Ocimum Sanctum: An All-Round Treatment for Cancer?

Background: This review is a great route for future researchers on the topic of alternative medicine. The review goes in depth with respect to Ocimum sanctum and its proposed mechanism of action for different types of cancers. Primary Study Objective: The primary objective of the study was to bring traditional therapy back, which can prove to be economically beneficial and may be helpful to many patients with cancer with few to no adverse events. Intervention: Ocimum sanctum (OS), commonly known as Holy Basil or tulsi, is a very important medicinal herb in parts of India and Southeast Asia. OS has been found to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce the risk for heart attacks and may also be effective for treating depression and anxiety. It also protects the body from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, exposure to cold and excessive noise, but its anti-tumorigenic effect remains largely unexplored. A few studies have observed that extracts of OS have inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, anti-stress, and immunomodulatory activities. A few cell culture and animal studies have also shown that some of its phytochemicals like eugenol, rosmarinic acid, apigenin, myretenal, luteolin, ß-sitosterol and carnosic acid prevent chemical-induced skin, liver, oral and lung cancers and mediate these effects by increasing antioxidant activity, altering gene expression, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis. They are also shown to prevent radiation-induced DNA damage. This review details the different chemoprotective and radioprotective properties of OS and also gives an idea for future research.

Deciphering the anti-filarial potential of bioactive compounds from Ocimum sanctum: a combined experimental and computational study.

CONTEXT: The anthelminthic effect of Ocimum species (Lamiaceae) has been reported, however, its anti-filarial effect has not been explored to date. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effect of Ocimum sanctum L. (OS) against lymphatic filarial parasites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ethanol extract of OS (EOS) leaves was tested for anti-filarial activity against Setaria cervi. Equal size and number (n = 10) of adult female S. cervi worms were incubated in 125, 250 or 375 µg/mL EOS extract for 6 h at 37 °C. The OS bioactive components were identified by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and subjected to docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation against filarial antioxidant proteins. RESULTS: The EOS significantly inhibited the motility of adult female S. cervi after 6 h of incubation. The motility was found to be reduced by 53.7% in 375 µg/mL and 43.8% in 250 µg/mL EOS after 6 h of treatment. The UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of ethanol extract of O. sanctum revealed the presence of 13 bioactive compounds. The docking analysis showed eight OS bioactive compounds to have high binding affinity (> 4.8 kcal/mol) towards antioxidant proteins of filarial parasites. Additionally, MD simulation studies showed significant impact of (RMSD ≤ 10 Å) chlorogenic acid, luteolin and ursolic acid on filarial antioxidant enzymes/proteins. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the anti-filarial activity of Ocimum sanctum. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The effect of EOS and OS bioactive components on human filarial parasites can be further evaluated for the development of new anti-filarial formulations.

Amelioration of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced cognitive dysfunction by Ocimum sanctum L. through the modulation of inflammation and GLP-1 levels.

DPP-4 inhibitors have been shown to reverse amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients with cognitive impairment. Ocimum sanctum L. leaves reported the presence of important phytoconstituents which are reported to have DPP-4 inhibitory activity. To investigate the effects of petroleum ether extract of Ocimum sanctum L. (PEOS) in Intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) induced AD rats. ICV-STZ (3 mg/kg) was injected bilaterally into male Wistar rats, while sham animals received the artificial CSF. The ICV-STZ-induced rats were administered with three doses of PEOS (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) for thirty days. All experimental rats were subjected to behaviour parameters (radial arm maze task and novel object recognition test), neurochemical parameters such as GLP-1, Aß42, and TNF-α levels, and histopathological examination (Congo red staining) of the left brain hemisphere. PEOS significantly reversed the spatial learning and memory deficit exhibited by ICV-STZ-induced rats. Furthermore, PEOS also shows promising results in retreating Aß deposition, TNF α, and increasing GLP-1 levels. The histopathological study also showed a significant dose-dependent reduction in amyloid plaque formation and dense granule in PEOS -treated rats as compared to the ICV-STZ induced rats (Negative control). The results show that extract of Ocimum sanctum L. attenuated ICV-STZ-induced learning and memory deficits in rats and has the potential to be employed in the therapy of AD.

Ocimum sanctum, Zingiber officinale, and Piper nigrum extracts and their effects on gut microbiota modulations (prebiotic potential), basal inflammatory markers and lipid levels: oral supplementation study in healthy rats.

CONTEXT: Ocimum sanctum Linn (Labiatae) (OS), Zingiber officinale Rose (Zingiberaceae) (ZO), and Piper nigrum Linn (Piperaceae) (PN) are used in traditional medicine as immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, and bioavailability enhancer agents. OBJECTIVE: Active phytoconstituents of OS, ZO, PN hydro-alcoholic extracts and their effects on gut microbiota, basal inflammation and lipid profile were investigated in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Active phytoconstituents of extracts were analysed using HPLC and GC-MS. SD rats were supplemented with individual/combined extracts (OS-850; ZO-500; PN-100 mg/kg Bw) and Fructooligosaccharide (standard prebiotic-5g/kg-Bw), orally for 30 days. Haematology, lipid profile, LPS, CRP, IL-6, insulin and histology of vital organs were analysed. Caecal bacterial levels were assessed by RT-PCR. RESULTS: High content of phenolic compounds luteolin-7-O-glucoside (430 ± 2.3 mg/100g), gallic acid (84.13 ± 1.2 mg/100 g) and flavones (88.18 ± 1.8 mg/100 g) were found in OS, ZO, and PN, respectively. Combined extract was rich in luteolin-7-O-glucoside (266.0 ± 1.80 mg/100 g). Essential oils including methyleugenol (13.96%), 6-shogaol (11.00%), piperine (18.26%), and cyclopentasiloxane (10.06%) were higher in OS, ZO, PN and combined extract. Higher levels of caecal Lactobacillus (1.7-3.4-fold), Bifidobacterium (5.89-28.4-fold), and lower levels of Firmicutes (0.04-0.91-fold), Bacteroides (0.69-0.88-fold) were noted among extracts and FOS supplemented rats. Significant (p < 0.05) decrease in plasma lipid profile and LPS was noted in all supplemented rats. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The current study could be first of its kind in exploring prebiotic potential of OS, ZO, PN and their effect on native gut bacterial population.

Targeting COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease through active phytochemicals of ayurvedic medicinal plants - Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) and Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) - a molecular docking study.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) is a transmissible disease initiated and propagated through a new virus strain SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) since 31st December 2019 in Wuhan city of China and the infection has outspread globally influencing millions of people. Here, an attempt was made to recognize natural phytochemicals from medicinal plants, in order to reutilize them against COVID-19 by the virtue of molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study. Molecular docking study showed six probable inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro (Main protease), two from Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) (Withanoside V [10.32 kcal/mol] and Somniferine [9.62 kcal/mol]), one from Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) (Tinocordiside [8.10 kcal/mol]) and three from Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) (Vicenin [8.97 kcal/mol], Isorientin 4'-O-glucoside 2″-O-p-hydroxybenzoagte [8.55 kcal/mol] and Ursolic acid [8.52 kcal/mol]). ADMET profile prediction showed that the best docked phytochemicals from present work were safe and possesses drug-like properties. Further MD simulation study was performed to assess the constancy of docked complexes and found stable. Hence from present study it could be suggested that active phytochemicals from medicinal plants could potentially inhibit Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 and further equip the management strategy against COVID-19-a global contagion. HighlightsHolistic approach of Ayurvedic medicinal plants to avenge against COVID-19 pandemic.Active phytoconstituents of Ayurvedic medicinal plants Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) and Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) predicted to significantly hinder main protease (Mpro or 3Clpro) of SARS-CoV-2.Through molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation study, Withanoside V, Somniferine, Tinocordiside, Vicenin, Ursolic acid and Isorientin 4'-O-glucoside 2″-O-p-hydroxybenzoagte were anticipated to impede the activity of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.Drug-likeness and ADMET profile prediction of best docked compounds from present study were predicted to be safe, drug-like compounds with no toxicity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Study to Explore Plant-Derived Trimethylamine Lyase Enzyme Inhibitors to Address Gut Dysbiosis.

Lifestyle complications are major health concerns around the globe and are recognized as a major factor for the development of various chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, cancer, and cardiac diseases. An unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle impose a serious threat to human health. Numerous studies have suggested the role of human microbiota in human health and diseases. Microbiota resides in the human body symbiotically and the composition of microorganisms is crucial for maintaining the healthy state of an individual. A dysbiotic gut microbiome is responsible for the release of toxic metabolites such as trimethylamine, lipopolysaccharides, bile acids, and uremic toxins and is associated with impaired organ functions. Dietary and herbal intervention of dysbiosis proposes a promising strategy to counteract gut alterations and repairing of the microbial ecosystem and health. The objective of the present comparative study was to observe the effect of therapeutic herbs in gut dysbiosis. In silico studies were performed to identify human microbiota associated with various diseases, ADME, and toxicity properties of phytoconstituents of "Tinospora cordifolia" and "Ocimum sanctum." Furthermore, co-interaction studies were performed to observe the affinity of selected phytochemicals against choline trimethylamine lyase, a critical enzyme involved in dysbiosis-induced human diseases. The antimicrobial potential of phytocompounds was done by the disc diffusion method. In conclusion, our work discusses the herbal intervention of gut dysbiosis and proposes a natural, safe, and effective herbal formulation to correct microbial dysbiosis and associated diseases.

Iron modulatory property of a polysaccharide from Indian medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum.

Despite being an essential element for normal functioning of cells and organisms, iron, in excess, can induce oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species. A water-soluble, non-toxic iron chelator can reduce the iron-induced oxidative stress in the body as well as help in extricating excess iron. Herein, we report an Ocimum sanctum-derived antioxidant polysaccharide (OSP) that inhibits the deleterious effect of iron. Ocimum sanctum is a widely acknowledged medicinal plant contributing toward several biological benefits. Besides showing good hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, OSP could bind to ferric and ferrous ions to prevent their participation in redox reactions as revealed from modified 2-deoxyribose assays, carried out under various conditions. It also acted as an iron modulator to prevent site-specific damage and was effective in protecting mouse fibroblast L929 cells against iron induced death.

Investigation of Cytotoxicity Apoptotic and Inflammatory Responses of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Ocimum sanctum Linn in Human Skin Keratinocyte (Hacat) and Human Lung Epithelial (A549) Cells.

Pristine and engineered metal nanoparticles are widely applied in various fields of industry, and as consequences, they are useful as well as harmful to human health and environment. This study aimed at synthesizing the green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnNPs) using the leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn and assessing its toxicity on human skin epidermal (HaCaT) and human lung epithelial (A549) cells. The synthesized green ZnNPs (gZnNPs) were characterized by using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and a high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The average size of gZnNPs obtained was 62 nm with a spherical shape. The effects of gZnNPs on the viability of HaCaT and A549 cells were investigated using tetrazolium salt (MTT) for 24 h. We have seen more reduction of cell viability of A549 cells in comparison to HaCaT cells. The induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using DCFDA assay and showed a slightly high intensity of green fluorescence in A549 than HaCaT cells. The different oxidative stress biomarkers such as ROS generation and lipid peroxide were increased, and GSH was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. The apoptotic and necrotic effect of gZnNPs in both cells was carried out using Annexin-V-FITC and propidium iodide staining. More apoptotic and necrotic cells were found at a higher concentration of gZnNPs exposure. Also, we determined the effect of gZnNPs at the molecular level by evaluating the apoptotic and inflammatory markers, in which gZnNPs downregulated Bcl2 and upregulated Bax, caspase-3, and TNF-α in HaCaT and A549 cells. Ultimately, gZnNPs exerted toxicity and apoptosis in HaCaT and A549 cells.

Ocimum Sanctum Linn: A Potential Adjunct Therapy for Hyperhomocysteinemia-Induced Vascular Dementia.

Vascular dementia (VaD) is well recognized as the second most familiar form of dementia in the aged population. The present study is aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of leaves of Ocimum sanctum (EEOS) against hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy)-induced vascular dementia (VaD) in Wistar rats. HHcy was induced by administering L-methionine (1.7 g/kg, p.o) for 4 weeks. Donepezil (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) and EEOS (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered from the 14th day of L-methionine treatment. The behavioral impairment caused due to HHcy in rats was assessed by the Morris water maze (MWM) and Y-maze tests using a video tracking system. Biochemical estimations and aortic ring assay were also performed followed by a molecular docking analysis of active chemical constituents present in the leaves of Ocimum sanctum Linn. In this study, the EEOS treatment in hyperhomocysteinemic rats has showed significant improvement in spatial learning and working memory performance. The EEOS treatment further increased nitric oxide bioavailability and significantly altered all serum and brain biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The docking analysis revealed that among all the phytoconstituents of Ocimum sanctum compound (IX), molludistin has showed good inhibitory activity against S-adenosyl homocysteine, thus preventing homocysteine formation and may be responsible for potential effects of EEOS against HHcy-induced VaD. From our results, we conclude that EEOS can be used as a promising adjunct therapy for treatment of HHcy-induced VaD and oxidative stress.

Efficacy of Improvised Topical Zinc (1%) Ora-Base on Oral Mucositis during Cancer Chemo-Radiation-A Randomized Study.

Oral mucositis refers to erythematous and ulcerative lesions of oral mucosa during chemo/radiotherapy. Treatment modalities were directed towards reduction in severity of oral mucositis. Zinc plays an important role to retard oxidative processes and is considered as the critical component in wound healing. To compare the efficacy of zinc alone with improvised zinc preparation in reducing the severity of oral mucositis. Improvised zinc was a combination of zinc oxide, amla, tulsi and curcumin at 1% therapeutic concentrations. Seventy-five subjects undergoing chemo/radiotherapy were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (25 subjects) had received topical 5% zinc oxide paste trice daily application after food for entire treatment period, initiated 2 d prior to radiotherapy. Group B (25) received improvised zinc preparations (1%) and instructed to apply same as group A. Group C (25) received standard treatment offered by cancer hospital. All the groups were assessed for oral mucositis using WHO grading system at 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th day by the oncologist and results were tabulated for statistical analysis. Severity of oral mucositis reduced in zinc and improvised zinc group (p=0.096) when compared with controls with significant p value (0.037). Comparison of improvised zinc preparation (1%) group with only zinc group revealed that severity of overall mucositis though was not significant, was less in improvised zinc group with p value (0.029, 0.013) at 28 and 35 d respectively. Improvised zinc administration during radiation therapy was beneficial in reduction of oral mucositis during cancer treatment.

Synthesis of physically crosslinked PVA/Chitosan loaded silver nanoparticles hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and antibacterial effects.

Limitation of antibacterial activity, low water vapour, oxygen permeation and mechanical strength are the disadvantages of existing wound dressings. The present research is focused on synthesis of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Chitosan (CH) hydrogels using freeze thaw process. The formation of AgNPs and PVA/CH hydrogels was confirmed by UV spectroscopy, particle size, morphology, spectral analysis, swelling studies, and in-vitro drug release studies. The particle size of AgNPs was found to be in the range of 20-35 nm with an intense peak at 430 nm. The results of spectral peaks showed that PVA/CH blend maintains characteristics peak of -OH and -NH in the spectrum with higher intensity. The morphology and tensile strength of hydrogels showed a wrinkled surface with an increase in force and extension values from 0.49 to 11.15 N and 45 to 129 mm, respectively. A controlled release of 84.3% (28 h) of Ocimum sanctum extract was noticed from hydrogel discs which scavenges 69.2% of free radicals as compared to raw extract 82.5% (16 h) which scavenges 63.1% of free radicals, respectively. The results of zone of inhibition (ZOI) against gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria was found to be 9.3 mm and 6.3 mm, respectively.

Ethanolic Extract of Ocimum sanctum Leaves Reduced Invasion and Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity of Head and Neck Cancer Cell Lines.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a yearly incidence of 600,000 cases worldwide with a low survival rate. Ocimum sanctum L. or Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (Holy basil; Tulsi in Hindi), is a traditional medicine herb that demonstrates numerous effects including anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-tumor effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-invasive effect of O. sanctum leaf extract on HNSCC cell lines. METHODS: Ethanolic extract of O. sanctum leaf (EEOS) was prepared and the phenolic compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Genetically matched HNSCC cell lines derived from primary (HN30 and HN4) and metastatic sites (HN31 and HN12) from the same patient were used in this study. The EEOS cytotoxicity to the cell lines was determined using an MTT assay. The invasion and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 activity of EEOS-treated cells were tested using a modified Boyden chamber assay and zymography, respectively. RESULTS: We found that EEOS significantly inhibited the invasion and MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity of HN4 and HN12 cells, but not HN30 and HN31 cells. Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and apigenin were detected in EEOS. Moreover, rosmarinic acid was found as the major phenolic compound. CONCLUSION: EEOS exerted its anti-invasive effect on HNSCC cells by attenuating MMP activity. The active compounds identified in EEOS might be promising as an alternative therapeutic agent for HNSCC.

Biogenic mediated Ag/ZnO nanocomposites for photocatalytic and antibacterial activities towards disinfection of water.

The current study reports on investigation of pure ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and Ag/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) in which Ag noble metal mixed at different concentration (0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0%) in the presence of Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi) plant seed extract (PSE). The structural, optical, electrical and chemical properties of green synthesized NPs and NCs have been monitored using diffrent analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, UV-Vis, FTIR, EIS and EPR. Further the antimicrobial and dye degradation activity of green synthesized pure ZnO-NPs and 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% Ag/ZnO-NCs had been examined. The result showed that synthesized 1.0% Ag/ZnO-NCs possessed a good photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity as compared to pure ZnO-NPs and other prepared Ag/ZnO-NCs. Based on the outcomes of reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, the improved antimicrobial and dye degradation activities of Ag/ZnO-NCs were attributed due to more ROS formation, as Ag particles on the surface of ZnO are in support of electron transfer, which could improve ROS formation by one-electron reduction of oxygen.

An interaction study of Ocimum sanctum L. and levetiracetam in pentylenetetrazole kindling model of epilepsy.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ocimum sanctum L. commonly known as tulsi (synonym of Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) is widely used in Ayurveda medicine and is having multitude neuromodulatory effect including the anticonvulsant effect in acute seizure models as per previous studies. In India, it is used for the treatment of epilepsy as traditional medicine. However, its role in chronic seizure model and interaction with newer antiepileptic drugs has not been investigated, which will enhance its translational value. AIM OF THE STUDY: Current study investigated the effect of Ocimum on chronic seizure model and its interaction with levetiracetam (LEV), a newer antiepileptic drug. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The adjuvant role of Ocimum sanctum hydroalcoholic extracts (OSHE) 1000 mg/kg along with LEV 300 mg/kg was studied in adult male Wistar rats with mean weight of 227.84 ± 21.68 g using pentylenetetrazole (30 mg/kg, i.p.) kindling (K) (with maximum 24 injections on alternate days and challenge on 7th-day). Along with seizure score, neurobehavioral, brain tissue oxidative stress and histopathology status were assessed. Pharmacokinetic interaction was assessed between LEV and OSHE after 14 days of drug treatment. RESULTS: K-LEV + OSHE had least seizure score during kindling and on the pentylenetetrazole-challenge test (p=0.031) than other kindling groups. Seizure protection was more in K-LEV + OSHE (85.72%) than others (K-LEV-42.86%, K-OSHE-42.86%, and K-Control-28.58%). Ocimum treated groups had better memory retention potential as evident from Morris water maze (MWM), passive avoidance test but not in an elevated plus maze test. Oxidative-stress was lower in Ocimum treated groups than K-Control group. As per histopathology, K-LEV + OSHE group had the least neuronal degeneration among kindling groups. There was no significant pharmacokinetic interaction between LEV and OSHE, except increased Tmax in LEV + OSHE group than LEV alone (p=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Ocimum per se and combination with levetiracetam treatment exerted better seizure control, memory retention, oxidative stress reduction, and neuronal structure preservation than kindling control group. There was a very minimal drug interaction between Ocimum and LEV. So, Ocimum as an adjuvant to LEV may be shelpful in enhancing the antiepileptic effect and also in minimizing the adverse effects.

Study of inhibitory potential and percent inhibition of oil of Syzygium aromaticum and leaves of Ocimum sanctum on ESBL enzyme from Escherichia coli in broilers of Jabalpur.

OBJECTIVE: The inhibitory potential and percent inhibition of Syzygium aromaticum oil and fresh juice of Ocimum sanctum leaves on beta-lactamase enzyme of cecal samples of healthy broilers were studied on samples phenotypically positive for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred cecal samples screened for ESBL-producing E. coli were collected from 38 poultry sale outlets located in Jabalpur. The effect of S. aromaticum oil and O. sanctum leaves was seen by colorimetric assay with CENTA and Nitrocefin as chromogenic substrate. RESULTS: Mean absorbance value was inversely propotional to the inhibitory potential. Syzigium aromaticum exhibited 0.4±0.02 and 0.41±0.03 mean absorbance value, 28 per cent and 27 per cent of inhibition with CENTA and Nitrocefin respectively. Ocimum sanctum mean absorbance value and per cent inhibition with CENTA and Nitrocefin was 2.03±0.02 and 10.0 ; 1.97±0.06 and 10.0 respectively (p>0.05) showing non- significant difference in CENTA and Nitrocefin activity. Tazobactum (100 µM) as standard control exhibited a mean absorbance value of 0.12 ± 0.01 and 0.13 ± 0.01 and percent inhibition of 99.88 and 98 against CENTA and Nitrocefin, respectively. Combination of Ocimum sanctum and Syzigium aromaticum showed range of 1.69±0.05 to 1.90±0.08 1.61±0.06 to 1.92±0.08 of absorbance value with per cent inhibition of 14 to 15.9 with CENTA and Nitrocefin respectively. CONCLUSION: The results depicted that the inhibition of beta-lactamase enzyme activity with S. aromaticum oil was higher than that of O. sanctum leaf juice, and combination of both the herbs showed not much difference in activity.

A Phenotypic Switch of Differentiated Glial Cells to Dedifferentiated Cells Is Regulated by Folate Receptor α.

In a previous study, we showed that folate receptor-α (FRα) translocates to the nucleus where it acts as a transcription factor and upregulates Hes1, Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4 genes responsible for pluripotency. Here, we show that acetylation and phosphorylation of FRα favor its nuclear translocation in the presence of folate and can cause a phenotypic switch from differentiated glial cells to dedifferentiated cells. shRNA-FRα mediated knockdown of FRα was used to confirm the role of FRα in dedifferentiation. Ocimum sanctum hydrophilic fraction-1 treatment not only blocks the folate mediated dedifferentiation of glial cells but also promotes redifferentiation of dedifferentiated glial cells, possibly by reducing the nuclear translocation of ~38 kDa FRα and subsequent interaction with chromatin assembly factor-1. Stem Cells 2019;37:1441-1454.

Effects of beeswax-carboxymethyl cellulose composite coating on shelf-life stability and intestinal delivery of holy basil essential oil-loaded gelatin microcapsules.

Despite growing interests in the use of essential oils in food and feed additives to promote health benefits, several studies have indicated that microencapsulation of these sensitive materials is necessary to increase their stability and improve their release profiles. This study aimed to investigate the effects of emulsion-based composite from beeswax (1, 2, and 3%) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for coating on the stability and delivery of holy basil essential oil-loaded gelatin microcapsules (HBEO-G) prepared by simple coacervation. After 3-month storage, the highest surface oil content was observed in HBEO-G, followed by the 3, 1, and 2% beeswax-CMC coated microcapsules. The antioxidant activity of only the 2% beeswax-CMC coated microcapsule (2B-HBEO-G) remained constant, whereas the antibacterial activities of all microcapsules did not significantly change over time. 2B-HBEO-G minimized exposure of the loaded HBEO in the simulated gastric fluids and delivered the oil to the distal small intestine.

Vicenin-2 acts as a radiosensitizer of the non-small cell lung cancer by lowering Akt expression.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a very high rate of incidence and is resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy. Vicenin-2 (VCN-2) is a flavonoid obtained from Ocimum sanctum L. and it has been reported to have radioprotective, anticancer, and radiosensitizing properties. We have conducted this study to check the effect of VCN-2 on the cell viability and the effect on PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog), PI3KCA (Phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-biphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha isoform/PI3K 110α subunit), and Akt1 when VCN-2 was used alone and in combination with radiation in the NSCLC cell line NCI-H23 (H23). We have also checked the effect of VCN-2 on various pro- and anti-apoptotic genes and the ultra-morphological changes that occurred in the cells when VCN-2 is used alone and in combination with radiation. VCN-2 was able to lower cancer cell survival and phosphorylated Akt while promoting the expression of pro-apoptotic genes and down-regulating anti-apoptotic genes. We also observed the apoptosis-associated ultra-morphological changes in the VCN-2-treated cells. Our study have demonstrated that VCN-2 can be a potential chemotherapeutic and radiosensitizing agent in NSCLC. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(2):200-210, 2019.

Optimization of reaction conditions to fabricate Ocimum sanctum synthesized silver nanoparticles and its application to nano-gel systems for burn wounds.

The present study deals with sequential optimization strategy based on Box-Behnken method to optimize the process variables for efficient production of Ocimum sanctum synthesized silver nanoparticles using biological synthesis. Four substantial factors influencing the dependent variables viz size, zeta potential, Polydispersity index (PDI) and yield were identified as silver nitrate concentration, temperature, amount of plant extract and stirring speed as independent variables. The contribution of the studied factors in monitoring dependent variables was evaluated via analysis of variance. The validity of the model developed was verified, and the statistical analysis showed that the optimal operational conditions were AgNO3 concentration 5.29 mM, temperature 60 °C, agitation speed of 500 rpm and plant extract 2.24% (w/v) which primes to form silver nanoparticles of smallest size 83.41 nm and 0.24 with maximum zeta potential of -20.20mV and Yield of 18.62. In addition, the optimized AgNPs were characterized using DLS, TEM, FE-SEM and UV-vis analysis. The topical formulation was prepared by incorporation of optimized AgNPs into the carbopol gel base. Further, the gel was evaluated in vivo using the rat model of skin wound healing. The measurement of the wound areas was performed on 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th days and the percentage of wound closures were calculated accordingly. By the 14th day, silver nanoparticle gel showed 96.20% wound healing activity compared with that of the standard as well as control base. The antibacterial inhibitory efficiency of prepared nano gel was found similar to the commercial product against the Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Evaluation of antiviral activity of Ocimum sanctum and Acacia arabica leaves extracts against H9N2 virus using embryonated chicken egg model.

BACKGROUND: In the view of endemic avian influenza H9N2 infection in poultry, its zoonotic potential and emergence of antiviral resistance, two herbal plants, Ocimum sanctum and Acacia arabica, which are easily available throughout various geographical locations in India were taken up to study their antiviral activity against H9N2 virus. We evaluated antiviral efficacy of three different extracts each from leaves of O. sanctum (crude extract, terpenoid and polyphenol) and A. arabica (crude extract, flavonoid and polyphenol) against H9N2 virus using in ovo model. METHODS: The antiviral efficacy of different leaves extracts was systematically studied in three experimental protocols viz. virucidal (dose-dependent), therapeutic (time-dependent) and prophylactic (dose-dependent) activity employing in ovo model. The maximum non-toxic concentration of each herbal extracts of O. sanctum and A. arabica in the specific pathogen free embryonated chicken eggs was estimated and their antiviral efficacy was determined in terms of reduction in viral titres, measured by Haemagglutination (HA) and real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays. RESULTS: All the extracts of O. sanctum (crude extract, terpenoid and polyphenol) and A. arabica (crude extract, flavonoid and polyphenol) showed significant virucidal activity, however, crude extract ocimum and terpenoid ocimum showed highly significant to significant (p < 0.001-0.01) decrease in virus genome copy numbers with lowest dose tested. Similarly, therapeutic effect was observed in all three extracts of O. sanctum in comparison to the virus control, nevertheless, crude extract ocimum and terpenoid ocimum maintained this effect for longer period of time (up to 72 h post-incubation). None of the leaves extracts of A. arabica had therapeutic effect at 24 and 48 h post-incubation, however, only the crude extract acacia and polyphenol acacia showed delayed therapeutic effect (72 h post-inoculation). Prophylactic potential was observed in polyphenol acacia with highly significant antiviral activity compared to virus control (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The crude extract and terpenoid isolated from the leaves of O. sanctum and polyphenol from A. arabica has shown promising antiviral properties against H9N2 virus. Future investigations are necessary to formulate combinations of these compounds for the broader antiviral activity against H9N2 viruses and evaluate them in chickens.