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Baicalein is a flavonoid mainly obtained from plants with wide range of biological activities, including neuroprotection. An acute and unexpected chronic stress (UCS) protocol has recently been adapted to zebrafish, a popular vertebrate model in brain research. The present study was aimed to evaluate baicalein’s anti-anxiety potential in a zebrafish model by induction, which included neuropharmacological evaluation to determine behavioural parameters in the novel tank diving test (NTDT) and light-dark preference test (LDPT). The toxicity was also assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay, and the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) was determined. The animals were then stressed for 7 days before being treated with different doses of baicalein (1 and 2 mg/L) for another 7 days in UCS condition. Due to acute stress and UCS, the frequency of entries and time spent in the 1) top region and 2) light area of the novel tank reduced significantly, indicating the existence of elevated anxiety levels. The biological activity of baicalein was demonstrated by its high LC50 values (1,000 μg/ml). Additionally, baicalein administration increased the frequency of entries and duration spent in the light region, indicating a significant decrease in anxiety levels. Overall, the present results showed that baicalein has a therapeutic advantage in reversing the detrimental consequences of UCS and acute stress, making it is a promising lead molecule for new drug design, development, and therapy for stress.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy which affects a substantial number of individuals all over the globe. It is the third primary cause of death among persons with neoplasm and has the fifth largest mortality rate among men and the seventh highest mortality rate among women. Dalbergin (DL) is described to be effective in breast cancer via changing mRNA levels of apoptosis-related proteins. DL belongs to neoflavonoids, a drug category with low solubility and poor bioavailability. We created a synthetic version of this naturally occurring chemical, DL, and then analyzed it using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and LC-MS. We also made PLGA nanoparticles and then coated them with galactose. The design of experiment software was used to optimize DL-loaded galactose-modified PLGA nanoparticles. The optimized DL-nanoformulations (DLF) and DL-modified nanoformulations (DLMF) were analyzed for particle size, polydispersity index, shape, and potential interactions. In-vitro experiments on liver cancer cell lines (HepG2) are used to validate the anti-proliferative efficacy of the modified DLMF. The in-vitro research on HepG2 cell lines also demonstrated cellular accumulation of DLF and DLMF by FITC level. The in-vitro result suggested that DLMF has high therapeutic effectiveness against HCC. In-vivo pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution experiments revealed that DLMF excelled pristine DL in terms of pharmacokinetic performance and targeted delivery, which is related to galactose’s targeting activity on the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) in hepatic cells. Additionally, we performed an in-silico study of DL on caspase 3 and 9 proteins, and the results were found to be −6.7 kcal/mol and −6.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Our in-silico analysis revealed that the DL had strong apoptotic properties against HCC.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and complex psychiatric disorder that usually includes both obsessions and compulsions. Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) is a functional food and it is a well-known plant due to its potential therapeutic effects on human health in many disorders including neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of M. citrifolia fruits extract (MCFE) against obsessive-compulsive disorder using the marble burying and nestlet shredding behavior mice models. In addition, brain neurotransmitters such as dopamine (DA), serotonin and noradrenaline (NA) were also assessed. Five mice were placed in each of the different groups, and the treatment was given to the animals for a period of 15 days. The marble burying test was evaluated for 30 min on days 1, 7, and 14 while the nestlet shredding test was evaluated for 60 min on days 2, 8, and 15. Treatments with MCFE (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly improved in both behavior tasks when compared to the control group. In addition, diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine (15 mg/kg, p.o.) were also significantly improved in both tasks when compared with the control mice. Further locomotor activity study revealed that MCFE and fluoxetine did not affect the locomotor functions when compared to vehicle treated mice. In contrast, diazepam significantly decreased locomotion when compared to the control group. The significant amelioration of biogenic amines were observed in the MCFE-treated animals with increased serotonin levels. The histopathology of the brain, liver, and kidney tissues after MCFE administration revealed normal morphological structure with no signs of toxicity or abnormalities. All these results together suggest that MCFE can be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of OCD. Future research should focus on theidentification and the anti-compulsive activity of the constituents from M. citrifolia.

The rate of breast cancer is rapidly increasing and discovering medications with therapeutic effects play a significant role in women’s health. Drugs derived from marine sponges have recently received FDA approval for the treatment of malignant tumors, including metastatic breast cancer. Spirastrella pachyspira (marine sponge) is mainly obtained from the western coastal region of India, and its anticancer potential has not been explored. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the anticancer potential of Spirastrella pachyspira extracts and its bioactive molecule sphingosine. The extracts were prepared using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The cytotoxic potential of the extracts were determined by an in-vitro MTT assay using SK-BR-3 cancer cell line. Subsequently, acute toxicity investigation was conducted in Swiss albino mice. Then, the anticancer effects of the extract was investigated in a xenograft model of SK-BR-3 caused breast cancer. DAPI staining was used to assess the extract’s ability to induce apoptosis. In addition, in-silico study was conducted on sphingosine with extracellular site of HER2. The ethyl acetate extract of Spirastrella pachyspira (IC50: 0.04 µg/ml) showed comparable anticancer effects with standard doxorubicin (IC50: 0.054 µg/ml). The LD50 of the extracts in acute toxicity testing was fund to be 2000 mg/kg b.wt. The survival index of mice in ethanol extract was 83.33%, whereas that of standard doxirubicin was 100%, indicating that ethyl acetate extract Spirastrella pachyspira has good antiproliferative/cytotoxic properties. The results were well comparable with standard doxorubicin. Further, the docking studies of sphingosine against HER2 demonstrated that the bioactive molecule engage with the extracellular region of HER2 and block the protein as also shown by standard trastuzumab. The findings of this research suggest that Spirastrella pachyspira and sphingosine may be potential candidate for the treatments of breast cancer, particularly for HER2 positive cells. Overall, the present results demonstrate that sphingosine looks like a promising molecule for the development of new drugs for the treatment of cancer. However, in order to carefully define the sphingosine risk-benefit ratio, future research should focus on evaluating in-vivo and clinical anticancer studies. This will involve balancing both their broad-spectrum effectiveness and their toxicity.

Fermented foods have been an important component of the human diet from the time immemorial. It contains a high amount of probiotics that have been associated to a wide range of health benefits, including improved digestion and immunity. This review focuses on the indigenously prepared prebiotic- and probiotic-containing functional fermented rice (named Xaj-pani) by the Ahom Community from Assam, in Northeast India, including all the beneficial and potential effects on human health. Literature was searched from scientific databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Glutinous rice (commonly known as bora rice of sali variety) is primarily employed to prepare beverages that are recovered through the filtration process. The beer is normally consumed during religious rites, festivals and ritual practices, as well as being used as a refreshing healthy drink. Traditionally, it is prepared by incorporating a variety of medicinal herbs into their starter culture (Xaj-pitha) inoculum which is rich in yeasts, molds and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and then incorporated in alcoholic beverage fermentation. The Ahom communities routinely consume this traditionally prepared alcoholic drink with no understanding of its quality and shelf life. Additionally, a finally produced dried cake, known as vekur pitha act as a source of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and can be stored for future use. Despite the rampant use in this community, the relationship between Xaj-pani’s consumption, immunological response, infectious and inflammatory processes remains unknown in the presence of factors unrelated or indirectly connected to immune function. Overall, this review provides the guidelines to promote the development of prebiotic- and probiotic-containing functional fermented rice that could significantly have an impact on the health of the consumers.

Curcuma longa Linn. (C. longa), popularly known as turmeric, belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and has a long historical background of having healing properties against many diseases. In Unani and Ayurveda medicine, C. longa has been used for liver obstruction and jaundice, and has been applied externally for ulcers and inflammation. Additionally, it is employed in several other ailments such as cough, cold, dental issues, indigestion, skin infections, blood purification, asthma, piles, bronchitis, tumor, wounds, and hepatic disorders, and is used as an antiseptic. Curcumin, a major constituent of C. longa, is well known for its therapeutic potential in numerous disorders. However, there is a lack of literature on the therapeutic potential of C. longa in contrast to curcumin. Hence, the present review aimed to provide in-depth information by highlighting knowledge gaps in traditional and scientific evidence about C. longa in relation to curcumin. The relationship to one another in terms of biological action includes their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, antifertility, antimicrobial, antiallergic, antidermatophytic, and antidepressant properties. Furthermore, in-depth discussion of C. longa on its taxonomic categorization, traditional uses, botanical description, phytochemical ingredients, pharmacology, toxicity, and safety aspects in relation to its major compound curcumin is needed to explore the trends and perspectives for future research. Considering all of the promising evidence to date, there is still a lack of supportive evidence especially from clinical trials on the adjunct use of C. longa and curcumin. This prompts further preclinical and clinical investigations on curcumin.