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Abstract: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019 with severe respiratory failure and organ damage that later appeared as a pandemic disease. Worldwide, people’s mental and physical health and socioeconomic have been affected. Currently, with no promising treatment for COVID-19, the existing anti-viral drugs and vaccines are the only hope to boost the host immune system to reduce morbidity and mortality rate. Unfortunately, several reports show that people who are partially or fully vaccinated are still susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 immunopathology may include dysregulation of macrophages and monocytes, reduced type 1 interferons (IFN-1), and enhanced cytokine storm that results in hypersecretion of proinflammatory cytokines, capillary leak syndrome, intravascular coagulation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) ultimately leading to the worsening of patient’s condition and death in most cases. The recent use of cell-based therapies such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for critically ill COVID-19 patients has been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to alleviate cytokine release syndrome. It protects the alveolar epithelial cells by promoting immunomodulatory action and secreting therapeutic exosomes to improve lung function and attenuate respiratory failure. As a result, multiple clinical trials have been registered using MSCs that aim to use various cell sources, and dosages to promote safety and efficacy against COVID-19 infection. In this review, the possibility of using MSCs in COVID-19 treatment and its associated challenges in their use have been briefly discussed.

Cytotoxic effects of chloroform-methanol extract, protein extract and various fractions of ethanolic extracts of Curcuma amada rhizome were investigated on Human colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116). The ethanolic extract showed excellent cytotoxicity of all extracts with an IC50 value of 14.46µg followed by the Chloroform-methanol extract with an IC50 value of 18.31µg. The various fractions of ethanolic extracts fractionated with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol were also tested for cytotoxicity independently. Ethyl acetate fraction gave an IC50 value of 1012µg and n-butanol IC50 value was 43.19µg, with petroleum ether fraction giving no cytotoxicity. The crude proteins isolated from the rhizome showed good cytotoxicity and gave an IC50 of 43.1µg.

Abstract: To target brain cancer, various therapeutic options are present to fight against cancer cells. But the existing therapies are not showing a proper curation of cancer patients. Henceforth, activating the immune cells and targeting oncogenes/proteins might be an emerging therapeutic approach to target and destroy malignant brain tumor. Stem cells (SCs) are considered potential immunomodulators that trigger the highly suppressed immune system in the tumor microenvironment. Also, engineered SCs can repress the aberrantly expressed oncoproteins that cause tumor cell proliferation and growth. SCs have an excellent migration capability to reach the infected site and support the regeneration of damaged blood vessels and tissues. Likewise, oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) is a promising novel therapeutic molecule in which genetically modified viruses can selectively replicate and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy cells. Same as SCs, oncolytic viruses (OVs) tend to stimulate the host's innate and adaptive immune response to battle against the advanced brain tumor. In clinical studies, various OVs have shown good immunogenic responses with a high safety profile and tolerability against cancer patients with reduced morbidity and mortality rate. SCs act as an attractive cargo for OVs which helps to influence the tumor site and destroy the tumor volume. SCs protect the OVs from systemic degradation and promote therapeutic efficacy against cancer cells. SCs carried OVs might be a potential therapeutic way to bring an effective treatment option for brain tumors.

Increased effectiveness and decreasing toxicity are prime objectives in drug research. Overwhelming evidence suggests the use of appropriate combination therapy for the better efficacy of drugs owing to their synergistic profile. Dietary active constituents play a major role in health outcomes. Therefore, it is possible to increase the effectiveness of the drug by combining contemporary medication with active natural/semi-synthetic constituents. One such dietary constituent, caffeic acid (CA), is a by-product of the shikimate pathway in plants and is a polyphenol of hydroxycinnamic acid class. Extensive research on CA has proposed its efficacy against inflammatory, neurodegenerative, oncologic, and metabolic disorders. The synergistic/additive effects of CA in combination with drugs like caffeine, metformin, pioglitazone, and quercetin have been reported in several experimental models and thus the present review is an attempt to consolidate outcomes of this research. Multi-target-based mechanistic studies will facilitate the development of effective combination regimens of CA.

Cancer is one of the major causes of death in the world today. Although chemotherapeutic regimen remains the prime treatment of cancer, it is important to explore for newer compounds due to their adverse reactions and the growing rate of resistance. Traditionally, some plants are used for the treatment of cancers in India. However, no scientific data backing the evidence exists for the same. Among such plants is Cleome viscosa Linn, which is used in the Indian system of medicine for cancer treatment. To test its anticancer activity and generate scientifically reliable data, the extraction of whole plant has been carried out using methanol and fractions were generated using petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The fractions were first tested in vitro for their antiproliferative activity and mechanistic studies. In this paper, we report the anticancer potential of the fractions by a preliminary cytotoxicity activity in vitro using cell lines followed by the liquid tumor (EAC) model in mice. Upon screening on a panel of cancer cell lines, the fractions of petroleum ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate were found to possess significant cytotoxic activity on Hela and U343 cell lines. With this evidence, we have then tested the in vivo activity on mice using the liquid tumor model in which the fractions of pet ether, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate exhibit a potential anticancer activity which is evident in characteristics like inhibition of tumor progression, increase in the mean survival time and percentage increased life span along with a decrease in tumor volume. The fractions also showed significant anti-oxidant properties.

There is an urgent need for reliable cure and preventive measures in this hour of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. Siddha- and Ayurvedic-based classical formulations have antiviral properties and great potential therapeutic choice in this pandemic situation. In the current study, in silico-based analysis for the binding potential of phytoconstituents from the classical formulations suggested by the Ministry of Ayush (Kabasura Kudineer, Shwas Kuthar Rasa with Kantakari and pippali churna, Talisadi churna) to the interface domain of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 was performed. Maestro software from Schrodinger and tools like Glide Docking, induced fit docking, MM-GBSA, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and thermal MM-GBSA was used to analyze the binding of protein PDB ID:6VW1 and the selected 133 ligands in comparison with drug molecules like favipiravir and ribavirin. QikProp-based ADMET evaluation of all the phytoconstituents found them nontoxic and with drug-like properties. Selection of top ten ligands was made based on docking score for further MM-GBSA analysis. After performing IFD of top five molecules iso-chlorogenic acid, taxiphyllin, vasicine, catechin and caffeic acid, MD simulation and thermal MM-GBSA were done. Iso-chlorogenic acid had formed more stable interaction with key residue among all phytoconstituents. Computational-based study has highlighted the potential of the many constituents of traditional medicine to interact with the SARS-CoV-2 RBD and ACE2, which might stop the viral entry into the cell. However, in vivo experiments and clinical trials are necessary for supporting this claim. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11696-021-01917-z.

Breast cancer is a common form of cancer that affects both men and women. One of the most common types of genomic flaws in cancer is the aberrations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The benefit of dual targeting PI3K as well as mTOR is that the kinase-positive feedback loops are more effectively inhibited. Therefore, in the current study, structure-based models like molecular docking, MM-GBSA, Qikprop, induced fit docking, simulated molecular dynamics (MD), and thermal MM-GBSA were used to identify the phytochemicals from the zinc 15 database, which may inhibit PI3K and mTOR. After docking the phytochemicals with PI3K (PDB 4FA6), ten ligands based on the docking score were selected, among which salvianolic acid C had the highest docking score. Hence, salvianolic acid A was also docked. All the ligands taken showed a binding energy of greater than − 30 kcal/mol. The predicted ADME showed that the ligands have druggable properties. By performing MD of the top five ligands and salvianolic acid A, it was found that ZINC000059728582, ZINC000257545754, ZINC000253532301, and salvianolic acid A form a stable complex with PI3K protein, among which ZINC000014690026 showed interaction with Val 882 for more than 89% of the time. Salvianolic acid A is already proven to suppress tumor growth in acute myeloid leukemia by inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway, but the exact protein target is unknown. Therefore, the present study identifies new molecules and provides evidence for salvianolic acid A for dual inhibition. Further experiments must be performed both in vitro and in vivo to support the predictions of these computational tools. Graphical abstract

Tuberculosis continues to wreak havoc worldwide and caused around 1.4 million deaths in 2019. Hence, in our pursuit of developing novel antitubercular compounds, we are reporting the e-Pharmacophore-based design of DprE1 (decaprenylphosphoryl-ribose 2′-oxidase) inhibitors. In the present work, we have developed a four-feature e-Pharmacophore model based on the receptor–ligand cavity of DprE1 protein (PDB ID 4P8C) and mapped our previous reported library of compounds against it. The compounds were ranked on phase screen score, and the insights obtained from their alignment were used to design some novel compounds. The designed compounds were docked with DprE1 protein in extra-precision mode using Glide module of Maestro, Schrodinger. Some derivatives like B1, B2, B4, B5 and B12 showed comparable docking score (docking score > − 6.0) with respect to the co-crystallized ligand. The designed compounds were synthesized and characterized. In vitro antitubercular activity was carried out on Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (ATCC27294) strain using the agar dilution method, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. The compound B12 showed a MIC value of 1.56 μg/ml which was better than the standard drug ethambutol (3.125 μg/ml). Compounds B7 and B11 were found to be equipotent with ethambutol. Cytotoxicity studies against Vero cell lines proved that these compounds were non-cytotoxic. Molecular dynamic simulation study also suggests that compound B12 will form a stable complex with DprE1 protein and will show the crucial H-bond interaction with LYS418 residue. Further in vitro enzyme inhibition studies are required to validate these findings.

Purpose: Alzheimer’s is a disease affecting mostly the Older population leading to the deterioration of cognitive capabilities. The protective effect of Caffeic acid in Colchicineinduced dementia was evaluated in the current study. Materials and Methods: Colchicinewas administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) to the lateral ventricle of the brain (at the coordinates 0.8 mm posterior to bregma, 1.8 mm lateral to the sagittal suture, 3.6 mm below the cortical surface) using robotic stereotaxic apparatus that results in Alzheimer’s type sporadic dementia. Caffeic acid at the dose of 50 mg/kg p.o, was administered daily for 25 days starting four days before the colchicine injection and evaluated for its neuroprotective activity. The spatial memory of animals was evaluated using Morris water maze followed by biochemical estimations of acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant markers in the hippocampal and frontal cortex region of the brain. Results: Intracerebroventricular injection of colchicine in rat brain resulted in decreased cognitive abilities as evident in escape latency and average speed of the retention trial. Significant changes in the escape latency were noted in Caffeic acid-treated group. The level of acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant markers like glutathione, catalase, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase were significantly changed in the hippocampal region of the rats but not in the frontal cortex region in the caffeic acid treatment groups. Conclusion: The current study provides evidence for the neuroprotective and antioxidative potential of caffeic acid in intracerebroventricularly injected Colchicine-induced sporadic model of AD.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common, irreversible and progressive form of dementia for which the exact pathology and cause are still not clear. At present, we are only confined to symptomatic treatment, and the lack of disease-modifying therapeutics is worrisome. Alteration of Wnt signaling has been linked to metabolic diseases as well as AD. The crosstalk between Canonical Wnt signaling and insulin signaling pathway has been widely studied and accepted from several clinical and preclinical studies that have proven the beneficial effect of antidiabetic medications in the case of memory and cognition loss. This structure-based in silico study was focused on exploring the link between the currently available FDA approved antidiabetic drugs and the Wnt signaling pathway. The library of antidiabetics was obtained from drug bank and was screened for their binding affinity with protein (PDB ID: 3S2K) LRP6, a coreceptor of the Wnt signaling pathway using GLIDE module of Schrodinger. The top molecules, with higher docking score, binding energy and stable interactions, were subjected to energy-based calculation using MMGBSA, followed by a molecular dynamics-based simulation study. Drugs of class α-glucosidase inhibitors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) agonists were found to have a strong affinity towards LRP6 proteins, highlighting the possibility of the modulation of Wnt signaling by antidiabetics as one of the possible mechanisms for use in AD. However, further experimental based in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted for verification and support.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection remains to be one of the major threats throughout the world. Many researchers are working in this area to find a cure for HIV-1. The group of the FDA approved drugs which are currently used against HIV-1 in the clinical practice include nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), integrase inhibitors (InIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs). Fixed dose combinations (FDCs) of these drugs are available and are used as per the anti-retroviral therapy (ART) guidelines. Despite these, unfortunately, there is no cure for HIV1 infection to date. The present review is focused upon describing the importance of a post-transcriptional regulatory protein “Rev”, responsible for latent HIV-1 infection as a possible, and promising therapeutic target against HIV-1.

Scientific insights gained from the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks have been assisting scientists and researchers in the quest of antiviral drug discovery process against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronaviruses and influenza viruses both rely on the host type 2 transmembrane serine protease, TMPRSS2, for entry and propagation. Recent studies report SARS-CoV-2 also uses TMPRSS2 to enter cells. In the current study, we employed structure-based virtual screening of 1,82,651 natural compounds downloaded from the zin database against the homology model of the TMPRSS2 protein, followed by a molecular dynamics-based simulation to identify potential TMPRSS2 hits. The virtual screening yielded 110 hits with docking scores ranging from -8.654 to -6.775 and glide energies ranging from -55.714 to -29.065 kcal/mol. The binding mode analysis revealed that the hit molecules made H-bond, Pi-Pi stacking and salt bridge contacts with the TMPRSS2 active site residues. MD simulations of the top two hits (ZINC000095912839 and ZINC000085597504) revealed to form a stable complex with TMPRSS2, with a minimal RMSD and RMSF fluctuation. Both the hit structures interacted strongly with the Asp180, Gln183, Gly184, Ser186, Gly207 and Gly209, as predicted by Glide XP docking, and formed a significant H-bond interaction with Ser181 in MD simulation. Among these two, ZINC000095912839 was having the most stable binding interaction with TMPRSS2 of the two molecules. The present study successfully identified TMPRSS2 ligands from a database of zinc natural molecules as potential leads for novel SARs-CoV-2 treatment.The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11224-022-01991-3.

The scientific insights gained from the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreaks are helping scientists to fast-track the antiviral drug discovery process against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronaviruses, as well as influenza viruses, depend on host type 2 transmembrane serine protease, TMPRSS2, for entry and propagation in the human cell. Recent studies show that SARS-CoV-2 also uses TMPRSS2 for its cell entry. In the present study, a structure-based virtual screening of 52,337, protease ligands downloaded from the Zinc database was carried out against the homology model of TMPRSS2 protein followed by the molecular dynamics-based simulation to identify potential TMPRSS2 hits. The virtual screening has identified 13 hits with a docking score range of -10.447 to -9.863 and glide energy range of -60.737 to -40.479 kcal/mol. The binding mode analysis shows that the hit molecules form H-bond (Asp180, Gly184Gly209), Pi-Pi stacking (His41), and salt bridge (Asp180) type of contacts with the active site residues of TMPRSS2. In the MD simulation of ZINC000013444414, ZINC000137976768, and ZINC000143375720 hits show that these molecules form a stable complex with TMPRSS2. The complex equilibrates well with a minimal RMSD and RMSF fluctuation. All three structures, as predicted in Glide XP docking, show a prominent interaction with the Asp180, Gly184, Gly209, and His41. Further, MD simulation also identifies a notable H-bond interaction with Ser181 for all three hits. Among these hits, ZINC000143375720 shows the most stable binding interaction with TMPRSS2. The present study is successful in identifying TMPRSS2 ligands from zinc data base for a possible application in the treatment of COVID-19.

Wnt signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway responsible for neurogenesis, axon outgrowth, neuronal polarity, synapse formation, and maintenance. Downregulation of Wnt signaling has been found in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Several experimental approaches to activate Wnt signaling pathway have proven to be beneficial in alleviating AD, which is one of the new therapeutic approaches for AD. The current study focuses on the computational structure-based virtual screening followed by the identification of potential phytomolecules targeting different markers of Wnt signaling like WIF1, DKK1, LRP6, GSK-3β, and acetylcholine esterase. Initially, screening of 1924 compounds from the plant-based library of Zinc database was done for the selected five proteins using docking approach followed by MM-GBSA calculations. The top five hit molecules were identified for each protein. Based on docking score, and binding interactions, the top two hit molecules for each protein were selected as promising molecules for the molecular dynamic (MD) simulation study with the five proteins. Therefore, from this in silico based study, we report that Mangiferin could be a potential molecule targeting Wnt signaling pathway modulating the LRP6 activity, Baicalin for AChE activity, Chebulic acid for DKK1, ZINC103539689 for WIF1, and Morin for GSk-3β protein. However, further validation of the activity is warranted based on in vivo and in vitro experiments for better understanding and strong claim. This study provides an in silico approach for the identification of modulators of the Wnt signaling pathway as a new therapeutic approach for AD. Graphical Abstract

Para-methoxycinnamic acid (PMCA) and Ethyl-p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC) are reported to possess neuroprotective effect in reversing an acute memory deficit. However, there is a dearth of evidence for their therapeutic effect in chronic memory deficit. Thus, there is a scope to study these derivatives against the chronic model of cognitive dysfunction. The present study was aimed to determine the cognitive enhancing activity of PMCA and EPMC in aluminum-induced chronic dementia. Cognitive enhancing property of PMCA and EPMC was assessed using Morris water maze by analyzing spatial memory parameters such as escape latency, D-quadrant latency, and island entries. To find a possible mechanism, the effect of test compounds on altered acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress was determined in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of rats. Docking interaction of these derivatives with acetylcholinesterase enzyme and glutamate receptors was also studied. Treatment with PMCA and EPMC showed a significant improvement in spatial memory markers and altered hippocampal AChE activity in rats with cognitive dysfunction. The implication of hippocampal and cortical oxidative stress in memory impairment was confirmed with decreased catalase/increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in rats. PMCA and EPMC reversed the oxidative stress in the brain by negatively affecting TBARS levels. Against depleted catalase levels, PMCA was more effective than EPMC in raising the depleted catalase levels. In silico analysis revealed poor affinity of EPMC and PMCA with AChE enzyme and glutamate receptor. To conclude, PMCA and EPMC exerted cognitive enhancing property independent of direct AChE and glutamate receptor inhibition.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common, irreversible and progressive form of dementia for which the exact pathology and cause are still not clear. At present, we are only confined to symptomatic treatment, and the lack of disease-modifying therapeutics is worrisome. Alteration of Wnt signaling has been linked to metabolic diseases as well as AD. The crosstalk between Canonical Wnt signaling and insulin signaling pathway has been widely studied and accepted from several clinical and preclinical studies that have proven the beneficial effect of antidiabetic medications in the case of memory and cognition loss. This structure-based

Nanotechnology has created a revolutionary change for the past two decades, with significantly improved precision-based nanomedicine with improved targeted cellular bioavailability, potency, and reduced toxicity in the field of unmet clinical needs. The amalgamation of therapeutics and diagnostics into a single agent of nanoscale range termed as nanotheranostics technique has improved the area of diagnosis and individualized therapy. With this advancement, there is an urgent need for regulatory bodies to understand the science involved and thereby regulate these products to protect public health. The currently available testing approaches are limited and not enough to evaluate nanotoxicology for the clinical translation of the developed nanoscale medicinal products. Several specific techniques are under development for nanomedicines. Currently, there are no specific regulations regarding nanocarriers for drug delivery. There is a need for a dedicated protocol for the evaluation of nanoformulations with concern to the activity, safety, and toxicity of the active molecules as well as the nanocarrier.

Introduction: Around 5,00,000 women are affected by cervical cancer and nearly half of them end up losing the battle of life with this deadly disease. So, there is an urgent need for the synthesis and development of new, small, synthetic molecules to tackle this challenge. Schiff’s bases are derivatives of azomethine group (-CH=N-) and are highly reactive. Here a series of novel Schiff’s bases were synthesized by single step process of condensing substituted 2-amino benzothiazole with different benzaldehydes. Objectives: To design, synthesize novel Schiff’s bases of 2-amino benzothiazole and evaluate its anti-oxidant as well as anti-cancer activity. Methods: A total of 18 compounds were synthesized by single step process of condensing substituted 2-amino benzothiazole with different substituted benzaldehydes. These were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. The synthesized compounds were tested in-vitro for both antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. In-silico docking studies were performed on the crystal structure of the complex of caspase-3 with a nicotinic acid aldehyde inhibitor with PDB IDs 1RE1, 1RHM and 3DEH to study the interaction of the compounds with the receptor. Results: Majority of the derivatives displayed moderate to significant antiproliferative activity on HeLa cell line. Interestingly, the compound SP16 showed excellent activity with an IC50 value of 2.517μg/ml in comparison to the reference compound Cisplatin (17.2μg/ml). Compound SP7 and SP 15 showed favourable in silico interactions.Conclusion: A series of 18 novel Schiff’s bases of 2-amino benzothiazoles compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their biological activities. The compound SP16 showed excellent activity with an IC50 value of 2.517μg/ml in comparison to the reference compound Cisplatin and Compound SP7 and SP 15 showed favourable in silico interactions.

Two new alkaloids, designated as hypocretine 1 and 2, have been extracted from the aerial parts of Rivea hypocrateriformis, and their structures were established as 1-(4-(((1R,5S,6R)-(4-acetyl-2,6-dibutylphenoxy)- 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-6-yl)oxy)-2,6-dibutylphenyl)ethan-1-one and 1-(4-((3-(4-acetyl-2-butyl- 6-(4-hydroxybutyl)phenoxy)-8-methyl-8 azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-6-yl)oxy)-2-butyl-6-(4- hydroxybutyl)phenyl)ethan-1-one. These alkaloids were further characterized by mass and NMR spectral data analysis. Further studies were conducted to evaluate their antihemolytic and cytotoxic activity. The extracted compounds exhibited potent antihemolytic activity against cow erythrocytes. The results of the MTT assay for cytotoxicity revealed the antiproliferative activity of compounds 1and 2 against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.

Background Wnt signaling pathway plays a major role during development like gastrulation, axis formation, organ development and organization of body plan development. Wnt signaling aberration has been linked with various disease conditions like osteoporosis, colon cancer, hair follicle tumor, Leukemia, and Alzheimer's disease. Phytochemicals like flavonoid, glycosides, polyphenols, have been reported to directly target the markers of Wnt signaling in different disease models. Purpose The study deals in detail about the different phytochemical targeting key players of Wnt signaling pathway in diseases like Cancer, Osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease. We have focused on the Pharmacological basis of disease alleviation by phytochemical specifically targeting the Wnt signaling markers in this study. Methods The study focused on the published articles from the preclinical rodent and invitro cell line studies related to Wnt signaling and Phytochemicals related to Cancer, Alzheimer's and Osteoporosis. The electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science and Pubmed database were used for the systematic search of literatures from 2005 up to 2019 using keywords Canonical Wnt signaling pathway, Cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Osteoporosis, Phytochemicals. The focus was to identify the target specific modulation of Wnt signaling mediated by phytochemicals. Results Approximately 30 phytochemicals of different class have been identified to modulate Wnt signaling pathway acting through Axin, β-catenin translocation, GSK-3β, AKT, Wif-1 in various experimental studies. The down regulation of Wnt signaling is observed in Cancer mostly colorectal cancer, breast cancer mediated through mutations in APC and Axin genes. Different class of Phytochemicals such as flavonoid, glycosides, polyphenol, alkaloids etc. have been found to target Wnt signaling markers and alleviate Cancer. Similarly, Up regulation of Wnt signaling has been reported in Osteoporosis and neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion This review highlights the possibility of the Phytochemicals to target Wnt markers and its potential to either activate or deactivate the Wnt signaling pathway. It also describes the challenges in proper targeting of Wnt signaling and the potential risk and consequences of either up regulation or down regulation of the signaling pathway. This article highlights the possibility of Wnt signaling pathway as a therapeutic option in different diseases.

Neuroinflammation is considered as the pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Under inflammatory conditions, activation of microglial cells results in the increased expression of Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) levels, enhancing pro-inflammatory response. Computation based in silico docking studies were done using maestro interface to identify the inhibitors of PTP1B. A library of 1941 phytomolecules from Zinc database was screened for evaluation of their binding potential with PTP1B. Phytomolecules with better activity and binding were shortlisted after HTVS, SP, and XP mode of docking. The refining of the hit molecules was done by the analysis of the pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity prediction using QikProp tool. The molecules with better binding and pharmacokinetic properties were selected for WaterMap analysis and Molecular dynamics simulation study. The top three compounds were selected for further studies, including QikProp analysis, water map analysis, and molecular dynamics study. Compounds ZINC000001785780, ZINC000013543704, ZINC000040874044 were found to be potent inhibitors against PTP1B based on the docking score and binding interactions. Among the selected molecules, ZINC000013543704 showed better stability in the molecular dynamics simulation study and WaterMap study. The identified hit could be a potent inhibitor of PTP1B that further requires experimental validation using in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

The synthesis of a new series of (2E)-1-{1-[2,3-dichloro-6-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl}-3-aryl prop-2-en-1-one (5a–k) and (2E)-1-{1-[2,3-dichloro-6-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl}-3-(1,3-diaryl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)prop-2-en-1-one (6a–e) were carried out via a Claisen–Schmidt condensation of 1-{1-[2,3-dichloro-6-methyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl}ethanone (4) with different aryl and 1,3-diaryl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehydes iii(a-e) in the presence of ethanol and aqueous sodium hydroxide mixture respectively. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectral data and elemental analysis. Further, they were screened for their in vitro anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities. Most of the synthesized compounds were displayed broad spectrum of anti-microbial, anti-oxidant activities and some of them exhibits moderate to excellent anti-cancer activities on breast cancer cell lines. Overall, this work has contributed to the development of promising leads for anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities.

Cancer has become a global burden currently. Although various treatment options exist today, there is still an urgent need for screening newer drugs owing to the fact that the chemotherapeutic agents have a huge and debilitating side effect profile and a risk of resistance to the existing drugs. The present study was aimed at evaluating the anticancer properties of Clerodendrum indicum both in vitro and in vivo. Root extract of the plant was prepared by soxhlet extraction method using ethanol after overnight maceration and then partitioned with petroleum ether (PEF) and ethyl acetate (EAF). Total flavonoid content was estimated in the fractions using quercetin as standard followed by HPLC characterization. PEF contained 300.37μg and EAF contained 235.14μg flavonoid equivalent to quercetin per mg of fraction. MTT assay was performed to evaluate the in vitro antiproliferative activity and the IC50 values of EAF and PEF were found to be 72.83μg/ml and 31.33μg/ml respectively on HCT116 cell line. Apoptotic index was calculated to check the mode of cell death in the treated groups and the PEF fraction showed significant apoptotic index. Cell cycle analysis was carried out using flow cytometer to check the cell cycle specificity and the inhibition was specific to G2/M phase. Dimethyl hydrazine induced in vivo model of colon cancer was used to investigate the activity of the fractions in vivo on male Wistar rats. The fractions showed no significant change in the hematological parameters. The study showed that the fractions exhibited cytotoxic properties both in vitro and in vivo

Breast cancer is probably the most prevalent cancer in women. The development of resistance to therapeutic agents and lack of targeted therapy for breast cancer cells provide motivation to identify new compounds for the treatment. With this objective in mind, a new series of 3-fluoro-4-methoxyphenyl group based 1,3,5-trisubstituted aryl-5-hydroxypyrazoline analogues 4a-l was synthesized through multi-step reaction sequence. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, LC-MS and elemental analysis. They were screened for their in vitro anticancer and in vitro antioxidant activities. Among the tested compounds 4h, 4c and particularly 4i displayed promising cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cell lines. The compounds were also found to possess antioxidant activity when tested against DPPH free radical. Overall, this work has contributed to the development of promising leads for anticancer and antioxidant activities.

Various parts of Mimusops elengi Linn. (Sapotaceae) have been used widely in traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of pain, inflammation and wounds. The study was conducted to explore the use of stem bark of M. elengi on pharmacological grounds and to evaluate the scientific basis of cytotoxic and anti-tumor activity. Extract/fractions were prepared and in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using SRB assay. Most effective fractions were subjected to fluorescence microscopy based acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and Hoechst 33342 staining to determine apoptosis induction and DNA fragmentation assay. Comet and micronuclei assay were performed to assess genotoxicity. Cell cycle analysis was also performed. In vivo anti-tumor potential was evaluated by Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model in mice. The alcoholic stem bark extract of M. elengi along with four fractions showed potential in vitro cytotoxicity in SRB assay. Of these, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were selected for further studies. The fractions revealed apoptosis inducing potential in AO/EB and Hoechst 33342 staining, which was further confirmed by DNA fragmentation assay. Genotoxic potential was revealed by comet and micronuclei assay. Fractions also exhibited specific cell cycle inhibition in G0/G1 phase. In EAC model, ethyl acetate fraction along with the standard (cisplatin) effectively reduced the increase in body weight compared to control and improved mean survival time. Both fractions were able to restore the altered hematological and biochemical parameters. Hence, M. elengi stem bark may be a possible therapeutic candidate having cytotoxic and anti-tumor potential.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Justicia simplex D. Don. belonging to the family of Acanthaceae has been traditionally used for treatment of rheumatism, inflammation and bronchitis. The plant is traditionally considered as an anticancer medicine and is used by healers of Karnataka to treat various types of cancers. Aim of the study The present study aims at the elucidation of anticancer activity of various extracts of J. simplex, isolation of its active constituents and assessment of the role in growth inhibition and angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods Extracts of J. simplex was evaluated for the in vitro cytotoxic effect by Brine Shrimp Lethality assay, Trypan Blue dye exclusion assay and antiproliferative assay. In vivo cytotoxicity of the extracts were determined by liquid tumor model in Swiss albino mice. Tumor prognosis, metastasis and angiogenesis were assessed by VEGF expression of the solid tumor. Phytochemical analysis afforded the isolation of a compound, the chemical structure of which was established using IR, NMR and TOF-MS spectral method. The compound was also evaluated for the growth inhibitory and angiogenic effects. Results and conclusion The petroleum ether extract revealed potent anticancer activity in in vitro and in vivo studies. The anti-angiogenic effect is due to the down regulation of VEGF expression. The growth inhibitory assay revealed that the isolated compound namely triacontanoic ester of 5ʹʹ-hydroxyjustisolin is responsible for the anticancer activity.