Multifunctional natural derived carbon quantum dots from Withania somnifera (L.) - Antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviron.

Natural carbon dots (NCQDs) are expediently significant in the photo-, nano- and biomedical spheres owing to their facile synthesis, optical and physicochemical attributes. In the present study, three NCQDs are prepared and optimized from Withania somnifera (ASH) by one-step hydrothermal (bottom-up) method: HASHP (without dopant), nitrogen doped HASHNH3 (surface passivation using ammonia) and HASHEDA (surface passivation with ethylenediamine). The HR-TEM images reveal that HASHP, HASNH3, HASHEDA are spherically shaped with 2.5 ± 0.5 nm, 4 ± 1 nm and 5 ± 2 nm particle size, respectively, whereas FTIR confirms the aqueous solubility and nitrogen doping. The XRD patterns ensure that the NCQDs are amorphous and graphitic in nature. Comparatively, HASHNH3 (32.5%) and HASHEDA (27.6%) portray better fluorescence quantum yield than HASHP (5.6%). The increase in quantum yield for the doped NCQDs can be attributed to the surface passivation using ammonia and ethylenediamine. Surface passivation plays a crucial role in enhancing the fluorescence properties of quantum dots. The introduction of nitrogen through ammonia and ethylenediamine provides additional electronic states, possibly reducing non-radiative recombination sites and hence boosting the QY. In addition, an antiviral study unveils the striking potential of surface passivated NCQDs to curb Covid-19 crises with around 85% inhibition of SARS-CoV pseudoviron cells, which is better in comparison to the non-doped NCQDs. Hence, to understand the paramount efficacy of these NCQDs, a hypothesis on their possible mechanism of action against Covid-19 is discussed.

Iron Nanoparticle-Incorporated Laser-Induced Graphene Filters for Environmental Remediation via an In Situ Electro-Fenton Process.

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has garnered much attention due to its facile and chemically free fabrication technique. Metal nanoparticle incorporation into the LIG matrix can improve its electrical and catalytical properties for environmental application. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of nanoscale zerovalent iron (nZVI) nanoparticle-incorporated LIG (Fe-LIG) and sulfidized-nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI) nanoparticle-incorporated LIG (SFe-LIG) surfaces. The sheets were first fabricated to investigate nanoparticle loading, successful incorporation in the LIG matrix, and electrochemical performance as electrodes. Fe-LIG and SFe-LIG sheets showed ∼3-3.5 times more charge density as compared with the control LIG sheet. The XPS and its deconvolution confirmed the presence of nZVI and S-nZVI in the Fe-LIG and SFe-LIG surfaces, which can generate in situ hydroxyl radical (•OH) via iron activation of electrogenerated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in short in situ electro-Fenton process. After confirmation of the successful incorporation of iron-based nanoparticles in the LIG matrix, filters were fabricated to demonstrate the application in the flow-through filtration. The Fe-LIG and SFe-LIG filters showed ∼10-30% enhanced methylene blue removal under the application of 2.5 V at ∼1000 LMH flux. The Fe-LIG and SFe-LIG filters also showed complete 6-log bacteria and virus removal at 2.5 and 5 V, respectively, while the LIG filters showed only ∼4-log removal. Such enhanced removal by the Fe-LIG and SFe-LIG filters as compared to LIG filters is attributed to the improved charge density, electrochemical activity, and in situ electro-Fenton process. The study shows the potential to develop catalytic LIG-based surfaces for various applications, including contaminant removal and microbial inactivation.

Nano-Phytopharmaceuticals in Inflammation.

Inflammation is a defense mechanism of the body against harmful stimuli/organisms. Even if it is the body's defense mechanism, these mediators may affect different ways in the human body and can lead to chronic disorders. The most common treatment strategy for the acute type of inflammation mainly includes synthetic chemical drugs; Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressant drugs whereas these synthetic drugs have many side effects, adverse effects, and limitations. Herbal drugs can be a promising alternative to these synthetic drugs but they too have limitations. Recent advances in the nanotechnology field can be combined with herbal drugs to overcome the limitations. Research works done on topical nanophyto pharmaceuticals for anti-inflammatory activity were compiled and in all the studies, clear evidence is indicated for the increased penetration, distribution, and increased efficacy of phytopharmaceuticals when formulated into nano dosage forms. Considering the adverse effects and limitations of most widely used synthetic drugs, topical nano Phyto pharmaceuticals can play a pivotal role in the local and systemic delivery of promising phytoconstituents to a specific site of the body.

In-situ fabrication of titanium suboxide-laser induced graphene composites: Removal of organic pollutants and MS2 Bacteriophage.

Titanium suboxides (TSO) are identified as a series of compounds showing excellent electro- and photo-chemical properties. TSO composites with carbon-based materials such as graphene have further improved water splitting and pollutant removal performance. However, their expensive and multi-step synthesis limits their wide-scale use. Furthermore, recently discovered laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a single-step and low-cost fabrication of graphene-based composites. Moreover, LIG's highly electrically conductive surface aids in tremendous environmental applications, including bacterial inactivation, anti-biofouling, and pollutant sensing. Here, we demonstrate the single-step in-situ fabrication of TSO-LIG composite by directly scribing the TiO2 mixed poly(ether) sulfone sheets using a CO2 infrared laser. In contrast, earlier composites were derived from either commercial-grade TSO or synthesized TSO with graphene in multi step processes. The characteristic Ti3+ peaks in XPS confirmed the conversion of TiO2 into its sub-stoichiometric form, enhancing the electro-catalytical properties of the LIG-TiOx composite surface. Electrochemical characterization, including impedance spectroscopy, validated the surface's enhanced electrochemical activity and electrode stability. Furthermore, the LIG-TiOx composite surfaces were tested for anti-biofouling action and electrochemical application as electrodes and filters. The composite electrodes exhibit enhanced degradation performance for removing emerging pollutant antibiotics ciprofloxacin and methylene blue due to the in-situ hydroxyl radical generation. Additionally, the LIG-TiOx conductive filters showed the complete 6-log killing of mixed bacterial culture and MS2 phage virus in flow-through filtration mode at 2.5 V, which is ∼2.5-log more killing compared to non-composited LIG filers at 500 Lm-2h-1. Nevertheless, these cost-effective LIG-TiOx composites have excellent electrical properties and can be effectively utilized for energy and environmental applications.

A multivariate and quantitative assessment of medicinal plants used by the indigenous Malayali tribes in the Javadhu hills of Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India.

The study of medicinal plants with their traditional uses and related pharmacological studies has received more attention during the past several decades around the world. The Malayali tribes of the Javadhu Hills in the Eastern Ghats rely heavily on a system of traditional medicine for healthcare. A qualitative ethnographic method with a semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 52 people across 11 localities in the Javadhu Hills. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics such as Use reports (UR), frequency of citations (FC), relative frequency of citations (RFC), informant agreement ratio (IAR), fidelity level (FL), and informant consensus factor (FIC) were studied. In the current investigation, 146 species from 52 families and 108 genera were discovered to treat 79 diseases. Leguminosae and Apocynaceae were the dominant families (12 species each). The most frequently used life form was the herb and the plant part were the leaf. The majority were being harvested from natural resources. Most medicines were taken orally. The most frequently cited species are Moringa oleifera and Syzygium cumini. The illnesses were divided into 21 categories. The majority of the plants mentioned are utilised to increase human immunity and health. The principal ailment (general health) was revealed by two-way cluster analysis and PCA. The species Litsea decanensis, Phoebe paniculata, Commiphora caudata, etc., were new records for the Javadhu hills according to a comparison between the current study and previous local and regional research. Documenting novel ethnomedicinal species and their therapeutic applications will encourage more phytochemical and pharmacological research and may even result in the creation of new medications. Furthermore, the study's significant novelty is that principle component analysis and two-way cluster analysis clearly revealed that the species that are used to treat various diseases, as well as species that are closely associated with treating specific ailment categories, are distinct. Significantly, species recorded in this study rely on maintaining and improving general body health of humans.

Natural carbon-based quantum dots and their applications in drug delivery: A review.

Natural carbon based quantum dots (NCDs) are an emerging class of nanomaterials in the carbon family. NCDs have gained immense acclamation among researchers because of their abundance, eco-friendly nature, aqueous solubility, the diverse functionality and biocompatibility when compared to other conventional carbon quantum dots (CDs).The presence of different functional groups on the surface of NCDs such as thiol, carboxyl, hydroxyl, etc., provides improved quantum yield, physicochemical and optical properties which promote bioimaging, sensing, and drug delivery. This review provides comprehensive knowledge about NCDs for drug delivery applications by outlining the source and rationale behind NCDs, different routes of synthesis of NCDs and the merits of adopting each method. Detailed information regarding the mechanism behind the optical properties, toxicological profile including biosafety and biodistribution of NCDs that are favourable for drug delivery are discussed. The drug delivery applications of NCDs particularly as sensing and real-time tracing probe, antimicrobial, anticancer, neurodegenerative agents are reviewed. The clinical aspects of NCDs are also reviewed as an initiative to strengthen the case of NCDs as potent drug delivery agents.

Antidiabetes constituents, cycloartenol and 24-methylenecycloartanol, from Ficus krishnae.

Ficus krishnae stem bark and leaves are used for diabetes treatment in traditional medicines. Stem bark of F. krishnae was sequentially extracted with hexane, methanol and water, and these extracts were tested for their antihyperglyceamic activity by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in overnight fasted glucose loaded normal rats. Hexane extract showed significant glucose lowering activity in OGTT, and the triterpene alcohols (cycloartenol+24-methylenecycloartanol) (CA+24-MCA) were isolated together from it by activity guided isolation and characterized by NMR and mass spectroscopy. The ratio of the chemical constituents CA and 24-MCA in (CA+24-MCA) was determined as 2.27:1.00 by chemical derivatization and gas chromatographic quantification. (CA+24-MCA) in high fat diet-streptozotocin induced type II diabetic rats showed significant antidiabetes activity at 1 mg/kg and ameliorated derailed blood glucose and other serum biochemical parameters. Cytoprotective activity of (CA+24-MCA) from glucose toxicity was evaluated in cultured RIN-5F cells by MTT assay and fluorescent microscopy. (CA+24-MCA) in in vitro studies showed enhanced cell viability in RIN-5F cells and significant protection of beta cells from glucose toxicity. Both in in vivo and in vitro studies (CA+24-MCA) showed enhancement in insulin release from the beta cells. In short term toxicity studies in mice (CA+24-MCA) did not show any conspicuous toxic symptoms. The combination of the phytosterols (CA+24-MCA) obtained through activity guided isolation of the stem bark of F. krishnae showed significant activity, and therefore is a promising candidate for new generation antidiabetes drug development.

Non-Curcuminoids from Turmeric and Their Potential in Cancer Therapy and Anticancer Drug Delivery Formulations.

Over the past decades curcuminoids have been extensively studied for their biological activities such as antiulcer, antifibrotic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antimutagenic, antifertility, antidiabetic, anticoagulant, antivenom, antioxidant, antihypotensive, antihypocholesteremic, and anticancer activities. With the perception of limited toxicity and cost, these compounds forms an integral part of cancer research and is well established as a potential anticancer agent. However, only few studies have focused on the other bioactive molecules of turmeric, known as non-curcuminoids, which are also equally potent as curcuminoids. This review aims to explore the comprehensive potency including the identification, physicochemical properties, and anticancer mechanism inclusive of molecular docking studies of non-curcuminoids such as turmerones, elemene, furanodiene (FN), bisacurone, germacrone, calebin A (CA), curdione, and cyclocurcumin. An insight into the clinical studies of these curcumin-free compounds are also discussed which provides ample evidence that favors the therapeutic potential of these compounds. Like curcuminoids, limited solubility and bioavailability are the most fragile domain, which circumscribe further applications of these compounds. Thus, this review credits the encapsulation of non-curcuminoid components in diverse drug delivery systems such as co-crystals, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, polar-non-polar sandwich (PNS) technology, which help abolish their shortcomings and flaunt their ostentatious benefits as anticancer activities.

Protection of mouse brain from paracetamol-induced stress by Centella asiatica methanol extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Centella asiatica (CA) is a medicinal herb traditionally used as a brain tonic in Ayurvedic medicine. Various ethnomedical leads revealed the effective use of CA in the treatment of symptoms associated to oxidative stress and inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic ability of CA methanol extract (CAM) in protecting mouse brain and astrocytes from oxidative stress and inflammation induced by Paracetamol, and thus to substantiate the allied traditional/ethnomedical claims of CA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical profiling of CAM and quantification of its major constituents were carried out by HPTLC-densitometry. Mice were administered with CAM and Paracetamol in various combinations, and oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, radical scavenging) as well as nitric oxide stress were estimated from isolated mouse brain. Cellular toxicity was investigated by apoptosis/necrosis in primary astrocytes isolated from brain tissues of mouse (which was challenged by CAM/Paracetamol) by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. Expression of inflammatory cytokine mediators (monocyte chemo attractant protein 1, interleukin 1, interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor ß, interleukin 10 and mitogen activated protein kinase 14 gene) in CAM/Paracetamol administered mouse brain tissues was analyzed by real time PCR. Mouse brain tissues challenged by CAM/Paracetamol were also assessed for gross and histopathology. In addition, staining with acridine orange was carried out in C6 cell lines treated with CAM, and viewed under fluorescent microscopy. RESULTS: Paracetamol elicited reactive oxygen species generation was revealed through Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) activity. CAM reversed the Paracetamol induced free radical and reactive nitrogen species production and increased the scavenging activity which was more pronounced at the higher dose (80 mg/kg b.wt). CAM negated the Paracetamol-induced damage by inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (MCP 1, IL 1, TNF ß), and increasing the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL 10) profoundly. Interestingly, MAPK 14 gene expression was decreased gradually and became same as normal control with increase in the dose of CAM. Also, it was evident that CAM protected mouse primary astrocytes from Paracetamol by maintaining a normal morphology. Similarly, apoptosis of primary astrocytes (treated with Paracetamol/CAM) decreased with the increase in CAM dose (80 mg/kg b.wt.) which was evident from flow cytometric data. Severe brain damage in the form of lesions was apparent from the histology of Paracetamol alone treated mouse brain. Whereas, CAM treated together with Paracetamol upturned these lesions. Surprisingly, CAM alone proved to be cytotoxic to C6 Glioma cells. CONCLUSIONS: CAM showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (which were pronounced at higher doses) against Paracetamol-induced oxidative stress and associated inflammation in mouse brain. The underlying mechanisms may be mediated by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF ß, IL 1 and MCP 1 via regulation of the antioxidant mediated INF γ and MAPK 14 gene signalling pathways. The major bioactive constituents in CAM are the triterpenoid saponins, asiaticoside and madecassoside. The present results provide pharmacological evidence that CAM acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, this study validates the use of CA as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in ethnomedicine.

Studies on the changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in drought stress induced cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) varieties.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is one of the major vegetable crops cultivated in tropical conditions. Two varieties of cowpea, i.e., Vigna unguiculata L.cv Kanakamony and cv Pusakomal were selected for the present study. The changes in lipid peroxidation, ascorbic acid content and activities of enzymatic antioxidants associated with drought stress were determined. A high level of lipid peroxidation was observed in test plants subjected to water stress. The Pusakomal leaves with severe stress showed 2.7 fold increase in TBARS compared to control and 1.2 fold to that of Kanakamony The drought tolerant variety showed significant increase in the activities of peroxidase and catalase on exposure to drought stress. Kanakamony leaves in severe stress possess 1.09 times increase in peroxidase and 1.8 times increase in catalase activity than Pusakomal. The concentration of ascorbic acid in test plants depleted with increased drought stress in both varieties. While the leaves of tolerant variety in severe stress showed 1.13 times higher ascorbic acid content than Pusakomal. Among the two varieties, Kanakamony possess the best antioxidant system to tolerate drought stress. This could limit cellular damage caused by active oxygen species, during waterdeficit. The variety Pusakomal was relatively poor in these adaptations.

Citrus peels prevent cancer.

BACKGROUND: Citrus comprises the largest fruit sector worldwide, and its fruit peels are the dominant 'residue' of the industry. Though not profitable, Citrus peels are industrially used for making some byproducts (cattle feed, molasses, ethanol, fiber) and for the extraction of bioactives (flavonoids, essential oils, d-limonene). Still huge amounts of peels are wasted by Citrus industries, juice and other vending sectors. PURPOSE: The biological potentials of these unutilized or 'wasted' Citrus peels are least exploited. Here we tested the anticancer potentials of Citrus medica (2 morphotypes), C. sinensis, C. maxima, C. limon and C. reticulata peels by in vitro assays and in vivo cancer models. METHODS: Chemical profiles of Citrus peel oils and peel extracts were analyzed by gas chromatographic techniques (GC-FID, GC-MS) and HPTLC-densitometry, respectively. Anticancer potentials of Citrus peels (Citrus medica 2 morphotypes, C. sinensis, C. maxima, C. limon and C. reticulata) were evaluated by various in vitro assays (MTT assay, morphological observations, fast halo assay, flow cytometric analysis) and in vivo cancer models. RESULTS: C. reticulata peels (extracts, essential oils) showed significant activity against DLA cell line in MTT assay. We found C. reticulata peel water extract inducing cell cycle arrest of DLA in G0/G1 phase followed by nuclear condensation, membrane blebbing, formation of apoptotic bodies and DNA damage leading to apoptosis. In in vivo experiments, C. reticulata peel extract pre-treated mice were significantly (50%) protected from DLA compared to post-treated mice (33%), without any conspicuous toxic symptoms. Citrus peels have volatiles (essential oils, limonoids) and non-volatiles (mainly polymethoxy flavones) as their bioactive/anticancer constituents. CONCLUSION: Our results encourage the use of Citrus peels, which is wasted in huge amounts, as cancer preventive food additives and as anticancer agents.

Effect Of Yoga And Pranayama On Chest Expansion And Breath Holding Time In Chefs Exposed To Cooking Fumes

Background: Chefs exposed to cooking fumes are at risk due to the toxic products that are produced during cooking. Studies have shown that exposure to cooking fumes decreases lung capacities, affects breathing and cause other respiratory diseases. Yoga strengthens the respiratory musculature due to which chest and lungs inflate & deflate to fullest possible extent & muscles are made to work to maximal extent. Pranayama makes efficient use of abdominal & diaphragmatic muscles and improves the respiratory apparatus. Aim: The present study was done to determine the effect of Yoga & Pranayama on chest expansion & breath holding time in chefs exposed to cooking fumes. Methods: In this experimental study 30 chefs exposed to cooking fumes who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria using Medical research council questionnaire for respiratory symptoms were selected for yoga and pranayama program for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week for 45 minutes. Pre and post respiratory functions were assessed by measuring chest expansion and breath holding time. Stastical analysis was done by using Wilcoxan test to compare the pre & post chest expansion. Paired t test was used to compare the pre & post breath holding time. Results: There was significant increase in chest expansion and breath holding time compared to pre yoga and pranayama practice. Conclusion: This study showed that there is significant effect of yoga and pranayama on chest expansion & breath holding on chefs.

Studies on the changes in lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in drought stress induced cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) varieties.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is one of the major vegetable crops cultivated in tropical conditions. Two varieties of cowpea, i.e., Vigna unguiculata L.cv Kanakamony and cv Pusakomal were selected for the present study. The changes in lipid peroxidation, ascorbic acid content and activities of enzymatic antioxidants associated with drought stress were determined. A high level of lipid peroxidation was observed in test plants subjected to water stress. The Pusakomal leaves with severe stress showed 2.7 fold increase in TBARS compared to control and 1.2 fold to that of Kanakamony The drought tolerant variety showed significant increase in the activities of peroxidase and catalase on exposure to drought stress. Kanakamony leaves in severe stress possess 1.09 times increase in peroxidase and 1.8 times increase in catalase activity than Pusakomal. The concentration of ascorbic acid in test plants depleted with increased drought stress in both varieties. While the leaves of tolerant variety in severe stress showed 1.13 times higher ascorbic acid content than Pusakomal. Among the two varieties, Kanakamony possess the best antioxidant system to tolerate drought stress. This could limit cellular damage caused by active oxygen species, during waterdeficit. The variety Pusakomal was relatively poor in these adaptations.