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Herein, comparative studies were conducted on different species of Pleurotus mushroom (Pleurotus osteratus, Pleurotus eryngii, Pleurotus sajor caju, Pleurotus florida, and Pleurotus roseus), extracted in two different solvent systems: dichloromethane (DCM)-ethanol (Et) with the ratio of 1 : 1 (v/v) and 50% (v/v) ethanol. Comparably, 50% (v/v) ethanolic crude extract had a considerably higher extraction yield and total phenolic, carbohydrate, and protein content. Owing to a high total phenolic yield, 50% (v/v) ethanolic crude extract had better ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical. Contrarily, DCM-Et crude extract showed strong cytotoxic potential against the human breast cancer cell line (MD-MBA-231) and murine skin cancer cell line (B16F10). High-performance thin layer chromatography based methods were developed and validated as per the International Council for Harmonisation Q2(R1) for the determination of ergosterol. Ergosterol content in DCM-Et crude extract correlates with its cytotoxic potential., Author(s): Singh Shreya [sup.1] , Debadatta Mohapatra [sup.1] , Gaurav Gopal Naik [sup.1] , Yamini Bobde [sup.2] , Balaram Ghosh [sup.2] , Alakh N Sahu [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.467228.d, [...]

Exosomes, a category of extracellular vesicle (EV), are phospholipid bilayer structures ranging from 30 to 150 nm, produced by various organisms through the endosomal pathway. Recent studies have established the utilization of exosomes as nanocarriers for drug distribution across various therapeutic areas including cancer, acute liver injury, neuroprotection, oxidative stress, inflammation, etc. The importance of plant-derived exosomes and exosome vesicles derived from mammalian cells or milk, loaded with potent plant bioactives for various therapeutic indications are discussed along with insights into future perspectives. Moreover, this review provides a detailed understanding of exosome biogenesis, their composition, classification, stability of different types of exosomes, and different routes of administration along with the standard techniques used for isolating, purifying, and characterizing exosomes. Plain Language Summary Exosomes are tiny, spherical structures made of two layers of lipids, measuring between 30 and 150 nm in diameter. They are flexible, less harmful to the immune system, can cross barriers in the body, and also can be used as vehicles to carry drugs. Various methods are used to obtain, separate, and purify the exosomes based on their size, shape, density, and specific markers. Exosomes obtained from plants can treat various diseases as they are less toxic, have high permeability, and are environmentally safe. The chemical compounds obtained from plants can be loaded into the exosomes obtained from sources like milk, or human cells both healthy and diseased, having the ability to treat cancer, inflammation, liver diseases, etc. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT Article highlights Introduction to exosomes Exosomes are small vesicles released by most eukaryotic cells, that facilitate intercellular communication and possess an extended half-life, allowing them to traverse extended distances within the body under both normal and disease conditions. Advantages of exosomes The exceptional drug-delivery potential of exosomes, originating from their less immunogenic, non-cytotoxic, and non-mutagenic ability, surpasses that of liposomes. In advanced medicine, exosomes are investigated as a promising cell-free therapy due to their targeted effects on cells, reduced safety issues, and low manufacturing costs in comparison to cell-based therapies. Challenges with exosomes Human cell-derived exosomes have scalability and scalability challenges associated with the low yield. To address this exosome-derived plants have emerged as a promising alternative. Ethical concerns Researchers must thoroughly evaluate the potential risks associated with exosome-based therapies, including immunogenicity, off-target effects, and long-term complications. Patients should be fully informed about the nature of exosome therapy, including its potential benefits, risks, and uncertainties. In-depth investigation of the animal-derived, and plant-derived exosomes is required before using them for therapeutic interventions. Advantages of plant-derived exosomes Plant-derived exosomes owing to their small size are considered to be environmentally safe, less toxic, and have high permeability; biological functions and pharmacological properties of plant-derived exosomes closely resemble those of their parent plants and often surpass those of isolated plant compounds. Isolation & purification methods The selection of different isolation and purification methods such as ultracentrifugation, size-based separation, polymer-based methods, affinity-based separation, and microfluidic systems are to be taken care of as they can influence the purity and the physiological characteristics of the exosomes. Future perspectives The plant-derived exosomes with their superior advantages of higher yield, widely available, prolonged half-life, and better stability in biological fluids show future potential for treatment strategy and therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transethosomes, a fusion of transferosomes and ethosomes, combine the advantageous attributes of both vesicular systems to enhance deformability and skin permeation. While skin delivery is effective for drug transport, overcoming the skin barrier remains a significant challenge, particularly for plant-based products with poor permeability. Transethosomes offer a promising solution, but their low viscosity and retention on skin surfaces led to the development of transethosomal gels. These gels can entrap unstable and high molecular weight herbal extracts, fractions and bioactive compounds, facilitating enhanced drug delivery to the inner layers of the skin. This review focuses on the superior performance of transethosomes compared with conventional lipid-based nanovesicular systems, offering an advanced approach for transdermal delivery of plant-based drugs with improved permeability and stability. Graphical Abstract Article highlights Transdermal drug delivery is valued for controlled release and avoiding first-pass metabolism. Traditional formulations face challenges due to the skin's barrier, especially the stratum corneum. Transethosomes (TEs) offer a solution by disrupting lipid bilayers and enhancing drug permeation. However, TEs' low viscosity and skin surface retention need improvement. Transethosomal gel formulations combine TEs with a gel matrix, addressing these issues. These gels offer enhanced drug retention and controlled release. They hold promise for various therapeutic applications, but optimization is crucial for efficacy and safety. Properties of transethosomes Transethosomes are a combination of transferosomes and ethosomes. Which is composed of phospholipids, edge activators and ethanol. The flexibility of TEs facilitates penetration through skin lipid bilayers. Allow for the entrapment of high molecular weight, both hydrophilic and lipophilic phytochemical drugs, showing versatility. Mechanism of action of transethosomes Transethosomes penetrate deeper skin layers through two mechanisms: the ethanol impact mechanism and the vesicular mechanism, which involves hydrotaxis and elastomechanics. The ethanol impact mechanism relies on the solvent's ability to disrupt the skin's lipid barrier, facilitating penetration. Meanwhile, the vesicular mechanism utilizes the deformability and elasticity of transethosomes to navigate through the skin's layers, aided by hydration gradients and mechanical forces. Advantages of TEs & TEs gel in drug delivery TEs and TEs gel offers several advantages, including high patient compliance, avoidance of first-pass metabolism, improved bioavailability, high entrapment efficiency and controlled release. These properties make TEs and TEs gel promising candidates for effective transdermal drug delivery. Preparation methods of transethosomes Transethosomes are prepared following different preparation techniques: Solvent Injection Method, Thin-Film Hydration Method, Ethanol Injection Method, Reverse Phase Evaporation Method, Freeze-Thaw Method. Characterization & evaluation of TEs & TEs gel Techniques like particle size analysis, TEM, zeta potential measurement and FTIR spectroscopy provide insights into size, structure, stability and composition, ensuring their quality and effectiveness. The evaluation of transethosomal gel involves assessing its physical properties, drug release kinetics, skin permeation and stability. Techniques such as viscosity measurement, spreadability testing, drug release studies, skin permeation assays and stability testing under various conditions are employed to ensure their suitability for transdermal drug delivery. Optimization of TEs & TEs gel formulations To maximize the potential of TEs and TEs gel, several factors need careful consideration, including stability, purity of phospholipids, loading capacity, entrapment efficiency and formulation methodology. Optimization of these parameters is crucial for ensuring the efficacy and safety of TEs and TEs gel in transdermal drug delivery. Therapeutic applications of TEs gel Various TEs gel formulations, entrapping different plant extracts and bioactive compounds, have demonstrated high lipid solubility and therapeutic efficacy. Applications include pain management, dermatology, treatment of skin cancers, antibacterial therapy and systemic drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, nanotechnology is extensively employed in the medical profession. In this study, we used the aqueous extract of the bark of Mitragyna parvifolia to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by microwave-assisted green synthesis. The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by visual color change to brown color and characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 432 nm. The hydrodynamic diameter of the AgNPs was 171.81 nm having a zeta potential of −24.14 mV; Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of different functional groups on the NP surface; Scanning Electron Microscope and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy indicated predominantly circular shape of nanoparticle; Selected Area Electron Diffraction and X-ray Diffraction analyses determined the crystalline structure of AgNPs. Energy-Dispersive X-ray indicated the elemental composition and formation of AgNPs. The AgNPs were screened at different concentrations for antioxidant activity, antimicrobial, and anticancer potential in breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The AgNPs exhibited remarkable antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The sedative and antinociceptive activities were also tested on Swiss albino mice, which showed mild sedative and very potent antinociceptive activity. However, detailed mechanistic studies are warranted in the future for clinical application of the AgNPs as a biologically active agent as well as a carrier for drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Asparagus Racemosus" (AR) is an Ayurvedic rasayana possessing multiple neuropharmacological activities. The adpatogenic and antidepressant activity of AR is well documented. The present study was undertaken to assess nootropic and anti-amnesic activities of MAR in rats. The Morris water maze (MWM) and elevated plus maze (EPM) models were employed to evaluate learning and memory activity. Subsequently, the anti-amnestic activity was evaluated in scopolamine and sodium nitrite (NaNO[subscript 2])-induced amnestic models in rats. Rats pre-treated with MAR (50, 100 and 200mg/kg, p.o) for 7 days showed significant decrease in escape latency in the MWM test indicating nootropic activity. MAR also significantly reversed scopolamine and sodium nitrite-induced increase in transfer latency on EPM indicating anti-amnesic activity. Further, MAR dose-dependently inhibited acetylcholinesterase enzyme in specific brain regions (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus). Thus, MAR showed nootropic and anti-amnesic activities in the models tested and these effects may probably be mediated through augmentation of cholinergic system due to its anti-cholinesterase activity. (Contains 4 tables and 5 figures.)

The current work aims to develop and evaluate hydrogel containing silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans aqueous extract. The silver nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans were prepared by a green synthesis approach using 0.1 mM silver nitrate solution and a 1 % aqueous extract of Withania coagulans. The silver nanoparticles were used for characterization purposes, whereas the silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans were incorporated in the hydrogel formulation containing carbopol 971P NF of different concentrations, propylene glycol, triethanolamine and distilled water of appropriate amount. The silver nanoparticles were evaluated for their particle size (Zavg), polydispersity index, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The prepared hydrogels were assessed for physical appearance, pH, viscosity, syneresis, spreadability, occlusivity, and drug-excipient compatibility. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were stable and spherical in shape with an average particle size of 174.9±0.062 nm, indicating the particles were in the nano range and the polydispersity index value of 0.174±0.054 showed the homogeneity of particle size distribution. The scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy data reflected the spherical and smooth surface of silver nanoparticles. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis spectra of silver nanoparticles showed a strong spectral signal of silver. The crystalline nature of the silver nanoparticles was confirmed from the spot pattern obtained by selected area electron diffraction. The silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans loaded hydrogel formulations (F1, F2 and F3) were found to be yellowish-brown in color, homogeneous in nature, with pH of 6.24±0.047-6.78±0.082 and percentage syneresis from 0.46±0.074 to 1.47±0.12. The spreadability data (4.83±0.08-6.4±0.124 cm) indicated the easily spreadable nature of hydrogel and the viscosities in the range of 41840±257.07-87538±389.87 cp were found to be suitable for topical application. The percntage occlusiveness of the prepared hydrogel was found to be 54.43±1.24 to 74.82±2.48. The drug excipient compatibility by attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectroscopy revealed the compatibility of the extract with the hydrogel formulation components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of carbon dots via a green synthesis approach from natural products is one of the most researched areas nowadays. Herein, we present the synthesis of Piper longum leaves-derived aqueous carbon dots (PLACDs) via the simplest ecofriendly hydrothermal carbonization method. The PLACDs exhibited excitation-dependent emission behavior with maximum emission at 450 nm at an excitation wavelength of 365 nm. The High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy results showed a quasi-spherical shape with an average size of 4.121 nm. The sharp diffractions of X-ray diffraction revealed its nanocrystalline property. The Energy Dispersive X-ray spectra reflected the presence of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy disclosed the existence of –OH, –C=C, –C=O, and –C–O–C groups. The PLACDs presented excellent biocompatibility against B16F10 (melanoma) and SiHa (cervical carcinoma) cells lines with concentration-dependent in vitro bioimaging results. It also exhibited antiradical activity with the IC50 value of 0.499 mg/mL and 0.051 mg/mL against DPPH and ABTS.+, respectively. It showed Fe3+ sensing with a lower limit of detection of 0.673 μM. Further, the PLACDs displayed excellent bacterial biocompatibility, pH-dependent fluorescence property, fluorescent ink property, photostability, physical, chemical, and thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the fabrication of Tinospora cordifolia leaves-derived carbon dots (TCLCDs) from aqueous extract of leaves as carbon source via simple, environmentally friendly, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) technique. The synthesized TCLCDs were characterized for their physicochemical properties and further explored for in-vitro cancer cell bioimaging, radical scavenging, and metal ion sensing. The synthesized TCLCDs showed excitation-dependent emission property with maximum emission at 435 nm under the excitation of 350 nm. The High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) results revealed a roughly spherical shape with an average diameter of 5.47 nm. The diffused ring pattern of Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) and halo diffraction pattern of X-ray diffraction (XRD) disclosed their amorphous nature. The Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) showed the existence of C, N, and O. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of -OH, -NH, -CN, and -CH groups. The TCLCDs showed excellent cellular biocompatibility with dose-dependent bioimaging results in melanoma (B16F10) and cervical cancer (SiHa) cell lines. Also, they exhibited excellent scavenging of free radicals with an IC50 value of 0.524 mg/mL & selective Fe3+ ion sensing with a detection limit of 0.414 µM. Further, they exerted excellent bacterial biocompatibility, photostability, and thermal stability. The overall results reflected their potential for in-vitro cancer cell bioimaging, free radical scavenging, and selective Fe3+ ion sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are treasure of Ayurveda and recently researchers are emphasizing on medicinal plants to obtained new phyto-pharmaceuticals to counter the various diseases. The Indian system of medicines, recommend extracts of medicinal plants instead of natural phytomolecules for the treatment of various anomalies and diseases, by considering that the cumulative effect of extract is more effective over the individual phytomolecules. The medicinal plant Ludwigia octovalvis, commonly known as Mexican primerse - willow (Onagraceae) is used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases like edema, nephritis, hypotension, anti-malarial, dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes, headache, fever, toxemia, as carminative, laxative, vermifuge, astringent, anthelmintic, in nervous disorders, as analgesic, in rheumatic pain and for swollen glands. Collection of plant material was bringing out and its morphological, physicochemical and phytochemical studies (preliminary qualitative and quantitative analysis) and advanced chromatographic study like HPTLC profiles of the hydro-alcoholic extract were performed. Also various pharmacognostical standards for Ludwigia octovalvis have been established in the present investigation. The hydro-alcoholic extract of Ludwigia octovalvis studied for phytochemicals and confirmed the presence of phytochemical like carbohydrate, alkaloid, saponin, flavonoids and phenolics. The quantitative estimation of antioxidant bio-components like total phenolics and total flavonoid contents were calculated by UV-Visible spectroscopy method and determined as 5.15 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and 43.9 mg/g quercetin equivalent respectively. Further, the hydro-alcoholic extract of Ludwigia octovalvis was standardized by HPTLC method by using various marker compounds and confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents as lupeol, quercetin, gallic acid and stigmasterol. These studies may be used as reference for the development of authentic monograph for this drug and also helpful for recognition and standardization of whole plant of Ludwigia octovalvis from the other species of Ludwigia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]