Biogenic Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles Using Calotropis procera Flower Extract with Enhanced Biomimetics Attributes.

There have been some reports demonstrating the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Calotropis procera (CP) plant extract; however, detailed in-depth debriefing of the vital synthesis parameter for rapid, facile, efficacious synthesis at varied temperatures with effectual characterization of nanoparticles and biomimetic attribute is lacking. This study presents a comprehensive demarcation of the sustainable fabrication of biogenic C. procera flower extract capped and stabilized silver nanoparticles (CP-AgNPs) synthesis with thorough phytochemical characterization and potential biological application. The results revealed that the successful synthesis of CP-AgNPs was instantaneous with the maximum intensity of the plasmonic peak ~400 nm, while morphological results revealed the cubic shape of nanoparticles. CP-AgNPs were found to present stable, well-dispersed, uniform, high anionic zeta potential, and crystalline nanoparticles with a crystallite size of ~23.8 nm. The FTIR spectra indicated that CP-AgNPs were properly capped by the bioactive of C. procera. Moreover, the synthesized CP-AgNPs exhibited hydrogen peroxide scavenging efficacy. In addition, CP-AgNPs showed antibacterial and antifungal activity against pathogenic bacteria. CP-AgNPs displayed significant in vitro antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity. An efficient and convenient approach for synthesizing AgNPs using C. procera flower has been developed with enhanced biomimetic attributes that may be further utilized for water treatment, biosensors, biomedicine, and in allied science.

Regulation of Insulin Resistance, Lipid Profile and Glucose Metabolism Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Tinospora cordifolia.

Background: The plant Tinospora cordifolia (TC), traditionally known as guduchi or giloy, is used for a number of health conditions as a nutritional supplement and rejuvenation medicine. Its nutritional supplementary products are traditionally recommended for a wide range of health issues, including diabetes, menstruation discomfort, fever, obesity, inflammation, and more. Unfortunately, there has not been extensive research into its effectiveness in treating or managing insulin resistance, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, hormonal imbalance, and metabolic syndrome-associated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Consequently, the present study was designed to induce insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hormonal abnormality, hyperglycemia, and menstrual disturbance of PCOS using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in mice and study the effect of oral TC extracts on these factors by using ancient and modern technologies. During the 21-day study, 6 mg/100 g/day of DHEA was given to female mice. Levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, and hormones were estimated. In addition to being seen with the naked eye, the morphological and microscopic changes were also observed on histology slides. Results: The study outcomes show that pretreatment with TC preparations significantly improved biochemical and histological abnormalities in female mice. Diestrus phase was only observed in DHEA-treated animals, while cornified epithelial cells were present in TC-treated mice. Pretreatment with TC satva showed significant (p < 0.001) reductions in body weight compared to placebo. Fasting blood glucose, 1-h OGTT, and 2-h OGTT levels were all significantly lower in TC satva- and oil-treated animals in comparison to the disease control group (p < 0.001). Treatment with TC extracts resulted in a normalization of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone levels (p < 0.05). Treatment with TC extract improved lipid profiles (p < 0.001), LH/FSH ratios (p < 0.01), fasting insulin levels (p < 0.001), HOMA-IR (p < 0.001), HOMA-Beta (p < 0.001), and QUICKI (p < 0.001). Both macroscopic and microscopic alterations were seen to be restored after TC extract treatment. After being treated with TC satva, oil, and hydroalcoholic extract, the severity of PCOS decreased by 54.86%. Conclusions: These findings lead us to the conclusion that TC extracts and satva as nutritional supplements are useful for treating PCOS and associated symptoms. It is recommended that additional research be conducted to determine the molecular mechanism of action of TC nutritional supplements on PCOS-related changes in metabolic profiles. We also recommend further clinical studies to explore the clinical efficacy and effectiveness of TC nutritional supplements in treating and/or managing PCOS.

A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacologically Active Phyto-Constituents from Hedychium species.

In this review, we describe and discuss the phytoconstituents present in Hedychium species and emphasize their potential as drug candidates. Though they are widely validated in vitro and in vivo models, to date, no efforts have been made to compile in a single review all the pharmacologically active phytoconstituents from Hedychium species, and their pharmacological and toxicity profile. In this study, we present a reinvestigation of the chemical constituents present in Hedychium species obtained from the essential oil and solvent extraction of the flowers, leaves and rhizomes under consideration. Key databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar amongst others were probed for a systematic search using keywords to retrieve relevant publications on this plant. An exhaustive electronic survey of the related literature on Hedychium species resulted in around 200 articles. Articles published between the years 1975-2021 were included. The studies conducted on either crude extracts, solvent fractions or isolated pure compounds from Hedychium species reported with a varied range of biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, potentially anti-asthmatic, and cytotoxic, among other related activities of the chemical constituents present in its essential oil and solvent extract deployed in this review. Traditional and herbal medication around the world that uses different parts of Hedychium species were considered for anti-inflammatory, skincare, analgesic, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, antidotal uses, among others. These uses support the idea that chemical constituents obtained from solvent extraction may also exert the same action individually or in a synergistic manner. The review concluded that there is scope for computation and biological study to find out possible new targets for strengthening the potency and selectivity of the relevant compounds, and to find a commercial method for extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Permeability-Enhanced Liposomal Emulgel Formulation of 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Skin Cancer.

The plain 5-fluorouracil (5FU) formulations available in the market are associated with adverse effects such as skin irritation, pruritus, redness, blisters, allergy, and dryness on the site of application. The objective of the present study was to develop a liposomal emulgel of 5FU with increased skin permeability and efficacy using clove oil and eucalyptus oil along with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, stabilizers, binders, and additives. A series of seven formulations were developed and evaluated for their entrapment efficiency, in vitro release profile, and cumulative drug release profile. The compatibility of drugs and excipients, as confirmed by FTIR (fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) as well as SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) studies, revealed that the size and shape of liposomes are smooth and spherical, and the liposomes are non-aggregated. To understand their efficacy, the optimized formulations were evaluated for cytotoxicity using B16-F10 mouse skin melanoma cells. The eucalyptus oil and clove oil-containing preparation significantly produced a cytotoxic effect against a melanoma cell line. The addition of clove oil and eucalyptus oil increased the efficacy of the formulation by improving skin permeability and reducing the dose required for the anti-skin cancer activity.

The Anti-Obesity and Anti-Steatotic Effects of Chrysin in a Rat Model of Obesity Mediated through Modulating the Hepatic AMPK/mTOR/lipogenesis Pathways.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a complex multifactorial disease characterized by excessive adiposity, and is linked to an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Flavonoids are natural polyphenolic compounds that exert interesting pharmacological effects as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering agents. In the present study, we investigated the possible therapeutic effects of the flavonoid chrysin on obesity and NAFLD in rats, and the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways in mediating these effects. METHOD: Thirty-two Wistar male rats were divided into two groups: the control group and the obese group. Obesity was induced by feeding with an obesogenic diet for 3 months. The obese rats were subdivided into four subgroups, comprising an untreated group, and three groups treated orally with different doses of chrysin (25, 50, and 75 mg/kg/day for one month). Results revealed that chrysin treatment markedly ameliorated the histological changes and significantly and dose-dependently reduced the weight gain, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance in the obese rats. Chrysin, besides its antioxidant boosting effects (increased GSH and decreased malondialdehyde), activated the AMPK pathway and suppressed the mTOR and lipogenic pathways, and stimulated expression of the genes controlling mitochondrial biogenesis in the hepatic tissues in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, chrysin could be a promising candidate for the treatment of obesity and associated NAFLD, aiding in attenuating weight gain and ameliorating glucose and lipid homeostasis and adipokines, boosting the hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis, and modulating AMPK/mTOR/SREBP-1c signaling pathways.

Evaluating the therapeutic potential of one-carbon donors in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Defect in one-carbon metabolism is one of the multiple underlying pathological pathways contributing to NAFLD pathogenesis. Hence, our study was designed to examine whether different one-carbon donors; betaine, choline, and folic acid would possess beneficial effects in NAFLD treatment. Rats were fed with high fat diet and NAFLD rats were orally treated with different doses of betaine or choline or folic acid for 28 days. All used one-carbon donors had dose-dependent ameliorating effects on NAFLD as they succeeded to reduce body and relative liver weights, serum lipids and liver enzymes. These were accompanied by decreasing hepatic fat accumulation and amending hepatic histological structure. They also improved serum and hepatic redox systems (total glutathione (tGSH), reduced GSH, oxidized GSSG, and GSH/GSSG ratio), hepatic S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosyl homocysteine (SAM/SAH) ratio and increased hepatic global DNA methylation. There were some discrepancies in the dose and the extent of their effect, where folic acid showed the most prominent effects that could be mediated through the significant surge in hepatic SAM/SAH ratio and better efficient correction of one-carbon metabolism than the other donors. Thus, one-carbon donors can be strongly considered in NAFLD management and might influence the whole therapeutic approaches of fatty liver diseases.