Search

Nutraceuticals and food industries are opening to a tremendously upcoming technology in the field of "Nano science". A new prospect has been defined by nanotechnology by conferring modified properties of nanomaterials and its application in the development of nanoformulations, nutritional supplements and food industry. Nanomaterials reveal exclusive properties because of their small size and high surface/volume ratio; thus, they have a complete application in nutraceuticals and food sector. In the existent review article, we obligate to present a comprehensive outline of the application of nanomaterials in development of advanced nano-based nutraceuticals with enhanced bioavailability, solubility, improved encapsulation efficiency, increased stability, sustained and targeted drug delivery, protection against degradation and microbial contamination and with improved pharmacological activity. It also highlights the importance of nanomaterials as nanosensors/nano-bio sensors for encapsulating peptides, antibodies, enzymes, etc. and in the food packaging industry and its future application. Thus, the review aims to focus on the benefits and new dimensions provided by nanomaterials and nanotechnology in health sectors by improving treatment strategies and quality of life.

This research focuses on the development of paper from lignocellulosic agricultural wastes, viz., corn husk (CH), which is an underexplored material and sugarcane baggase (SB), in varying proportions, through soda pulping and enhancement of their functionalities through chitosan and chitosan-beeswax emulsion coatings. Fiber digestion conditions were as follows: 100°C (30 min); 100–162°C (90 min) and 162°C (90 min); followed by blowing, quenching and then refining of both treated CH and SB pulp to a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) of 400–450 mL. The handsheets of 80 GSM (grammage) were prepared as per the standard ISO-5269/1 and were tested for their mechanical and barrier properties as per standard methods of ISO. Handsheets developed from the blend of SB and CH (50:50) and SB fibers (100%) were found to have better mechanical strength (in terms of burst, tensile and tear strength) in comparison to CH fibers (100%). The effect of coatings on mechanical, water resistance, micro-structural, and biodegradable properties of the cellulose papers were also assessed. The chitosan coating significantly improved (p

Callistemon lanceolatus (Sm.) Sweet grows all over the world and used to treat cough and bronchitis. The air-dried powder of the aerial parts was exhaustively extracted with methanol and the concentrated extract was adsorbed on silica gel for preparation of slurry. It was dried and subjected to silica gel column packed in petroleum ether. The column was eluted with organic solvents in order of increasing polarity to isolate 1-triacosanol (1), n-eicosanyl palmitate (2), n-heptadecanyl arachidate (3), n-tricosanyl palmitate, (4), 4-hydroxyphenethyl carbocerate (5), 4-hydroxyphenethyl gheddate (6), urs-12-en-3α-acetoxy-18β-H-28-oic acid (7) and stigmast-5-en-3β-ol-3β-D-glucuronopyranoside (8). Among them, compound 5 and 6 were new fatty acid ester isolated from this plant. Compound 7 showed MIC 32 µg/mL against E. coli which was comparable to amoxicillin having same MIC 32 µg/mL. Compound 5 and 6 showed significant antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH due to the presence of phenolic groups.

A new series of novel amide conjugates of pyrimidin-4-one and aromatic/heteroaromatic /secondary cyclic amines has been synthesized and their in vitro antiproliferative activities against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines of nine different cancer types were tested at NCI. Among the synthesized compounds, compound (4i) showed significant anti-proliferative activity. Compound (4i) displayed most potent activity against the breast tumor cell line T-47D and CNS tumor cell line SNB-75 exhibiting a growth of 1.93 % and 14.63 %, respectively. ADMET studies of the synthesized compounds were also performed and they were found to exhibit good drug like properties. Compound (4i) was found to exhibit potential inhibitory effect over GSK-3β with IC50 value of 71 nM. The molecular docking studies revealed that (4i) showed good binding affinity to GSK-3β and revealed multiple H-bonding and p-cation interactions with important amino acid residues on the receptor site. Compound (4i) may thus serve as a potential candidate for further development of novel anticancer therapeutics.

Benzoxaboroles are versatile boron heterocyclic compounds that have demonstrated a plethora of pharmacological activities including anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, anti- trypanosomal, ectoparasiticide, anti-cancer, anti-pneumococcal as well as anti-tubercular. The potential therapeutic profile of benzoxaboroles has led to the fast development of benzoxaborole chemistry and the development of novel strategies for the synthesis of a variety of benzoxaboroles. Some of the benzoxaborole based lead candidates with excellent pharmacological activities have been tested clinically for the treatment of numerous diseases. FDA has recently approved drugs that possess benzoxaborole moieties such as Tavaborole for toenail onychomycosis and Crisaborole for atopic dermatitis. These advancements have carved a new way for benzoxaborole as an attractive and remarkable scaffold in medicinal chemistry worldwide. This review focuses on the major developments in benzoxaborole chemistry, synthetic approaches, physical properties as well as pharmacological importance including structure activity relationship and mechanism of action of this class of compounds.

Whole wheat breads are usually packed in low density polyethylene (LDPE) or polypropylene (PP) based packets, however, owing to a blanket ban on non-biodegradable plastics, packaging materials derived from renewable ligno-cellulosic fibers, are gaining prevalence. This study takes into account, the purchase intention, overall acceptance and storability of uncoated (U), functional chitosan coated (CC) and beeswax-chitosan emulsion coated (WC) paper packaging materials, for whole wheat bread loaves stored at refrigerated (5 ± 2 °C) and ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C) conditions. LDPE served as control. Overall consumer acceptability and the buying behavior suggested maximum acceptability of WC papers for whole wheat breads. The analytical and microbiological attributes of chitosan and emulsion coated paper packaged breads were better in comparison to that of LDPE. The changes in moisture content (39.12 ± 0.3% - 34.99 ± 0.3%) and alkaline water retention capacity (357.9 ± 2.07%–344 ± 2.0%) of bread samples were found to be significant under packaged storage at both temperatures (p

Recent findings of potential implications of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) dysfunction in psychiatric disorders like depression, have increased focus for development of GSK-3β inhibitors with possible anti-depressant activity. Keeping this in view, we synthesized a series of benzimidazole-linked-1,3,4-oxadiazole carboxamides and evaluated them for in vitro GSK-3β inhibition. Active compounds were investigated for in vivo antidepressant activity in Wistar rats. Docking studies of active compounds have also been performed. Among nineteen compounds synthesized, compounds 7a , 7r , 7j , and 7d exhibited significant potency against GSK-3β in sub-micromolar range with IC 50 values of 0.13 μM, 0.14 μM, 0.20 μM, 0.22 μM respectively and significantly reduced immobility time (antidepressant-like activity) in rats compared to control group. Docking study showed key interactions of these compounds with GSK-3β. These compounds may thus serve as valuable candidates for subsequent development of effective drugs against depression and related disorders.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 is a multi-functional serine-threonine kinase and is involved in diverse physiological processes, including metabolism, cell cycle, and gene expression by regulating a wide variety of known substrates like glycogen synthase, tau-protein and β-catenin. Aberrant GSK-3 has been involved in diabetes, inflammation, cancer, Alzheimer's and bipolar disorder. In this review, we present an overview of the involvement of GSK-3 in various signalling pathways, resulting in a number of adverse pathologies due to its dysregulation. In addition, a detailed description of the small molecule inhibitors of GSK-3 with different mode of action discovered or specifically developed for GSK-3 has been presented. Furthermore, some clues for the future optimization of these promising molecules to develop specific drugs inhibiting GSK-3, for the treatment of associated disease conditions have also been discussed.

GSK-3 specific inhibitors are promising candidates for the treatment of devastating pathologies such as diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. We have synthesized a library of pyrimidin-4-one-1,2,3-triazole conjugates using click-chemistry approach and evaluated them as glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitors. Compounds 3g, 3j, 3n and 3r were found to be most potent among the eighteen pyrimidin-4-one-1,2,3-triazole conjugates synthesized and they were further evaluated for their in vivo anti-depressant activity. Compound 3n (2-((1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methylthio)-3-methyl-6-phenylpyrimidin-4(3H)-one) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against GSK-3β with IC50 value of 82nM and was also found to exhibit significant antidepressant activity at 50mg/kg, when compared with fluoxetine, a known antidepressant drug. The molecular docking studies were performed to elucidate the binding modes of the compounds with the GSK-3β target and two crucial interactions namely, hydrogen bond formation with Val 135 and Lys 183 residues in the active site of GSK-3β were observed.

A library of nineteen benzoxazolinone-based 1,3,4-thiadiazoles has been synthesized and screened for their anti-inflammatory activity. The compound 1f exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory activity with an inhibition of 65.83% and 32.50% after 3 h and 5 h respectively. It also exhibited a significant in vitro (p < 0.01), TNF- α inhibitory activity with 51.44 % inhibition. The compound 1f showed hydrogen bonding with GLN 61 and interactions with TYR 119, TYR 151 and GLY 121. The histopathology report showed that none of the compounds caused gastric ulceration. The results from the in vivo & in vitro antiinflammatory activity along with In Silico studies exhibit that benzoxazolinone-based 1,3,4-thiadiazoles may be used in the future development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Callistemon lanceolatus (Sm.) Sweet grows all over the world and used to treat cough and bronchitis. The air-dried powder of the aerial parts was exhaustively extracted with methanol and the concentrated extract was adsorbed on silica gel for preparation of slurry. It was dried and subjected to silica gel column packed in petroleum ether. The column was eluted with organic solvents in order of increasing polarity to isolate 1-triacosanol (1), n-eicosanyl palmitate (2), n-heptadecanyl arachidate (3), n-tricosanyl palmitate, (4), 4-hydroxyphenethyl carbocerate (5), 4-hydroxyphenethyl gheddate (6), urs-12-en-3α-acetoxy-18β-H-28-oic acid (7) and stigmast-5-en-3β-ol-3β-D-glucuronopyranoside (8). Among them, compound 5 and 6 were new fatty acid ester isolated from this plant. Compound 7 showed MIC 32 µg/mL against E. coli which was comparable to amoxicillin having same MIC 32 µg/mL. Compound 5 and 6 showed significant antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH due to the presence of phenolic groups.

Attributed to several side effects, especially on hepatic tissues and body weight, there is always an urge of innovation and upgrading in already existing medication being used in maintaining diabetic condition. Therefore, in the present work, forty-eight molecules derived from arylpropionic acid scaffold were synthesized and their evaluation against diabetes was carried out. The synthesis of these molecules attributed to excellent dock score displayed by all the structures performed against PPAR-γ receptor site. Subsequently, all the derivatives were primarily deduced for their antidiabetic potential by OGTT. The compounds that showed significant antidiabetic activity in OGT Test and also exhibited high dock scores were assessed further by in vitro PPAR transactivation assay to assure analogy between in vivo and in vitro studies. The antidiabetic activity of these active compounds was then evaluated on STZ induced diabetic model in vivo. The most active compounds were scrutinized for its effect on PPAR-γ gene expression and hepatotoxic effect. Finally, it was recapitulated that these derivatives can provide a new prospect towards the development of antidiabetic agents with fewer side effects.

Piperine is an alkaloid responsible for the pungency of black pepper. In this study, piperine isolated from Piper nigrum L. was hydrolyzed under basic condition to obtain piperic acid and was used as precursor to carry out the synthesis of twenty piperine derivatives containing benzothiazole moiety. All the benzothiazole derivatives were evaluated for their antidiabetic potential by OGT test followed by assessment of active derivatives on STZ-induced diabetic model. It was observed that nine of twenty novel piperine analogues (5b, 6a-h), showed significantly higher antidiabetic activity in comparison with rosiglitazone (standard). Furthermore, these active derivatives were evaluated for their action as PPAR-γ agonists demonstrating their mechanism of action. The effects on body weight, lipid peroxidation, and hepatotoxicity after administration with active derivatives were also studied to further establish these derivatives as lead molecules for treatment of diabetes with lesser side-effects.

Novel pyrimidin-4-one derivatives have been synthesized using EDC coupling and evaluated as glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitors. Among all the synthesized compounds, compound 5 (3-methyl-6-phenyl-2-(piperazin-1-yl)-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-4-one) exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against GSK-3β with IC50 value of 74 nm. The molecular docking studies were performed to elucidate the binding modes of the compounds with the target, and a crucial interaction involving hydrogen bond formation with Val-135 to the active site of GSK-3β was observed. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds were subjected to in vivo evaluation of their antidepressant activity, and compound 5 showing highest inhibition of GSK-3β was also found to significantly reduce the duration of immobility at 50 mg/kg, when compared with fluoxetine, a known antidepressant drug. The results of our study suggest that compound 5 may serve as a valuable template for the design and development of inhibitors of GSK-3β with antidepressant activity.

A series of aryl anilinomaleimide based derivatives has been synthesized and evaluated for in vitro glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitory activity. A large number of compounds from the series exhibited moderate to potent inhibitory activity against GSK-3β, with more than one-third of the compounds showing inhibition with IC50 values

A series of novel benzimidazole-based 1,3,4-oxadiazole-1,2,3-triazole conjugates has been synthesized and evaluated for GSK-3β inhibitory activity in vitro. Compounds 7q, 7b, 7e and 7n exhibited significant inhibition with sub-micromolar IC50 values (0.15, 0.27, 0.32 and 0.39 μM respectively) and were examined further for antidepressant activity by forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) models in Wistar rats. In both TST and FST models, all the test compounds were found to significantly reduce the immobility time period (displaying antidepressant-like activity) in comparison to a normal saline treated control group. Compound 7q was found to be the most active. Molecular docking studies of the active compounds 7q, 7b, 7e and 7n were also performed against GSK-3β to gain an understanding of their binding interactions.

In the present study, twenty-eight benzothiazole based sulfonylureas/sulfonylthioureas were synthesized and were assessed for their antidiabetic effect in a normoglycemic rat model by the in vivo oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). All the synthesized compounds were studied for their interactions inside the PPAR-γ receptor site through a docking study. Subsequently, in vitro PPAR-γ transactivation assay was performed on ten active compounds 7c, 7d, 7i–l, 8c, 8d, 8g, and 8h which showed potent antidiabetic activity in the OGTT (better than standard drugs) and also showed a good dock score with the PPAR-γ receptor site. These active ten compounds were also found to transactivate PPAR and therefore were assessed for their antidiabetic potential on the STZ induced diabetic model. Effects of these compounds on body weight were also monitored during the course of study. Furthermore, the most effective compound 7j was evaluated for its effect on PPAR-γ gene expression.

A new series of thirty two 2-imino-4-thiazolidinone derivatives were synthesized, and the synthesized compounds were docked for in silico studies against the TNF-α target. The predicted results were confirmed through an in vitro TNF-α study which revealed that compounds 3f and 3g showed better TNF-α inhibition as compared to the standard drug indomethacin without causing any cytotoxicity. Fourteen compounds exhibiting significant in vitro TNF-α activity were further tested for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity by a carrageenan induced method. Compounds 3f and 3g showed better inhibition of inflammation in vivo as compared to the standard drug without causing any damage to the stomach. Furthermore, an immunohistochemical study showed that the compounds 3f and 3g exhibited better reduction in protein expression of TNF-α as compared to indomethacin. The in silico, in vitro and in vivo studies suggested that the compounds 3f and 3g might be considered as potent anti-inflammatory agents.

Twenty one pyrazoline containing benzenesulfonylureas were synthesized and docked against PPAR-γ target. All the compounds were first screened for their antidiabetic potential by oral glucose tolerance test and then six active compounds were assessed on STZ diabetic model. It was found that five compounds showed significantly high antidiabetic activity in comparison to glibenclamide as well as rosiglitazone (standard drugs). The active compounds were evaluated for their effect on body weight since weight management is one of the main concerns associated with sulfonylureas. Finally, the most active compound 6f was shown to elevate PPAR-γ gene expression. The synthesized compounds were also screened for anticancer activity by National Cancer Institute. Five compounds (5i, 6e, 6g, 6i and 6j) were selected at one dose level and showed potency against cancers.

Butenolide-based eighteen new amide derivatives (1–18) have been synthesized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. The compounds 9, 17 and 4 exhibited significant in vivo inhibition of 84.69, 76.52 and 76.22 % inflammation, respectively, after 5 h without causing any damage to stomach and liver in comparison with the standard drug indomethacin which showed 79.04 % inhibition. The compounds showing potent anti-inflammatory activity were further evaluated for ex vivo TNF-α suppression. Compounds 9, 17 and 4 significantly suppressed TNF-α concentration to 74.83, 71.74 and 67.11 % as compared to indomethacin which exhibited a suppression of 69.01 %. Compounds 9 and 17 were also found to suppress the expression of COX-2 and NF-κB in the paw tissue. Moreover, compound 9 showed significant analgesic activity (57.03 %) which was comparable to indomethacin (61.03 %).

A library of synthesized conjugates of phenoxy acetic acid and thiazolidinedione 5a-m showed potent peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) transactivation as well as significant blood glucose lowering effect comparable to the standard drugs pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. Most of the compounds showed higher docking scores than the standard drug rosiglitazone in the molecular docking study. Compounds 5l and 5m exhibited PPAR-γ transactivation of 54.21 and 55.41%, respectively, in comparison to the standard drugs pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, which showed 65.94 and 82.21% activation, respectively. Compounds 5l and 5m significantly lowered the blood glucose level of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Compounds 5l and 5m lowered the AST, ALT, and ALP levels more than the standard drug pioglitazone. PPAR-γ gene expression was significantly increased by compound 5m (2.00-fold) in comparison to the standard drugs pioglitazone (1.5-fold) and rosiglitazone (1.0-fold). Compounds 5l and 5m did not cause any damage to the liver and could be considered as promising candidates for the development of new antidiabetic agents.

Despite a significant work on thiadiazoles, continuous efforts are still being made to identify novel heterocyclic compounds with potent biological activities. This review may help the medicinal chemists to develop new leads possessing 1,3,4-thiadiazole nucleus with higher efficacy and reduced side effects. This review throws light on the detailed synthetic approaches which have been used for the synthesis of thiadiazoles. This has been followed by the in depth analysis of the thiadiazoles with respect to their medicinal significance.

A focused library of novel benzyl pyrrolones has been synthesized and their in silico molecular docking studies carried out against TNF-α target. Among all the docked molecules, compound 3f showed best glide score of -6.89. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Compounds showing significant anti-inflammatory activity were further tested for their in vitro TNF α expression. Compounds 3b and 2b were found to show significant inhibition of 76.22% and 71.47%, respectively after 5 h in comparison with standard drug indomethacin, which showed 80.98% inhibition of inflammation. Compounds 3b and 2b also suppressed TNF α level by 65.03% and 60.90% as compared indomethacin, which showed 68.84% of inhibition. Compound 3b showed significant analgesic activity of 60.04%, and its activity was comparable with indomethacin (64.04%). Compounds 3b and 2b were also tested for their effect on protein expression of COX-2 and NF-κB in the liver tissues. Compounds 3b and 2b were further evaluated for their gastric risk and lipid peroxidation action and showed superior GI safety along with reduction of LPO as compared to indomethacin. Hepatotoxicity study showed that these two compounds did not cause any damage to liver.

The present study aims at the synthesis of pyrazolines bearing benzothiazole and their evaluation as anti-inflammatory agents. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory potential using carrageenan induced paw edema model. Two compounds 5a and 5d alleviated inflammation more than the standard drug celecoxib. Eight compounds 5b , 5c , 5e , 5g , 5h , 6b , 6e and 6f showed anti-inflammatory activity comparable to celecoxib. To understand the mode of action, COX-2 enzyme assay and TNF-α assay were carried out. All the active compounds were assessed for their cytotoxicity. The ulcerogenic risk evaluation was performed on the active compounds that were not found to be cytotoxic. Out of ten active compounds, two compounds ( 5d and 6f ) were finally found to be the most potent anti-inflammatory agents attributing to the suppression of the COX-2 enzyme activity and TNF-α production without being either cytotoxic or ulcerogenic.

In the present study a library of twenty six benzenesulfonylureas containing thiophenylpyrazoline moiety has been synthesized. All the compounds were docked against PPAR-γ target. Most of the compounds displayed higher dock score than standard drugs, glibenclamide and rosiglitazone. All the synthesized compounds were primarily evaluated for their antidiabetic effect by oral glucose tolerance test. Further assessment of antidiabetic potential of sixteen active compounds was then done on STZ induced diabetic model. The results of in vivo activity by both the methods were found to be consistent with each other as well as with docking studies. Change in body weight of STZ induced animals post treatment was also assessed at the end of study. In vitro PPAR-γ transactivation assay was performed on active compounds in order to validate docking results and the most active compound 3 k was also shown to elevate gene expression of PPAR-γ. Furthermore, the compounds were screened by National Cancer Institute, Bethesda for anticancer effect and two compounds 3h and 3 i were selected at one dose level since they exhibited sensitivity towards tumor cell lines (mainly melanoma).

A library of novel 1,3,4-oxadiazole and 2-4-thiazolidinedione based bis-heterocycles 7 (a-r) has been synthesized which exhibited significant PPAR-γ transactivation and blood glucose lowering effect comparable with the standard drugs Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone. Compounds 7m and 7r did not cause body weight gain and were found to be free from hepatotoxic and cardiotoxic side effects. Compounds 7m and 7r increased PPAR-γ gene expression by 2.10 and 2.00 folds, respectively in comparison to the standard drugs Pioglitazone (1.5 fold) and Rosiglitazone (1.0 fold). Therefore the compounds 7m and 7r may be considered as potential candidates for development of new antidiabetic agents.

Recent studies reveal that glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) acts as a pro-inflammatory enzyme, and by inhibiting this kinase, inflammation can be controlled. In this regard, a series of 17 piperazine-linked oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridine-based derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for in vitro GSK-3β inhibitory and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The compounds 7d, 7e, 7g, and 7c displayed the best GSK-3β inhibitory activity among all the synthesized compounds, with corresponding IC

Ethnopharmacological relevance Traditionally, Aporosa lindleyana Baill. has been used against various ailments viz . jaundice, fever, headache, seminal loss and insanity. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of Aporosa lindleyana Baill. bark and its fractions. Method The anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Aporosa lindleyana Baill. bark and its various fractions at doses of 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg b.w. has been carried out by a carrageenan induced hind paw edema method. To establish the probable mechanism of action, TNF-α and NO levels have been estimated by an ELISA method and the effect of active fraction on COX-2 and NF-κB expressions has been evaluated. The effect on the levels of anti-oxidative enzymes (CAT, SOD & GPX) by the ethanolic extract and its fractions has also been investigated. Furthermore, peptic ulcer and hepatotoxic risk evaluation has also been carried out at three times higher dose than that used in inflammatory in vivo model. Results Among the extract and its various fractions tested for anti-inflammatory activity, the methanolic fraction at a dose of 300 mg/kg showed significant inhibition in paw edema by 73% as compared to Indomethacin which showed 77% inhibition after 5 h. The same dose of methanolic fraction also caused significant reduction in TNF-α (59.27%) and NO concentration (57.12%) while Indomethacin showed inhibition of 63.91% and 60.12%. The active methanolic fraction was also found to inhibit the expression of NF-κB and COX-2 induced by carrageenan. Histological studies showed that the ethanolic extract and its fractions did not cause any damage to the stomach as well as to liver. Moreover, the active fractions also decreased lipid peroxidation levels and increased the antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPX). Conclusion The results of present study demonstrated that significant anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic fraction of Aporosa lindleyana may be attributed to the modulation of pro-inflammatory mediators. Same fraction was also found to be effective against oxidative stress as it was found to elevate the levels of anti-oxidative enzymes. It can therefore be concluded that the methanolic fraction could be explored as a disease modifying agent against inflammation and oxidative stress.

A library of conjugates of chromones and 2,4-thiazolidinedione has been synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation followed by reduction using hydrogen gas and Pd/C as a catalyst. Compounds 5c and 5e were most effective in lowering the blood glucose level comparable to standard drug pioglitazone. Compound 5e exhibited potent PPAR-γ transactivation of 48.72% in comparison to pioglitazone (62.48%). All the molecules showed good glide score against the PPAR-γ target in molecular docking study. PPAR-γ gene expression was significantly increased by compound 5e (2.56-fold) in comparison to standard drug pioglitazone. Compounds 5e and 5c did not cause any damage to the liver and may be considered as promising candidates for the development of new antidiabetic agents.

A library of 20 novel benzoxazolinone-based 1,2,4-triazoles has been synthesised and screened for their in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. The compound 18e exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity with 68.75 and 55.20 % inhibition in comparison to indomethacin which showed 65.62 and 60.41 % inhibition after 3 and 5 h, respectively. The five active compounds, i.e. 2a and 17e–20e showing significant in vivo anti-inflammatory activity have been screened for their in vivo COX-2, TNF-α, IL-1β and NO inhibitory activities. The COX-2 selectivity index of 17e was found to be 42.30 and thereby showing a high selectivity towards COX-2 inhibition. In silico molecular docking studies have been done in order to get an insight into the binding modes of these molecules with TNF-α protein. The compound 20e exhibited potent antinociceptive activity with 56.70 % inhibition of analgesia. The compounds 2a and 17e–20e did not exhibit any gastric ulceration.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Trapa natans L. has a folkloric reputation as nutrient, appetizer and astringent. Its utility as antidiabetic, anticancer, diuretic, aphrodisiac, antidiarrhoeal and in many other maladies is well reported in the literature. Therefore, the present study has been carried out to study the antihyperglycemic effect of root extract of Trapa natans L. and its various fractions. Furthermore, hepatotoxic effects and lipid peroxidation risks have also been evaluated. Methods The ethanol extract and its successive fractions obtained from roots of Trapa natans have been administered in sucrose loaded and STZ- induced diabetic Wistar rats at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. Glibenclamide was used as positive control. The evaluation of protective effects of extract as well as fractions against hepatotoxicity and lipid peroxidation at 600 mg/kg b.w. has also been carried out. Results The methanol fraction emerged as the most potent antihyperglycemic fraction. It has also been found that the ethanolic extract as well as its fractions did not cause any lipid peroxidation and hepatotoxicity risks. Conclusion It can be concluded that the intense investigations of the methanol fraction obtained from Trapa natans root extract can be done to provide an alternative natural therapy for hyperglycemia.

Two new triterpenoids characterised as 30-normethyl fernen-22-one (capillirone, 1) and hopan-3β-ol (capillirol B, 2), along with two known triterpenoids, 4-α-hydroxyfilican-3-one and 3-β,4-α-dihydroxyfilicane, have been isolated from the ethanolic extract of the fronds of Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. (Adiantaceae). Compounds 1 and 3 showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with 33.07% (p < 0.01) and 42.30% (p < 0.001) inhibition as compared to indomethacin that exhibited 60.00% (p < 0.001) inhibition after 3 h in the carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema method. Compound 3 showed potent anti-nociceptive activity with 42.37% inhibition as compared to indomethacin that showed 45.34% inhibition in the writhing test.

A library of fourteen 2-imino-4-thiazolidinone derivatives (1a-1n) has been synthesized and evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and effect on ex-vivo COX-2 and TNF-α expression. Compounds 1k (5-(2,4-dichloro-phenooxy)-acetic acid (3-benzyl-4-oxo-thiazolidin-2-ylidene)-hydrazide) and 1m (5-(2,4-dichloro-phenooxy)-acetic acid (3-cyclohexyl-4-oxo-thiazolidin-2-ylidene)-hydrazide) exhibited in vivo inhibition of 81.14% and 78.80% respectively after 5h in comparison to indomethacin which showed 76.36% inhibition of inflammation without causing any damage to the stomach. Compound 1k showed a reduction of 68.32% in the level of COX-2 as compared to the indomethacin which exhibited 66.23% inhibition of COX-2. The selectivity index of compound 1k was found to be 29.00 in comparison to indomethacin showing selectivity index of 0.476. Compounds 1k and 1m were also found to significantly suppress TNF-α concentration to 70.10% and 68.43% in comparison to indomethacin which exhibited 66.45% suppression.

A series of benzimidazole based thiadiazole and carbohydrazide conjugates have been synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β and anti-depressant effect. Compounds 4f, 4j, 5b, 5g and 5i were found to be the most potent inhibitors of GSK-3β in vitro amongst the twenty-five benzimidazole based thiadiazole and carbohydrazide conjugates synthesized. Compound 5i was also found to exhibit significant antidepressant activity in vivo at 50 mg/kg, when compared to fluoxetine, a known antidepressant drug. The molecular docking studies revealed multiple hydrogen bond interactions by the synthesized compounds with various amino acid residues, viz, ASP-133, LYS-183, PRO-136, VAL-135, TYR-134, or LYS-60 at the GSK-3β receptor site.

Five (2a–e) benzenesulfonylurea derivatives bearing pyridazinone were synthesized by refluxing the appropriate 6-aryl-2-(p-sulfamylphenyl)-4,5-dihydropyridazine-3(2H)-one with benzylisocyanate in dry acetone over anhydrous K2CO3. These compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and various spectroscopic techniques viz; IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS data. These compounds (2a–e) at the dose of 20 mg/kg were tested for blood glucose lowering activity in glucose-fed hyperglycemic normal rats. Compound 2b showed more potent anti-hyperglycemic activity than the standard drug gliclazide. The compound 2b was also tested for its hypoglycemic effect in fasted normal rats. It also showed significant hypoglycemic effect (but less than that of gliclazide).

A novel series of oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridine-2-one based 1,2,3-triazoles has been synthesized by click chemistry approach and evaluated for in vitro GSK-3β inhibitory activity. Compound 4g showed maximum inhibition with IC50 value of 0.19 μm. Keeping in view the effect of GSK-3β inhibition on inflammation, compounds 4g, 4d, 4f, 4i, 4n and 4q exhibiting significant GSK-3β inhibition were examined for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rat paw edema model. The compounds 4g, 4d, 4f and 4i showed pronounced in vivo anti-inflammatory activity (76.36, 74.54, 72.72 and 70.90%, respectively, after 5h post-carrageenan administration) and were further found to inhibit the pro-inflammatory mediators, viz. NO, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 substantially in comparison with indomethacin, an anti-inflammatory drug as well as SB216763, a GSK-3β inhibitor, reported to exert a similar effect. Histopathology studies confirmed the tolerance of gastric mucosa to these compounds.

A series of 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-[5-{(biphenyl-4-yloxy)methyl}4-(substituted phenyl)-3-mercapto-(4H)-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)] ethanones (6a-6s) and 4-(substituted phenyl)-3-(morpholin/pyrrolidin-4-ylmethylthio)-5-(4-phenylphenoxymethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles (7a-7e) were synthesized in order to obtain new compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity with insignificant ulceration. Among the synthesized compounds, (6c), (6e), (6g) and (6l) from triazole series and (7b) and (7e) from Mannich base series were found to exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity with 59.69, 59.69, 64.69, 79.84, 54.54, 79.69% and 52.55, 57.50, 72.52, 83.03, 60.06, 84.08% inhibition of paw edema at 3 h and 5 h respectively, in comparison to the standard drug ibuprofen (78.93 and 82.58% at 3 h and 5 h). The active compounds were further tested for their analgesic activity and gastric ulceration study. Compounds 6g, 7b and 7e exhibited significant analgesic activity with reaction time (3.60, 3.22, 3.88 s) respectively at 60 min. without causing any gastric irritation. These compounds were also screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity, Compounds 6f, 6g, 6h, 6l, 6o, 6p, 7a, 7b and 7c showed significant zone of inhibition against various antimicrobial stains. It is concluded that the compounds 6g, 7b and 7e possess a good spectrum of activities. Compound 7e may be considered potent for development of better anti-inflammatory agent. The antimicrobial activity revealed that most of the compounds showed moderate to significant activity. Compounds containing nitro, chloro, bromo and fluoro group showing better activity. All the compounds from 7a, 7b and 7e were active against gram positive bacteria (S. aureus).

Some new benzenesulfonylthiourea derivatives substituted with pyridazinone (2a–o) were synthesized by refluxing the appropriate 6-aryl-2-(p-sulfamylphenyl)-4,5-dihydropyridazine-3(2H)-ones with isothiocyanate in dry acetone over anhydrous K2CO3. All the synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT and MS data, and elemental analysis. These compounds at the dose of 20 mg/kg were tested for blood glucose lowering activity in glucose-fed hyperglycemic normal rats. Five compounds (2a, 2d, 2l, 2m, and 2n) markedly reduced the content of glucose in rat blood (by more than 25%). Compound 2d showed the maximum reduction (38.8%).

Two new oleanane-type triterpene glycosides designated as Termiarjunoside I and Termiarjunoside II were isolated from stem bark of Terminalia arjuna (Combretaceae) and characterized as olean-1alpha,3beta,9alpha,22alpha-tetraol-12-en-28-oic acid-3beta-D-glucopyranoside (1) and olean-3alpha,5alpha,25-triol-12-en-23,28-dioic acid-3alpha-D-glucopyranoside (2) based on chemical and spectral data evidences. Both compounds 1 and 2 potently suppressed the release of nitric oxide and superoxide from macrophages and also inhibited aggregation of platelets.

Four new compounds, namely 7′-carboxylic-n.-heptacosanyl-glutarate, n.-nonacosan-6-ol-1,13-dioic acid, 4,12-dimethyl-n.-tetradeca-6,8,10-triene-1-ol-4-oic acid, and 8,14-13,17-diseco-stigmast-5,22-diene-3-α-ol, along with 2-hydroxytricontane and β.-sitosterol glycoside, have been isolated from the aerial parts of Uraria lagopoides. D.C. (Papilionaceae) and characterized by combination of chemical and spectral data analysis.

Despite a significant work on thiadiazoles, continuous efforts are still being made to identify novel heterocyclic compounds with potent biological activities. This review may help the medicinal chemists to develop new leads possessing 1,3,4-thiadiazole nucleus with higher efficacy and reduced side effects. This review throws light on the detailed synthetic approaches which have been used for the synthesis of thiadiazoles. This has been followed by the in depth analysis of the thiadiazoles with respect to their medicinal significance.

The present study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Trichosanthes dioica and its successive fractions. The effect on oxidative stress involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation was evaluated. The ethanolic extract and its successive fractions were administered at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg b. w. for testing their anti-inflammatory activity by a carrageenan-induced edema model. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited significant potency against inflammation. Pertaining to mechanistic insight, the anti-inflammatory effect might be attributed to the attenuation in tumor necrosis factor-α level (ELISA assay) and reduced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear transcription factor-κB (immunohistochemistry). The alleviation in oxidative stress has been pertinent to the elevation in the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) by active fractions. Furthermore, the ulcerogenic effect was insignificant even at a three times higher dose. Finally, it was concluded that the ethyl acetate fraction which showed significant biological potential against inflammation and oxidative stress could be viewed as a source of effective treatment.