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Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista... 2023This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of a new intracanal drug based on Pentaclethra macroloba extract, a plant of Amazonian origin, against Enterococcus...
This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of a new intracanal drug based on Pentaclethra macroloba extract, a plant of Amazonian origin, against Enterococcus faecalis using macrodilution test and intratubular evaluation with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the pure extract of Pentaclethra macroloba andits association with calcium hydroxide and ultracall were determined. Then, thirty-three dentin cylinders were prepared and inoculated with E. faecalis, to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the medications on the dentinal tubules with CLSM. The data was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. The extract in association with calcium hydroxide showed a lower CBM, and in the intratubular test all tested medications were effective against E. faecalis (P >0.05). The new intracanal drug based on P. macroloba extract has an antimicrobial effect against E. faecalis and further studies are needed for its clinical use.
Topics: Calcium Hydroxide; Plant Extracts; Enterococcus faecalis; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 38055574
DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.272095 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023In the present research, leaf extracts were utilized as reductants to bio-fabricate silver nanoparticles (LC-AgNPs) and this was followed by the evaluation of their...
In the present research, leaf extracts were utilized as reductants to bio-fabricate silver nanoparticles (LC-AgNPs) and this was followed by the evaluation of their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer potential. Multiple parameters were optimized for the formation and fidelity of LC-AgNPs. The color shift of the reaction mixture from yellow to dark brown confirmed the LC-AgNPs formation. UV/VIS spectroscopy exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 436 nm. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy spectrum depicted phytochemicals in the plant extract acting as bio-reducers for LC-AgNPs synthesis. The XRD pattern confirmed the presence of LC-AgNPs by showing peaks corresponding to 2θ angle at 8.24° (111), 38.16° (200), 44.20° (220), and 64.72° (311). Zetasizer analysis exhibited size distribution by intensity of LC-AgNPs with a mean value of 255.7 d. nm. Moreover, the zeta potential indicated that the AgNPs synthesized were stable. The irregular shape of LC-AgNPs with a mean average of 38.46 ± 0.26 nm was found by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of LC-AgNPs was examined using a DPPH assay and was calculated to be higher in LC-AgNPs than in leaf extracts. The calculated IC values of the LC-AgNPs and plant extract are 85.01 ± 0.17 and 209.44 ± 0.24, respectively. The antibacterial activity of LC-AgNPs was investigated against , , and as well as and maximum potential was observed after 24 h against . Moreover, LC-AgNPs exhibited maximum anticancer potential against TPC1 cell lines compared to the plant extract. The findings suggested that LC-AgNPs could be used as antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer agents for the cure of free-radical-oriented bacterial and oncogenic diseases.
Topics: Silver; Antioxidants; Metal Nanoparticles; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Free Radicals; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38067504
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237773 -
TheScientificWorldJournal 2023(family Amaryllidaceae) is used empirically for medicinal purposes. It is distributed throughout Asian countries, especially Indonesia. This study aimed at...
(family Amaryllidaceae) is used empirically for medicinal purposes. It is distributed throughout Asian countries, especially Indonesia. This study aimed at standardizing the plant, analyzing its phytochemical profile, and evaluating its pharmacological effects. The powder from each organ (root, stem, and leaves) was standardized organoleptically and microscopically. Samples were extracted by graded maceration using hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The extracts were determined for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Antioxidant (radical scavenging and metal ion reduction) and antityrosinase activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Extracts were analysed for phytochemical profiles by LC-ESI-MS. The highest TPC and TFC were found in the ethanolic extract of the root organ (68.63 ± 2.97 mg GAE/g) and the ethyl acetate extract of the stem (14.33 ± 0.71 mg QE/g extract). High antioxidant activities were found in the ethanolic root extract (20.42 ± 0.33 g/mL) and ethanolic stem extract (45.65 ± 0.77 g/mL) by DPPH• and NO• assays, respectively. The ion reduction activity (by CUPRAC assay) was most significant in the ethyl acetate stem extract (390.42 ± 14.49 mol GAEAC/g extract). Ethanolic root extract was the most active in inhibiting tyrosinase (IC value of 108.5 g/mL). The correlation matrix between TPC and antioxidant activities showed a moderate to robust correlation, whereas the TPC and antityrosinase activity showed a robust correlation. The TFC and antioxidant or antityrosinase activities showed a weak to moderate correlation. The LC-ESI-MS data identified major phenols in the active extracts, including methyl 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzoate, quercetin, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid-1, and curculigoside. Overall, this study suggests that extracts from the plant offer potent antioxidant and antityrosinase activities, allowing them to be used as natural antioxidants and candidates for skin-lightening compounds.
Topics: Antioxidants; Curculigo; Plant Extracts; Flavonoids; Phenols; Phytochemicals
PubMed: 37829602
DOI: 10.1155/2023/5785259 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2023The aim of this study was to investigate the compounds in the hexane extract of (Savi.) Ten. and to determine the antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities...
The aim of this study was to investigate the compounds in the hexane extract of (Savi.) Ten. and to determine the antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities of different extracts. The (NGBB 7229) plant was collected from Turkey's Trakya region. Crude extracts were obtained using different solvents. The chemical composition of was determined in hexane extract using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated by Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), the β-carotene bleaching method, and the determination of superoxide anion scavenging activities. The antibacterial activity was tested against , , , , , and , whereas the antifungal activity was tested against , , and by applying microdilution methods. A total of 41 bioactive compounds were identified using the GC-MS library. Terpenoids were found to be dominant (52.89%), and lup-20(29)-en-3-yl-acetate and lupeol were the most abundant terpenoids. The highest total flavonoid content (25.73 mg catechin/g) and antioxidant capacity were found in the methanolic extract. The highest antibacterial activity was detected against in the ethyl acetate extract, and the highest antifungal activity was found against and in the hexane extract. The observed antioxidant characteristics of the extracts could be attributed to the presence of flavonoids. The high antifungal activity of the hexane extract against all fungal strains can be attributed to its constituents, i.e., terpenoids. This study discloses the potential antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, including some bioactive components, of and implies that holds possible applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries as an antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal agent.
Topics: Antioxidants; Antifungal Agents; Cirsium; Hexanes; Plant Extracts; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Flavonoids; Terpenes; Candida albicans
PubMed: 37894654
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28207177 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Nov 2023Disinfection of alginate impression materials is a mandatory step to prevent cross-infection in dental clinics. However, alginate disinfection methods are time-consuming...
OBJECTIVES
Disinfection of alginate impression materials is a mandatory step to prevent cross-infection in dental clinics. However, alginate disinfection methods are time-consuming and exert a negative impact on accuracy and mechanical properties. Thus, this study aimed to prepare disinfecting agents (CHX and AgNO) and silver nanoparticles reduced by a natural plant extract to produce a self-disinfecting dental alginate.
METHODS
Conventional alginate impression material was used in this study. Silver nitrate (0.2% AgNO group) and chlorohexidine (0.2% CHX group) solutions were prepared using distilled water, and these solutions were later employed for alginate preparation. Moreover, a 90% aqueous plant extract was prepared from Boswellia sacra (BS) oleoresin and used to reduce silver nitrate to form silver nanoparticles that were incorporated in the dental alginate preparation (BS+AgNPs group). The plant extract was characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis while green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized by UV-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An agar disc diffusion assay was used to test the antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant and susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strains, and Micrococcus luteus. Agar plates were incubated at 37 ± 1 °C for 24 h to allow microbial growth. Diameters of the circular inhibition zones formed around each specimen were measured digitally by using ImageJ software.
RESULTS
Chemical analysis of the plant extract revealed the presence of 41 volatile and semi-volatile active compounds. UV-Vis spectrophotometry, SEM, and EDX confirmed the formation of spherical silver nanoparticles using the BS extract. CHX, AgNO, and the BS+AgNPs modified groups showed significantly larger inhibition zones than the control group against all tested strains. BS+AgNPs and CHX groups showed comparable efficacy against all tested strains except for Staphylococcus aureus, where the CHX-modified alginate had a significantly higher effect.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
CHX, silver nitrate, and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles could be promising inexpensive potential candidates for the preparation of a self-disinfecting alginate impression material without affecting its performance. Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using Boswellia sacra extract could be a very safe, efficient, and nontoxic way with the additional advantage of a synergistic action between metal ions and the phytotherapeutic agents of the plant extract.
Topics: Alginates; Disinfection; Silver Nitrate; Metal Nanoparticles; Agar; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Silver; Plant Extracts; Staphylococcus aureus; Nanotechnology; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 37775587
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05277-8 -
Scientific Reports Apr 2024Dandruff, a common scalp disorder characterized by flaking dead skin, is often treated with conventional topical products. However, limitations exist due to potential...
Dandruff, a common scalp disorder characterized by flaking dead skin, is often treated with conventional topical products. However, limitations exist due to potential side effects and high costs. Therefore, searching for natural, cost-effective solutions for dandruff and hair loss is crucial. Rosemary herb and neem tree, both cultivated in Egypt, possess well-documented anti-inflammatory properties derived from their rich phenolic phytoconstituents. This study formulated a standardized combined extract of rosemary and neem (RN-E 2:1) into hair gel and leave-in tonic formats. This extract demonstrated superior efficacy against Malassezia furfur (a causative agent of dandruff) and Trichophyton rubrum (associated with scalp disorders) compared to the conventional antifungal agent, ketoconazole. The combined extract (RN-E 2:1) also exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the suppression of iNOS expression is considered concentration-dependent. Quality control verified formulation stability, and ex-vivo studies confirmed effective ingredient penetration into the epidermis, the primary site of fungal presence. Remarkably, both formulations outperformed the standard treatment, minoxidil in hair growth trials. These findings highlight the potential of natural extracts for scalp and hair health.
Topics: Dandruff; Rosmarinus; Azadirachta; Alopecia; Plant Extracts; Anti-Inflammatory Agents
PubMed: 38565924
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57838-w -
Beneficial Bacteria and Plant Extracts Promote Honey Bee Health and Reduce Nosema ceranae Infection.Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins Feb 2024The research aims to give new insights on the effect of administering selected bacterial strains, isolated from honey bee gut, and/or a commercial plant extract blend...
The research aims to give new insights on the effect of administering selected bacterial strains, isolated from honey bee gut, and/or a commercial plant extract blend (HiveAlive) on Nosema ceranae. Analyses were first performed under laboratory conditions such as different infective doses of N. ceranae, the effect of single strains and their mixture and the influence of pollen administration. Daily survival and feed consumption rate were recorded and pathogen development was analysed using qPCR and microscope counts. Biomarkers of immunity and physiological status were also evaluated for the different treatments tested using one bacterial strain, a mixture of all the bacteria and/or a plant extract blend as treatments. The results showed an increase of abaecin transcript levels in the midgut of the honey bees treated with the bacterial mixture and an increased expression of the protein vitellogenin in the haemolymph of honey bees treated with two separate bacterial strains (Bifidobacterium coryneforme and Apilactobacillus kunkeei). A significant effectiveness in reducing N. ceranae was shown by the bacterial mixture and the plant extract blend regardless of the composition of the diet. This bioactivity was seasonally linked. Quantitative PCR and microscope counts showed the reduction of N. ceranae under different experimental conditions. The antiparasitic efficacy of the treatments at field conditions was studied using a semi-field approach which was adapted from research on insecticides for the first time, to analyse antiparasitic activity against N. ceranae. The approach proved to be reliable and effective in validating data obtained in the laboratory. Both the mixture of beneficial bacteria and its association with Hive Alive are effective in controlling the natural infection of N. ceranae in honey bee colonies.
Topics: Bees; Animals; Plant Extracts; Nosema; Vitellogenins; Antiparasitic Agents
PubMed: 36637793
DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10025-7 -
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 -
Nutrients Jun 2023According to animal studies, saffron and its main volatile compound safranal may reduce biological and behavioral signs of acute stress. However, little is known about... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Acute Effect of a Saffron Extract (Safr'Inside) and Its Main Volatile Compound on the Stress Response in Healthy Young Men: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study.
According to animal studies, saffron and its main volatile compound safranal may reduce biological and behavioral signs of acute stress. However, little is known about its impact in humans. This study investigated the acute effect of a saffron extract and safranal on the biological and psychological stress responses in healthy men experiencing a laboratory stress procedure. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over study, 19 volunteers aged 18-25 received a single dose of 30 mg saffron extract (Safr'Inside, 0.06 mg synthetic safranal, or a placebo on three visits separated by a 28-day washout. Thirteen minutes after administration, participants were exposed to the Maastricht acute stress test (MAST). Salivary cortisol and cortisone were collected from 15 min before the MAST (and pre-dose), 3 min before the MAST, and then 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min after the MAST, and stress and anxiety were measured using visual analogic scales. Compared to the placebo, stress and anxiety were significantly toned down after Safranal and Safr'Inside administration and coupled with a delay in the times to peak salivary cortisol and cortisone concentrations ( < 0.05). Safr'Inside and its volatile compound seem to improve psychological stress response in healthy men after exposure to a lab-based stressor and may modulate the biological stress response.
Topics: Male; Animals; Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Cross-Over Studies; Crocus; Hydrocortisone; Plant Extracts; Cortisone; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 37447245
DOI: 10.3390/nu15132921 -
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