Effects of Active Compounds of Nigella sativa in COVID-19: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection that led to the COVID-19 pandemic has changed human health and the economy globally. SARS CoV-2 is a type of Coronaviruses that has caused pneumonia and its complications with many deaths over the past two years. The use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, accepted as generally safe for patients with autoimmune diseases or malaria, was attempted in many trials for COVID-19 treatment. Nigella sativa (NS) (black caraway, also known as black cumin, nigella or Kalonji) is an annual flowering plant of the Ranunculaceae family, chemically composed of the main constituent natural Thymoquinone (TQ) (30%- 48%) in forms of thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone (Nigellone) is a native to wider regions, including parts of eastern Europe, west Asia, North of Africa and east of Myanmar. In this review, we explored the Randomized Controlled Trial, Controlled Trial, and Systematic review studies that support Nigella sativa Thymoquinone-targeted SARS-CoV-2 targeting. Therefore, A literature search was performed for publications published on the electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CNKI, and Google Scholar) for Nigella sativa, black seeds, Kalonji, coronavirus, SARS-CoV -2 and COVID-19. This review aimed to find relevant evidence of Nigella sativa preferences as a natural feasible remedy with no side effects in COVID-19. Studies reported the benefits of NS as beneficial, another appropriate remedy for patients with COVID-19. However, all studies have shown limitations, such as limiting clinical symptom outcomes due to regulations imposed by isolation policies and lack of adequate funding. Therefore, the evidence suggests that the chemical contents of NS are a safe and possible treatment for COVID-19 patients that helps to improve COVID-19 infection in patients with no side effects. CONCLUSION: Nigella sativa seeds were one of the well-documented herbal products. Three reviewed randomized controlled trials reported that NS reduced covid-19 risk and could improve immune function. It was also helpful in upper respiratory infections such as asthma and bronchitis, with one RCT showing that honey and NS significantly improved symptoms, viral clearance, and mortality of COVID-19 patients. This review concludes that NS has a positive barrier effect on people at risk of acquiring a COVID-19 infection.

Fabrication and characterization of super-hydrophilic poly (ε-caprolactone)/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) based composite electrospun membranes for tissue engineering applications.

Tissue engineering (TE) employs scaffolds as a structural support for initially seeding of cells followed by development of new tissues. Electrospun scaffolds generally function as a template of native extracellular matrix (ECM). The chemical composition of the scaffold and its surface morphology strongly influence the interaction between various cell types and materials. In this work, PCL and PCL/HPMC-based composite membranes with varying concentrations of HPMC (20-30% by weight) were fabricated using electrospinning technique. The membranes were evaluated for their surface, physio-chemical and biological properties. It was observed probably for the first time that blending of HPMC with PCL produced super-hydrophilic scaffolds. DSC studies confirmed the semi- crystalline nature of HPMC. PCL/HPMC composite scaffolds are found biocompatible from cytotoxicity assay. From the cell culture studies (apoptosis), PCL/HPMC composite scaffolds did not inhibit the adhesion of L929 cells due to their super-hydrophilic nature. The cell adhesion and spreading varied with HPMC concentration. PCL/HPMC (70/30) membranes showed highest cell adhesion among others due to its porous structure.

Electrospun nanofiber-based respiratory face masks-a review.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic of 2019 forced widespread use of face coverings as a mandatory step towards reducing infection by the virus. The face mask acts as a barrier for transmission of infected aerosols among its user and surrounding people. This has propelled pace of research and development of face masks around the world. This short review is an effort to present advances in materials and designs used for face masks. Details available in scientific literature and company brochures have been accessed and the use of nanomaterials and designs for the new generation of face masks have been discussed. Special attention was given to the face masks based on electrospun nanofiber-based membrane materials due to their nano-sized pores, light weight, and high filtration efficiency; therefore, they are commercially viable and popular among various products available in the market. Incorporation of metal organic framework (MOFs) and graphene have opened avenues to more advanced/multi-functional, reusable, and high capacity adsorption filtration membranes. Rapid prototyping/3-dimensional (3-D) printing techniques have been applied to shorten the time of manufacture of face masks. This review is expected to be very helpful for engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs working on development of novel face masks required in plenty during this pandemic period.

Altered electrochemical properties of iron oxide nanoparticles by carbon enhance molecular biocompatibility through discrepant atomic interaction.

Recent advancement in nanotechnology seeks exploration of new techniques for improvement in the molecular, chemical, and biological properties of nanoparticles. In this study, carbon modification of octahedral-shaped magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was done using two-step chemical processes with sucrose as a carbon source for improvement in their electrochemical application and higher molecular biocompatibility. X-ray diffraction analysis and electron microscopy confirmed the alteration in single-phase octahedral morphology and carbon attachment in Fe3O4 structure. The magnetization saturation and BET surface area for Fe3O4, Fe3O4/C, and α-Fe2O3/C were measured as 90, 86, and 27 emu/g and 16, 56, and 89 m2/g with an average pore size less than 7 nm. Cyclic voltammogram and galvanostatic charge/discharge studies showed the highest specific capacitance of carbon-modified Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3 as 213 F/g and 192 F/g. The in vivo biological effect of altered physicochemical properties of Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3 was assessed at the cellular and molecular level with embryonic zebrafish. Mechanistic in vivo toxicity analysis showed a reduction in oxidative stress in carbon-modified α-Fe2O3 exposed zebrafish embryos compared to Fe3O4 due to despaired influential atomic interaction with sod1 protein along with significant less morphological abnormalities and apoptosis. The study provided insight into improving the characteristic of MNPs for electrochemical application and higher biological biocompatibility.

Poly (ε-caprolactone)-based electrospun nano-featured substrate for tissue engineering applications: a review.

The restoration of normal functioning of damaged body tissues is one of the major objectives of tissue engineering. Scaffolds are generally used as artificial supports and as substrates for regenerating new tissues and should closely mimic natural extracellular matrix (ECM). The materials used for fabricating scaffolds must be biocompatible, non-cytotoxic and bioabsorbable/biodegradable. For this application, specifically biopolymers such as PLA, PGA, PTMC, PCL etc. satisfying the above criteria are promising materials. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is one such potential candidate which can be blended with other materials forming blends, copolymers and composites with the essential physiochemical and mechanical properties as per the requirement. Nanofibrous scaffolds are fabricated by various techniques such as template synthesis, fiber drawing, phase separation, self-assembly, electrospinning etc. Among which electrospinning is the most popular and versatile technique. It is a clean, simple, tunable and viable technique for fabrication of polymer-based nanofibrous scaffolds. The design and fabrication of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds are of intense research interest over the recent years. These scaffolds offer a unique architecture at nano-scale with desired porosity for selective movement of small molecules and form a suitable three-dimensional matrix similar to ECM. This review focuses on PCL synthesis, modifications, properties and scaffold fabrication techniques aiming at the targeted tissue engineering applications.

Epidemiological data and case load spectrum of patients presenting to bone and soft tissue disease management group at a tertiary cancer center.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to know the spectrum and number of bone and soft tissue (BST) tumors presenting to our institute. We needed to assess the gap between the number of patients seen and infrastructure available, and based on this information, help formulate guidelines for optimum utilization of resources and to provide best possible evidence-based cancer care. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: This is a prospective observational study (epidemiological). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included all new patients seen in BST-disease management group (DMG) in the year 2010. An audit form was devised to capture all the relevant information. A comparison of our data with other national and international studies was also done. RESULTS: Out of total 31,951 new patients registered at our institute, 2007 patients availed BST-DMG services. Sixty percent were bone tumors and 36% were soft tissue tumors. In bone tumor, 66% were malignant, 15% were benign, and 19% were non-neoplastic. Osteosarcoma (43%) was the most common malignant tumor followed by primitive neuroectodermal tumor/Ewing's (27%) and chondrosarcoma (11%). Giant cell tumor was the most common benign bone tumor. Eighty-one percent of all soft tissue lesions were malignant, of which 75% were of mesenchymal origin and 25% were of cutaneous origin. CONCLUSION: This is an attempt to document the epidemiology of musculoskeletal tumors presenting to our institution while guiding the institute to frame and implement disease-specific protocols and generate further research questions. Continued data collection and follow-up can provide valuable information on long-term survival and treatment-related toxicities. This data (within limitations) may be extrapolated to national level to identify the need for infrastructure and human resources.

Biogenic unmodified gold nanoparticles for selective and quantitative detection of cerium using UV-vis spectroscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy (DLS).

The ability of self-functionalized biogenic GNPs towards highly selective colorimetric detection of rare earth element cerium is being reported for the first time. GNPs underwent rapid aggregation on addition of cerium indicated by red shift of SPR peak followed by complete precipitation. Hereby, this concept of co-ordination of cerium ions onto the GNP surface has been utilized for detection of cerium. The remarkable capacity of GNPs to sensitively detect Ce without proves beneficial compared to previous reports of colorimetric sensing. MDL was 15 and 35 ppm by DLS and UV-vis spectroscopy respectively, suggesting DLS to be highly sensitive and a practical alternative in ultrasensitive detection studies. The sensing system showed a good linear fit favouring feasible detection of cerium in range of 2-50 ppm. Similar studies further showed the superior selectivity of biogenic GNPs compared to chemically synthesized counterparts. The sensing system favours on-site analysis as it overcomes need of complex instrumentation, lengthy protocols and surface modification of GNP.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle from leaf extract of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and its biomedical potential.

An aqueous leaf extract of Desmodium gangeticum was employed to synthesize silver nano particles. Rapid formation of stable silver nanoparticles were observed on exposure of the aqueous leaf extract with solution of silver nitrate. The silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR) UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (FTIR). UV-visible spectrum of the aqueous medium peaked at 450 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of silver nanoparticles. SEM analysis revealed the spherical shape of the particles with sizes ranging from 18 to 39 nm and the EDAX spectrum confirmed the presence of silver along with other elements in the plant metabolite. Further, these biologically synthesized nanoparticles were found to be highly toxic against pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, thus implying significance of the present study in production of biomedical products.

A comparative clinical trial of Chincha kshara and Kadali kshara on Amlapitta.

A clinical trial was carried out on 30 patients of Amlapitta aged between 20 to 35 years with complaints of Avipaka, hrit-kanthadaha, tikta-amlodgara, utklesa, udarasula, adhmana and aruchi, who were registered from OPD and IPD of Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Puri. They were equally divided into three groups Chincha kshara, Kadali kshara and placebo (who were administered with fresh wheat powder) for 30 days in a dose of 500 mg thrice daily with water. Investigations was done in order to exclude upper gastrointestinal tract ulcer, carcinoma in stomach, cholecystitis, carcinoma gall bladder, and heart diseases. The clinical assessments were carried out on the 30(th) day by subjective and objective parameters and it was inferred that both Chincha kshara and Kadali kshara were effective and reduced the symptoms of amlapitta. Chincha kshara was found to be more effective than Kadali kshara. The study shows the effect of Chincha and Kadali kshara which led to cure in 4(40%) and 3(30%) patients respectively, and maximum improvement in 4(40%) and 5(50%) patients affected with amlapitta disease, respectively. No untoward effect was noticed due to administration of ksharas during the clinical trial period.

Clinical efficacy of Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa Kurz.) powder in the management of Artava kshaya (oligomenorrhoea).

A clinical trial was carried out on 30 oligomenorrhoea [Artava Kshaya] patients aged between 15 and 35 years having complaints of irregular, scanty and painful menstruations. The patients were registered from OPD and IPD of Gopabandhu Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Puri. They were administrated Satapuspa churna for three months in a dose of 5 g twice daily with cow grita. The specific investigations were done in order to exclude TB endometritis, endocrine disorders, diabetes and heart disease. The clinical assessment was carried out in thirty days intervals. It is inferred that the study discloses the effect of satapuspa churna on irregularity of interval of menstruation [90.47%], duration of menstruation [79.37%], amount of blood flow [90.00%] and pain during menstruation [100.00%] which were highly significant in clinical study. No untoward side effect was noticed during clinical trial.

Synthesis and Antiulcer Activity Studies of 2-(1'-Iminothioimido Substituted)-1'-Substituted Phenylbenzoic acids.

Certain 2-(1'-iminothioimido substituted)-1'-substituted phenybenzoic acids (P(1-9)) were synthesized by reaction of phthalic anhydride with benzotriazole, 2-mercapto benzothiazole and 2-p-amino phenyl benzimidazole, respectively (A(1-3)) followed by imine formation with Schiff bases of thiourea with salicylaldehyde, furfuraldehyde and 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone. Antiulcer activity was evaluated using reduction in total acidity, free acidity and ulcer index as parameters. Compounds P(3), P(6), P(7) and P(9)(100 mg/kg) showed significant (P< 0.001) antiulcer action compared to control and omeprazole (40 mg/kg).

Optimization of Physical and Nutritional Parameters for Hyaluronidase Production by Streptococcus mitis.

The effect of some physical and nutritional parameters were studied for the optimum production of extracellular enzyme hyaluronidase employing Streptococcus mitis MTCC*2695 by submerged fermentation. The effects of initial pH, incubation temperature and time, inoculum level and age of inoculum were studied. The maximum enzymatic activity was obtained with an initial pH 5.8, incubation temperature 37°, incubation time for 48 h and inoculum level 6% with inoculum age 24 h. The effect of different carbon and nitrogen sources and antibiotics were studied. The results indicated that sucrose and ammonium chloride showed the highest enzymatic activity among various carbon and nitrogen sources. Antibiotic clarithromycin showed strong inhibitory effect on hyaluronidase production.

Antibacterial Activity of Barringtonia acutangula against Selected Urinary Tract Pathogens.

Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn belonging to family Barringtoniaceae was investigated to evaluate In vitro antibacterial activity of aqueous, ethanolic, petroleum ether and chloroform extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli the major urinary tract infection causing pathogens were tested by disc diffusion assay method and the minimum inhibitory concentration was evaluated. Ethanol (95%) extract exhibited broader spectrum of inhibition followed by chloroform, petroleum ether and aqueous extracts against the urinary tract pathogens under test. An attempt has been made to compare the activity of extracts with standard antibiotics against selected urinary tract infection causing pathogens.

A PATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF BENIGN AND MALIGNANT TUMOURS OF SALIVARY GLANDS.

Interest in the knowledge of salivary gland tumours is highlighted. A sample of 315 cases, collected over a period of 25 years in a busy pathology centre, is analysed both on total and individual aspects of tumours. The findings are compared to earlier works on the subject and also with contemporary literature.

Amyloidosis in leprosy.

Fourteen hundred and forty five biopsied tissues of various organs including liver, skeletal muscle, kidney, lymphnode, larynx and skin from 1222 patients of leprosy obtained during the last 10 years have been examined histopathologically to study various types of pathological lesions. These patients ranged in age from 7 years to 72 years and the duration of illness varied from less than one year to twenty years. Although the presence of lepromatous granuloma, AFB in varying proportions, and some nonspecific lesions have been observed in them, but amyloidosis was not detected in any of them. This finding is discussed in view of the observations of other authors of different parts of the world in this connection. Consumption of mainly vegetarian diet in our population and that of meat in Western population has been suggested to be the probable cause of the difference of amyloidosis observed in the two groups of people.

Amyloidosis in leprosy

Fourteen hundred and forty five biopsied tissues of various organs including liver, skeletal muscle, kidney, lymphnode, larynx and skin from 1222 patients of leprosy obtained during the last 10 years have been examined histopathologically to study various types of pathological lesions. These patients ranged in age from 7 years to 72 years and the duration of illness varied from less than one year to twenty years. Although the presence of lepromatous granuloma, AFB in varying proportions, and some nonspecific lesions have been observed in them, but amyloidosis was not detected in any of them. This finding is discussed in view of the observations of other authors of different parts of the world in this connection. Consumption of mainly vegetarian diet in our population and that of meat in Western population has been suggested to be the probable cause of the difference of amyloidosis observed in the two groups of people.

A histopathological study of lymphnodes in 43 cases of leprosy.

Eighty cases of leprosy including 60 cases of lepromatous type and 20 cases of tuberculoid type, during the period of 1974-75, have been examined for evidence of lymphnode enlargement. Of the 52 cases of enlarged lymphnodes, lymphnode biopsy was done in 43 cases including 38 cases of lepromatous type and 5 cases of tuberculoid type. The lymphnodes have been studied for evidence of any pathological changes and presence of acid-fast bacilli. In cases of lepromatous leprosy, lepromas and acid-fast facilli were seen in 92.2 per cent of the cases and patchy fibrosis was noted in 23.6 per cent of the cases. No amyloid could be demonstrated. In cases of tuberculoid leprosy, only non-specific reticular hyperplasia was noted. No specific granuloma or acid-fast bacilli could be demonstrated. The findings have been described in detail and discussed in the light of previous published data.