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Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a commonly occurring reproductive disorder among the reproductive-aged women. Its global occurrence varies based on diagnostic guidelines, ethnicities, and locations of concern. Insulin resistance (IR) is commonly observed around 65–70% of women diagnosed with PCOS, representing a prevalent association. Consequently, the study was designed with an objective of illustrating the effect of insulin on mural and cumulus granulosa cells (GCs) of PCOS patients in comparison to normal ovulating women. This study is a case–control design, wherein a total of 80 participants were recruited meeting criterion of inclusion and exclusion, divided into 8 groups with each group consisting of 10 samples. The process involves the isolation and culturing of mural granulosa cells (MGC) and cumulus granulosa cells (CGC) with and without exposure to insulin. The proteins released by untreated GCs and insulin-treated GCs were extracted, and complex protein mixtures were digested with trypsin, followed by tandem mass spectrometry analysis and data processing using bioinformatics. We found 595 proteins in both control and PCOS samples, of which 310 were contributed by MGCs and 285 by CGCs. The PCOS MGCs expressed 20%, both the normal MGCs and CGCs have equal representation of 16% by each, whereas the PCOS CGCs proteins contributed 15% of the total of the proteomic expression. However, the poor expression observed with the Insulin exposure, the Insulin treated PCOS CGCs contributes 13%, PCOS MGCs contributes 8%. The normal MGCs upon the Insulin treatment give 8% then and there only 4% of proteins expressed by normal CGCs after Insulin treatment. The Venn analysis widened on their precise expression topographies. The examination of strings exhibited important protein–protein interaction pathways. This is a pioneering investigation aimed to establish the link between hyperinsulinemia in localized follicular GCs and PCOS mechanisms by comparing them to control group. The examination of various attributes, mechanisms, and traits shown by genes and proteins in individuals with PCOS compared to control populations, alongside the investigation of the dynamics of these genes and proteins following exposure to insulin, holds promise for the formulation of novel hypotheses and strategies in the identification of new biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ayurvedic system of medicine uses giloy or guduchi, also known as Tinospora cordifolia (TC), to treat diabetes and related diseases like hyperglycemia and hyperlipididemia. However, its usage in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is not well studied. The primary objective of the study was to examine the effects of water extract of TC called satva, essential oil, and hydroalcoholic (HA) extract on GDM and its complications and to explore their mechanism of action using mice model. We used streptozotocin-induced diabetes in pregnant mice as murine model and tested TC preparations for anti-GDM activities. Blood glucose, insulin, litter size, and placental weight were assessed. ELISA method was used to measure plasma insulin level to compute homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and homeostatic model assessment for assessing beta cell function (HOMA-Beta) levels to estimate insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and beta cell function respectively. TC-treated groups had significantly higher serum insulin levels, QUICKI, average litter size, and lower placental weight (p <.001). TC oil and HA extract increased pancreatic beta cell activity according to the level of HOMA-Beta. TC lowered placenta weight and increased litter size significantly compared to control group. Our findings suggest that TC preparations preserve pancreatic beta cells, increase insulin production, decrease insulin resistance, and improve beta cell function, hence preventing GDM. TC preparations also reduced placental weight and increased litter size in mice. Based on these results, we recommend the clinical trial and testing of TC preparations for management of GDM and associated complications. Refer graphical abstract (). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we describe and discuss the phytoconstituents present in Hedychium species and emphasize their potential as drug candidates. Though they are widely validated in vitro and in vivo models, to date, no efforts have been made to compile in a single review all the pharmacologically active phytoconstituents from Hedychium species, and their pharmacological and toxicity profile. In this study, we present a reinvestigation of the chemical constituents present in Hedychium species obtained from the essential oil and solvent extraction of the flowers, leaves and rhizomes under consideration. Key databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar amongst others were probed for a systematic search using keywords to retrieve relevant publications on this plant. An exhaustive electronic survey of the related literature on Hedychium species resulted in around 200 articles. Articles published between the years 1975–2021 were included. The studies conducted on either crude extracts, solvent fractions or isolated pure compounds from Hedychium species reported with a varied range of biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, potentially anti-asthmatic, and cytotoxic, among other related activities of the chemical constituents present in its essential oil and solvent extract deployed in this review. Traditional and herbal medication around the world that uses different parts of Hedychium species were considered for anti-inflammatory, skincare, analgesic, anti-asthmatic, anti-diabetic, antidotal uses, among others. These uses support the idea that chemical constituents obtained from solvent extraction may also exert the same action individually or in a synergistic manner. The review concluded that there is scope for computation and biological study to find out possible new targets for strengthening the potency and selectivity of the relevant compounds, and to find a commercial method for extraction of active pharmaceutical ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety and efficacy of multivitamin-multimineral-multiherbal (MVMH) supplementation is in regular debate but should be studied in detail before recommendation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether MVMH supplementation affects the physical and mental performance of individuals taking these, as well as to ascertain its safety, doing so through blood, kidney and liver profiles. In this Cross over cohort study, we enrolled 30 healthy volunteers and established their anthropometric, stress, anxiety and depression levels before and after 30 days of the study. Their kidney function test, liver function test and blood profile results were also analysed to determine overall health effects of the supplement and assess its safety. Parametric data was examined via Paired T test, followed by One Way ANOVA, Non-parametric data is presented as percentage and analysed by applying Paired Sample Wilcoxon Signal Rank Test followed by Friedman ANOVA test. All the volunteers were in good health, had no change in medical state. No serious adverse event was reported during the study and after the completion of study. Treatment with MVMH tablets had shown very significant (p <0.01) increase in the level of globulin, uric acid (p <0.05), hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels (p <0.05), BMI and body weight (p <0.05). There was significant (p <0.05) improvement in symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. The daily intake of MVMH supplements in the form of a tablet once per day improved global health of individuals, along with improvement in mental performance without any significant adverse impact on the body. Based on the results, we recommend that MVMH tablets may be taken once per day for 30 days to improve the physical and mental health of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: many medical conditions and medicines with therapeutic importance have been shown to impair driving skills, causing road traffic accidents, which leads to great human and economic suffering in Oman. The primary purpose of this study was to assess retrospectively the extent of medical conditions and medications influencing road traffic safety among drivers involved in road accidents. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study among 951 injured or non-injured drivers who reported to Khoula and nizwa hospitals. We used the al-Shifa database to find the drivers and contacted randomly selected patients over phone. Results: The majority of victims were male (72.0%), involving personal cars, and reported at Khoula Hospital. The results show that 7.6% of the victimized drivers had a history of medical conditions with diabetes and hypertension (36.1% each) the most common. about 4.0% of victims were on medications of which insulin was the most common (9.4%). loss of control was contributed to 38.5% of cases followed by dizziness (25.6%), sleep amnesia (10.3%), and blurred vision (7.7%). Other effects blamed by victimized drivers include vertigo, phonophobia, photophobia, back pain, loss of sensation, and headache accounting for 17.9% of cases. Conclusion: medical conditions and medications influence road traffic safety to some extent in Oman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tinosopora cordifolia (Willd) (TC) is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine since long time for number of ailments and its preparations are also considered by food safety and standards authority of India as nutritional supplement. However the scientific evidence on its possible safety and efficacy in polycystic ovarian syndrome and associated complications was not studied in detail. Objectives: The purpose of this investigation is to examine whether or not TC can have therapeutic effects on letrozole induced PCOS and related complications such as body weight, dyslipidaemia, glucose tolerance, hormonal regulation, insulin resistance and sensitivity, severity of PCOS and histopathological changes in ovary using mice animal model. Design: Present study is a preclinical study involving laboratory animals. Methods and analysis: After verifying the absence of PCOS, the animals began receiving Letrozole, which lasted for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), triglycerides, cholesterol, and weight were recorded. The levels of hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, insulin, testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), histopathology was carried out. Ethics: The Institutional Animal Ethics Committee at DITU gave its clearance to the animal experimentation on July 10, 2021 (DITU/IAEC/21-22/07-06). Discussion: The majority of cornified epithelial cells were seen in groups treated with TC extract during the estrous phase of the cycle. Mice exposed to TC retained normal body weight. FBG, 1- and 2-hour OGTT, triglyceride and cholesterol levels were all significantly improved by extracts. Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, LH and FSH concentration were all corrected in TC -treated animals. The HOMA-IR, HOMA-Beta and QUICKI values were also corrected with TC extracts. The morphological and microscopic features of the ovary were also greatly enhanced. Based on these findings, we conclude that treating PCOS mice with TC extracts significantly ameliorates the disease and severity down to nil-to-moderate levels by reducing hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, dyslipidaemia, enhancing insulin sensitivity, correcting oestrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH levels via enhanced ovarian function. Further molecular and cellular level of study is recommended for further elaboration of mechanism of action. Plain language summaries: • Tinospora cordifolia satva, oil and hydroalcoholic extract were studied in letrozole-induced PCOS in mice model • Anti PCOS efficacy of 3 preparations studied with respect to their mechanism of action in detail • For the first time proposing method of calculating severity of PCOS in animal model • Tinospora cordifolia oil preparation completely reversed PCOS effect of letrozole and made them normal • Histopathological and morphological studies support the biochemical claims [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drug utilization studies provide information on pattern of drug prescribing and consumption, occurrence of delayed adverse effects, cost influenced sales, and the volume of prescriptions having social, economic, and medical significance. Objective: The present study was designed with an objective to evaluate drug utilization in this field of pharmaceutical care. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective, qualitative, cross-sectional, drug utilization study carried out for 1 year in Accident and Emergency Department of Khoula Hospital. Results: Results of the present study indicate that majority of patients complained dizziness by 24% and pain with 50%. Most common antibiotics used in prophylaxis and treatment were amoxiclav, cefuroxime, and ceftriaxone injections. As some cases complained of severe pain, they had received paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and tramadol. The tetanus toxin injection was given as prophylaxis in 27.9% of cases against poisoning from entry of foreign bodies. Metoclopramide and promethazine are medications given to relieve nausea and vomiting. Analysis of results on use of medications for pain management has shown a significant (P < 0.01) correlation with road traffic injuries. Conclusion: We conclude from this study that majority of patients visiting accident are noted to have minor complications due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) and are treated successfully with most common and safe medications. However, we recommend future extensive studies considering the patients admitted to Inpatient Department and Intensive Care Unit to get clear information on pharmaceutical care provided to manage RTA and their complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk factors identification and modifying them appropriately will assist in reducing the incidence of maternal and fetal complications for high-risk individuals. Aim: The present cross-sectional case-control multicentered study was conducted with an objective to understand the modifiable risk factors in GDM patients of different regions in Oman. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by involving 291 women diagnosed with GDM and 300 normal pregnant women with euglycemia. Primary information including body weight, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), history of pregnancy complications, diet, lifestyle, exercise, occupation, education, and use of steroids was collected by face-to-face interview with an assistance of staff nurse working at respective hospitals. Secondary information was collected from hospital records. Results:GDMcases on an average have 5.47 kg body weight significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the control group. A maximum number of GDM cases were seen in women with waist circumference of more than 99.9 cm having a significant (P < 0.001) mean difference of 6.4 cm between GDM and normal population.;Deg;BM;Deg;I of GDM population was significantly (P < 0.001) higher 30.59 ± 7 kg/m² compared to 27.89 ± 6.93 kg/m² of normal population with a likelihood ratio of 300.85. The use of corticosteroids significantly is seen to be associated with an increase in the incidence of GDM (P < 0.001). Physical inactivity has significantly (P < 0.001) increase the risk of GDM by 3.7 times. Whereas walking for more than 30 min/day has significantly reduced the GDM risk by 0.356 times. Prior history of stillbirth is significantly (P < 0.05) associated with GDM cases compared to control. Conclusion: Screening of patients for GDM and following a strategy to modify the identified risk factors will be advantageous and may help to identify those most likely to benefit from intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We sought to conduct a detailed study on the risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Omani women to determine the actual and applicable risk factors and glucose profile in this population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study using pregnant women diagnosed with GDM. pregnant women without GMD were used as a control group. We collected information related to age, family history, prior history of pregnancy complications, age of marriage, age of first pregnancy, fasting glucose level, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results from three hospitals in Oman through face-to-face interviews and hospital records. Results: The median age of women with GDM was 33 years old (p < 0.050). a significant risk was noted in women with a history of diabetes (p < 0.001), and those with mothers' with a history of GDM. a significant (p < 0.010) relationship with a likelihood ratio of 43.9 was observed between the incidence of GDM in women with five or six pregnancies, a history of > 3 deliveries, height < 155 cm, and pregnancy or marriage at age < 18 years (p < 0.010). The mean difference in random plasma glucose, one-hour OGTT, and two-hour OGTT was significantly higher in GDM cases compared to control. Conclusions: Glucose profile, family history, anthropometric profile, and age of first pregnancy and marriage should be considered while screening for GDM and determining the care needs of Omani women with GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to develop Doxorubicin–Erlotinib nanoparticles (Dox–Erlo NPs) and folate-armored Dox–Erlo-NP conjugates for targeting glioma cancer. Glioma is one of the most common progressive cancerous growths originating from brain glial cells. However, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is only semi-permeable and is highly selective as to which compounds are let through; designing compounds that overcome this constraint is therefore a major challenge in the development of pharmaceutical agents. We demonstrate that the NP conjugates studied in this paper may ameliorate the BBB penetration and enrich the drug concentration in the target bypassing the BBB. NPs were prepared using a biopolymer with a double-emulsion solvent evaporation technique and functionalized with folic acid for site-specific targeting. Dox–Erlo NPs and Dox–Erlo-NP conjugates were extensively characterized in vitro for various parameters. Dox–Erlo NPs and Dox–Erlo-NP conjugates incurred a z-average of 95.35 ± 10.25 nm and 110.12 ± 9.2 nm, respectively. The zeta potentials of the Dox–Erlo NPs and Dox–Erlo-NP conjugates were observed at −18.1 mV and −25.1 mV, respectively. A TEM image has shown that the NPs were well-dispersed, uniform, de-aggregated, and consistent. A hemolytic assay confirmed hemocompatibility with the developed formulation and that it can be safely administered. Dox–Erlo-NP conjugates significantly reduced the number of viable cells to 24.66 ± 2.08% and 32.33 ± 2.51% in U87 and C6 cells, respectively, and IC50 values of 3.064 µM and 3.350 µM in U87 and C6 cells were reported after 24 h, respectively. A biodistribution study revealed that a significant concentration of Dox and Erlo were estimated in the brain relative to drug suspension. Dox–Erlo-NP conjugates were also stable for three months. The findings suggest that the developed Dox–Erlo-NP conjugates may be a promising agent for administration in glioma therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic activity of chloroform extract of Calotropis gigantea leaves and flowers in normal rats and streptozotocin induced diabetes. Methods: The hypoglycemic activity in normal rats was carried out by treatment using chloroform extract of Calotropis gigantea leaf and flower 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg, orally. The oral glucose tolerance test was carried out by administering glucose (2 g/kg,p.o), to non-diabetic rats treated with leaf and flowers extracts at oral doses 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg, p.o and glibenclamide 10 mg/kg. The serum glucose was then measured at 0, 1.5, 3 and 5 hr after administration of extracts/drug. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were administered the same doses of leaf and flower extracts,and standard drugs glibenclamide was given to the normal rats or 0.5 ml of 5% Tween-80, for 27 days. The blood sample from all groups collected by retro-orbital puncture on 7, 14, 21 and 27th days after administration of the extracts/drug and used for the estimation of serum glucose levels using the glucose kit. Results: The Calotropis gigantea leaves and flowers extracts were effective in lowering serum glucose levels in normal rats.Improvement in oral glucose tolerance was also registered by treatment with Calotropis gigantean. The administration of leaf and flower extracts to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed a significant reduction in serum glucose levels. Conclusion: It is concluded that chloroform extracts of Calotropis gigantea leaves and flowers have significant anti-diabetic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Life during the COVID-19 pandemic was miserable, most of the people were in a panic situation either because of being affected by COVID-19 or losing their near and dear ones. Majority of Indian population was in the trauma condition impacting physical and mental health directly or indirectly either due to the infection or repeated lockdowns. Aim: The present study was carried out to gain knowledge of people's physical and mental health such as anxiety, depression, and stress during the period of the pandemic in the year 2021. Material and methods: The standard questionnaires were used to conduct the online survey using google form. The questionnaire contains five sections and collects the information on anxiety, stress, depression, and physical activities. The survey started on May 23, 2021, and ended on June 2, 2021 by circulating the link through emails, WhatsApp, and messages. Result: A total of 291 people participated in this survey process and all responses were analyzed, out of which 165 were men and 126 were women. It was calculated that 59.4% of men and 40.6% of women were affected by COVID-19. Total 49.5% of people affected by COVID-19 were in favor of improvement in physical and mental performance while taking dietary supplements. Whereas 19.8% denied the statement and 28.7% of people saw slight changes in their health status. Conclusions: During the pandemic people were mostly affected by anxiety, depression, stress, and physical health and to cope with these situations dietary supplements surely be the utilitarian for the society. Through this study, it was found that if a person includes both exercise and nutraceutical products in their lifestyle, there will be a chance of living a sustainable and healthy life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hedychium spicatum is a perennial shrub that is commonly found in the Himalayan region. Thin layer chromatography fingerprint screening of various Hedychium species revealed that only the species Hedychium spicatum possesses hedychenone. Purification and isolation of hedychenone was carried out from methanolic extract of Hedychium spicatum rhizomes powder using column chromatography. After crystallization of enriched fraction, 2.19% of hedychenone crystalline powder was yielded. The physiochemical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic evaluation of the active pharmaceutical components was conducted using artificial learning and machine learning (AL/ML) approaches. The results indicate that both medications adhere to Lipinski's rule of five. The docking study indicated that compound 2 (MBE-10.4 kcal/mol) exhibited a more sub-stantial interaction with the cannabinoid receptor 2 compared to hedychenone (MBE -9.85 kcal/mol). A study was done to assess the physical and chemical stability of hedychenone under biological pH conditions. Furthermore, the administration of both medication concentrations, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/ kg, effectively inhibits the development of acute paw edema caused by ovalbumin. A preliminary investigation of hedychenone and its synthetic derivative indicated that these compounds have the potential to be utilized as active medicinal ingredients in herbal pharmaceutical preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The reproductive system is heavily dependent on ovarian follicles, which are made up of germ cells (oocytes) and granulosa cells (GCs), including cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) and mural granulosa cells (MGCs). Understanding their normal and steroid-induced functions is the key to understanding the pathophysiology of endocrinal diseases in women. Objective: This study investigated the differentially expressed proteins by CGCs and MGCs of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and without subsequent exposure to dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and functional differentiation. Design: The present study was observational and experimental study carried out in hospital involving 80 female patients undergoing IVF for infertility. Methods: In this study, we isolated CGCs and MGCs from the follicular fluid of both PCOS and non-PCOS patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The cells were cultured and treated with DHEAS for 48 hours, and these cells were extracted, digested, and analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry followed by processing of the results using open-source bioinformatics tools. Results: The present investigation discovered 276 and 341 proteins in CGCs and MGCs, respectively. DHEAS reduced the number of proteins expressed by CGCs and MGCs to 34 and 57 from 91 and 94, respectively. Venn results of CGCs revealed 49, 53, 36, and 21 proteins in normal CGCs, PCOS-CGCs, post-DHEAS, and PCOS-CGCs, respectively. Venn analysis of MGCs showed 51 proteins specific to PCOS and 29 shared by normal and PCOS samples after DHEAS therapy. MGCs express the most binding and catalytic proteins, whereas CGCs express transporter-related proteins. A protein pathway study demonstrated considerable differences between normal and PCOS samples, while DHEAS-treated samples of both cell lines showed distinct pathways. String findings identified important network route components such as albumin, actin, apolipoprotein, complement component C3, and heat shock protein. Conclusion: This is the first study to show how DHEAS-induced stress affects the expression of proteins by MGCs and CGCs isolated from normal and PCOS patients. Further studies are recommended to identify PCOS biomarkers from CGCs and MGCs expressed under the influence of DHEAS. Graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Self-assembled behaviour of Withania somnifera and ethylene glycol in nematic phase. • Antibacterial activity of synthesised LLCs is evaluated against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas stutzeri bacteria. • 2–3 times potency of synthesised LLCs phases against gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis. Lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) phases are derived from a binary mixture of Withania somnifera roots and ethylene glycol. Studied concentrations of Withania somnifera roots/ethylene glycol are 2:98, 5:95, 10:90, 20:80 and 30:70 wt/wt%. The nematic lyotropic phase is obtained for all the concentrations examined under polarising optical microscopy (POM). The formation of a lyotropic phase in these systems could be explained by considering hydrogen bonding between amphiphilic molecules (Withanolides) and solvent (–OH groups). Nematic lyotropic phases are further tested for antibacterial activity against gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative (Pseudomonas stutzeri) bacteria. The LLCs show strong inhibition of approximately 2–3 times higher than that of the standard antibiotic (Streptomycin) for gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis. It is noted that the concentration of the binary mixture shows a strong effect on the inhibition of the bacteria irrespective of the nematic ordering for both bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been some reports demonstrating the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Calotropis procera (CP) plant extract; however, detailed in-depth debriefing of the vital synthesis parameter for rapid, facile, efficacious synthesis at varied temperatures with effectual characterization of nanoparticles and biomimetic attribute is lacking. This study presents a comprehensive demarcation of the sustainable fabrication of biogenic C. procera flower extract capped and stabilized silver nanoparticles (CP-AgNPs) synthesis with thorough phytochemical characterization and potential biological application. The results revealed that the successful synthesis of CP-AgNPs was instantaneous with the maximum intensity of the plasmonic peak ~400 nm, while morphological results revealed the cubic shape of nanoparticles. CP-AgNPs were found to present stable, well-dispersed, uniform, high anionic zeta potential, and crystalline nanoparticles with a crystallite size of ~23.8 nm. The FTIR spectra indicated that CP-AgNPs were properly capped by the bioactive of C. procera. Moreover, the synthesized CP-AgNPs exhibited hydrogen peroxide scavenging efficacy. In addition, CP-AgNPs showed antibacterial and antifungal activity against pathogenic bacteria. CP-AgNPs displayed significant in vitro antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity. An efficient and convenient approach for synthesizing AgNPs using C. procera flower has been developed with enhanced biomimetic attributes that may be further utilized for water treatment, biosensors, biomedicine, and in allied science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft self-assembled systems with smart functions have been explored over the past decades for diverse applications. However, the toxicity of synthetic surfactant based self-assembled systems and their stability always remain a point of concern. There is always a great quest to find an alternative to overcome such shortcomings of self-assembled systems. Hence, in this context, we made an effort to engineer self-assembled lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) using different concentrations of the medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza glabra L. in the nonaqueous polar media of glycerol, ethylene glycol and formamide. These nonaqueous solvents with considerable polarity, high cohesive energy, dipole moment and hydrogen bonding ability, not only offer the perfect environment for self-assembly, but also provide longtime stability. Nematic lyotropic ordering is obtained for studied systems at different concentrations of Glycyrrhiza glabra L./ nonaqueous solvents as confirmed via polarising optical microscopy (POM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions among polar solvents and amphiphilic Glycyrrhiza glabra L. molecules could be responsible for nematic ordering. FTIR spectroscopy is employed to confirm the hydrogen bonding in LLCs. The prepared LLCs are studied through static, dynamic rheology under the shear range 1–100 s-1 to explore their fluidic behaviour and establish correlation with structural parameters. The studied LLC systems from three solvents exhibit non-Newtonian shear thinning behaviour at all concentrations. The dynamic rheology tests indicate the elastic behaviour of all LLC systems. LLCs derived from glycerol exhibit soft-solid gel-like behaviour, while weak gel-type behaviour is observed for ethylene glycol and formamide-based LLCs. Considering the medicinal value of prepared LLCs, their antibacterial activity has been checked against the gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis. LLC phases show strong antibacterial activity, about 2–3 times better than that of the standard drug streptomycin used for this study. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical and psychological stress has an inverse relation with male libido and sperm quality. The present study investigates the potential fertility-enhancing properties of Desmodium gangeticum (DG) root extracts in male Wister rats subjected to immobilization-induced stress (SIMB). DG roots were extracted using n-hexane (HEDG), chloroform (CEDG), and water (AEDG). In the pilot study, aphrodisiac protentional was investigated at two doses (125 and 250 mg kg−1) of each extract. In the main study, the HEDG and AEDG at 125 and 250 mg kg−1 were challenged for the stress by immobilization (SIMB), for 6 h daily over 28 days. Parameters assessed included aphrodisiac effects, gonadosomatic index (GSI), semen quality, sperm quantity, fructose content, serum hormonal levels, testicular oxidative stress, and testicular histopathology. Additional in silico studies, including the lipid solubility index, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and SymMap studies were conducted for validation. HEDG demonstrated significant aphrodisiac activity, improved – GSI, sperm quality and quantity, and fructose content, serum testosterone levels, histological changes induced by SIMB in the testes. Swiss ADME studies indicated Gangetin (a pterocarpan) had a high brain permeation index (4.81), a superior docking score (-8.22), and higher glide energy (-42.60), compared with tadalafil (-7.17). The 'Lig fit Prot' plot in molecular dynamics simulations revealed a strong alignment between Gangetin and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). HEDG exerts aphrodisiac effects by increasing blood testosterone levels and affecting PDE5 activity. The protective effects on spermatozoa-related parameters and testicular histological changes are attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, of pterocarpan (gangetin). [Display omitted] • Insilco, in vitro , and in vivo , studies were conducted before concluding. • Insilico studies include SwissADME, molecular docking, dynamics, and SymMap analyses. • Special staining techniques were utilized to distinguish between immobile and dead spermatozoa. • 'Gangetin' exhibits superior docking scores and a high brain permeation index compared to tadalafil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nobiletin is an abundant phytoconstituent having multiple pharmacological activities. Various citrus species like orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (Citrus limon), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and tangerine (Citrus tangirina) having flavanones, flavones, flavon aglycon, and Polymethoxyflavones (Nobiletin & Tangeretin). Nobiletin (HMF); Hexamethoxyflavone {2-(3, 4)-dimethoxyphenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetramethoxychromen-4-one}is extracted from non-edible orange peel rich in polymethoxyflavones (PMFs). Many are suggesting Nobiletin as chemo-sensitizing agent induces nuclear retention of tumor suppressor protein and Tyrosinase inhibitor, inhibiting hepatitis B virus replication. It is also proposed that 2-aryl-4H-chromen-4-one derivative may be effective in Chikungunya Virus, and other suggested multiple activities. Citrus species are traditionally used in Ayurveda as immune modulator which is effective in viral disease because of their antioxidant properties. To study the ability as drug of an independent phyto-active Nobiletin (HMF) is under consideration, HMF is lipophilic in nature, its physiochemical properties may by enhanced by increasing water solubility for more bioavailable, and prospective as a therapeutic agent or as broad-spectrum antiviral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]