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This study introduces a sustainable method for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), focusing on sustainability and environmental protection. The technique includes the use of Salvia elegans aqueous leaf extract as a reducing agent. In addition, the research investigates the dose-dependent degradation of pUC19 DNA by silver nanoparticles, which is facilitated by the generation of singlet oxygen. The presence of S. elegans extract results in significant color changes, going from a colorless state to a dark brown hue, serving as an indication of the synthesis of AgNPs. A range of experimental methods were employed to analyze the biogenic AgNPs, such as UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The meticulously produced AgNPs demonstrate a high level of uniformity, featuring a spherical shape and a particle size of 60 nm. DNA photo-cleavage studies show that singlet oxygen plays a crucial role in triggering DNA damage caused by AgNPs, indicating their potential as powerful cytotoxic agents specifically aimed at cancer cells. Additional studies are required to clarify the effectiveness and specificity of AgNPs against various cancer cell types to assess their therapeutic potential. The cytotoxic effects of AgNPs, particularly in relation to DNA photocleavage, are of considerable interest in cancer research. This research holds promise for developing novel and sustainable cancer therapies based on the unique properties of biogenic silver nanoparticles.

The Indian Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a naturally occurring spice with significant biological properties. It is primarily found in India and Indonesia, but can also be cultivated in other coastal areas. Clove is commonly used as a natural preservative and in the production of natural medicines. One of the notable benefits of clove is its ability to help treat diseases caused by various bacteria and fungi, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, Z. mobilis, and C. albicans. Additionally, clove possesses antioxidant properties that can help reduce cell damage caused by free radicals. Clove has also shown potential in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and reducing the activity of enzymes such as amylase, glucosidase, and lipase, which can be beneficial for managing diabetes. The study demonstrated that Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Indian clove leaf extract exhibited promising antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities. This suggests that these nanoparticles could have versatile applications in antimicrobial therapy, cancer treatment, diabetes management, and antioxidant supplementation. However, further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of these activities and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these nanoparticles in more complex biological systems. In summary, clove possesses diverse biological properties and has potential applications in various therapeutic areas. The synthesis of AgNPs from clove leaf extract shows promise in multiple fields, but more research is required for a deeper understanding of its mechanisms and broader applications.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are establishing themselves as an important class of nanomaterials due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and wide range of applications. Due to their affordability, lack of toxicity, and strong biocompatibility, ZnO NPs find extensive use in the field of biomedicine. ZnO NPs are promising in biomedicine, especially for their ability as anticancer and antimicrobial agents. The ecologically sustainable preparation of metallic NPs using different plant extracts is a viable alternative to more conventional synthesis methods. The present study investigates the effects of changing the physical conditions on ZnO NPs synthesis from Bixa orellana (B. orellana) extract using the precipitation method. Confirmation and characterization of the ZnO NPs were achieved by analytical techniques. EDS results verified that highly pure ZnO NPs were synthesized. X-ray diffraction analysis verified the crystal nature of the synthesized NPs and their crystalline particle size of 82.66 nm. The XRD graphs strongly indicate the formation of wurtzite ZnO due to the presence of the (100), (002), and (101) planes. The antibacterial activity was assessed through the utilization of agar disc diffusion. The findings revealed that ZnO NPs exhibited significant efficacy in inhibiting the growth of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The zone of inhibition with the greatest diameter (22 mm) was reported for the bacterial strain B. cereus. The present investigation provides evidence that B. orellana leaves extract is capable of producing ZnO NPs, which play a crucial role in its antibacterial action. Additional investigation is necessary to validate the role of diverse phytochemicals in the synthesis of ZnO NPs and their applications in diverse fields such as agriculture, cosmetics, food, and healthcare.

Bixa orellana (B. Orellana) is a frequently utilized plant that has grown in significance in pharmaceutical applications. The leaves extract of B. orellana was used in the current study for preliminary phytochemical analysis in terms of both quantitative and qualitative, which indicates the presence of phenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated antifungal activity at 30 mm zone of clearance against Candida albicans and antibacterial activity at 16 mm zone of clearance against Bacillus nakamuria by well diffusion method against different strains. The plant extract showed a MIC of 20 µg/mL and MBC of 157.11 µg/mL against E. coli by ELISA and broth dilution method, respectively. To evaluate the phytochemicals in the extract, further purification of the extract by TLC, column chromatography, and component analysis by GC–MS, which reported 18 components, and UV spectrum were performed. A number of therapeutic applications for the extract were observed, including antidiabetic activity (anti-glucosidase) of 98.34% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, anti-lipase of 100% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, and anti-amylase activity of 100% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, antioxidant activity (anti-DPPH activity) of 59.74% inhibition at 100 µg/mL, anthelmintic at 1 min by 1000 µg/mL, antifibrinolytic at 20 secs by 1000 µg/mL and cytotoxic activity against A549 lung cell lines, wherein, the cell viability was below 40 % at the highest dose (100 µg/mL), with an IC50 value of 39.9 µg/mL.

In this study, the newly synthesized compound (Succ-5) was analyzed through spectral methods, seen for potential receptor targets via molecular docking, and pre-clinically evaluated for therapeutic effects and safety profile using biochemical and histopathological techniques. The biochemical analysis included assessment of cardiac biomarkers, hepatic enzymes, and lipid profiles, while histopathology included evaluation of cardiac and liver tissues. The toxic dose was determined pre-clinically, followed by dividing albino rats into five treatment groups (each having n = 6). The control group received oral saline for eight days. The 5-FU (5-Fluorouracil) group received oral saline for 8 days and 5-FU (150 mg/kg I.P.) on day 5. The atenolol group was administered with atenolol (20 mg/kg) for 8 days and 5-FU (150 mg/kg I.P.) on day 5. Two groups of rats were administered with the test compound (Succ-5) at doses of 5 mg/kg I.P and 10 mg/kg I.P (for 8-days), followed by 5-FU (150 mg/kg I.P.) on day 5. Elevated serum levels of CK-MB (creatinine kinase myocardial band), cTnI (troponin I), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), lipid profile, and selected liver enzymes including ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), BT (bilirubin total) and BD (direct bilirubin) were associated with 5-FU toxicity. After administration of the test compound at the mentioned doses, these biomarkers significantly decreased. Likewise, histological examination revealed 5-FU damaged the heart and hepatic tissues, which were also considerably recovered following administration of the test compound. Immunohistochemistry of heart tissue also revealed the low expression of COX-2 and TNF-α in Succ-5 treated groups compared to toxic group. Dose-response evaluation showed that a dose of 10 mg/kg provided better results than 5 mg/kg. The analysis of binding energy values computed via docking simulations showed that Succ-5 interacts with the human beta2-adrenergic G protein-coupled receptor with a slightly stronger affinity than calcium channel T-type. In conclusion, the histological and biochemical findings revealed that the test compound had significant cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and lipolytic effects in the 5-FU-induced toxicity.

The major goal of the study was to isolate bacteria synthesizing protease enzyme from a soil sample taken in Dandeli, Karnataka, India. Furthermore, screening, production, and optimization of medium components for maximum protease activity, partial purification of crude enzymes, and application of protease produced by Bacillus nakamurai were carried out. At 72 hrs and pH 6, the optimum incubation time, pH, and temperature were evaluated (acidic and thermophilic). As a substrate, casein was employed. Plackett-Burman screening was performed, and KH2PO4, xylose, MnCl2, and peptone were discovered to be essential components in protease production media. Following the production and optimization processes, partial purification was performed using ammonium sulfate precipitation, with the maximum protease activity at 60% ammonium sulfate, and further dialysis was performed using precipitated enzyme, yielding enzyme activity of 0.747 U/mL. The protease enzyme proved effective at removing egg yolk stains as well as degrading (dehairing) chicken feathers and hairs from goat skin. Bacillus nakamurai PL4 can be utilized for the industrial-scale production of proteases to fulfill current demands. Thus, such optimized parameters can optimize protease production and their application across various industries.

Various protein/receptor targets have been discovered through in-silico research. They are expanding rapidly due to their extensive advantage of delivering new drug candidates more quickly, efficiently, and at a lower cost. The automation of organic synthesis and biochemical screening will lead to a revolution in the entire research arena in drug discovery. In this research article, a few fungal metabolites were examined through an in-silico approach which involves major steps such as (a) Molecular Docking Analysis, (b) Drug likeness and ADMET studies, and (c) Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Fungal metabolites were taken from Antibiotic Database which showed antiviral effects on severe viral diseases such as HIV. Docking, Lipinski's, and ADMET analyses investigated the binding affinity and toxicity of five metabolites: Chromophilone I, iso; F13459; Stachyflin, acetyl; A-108836; Integracide A (A-108835). Chromophilone I, iso was subjected to additional analysis, including a 50 ns MD simulation of the protein to assess the occurring alterations. This molecule's docking data shows that it had the highest binding affinity. ADMET research revealed that the ligand might be employed as an oral medication. MD simulation revealed that the ligand–protein interaction was stable. Finally, this ligand can be exploited to develop SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic options. Fungal metabolites that have been studied could be a potential source for future lead candidates. Further study of these molecules may result in creating an antiviral drug to battle the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Objective: The Illicium verum is an evergreen Chinese plant, from which a culinary spice named star anise is obtained and is predominantly used in Asian countries. Besides its flavor, it possess high medicinal value. Illicium verum possesses good antimicrobial properties and in the past utilized to treat versatile ailments of microbial origin. Illicium verum is commonly known as star anise. Methods: This study is an attempt to resurrect the ancient forgotten traditional spice Illicium verum by analyzing its essential oils (EOs) for the phyto-biochemical properties using GC–MS, IR studies and various standard biochemical tests to record the presence of the chemical compounds based on its test reactions and also to measure its anti-microbial vulnerability testing towards the MRSA clinical isolates, by deploying the standard anti-microbial assay in the aseptic microbiological laboratory conditions. Results: The data procured from the standard antimicrobial assay of Illicium verum essential oil were compared with that of the standard antibiotic e-strips towards the same set of MRSA clinical isolates. The antimicrobial assay test results of Illicium verum essential oil against the clinical isolates of the MRSA showed promising results when compared to that of standard antibiotic e-strips. The results showed that all the MRSA clinical isolates were susceptible to the tested drug with inhibition zone diameter ranging from 18 mm to 28 mm (Mean 24.05 mm). The MBC and MIC results confirmed that the tested extract was potent against the highly virulent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates with MBC and MIC of 0.97 µg/mL and 0.70 µg/mL, which was lower compared to MBC and MIC values of the standard antibiotics. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study is a motivation to rediscover the ancient phytochemical compounds as an added asset to the standard available drugs in dealing with the upcoming hazardous diseases and pandemics. Thus, it relishes us to perform more of such studies to enhance the phyto-pharmacological industry.