major compounds. Extracts from X. sorbifolia exhibited a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-neuroinflammatory, anti-adipogenesis, anti-obesity, anti-HIV, gastroprotective, immunoregulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities. CONCLUSIONS: Modern pharmacological studies have been well supported and clarified the traditional medicinal uses of X. sorbifolia, which brought a promising prospect for the pharmaceutical value of this plant. However, the related mechanisms between the structure and pharmacological effects were seldom reported. Also, at present, effective and in-depth research on X. sorbifolia is still relatively lacking. Moreover, there is little research on toxicological experiments. Further clinical trials should also be performed to accelerate the drug research and development.

Ion-responsive chitosan hydrogel actuator inspired by carrotwood seed pod.

Inspired by the gradient hygroscopic structure of carrotwood seed pod, patterned anisotropic structure was created in polysaccharide hydrogel by an anodic electrical writing process. Locally released Fe2+ was oxidized to Fe3+ and chelated with chitosan chains in the written area, resulting in a gradient structure in the hydrogel. The asymmetrical stress generated by the different swelling of the gradient structure enables the hydrogel to bend autonomously. The hydrogel shows opposite bending in deionized water and NaCl solution. The physicochemical properties of the hydrogel are characterized by tensile test, SEM, EDS, XRD, TGA, DTG and FT-IR. SEM and EDS show that the written hydrogel has a structural gradient and a concentration gradient of Fe3+ vertically. Moreover, anodic electrical writing increases the flexibility of chitosan hydrogel due to decreased crystallinity. This controllable electrical writing technique is convenient to create patterned anisotropic structure and provide a novel design concept for natural hydrogel actuators.

Review of Nephelium lappaceum and Nephelium ramboutan-ake: A High Potential Supplement.

Nephelium lappaceum (N. lappaceum) and Nephelium ramboutan-ake (N. ramboutan-ake) are tropical fruits that gain popularity worldwide due to their tastiness. Currently, their potential to be used as pharmaceutical agents is underestimated. Chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and aging have high incidence rates in the modern world. Furthermore, pharmaceutical agents targeting pathogenic microorganisms have been hampered by the growing of antimicrobial resistance threats. The idea of food therapy leads to extensive nutraceuticals research on the potential of exotic fruits such as N. lappaceum and N. ramboutan-ake to act as supplements. Phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds that present in the fruit act as potent antioxidants that contribute to the protective effects against diseases induced by oxidative stress. Fruit residuals such as the peel and seeds hold greater nutraceutical potential than the edible part. This review highlights the antioxidant and biological activities (anti-neoplastic, anti-microbial, hypoglycemic actions and anti-aging), and chemical contents of different parts of N. lappaceum and N. ramboutan-ake. These fruits contain a diverse and important chemical profile that can alleviate or cure diseases.

Biocidal Activity of a Nanoemulsion Containing Essential Oil from Protium heptaphyllum Resin against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

This work aimed to prepare a nanoemulsion containing the essential oil of the Protium heptaphyllum resin and evaluate its biocidal activities against the different stages of development of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Ovicide, pupicide, adulticide and repellency assays were performed. The main constituents were p-cymene (27.70%) and α-pinene (22.31%). The developed nanoemulsion showed kinetic stability and monomodal distribution at a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of 14 with a droplet size of 115.56 ± 1.68 nn and a zeta potential of -29.63 ± 3.46 mV. The nanoemulsion showed insecticidal action with LC50 0.404 µg·mL-1 for the ovicidal effect. In the pupicidal test, at the concentration of 160 µg·mL-1, 100% mortality was reached after 24 h. For adulticidal activity, a diagnostic concentration of 200 µg·mL-1 (120 min) was determined. In the repellency test, a concentration of 200 µg·mL-1 during the 180 min of the test showed a protection index of 77.67%. In conclusion, the nanobiotechnological product derived from the essential oil of P. heptaphyllum resin can be considered as a promising colloid that can be used to control infectious disease vectors through a wide range of possible modes of applications, probably as this bioactive delivery system may allow the optimal effect of the P. heptaphyllum terpenes in aqueous media and may also induce satisfactory delivery to air interfaces.

The Use of High Surface Area Mesoporous-Activated Carbon from Longan Seed Biomass for Increasing Capacity and Kinetics of Methylene Blue Adsorption from Aqueous Solution.

Microporous- and mesoporous-activated carbons were produced from longan seed biomass through physical activation with CO2 under the same activation conditions of time and temperature. The specially prepared mesoporous carbon showed the maximum porous properties with the specific surface area of 1773 m2/g and mesopore volume of 0.474 cm3/g which accounts for 44.1% of the total pore volume. These activated carbons were utilized as porous adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution and their effectiveness was evaluated for both the adsorption kinetics and capacity. The adsorption kinetic data of MB were analyzed by the pseudo-first-order model, the pseudo-second-order model, and the pore-diffusion model equations. It was found that the adsorption kinetic behavior for all carbons tested was best described by the pseudo-second-order model. The effective pore diffusivity (De) derived from the pore-diffusion model had the values of 4.657 × 10-7-6.014 × 10-7 cm2/s and 4.668 × 10-7-19.920 × 10-7 cm2/s for the microporous- and mesoporous-activated carbons, respectively. Three well-known adsorption models, namely the Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson equations were tested with the experimental MB adsorption isotherms, and the results showed that the Redlich-Peterson model provided the overall best fitting of the isotherm data. In addition, the maximum capacity for MB adsorption of 1000 mg/g was achieved with the mesoporous carbon having the largest surface area and pore volume. The initial pH of MB solution had virtually no effect on the adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of the methylene blue dye. Increasing temperature over the range from 35 to 55 °C increased the adsorption of methylene blue, presumably caused by the increase in the diffusion rate of methylene blue to the adsorption sites that could promote the interaction frequency between the adsorbent surface and the adsorbate molecules. Overall, the high surface area mesoporous carbon was superior to the microporous carbon in view of the adsorption kinetics and capacity, when both carbons were used for the removal of MB from an aqueous solution.

Design of a Nasal Spray Based on Cardiospermum halicacabum Extract Loaded in Phospholipid Vesicles Enriched with Gelatin or Chondroitin Sulfate.

The extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (C. halicacabum) obtained from flower, leaf and vine was loaded into modified phospholipid vesicles aiming at obtaining sprayable, biocompatible and effective nasal spray formulations for the treatment of nasopharyngeal diseases. Penetration enhancer-containing vesicles (PEVs) and hyalurosomes were formulated, and stabilized by adding a commercial gelatin from fish (20 mg/mL) or chondroitin sulfate from catshark cartilages (Scyliorhinus canicula, 20 mg/mL). Cryo-TEM images confirmed the formation of spherical vesicles, while photon correlation spectroscopy analysis disclosed the formation of small and negatively-charged vesicles. PEVs were the smaller vesicles (~100 nm) along with gelatin-hyalurosomes (~120 nm), while chondroitin-PEVs and chondroitin-hyalurosomes were larger (~160 nm). Dispersions prepared with chondroitin sulfate were more homogeneous, as the polydispersity index was ~0.15. The in vitro analysis of the droplet size distribution, average velocity module and spray cone angle suggested a good spray-ability and deposition of formulations in the nasal cavity, as the mean diameter of the droplets was in the range recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for nasal targets. The spray plume analysis confirmed the ability of PEVs, gelatin-PEVs, hyalurosomes and gelatin-hyalurosomes to be atomized in fine droplets homogenously distributed in a full cone plume, with an angle ranging from 25 to 30°. Moreover, vesicles were highly biocompatible and capable of protecting the epithelial cells against oxidative damage, thus preventing the inflammatory state.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Matoa (Pometia pinnata) Fruit Peel Powder in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats.

Fruit peels, pericarps, or rinds are rich in phenolic/polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties and potentially beneficial effects against obesity and obesity-related non-communicable diseases. This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of matoa (Pometia pinnata) and salak (Salacca zalacca) fruit peel. Neither matoa peel powder (MPP) nor salak peel powder (SPP) affected the body weight, visceral fat weight, or serum glucose or lipid levels of Sprague-Dawley rats when included as 1% (w/w) of a high-fat diet (HFD). However, MPP significantly decreased the hepatic lipid level. MPP at a dose of 3% (w/w) of the HFD decreased body weight, visceral fat, and serum triglyceride levels as well as the hepatic lipid content. The inhibitory effect of MPP on hepatic lipid accumulation was not enhanced when its concentration was increased from 1% to 3% of the HFD. The anti-obesity effect of matoa was partly explained by the inhibitory effect of the matoa peel extract on fatty acid-induced secretion of ApoB-48 protein, a marker of intestinal chylomicrons, in differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayers. We identified hederagenin saponins that are abundant in MPP as potential anti-obesity substances. These results will contribute towards the development of functional foods with anti-obesity effects using the matoa fruit peel.