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Scientific Reports Dec 2023Liver cancer is the second main reason of death globally. In the current study, Rap2A protein a member of Ras Gtpase was selected as a drug target for liver cancer which...
Liver cancer is the second main reason of death globally. In the current study, Rap2A protein a member of Ras Gtpase was selected as a drug target for liver cancer which has been identified as an oncogene in different types of tumors. The present study aimed to evaluate Artemisia carvifolia Buch extract and its silver nanoparticles against liver cancer targeting the Rap2A gene. The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed an absorbance peak at 450 nm by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. SEM revealed that polyhedral silver nanoparticles had a size ranging from 80 ± 6 nm. Furthermore, amines, aldehydes, ketones and alcohols of Artemisia carvifolia were found involved in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles by FTIR. Moreover, XRD and EDX confirmed the cubic crystalline nature and particle elemental composition, respectively. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity against HePG2 cancer cell lines was also found significant with an IC value of 2.57 µM for silver nanoparticles and 11.57 µM for plant extract. The gene expression and protein level of Rap2A were also decreased in plant extract and nanoparticle-treated cells compared to control groups. The apoptotic potential of extract and nanoparticles was also determined by evaluating the apoptotic pathway genes and protein including BAX, caspase 3, 8 and 9. Significantly elevated levels of expression of these genes by real-time qPCR along with increased protein levels by ELISA were found. This is the first-ever report describing the synthesis and efficacy of silver nanoparticles of Artemisia carvifolia Buch against liver cancer.
Topics: Humans; Silver; Artemisia; Metal Nanoparticles; Plant Extracts; Liver Neoplasms; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38057542
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48946-0 -
International Journal For Parasitology.... Apr 2022Lobelia giberroa Hemsl. is an endogenous Ethiopian medicinal plant with a long history of use in the treatment of malaria, bacterial and fungal diseases, and cancer....
Lobelia giberroa Hemsl. is an endogenous Ethiopian medicinal plant with a long history of use in the treatment of malaria, bacterial and fungal diseases, and cancer. Here, we present the in vivo bioassay-guided fractionation of the 80% methanol extract of L. giberroa roots, which led to the isolation of lobetyolin. L. giberroa roots were extracted with 80% methanol, and the dried 80% methanol extract was fractionated with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. Acute oral toxicity study was conducted according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guideline 425 by using female Swiss albino mice. Antimalarial activity was assessed in Plasmodium berghei-infected Swiss albino mice. Through in vivo bioassay-guided fractionation processes lobetyolin, a C14-polyacetylene glucoside, was isolated from the methanol fraction by silica gel column chromatography as the main active ingredient from the plant. The chemical structure of lobetyolin was elucidated by interpretation of spectroscopic data (HNMR, CNMR, IR. MS) including two dimensional NMR. The plant extract was considered safe for administration up to 2000 mg/kg. In the four-day suppressive test, the 80% methanol extract (400 mg/kg), methanol fraction (400 mg/kg), and lobetyolin (100 mg/kg) exhibited antimalarial activity, with chemosuppression values of 73.05, 64.37, and 68.21%, respectively. Compared to the negative control, which had a mean survival time of 7 days, the lobetyolin (100 mg/kg) and methanol fraction (400 mg/kg) treated groups had mean survival times of 18 and 19 days, respectively. The current study supports the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of malaria. The structural differences between lobetyolin and existing antimalarials, as well as its previously unknown antimalarial activity, make it of interest as an early lead compound for further chemical optimization.
Topics: Animals; Antimalarials; Female; Lobelia; Mice; Plant Extracts; Plasmodium berghei; Plasmodium falciparum; Polyynes
PubMed: 35092864
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.01.002 -
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2023Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a pathogenic bacteria that causes a variety of potentially fatal infections. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of S.... (Review)
Review
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a pathogenic bacteria that causes a variety of potentially fatal infections. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of S. aureus has made treatment even more difficult. In recent years, nanoparticles have been used as an alternative therapeutic agent for S. aureus infections. Among various methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles, the method utilizing plant extracts from different parts of a plant, such as root, stem, leaf, flower, seeds, etc. is gaining widespread usage. Phytochemicals present in plant extract are an inexpensive, eco-friendly, natural material that act as reducing and stabilization agent for the nanoparticle synthesis. The utilization of plant-fabricated nanoparticles against S. aureus is currently in trend. The current review discusses recent findings in the therapeutic application of phytofabricated metal-based nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus.
Topics: Staphylococcus aureus; Metal Nanoparticles; Staphylococcal Infections; Plant Leaves; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Plant Extracts; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 36888798
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.268052 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Oxidative stress is a well-known phenomenon arising from physiological and nonphysiological factors, defined by the balance between antioxidants and pro-oxidants. While...
Oxidative stress is a well-known phenomenon arising from physiological and nonphysiological factors, defined by the balance between antioxidants and pro-oxidants. While the presence and uptake of antioxidants are crucial, the pro-oxidant effects have not received sufficient research attention. Several methods for assessing pro-oxidant activity, utilizing various mechanisms, have been published. In this paper, we introduce a methodology for the simultaneous determination of antioxidant and pro-oxidant activity on a single microplate in situ, assuming that the FRAP method can measure both antioxidant and pro-oxidant activity due to the generation of pro-oxidant Fe ions in the Fenton reaction. Systematic research using this rapid screening method may help to distinguish between compounds with dominant antioxidant efficacy and those with dominant pro-oxidant effects. Our preliminary study has revealed a dominant pro-oxidant effect for compounds with a higher number of oxygen heteroatoms, especially sp2 hybridized compounds (such as those containing keto groups), such as flavonoids and plant extracts rich in these structural types. Conversely, catechins, carotenoids, and surprisingly, extracts from birch leaves and chestnut leaves have demonstrated dominant antioxidant activity over pro-oxidant. These initial findings have sparked significant interest in the systematic evaluation of a more extensive collection of compounds and plant extracts using the developed method.
Topics: Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species; Plant Extracts; Oxidative Stress; Plants; Plant Leaves
PubMed: 37836733
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196890 -
Wiadomosci Lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland :... 2021Intensive studies on properties of synthetic compounds are simultaneously conducted with studies on the effectiveness and safety of drugs derived from natural compounds.... (Review)
Review
Intensive studies on properties of synthetic compounds are simultaneously conducted with studies on the effectiveness and safety of drugs derived from natural compounds. These drugs have been effectively used for years in dentistry, in treatment of inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity and in laryngology, in treatment of pharyngeal inflammatory conditions. The subject of this article is a compilation of studies conducted on medicinal products containing composed ethanolic extract as an active substance, and obtained from: chamomile capitulum (Matricaria recutita L.), oak bark (Quercus spp.), sage leaf (Salvia officinalis L.), arnica herb (Arnica spp.), calamus rhizome (Acorus calamus L.), peppermint herb (Mentha piperita L.), thyme herb (Thymus spp.) Preclinical studies confirmed that a particular tested plant extract exhibits antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal) as well as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and astringent properties. Under clinical conditions, it was confirmed that drugs containing the analysed extract used in periodontology, in prevention and complex treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis as well as diseases of oral mucosa (but also the throat) of viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal aetiology significantly improved the effectiveness of therapy, shortened the treatment and improved the patients' quality of life. The above preparations used in dental surgery contributed to faster tissue regeneration, more quickly relieved pain and swelling after a surgery or difficult dentition. Furthermore, drugs containing the above-mentioned extract can also be successfully used for oral cavity decontamination in the case of various diseases of teeth or the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. The tested composed herbal extract (CHE), applied in the form of a mouthwash and in the form for topical application with benzocaine content (CHEB), is a component of drugs which are great alternatives to widely used synthetic drugs. They are characterised with high effectiveness, comparable to that of synthetic agents, and a higher safety profile. Results of pharmacological and clinical studies justify their use in both prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gums, periodontium, oral cavity and pharynx.
Topics: Gingivitis; Humans; Mucous Membrane; Pharynx; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 34459780
DOI: No ID Found -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023is a singular halophyte that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and allelopathic properties. In the work presented herein, we have characterized its...
is a singular halophyte that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and allelopathic properties. In the work presented herein, we have characterized its inflorescences hydromethanolic extract and assessed its antifungal activity for the pre- and postharvest management of tomato crop diseases. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry characterization of the extract showed that 4-ethenyl-1,3-benzenediol, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, quinic acid, 3,5-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 1,6-anhydro--D-glucopyranose, catechol, scopoletin, and maltol were the main constituents. The co-occurrence of pyranones, benzenediols, and quinic acids as phytoconstituents of extract resulted in promising in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations of 500, 375, 500, 187.5, 187.5, and 375 μg·mL against mycelia of , f. sp. , and , respectively. Further, to assess the potential of inflorescence extract for postharvest tomato crop protection, ex situ tests were conducted against , obtaining high protection at a dose of 750 μg·mL. Taking into consideration that the demonstrated activity is among the highest reported to date for plant extracts and comparable to that of the synthetic fungicides tested as positive controls, inflorescence extract may be put forward as a promising biorational and may deserve further testing in field-scale studies.
Topics: Helichrysum; Inflorescence; Solanum lycopersicum; Plant Extracts; Fusarium; Disease Management; Plant Diseases
PubMed: 37570830
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155861 -
Parasitology Apr 2022Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The available anti-parasitic treatment is...
Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. The available anti-parasitic treatment is mostly limited to a continuous administration of albendazole. However, due to its numerous side-effects and efficacy of around 50%, there is a need to find new drugs to improve the treatment for this disease. In the current study, the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a Stevia multiaristata extract against E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) was demonstrated. Stevia multiaristata extract (100 and 50 μg mL−1) caused a quick viability decrease on protoscoleces which was consistent with the observed tegumental alterations. Loss of turgidity was detected in 95 ± 3.4% of cysts incubated with S. multiaristata extract during 2 days (100 μg mL−1) and the collapse of the germinal layer was observed in 60 ± 9.3% of cysts treated with 100 μg mL−1 of the S. multiaristata extract during 4 days. The half maximal effective concentration value was 69.6 μg mL−1 and the selectivity index for E. granulosus s.s. cysts was 1.9. In this clinical efficacy study, the treatment of infected mice with the S. multiaristata extract (50 mg kg−1) caused a significant decrease in the weight of the cysts compared with the control group. These results coincided with the tissue damage observed in the cysts at the ultrastructural level. In conclusion, we observed high protoscolicidal and cysticidal effects, and significant reduction in the weight of the cysts in experimentally infected mice following treatment with the S. multiaristata extract.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Echinococcosis; Echinococcus granulosus; Mice; Plant Extracts; Stevia
PubMed: 35331352
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182021002109 -
Clinical and Experimental Dental... Aug 2021The aim of this in-vitro study was to determine the antimicrobial capacity of a Berberis vulgaris plant extract on the bacteria being associated with caries including,...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this in-vitro study was to determine the antimicrobial capacity of a Berberis vulgaris plant extract on the bacteria being associated with caries including, Streptococcus mutans, S. sobrinus, S. sanguinis, S. salivaris and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Chlorhexidine 2% (CHX) mouthwash and ampicillin (10 μg/disk) were applied as positive control groups. Inhibition zone, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) related to stem, leaf and fruit of B. vulgaris plant were recorded for every five bacteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 22, one-way ANOVA repeated measure and post hoc Tukey statistical test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the antimicrobial capacity of the positive controls and the extract from the stem and fruit of B. vulgaris (p > 0.05). The MIC values of the extract from the stem were significantly lower against S. sobrinus (64 μg/ml) and L. rhamnosus (128 μg/ml). The MIC value of the extract against S. mutans was significantly lower in the fruit group (64 μg/mL). The MBC value of the extract against S. sobrinus and L. rhamnosus was significantly lower in the stem group (128 μg/ml). The MBC value against S. mutans was significantly lower in the fruit group (128 μg/ml).
CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that CHX and B. vulgaris plant extract have similar antimicrobial activity against bacteria being associated with caries. Therefore, B. vulgaris, which shows antibacterial capacity, could be considered for further investigation as a safe, phytotherapeutic mouthwash to prevent dental caries.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Berberis; Chlorhexidine; Dental Caries; Dental Caries Susceptibility; Humans; Mouthwashes; Plant Extracts; Streptococcus mutans
PubMed: 33325156
DOI: 10.1002/cre2.379 -
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2023The extract library (n-hexane (NH), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (M), distilled water (DW), and combined extract (CE)) was standardized using phytochemical,...
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The extract library (n-hexane (NH), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (M), distilled water (DW), and combined extract (CE)) was standardized using phytochemical, antioxidant, and -amylase inhibition assays, after which the protective effect of selected "hit," i.e., CE against metabolic syndrome, was determined , using rats fed a high-fat diet supplemented with additional cholesterol administration. CE was administered to Sprague Dawley rats in high dose as 100 mg/kg in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (1 ml; 0.75% in DW) and low-dose group as 50 mg/kg in CMC (0.5 ml; 0.75% in DW). After 10 weeks, the effects of CE on insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), oxidative stress, and genotoxicity were assessed through histological, biochemical, and hematological investigations.
RESULTS
Phytochemical analysis including RP-HPLC analysis of the extracts showed that flavonoids and phenolics (myricetin, kaempferol, and apigenin), previously known to be effective against obesity and diabetes, are present in the extracts. Antioxidant studies revealed that the plant possesses a highly significant ( < 0.05) concentration of antioxidants. Satisfactory -amylase inhibitory activity was also observed in experiments. studies showed that CE-administered animals had significantly ( < 0.05) lower weight gain and smaller adipocytes than the control group. Moreover, CE resisted any significant ( < 0.05) change in the organ weights. Analogous to findings from its traditional use, the plant extract had a positive modulatory effect on insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. The study also indicated that CE resisted high-fat diet-induced disturbance in lipid profile and countered any pathological changes in liver enzymes caused by fat-infused diet. Furthermore, a study on endogenous antioxidant levels indicated that CE was effective in maintaining catalase and peroxidase levels within the normal range and resisted the effects of lipid peroxidation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.
CONCLUSION
In principle, the current study's findings scientifically validate the implication of in metabolic syndrome and recommend further studies on molecular insights of the observed therapeutic activity.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Antioxidants; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Metabolic Syndrome; Insulin Resistance; Plant Extracts; Oxidative Stress; Phytochemicals; alpha-Amylases; Liver
PubMed: 37151604
DOI: 10.1155/2023/5648837 -
BioMed Research International 2021(L.f.) Willd is a profoundly used traditional medicinal plant in Asia. Previous studies conducted in this plant are more confined to extract level. Even though...
(L.f.) Willd is a profoundly used traditional medicinal plant in Asia. Previous studies conducted in this plant are more confined to extract level. Even though bioassay-based studies indicated the true therapeutic potential of this plant, compound annotation was not performed extensively. This research is aimed at assessing the bioactivity of different solvent extracts of the plant followed by annotation of its phytoconstituents. Liquid chromatography equipped with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) is deployed for the identification of secondary metabolites in various crude extracts. On activity level, its ethanolic extract showed the highest inhibition towards amylase and -glucosidase with an IC of 67.8 ± 1 g/mL and 10.3 ± 0.1 g/mL respectively, inspected through the substrate-based method. On the other hand, the plant extract showed an antioxidant activity of 23.76 ± 1.57 g/mL, measured through radical scavenging activity. Similarly, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of showed significant inhibition against with a zone of inhibition (ZoI) of 13 and 14 mm, respectively. With the LC-HRMS-based dereplication strategy, we have identified 28 secondary metabolites belonging to flavonoid and phenolic categories. Identification of these metabolites from and its biological implication also support the community-based usage of this plant and its medicinal value.
Topics: Acacia; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antioxidants; Asia; Chromatography, Liquid; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Mass Spectrometry; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal
PubMed: 34435049
DOI: 10.1155/2021/7588711