Synthesis and Characterization of Copper-Nanoflowers with the Utilization of Medicinal Plant Extracts for Enhanced Various Enzyme Inhibitory Activities.

In this study, organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers were synthesized using methanolic extracts of the medicinal plants Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia var. chia, Achillea wilhelmsii, Bongardia chrysogonum, Malva sylvestris, Phlomis grandiflora var. grandiflora, Verbascum sp. together with copper ions (Cu2+ ). The synthesized plant extract based-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers (PE-ihNFs) of A. chamaepitys subsp. chia var. chia (Ac-ihNFs), A. wilhelmsii (Aw-ihNfs), B. chrysogonum (Bc-ihNFs), M. sylvestris (Ms-ihNFs) P. grandiflora var. grandiflora (Pg-ihNFs), and Verbascum sp. (Vs-ihNFs) were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Also, several enzymes were selected to evaluate the enzyme inhibition activities of the synthesized PE-ihNFs. For the first-time, enzymes, tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, acetyl and butyryl cholinesterase inhibition activities of the PE-ihNFs with comparison to their plain plant extracts were evaluated in vitro. Results show that the among all the analyzed PE-ihNFs, demonstrated better α-glucosidase & α-amylase enzyme inhibition activity compared to the plain extracts. These initial studies are promising for the synthesis of these hybrid nanoflowers containing medicinal plant extracts, which might have commercial applications in the pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetics industries.

From nutrition to medicine: Assessing hemorrhoid healing activity of Solanum melongena L. via in vivo experimental models and its major chemicals.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Solanum melongena L. (eggplant) is used for treatment of rheumatism, beriberi, itching, toothache, bleeding, asthma, bronchitis, cholera, neuralgia and hemorrhoids in traditional medicine (Turkish, Chinese, and Indian). Hemorrhoids from these diseases, are common illness in all over the world, which are treated with various approaches including ethnobotanicals. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-hemorrhoidal activity of eggplant, an edible plant, which is commonly utilized around the world. MATERIALS & METHODS: In vivo anti-hemorrhoidal activity of the methanolic extract prepared from eggplant was evaluated by experimental hemorrhoid model, subsequently histological and biochemical analysis. Hemorrhoid, which was induced by applying croton oil to the anal area of the rats. Furthermore, the extract was screened for anti-inflammatory activity which is based on the inhibition of acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability. The healing potential was comparatively assessed with a reference Pilex® tablet and cream. Phytochemical analysis performed by HPLC. The amount of the major phenolic compound (chlorogenic acid) in extract was found by using HPLC method. RESULTS: Histological and biochemical analysis demonstrated that eggplant extract is highly effective against hemorrhoid in comparison to the controls and the commercial preparation. In addition, the methanolic extract demonstrated significant inhibitory effect on acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability. The phytochemical studies identified major compound as chlorogenic acid (2.86%) by liquid chromatography. CONCLUSION: The eggplant calyxes, not edible, are easy to reach, by products/vast from the food sources. This is the first scientific evidence revealing that the eggplant extract has significant anti-hemorrhoidal and anti-inflammatory activity.

In Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial and Wound Healing Potential of Thymus Sipyleus Boiss. Subsp. Rosulans (Borbas) Jalas.

Thymus sipyleus Boiss. subsp. rosulans (Borbas) Jalas (TS) is a commonly used plant in the treatment of various complaints, including skin wounds in Turkish folk medicine. Despite the widespread traditional use of TS, there is not any scientific report confirming the effectiveness of this plant on the healing process. This research aimed to investigate the effects of different extracts obtained from TS on biological events during wound healing, on a cellular basis. In this context, proliferative activities of the extracts, as well as the effects on wound closure and hydroxyproline synthesis, were determined. In addition to wound healing properties, the antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were evaluated. Decoction (D) and infusion (I) extracts contained the highest amount of phenolic content and showed the most potent activity against DPPH radical. All extracts exhibited complete protection against the damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by increasing cell viability compared to only H2O2-treated groups, both in co-treatment and pre-treatment protocols. None of the extracts exhibited cytotoxic activity, and most of the extracts from the TS stimulated fibroblast proliferation and migration. All TS extracts exert anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the overproduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO). The most pronounced activity on hydroxyproline synthesis was observed in D extract. In summary, it was observed that TS extracts can promote the healing process by enhancing fibroblast migration, proliferation and collagen synthesis as well as suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The obtained data in this work support the traditional use of TS as a valuable plant-based compound for the treatment of wounds.