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Medicinal plants are treasure of Ayurveda and recently researchers are emphasizing on medicinal plants to obtained new phyto-pharmaceuticals to counter the various diseases. The Indian system of medicines, recommend extracts of medicinal plants instead of natural phytomolecules for the treatment of various anomalies and diseases, by considering that the cumulative effect of extract is more effective over the individual phytomolecules. The medicinal plant Ludwigia octovalvis, commonly known as Mexican primerse - willow (Onagraceae) is used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases like edema, nephritis, hypotension, anti-malarial, dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes, headache, fever, toxemia, as carminative, laxative, vermifuge, astringent, anthelmintic, in nervous disorders, as analgesic, in rheumatic pain and for swollen glands. Collection of plant material was bringing out and its morphological, physicochemical and phytochemical studies (preliminary qualitative and quantitative analysis) and advanced chromatographic study like HPTLC profiles of the hydro-alcoholic extract were performed. Also various pharmacognostical standards for Ludwigia octovalvis have been established in the present investigation. The hydro-alcoholic extract of Ludwigia octovalvis studied for phytochemicals and confirmed the presence of phytochemical like carbohydrate, alkaloid, saponin, flavonoids and phenolics. The quantitative estimation of antioxidant bio-components like total phenolics and total flavonoid contents were calculated by UV-Visible spectroscopy method and determined as 5.15 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and 43.9 mg/g quercetin equivalent respectively. Further, the hydro-alcoholic extract of Ludwigia octovalvis was standardized by HPTLC method by using various marker compounds and confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents as lupeol, quercetin, gallic acid and stigmasterol. These studies may be used as reference for the development of authentic monograph for this drug and also helpful for recognition and standardization of whole plant of Ludwigia octovalvis from the other species of Ludwigia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are treasure of Ayurveda and recently researchers are emphasizing on medicinal plants to obtained new phyto-pharmaceuticals to counter the various diseases. The Indian system of medicines, recommend extracts of medicinal plants instead of natural phytomolecules for the treatment of various anomalies and diseases, by considering that the cumulative effect of extract is more effective over the individual phytomolecules. The medicinal plant Ludwigia octovalvis, commonly known as Mexican primerse - willow (Onagraceae) is used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases like edema, nephritis, hypotension, anti-malarial, dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes, headache, fever, toxemia, as carminative, laxative, vermifuge, astringent, anthelmintic, in nervous disorders, as analgesic, in rheumatic pain and for swollen glands. Collection of plant material was bringing out and its morphological, physicochemical and phytochemical studies (preliminary qualitative and quantitative analysis) and advanced chromatographic study like HPTLC profiles of the hydro-alcoholic extract were performed. Also various pharmacognostical standards for Ludwigia octovalvis have been established in the present investigation. The hydro-alcoholic extract of Ludwigia octovalvis studied for phytochemicals and confirmed the presence of phytochemical like carbohydrate, alkaloid, saponin, flavonoids and phenolics. The quantitative estimation of antioxidant bio-components like total phenolics and total flavonoid contents were calculated by UV-Visible spectroscopy method and determined as 5.15 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and 43.9 mg/g quercetin equivalent respectively. Further, the hydro-alcoholic extract of Ludwigia octovalvis was standardized by HPTLC method by using various marker compounds and confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents as lupeol, quercetin, gallic acid and stigmasterol. These studies may be used as reference for the development of authentic monograph for this drug and also helpful for recognition and standardization of whole plant of Ludwigia octovalvis from the other species of Ludwigia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work aims to develop and evaluate hydrogel containing silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans aqueous extract. The silver nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans were prepared by a green synthesis approach using 0.1 mM silver nitrate solution and a 1 % aqueous extract of Withania coagulans. The silver nanoparticles were used for characterization purposes, whereas the silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans were incorporated in the hydrogel formulation containing carbopol 971P NF of different concentrations, propylene glycol, triethanolamine and distilled water of appropriate amount. The silver nanoparticles were evaluated for their particle size (Zavg), polydispersity index, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The prepared hydrogels were assessed for physical appearance, pH, viscosity, syneresis, spreadability, occlusivity, and drug-excipient compatibility. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were stable and spherical in shape with an average particle size of 174.9±0.062 nm, indicating the particles were in the nano range and the polydispersity index value of 0.174±0.054 showed the homogeneity of particle size distribution. The scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy data reflected the spherical and smooth surface of silver nanoparticles. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis spectra of silver nanoparticles showed a strong spectral signal of silver. The crystalline nature of the silver nanoparticles was confirmed from the spot pattern obtained by selected area electron diffraction. The silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans loaded hydrogel formulations (F1, F2 and F3) were found to be yellowish-brown in color, homogeneous in nature, with pH of 6.24±0.047-6.78±0.082 and percentage syneresis from 0.46±0.074 to 1.47±0.12. The spreadability data (4.83±0.08-6.4±0.124 cm) indicated the easily spreadable nature of hydrogel and the viscosities in the range of 41840±257.07-87538±389.87 cp were found to be suitable for topical application. The percntage occlusiveness of the prepared hydrogel was found to be 54.43±1.24 to 74.82±2.48. The drug excipient compatibility by attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectroscopy revealed the compatibility of the extract with the hydrogel formulation components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytomorphological and physicochemical evaluations of rhizomes of Cryptocoryne spiralis, used as a substitute of Aconitum heterophyllum for treatment of diarrhea in the Indian Siddha medicine, were carried out. The study included macroscopical and microscopical description of rhizomes of plant. Physicochemical parameters including ash values, extractive value loss on drying, foaming index, swelling index, and foreign matter were evaluated. Pesticide residue, starch grains, total saponin content, total hemolytic activity, fluorescence drug analysis, and phytochemical screening of rhizomes extracts were done. Total phenols, tannins, flavonoids, flavonols, and total alkaloids were quantified from the ethanolic extract. In vitro antioxidant activity of the extract was determined by total antioxidant capacity, reducing power assay, and scavenging methods including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, H2O2, and deoxyribose. The parameters obtained in the present study may be used as referential information for identification and authentication of plant material. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Medicinal plants are widely being used by the traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases in their day-to-day practice. Biophytum sensitivum DC (Oxalidaceae) is used as a traditional folk medicine in ailments such as inflammation, arthritis, wounds, tumors and burns, gonorrhea, stomach ache, asthma, cough, degenerative joint disease, urinary calculi, diabetes, snake bite, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. It is a small, flowering, annual herb with sensitive leaves. It grows throughout tropical Africa and Asia, especially in Philippines and the hotter parts of India and Nepal. Phytochemical studies have shown that the major pharmacologically active constituents are amentoflavone and a polysaccharide fraction, BP100 III. Recent pharmacological study shows that it has antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, antiinflammatory, chemoprotective, antidiabetic and wound healing potential. This review attempts to describe the ethnobotany, pharmacognosy, traditional uses, chemical constituents, and various pharmacologic activities and other aspects of B. sensitivum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation of herbal cosmeceutical in the form of a face cream has been done. Curcuminoids from Curcuma domestica Val. (turmeric) has been incorporated in the formulation. Pharmacognostical standardization of turmeric has been done as per Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia [IHP]-2002 to ensure the genuinity of the crude turmeric rhizomes. It includes taxonomical authentication, morphological characterization, powdered drug microscopy, identification tests of turmeric powder and quantitative standards - that are foreign organic matter(0.43%), alcoholic soluble extractive (7.36%), water soluble extractive (20.32%), total ash(8.46%), acid insoluble ash (0.76%) and loss on drying (12.52%). All the quantitative standard values are in compliance with IHP-2002. Turmeric rhizome powder has been extracted with methanol and curcumin content in the methanolic extract has been quantified spectrophotometrically. It has yielded 3.79 g of curcumin per 100 g of turmeric rhizome powder. Stearic acid cream base has been used to incorporate standardized methanolic extract in isopropyl alcohol, triethanolamine, almond oil, light liquid paraffin oil, moisturizer conditioner and cetyl alcohol. Evaluation of formulated cream with parameters - type of emulsion, ashing at 600 °C, pH, homogeneity and sensory parameters has been conducted. Accelerated stability testing of 16 prepared formulations has been conducted at elevated temperature of 40 °C ± 1 °C for 20 days. 4 out of 16 products have shown stability with no signs of bleeding and no change in the color of the product. The Draize test for sensitivity testing has shown that the stable formulations are safe in respect to skin irritation and allergic sensitization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Asparagus Racemosus (AR) is an Ayurvedic rasayana possessing multiple neuropharmacological activities. The adpatogenic and antidepressant activity of AR is well documented. The present study was undertaken to assess nootropic and anti-amnesic activities of MAR in rats. The Morris water maze (MWM) and elevated plus maze (EPM) models were employed to evaluate learning and memory activity. Subsequently, the anti-amnestic activity was evaluated in scopolamine and sodium nitrite (NaNO2)-induced amnestic models in rats. Rats pre-treated with MAR (50, 100 and 200mg/kg, p.o) for 7days showed significant decrease in escape latency in the MWM test indicating nootropic activity. MAR also significantly reversed scopolamine and sodium nitrite-induced increase in transfer latency on EPM indicating anti-amnesic activity. Further, MAR dose-dependently inhibited acetylcholinesterase enzyme in specific brain regions (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus). Thus, MAR showed nootropic and anti-amnesic activities in the models tested and these effects may probably be mediated through augmentation of cholinergic system due to its anti-cholinesterase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most drugs' poor aqueous solubility has emerged as a significant challenge in achieving proper therapeutic response following oral administration. Herbal drugs are being used from time immemorial to prevent, mitigate, and cure multiple diseases. However, most of the bioactives phytoconstituents possess limited aqueous solubility & poor oral bioavailability. Solid dispersion (SD) has been realised as an efficient formulation to overcome hydrophobic candidates' solubility issues and improve their oral bioavailability. The current review mainly explores the potential of SD for improving solubility, dissolution & bioavailability of herbal extracts, enriched fractions, and isolated bioactives. Hence, basics of SD, selection of excipients, need for SD of plant products, SD of plant products, selection of preparation method, the chemistry of phytoconstituent-excipient interaction, and hurdles associated with SD of herbal extract/enriched fraction were explored in this review. The SD has the potential to overcome solubility, dissolution, and oral bioavailability issues of poorly soluble phytoconstituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 inflicted by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has created mayhem across the globe and has afflicted socio-economic, political and cultural aspects of every nook of the world. Notwithstanding, the ensuing COVID-19 waves are still approaching and squeezing the economies of developed and developing worlds. Nanobiotechnology-driven interventions in COVID-19 may facilitate nipping in the bud at an early stage, consequently managing the menace of the virus. Nanostructures, notably luminescent carbon/quantum dots (C/QD), are potential nanomedicines in the field of theranostics and pharmaceuticals. They have stood the test of time due to their ease of synthesis, minimal toxicity, significant biocompatibility, tunable fluorescence, surface tenability, excellent photochemical stability and good hydrophilicity. In this mini-review, we have considered the recent findings of C/QD as potential nano-theranostics against COVID-19. Furthermore, we have also discussed antiviral modes of different C/QD. This mini-review will provide brief oversight and offer a new strategy to develop C/QD-based antiviral agents for future-ready pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spine of Ayurveda and other traditional system of medicines is medicinal plants. The medicinal plants and their extracts are rich with minerals, primary metabolites and secondary metabolites, which are the effective against various diseases. India has big biodiversity that rich with medicinal plants and near about 2500 medicinal plants of Indian origin are recommended in traditional treatment for various diseases. In recent decades metabolites derived from the extract of medicinal plants are frequently used by allopathic physicians as cardio-vascular, immunomodulatory, anticancer and antibiotic medicines. One of the Indian medicinal plant, Alternanthera ficoidea (L.) (Synonyms: Alternanthera tenella Colla and Gomphera ficoidea) belongs to family Amaranthaceae. The plant is traditionally used as diuretic, anti-pyretic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti- diarrheal agent etc. The secondary metabolites like tannins, saponins, phytols, carotenoids and polyphenols are major classes of compounds are identified for the plant. Some phytomolecules are isolated from the extract as vitexin, quercetin, kaempferol, amarantin, betaine, isoamarantin and sterol etc. Pharmacological activities like hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial and immunomodulatory activity are also investigated on this plant. This study compile the information related to Alternanthera ficoidea, which will helpful the researchers for further study on this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, nanotechnology is extensively employed in the medical profession. In this study, we used the aqueous extract of the bark of Mitragyna parvifolia to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by microwave-assisted green synthesis. The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by visual color change to brown color and characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 432 nm. The hydrodynamic diameter of the AgNPs was 171.81 nm having a zeta potential of −24.14 mV; Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of different functional groups on the NP surface; Scanning Electron Microscope and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy indicated predominantly circular shape of nanoparticle; Selected Area Electron Diffraction and X-ray Diffraction analyses determined the crystalline structure of AgNPs. Energy-Dispersive X-ray indicated the elemental composition and formation of AgNPs. The AgNPs were screened at different concentrations for antioxidant activity, antimicrobial, and anticancer potential in breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The AgNPs exhibited remarkable antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The sedative and antinociceptive activities were also tested on Swiss albino mice, which showed mild sedative and very potent antinociceptive activity. However, detailed mechanistic studies are warranted in the future for clinical application of the AgNPs as a biologically active agent as well as a carrier for drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, we present the hydrothermal method-driven synthesis of carbon nanodots (CNDs) using quercetin and further evaluate the effects of surface passivation on their physicochemical and biological attributes. The quercetin-derived CNDs (qCD) were surface passivated with polyethylene glycol to produce qCD-Pg. Firstly, the qCD was employed as a fluorescent nanoprobe that can selectively sense arsenic (As3+) with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.598 μM through enhancement in fluorescence emission. It was revealed that upon surface fabrication with polyethylene glycol, qCD lost its ability to sense As3+, but qCD-Pg selectively detected iron (Fe3+) with a LOD of 0.324 μM. The developed method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization Harmonised Tripartite Guideline (ICH Topic Q 2 (R1). The applicability of the qCD and qCD-Pg-based sensing method for the quantification of As3+ and Fe3+ in a real sample (tap water) was also analyzed. Further, the qCD-Pg was conjugated with andrographolide (Ad) to produce qCD-Pg-Ad and explored as a nanocarrier for its delivery. These conjugates prolonged and improved the drug release, leading to an enhanced cytotoxic effect on leukemia cancer cells (K-562). Also, the qCD-Pg-Ad complex had a better anticancer effect on K-562 than free form and showed very low cytotoxicity to normal kidney cells (Vero), indicating specific anticancer activity to the leukemia. These CNDs considerably inhibited the growth of multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and exhibited significant free radical scavenging potential. These nanodots showed good thermal stability, colloidal dispersion stability, and photostability. Overall, the findings of our study demonstrated phytomedicine-derived CNDs as photomedicine with broad applications in biomedical and environmental domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the Alysicarpus vaginalis alcoholic extract as a reducing agent and a capping ligand was carried out. Notable peaks of λmax 442–602 nm indicated the reduction of silver ions to elemental AgNPs. Particle size (Zavg) was in the range of 32.3±0.76 to 252.3±0.342 nm). The negative Zeta potential (ZP, −2.9±0.31 to −21.7±0.13 mV) and low polydispersity index (PDI, 0.181±0.02 to 0.635±0.02) supported the homogeneous nature of AgNPs. Further, crystalline spherical nature of AgNPs with a smooth surface was confirmed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies. The AgNPs showed 1.2 to 1.4‐fold enhanced antibacterial activity than extract (6–10 mm zone of inhibition) against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica ser. Typhi by disc diffusion assay. The AgNP formulation F9 showed equal (against Gram‐positive L. monocytogenes) or even better (against Gram‐negative S. enterica Typhi) antimicrobial activity than the positive control, ciprofloxacin. Further investigations on F9 are suggested in order to develop a broad‐spectrum, cost‐effective antibacterial formulation of natural origin. This study represents a significant step forward in the field of bio‐fabrication and presents a promising alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods for the production of antimicrobial AgNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of carbon dots via a green synthesis approach from natural products is one of the most researched areas nowadays. Herein, we present the synthesis of Piper longum leaves-derived aqueous carbon dots (PLACDs) via the simplest ecofriendly hydrothermal carbonization method. The PLACDs exhibited excitation-dependent emission behavior with maximum emission at 450 nm at an excitation wavelength of 365 nm. The High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy results showed a quasi-spherical shape with an average size of 4.121 nm. The sharp diffractions of X-ray diffraction revealed its nanocrystalline property. The Energy Dispersive X-ray spectra reflected the presence of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy disclosed the existence of –OH, –C=C, –C=O, and –C–O–C groups. The PLACDs presented excellent biocompatibility against B16F10 (melanoma) and SiHa (cervical carcinoma) cells lines with concentration-dependent in vitro bioimaging results. It also exhibited antiradical activity with the IC50 value of 0.499 mg/mL and 0.051 mg/mL against DPPH and ABTS.+, respectively. It showed Fe3+ sensing with a lower limit of detection of 0.673 μM. Further, the PLACDs displayed excellent bacterial biocompatibility, pH-dependent fluorescence property, fluorescent ink property, photostability, physical, chemical, and thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, comparative studies were conducted on different species of Pleurotus mushroom (Pleurotus osteratus, Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus sajor caju, Pleurotus florida, and Pleurotus roseus), extracted in two different solvent systems: dichloromethane (DCM)–ethanol (Et) with the ratio of 1 : 1 (v/v) and 50% (v/v) ethanol. Comparably, 50% (v/v) ethanolic crude extract had a considerably higher extraction yield and total phenolic, carbohydrate, and protein content. Owing to a high total phenolic yield, 50% (v/v) ethanolic crude extract had better ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical. Contrarily, DCM−Et crude extract showed strong cytotoxic potential against the human breast cancer cell line (MD-MBA-231) and murine skin cancer cell line (B16F10). High-performance thin layer chromatography based methods were developed and validated as per the International Council for Harmonisation Q2(R1) for the determination of ergosterol. Ergosterol content in DCM−Et crude extract correlates with its cytotoxic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) based on non-ionic surfactant mixtures to improve the oral bioavailability of efavirenz (EFZ) categorized as a class II according to the BCS, for HIV- therapy. The result of solubility studies of EFZ in various excipients utilized for construction of the pseudo ternary phase diagram containing surfactant mixtures. Surfactants in 1:1 combination are used with different co-surfactants in different ratio to delineate the area of monophasic region of the pseudo ternary phase diagram. Different accelerated physical stability studies and self-emulsification assessment were performed on the formulations. The formulations clearing the above studies are considered for percentage transmittance and turbidity analysis. The globule size distributions of post diluted SNEDDS having percentage transmittance above 90 were estimated. The TEM analysis of two optimized post diluted SNEDDS formulations further confirm the size in nanometric range (below 50 nm). FT-IR studies showed the retention of the characteristic peaks of EFZ in the preconcentrate. The in vitro dissolution profile of SNEDDS established advantages of SNEDDS over plain drug as more than 80% drug was released within 30 min in case of optimized SNEDDS while it was approximately 18.3% in the case of plain drug powder. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated after performing the in vivo studies of best optimized formulation in rats. The Pharmacokinetic data reveal a 2.63 fold increase in AUC (0-∞) in comparison to plain EFZ suspension. The designed delivery system showed the faith in generating an effective formulation of EFZ for HIV treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies provide notable evidence that oxidative stress (OS) mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) disturb reproductive health. We have shown in our previous publication that exposure of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), induces OS mediated ROS generation which inhibits steroid synthesis. In the present study, we demonstrated the ameliorative/protective effects of one of the steroidal saponins, i.e., Shatavarin-IV, isolated from the roots of Asparagus racemosus against DEHP induced OS in rat granulosa cells. Granulosa cells were exposed with DEHP alone (400 μM), Shatavarin-IV alone (8 μg/ml), and a combination of DEHP + Shatavarin-IV (400 μM + 8 μg/ml) in vitro for 24 hrs. Intracellular ROS, OS/hypoxia, mitochondrial membrane potential, steroid-responsive genes expression were analyzed. The results revealed that the effective dose of DEHP (400 µg) significantly increased OS compared to the control by increasing ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and β-galactosidase activity with a higher level of apoptotic genes (Bax, Caspase-3) expression at mRNA level. Further, DEHP significantly (p < 0.05) reduced mRNA expression of steroidogenic responsive genes (StAR, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1) in granulosa cells treated with above combination compared to control. Interestingly, co-treatment of DEHP + Shatavarin-IV significantly suppressed the DEHP induced OS, ROS, β-galactosidase levels and enhanced steroidogeneic and apoptotic gene expression activities, which suggests that Shatavarin-IV rescued DEHP-induced changes that may useful for the prevention of DEHP- induced reproductive toxicity. [Display omitted] • DEHP induces ROS mediated apoptosis in rat granulosa cells. • DEHP increases caspase-3 and Bax expression. • Shatavarin-IV prevented the increase of OS, ROS, β-galactosidase levels induced by DEHP • Shatavarin-IV mitigated DEHP-induced reproductive toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, green nanotechnology has emerged as a crucial and eco-friendly approach to combat the problems affecting human health or the environment. It deals with the extensive utilization of plants owing to their cocktail of natural and chemical substances to eliminate adverse pollutants involved in the synthesis of nanomaterials. Herein, we report a facile one-step hydrothermal carbonization approach synthesizing fluorescent bluish-green carbon nanodots (CNDs) using Asparagus racemosus roots termed ARCD. The fluorescence quantum yield of ARCD was further improved by surface passivating it with a 1:1 ratio of Carrageenan (CAR) and Polyethylenimine (PEI), termed ARCCD. First, we demonstrate the application of ARCD and ARCCD as a nano-probe for sensing As3+ and Ag+. Second, we show an inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation against breast (MDA-MB-231) and cervical (SiHa) cancer. Also, no significant cytotoxicity was observed in the normal kidney (HEK 293) cells, indicating cytotoxic specificity of the developed CNDs. Third, we demonstrate antibacterial activity against clinically isolated multi-drug-resistant strains and free radicals scavenging potential. Next, we present the in vivo toxicity evaluation of these CNDs in Swiss albino mice, which exhibited minimal toxicity as confirmed by biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters. This study deals with an innovative approach to constructing a multifunctional nano-probe for potential biomedical and environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To scientifically validate the traditional substitution of roots of highly expensive A conitum heterophyllum ( AH) with rhizomes of C ryptocoryne spiralis ( CS) in the treatment of diarrhoea. Methods Different fractions from root/rhizome extract of both the plant were subjected to faecal excretion rate and castor oil-induced diarrhoea models. Further, bioactive fractions from both plants, i.e. chloroform ( CAH) from AH at 50 mg/kg p.o. and ethyl acetate ( EACS) from CS at 100 mg/kg p.o., were examined for small intestinal transit, intestinal fluid accumulation and PGE2-induced enteropooling models in rats. Biochemical estimations and Na+ and K+ concentration in intestinal fluid were also determined along with antibacterial studies. Phytochemical standardisation of AH and CS was performed by quantifying aconitine for the former and stigmasterol for the latter using HPLC. Key findings CAH and EACS illustrated a significant reduction in faecal output rate and demonstrated a protection of 63.068% at CAH 50 and 59.090% at EACS 100 mg/kg p.o. in castor oil-induced diarrhoea model. The fractions also persuaded promising effects in all the other models, restored alterations in biochemical parameters and showed potential antibacterial activity. Conclusion The antidiarrhoeal potential of AH and CS may be attributed to an antimotility and antisecretory type of effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the fabrication of Tinospora cordifolia leaves-derived carbon dots (TCLCDs) from aqueous extract of leaves as carbon source via simple, environmentally friendly, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technique. The synthesized TCLCDs were characterized for their physicochemical properties and further explored for in-vitro cancer cell bioimaging, radical scavenging, and metal ion sensing. The synthesized TCLCDs showed excitation-dependent emission property with maximum emission at 435 nm under the excitation of 350 nm. The High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) results revealed a roughly spherical shape with an average diameter of 5.47 nm. The diffused ring pattern of Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) and halo diffraction pattern of X-ray diffraction (XRD) disclosed their amorphous nature. The Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) showed the existence of C, N, and O. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of -OH, -NH, -CN, and -CH groups. The TCLCDs showed excellent cellular biocompatibility with dose-dependent bioimaging results in melanoma (B16F10) and cervical cancer (SiHa) cell lines. Also, they exhibited excellent scavenging of free radicals with an IC50 value of 0.524 mg/mL & selective Fe3+ ion sensing with a detection limit of 0.414 µM. Further, they exerted excellent bacterial biocompatibility, photostability, and thermal stability. The overall results reflected their potential for in-vitro cancer cell bioimaging, free radical scavenging, and selective Fe3+ ion sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyla nodiflora (Verbenaceae), commonly called frog fruit and locally, jal bhuti, is the traditional folk medicine accepted in the Indian Medicine as well as the Traditional system of Chinese Medicine (TCM) for various treatments viz., urinary disorder, lithiasis, knee joint pain, diuresis and swelling. In the present study, we tried to standardise crude Phyla nodiflora ethanol extract (PNE) using HPTLC and also evaluated its protection against cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in rats. HPTLC quantification of rutin and fingerprinting profile was performed. Serum kidney toxicity markers, renal tissue antioxidant and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed followed by DNA fragmentation assay and histopathological examination of renal tissue. Rutin concentration in ethanol extract was found to be 5.35% w/w. In HPTLC fingerprinting 12 peaks with Rf ranges from 0.08 to 0.86 were confirmed. Serum biochemical parameters, renal tissue antioxidants and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were found to be restored. The results demonstrated the nephroprotective activity of P. nodiflora ethanol extract (400 mg/kg, p.o.) as evidenced by protection of kidneys from cisplatin induced DNA fragmentation and damage tissue architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytomedicines have been beneficial to humankind for the treatment of implacable ailments from time immemorial. In this report, we have synthesized a carbon dots as a photomedicine from traditional phytomedicine Andrographis paniculata which is widely spread across Southern and Southeastern Asia. Interestingly, these carbon dots exhibited unique pink fluorescence that is perceptibly distinctive from the previous reports. The inherent properties of carbon dots were characterised using Transmission Electron Microscopy, Fluorescence spectroscopy, Absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Selected area diffraction, X‐Ray Diffraction, and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy. Furthermore, thermal stability of carbon dots was determined using Thermo gravimetric analysis. The carbon dots are fabricated to possess breast cancer cell bioimaging applications apart from anti‐bacterial activities against clinically isolated strains of gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria and free radicals sensing and scavenging attributes. These findings establish carbon dots as a potential photomedicine with wide healthcare applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of an Ayurvedic wisdom and nanotechnology may help us to resolve the complex healthcare challenges. A facile and economical one-pot hydrothermal synthesis method has been adopted for preparing a blue fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with a quantum yield of 15.10% from an Ayurvedic medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata (AP). The Andrographis paniculata derived CDs (AAPCDs) were then characterized using different techniques. Through High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) profiling of the AP extract and the CDs, it was found that some of the phytoconstituents are retained as such while others may have been converted into their derivatives during the process of formation of CDs. The CDs are designed to possess cellular imaging of human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7), apart from free radicals sensing and scavenging capabilities. AAPCDs showed minimal cytotoxicity in Multi Drug Resistant clinically isolated strains of gram positive and gram negative bacteria which may be employed for microbiology oriented experiments. These results suggest potential of multi-functional AAPCDs as nano-probes for various pharmaceutical, biomedical and bioengineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The roots of the plant Aconitum heterophyllum (EAH) are traditionally used for curing hysteria, throat infection, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diabetes, and diarrhea. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the mechanism involved in the anti-diarrheal activity of roots of A. heterophyllum. Materials and Methods: Ant-diarrheal activity of ethanol extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg p.o. was evaluated using fecal excretion and castor oil-induced diarrhea models, while optimized dose, that is, 100 mg/kg p.o. was further subjected to small intestinal transit, intestinal fluids accumulation, PGE2-induced enteropooling and gastric emptying test. To elucidate the probable mechanism, various biochemical parameters and Na+, K+ concentration in intestinal fluids were also determined. Further, antibacterial activity of extract along with its standardization using aconitine as a marker with the help of HPLC was carried out. Results: The results depicted a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in normal fecal output at 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. of extract after 5th and 7th h of treatment. Castor oil-induced diarrhea model demonstrated a ceiling effect at 100 mg/kg p.o. with a protection of 60.185% from diarrhea. EAH at 100 mg/kg p.o. also showed significant activity in small intestinal transit, fluid accumulation, and PGE2-induced enteropooling models, which also restored the altered biochemical parameters and prevented Na+ and K+ loss. The extract with 0.0833% w/w of aconitine depicted a potential antibacterial activity of extract against microbes implicated in diarrhea. Conclusion: The study concluded antisecretory and antimotility effect of A. heterophyllum, which mediates through nitric oxide path way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]