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Exosomes, a category of extracellular vesicle (EV), are phospholipid bilayer structures ranging from 30 to 150 nm, produced by various organisms through the endosomal pathway. Recent studies have established the utilization of exosomes as nanocarriers for drug distribution across various therapeutic areas including cancer, acute liver injury, neuroprotection, oxidative stress, inflammation, etc. The importance of plant-derived exosomes and exosome vesicles derived from mammalian cells or milk, loaded with potent plant bioactives for various therapeutic indications are discussed along with insights into future perspectives. Moreover, this review provides a detailed understanding of exosome biogenesis, their composition, classification, stability of different types of exosomes, and different routes of administration along with the standard techniques used for isolating, purifying, and characterizing exosomes. Plain Language Summary Exosomes are tiny, spherical structures made of two layers of lipids, measuring between 30 and 150 nm in diameter. They are flexible, less harmful to the immune system, can cross barriers in the body, and also can be used as vehicles to carry drugs. Various methods are used to obtain, separate, and purify the exosomes based on their size, shape, density, and specific markers. Exosomes obtained from plants can treat various diseases as they are less toxic, have high permeability, and are environmentally safe. The chemical compounds obtained from plants can be loaded into the exosomes obtained from sources like milk, or human cells both healthy and diseased, having the ability to treat cancer, inflammation, liver diseases, etc. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT Article highlights Introduction to exosomes Exosomes are small vesicles released by most eukaryotic cells, that facilitate intercellular communication and possess an extended half-life, allowing them to traverse extended distances within the body under both normal and disease conditions. Advantages of exosomes The exceptional drug-delivery potential of exosomes, originating from their less immunogenic, non-cytotoxic, and non-mutagenic ability, surpasses that of liposomes. In advanced medicine, exosomes are investigated as a promising cell-free therapy due to their targeted effects on cells, reduced safety issues, and low manufacturing costs in comparison to cell-based therapies. Challenges with exosomes Human cell-derived exosomes have scalability and scalability challenges associated with the low yield. To address this exosome-derived plants have emerged as a promising alternative. Ethical concerns Researchers must thoroughly evaluate the potential risks associated with exosome-based therapies, including immunogenicity, off-target effects, and long-term complications. Patients should be fully informed about the nature of exosome therapy, including its potential benefits, risks, and uncertainties. In-depth investigation of the animal-derived, and plant-derived exosomes is required before using them for therapeutic interventions. Advantages of plant-derived exosomes Plant-derived exosomes owing to their small size are considered to be environmentally safe, less toxic, and have high permeability; biological functions and pharmacological properties of plant-derived exosomes closely resemble those of their parent plants and often surpass those of isolated plant compounds. Isolation & purification methods The selection of different isolation and purification methods such as ultracentrifugation, size-based separation, polymer-based methods, affinity-based separation, and microfluidic systems are to be taken care of as they can influence the purity and the physiological characteristics of the exosomes. Future perspectives The plant-derived exosomes with their superior advantages of higher yield, widely available, prolonged half-life, and better stability in biological fluids show future potential for treatment strategy and therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the spectrum of breast malignancies, triple-negative breast cancer is the most widely spreading subtype of breast cancer due to a low availability of therapeutic remedies. Recently, antibody–drug conjugates dramatically resolved the landscape for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. This review mainly focuses on the chemistry, structure, mechanism of action, and role of antibody–drug conjugates in triple-negative breast cancer. Datopotecan Deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) is a new-generation ADC showing encouraging results for TNBC. In this review, we have also emphasized TROP-2-directed Datopotamab deruxtecan ADCs to treat triple-negative breast cancer, its synthesis, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse events, and their ongoing clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transethosomes, a fusion of transferosomes and ethosomes, combine the advantageous attributes of both vesicular systems to enhance deformability and skin permeation. While skin delivery is effective for drug transport, overcoming the skin barrier remains a significant challenge, particularly for plant-based products with poor permeability. Transethosomes offer a promising solution, but their low viscosity and retention on skin surfaces led to the development of transethosomal gels. These gels can entrap unstable and high molecular weight herbal extracts, fractions and bioactive compounds, facilitating enhanced drug delivery to the inner layers of the skin. This review focuses on the superior performance of transethosomes compared with conventional lipid-based nanovesicular systems, offering an advanced approach for transdermal delivery of plant-based drugs with improved permeability and stability. Graphical Abstract Article highlights Transdermal drug delivery is valued for controlled release and avoiding first-pass metabolism. Traditional formulations face challenges due to the skin's barrier, especially the stratum corneum. Transethosomes (TEs) offer a solution by disrupting lipid bilayers and enhancing drug permeation. However, TEs' low viscosity and skin surface retention need improvement. Transethosomal gel formulations combine TEs with a gel matrix, addressing these issues. These gels offer enhanced drug retention and controlled release. They hold promise for various therapeutic applications, but optimization is crucial for efficacy and safety. Properties of transethosomes Transethosomes are a combination of transferosomes and ethosomes. Which is composed of phospholipids, edge activators and ethanol. The flexibility of TEs facilitates penetration through skin lipid bilayers. Allow for the entrapment of high molecular weight, both hydrophilic and lipophilic phytochemical drugs, showing versatility. Mechanism of action of transethosomes Transethosomes penetrate deeper skin layers through two mechanisms: the ethanol impact mechanism and the vesicular mechanism, which involves hydrotaxis and elastomechanics. The ethanol impact mechanism relies on the solvent's ability to disrupt the skin's lipid barrier, facilitating penetration. Meanwhile, the vesicular mechanism utilizes the deformability and elasticity of transethosomes to navigate through the skin's layers, aided by hydration gradients and mechanical forces. Advantages of TEs & TEs gel in drug delivery TEs and TEs gel offers several advantages, including high patient compliance, avoidance of first-pass metabolism, improved bioavailability, high entrapment efficiency and controlled release. These properties make TEs and TEs gel promising candidates for effective transdermal drug delivery. Preparation methods of transethosomes Transethosomes are prepared following different preparation techniques: Solvent Injection Method, Thin-Film Hydration Method, Ethanol Injection Method, Reverse Phase Evaporation Method, Freeze-Thaw Method. Characterization & evaluation of TEs & TEs gel Techniques like particle size analysis, TEM, zeta potential measurement and FTIR spectroscopy provide insights into size, structure, stability and composition, ensuring their quality and effectiveness. The evaluation of transethosomal gel involves assessing its physical properties, drug release kinetics, skin permeation and stability. Techniques such as viscosity measurement, spreadability testing, drug release studies, skin permeation assays and stability testing under various conditions are employed to ensure their suitability for transdermal drug delivery. Optimization of TEs & TEs gel formulations To maximize the potential of TEs and TEs gel, several factors need careful consideration, including stability, purity of phospholipids, loading capacity, entrapment efficiency and formulation methodology. Optimization of these parameters is crucial for ensuring the efficacy and safety of TEs and TEs gel in transdermal drug delivery. Therapeutic applications of TEs gel Various TEs gel formulations, entrapping different plant extracts and bioactive compounds, have demonstrated high lipid solubility and therapeutic efficacy. Applications include pain management, dermatology, treatment of skin cancers, antibacterial therapy and systemic drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most women experience uterine fibroids (UFs), a common benign gynecological tumor, at some point in their reproductive age. There are several pharmacological treatments available to shrink fibroids and lessen the UF symptoms. These medications cost a lot of money, though, and frequently have serious side effects. Therefore, due to their low cost, comparable and powerful therapeutic efficiency and lower side effects, phytochemical-based medications are gaining popularity in these days. This review's goal is to provide a summary of the knowledge that is currently unavailable regarding the mechanisms of the action of various phytochemical-based medications with anti-uterine fibroid efficacy. The present results showed that dietary phytocompounds (dehydroxyelephantopin, butein, capsaicin, fisetin, kaempferol, resveratrol, silibinin and curcumin) could probably be effective as therapeutic compounds for uterine leiomyoma. These phytochemicals indicated their capability to regulate main fibroid promoting and initiating events for instance, proliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis in various experimental setups through modulating various signaling pathways, such as Smad 2/3, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, ERK 1/2 and β-catenin indicating that they could serve as targets for prevention and/or treatment of UFs. This review provides key molecular insights for the development of phytochemical-based novel personalized therapy for non-surgical management of UFs which may help to avoid hysterectomy. [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]

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]

"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 (NaNO[subscript 2])-induced amnestic models in rats. Rats pre-treated with MAR (50, 100 and 200mg/kg, p.o) for 7 days 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. (Contains 4 tables and 5 figures.)

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]

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]

Background: Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer. The stratum corneum of the skin is a major obstacle to dermal and transdermal drug delivery. Ultradeformable nanovesicular transferosome has the capacity for deeper skin penetration and its incorporation into hydrogel forms a transgelosome that has better skin permeability and patient compliance. Method: Here, the quality-by-design-based development and optimization of nanovesicular transgelosome of standardized Piper longum fruit ethanolic extract (PLFEE) for melanoma therapy are reported. Results: Compared with standardized PLFEE-loaded plain gel, the transgelosome displayed optimal pharmaceutical properties and improved ex vivo skin permeability and in vivo tumor regression in B16F10 melanoma-bearing C57BL/6 mice. Conclusion: The results reflect the potential of transgelosome for melanoma therapy. Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that originates from melanocytes in the skin. Skin is a major barrier to drug delivery. Transferosome is a liquid nanoformulation that has the capacity for deeper skin penetration. The transferosome was prepared from standardized Piper longum fruit ethanolic extract (PLFEE) and loaded into gel to form a transgelosome for improved skin application and patient compliance. Compared with extract-loaded plain gel, the transgelosome showed good pharmaceutical properties with better activity in melanoma (B16F10)-bearing female C57BL/6 mice. The therapeutic activity of the standard anticancer drug dacarbazine was improved with the prepared PLFEE transgelosome. [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, 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]

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]

Aim: This work aimed to develop Tinospora cordifolia stem-derived carbon dots (TCSCD) for cancer cell imaging, free radical scavenging and metal sensing applications. Method: The TCSCDs were synthesized by a simple, one-step, and ecofriendly hydrothermal carbonization method and characterized for their optical properties, morphology, hydrodynamic size, surface functionality, crystallinity, stability, bacterial biocompatibility, in vitro cellular imaging, free radical scavenging and metal sensing ability. Results: The TCSCDs exhibited excellent biocompatibility with dose-dependent bioimaging results in melanoma (B16F10) and cervical cancer (SiHa) cell lines. They exerted good free radical scavenging, Fe3+ sensing, bacterial biocompatibility, photostability, colloidal dispersion stability and thermal stability. Conclusion: The results reflect the potential of TCSCDs for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. [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]

Natural products have contributed conspicuously to the development of innovative nanomedicines. Hence, the interface between nanomaterial science and plant natural products may bestow comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for tackling diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders. Natural product-derived carbon dots (NPdCDs) have revealed noteworthy attributes in the fields of cancer theranostics, microbial imaging, drug sensing and drug delivery. As plants consist of a cocktail of bioactive phytomolecules, the NPdCDs can be anticipated to have medicinal properties, biocompatibility, photo-stability and easy functionalization. NPdCDs have wide-ranging applications. The primary objective of this review is to comment on recent developments in the use of NPdCDs, with special reference to their application in cancer biology. The future of the use of NPdCDs has also been considered. [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 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]

Increased oxidative stress (OS) due to ubiquitous exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) can affect the quality of oocytes by inducing apoptosis and hampering granulosa cell mediated steroidogenesis. This study was carried out to investigate whether DEHP induced OS affects steroidogenesis and induces apoptosis in rat ovarian granulosa cells. OS was induced by exposing granulosa cells to various concentrations of DEHP (0.0, 100, 200, 400 and 800 μM) for 72 h in vitro. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial membrane potential, cellular senescence, apoptosis, steroid hormones (estradiol & progesterone) and gene expression were analyzed. The results showed that an effective dose of DEHP (400 μg) significantly increased OS by elevating the ROS level, mitochondrial membrane potential, and β-galactosidase activity with higher mRNA expression levels of apoptotic genes (Bax, cytochrome-c and caspase3) and a lower level of an anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl2) as compared to the control. Further, DEHP significantly (P > 0.05) decreased the level of steroid hormones (estradiol and progesterone) in a conditioned medium and this effect was reciprocated with a lower expression (P > 0.05) of steroidogenic responsive genes (Cyp11a1, Cyp19A1, Star, ERβ1) in treated granulosa cells. Furthermore, co-treatment with N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) rescues the effects of DEHP on OS, ROS, β-galactosidase levels and gene expression activities. Altogether, these results suggest that DEHP induces oxidative stress via ROS generation and inhibits steroid synthesis via modulating steroidogenic responsive genes, which leads to the induction of apoptosis through the activation of Bax/Bcl-2-cytochrome-c and the caspase-3-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in rat granulosa cells. [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]

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]

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]