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(1) Background: Lippia sidoides Cham is a Brazilian aromatic plant rich in phenolic compounds. In traditional medicine, its leaves are used to treat diseases of the Central Nervous System such as stress and anxiety. This study evaluates the capacity of the aqueous extract of L. sidoides as an anticonvulsant, anticholinesterase and antihemolytic agent. (2) Methods: The extract was obtained from the leaves using water as a solvent, then dried in a spray dryer. The anticonvulsant effect was evaluated in zebrafish models using the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) method. The anticholinesterase effect was determined using the acetylcholinesterase enzyme and physostigmine as a positive control. The antihemolytic action was evaluated by exposing erythrocytes to different concentrations of NaCl in the presence and absence of the extract. (3) Results: The anticonvulsant effect was observed at a concentration of 400 mg/kg, delaying convulsive crises. In the anticholinesterase assay, a dose-dependent action and variation in the effect over time were observed, demonstrating a reversible effect of the extract. For the osmotic fragility test, the extract showed satisfactory results, providing cellular protection across all variations of NaCl concentration. (4) Conclusions: These results demonstrate the promising potential of L. sidoides extract for the development of drugs that act in the treatment of diseases that affect the Central Nervous System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the preservative properties of alga Gelidium sp. flour when included in the glazing medium employed for the frozen storage (−18 °C) of horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus). Different concentrations (low, medium, and high) of an aqueous extract were tested and compared to a control water-glazing condition. Quality changes (lipid oxidation and hydrolysis, fatty acid (FA) profile, and trimethylamine (TMA) formation) were determined after 3- and 6-month storage periods. A general quality loss (lipid oxidation with hydrolysis development and TMA formation) with the frozen storage period was detected in all samples. The presence of an alga flour (AF) extract in the glazing medium led to a lower (p < 0.05) TBARS and fluorescent compound formation and to higher (p < 0.05) polyene values in frozen fish. Furthermore, a preserving effect on free fatty acids was detected in AF-treated fish. On the contrary, the AF-glazing treatment did not affect (p > 0.05) the TMA formation and the total n3/total n6 FA ratio. In general, preservative effects were found to be higher in frozen fish corresponding to the medium concentration tested. Current results show the potential of Gelidium sp. flour as a natural source of preservative hydrophilic compounds for the quality enhancement of frozen horse mackerel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a high demand for natural agrochemicals to control postharvest phytopathogens in fruit. In this study, the Colletotrichum magnum strain was isolated from Maradol papaya fruits showing symptoms of anthracnose, identified based on its morphological characteristics and confirmed by an analysis of its 5.8S ribosomal DNA sequence. The antifungal activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts from Acacia pennatula, Acalypha gaumeri, Bonellia flammea, Calea urticifolia and Croton chichenensis was evaluated against Colletotrichum magnum by agar dilution bioassay at a concentration of 1 mg mL−1 and recording mycelial growth inhibition (MGI), sporulation inhibition (SI) and spore germination inhibition (SGI) were recorded. The extracts that caused MGI of C. magnum by more than 30% were re-evaluated. It was concluded that the aqueous and ethanol extracts from B. flammea stem bark were the most effective in the MGI (91.53–94.49%), SI (99.32–99.65%), and SGI (91.65–100%) of C. magnum at a 3% (w/v) concentration. A serial dilution of the aqueous extract of B. flammea demonstrated that 2.35% and 3% (w/v) were highly effective against C. magnum in vitro, and both concentrations were randomly applied to postharvest Maradol papaya fruit by dip. The results found that both concentrations caused an anthracnose disease severity of 0.92–0.97% in papaya fruits, which was lower than the commercial fungicide Tecto 60®. The aqueous extract from B. flammea stem bark represents a promising opportunity for developing a natural biopesticide to effectively control anthracnose in papaya fruits induced by C. magnum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research evaluated the preservative properties of flour from the alga Gelidium sp., which is a waste substrate resulting from commercial phycocolloid extraction. Gelatin-based biofilms, which included two different concentrations of red alga flour, were developed and used as packaging systems during refrigerated storage (up to 9 days at 4 °C) of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) muscle. In all batches tested, a progressive decrease in quality could be observed in the muscle of the fish as the storage time increased. Compared with the control fish, the Gelidium alga flour extract had an inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on microbial activity (total aerobes, psychrotrophs, and proteolytic bacteria), lipid oxidation (peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, fluorescence and polyene indices), lipid hydrolysis (formation of free fatty acids) and pH increase in refrigerated mackerel muscle. In contrast, no significant effect (p > 0.05) was observed on trimethylamine formation, Enterobacteriaceae, or lipolytic bacteria counts. A preservative effect resulting from the incorporation of Gelidium alga flour into the gelatin-based biofilm was observed, indicating both quality and safety enhancement. In accordance with current global interest in the search for natural and waste sources, a novel and beneficial use of Gelidium flour for enhancing the quality of refrigerated fish has been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to determine how to obtain magnetic iron nanoparticles through the coprecipitation technique using FeCl3 and FeSO4 as raw materials in an aqueous extract of purple corn (Zea mays L) as a stabilizing state. In recent decades, the manufacture and use of magnetic iron nanoparticles has created great importance and expectation due to their various applications in different areas, among which stands out their ability to eliminate waste that pollutes the environment. Because research design is experimental in nature due to the different samples carried out in laboratories. The selection of corn was randomized due to the ease of access to the product from a group of farmers who were previously trained to plant, cultivate, harvest, and dry purple corn. The corn antioxidants were extracted with boiling water, and the synthesis of the nanoparticles was performed by mixing FeCl3, FeSO4 in the extract solution at a temperature of 25°C for 30 min with agitation at a pH above 11 with the addition of NaOH. Characterization was performed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The coprecipitation method produced the magnetic iron nanoparticles using FeCl3 and FeSO4 as reagents and the aqueous extract of purple corn. The practical implications that this research will have are diverse, as theoretically it will be possible to carry out experiments with other types of corn to see the different results, as well as to use it to carry out different tests in places highly contaminated with heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vernonia amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf, is a widely grown plant in Africa that has several health benefits. This study aimed to compare the antibacterial activities of ciprofloxacin with those of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) on selected bacteria. Swabs were collected from patients presenting with bacterial conjunctivitis at the Eye Clinic, Department of Optometry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. The samples were transported to the Microbiology Laboratory at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, for culturing and identification of microorganisms using standard microbiological methods. The zones of inhibition of ciprofloxacin on selected bacteria isolated from the swab samples were compared with those of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina. Four bacteria were isolated from the samples: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. At concentrations of 100, 50, 25 and 12.5 mg/ml respectively, there were significant differences (p=0.05) in the zones of inhibition between ciprofloxacin and the ethanolic and aqueous extracts against S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes. With 12.5 mg/ml concentration, the extracts showed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the zone of inhibition. Ciprofloxacin showed significantly higher (p=0.05) zones of inhibition, followed by Vernonia amygdalina ethanolic extract (p=0.05) and Vernonia amygdalina aqueous extract (p=0.05). The zones of inhibition produced by Vernonia amygdalina ethanolic extract on both grampositive and gram-negative bacteria highlight its antibacterial effect and its potential as an alternative treatment option for bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety transcends a natural emotion, evolving into a pathological condition with the potential to trigger cascading cardiovascular and psychiatric disorders. Although conventional allopathic medicine offers treatment options, concerns regarding their side effects and long-term efficacy remain prevalent. Medicinal plants contain natural compounds that may be promising sources of therapeutic drugs. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to compare the anxiolytic potential of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Ocimum sanctum (OS). The growing appeal of plant-based therapies for anxiety stems from perceived advantages in safety and tolerability compared to synthetic drugs. Materials and Methods: The anxiolytic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of OS is evaluated with an elevated plus maze test. A total of 36 Wistar albino rats (150-200 g) were used and randomly divided into six groups of six animals each. The effects of the test drug at different doses, 100 and 200 mg/kg, were compared with the standard anxiolytic drug diazepam at 2 mg/kg body weight and the control group using distilled water at 0.5 mL/kg body weight. Results: The behavioral changes suggested reduced anxiety and openarm exploration in plus-maze indicates reduced anxiety in animals treated with OS extracts. The changes are significantly (P < 0.001) comparable with the standard drug diazepam. Conclusion: The ethanolic extracts of OS are more significant than aqueous extracts for evaluating anti-anxiety activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ethanolic extracts are more likely to contain a wider range of bioactive compounds, which are thought to be responsible for the anti-anxiety effects of OS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to examine the phytochemical composition and biological features of Cotula cinerea, an indigenous plant found in the Algerian Sahara. The aqueous maceration process was used to get the extract of Cotula cinerea, which showed a high concentration of polyphenols (34.01 ± 1.08 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (24.10 ± 0.82 mg EQ/g). The toxicity studies on rats demonstrated no detrimental effects, confirming the extract's safety. Notably, the use of C. cinerea extract showed significant results in lowering blood sugar levels. The diabetic rats that received the extract showed significantly reduced glucose levels (D500 = 1.04 ± 0.13 g/l) compared to those without treatment (2.92 ± 0.23 g/l). In addition, all other biochemical parameters in the diabetic rats who received treatment were comparable to or superior to those of the control group. The extract's antioxidant capacity was verified through in vitro testing utilizing DPPH (IC50 = 0.54 ± 0.023 mg/ml) and FRAP (IC50 = 0.51 ± 0.012 mg/ml) tests. Ascorbic acid was used as a reference, with concentrations of 0.06 ± 0.005 mg/ml and 0.11 ± 0.014 mg/ml for the respective assays. Moreover, the plant's anti-inflammatory properties were assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Its effectiveness was ranked in the following order: The order of effectiveness, from highest to lowest, is as follows: Aspirin, Diclofenac, Extract (500 mg/kg b.w.), Extract (250 mg/kg b.w.). The findings emphasize the potential of C. cinerea as a promising reservoir of bioactive chemicals with notable hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geoffroea decorticans, commonly known as Chañar, is a native Chilean plant widely used in folk medicine for its expectorant, pain relief, and antinociceptive properties. This study explored the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and protective effects of its ethanolic (EE) and aqueous (EA) seed extracts against oxidative stress induced by copper sulfate, using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the extracts. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) identified significant components such as phytol, alpha-tocopherol, vitexin, and rutin, with the EE being particularly rich in phytol and vitexin. Antioxidant assays—measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging, and copper and iron chelation—confirmed their potent antioxidant capabilities. Both extracts were non-cytotoxic and provided protection against CuSO4-induced oxidative stress in the 3T3 cell line. Additionally, the use of Tenebrio molitor as an invertebrate model underscored the extracts' antioxidant and protective potentials, especially that of the EE. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant antioxidant and protective properties of Chañar seed extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract, in both in vitro and in vivo models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to assess the allelopathic potential of invasive weed Ageratina adenophora leaf extracts on seed germination and seedling development efficiency of native tree [viz. Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus (Oak) and Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (Pine)] and crop [(Triticum aestivum L. (Wheat) and Lens culinaris Medik. (Lentil)] species of Kumaun Himalaya. Pot experiments were conducted in the glasshouse of the Botany Department, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun University Nainital, following a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three treatments (C1-25%, C2-50%, and C3-100% of aqueous leaf extract) and one control, each with five replicates. The experiment lasted one year for tree species and continued until the seed maturation phase for crop species. Parameters such as seed germination proportion, root and shoot measurements, biomass, and crop productivity traits were recorded accordingly. Our bioassay results indicated that the inhibitory effect of leaf extracts on the measured traits of the selected native species was proportional to the applied extract concentrations of A. adenophora. Overall, lentil among crops and oak among tree species exhibited more inhibition compared to wheat and pine, respectively. At the highest concentration, reductions of 44%, 34%, 36%, and 24% in biomass production capacity were recorded for wheat, lentil, pine, and oak, respectively, while wheat and lentil productivity decreased by up to 33% and 45%, respectively. These results suggest that water-soluble allelochemicals produced by A. adenophora may impede the establishment of selected crop and tree species in agroecosystems and forest ecosystems invaded by this weed species. However, further studies on the characterization of phytochemicals and their specific role in seed germination and growth are warranted. Furthermore, the allelopathic potential of A. adenophora can be explored for the preparation of biopesticides and nature-friendly option to improve soil health, crop productivity, and reduce environmental pollution and management of this invasive weed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red medicine (Sphenocentrum jollyanum) is a dense forest plant with an ethnomedicinal impact on disease management. The antioxidative and antihyperglycemic effects of aqueous extracts from Sphenocentrum jollyanum root and leaf were investigated. The radicals scavenging ability, iron (Fe2+) chelating ability, and the inhibitory effect on carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) were assessed in vitro. Thereafter, the effect was evaluated in streptozotocin (35 mg/kg)-induced diabetic rats placed on a high fat diet. The leaf extract was higher in phenol (4.57 mg/g) and flavonoid (2.20 mg/g) which was significantly (p < 0.05) different from the root extract with a phenol content of 2.79 mg/g and a flavonoid content of 1.75 mg/g. The radical scavenging and inhibitory properties of aqueous extract from the leaf were greater than the root extract except for α-amylase activity which was inhibited better by the root extract (87.5%) when compared to the leaf (77.2%). The extracts significantly improved the glycemic state, prevented oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant status and may be classified as a potential natural anti-hyperglycemic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study synthesized silver nanoparticle (AgNP) biosynthesis and sustainable biochemical approaches, molecular docking studies using endemic and medicinal L. anatolica root aqueous extract. AgNPs were characterized in detail by TEM, XRD, and spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR and UV–vis. The bioactivity of AgNPs was investigated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photocatalytic, antibacterial, enzyme inhibition, and DNA protection tests. The AgNP formation was verified by UV–vis examination at 440 nm and the XRD, which showed a clearly defined crystalline organization. The TEM picture revealed uniformly distributed with a spherical shape and an average diameter of 17.5 nm. The synthesized AgNP exhibited PMRA (A0.5, 0.10 µg/mL), RPA (A0.5, 1.17 µg/mL), LPI (IC50, 1.10 µg/mL), DPPH• (IC50, 2.61 µg/mL), and ABTS•+ (IC50-6.21µg/mL) scavenging activities higher activity than the aqueous extract and the standards. Photocatalytic activity of AgNP exhibited significant methylene blue dye degradation efficiency when exposed to visible light for 5 h. AgNP displayed efficient inhibition of BSA denaturation with 57.58% at 125 µg/mL. Urease, BChE, and α-amylase inhibition activities of AgNP were more effective than aqueous extract and drugs. AgNP had excellent antibacterial activities, with an 8.5 and 9.0 mm inhibition zone against Bacillus cereus and Enterococcus faecalis. In silico studies chlorogenic acid-AgNP interaction product, the antibacterial activity of AgNPs was consistent with their in vitro effectiveness, as high molecular docking scores between − 203 and − 238. It was observed that AgNP protected DNA against oxidative damage more than quercetin. This is the first report confirming the strong antioxidation, antimicrobial, enzyme regulatory, anti-inflammatory, photocatalytic, and DNA protector of aqueous extract and AgNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plants from the genus "Terminalia" are well known for their various pharmacological and medicinal properties. Terminalia bellirica is considered a vital medicinal plant from the genus Terminalia. It has been reported for its astringent, antipyretic, and purgative effects. It is also used to treat dyspepsia, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, allergic eruptions, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and leprosy. The present research study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of T. bellirica in an experimental model of type 2 diabetes in experimental rats. Materials and Methods: In rats, type 2 diabetes was induced by the alteration in the diet by administration of a high-fat diet for 15 days, followed by the administration of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, i.p.). The experimental animals were given 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of T. bellirica aqueous fruit extract for six weeks. Liver enzymes and lipid parameters, homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity index, glycohemoglobin, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at the end of the study. Histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis for the SIRT1 expression of pancreatic tissue were also performed. Results: The selected doses of the aqueous extract of T. bellirica (500 and 1,000 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood glucose (p < 0.05). The 1,000 mg/kg dose of T. bellirica notably decreased glucose tolerance (p < 0.001) in experimental animals. A high dose of T. bellirica significantly reduced resistance (p < 0.001). The lipid profile was improved significantly (p < 0.01) at both the selected dose levels. Glycohemoglobin concentration was significantly reduced in experimental animals (p < 0.001) at both dose levels. The extract treatment increased the expression of SIRT1 in the pancreas. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that the extract has significant effects on the management of type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Various compounds of mushroom extracts are of interest as a source of new active pharmaceutical substances with antithrombotic activity.Aim. The aim of the work is to determine the potential antithrombotic activity in vitro of aqueous extracts of xylotrophic mushrooms: Lentinula edodes, Pholiota squarrosa, Flammulina velutipes (Curtis) Signer, Kuehneromyces mutabilis, Armillaria cepistipes, Armillaria borealis, Hypholoma capnoides, Lentinellus cochleatus, Léccinum aurantíacum, Pleurotus ostreatus.Materials and methods. The study of fibrinolytic activity of water extracts of mushrooms in vitro was carried out. The effect of test objects on plasminogen activation, on the activity of enzyms of the fibrinolysis system α2-antiplasmin, on the time of euglobulin clot lysis and on the concentration of fibrinogen was evaluated. For the analysis we used reagent kits of SPD «RENAM» and LLC Company «Тechnology-Standard» (Russia).Results and discussion. Pronounced antithrombotic activity is demonstrated by an aqueous extract of L. edodes and fractions of aqueous extract. Extracts of L. edodes affect all studied parameters of fibrinolysis to varying degrees. Caps and stems of P. squarrosa, K. mutabilis, and F. velutipes aqueous extracts and fractions of aqueous extracts also demonstrate antithrombotic (fibrinolytic) activity in vitro, having a statistically significant effect on various parameters of fibrinolysis. A less pronounced effect on fibrinolysis parameters in comparison with the above samples is observed when using an aqueous extract of L. cochleatus marked. A. cepistipes, A. borealis, H. capnoides, L. aurantiacum, P. ostreatus fruiting bodies aqueous extracts do not affect the studied parameters of fibrinolysis and the concentration of fibrinogen.Conclusion. The data obtained make it possible to recommend extracts from L. edodes, F. velutipes, P. squarrosa and K. mutabilis for further study, for example, in order to develop functional food products for cardiovascular diseases or to create antithrombotic drugs.

Artemisia cina Berg ex Poljakov, a shrubby plant endemic to the semi-arid areas of Kazakhstan, has as a long history of being used in traditional medicines as an antitumour, antifungal and anthelmintic agent. In a preliminary study carried out on different methodologies to produce aqueous extracts of A. cina it was seen that a simple aqueous extract of A. cina (as in an infusion of the plant) had the strongest anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. The profiling of this aqueous extract was performed using Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Quadrupole-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS) while High-Speed Countercurrent Chromatography (HSCCC) and a Sephadex LH-20 column were utilised to isolate and purify the extract in ethyl acetate obtained from the aqueous extract. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was used for structural elucidation. The flavonoid spinacetin-7-O-glucoside was found to be one of the main compounds present in the A. cina aqueous extract. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the frequency in which new COVID strains occur, the demand for drugs with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity is at an all-time high. Flavonoids and artemisinin identified by LC-MS in this extract are hypothesised to be the key compounds behind the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of the aqueous extract, however this needs to be further tested and explored.

The present study aimed at characterizing the phenolic composition of the aqueous extract from Anabasis articulata and its biological properties, in terms of in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects. The phytocomplex was investigated by HPLC-DAD analysis, whereas total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids using spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant property of the extract was determined applying four assays (i.e. total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, DPPH, and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching). The enzymatic inhibitory function was evaluated against tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase, whereas toxicological and anti-inflammatory aspects through in vivo evaluations. More in detail, twenty-one specific phenolic compounds were successfully detected, identified, and quantified in the plant extract, which showed considerable antioxidant potential. The aqueous preparation also revealed a high anti-tyrosinase and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. In particular, an in-silico prediction analysis, by molecular docking approach, was performed to understand which plant metabolite from A. articulata could be potentially responsible for acetylcholinesterase inhibition, favoring the identification of putative new compounds useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. All the present evidence could partially explain and justify the therapeutic efficacy of the Algerian traditional medicine linked to the application of A. articulata aqueous extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melissa officinalis (MO) is a valuable medicinal herb from the Lamiaceae family, MO extracts possess different beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, memory enhancer, anxiolytic, and anti-depression. It seems that phytochemicals found in MO including flavonols (luteolin and apigenin) and polyphenols (rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid) are responsible for the beneficial effects of MO. The present study aimed to assess the role of opioid receptors in the effect of MO in anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in stressed rats. Male hooded rats received oral administration of MO (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), with or without intraperitoneal injection of naloxone (1 mg/kg), and were exposed to 30 min stress, then anxiety-like and OCD-like behaviors were evaluated using light/dark box and marble burying test. Our results showed that oral administration of MO has anxiolytic effects and a reduction in OCD-like behavior in stressed rats that could be inhibited by injection of naloxone. On the other hand, in silico study showed that phytochemicals found in MO have a possible affinity for opioid receptors. Taken together, these data revealed that the opioid receptors may be involved in the anxiolytic effect of MO in stressed rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Terminalia bellirica has been extensively investigated and used since time immemorial as part of Ayurvedic practice entirely because of its curable properties. Their antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and immune-modulatory activities are mostly attributed to the presence of glucoside, gallic acid, and its esters, chebulinic acid, etc. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to analyze the effects of sub-acute administration of T. bellirica fruit pulp aqueous extract (TBFPAE) in ameliorating pain in mouse models of the Swiss albino strain. Materials and Methods: Young mice of Swiss albino strain typically 3 months' of age; Male gender and weighing approximately 20-30 g were used for the purpose of the study. The mice were investigated by grouping them into five sets of six each randomly as control, standard, and trial groups. Group I was allotted as vehicle and given 1% gum acacia (10 mL/kg) as control; Group II was given pentazocine (5 mg/kg) as standard for central anti-nociceptive activity, while the IIIrd, IVth, and Vth groups received the investigative product TBFPAE per oral in doses of 9, 18 and 36 mg/kg, respectively. Eddy's hot plate technique was employed for assessing central anodyne activity. Results: All the test groups of TBFPAE were found to have an analgesic effect but doses 18 mg/kg and 36 mg/kg demonstrated greater effects, especially at 30 and 60 min. Maximum analgesic effect with TBFPAE was seen with 36 mg/kg dose at 60 min. Conclusion: Therefore, T. bellirica has some analgesic potential. However, further studies are required to confirm its dose and usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic misuse has led to the development and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts of the marine sponge Amphimidon chloros. The antibacterial activity of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts was evaluated using broth microdilution and disc diffusion. The chemical composition of the extracts was analysed using Liquid Chromatography-Mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The antibacterial potency of the extracts was in the following order: aqueous > n-hexane > ethyl acetate extracts. The most significant inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract was against Shigella flexneri, with an inhibition zone of 20.6 mm. Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Listeria monocytogenes were utterly resistant to ampicillin and chloramphenicol; however, the aqueous extract efficiently inhibited these bacteria. The extract MIC ranged from 0.0195-2.5 mg/mL. With maximal inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (0.0195 mg/mL), Bacillus cereus (0.0390 mg/mL), Shigella flexneri (0.0390 mg/mL), and Salmonella enterica (0.0781 mg/mL). While L. monocytogenes (0.3125 mg/mL) and S. aureus (0.625 mg/mL) were the only Gram-positive bacteria inhibited, the ethyl acetate extract was equally effective (MIC of 0.3125 mg/mL) against Gram-negative bacteria, including K. pneumonia, S. typhi, S. enterica, Enterobacter aerogenes, and E. coli. The n-hexane extract inhibited S. aureus, S. flexneri, and S. enterica with a MIC value of 0.1562/mL. The most prevalent phytochemicals in the aqueous and n-hexane extracts from the LC-MS study were nakinadine and kermaphidine. The study revealed that the aqueous extract of A. chloros possesses both Gram-positive and Gram-negative antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Jornal of Biotechnology Research Center is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, active coatings based on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) were prepared using liposomes filled with an aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis retained in high acyl gellan gum (HAG), low acyl gellan gum (LAG), and their mixture (HAG/LAG). The objective was to investigate the effect of these coatings on postharvest preservation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruits. The tomato fruits were divided into four groups: (i) coating with HAG-based liposomes (WL-HAG), (ii) coating with LAG-based liposomes (WL-LAG), (iii) coating with HAG/LAG-based liposomes (WL-HAG/LAG), and (iv) control group treated with sterile water. Over a period of 10 days, various quality attributes, such as respiration rate, soluble solids, titratable acidity, luminosity, weight loss, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, hydrogen peroxide, total phenols, and DPPH scavenging ability, were studied. The results indicated that the WL-HAG coatings significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the respiration rate, hydrogen peroxide, and MDA content compared to the control fruits and other coatings. Therefore, WL-HAG could be considered a promising option to enhance postharvest preservation of tomato fruits in the Colombian fruit and vegetable industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology is the property of Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Globally, skin cancer is a main public health challenge whose incidence is continuously increasing. Given the limitations of conventional t herapies, new research and novel therapies may be promising for reducing skin cancer morbidity and mortality. Phytochemicals are attractive resources for new therapy design in cancer research due to their cost-effectiveness and lower side effects. In the present study, the anti-cancer activity of Oliveria decumbens (O.decumbens) extract was investigated on the human skin cancer A431 cell line A431. The aqueous extract of the O.decumbens plant was prepared using the traditional method. Then IC50 was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay under different concentrations of O. decumbens. Cell apoptosis was investigated by Annexin V-FITC/Propidium Iodide (PI) and flow cytometry. Cell cycle was investigated by PI staining and flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was analyzed by DCFH-DA (2', 7' -dichlorofluorescein-diacetate) staining and flowcytometry.IC50 for cell viability was determined 475 μg/ml. Cell cycle analyses showed G1 arrest in treated cells compared to control cell. Results also confirmed significant increase of apoptotic cells (8.2±%1, P<0.05) under IC50 concentration of the extract in comparison to the control group (2.5±0.99%). A significant increase in ROS level was observed in O.ecumbens treated cells compared to control cells (738± 170 vs 316±55 in the control group, P<0.05.).Overall, the present results indicate that O.decumbens extract can inhibit skin cancer cell proliferation via inhibition of cell cycle and apoptosis. It seems that ROS production plays a critical role in the anticancer effect of O. decumbens extract. Therefore, its potential option for future treatment of skin cancer should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the antioxidant potential of aqueous extracts obtained from different by-products. The effectiveness of these extracts was compared with that of rosemary extract. Total phenol carotenoid and vitamin C contents, as well as in vitro antioxidant activity, were assessed. Phenol content was positively correlated with in vitro antioxidant activity in extracts, while carotenoids showed a less clear relationship. Vitamin C was associated with antioxidant activity in lemon and pepper pomace extracts. Extracts from olive, grape, and lemon by-products displayed the highest antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity), this being similar to the activity of rosemary extracts. Moreover, the phenolic profile of the extracts was analyzed, revealing diverse phenolic compounds. Rosemary extracts contained the highest variety and quantity of phenolic compounds, while olive pomace extracts were rich in hydroxytyrosol and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid. Lemon and pepper extracts contained high amounts of tyrosol, and tomato extracts had abundant epicatechin. The PCA analysis distinguished extracts based on in vitro antioxidant activity, phenol, carotenoid, and vitamin C content, along with their phenolic compound profiles. This study emphasizes the capacity of aqueous extract by-products as valuable sources of antioxidants and highlights the importance of understanding their bioactive components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was done in order to investigate the changes of the major biochemical components and in vitro antioxidant activity of the water extracts from different kinds of tea during the process of their multistage membrane separation, ultrafiltration membranes with molecular masses cut-off (MMCO) of 20, 10, and 3.5 kDa, respectively were successively used to separate the water extracts from the major kinds of tea in Fujian including green tea, white tea, oolong tea from south Fujian, oolong tea from north Fujian, and black tea into fractions with different molecular masses. The fractions were spray dried and investigated for their ultraviolet (UV) spectra, biochemical compositions and in vitro antioxidant activity. The results showed that the UV absorption spectra of all samples were similar, exhibiting two obvious peaks at 210 and 274 nm. Absorbance at 274 nm exhibited a significant positive correlation with the contents of free amino acids (FAAs), caffeine (CAF), gallic acid (GA) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), and a significantly negative correlation with the contents of epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin (EC). The distribution of biochemical components and the changes in antioxidant activity in vitro were affected by membrane separation, among which, the 20 kDa MMCO membrane had the most pronounced impact. The retentate from black tea after 20 kDa MMCO membrane ultrafiltration had the highest antioxidant activity in vitro, while the antioxidant activity of the permeate was lower than that of the permeate from the other kinds of tea. The biochemical components and antioxidant activity in vitro varied significantly among different types of tea samples, and the changes in biochemical components and antioxidant activity during the membrane separation process were not completely consistent. The water extract from black tea showed the greatest changes after 20 kDa MMCO membrane ultrafiltration. These results could provide a scientific basis for the membrane separation of aqueous extracts from different types of tea.

Abstract Background Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine, and its abnormal production is associated with several immune mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID). Biological anti-TNF-α therapy includes treatment with monoclonal antibodies such as infliximab which have proven successful and are well-tolerated in most patients. Unfortunately, some patients may not respond to therapy (primary non-responders) or may lose sensitivity to the biological agent over time (early and late secondary non-responders). Natural products can reduce inflammation and act synergistically with small molecules or biologics, although evidence remains limited. This study aimed to investigate whether complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) could play a role in infliximab non-responders. Reportedly, cinnamon can help manage chronic inflammatory conditions owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Methods We studied the synergistic effects of cinnamon and infliximab in vitro using a two-step approach. First, we investigated whether cinnamon and infliximab act synergistically. Second, we selected conditions that supported statistically significant synergy with infliximab and studied the mRNA expression of several genes involved in non-response to infliximab. We used aqueous cinnamon extract (aCE) from Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Cinnamomum loureiroi and bioactive trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA), cinnamic acid (CA), and eugenol to study the synergy between infliximab and aCE/bioactive compounds using bioassays in fibroblast (L929) and monocytic (U937) cell lines, followed by qPCR for molecular-level insights. TCA, C. cassia aCE, and C. zeylanicum aCE demonstrated a dose-dependent synergistic effect with infliximab. Moreover, we saw differential gene expression for adhesion molecules, apoptotic factors, signaling molecules, and matrix remodelers in presence and absence of aCE/bioactives. Results CAM supplementation was most effective with C. cassia aCE, where a synergistic effect was observed for all the tested genes specifically for MMP-1, BcL-xL, Bax and JAK2, followed by TCA, which affected most of the tested genes except TLR-2, MMP1, MMP3, TIMP-1, and BAX, and C. zeylanicum aCE, which did not affect ICAM-1, VCAM-1, TLR-2, TLR-4, MMP1, MMP3, TIMP-1, and STAT3. Conclusion In conclusion, cinnamon acted synergistically with infliximab to mitigate inflammation when used as an extract. Purified bioactive TCA also showed synergistic activity. Thus, aCE, or cinnamon bioactive may be used as a CAM to improve patients’ quality of life.

Medicinal plants are a major source of numerous therapeutic agents, and the emergence of pathogenic bacteria has rekindled interest in traditional medicine systems as an alternative approach to overcoming resistance. The dried plant material of four medicinal plants, namely Terminalia arjuna (bark), Terminalia bellirica (fruit), Aegle marmelos (leaves), and Bacopa monnieri (leaves), was powdered, and aqueous extracts were prepared. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated against three clinically important strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli 385. As E. coli 385 was resistant to the broadest spectrum of antibiotics tested, it was classified as (MDR multi-drug resistant). E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis (MTTC), and Vibrio alginolyticus (ATCC) were also assessed using the agar well diffusion method for zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC). Clinically important strains were found to be sensitive to the aqueous extract of T. bellerica (19.51 ± 0.61 mm) with MICs ranging from 0.31 to 0.62 mg/ml. The MDR strain was also sensitive to Bellirica monnieri (16.10 ± 0.31 mm) aqueous extract. To determine the potential for a wide range of applications, the antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The T. arjuna plant extract exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity with the lowest EC50 values for DPPH (1.15 ± 0.061 mg/ml) and ABTS (1.02 ± 0.07 mg/ml). The plant extracts were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and LC-MS/MS.

Background. Diabetes mellitus has been a menace to healthy human condition from antiquity. There has been continuous search for plant medicinal substances for drug development with an aim to managing this ailment with minimal drug side effects. In this research work, effects of fractions of aqueous root-bark extract of Nauclea latifolia on blood glucose, lipid profile and serum liver enzymes in diabetic rats were investigated. Thirty –five Wistar albino rats weighing 164.1 – 171.6 grammes were used for this study involving aqueous root-bark extract fractions A, B, C and D. The rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 was normal non-diabetic control, group 2 was diabetic control and groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were rats treated with 250 mg/kg body weight of varying root-bark fractions while group 7 was diabetic rats treated with 5mg/kg. body weight of glibenclamide, the standard anti-diabetic drug. Fasting blood glucose levels were determined using digital glucometer (Acuu-chek, Mannheim, Germany). Lipid profile was determined using standard procedures. Serum liver enzymes were determined using assay kits. Fraction A was analyzed using gas chromatography- mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results. Fraction A demonstrated the most effective anti-diabetic property compared to fractions B, C and D. It caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels. It also brought about significant decrease in the levels of triacylglycerol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels were also significantly reduced by it. Fraction A was found to contain catechol as the most abundant active principle. Conclusion. Previous works on catechol show that catechol moiety either exists as a free molecule or a substituent of flavonoids and that it confers on them their anti-diabetic property. Since the catechol containing fraction A caused significant reduction in glucose levels, lipid profile and serum liver enzymes, it therefore has the potential for the management of diabetes mellitus and ameliorating its complications in clinical medicine.

ABSTRACTMany plants are well-known for their use in traditional medicine to treat diseases associated with inflammations and oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate a medicinal plant from the Saharan region of Algeria, Pituranthos chloranthus. Phytochemical analysis showed that it is rich in polyphenols (8.93 ± 0.736 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (0.78 ± 0.023 mg EQ/g). The treatment of hypoglycemic individuals with a P. chloranthus extract showed effectiveness when compared to control diabetic rats not treated with this extract. The latter showed a high average glucose at 3.11 ± 0.769 g/L when compared to the two treated rat groups, 0.8 ± 023 g/L and 0.54 ± 0.08 g/L when fed 500 and 250 mg/Kg body weight of P. chloranthus extract, respectively. The in vitro antioxidant evaluation, using the DPPH (IC50 = 0.156 ± 0.23 mg/mL) and FRAP (IC50 = 0.718 ± 0.09 mg/mL) tests and ratio to ascorbic acid 0.0037 ± 0.505 mg/mL showed an important antioxidant potential.

The world faces a grave threat from antimicrobial resistance. Currently, many bacterial and fungal infections cannot be treated with the majority of well-known antibiotics. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were achieved by a novel, simple green chemistry procedure to counter microbial familiarity using Taraxacum officinale aqueous extract as a reducing agent. The current study was carried out to explore the efficacy of AgNPs by aqueous extract of Taraxacum officinale followed by physicochemical characterization including ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the aqueous extracts AgNPs were assessed using the seeding technique and the tube diluton technique respectively. The UV-Vis distinctive spectral peak was observed at 445 nm. SEM showed a particle size range of 100 nm at 30,000 × magnification whereas TEM showed the spherical shape (100 nm) of nanoparticles. XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of the AgNPs, whereas FTIR validated the phytochemicals in their capping, stabilization, and synthesis of AgNPs. Antibacterial assay of synthesized NPs showed significant action against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Similarly, the antifungal activity of synthesized AgNPs showed significant action against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, and Fusarium oxysporum. These results suggest that the aqueous extract AgNPs of T. officinale could provide a safer alternative to conventional antibacterial and antifungal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local communities have extensively utilized different components of mangrove (Sonneratia caseolaris) plants in traditional medicine. These plants are known for their secondary metabolites, including steroids, triterpenoids, saponins, and flavonoids. S. caseolaris grows in Ujung Pangkah waters in Gresik, East Java, Indonesia, and is known for its proximity to environmental waste. It is believed that environmental factors at this site may contribute to the presence of characteristic bioactive compounds in the plant. In this study, the toxicity, bioactive constituents, and pharmacokinetic potentials of the aqueous extracts of the leaves of S. caseolaris were investigated. S. caseolaris leaves were extracted with methanol, distilled water, and three mineral water products produced and distributed in Indonesia. The toxicity of the aqueous S. caseolaris leaf extracts was tested by determining the LC50 using Artemia salina Leach and a 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay with TIG-1-20 lung fibroblasts. None of the aqueous S. caseolaris leaf extracts were categorized as toxic substances based on the LC50 and MTT assays. The six compounds detected by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS) in a previous study were analyzed using quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) methods. Bis(3,5,5- trimethylhexyl) phthalate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were identified as component from S. caesolaris and are known plasticizers. These compounds were suspected to be carcinogenic substances based on QSAR and ADMET analyses, indicating that the environment of S. caseolaris may be a site of plastic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Aqueous extract of unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit is commonly used for the treatment of ulcers in eastern Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the acute and subacute effects of an aqueous extract of unripe fruit on male and female fertility in rats. Methods: Aqueous extracts obtained by maceration were analyzed for acute and subacute toxicity and for the presence of phytochemical constituents using standard procedures. The extract (100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) was administered daily to rats of both sexes for 28 d. Blood samples collected on days 0 and 28 were assessed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Testes and ovaries were harvested for histopathological analysis. Sperm were also collected to determine the sperm count and motility. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and resins. After an oral dose of up to 5000 mg/kg, there were no deaths in the acute toxicity test. The extract (500 mg/kg) significantly (P <.05) enhanced sperm count and motility relative to the untreated control; significantly (P <.05) reduced SOD, CAT, and glutathione levels, while significantly (P <.05) elevated LH, FSH, and MDA levels in male and female rats. Histological examination revealed significant structural damage to the ovaries. Conclusion: Unripe Musa paradisiaca fruit exhibited an adverse toxicological profile following prolonged administration and caused oxidative stress in rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathy has a profound impact on the germination and growth of plants, influencing the establishment of plant populations and shaping community ecological patterns. However, the allelopathic potential of many grassland species remains poorly understood. In this study, we prepared aqueous extracts from 17 herbaceous plants to investigate their allelopathic effects on the seed germination and seedling growth of Leymus chinensis, a dominant grassland species. Our results revealed that the response of L. chinensis to allelopathic compounds was dependent on the specific plant species, extract concentration, and target plant organ. Notably, Fabaceae plants exhibited a stronger allelopathic potential than Poaceae, Asteraceae, and other plant families. Moreover, we observed that root growth of L. chinensis was more sensitive to allelopathy than shoot growth, and seed germination was more affected than seedling growth. Generally, the germination of L. chinensis was strongly inhibited as the donor plant extract concentration increased. The leachate of Fabaceae plants inhibited the seedling growth of L. chinensis at concentrations ranging from 0.025 to 0.1 g mL−1. On the other hand, the leachate from other families' plants exhibited either inhibitory or hormetic effects on the early growth of L. chinensis, promoting growth at 0.025 g mL−1 and hindering it at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.1 g mL−1. These findings highlight the significant allelopathic potential of grassland plants, which plays a critical role in establishing plant populations and associated ecological processes. In addition, they shed light on the coexistence of other plants with dominant plants in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we employed an eco-friendly approach to produce nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) employing an aqueous leaf extract derived from Alternanthera sessilis. The resulting NiO NPs exhibited a monodispersed nature, as verified through UV-Vis spectroscopy, which exposed a clear peak at λmax 280 nm and stabilizing agents during the synthesis of A.S-NiO NPs. The XRD examination asserted the Face Centre Cubic (FCC) crystallinity of the biogenic A.S-NiO NPs. TEM examination revealed a size of 18 nm and a spherical morphology for A.S-NiO NPs. The biogenic NiO NPs demonstrated noteworthy antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. The DPPH scavenging activity was shown to be maximum at an amount of 100 µg/ml, at 62.72%, and an IC50 value of 86.46 µg/ml. Additionally, A.S-NiO NPs exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and other bacteria showed the strongest antibacterial activity. S. pyogenas, and S. aureus, resulting in Zone of Inhibition values of 16 mm, 14.5 mm, 10.6 mm, and 6.5 mm, respectively. Furthermore, A.S-NiO NPs demonstrated potential dose-dependent anticancer efficacy against HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark residues from Douglas fir are an abundant resource that is currently used primarily in low-value energy recovery or is landfilled. Bark extractives are rich in diverse compounds like terpenes, fatty acids, phenols, and sugars with potential uses in a variety of high value applications. The study explores the potential of enzymatic hydrolysis to improve phenolic compounds from Douglas fir bark. It also assesses differences in chemical composition among rhytidome, phloem, and comingled bark fractions from an industrial waste pile. Phloem fractions exhibit higher yields of extractives, rhytidome fractions have elevated lignin levels, while the comingled fraction lies between the two except in ash content which was higher than in the separated fractions. Fungal decay tests with Gloeophyllum trabeum and Coniophora puteana on extract treated wood suggest potential for growth inhibition in extracts, about 58–31 % and 30–7% mass loss (in average) respectively, but due to high mass loss at low concentrations an enzymatic modification approach seems crucial for enhanced inhibition. Growth responses in whole-cell fermentation approach display variability depending on the participating microorganisms. Enzymatic hydrolysis with beta-glucosidase improved the antioxidant properties of bark extracts and holds promise for altering the chemical composition and enhancing bioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, natural resources were used as best therapeutic sources for different diseases. Among several herbal resources, certain plant families are known for their analgesic activities, such as Dianthus crinitus , which showed a good curative potential. The mentioned plant has been used traditionally for the healing of several illnesses such as pain, inflammation, injuries, etc. The current study, therefore, evaluated the analgesic and anti-antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts of leaves, flowers, and seeds of Dianthus crinitus in mice. For analgesic activity, acetic acid and a hot plate thermal stimulation method were used to induce writhes in mice, followed by a tail emersion process. Results showed that the extract demonstrated analgesic potential in mice, signifying both peripheral and central modes of action. Furthermore, extract also significantly inhibited the rat paw edema triggered by carrageenan seaweed and dextran as revealed by neutrophil migration toward the peritoneal cavities of animals and enhanced vascular permeability. The data suggested that the extract exhibited a dose-dependent antioxidant action. These preliminary observations provided support for further exploration and justification for the potential development of a new class of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicines from the constituents of Dianthus crinitus extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal mobility disorders are either hypo or hypermotility conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract due to smooth muscle or neuronal disorders. Betalains are good candidates to be evaluated for their intestinal modulating properties since they may have a higher safety index and pleiotropic efficacy. In this small sample, clinical trials (N = 26 cases of motility disorders), fasting, and betalains intake cases of motility disorders had been measured for their electro enterography EEnG at 8:00 am. Betalains intake cases were given oral doses of 12 mg/kg betalains extract 30 minutes before measurements. A biosignal interface was used (UNO, Italy) and the driver was installed within the Simulink R2021b block with the use of a lowpass filter to cancel ECG wave interference. The participant's privacy, autonomy, and information about the use of this habitually used beetroot extract were insured and verbally explained regarding the purpose of the study, the method, and the time of analysis. The results have clearly shown that the oral administration of the aqueous extract of betalains achieved mild antispasmodic effects in cases with intestinal hypermotility disorders by decreasing the maximum force of contraction as had been indicated by EEnG reduction in the mean amplitude difference from 1.25 micV to 1.07 micV. Moreover, betalains caused EEnG frequency to decline from 21.5 MHz to 18.5 MHz. These effects were mild although statistically significant (P = 0.04). The oral dose of 12 mg/kg of betalains aqueous extract showed mild but significant intestinal relaxing effects in patients with intestinal hypermotility disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences is the property of Editorial Board of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Exposure of Tetrahymena pyriformis cultures to cobalt-60 for 72 h significantly impacted the cells' growth, appearance, and physiology. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Arbutus unedo L flowers and fruit extracts on T. pyriformis against gamma radiation. Initially, aqueous and 50% ethanolic extracts of the fruits and flowers were prepared, and their cytotoxicity on the ciliate was evaluated. The irradiated ciliate's cellular viability and morphological aspect improved when a non-toxic concentration of 25 µg/mL was added to the growth medium. The addition of extracts restored glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activities to their initial levels, similar to non-irradiated cells. In addition, the extracts reduced oxidative stress markers, such as lipid peroxidation, and decreased the activities of antioxidant defence enzymes, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. This may be attributed to the antioxidant properties of the extracts. Results of this study revealed that the flower extracts exhibited better protective effects than the fruit extracts, with superior antioxidant activity in the in-vitro DPPH scavenging assay. These results suggest that A. unedo flower extracts may have potential as exogenous radioprotective agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prymnesium parvum is a harmful alga found in brackish waters worldwide whose toxins can be lethal to aquatic organisms. Established field methods to control blooms of this species, however, are unavailable. Earlier studies showed that various extracts of giant reed (Arundo donax) can suppress P. parvum growth and that ellipticine, an allelochemical present in giant reed, is a potent algicide against this species. The unintended effects of giant reed products on nontarget organisms, however, are not fully understood. This study determined the effects of giant reed leachate (aqueous extract of dried chips) and ellipticine on growth of P. parvum and the green microalga Chlorella sorokiniana; survival and reproduction of the planktonic crustacean Daphnia pulex; and hatching success, larval survival, and larval swimming behavior of the teleost fish Danio rerio. Leachate made with 3 g chips L−1 was lethally toxic to P. parvum and D. pulex, stimulated C. sorokiniana growth, and impaired D. rerio behavior. Leachate at 1 g L−1 fully suppressed P. parvum growth, had moderate effects on D. pulex reproductive output, and had no effects on D. rerio. Ellipticine at 0.01 mg L−1 irreversibly inhibited P. parvum growth, acutely but reversibly inhibited C. sorokiniana growth, slightly delayed D. pulex reproduction, and had no effects on D. rerio. These observations suggest that when applied at appropriate concentrations, natural products derived from giant reed can be used as tools to specifically control P. parvum growth with minimal effects on nontarget species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the In-vitro evaluation of the anti-urolithiasis activity of Acalypha rhomboidea leaf extract. The powdered plant material was extracted using the maceration technique with water as solvent. After the extraction, the extract was subjected to preliminary qualitative analysis to identify the presence of phytochemicals. The phytoconstituents present in the extract are reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, etc. Later aqueous extract was evaluated for anti-urolithiasis activity using the titrimetry method and percentage dissolution was calculated. In this method, neeri was used as a standard drug. The plant extract showed 82% percentage dissolution of calcium oxalate crystals indicating that the plant was more efficient in dissolving calcium oxalate when compared to standard drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica coated superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONPS) have plenty of applications in biomedical engineering particularly drug delivery systems due to their unique efficiency and very negligible side effects. SPIONPS was synthesized rapidly using an aqueous fruit extract of Ficus carica. Single step green biosynthetic method was adapted to prepare SPIONPS in an environmentally friendly approach. The synthesized SPIONPS was subjected to different analytical studies. Results observed from UV-Visible spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the formation of iron oxide nanoparticle. Further, the vibrating sample magnetometer confirms the paramagnetic character of the prepared sample. Particle size and scanning electron microscope analysis validate the formation of the nanoparticle. The antioxidant activity and phytochemical analysis of fruit extract and SPIONPS were analyzed to explore the presence of biomolecules, which are responsible for the reduction and stabilization of SPIONPS. In addition to the excellent superparamagnetic properties of SPIONPS are antibacterial activity against E.coli and B.stearothermophilus species. The biocompatibility of SPIONPS with the HepG-2 cell line shows its potential usefulness in drug delivery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine, and its abnormal production is associated with several immune mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID). Biological anti-TNF-α therapy includes treatment with monoclonal antibodies such as infliximab which have proven successful and are well-tolerated in most patients. Unfortunately, some patients may not respond to therapy (primary non-responders) or may lose sensitivity to the biological agent over time (early and late secondary non-responders). Natural products can reduce inflammation and act synergistically with small molecules or biologics, although evidence remains limited. This study aimed to investigate whether complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) could play a role in infliximab non-responders. Reportedly, cinnamon can help manage chronic inflammatory conditions owing to its anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: We studied the synergistic effects of cinnamon and infliximab in vitro using a two-step approach. First, we investigated whether cinnamon and infliximab act synergistically. Second, we selected conditions that supported statistically significant synergy with infliximab and studied the mRNA expression of several genes involved in non-response to infliximab. We used aqueous cinnamon extract (aCE) from Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Cinnamomum loureiroi and bioactive trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA), cinnamic acid (CA), and eugenol to study the synergy between infliximab and aCE/bioactive compounds using bioassays in fibroblast (L929) and monocytic (U937) cell lines, followed by qPCR for molecular-level insights. TCA, C. cassia aCE, and C. zeylanicum aCE demonstrated a dose-dependent synergistic effect with infliximab. Moreover, we saw differential gene expression for adhesion molecules, apoptotic factors, signaling molecules, and matrix remodelers in presence and absence of aCE/bioactives. Results: CAM supplementation was most effective with C. cassia aCE, where a synergistic effect was observed for all the tested genes specifically for MMP-1, BcL-xL, Bax and JAK2, followed by TCA, which affected most of the tested genes except TLR-2, MMP1, MMP3, TIMP-1, and BAX, and C. zeylanicum aCE, which did not affect ICAM-1, VCAM-1, TLR-2, TLR-4, MMP1, MMP3, TIMP-1, and STAT3. Conclusion: In conclusion, cinnamon acted synergistically with infliximab to mitigate inflammation when used as an extract. Purified bioactive TCA also showed synergistic activity. Thus, aCE, or cinnamon bioactive may be used as a CAM to improve patients' quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Medicinal plants are a major source of numerous therapeutic agents, and the emergence of pathogenic bacteria has rekindled interest in traditional medicine systems as an alternative approach to overcoming resistance. The dried plant material of four medicinal plants, namely Terminalia arjuna (bark), Terminalia bellirica (fruit), Aegle marmelos (leaves), and Bacopa monnieri (leaves), was powdered, and aqueous extracts were prepared. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated against three clinically important strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli 385. As E. coli 385 was resistant to the broadest spectrum of antibiotics tested, it was classified as (MDR multi-drug resistant). E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis (MTTC), and Vibrio alginolyticus (ATCC) were also assessed using the agar well diffusion method for zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC). Clinically important strains were found to be sensitive to the aqueous extract of T. bellerica (19.51 ± 0.61 mm) with MICs ranging from 0.31 to 0.62 mg/ml. The MDR strain was also sensitive to Bellirica monnieri (16.10 ± 0.31 mm) aqueous extract. To determine the potential for a wide range of applications, the antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The T. arjuna plant extract exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity with the lowest EC50 values for DPPH (1.15 ± 0.061 mg/ml) and ABTS (1.02 ± 0.07 mg/ml). The plant extracts were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and LC-MS/MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous and organic solvent extracts of stem bark, leaves and pods of Cassia fistula L. and their residues were tested for their phytotoxic effects on seed germination and seedling growth of Raphanus sativus L. Bioassay with different solvents extracts revealed that inhibition by ethyl acetate extract of stem bark, leaves and pods was more than other extracts. Epiafzelechin and epicatechin (tannins or the building blocks of the proanthocyanidins) were present in the ethyl acetate extract of pods, kaempferol was obtained from the stem bark, while 1,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl anthraquinone (chrysophenol) and 1,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-6-methoxy acetophenone (physcion) were found in the leaves of Cassia fistula L. The chemical studies revealed that epiafzelechin and epicatechin (tannins) most inhibited the plumule and radicle growth of Raphanus sativus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Experiments were conducted to study the response of cress (Lepidium sativum) which is a sensitive plant to allelochemical compounds sensitive to aqueous extract obtained from the different organs of important weeds such as Silybum marianum and Malva sylvestris. Methods: The experiment for each plant was performed as a factorial based on the completely randomized design with three replications in 2023. The first factor was the different organs in three levels: root, stem, and leaf of weeds. The second factor was the various concentrations of the extracts obtained from each organ at 5 levels (0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100%). To extract samples, after collecting and drying them, the first 5 gr of the plant powder of each organ (weight) was extracted separately with 100 ml of distilled water as solvent (volume). Then different concentrations were prepared from the extract obtained from the stock (base solution). Results: The results showed that the percentage and rate of germination, length of radicle and, plumule, length of seedling, the ratio of radicle to plumule, seed length vigor index, dry weight of radicle and, plumule, seedling dry weight and seed weight vigor index of cress were influenced by aqueous extract of the Silybum marianum organs, different concentrations and the interaction effect of them. Among the different organs, the aqueous extract of the leaf had the highest inhibitory effect on the germination characteristics of the cress in such a way that the difference in the effect of different concentrations of organs was dependent on their concentration threshold. The findings showed that the effect of the aqueous extract of the different organs of Malva sylvestris weed on the germination characteristics of cress was similar to that of Silybum marianum, except that the aqueous extract of Malva sylvestris leaf in different concentrations had a higher inhibitory potential on the germination characteristics and seedling growth of cress compared to other organs and even Silybum marianum weed. Conclusions: Therefore, the use of the huge biomass of both studied weeds, especially the leaves of Malva sylvestris, can be a considerable option in producing biological herbicides to reduce the spread of weeds and water and soil pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present investigation was to obtain 12 aqueous extracts and 1 oil from Pistacia atlantica Desf. subsp. atlantica specimens. The samples differed for processed plant organs (i.e., roots, buds, and fruits), gender and geographical station of the collected trees. Total phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins were determined, revealing that bud extracts exhibited the highest phenolic content (386.785 ± 16.227 mg GAE/g DM), followed by fruit and root preparations. Similar results were detected for flavonoids and tannins, whose quantitation ranged from 0.014 ± 0.005 to 74.780 ± 9.724 mg CE/g DM and from 0.037 ± 0.003 to 14.793 ± 0.821 mg CE/g DM, respectively. The biochemical profile of the extracts was further characterized by HPLC-DAD, in terms of specific phenolics. This analysis identified gallic acid as a typical metabolite for ripe fruit, while hydroxytyrosol for female roots and male buds. In parallel, P. atlantica fruit oil was profiled by GC-MS analysis, which detected 37 lipophilic components, including palmitic acid (the major component, ~55%), anacardol, tetradecanol, arachidic acid, squalene, and some terpenes. The samples revealed interesting antioxidant activity, with EC50 values ranging from 0.073 ± 0.001 to 193.594 ± 28.942 mg/mL and from 0.029 ± 0.001 to 103.086 ± 20.540 mg/mL, in that order, for DPPH and reducing power assays. Concerning the total antioxidant capacity, the results ranged from 0.053 ± 0.008 to 51.648 ± 1.659 mg AAE/g DM. Finally, the antimicrobial potential of the plant extracts was estimated against 7 bacterial species and 2 fungal strains, known to be human pathogens, demonstrating a good antibiotic effect for the bud extracts. All these findings strongly suggest that P. atlantica would represent a natural reservoir for novel additives to be used in therapeutic, food, and cosmetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]