Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Essential Oil from Citrus reticulata Blanco Peels Collected from Agrowastes.

Citrus fruits have a thick outer coat which is often discarded due to its low economic value and usually contributes to the waste. So this work focused on exploring the potential pharmacological properties of the discarded citrus peels. In the present study, we extracted the essential oil from peel wastes of Citrus reticulata Blanco (CREO) from the local market. The antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties of essential oil were evaluated. The CREO exhibited a strong antioxidant property with DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, H2 O2 radical scavenging, Ferric reducing antioxidant power and for Lipid peroxidation inhibition respectively. Antibacterial properties of CREO was indicated against different pathogenic microbial strains like E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. enterica in terms of disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Further, anticancer properties studied on breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity with IC50 of 56.67±3.12 µg/mL and 76.44±2.53 µg/mL respectively. The GC-MS analysis of CREO revealed the presence of major compounds like S-limonene, α-pinene, α-myrcene, and cis-terpinene which might have played a significant role in strong antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer properties. The study thus identified the potential health benefits of Citrus reticulata peel waste.

Chemical Composition of the Cinnamomum malabatrum Leaf Essential Oil and Analysis of Its Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory and Antibacterial Activities.

Cinnamomum species are a group of plants belonging to the Lauraceae family. These plants are predominantly used as spices in various food preparations and other culinary purposes. Furthermore, these plants are attributed to having cosmetic and pharmacological potential. Cinnamomum malabatrum (Burm. f.) J. Presl is an underexplored plant in the Cinnamomum genus. The present study evaluated the chemical composition by a GC-MS analysis and antioxidant properties of the essential oil from C. malabatrum (CMEO). Further, the pharmacological effects were determined as radical quenching, enzyme inhibition and antibacterial activity. The results of the GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of 38.26 % of linalool and 12.43% of caryophyllene in the essential oil. Furthermore, the benzyl benzoate (9.60%), eugenol (8.75%), cinnamaldehyde (7.01%) and humulene (5.32%) were also present in the essential oil. The antioxidant activity was indicated by radical quenching properties, ferric-reducing potential and lipid peroxidation inhibition ex vivo. Further, the enzyme-inhibitory potential was confirmed against the enzymes involved in diabetes and diabetic complications. The results also indicated the antibacterial activity of these essential oils against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration analysis revealed a higher antibacterial potential for C. malabatrum essential oil. Overall, the results identified the predominant chemical compounds of C. malabatrum essential oil and its biological and pharmacological effects.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Anti-Bacterial, and Anti-Cancer Activities of Essential Oils Extracted from Citrus limetta Risso Peel Waste Remains after Commercial Use.

Citrus plants are widely utilized for edible purposes and medicinal utility throughout the world. However, because of the higher abundance of the antimicrobial compound D-Limonene, the peel waste cannot be disposed of by biogas production. Therefore, after the extraction of D-Limonene from the peel wastes, it can be easily disposed of. The D-Limonene rich essential oil from the Citrus limetta risso (CLEO) was extracted and evaluated its radical quenching, bactericidal, and cytotoxic properties. The radical quenching properties were DPPH radical scavenging (11.35 ± 0.51 µg/mL) and ABTS scavenging (10.36 ± 0.55 µg/mL). There, we observed a dose-dependent antibacterial potential for the essential oil against pathogenic bacteria. Apart from that, the essential oil also inhibited the biofilm-forming properties of E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. enterica, and S. aureus. Further, cytotoxicity was also exhibited against estrogen receptor-positive (MCF7) cells (IC50: 47.31 ± 3.11 µg/mL) and a triple-negative (MDA-MB-237) cell (IC50: 55.11 ± 4.62 µg/mL). Upon evaluation of the mechanism of action, the toxicity was mediated through an increased level of reactive radicals of oxygen and the subsequent release of cytochrome C, indicative of mitotoxicity. Hence, the D-Limonene rich essential oil of C. limetta is useful as a strong antibacterial and cytotoxic agent; the antioxidant properties exhibited also increase its utility value.

Utilization of Pomelo (Citrus maxima) Peel Waste into Bioactive Essential Oils: Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Properties.

The wastes generated during the post-harvest handling of various agricultural commodities is rather under-utlilized. The peels of citrus fruits are often discarded as waste. Citrus peels are rich in essential oils and exhibit toxicity towards various insect species. The essential oils are also an eco-friendly option for insect pest management. The Citrus maxima peel essential oil (CMEO), a waste product, characterized it, and evaluated its potential for insect pest management. The major terpenoids present in CMEO are Limonene and α-Pinene. The CMEO displayed potentials in controlling the insect pests via contact and fumigant toxicity. Moreover, CMEO showed significant larvicidal activities against Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Aedes aegypti species of mosquitoes; however, Armigeres subalbatus was more resistant. The biological safety of the essential oil was also tested against the stored seeds, where no significant inhibition of seed germination was noticed compared to the control. Utilizing a waste product such as citrus peel for pest management can achieve the dual objective of waste utilization and eco-friendly pest management. Overall, the CMEO is therefore found to be a bioactive essential oil extracted from the wastes of pomelo (C. maxima).

Antimicrobial and Larvicidal Activities of Different Ocimum Essential Oils Extracted by Ultrasound-Assisted Hydrodistillation.

Infectious diseases and their vectors have remained a concern for human population from their historical origin. Microbial pathogens have also emerged as a potent threat to the healthcare systems even in developed countries. Essential oils remain a less explored method for infectious disease control; besides, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of essential oil production has emerged as promising source of bioactive volatiles over conventional methods. This study analyzed the possible use of UAE- Essential oils (EOs) from different species of Ocimum plants (Ocimum basilicum (OB), O. gratissimum (OG), O. tenuiflorum (OT), and O. canum (OC)) in the management of microbial pathogens and mosquito larval control. The antibacterial activity was estimated in terms of a disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentrations against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enteritidis. The larvicidal property was found using three important mosquito vectors and the LC50 value was determined. Furthermore, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were estimated in terms of radical scavenging activities and the inhibition of lipoxygenase enzyme activity. The EOs exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging (high in OG), hydrogen-peroxide scavenging (OB) and lipoxygenase inhibition (OB). The antibacterial activity was high in OB and OG (p < 0.05) and the larvicidal activity was of higher sensitivity against Aedis and Culex, whereas Armigeres was more resistant. However, no sign of toxicity in the Allium cepa model or non-targeted organism Guppy fishes was observed. Overall, the UAE extracted Ocimum essential oils were found to be effective against various human pathogenic microbial organisms, with OB and OG being highly active. Likewise, the EOs was also able to induce mortality in the larval forms of various mosquito vectors.

Role of serotonin transporter and receptor gene polymorphisms in treatment response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in major depressive disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Significant challenges in the management of major depressive disorder include the lag period from treatment initiation to an evident response, low response rates and unpredictable disparities in outcome between patients. As a large part of these has been linked to genetic mechanisms, we tried to establish a relationship between genes associated with serotonin neurotransmission and outcome to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five patients with moderate to severe depression [at least 15 on the Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) Rating Scale] being started on SSRI were recruited. Those with a reduction of at least 50% from baseline or an absolute score of 7 or less after 8 weeks of treatment were considered as responders. The serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region 5HTTLPR, serotonin transporter intron 2 (STin2) polymorphism and the 5-HT receptor 1A rs6295 polymorphisms were studied in association with outcome. RESULTS: The l/l genotype of the 5HTTLPR was associated with greater likelihood of response (OR: 4.65, CI: 1.74-12.38, p = 0.003). Patients with the 12/12 repeat variant of the STin2 VNTR polymorphism showed a greater reduction in HAM-D score, compared to patients with the 10/10 genotype (OR: 0.12, CI: 0.03-0.44, p = 0.001). We found no association of the 5HTR1Ars6295 polymorphism with response. CONCLUSIONS: The 5HTTLPR polymorphism and the SLC6A4 intron 2 polymorphism were associated with treatment response, with the l/l genotype and 12-copy allele showing a tendency towards better outcomes, respectively.

Analysis of the chemical composition of root essential oil from Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus) and its application as an ecofriendly insecticide and pharmacological agent.

The Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus) is a commonly used plant in Indian traditional medicine of Ayurveda for the preparation of various non-alcoholic beverages. However, limited studies are available on the essential oil of H. indicus roots (HRO); therefore, the study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities of H. indicus root essential oil as well as insecticide potential against the common pests of stored food materials (Sitophilus oryzae, Callosobruchus maculatus and Tribolium castaneum). The repellant efficacy of HRO was found to be high against S. oryzae (8.21 ± 0.55 µg/mL). Likewise, the fumigant potential was also observed for HRO against these pests; the higher activities were observed against S. oryzae and C. maculatus (32.46 ± 1.42 and 35.18 ± 1.62 µg/L). Besides, the essential oil was also found to be active as a contact poison, however, against all the three pests, the toxicity was above 100 µg/mm3, being the highest against C. maculatus (122.8 ± 3.57 µg/mm3). To analyze the possible effect of the essential oil on grains, the different grains were allowed to germinate and compared to that of normal; thus, the non-toxic nature of HRO against the stored products is also confirmed. The essential oil shown to have DPPH hydrogen peroxide and ABTS radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging potential, and inhibition of lipoxgenase, alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Overall, the present study concludes that the H. indicus may be a suitable repellant and fumigant agent against different pests of stored products and a possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic agent.

Phytochemical profiling of Azima tetracantha Lam. leaf methanol extract and elucidation of its potential as a chain-breaking antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agent.

Azima tetracantha, a traditional medicinal plant included in the order Brassicales and family Salvadoraceae, is widely used as a dietary supplement in folklore medicines. The plant is also used for the treatment of rheumatism, diarrhea and other inflammatory disorders. The present investigation focused on the phytochemical composition, radical scavenging, reducing potential and anti-proliferative activities of the A. tetracantha leaves. Quantitative estimation of the polyphenols and flavonoids revealed significantly elevated levels in the methanol extract. Corroborating with this, methanol extract exhibited higher in vitro anti-radical scavenging effect against 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (34.14 ± 2.19 µg/mL), and hydrogen peroxide (44.96 ± 1.77 µg/mL), as well as ferric reducing properties (58.24 ± 6.98 µg/mL). The methanolic extract also showed strong lipoxygenase (71.42 ± 6.36 µg/mL) and nitric oxide inhibitory activities (94.23 ± 8.11 µg/mL). Cytotoxic activity against MCF7 cells was found to be higher (IC50= 37.62 ± 2.94 µg/mL), than that of MDAMB231 cells (IC50= 69.11 ± 5.02 µg/mL). The qPCR-based analysis indicated dose-dependent increase in the expression of the pro-apoptotic genes such as executioner caspases and apoptotic protease activating factor-1. Overall, the results indicated the possible use of methanol extract of A. tetracantha leaves as a chain-breaking antioxidant molecule and are capable of inhibiting inflammatory enzymes and the proliferative potential of breast cancer cells.

Chemical Composition of Cinnamomum verum Leaf and Flower Essential Oils and Analysis of Their Antibacterial, Insecticidal, and Larvicidal Properties.

Cinnamomum verum is widely used in traditional medicines, and the different parts of the plant, such as bark, leaves, and flowers, are used for essential oil production. The present study compared the chemical composition of the essential oil of C. verum extracted from the leaves and flowers. In addition, efficacy of these essential oils against the two common pests Sitophilus oryzae and Callosobruchus maculatus was also evaluated. The results indicated the presence of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, caryophyllene, and linalool in these essential oils, however, at different concentrations. The leaf essential oil was found to be 10-20% more effective as a fumigant against both the pests. Likewise, the leaf essential oil found to repel these pests even at lower concentrations than that of flower essential oil of C. verum. Besides, these essential oils were also effective in controlling the growth of various gram positive and gram negative microbial pathogens and possibly a safeguard for human health. On contrary, both the essential oils were found to be safe for the application on grains, as indicated by their germination potentials. It was also observed that these essential oils do not cause any significant toxicity to guppy fishes, thus confirming their ecological safety for use as a biopesticide.

Toxic effects of fluoride in intestinal epithelial cells and the mitigating effect of methanol extract of coconut haustorium by enhancing de novo glutathione biosynthesis.

Fluoride ions are an important environmental contaminant and pollutant found in a wide variety of environmental conditions. The fluoride in drinking water is evident to induce toxic effects including neurodegeneration, skeletal and dental fluorosis as well as organ damage. Nutraceuticals and functional foods are emerging as possible preventive agents against fluoride toxicity. Hence, the possible use of an emerging functional food-the coconut haustorium is being evaluated against sodium fluoride-induced toxicity in intestinal cells (IEC-6). The cells exposed to fluoride showed significant cell death mediated through the increased lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion. The glutathione biosynthetic enzymes were inhibited by the exposure to fluoride and the apoptotic genes (caspases 3/7 and apaf-1) were upregulated. The CHE pre-treatment improved the activity of enzymes involved in the de novo biosynthesis of glutathione and subsequently improved the intracellular GSH pool. The improved antioxidant defense was also evident from the reduced expression of apoptotic genes (p < 0.05). Overall, the study concludes that fluoride ions induce oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, via inhibiting glutathione biosynthesis. Methanol extract of coconut haustorium increased glutathione biosynthesis and subsequently prevented fluoride toxicity in IEC-6 cells by virtue of its antioxidant potentials.

Association of Serum Biomarker Levels and BDNF Gene Polymorphism with Response to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Indian Patients with Major Depressive Disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a major public health problem. Response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment varies considerably between patients. In the context of polygenic diseases like depression, measurement of a panel of biomarkers involved in the pathophysiology of depression might help predict outcome to treatment with SSRIs. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to establish the relationship between serum biomarker levels and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) val66met polymorphism and response to SSRIs in patients with major depressive disorder. METHODS: 50 patients with moderate to severe depression were recruited from the Department of Psychiatry, Sri Ra-machandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. Blood samples were collected, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scoring was done at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment with SSRIs. Baseline and post-treatment levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), BDNF and neuregulin 1ß1 (NRG1ß1) were analysed using commercially available ELISA kits. Genotyping of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was performed using a PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: Following treatment, there was a significant decrease in the mean hsCRP and NRG1ß1 levels and a significant increase in the mean BDNF level. Responders had significantly lower baseline hsCRP and higher baseline BDNF levels when compared to non-responders. Response rates were significantly higher in the Val/Val group when compared to the Val/Met group. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline serum levels of hsCRP and BDNF predicted response to SSRIs in major depressive disorder, and Val/Val patients responded better when compared to patients carrying the Met allele.

The Effect of Inflow Cannula Length on the Intraventricular Flow Field: An In Vitro Flow Visualization Study Using the Evaheart Left Ventricular Assist Device.

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) inflow cannula malposition is a significant risk for pump thrombosis. Thrombus development is influenced by altered flow dynamics, such as stasis or high shear that promote coagulation. The goal of this study was to measure the intraventricular flow field surrounding the apical inflow cannula of the Evaheart centrifugal LVAD, and assess flow stasis, vortex structures, and pulsatility for a range of cannula insertion depths and support conditions. Experimental studies were performed using a mock loop with a customized silicone left ventricle (LV) and the Evaheart LVAD. A transparent inflow cannula was positioned at 1, 2, or 3 cm insertion depth into the LV and the velocity field in the LV midplane was measured for 2 levels of LVAD support: 1800 and 2300 rpm. The LV velocity field exhibits a diastolic vortex ring whose size, path, and strength are affected by the flow conditions and cannula position. During diastole, the large clockwise midplane vortex grows, but its circulation and kinetic energy are reduced with cannula insertion depth. The counterclockwise vortex is smaller and exhibits more complex behavior, reflecting a flow split at 3 cm. Overall, the 1 cm cannula insertion depth produces the flow pattern that exhibits the least apical flow stasis and greatest pulsatility and should correlate to a lower risk of thrombus formation.

AC electrical characterisation and insight to charge transfer mechanisms in DNA molecular wires through temperature and UV effects.

In this study, AC characterisation of DNA molecular wires, effects of frequency, temperature and UV irradiation on their conductivity is presented. λ-DNA molecular wires suspended between high aspect-ratio electrodes exhibit highly frequency-dependent conductivity that approaches metal-like behaviour at high frequencies (∼MHz). Detailed temperature dependence experiments were performed that traced the impedance response of λ-DNA until its denaturation. UV irradiation experiments where conductivity was lost at higher and longer UV exposures helped to establish that it is indeed λ-DNA molecular wires that generate conductivity. The subsequent renaturation of λ-DNA resulted in the recovery of current conduction, providing yet another proof of the conducting DNA molecular wire bridge. The temperature results also revealed hysteretic and bi-modal impedance responses that could make DNA a candidate for nanoelectronics components like thermal transistors and switches. Further, these experiments shed light on the charge transfer mechanism in DNA. At higher temperatures, the expected increase in thermal-induced charge hopping may account for the decrease in impedance supporting the 'charge hopping mechanism' theory. UV light, on the other hand, causes damage to GC base-pairs and phosphate groups reducing the path available both for hopping and short-range tunneling mechanisms, and hence increasing impedance--this again supporting both the 'charge hopping' and 'tunneling' mechanism theories.