Molecular insights into the anti-inflammatory activity of fermented pineapple juice using multimodal computational studies.

Pineapple has been recognized for its potential to enhance health and well-being. This study aimed to gain molecular insights into the anti-inflammatory properties of fermented pineapple juice using multimodal computational studies. In this study, pineapple juice was fermented using Lactobacillus paracasei, and the solution underwent liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Network pharmacology was applied to investigate compound interactions and targets. In silico methods assessed compound bioactivities. Protein-protein interactions, network topology, and enrichment analysis identified key compounds. Molecular docking explored compound-receptor interactions in inflammation regulation. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to confirm the stability of interactions between the identified crucial compounds and their respective receptors. The study revealed several compounds including short-chain fatty acids, peptides, dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids, and glycerides that exhibited promising anti-inflammatory properties. Leucyl-leucyl-norleucine and Leu-Leu-Tyr exhibited robust and stable interactions with mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 and IκB kinase ß, respectively, indicating their potential as promising therapeutic agents for inflammation modulation. This proposition is grounded in the pivotal involvement of these two proteins in inflammatory signaling pathways. These findings provide valuable insights into the anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds, serving as a foundation for further experimental validation and exploration. Future studies can build upon these results to advance the development of these compounds as effective anti-inflammatory agents.

Monkeypox outbreak 2022: What we know so far and its potential drug targets and management strategies.

Monkeypox is a rare zoonotic disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. The disease can result in flu-like symptoms, fever, and a persistent rash. The disease is currently spreading throughout the world and prevention and treatment efforts are being intensified. Although there is no treatment that has been specifically approved for monkeypox virus infection, infected patients may benefit from using certain antiviral medications that are typically prescribed for the treatment of smallpox. The drugs are tecovirimat, brincidofovir, and cidofovir, all of which are currently in short supply due to the spread of the monkeypox virus. Resistance is also a concern, as widespread replication of the monkeypox virus can lead to mutations that produce monkeypox viruses that are resistant to the currently available treatments. This article discusses monkeypox disease, potential drug targets, and management strategies to overcome monkeypox disease. With the discovery of new drugs, it is hoped that the problem of insufficient drugs will be resolved, and it is not anticipated that drug resistance will become a major issue in the near future.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Corn Starch/Patchouli Oil Hydrogel Films Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized in Pogostemon cablin Benth Leaves' Extract.

Research on the manufacture of hydrogel films from polyvinyl alcohol, corn starch, patchouli oil, and silver nanoparticles, (PVA/CS/PO/AgNPs, respectively) was completed. The silver nanoparticles used in this study resulted from green synthesis using local patchouli plants (Pogostemon cablin Benth). Aqueous patchouli leaf extract (APLE) and methanol patchouli leaf extract (MPLE) are used in the synthesis of phytochemicals (green synthesis), which are then blended in the production of PVA/CS/PO/AgNPs hydrogel films, which are then cross linked with glutaraldehyde. The results demonstrated that the hydrogel film was flexible, easy to fold, and free of holes and air bubbles. The presence of hydrogen bonds between the functional groups of PVA, CS, and PO was revealed using FTIR spectroscopy. SEM analysis revealed that the hydrogel film was slightly agglomerated and did not exhibit cracking or pinholes. The analysis of pH, spreadability, gel fraction, and swelling index showed that the resulting PVA/CS/PO/AgNP hydrogel films met expected standards except for the organoleptic properties of the resulting colors, which tended to be slightly darker in color. The formula with silver nanoparticles synthesized in methanolic of patchouli leaf extract (AgMENPs) had the highest thermal stability compared to hydrogel films with silver nanoparticles synthesized in aqueous of patchouli leaf extract (AgAENPs). The hydrogel films can be safely used up to 200 °C. The antibacterial studies revealed that the films inhibited the growth of both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis, as determined by the disc diffusion method, with the best antibacterial activity being against Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, the hydrogel film F1, loaded with silver nanoparticles biosynthesized in aqueous of patchouli leave extract (AgAENPs) and light fraction of patchouli oil (LFoPO) performed the best activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis.

Fatty Acid-Rich Extract from Holothuria atra for Hyperuricemia via Expressions Modulation of GLUT9a and GLUT9b in Rat Model.

An edible sea cucumber Holothuria atra has been hypothesized to have medicinal benefits against hyperuricemia owing to its bioactive compounds, including mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Herein, we aimed to investigate the fatty acids-rich extract produced from H. atra to treat hyperuricemic rats (Rattus novergicus). The extraction was carried out using n-hexane solvent and then administered to potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic rats, with allopurinol acting as a positive control. The extract (50, 100, 150 mg/kg body weight) and allopurinol (10 mg/kg) were administered QD through an oral route using a nasogastric tube. Serum uric acid, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and blood urea nitrogen of the abdominal aortic blood were investigated. Our results suggested that the extract was rich in polyunsaturated (arachidonic acid) and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), in which its administration of 150 mg/kg could significantly reduce serum uric acid (p < 0.001), AST (p = 0.001), and ALT (p = 0.0302). The anti-hyperuricemic activity could be associated with the modulation of GLUT9 by the H. atra extract. In conclusion, the n-hexane extract from H. atra is a potential serum uric acid-lowering agent targeting GLUT9, where further investigations are crucially warranted.

Haematological Features of White Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Infected with S. pyogenes and Administered with Probiotics (Yogurt).

This study aimed to study the inhibition activity of lactic acid bacteria probiotics deriving from Acehnese fermented Etawa goat's milk (yogurt) against Streptococcus pyogenes bacterial infection in rats (Rattus norvegicus). Haematological analysis of the rats' blood was performed on the following parameters: platelets, leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes, where the data were further processed using ANOVA and Duncan's test with a confidence level of 95% (0.05). The results revealed that administering yogurt containing probiotics could reduce infections in the throats of rats caused by S. pyogenes. Based on the haematology examination, the probiotic yogurt could maintain the number of platelets, leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes. Statistical significance was obtained when the infected rats were administered with a ±1.00 mL/day dose for seven days of treatment (p < 0.05).

In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of Tacca Tubers (Tacca leontopetaloides) from Banyak Island, Aceh Singkil Regency, Indonesia, as Antihypercholesterolemia Agents.

Tacca leontopetaloides (T. leontopetaloides) contain a number of active compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, steroids, and alkaloids. The active compounds from plants have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzym A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity. This study aims to investigate the potential active compounds in the ethanolic extract of Tacca tubers (T. leontopetaloides) from the Banyak Islands, Aceh Singkil Regency, Aceh Province both in vitro and in silico. Tacca tubers contain secondary metabolites including flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, steroids and saponins, according to phytochemical screening. In vitro investigation of ethanolic extract of Tacca tuber revealed inhibitory activity of HMG Co-A reductase with an IC50 value of 4.92 ppm. Based on the in silico study, active compound from the extract, namely Stigmasterol with the highest binding affinities with HMG Co-A reductase (-7.2 kcal/mol). As a comparison, the inhibition of HMG Co-A reductase activity by simvastatin with an IC50 4.62 ppm and binding affinity -8.0 Kcal/mol. Our findings suggest that the ethanolic extract of Tacca tuber (T. leontopetaloides) from Banyak Islands, Aceh Province has the potential to inhibit the activity of HMG Co-A reductase.

Can the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Confer Natural Immunity against COVID-19?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still ongoing, with no signs of abatement in sight. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the causative agent of this pandemic and has claimed over 5 million lives, is still mutating, resulting in numerous variants. One of the newest variants is Omicron, which shows an increase in its transmissibility, but also reportedly reduces hospitalization rates and shows milder symptoms, such as in those who have been vaccinated. As a result, many believe that Omicron provides a natural vaccination, which is the first step toward ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on published research and scientific evidence, we review and discuss how the end of this pandemic is predicted to occur as a result of Omicron variants being surpassed in the community. In light of the findings of our research, we believe that it is most likely true that the Omicron variant is a natural way of vaccinating the masses and slowing the spread of this deadly pandemic. While the mutation that causes the Omicron variant is encouraging, subsequent mutations do not guarantee that the disease it causes will be less severe. As the virus continues to evolve, humans must constantly adapt by increasing their immunity through vaccination.

Green Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Using Calotropis gigantea from Ie Seu-Um Geothermal Area, Aceh Province, Indonesia.

Herein, we report our success synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts from the leaves and flowers of Calotropis gigantea growing in the geothermal manifestation Ie Seu-Um, Aceh Besar, Indonesia. C. gigantea aqueous extract can be used as a bio-reductant for Ag+→Ag0 conversion, obtained by 48h incubation of Ag+, and the extract mixture in a dark condition. UV-Vis characterization showed that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks of AgNPs-leaf C. gigantea (AgNPs-LCg) and AgNPs-flower C. gigantea (AgNPs-FCg) appeared in the wavelength range of 410-460 nm. Scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) revealed the agglomeration and spherical shapes of AgNPs-LCg and AgNPs-FCg with diameters ranging from 87.85 to 256.7 nm. Zeta potentials were observed in the range of -41.8 to -25.1 mV. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay revealed AgNPs-FCg as the most potent antimicrobial agent with inhibition zones of 12.05 ± 0.58, 11.29 ± 0.45, and 9.02 ± 0.10 mm for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, respectively. In conclusion, aqueous extract from the leaves or flowers of Calotropis gigantea may be used in the green synthesis of AgNPs with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities.

Fruit Bromelain-Derived Peptide Potentially Restrains the Attachment of SARS-CoV-2 Variants to hACE2: A Pharmacoinformatics Approach.

Before entering the cell, the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. Hence, this RBD is a critical target for the development of antiviral agents. Recent studies have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 variants with mutations in the RBD have spread globally. The purpose of this in silico study was to determine the potential of a fruit bromelain-derived peptide. DYGAVNEVK. to inhibit the entry of various SARS-CoV-2 variants into human cells by targeting the hACE binding site within the RBD. Molecular docking analysis revealed that DYGAVNEVK interacts with several critical RBD binding residues responsible for the adhesion of the RBD to hACE2. Moreover, 100 ns MD simulations revealed stable interactions between DYGAVNEVK and RBD variants derived from the trajectory of root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), radius of gyration (Rg), and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) analysis, as well as free binding energy calculations. Overall, our computational results indicate that DYGAVNEVK warrants further investigation as a candidate for preventing SARS-CoV-2 due to its interaction with the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

In Silico Evaluation of Iranian Medicinal Plant Phytoconstituents as Inhibitors against Main Protease and the Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which initially appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Elderly individuals and those with comorbid conditions may be more vulnerable to this disease. Consequently, several research laboratories continue to focus on developing drugs to treat this infection because this disease has developed into a global pandemic with an extremely limited number of specific treatments available. Natural herbal remedies have long been used to treat illnesses in a variety of cultures. Modern medicine has achieved success due to the effectiveness of traditional medicines, which are derived from medicinal plants. The objective of this study was to determine whether components of natural origin from Iranian medicinal plants have an antiviral effect that can prevent humans from this coronavirus infection using the most reliable molecular docking method; in our case, we focused on the main protease (Mpro) and a receptor-binding domain (RBD). The results of molecular docking showed that among 169 molecules of natural origin from common Iranian medicinal plants, 20 molecules (chelidimerine, rutin, fumariline, catechin gallate, adlumidine, astragalin, somniferine, etc.) can be proposed as inhibitors against this coronavirus based on the binding free energy and type of interactions between these molecules and the studied proteins. Moreover, a molecular dynamics simulation study revealed that the chelidimerine-Mpro and somniferine-RBD complexes were stable for up to 50 ns below 0.5 nm. Our results provide valuable insights into this mechanism, which sheds light on future structure-based designs of high-potency inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2.

Betacyanin as Bioindicator Using Time-Temperature Integrator for Smart Packaging of Fresh Goat Milk.

Smart packaging is a packaging system with embedded sensor or indicator technology, which provides information on the quality of the product, especially perishable foods such as goat milk. One application of smart packaging is to use a time-temperature bioindicator. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of fresh goat milk during storage at freezing temperatures (-20 ± 2°C) for 31 days and room temperature (25 ± 3°C) for 24 hours using a time-temperature indicator by utilizing a natural dye betacyanin. The method used was descriptive analysis, and the data obtained were processed using the correlation regression test. The samples were observed at freezing temperature every 24 hours and room temperature at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 24 hours. The observation criteria consisted of changes in bioindicator color, milk pH, and total microbes. The results showed that color changes of the bioindicator film at room temperature were more noticeable than at freezing temperature. Based on changes in color of the bioindicator at room temperature, the sample was safe for consumption until the 5th hour with pH 6.51, and the biofilm color characteristics were L∗ = 82.49, a∗ = 21.46, and b∗ = -7.33, but the total number of microbes did not fulfil Indonesian National Standard at the 24th hour, i.e., 1.36 × 106 CFU/ml. At freezing temperatures, fresh goat milk was still safe for consumption until the 31st day with pH 6.51 and total microbe of 1.89 × 105 CFU/ml, and the biofilm color characteristics were L∗ = 80.52, a∗ = 24.15, and b∗ = -7.91. The results of this study concluded that the milk expiration limit based on the betacyanin indicator was 5 hours at room temperature and 31 days at freezing temperature.

Underlying Physical Process for the Unusual Spectral Quality of Double Pulse Laser Spectroscopy in He Gas.

This study is aimed at elucidating the physical processes responsible for the excellent spectral qualities in terms of full width at half-maximum (fwhm) and signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio shown in a special double pulse laser-induced spectroscopy. Apart from the use of atmospheric He ambient gas, the achievement is due to the first laser for generating He gas plasma and the subsequent use of the second laser pulse for target ablation, in opposite order of the two-laser operations in conventional double pulse LIBS. This setup allows adjustments of the many experimental parameters to yield the optimal condition resulting in 0.03 nm fwhm and around 1000× S/N ratio of Cu I 521.8 nm and far surpasses the spectral qualities obtained by other techniques. This is obtained by allowing the crucial separation of the target plasma from the He gas plasma and thereby enabling the He-assisted excitation (HAE) to play its full and unique role of nonthermal excitation, taking advantage of metastable excited He atoms in the He plasma and the Penning-like energy transfer process. This excellent performance is further verified by its successful application analysis of Cr in low alloy steel samples, with the presence of smooth linear calibration lines, signifying the absence of the self-absorption effect well-known in ordinary LIBS.

GC/MS Analysis of Fatty Acids on Pliek U Oil and Its Pharmacological Study by Molecular Docking to Filaggrin as a Drug Candidate in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment.

Analysis of fatty acid contents and pharmacological properties of Pliek U oil was performed. Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and pharmacological properties based on its potential on filament-aggregating protein (filaggrin) were studied with bioinformatics approach by the reverse docking technique using palmitic acid as a control compound. Two Pliek U extracts, namely, Pliek U oil (PUO) and ethanolic Pliek U oil extract (EPUOE), were prepared. The GC-MS results revealed that lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid are the predominant fatty acids, with lauric acid being the abundant one in all Pliek U oil extracts. The reverse docking technique results showed that oleic acid had the most stable interaction to filaggrin with the lowest binding affinity (-6.1 kcal/mol). Oleic acid and palmitic acid have one same side binding to filaggrin on amino acid LEU D75. These findings indicated that oleic acid has the best potential to be used as a drug candidate in atopic dermatitis treatment.

Formation and emission characteristics of CN molecules in laser induced low pressure He plasma and its applications to N analysis in coal and fossilization study.

Presented in this paper are the results of an experimental study on the laser induced plasma emission of a number of CN free samples (urea, sucrose) with 40 mJ pulse energy using He and N2 ambient gases. It is shown that the CN emission has its exclusive sources in the molecules produced as the result of chemical bonding either between the ablated C and N ions in the He plasma or between the ablated C and dissociated N from the N2 ambient gas. The emission intensities in both cases are found to have the highest values at the low gas pressure of 2 kPa. The emission in He gas is shown to exhibit the typical characteristics related to a shockwave generated excitation mechanism. The experiments using He ambient gas further demonstrate the feasible laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy application to quantitative and sensitive N analysis of coal and promising application for practical in situ carbon dating of fossils.

Influence of vegetation type on infiltration rate and capacity at Ie jue geothermal manifestation, Mount Seulawah Agam, Indonesia.

Ie Jue is one of the geothermal manifestation of hot water and fumaroles in the northern zone of Mount Seulawah Agam. Because hot water in the Ie Jue manifestation is derived from meteoric water, the presence of Ie Jue hot springs is determined by rain intensity and surface infiltration rates in the vicinity of the manifestation. The purpose of this research is to determine the rate of precipitation infiltration and its link to the type of flora that grows around the manifestation. Ie Jue. The 100 m line transect approach was used to determine sampling locations. Transects were placed in stratified sampling based on the four cardinal directions from the manifestation's center, namely east, south, west, and north. In each transect, three sampling stations were placed at intervals of 0 m, 50 m, and 100 m from the manifestation's midpoint. In each transect, three sampling stations were placed at intervals of 0 m, 50 m, and 100 m from the manifestation's midpoint. At each sampling point, the vegetation type was identified, and soil temperature, moisture, pH, texture, density and organic C were measured. A single ring infiltrometer was used to quantify infiltration rate at each sampling location, and the Horton equation was used to compute infiltration capacity. The results showed that the type of tree vegetation found in the south had the maximum infiltration rate of 54 cm/h - 28.8 cm/h with a constant interval of 40 min, followed by an infiltration rate of 44.4 cm/h - 8.4 cm/h for 45 min in the north with pole vegetation type. In comparison to other regions, the south and north have exceptionally quick infiltration criteria (36.87 cm/h and 29.88 cm/h, respectively). When compared to poles, shrubs, and herbs, tree-type vegetation had the highest infiltration rate. The results showed that vegetation type, soil moisture, bulk density, and soil organic C are the most important elements influencing infiltration in the Ie jue hot spring area.

Ethanolic extract of Gracilaria spp. Attenuates the inflammatory stage of oral mucosa wound healing: An in vivo study.

Millions of bacteria present in the mouth cavity contribute to the challenging management of oral mucosa injury. On the other hand, Gracilaria spp. (red algae) is one of the widely cultivated algae that have a strong potential as a wound-healing agent for oral mucosa injury. This study aimed to investigate the wound-healing property of the red algae by observing its effect on polymorphonuclear (PMN), a neutrophil that is usually recruited during the initial wound healing. The extract was obtained through maceration and used as bioactive ingredient in gel preparation. Rattus norvegicus with incision wounds in the oral mucosa was used as the animal model. Our results revealed that rats treated with the red algae gel had significantly lower PMN on the injury site (P < 0.01) as observed on days 1, 3, and 5. Identification using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that the extract was rich in hexadecenoic acid and glycerol. The brine shrimp lethality test suggested low cytotoxicity of this extract with LC50 = 10694.93 mg/mL. In conclusion, the extract could be potentially used as bioactive ingredient in gel formulation for topical management of oral mucosa wounds. Further, research to confirm these findings is warranted.

Knowledge management strategy for managing disaster and the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: SWOT analysis based on the analytic network process.

Indonesia has significant expertise in disaster management due to its disaster geography. Collective expertise and knowledge are valuable resources for lowering disaster risk and enhancing disaster resilience. Additionally, in the current pandemic situation, a clearer understanding of COVID-19 is growing, which could make a difference in how effectively we respond to this and future pandemics. Therefore, it is crucial to record and maintain information related to the event in order to handle any crisis and COVID-19 pandemic appropriately. The goal of this study is to explore KM implementation approaches for handling disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. In order to collect data for this study, 20 experts were interviewed and 30 experts participated in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). SWOT analysis was utilised in this study to find different KM implementation strategies. The Analytic Network Process (ANP) was used to prioritize several previously discovered strategies. The study finds that the approach which must be prioritised is to ensure that knowledge products can be accessed by the public, and they must include the community (family) as subjects in establishing knowledge management methods (not only the government or institutions).

Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis Classification for Patchouli Oil Adulteration Detection by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Combination with Chemometrics.

This study aims to test chemometrically partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) classification models to detect the adulteration of patchouli oil (PO) with gurjun balsam oil (GBO) by utilization of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Unsupervised analysis was tested using the pattern recognition method using the principal component analysis model against the original spectrum at wavenumbers 4000-500 cm-1 and at the fingerprint area (1800-600 cm-1). Model testing was also carried out on the spectrum that had been pre-processed using the standard normal variate, second derivative Savitzky-Golay, and normalization approaches. Variable Y samples used were certified reference material (CRM), PO, GBO, and PO forged with GBO (PGBO) with a counterfeiting ratio of 0.5 (v/v) to 10% (v/v) with an interval of 0.5%. The same treatment was carried out on testing of the PLS-DA model. In pattern recognition tests, the best separation of the original spectrum was obtained at wavenumbers 1800-600 cm-1. The model was further tested on PLS-DA by making assumptions or codes for CRM, PO, GBO, and PGBO as +2, +1, 0, and -1, respectively. The results of the model analysis showed that even at the lowest counterfeiting ratio (0.5%), the presence of counterfeiting material was detected by the PLS-DA model. The RMSEC value is close to zero with a value of 0.22, and the R square is close to 1, which is 0.954. This very significant separation is clearly illustrated in the loading plot and bi-plot due to the contribution of chemical compounds in the GBO that undergo vibration at wavenumbers 603, 786, and 1386 cm-1. Validation of the PLS-DA model was carried out strongly using the PLS model, and it showed that the difference between the calibration concentration and the prediction was very low (average 0.45) with an accuracy percent above 99%. The efficacy of the model is further substantiated by the consistent and precise values of sensitivity and selectivity, obtained from both the training set and test set.

Chromolaena odorata Linn leaf extract - Geothermal versus nongeothermal: Phytochemical, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity screenings.

Chromolaena odorata Linn, a popular yet underutilized ethnomedicinal plant, is hypothesized to possess higher bioactive phytoconstituents when it grows in geothermal areas. In this study, the comparison of ethanolic extract from geothermal and nongeothermal C. odorata leaves was carried out based on the phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxicity. The leaf extracts were produced from a maceration using ethanol 96%, where the products were identified using reagents and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activities of both samples were measured based on their 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activities. Cytotoxicity was determined by brine shrimp lethality test using Artemia salina. Phenols were found to be more abundant in geothermal sample based on the qualitative screening and GC-MS analysis (i.e. higher relative abundance of phytol - 3.97%). DPPH antioxidant was higher in geothermal sample than in nongeothermal sample (median inhibitory concentration =13.04 ± 3.35 mg/L vs. 41.09 ± 4.13 mg/L, respectively). Geothermal sample was noncytotoxic (median lethal concentration [LC50] =2139.30 mg/L), whereas the nongeothermal sample had low cytotoxicity (LC50 = 491.48 mg/L). Taken altogether, geothermal C. odorata leaves contain higher bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant activities.

Ethanolic Extract from Limonia acidissima L. Fruit Attenuates Serum Uric Acid Level via URAT1 in Potassium Oxonate-Induced Hyperuricemic Rats.

A high prevalence of hyperuricemia among adult and older adult populations has intrigued the development of its therapy based on natural products. Our objective was to investigate the antihyperuricemic activity of the natural product from Limonia acidissima L. in vivo. The extract was obtained through the maceration of L. acidissima fruits using an ethanolic solvent and was tested for its antihyperuricemic activity against potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic rats. Serum uric acid, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were observed before and after the treatment. Expression of urate transporter 1 (URAT1) was also measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Antioxidant activity based on a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, along with total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), were measured. Herein, we present the evidence of the serum uric acid lowering effect of the L. acidissima fruit extract along with improved AST and ALT (p < 0.01). The reduction of serum uric acid was in accordance with the decreasing trend of URAT1 (1.02 ± 0.05-fold change in the 200 mg group), except in a group treated with 400 mg/kg body weight extract. At the same time, BUN increased significantly in the 400 mg group (from 17.60 ± 3.286 to 22.80 ± 3.564 mg/dL, p = 0.007), suggesting the renal toxicity of the concentration. The IC50 for DPPH inhibition was 0.14 ± 0.02 mg/L with TPC and TFC of 143.9 ± 5.24 mg GAE/g extract and 390.2 ± 3.66 mg QE/g extract, respectively. Further studies should be carried out to prove this correlation along with the safe concentration range of the extract.