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Background Moringa concanensis Nimmo (MC), a plant that resembles Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO), has less scientific information but has traditionally been used as a medicinal plant. Moringa species have long been known for their medicinal qualities, which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antihyperglycemic effects. We investigated the antidiabetic potential of MC and MO species in this study by using transcriptome profiling, metabolite analysis, and in vitro assay studies. Results Our transcriptome analysis revealed the expression of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and benzylamine, all of which have previously been shown to have antidiabetic activity. We compared the expression patterns of five different tissues from MC and MO and it was found that the key enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds were highly expressed in leaf tissue. The expression estimated by MC transcriptome data in different tissues was verified using RT-qPCR analysis. The amount of these compounds was further quantified in the crude leaf extract of both species and found that MC had a higher abundance of quercetin and chlorogenic acid than MO. The crude leaf extract from both MC and MO were further tested in vitro, and the results demonstrated strong inhibitory activity for α-glucosidase and DPP-IV enzymes. Our findings suggest that compounds in leaf tissue, such as quercetin, benzylamine, and chlorogenic acid, could play a significant role in this antidiabetic activity. In addition, when comparing MO plants, we found that MC had a slightly higher effect in expression, abundance, and inhibitory activity. Conclusions This study presents the first report of MC transcriptome data, as well as a comparison of its anti-diabetic activity to MO. Our analysis discussed the significance of leaf tissue in antidiabetic activity compared to other tissues of both species. Overall, this study not only provides transcriptome resources for Moringa species, but also sheds light on antidiabetic potential of both species.

Frontiers of disease biology started recognizing the importance of systems and network medicine approach for managing chronic disease like diabetes. Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP4) inhibitors are one such class of anti-diabetic drugs recognized for their systemic biological actions. Polyherbal preparations likeAyurvedaformulations are ideal for identifying novel DPP4 inhibitors having greater efficacy and safety profile. Additionally, expanding the research on the multitargeted mode of action of these polyherbal formulations can render novel insights into the complex biology of disease manifestations. The current study aims at identifying DPP4 inhibitory potential of a clinically established Ayurveda anti-diabetic formulationNisakathakadi Kashaya(NK) usingin vitroandin silicomethods as well as the modulation of diabetes associated gene network by NK. a. Standard enzyme inhibition assay was used to study the DPP4 inhibitory potential of NK, followed by bioinformatics and computational biology tools for identifying the potential bioactives and their molecular interactions involved in DPP4 inhibition. STITCH, CHEMBL and BindingDB databases were used for target mapping and depicting the multi-targeted network pharmacology interaction of NK and the formulation. EnrichR was used to depict a sub-network of diabetes proteins and their relationship with diabetes associated comorbidities. NK demonstrated a dose dependent DPP4 inhibition with an IC50of 2.06 μg GAE/mL. Molecular docking identified three compounds namely Terchebin, Locaracemoside B and 1,2,4,6 Tetra o Galloyl Beta D Glucose showing stable interactions with DPP4 similar to the standard drug Vildagliptin. The network pharmacology analysis of NK identified a number of targets like TNFα, TGFβ1, SOD1, SOD2, AKT1, DPP4 and GLP1R in its protein-protein interaction network which are vital to diabetic progression and complications. The present work demonstrated that the polyherbal formulation NK has DPP4 inhibition potential and modulates a large number of diabetes related proteins and pathways. The approach adopted in the current study by combiningin vitroandin silicomethods allowed us to understand the mechanism of DPP4 inhibition by the formulation and also the possible pharmacological networking through which the formulation exert its systemic effect in diabetes management.

Presently, photo-mediated optimized synthesis of SNPs (CS-AgNPs) was carried out with the help of aqueous extracts of coconut (Cocos nucifera) outer shell fibre. Green synthesis of CS-AgNPs was undertaken under laboratory light conditions and characterized by several standard techniques such as UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). UV–Vis spectra displayed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 468 nm equivalent to CS-AgNPs, and the FT-IR spectra confirmed the association of biological molecules from the extract in the synthesis process. The SEM image data confirmed the round and circular nature of CS-AgNPs. The EDX data presented the elemental configuration with a solid peak at 3 KeV that matched with the Ag. The synthesized CS-AgNPs exhibited substantial cytotoxicity potential against the HepG2 cells with (effective concentration (IC50) value of 15.28 µg/ml along with robust antioxidant potential, with respect to its 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging (IC50 of 96.39 µg/ml) and reducing assay (IC0.5 of 209.96 µg/ml). The CS-AgNPs demonstrated encouraging antimicrobial potential against four different pathogenic bacteria and one Candida sp. with inhibition zone diameter ranged between 8.87 and 13.07 mm. Overall, the existing investigation suggested that CS-AgNPs can be an attractive, cost-effective, and environment-friendly candidate for its possible uses in the food, cosmetics, and therapeutic fields.

Despite concerted programmatic efforts iron deficiency anemia (IDA) continues to be a global health problem. Per Ayurveda, an Indian Traditional Medical System, natural plant materials such as pomegranate juice (PJ) is indicated as a food supplement to manage IDA. We hypothesized that pomegranate could play a role in improving absorption and assimilation of iron. A cell free in vitro model simulating the gastric and intestinal digestive processes coupled with cell based (Caco-2 and HepG2) models were used to assess iron (FeSO4 form) dialysability in the presence of PJ. Iron assimilation into cells was measured in terms of the cellular ferritin content. PJ (containing ~13 mg/100 ml natural ascorbic acid equivalent) increased the dialysability of iron by >3 fold when compared to control in the cell free model. An equivalent concentration of ascorbic acid alone increased it only by 1.6-fold. PJ increased the iron uptake in Caco2 cells by ~6-fold and ferritin content by 30% when compared to the ascorbic acid control. Similarly, PJ enhanced the iron uptake in HepG2 cells by ~3 fold and iron assimilation by about 50%. This study establishes a scientific evidence for Ayurveda’s claim of using pomegranate in the management of IDA by facilitating iron absorption and assimilation. It provides a simple solution for addressing the global problem of IDA. Synergistic action of multiple phytochemicals, over and above ascorbic acid, in PJ may be responsible for improving iron bioavailability.

Background Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.(Ib) has high content of various beneficial nutrients which helps in improving and maintaining human health. It is well known as a functional food and also a valuable source of unique natural products. It contains various phenolic and flavonoid bioactive compounds.

Ayurveda is known for the use of poly-herbal formulations and multi-component therapeutics for the management of health and diseases. Several pharmaceutical companies are manufacturing and marketing different Ayurvedic formulations, prepared as per the classical texts and the regulatory standards. However, on a cursory glance, marked variations are observed amongst the same formulations manufactured by different companies. This raises questions on the quality standards. Drugs or formulations are expected to exert a desired biological activity at particular concentrations of their chemical constituents. The overall aim of drug standardization is to ensure the quality, efficacy and uniformity of the products, in terms of their chemical and biological properties, across the manufactures. In this article, the authors intend to open up a discussion on the need for comprehensive standardization strategies for marketed Ayurveda formulations taking Lodhrasavam (a classical Ayurveda preparation) as an example. Lodhrasavam procured from six reputed Ayurveda drug manufacturers showed significant variations in their sensorial, physico-chemical, chromatographic as well as biological properties. This is a matter of serious concern and need to be addressed effectively to derive better standardization strategies for Ayurvedic formulations. Keywords: Lodhrasavam, Ayurveda, Formulation standardization, Sensorial attributes, Physico-chemical characters

Ethnopharmacological relevance Diabetes is a multifactorial disease with complex multi-organ-multi-target crosstalk in the body. Currently, the theoretical assumptions framing the diabetes management strategies are reductionist and largely focus on reducing hyperglycemia through targeted molecular drugs. While they effectively reduce hyperglycemia, they are inadequate to address the multifactorial etiopathology, chronicity and systemic complications of diabetes. Therefore, a holistic and systemic approach is essential for its successful management. We hypothesize an integrative diabetes management strategy, combining holistic principles of diabetes management with its molecular understandings, would be more appropriate to fill this gap. The holistic disease management principles of Ayurveda, the Indian system of medicine, can play a pivotal role in this context. This narrative review discusses the scope of a trans-disciplinary ‘ Ayurveda-Biology ’ approach for deepening the holistic understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetes as well as designing novel integrative strategies for managing diabetes and restoring whole body glucose homeostasis. Methodology The article analyses the Ayurveda scheme of diabetes management and correlates it with the molecular understanding of its pathophysiology and management. The sources of information used in this article include classical texts of Ayurveda , medical books, published research articles and scientific databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Science-Direct, etc. Results While Ayurveda and modern biomedicine uses different epistemology and ontology for describing diabetes, both the systems recognize the central role of gut and gut derived factors in postprandial glucose disposal and whole body glucose homeostasis. Essentially, the principles of both Ayurveda and modern biomedicine overlap at a gut centred view of diabetes management; and Gastro-intestinal mediated glucose disposal , a holistic concept of glucose metabolism, is emerging as a converging node for designing innovative integrative diabetes management strategies. Conclusions An integrative disease management strategy, combining holistic and reductionist perspectives of traditional medicine and biology respectively, would be the prerogative for successful management of diabetes. Creating an ‘ Ayurveda-Biology’ knowledge framework integrating the patient centred holistic management principles of Ayurveda and the molecular approaches of modern biology can give better insights into the biology of whole body glucose homeostasis and offer novel strategies for cost effective, holistic and multi-targeted management of diabetes.

Presently, photo-mediated optimized synthesis of SNPs (CS-AgNPs) was carried out with the help of aqueous extracts of coconut (Cocos nucifera) outer shell fibre. Green synthesis of CS-AgNPs was undertaken under laboratory light conditions and characterized by several standard techniques such as UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). UV–Vis spectra displayed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 468 nm equivalent to CS-AgNPs, and the FT-IR spectra confirmed the association of biological molecules from the extract in the synthesis process. The SEM image data confirmed the round and circular nature of CS-AgNPs. The EDX data presented the elemental configuration with a solid peak at 3 KeV that matched with the Ag. The synthesized CS-AgNPs exhibited substantial cytotoxicity potential against the HepG2 cells with (effective concentration (IC50) value of 15.28 µg/ml along with robust antioxidant potential, with respect to its 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging (IC50 of 96.39 µg/ml) and reducing assay (IC0.5 of 209.96 µg/ml). The CS-AgNPs demonstrated encouraging antimicrobial potential against four different pathogenic bacteria and one Candida sp. with inhibition zone diameter ranged between 8.87 and 13.07 mm. Overall, the existing investigation suggested that CS-AgNPs can be an attractive, cost-effective, and environment-friendly candidate for its possible uses in the food, cosmetics, and therapeutic fields.

Background The patho-physiological cross-talk between diabetes and obesity is well established. However, the choices of drugs suitable for combined treatment of diabetes and obesity are limited. Integration of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), like Ayurveda, with modern medicine would be a promising strategy to fill this gap. The diagnostic principles of Ayurveda define obesity as one of the predisposing factors of Madhumeha (correlated as diabetes) and recommends specific formulations for managing obese-diabetes. Lodhrasavam is one such poly-herbal formulation prescribed for obese-diabetic patients. Objectives The present study is an attempt to demonstrate the possible modes of action of Lodhrasavam, built on the hypothesis that the formulation can exert both anti-diabetic and anti-obesity actions. Materials and methods Lodhrasavam, following simulated gastro-intestinal digestion, was monitored for inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase (key digestive enzyme targets of anti-diabetic drugs) and adipogenesis using standard in vitro model systems. Results Lodhrasavam digest inhibited α-amylase (90%) and α-glucosidase (78%) activity as well as reduced the differentiation of 3T3-L1 fibroblasts to adipocytes. Upon fractionation, the enzyme inhibitory activity and anti-adipogenic activity of the digest were found distributed in different solvent fractions. This partly indicates a potential pharmacological networking of chemically and functionally diverse bioactive molecules in Lodhrasavam. Conclusion The study provides a possible mode of action and an experimental support for the Ayurvedic use of Lodhrasavam for managing obese-diabetes. Generating scientific evidences and understanding the modes of action, in contemporary scientific language, would essentially help in expanding global acceptance of potentials of CAMs in the management of life style disorders.

Medicinal herbs are one of the imperative sources of drugs all over the world. Star anise (Illicium verum), an evergreen, medium-sized tree with star-shaped fruit, is an important herb with wide distribution throughout southwestern parts of the Asian continent. Besides its use as spice in culinary, star anise is one of the vital ingredients of the Chinese medicinal herbs and is widely known for its antiviral effects. It is also the source of the precursor molecule, shikimic acid, which is used in the manufacture of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®), an antiviral medication for influenza A and influenza B. Besides, several other molecules with numerous biological benefits including the antiviral effects have been reported from the same plant. Except the antiviral potential, star anise possesses a number of other potentials such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anthelmintic, insecticidal, secretolytic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, sedative properties, expectorant and spasmolytic, and estrogenic effects. This review aimed to integrate the information on the customary attributes of the plant star anise with a specific prominence on its antiviral properties and the phytochemical constituents along with its clinical aptness.

Background Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.(Ib) has high content of various beneficial nutrients which helps in improving and maintaining human health. It is well known as a functional food and also a valuable source of unique natural products. It contains various phenolic and flavonoid bioactive compounds. Methods In this study, using the outer peel of two varieties of Ib : Korean red skin sweet potato and Korean pumpkin sweet potato, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized (termed Ib1-AgNps and Ib2-AgNps), respectively. Characterization of Ib1-AgNPs and Ib2-AgNPs was carried out through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Further, the bio-potential of the synthesized AgNPs was investigated by antidiabetic (α-glucosidase assay), antioxidant (free radical scavenging assays), antibacterial (disc diffusion method) and cytotoxicity assays (cell viability against HepG2 cells). Results FT-IR spectroscopy revealed the contribution of bioactive compounds existing in Ib1 and Ib2 extracts, in the biosynthesis and equilibrium of the AgNPs. Although the Ib2-AgNPs had a higher atomic percentage of Ag in comparison with Ib1-AgNPs, in the antidiabetic assay, the inhibition percentage of α-glucosidase was higher for AgNPs of Ib1 than Ib2, at all three concentrations examined. From the cytotoxicity results, HepG2 cancer cells were more sensitive to the Ib1-AgNPs in comparison to the Ib2-AgNPs-treated HepG2 cells. The antioxidant prospective was higher in Ib2-AgNPs than Ib1-AgNPs. Moreover, the Ib2-AgNPs showed inhibitory action against all five tested pathogenic bacteria, producing an inhibition zone of 8.74–11.52 mm while Ib1-AgNPs had an inhibitory effect on four of them, with an 8.67–11.23 (mm) inhibition zone. Conclusions Overall, the results concluded that the Ib2-AgNPs exhibited relatively higher functional activity than Ib1-AgNPs, which might be credited to the greater abundance of bioactive compounds existing in Ib2 extract that acted as reducing as well as capping agents in the synthesis of Ib2-AgNPs. Overall, the current study highlights a novel cost-effective and eco-friendly AgNPs synthesis using food waste peels with biocompatibility and could be potentially utilized in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.

Introduction Diabetic patients often consume traditional medicines, available as over-the-counter products, concurrently with prescribed conventional medicines. A study of 180 marketed Ayurvedic antidiabetic formulations showed that Enicostema axillare subsp. littorale (Blume) A.Raynal (Mamajjakah) is being used frequently in several formulations by Ayurvedic industry, particularly from the Western India. The present overview covers the classical and current literature on the plant for its antidiabetic activity. Materials and methods: The classical Ayurvedic literature, the current texts of Dravyaguna Vidnyan, Ayurvedic journals as well as pharmacological literature on E. axillare have been reviewed for its Ayurvedic Dravyaguna rationale and antidiabetic activity. Results: The earliest description of the plant E. littorale has been found in Shodhal Nighantu (12th Century) with its various synonyms and its use as an antipyretic and anthelminthic drug. Medicinal properties of the plant in classical and other texts reveal that it can best be described as laghu (light), ruksha (dry), of tikta rasa (pungent taste), ushna veerya (hot potency) and katu vipak (after-effects like pungent taste). It ameliorates pitta and kapha doshas. Its main site of action is medodhatu (adipose tissue) having pramehaghna (antidiabetic) properties. The phytochemical studies show major molecules that have shown antidiabetic properties are swertiamarin, apigenin and isovitexin. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities; while in vivo studies have shown antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antiobesity, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Several clinical studies have reported safety and antidiabetic activity in diabetic as well as prediabetics patients. Besides these, the plant has also shown nephroprotective, genoprotective activities as well as insulin sensitization. Conclusions: Wide use of E. axillare in diabetes mellitus suggests a need for thorough survey of its Ayurvedic pharmaco-epidemiology and drug utilization. The emergent data would facilitate Reverse Pharmacological study of the plant in diabetic patients. There is a potential for developing a safe and validated phytopharmaceutical antidiabetic drug.

Traditional medicines use herbal formulations as the predominant strategy for managing various disease conditions. The formulations are designed based on the concepts of holism and are expected to exert a poly-pharmacological effect. The unique philosophy of disease management in traditional medicines and the potential poly-pharmacological effects of the formulations can open up new horizons in drug discovery research. It can set new road maps for medical pluralism as well as holistic therapeutic approaches. However, the conventional bioprospecting strategies for TMFs are largely confined to the discovery of a single, target-specific bioactive molecule from their constituent plants. Such kind of a reductionist approach could not successfully address the basic therapeutic and pharmacological concepts of traditional medicines. Here, the chapter discusses the significance of bioprospecting TMFs, emphasizing the necessity of a novel integrative and transdisciplinary approach for bioprospecting. The chapter also discusses how a better bioprospecting strategy can be adopted for traditional medicines using Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicines as examples.

Agriculture has been the primary source of food and nutrients for mankind since ancient civilization. Increase in world population has necessitatedthe use of modern technologies such as biotechnology and nanotechnologyin agricultural sciences to enhance its productivity as well as quality. The article attempts to highlight some of the most promising and important applications of nanotechnology in agriculture; and also recommends strategies for advancing the best scientific and technological knowledge presently being used to overcome its limitations for large scale application. Nanotechnology provides new agrochemical agents and new delivery mechanisms to improve crop productivity and also promising methods to reduce pesticide use. Recent advancements in nanoscience have great impact on agricultural practices and food industry. Nanotechnology can enhance agricultural production through different approaches and techniques such as nanoformulations of agrochemicals, nanosensors/nanobiosensors, genetic manipulation of crops through nanodevices, nanocomposites or nanobio-composites, hydroponics, organic farming, health and breeding of animal/ poultry and also through postharvest management with smarter, stronger, cost-effective packaging materials. The adverse impact that might occur to the human health, as well as the surrounding ecology or ecosystem could be minimized by following precautionary rules associated with nanotechnology. Moreover restricting the use of chemical fertilizers, soil degradation and importantly curbing of wastage of food can lead to a hunger free world. Development of plants having disease resistance, plants producing essential vitamins, proteins and hormones, plus their better preservation, packaging, transport and delivery are further required for survival and prosperity of the human race in the planet earth.

Osteoporosis is one of the major metabolic bone diseases and is among the most challenging noncommunicable diseases to treat. Although there is an increasing interest in identifying bioactive molecules for the prevention and management of osteoporosis, such studies principally focus only on differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts or inhibition of osteoclast activity. Stimulation of osteoblast migration must be a promising osteoanabolic strategy for improved metabolic bone disease therapy. In this study, we show that an anthraquinone derivative, aurantio-obtusin, stimulated chemotactic migration of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The use of a real-time chemotaxis analyzing system, TAXIScan, facilitated the evaluation of both velocity and directionality of osteoblast migration in response to the compound. Besides migration, the compound stimulated osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Taken together, the data presented in this paper demonstrate that aurantio-obtusin is a promising osteoanabolic compound of natural origin with potential therapeutic applications in the prevention of osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Ayurveda has its unique perceptions and resultant methodologies for defining and treating human diseases. Fumigation therapy is one of the several treatment methods described in Ayurveda whereby fumes produced from defined drug formulations are inhaled by patients. This therapeutic procedure offers promising research opportunities from phytochemical and ethnopharmacological viewpoints, however, it remains under-noticed. Considering these facts, this review is primarily aimed at introducing said Ayurvedic fumigation therapy and discussing its scientific gaps and future challenges. Methodology A search of multiple bibliographical databases and traditional Ayurvedic text books was conducted and the articles analyzed under various key themes, e.g., Ayurvedic fumigation, fumigation therapy, medicinal fumigation, inhalation of drugs and aerosol therapy. Result Ayurveda recommends fumigation as a method of sterilization and therapeutic procedure for various human diseases including microbial infections and psychological disorders. However, it has not gained much attention as a prospective field with multiple research opportunities. Conclusion It is necessary to have a more detailed and systematic investigation of the phytochemical and pharmacodynamic properties of Ayurvedic fumigation therapy in order to facilitate the identification of novel bioactive compounds and more effective drug administration methods.