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RSC Advances May 2024The purpose of the present study is to enhance the anticancer and biocompatibility performance of TiO NPs, ZnO NPs, ZnO-TiO (NCs), and ZnO-TiO/reduced graphene oxide...
The purpose of the present study is to enhance the anticancer and biocompatibility performance of TiO NPs, ZnO NPs, ZnO-TiO (NCs), and ZnO-TiO/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) NCs against two types of human cancer (HCT116) and normal (HUVCE) cells. A novel procedure for synthesizing ZnO-TiO/RGO NCs has been developed using extract. The improved physicochemical properties of the obtained samples were investigated using different techniques such as XRD, TEM, SEM, XPS, FTIR, DLS and UV-visible spectroscopy. XRD results showed that the addition of ZnO and RGO sheets affects the crystal structure and phase of TiO NPs. SEM and TEM images displayed that the TiO NPs and ZnO NPs were small with uniform spherical morphology in the prepared ZnO-TiO/RGO NCs. Besides, it is shown that ZnO-TiO NCs anchored onto the surface of RGO sheets with a particle size of 14.80 ± 0.5 nm. XPS data confirmed the surface chemical composition and oxidation states of ZnO-TiO/RGO NCs. Functional groups of prepared NPs and NCs were determined using FTIR spectroscopy. DLS data confirmed that the addition of ZnO and RGO sheets improves the negative surface charge of the prepared pure TiO NPs (-22.51 mV), ZnO NPs (-18.27 mV), ZnO-TiO NCs (-30.20 mV), and ZnO-TiO/RGO NCs (-33.77 mV). Optical analysis exhibited that the bandgap energies of TiO NPs (3.30 eV), ZnO NPs (3.33 eV), ZnO-TiO NCs (3.03 eV), and ZnO-TiO/RGO NCs (2.78 eV) were further enhanced by adding ZnO NPs and RGO sheets. This indicates that the synthesized samples can be applied to cancer therapy and environmental remediation. The biological data demonstrated that the produced ZnO-TiO/RGO NCs show a more cytotoxic effect on HCT116 cells compared to pure TiO NPs and ZnO-TiO NCs. On the other hand, these NCs displayed the lowest level of toxicity towards normal HUVCE cells. These results indicate that the ZnO-TiO/RGO NCs have strong toxicity against HCT116 cells and are compatible with normal cells. Our results show that the plant extract enhanced the physicochemical properties of NPs and NCs compared with the traditional chemical methods for synthesis. This study could open new avenues for developing more effective and targeted cancer treatments.
PubMed: 38784428
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01634c -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024The present study investigated the efficacy of and against venom (BAV), venom (NAV), and venom (NSV). 40 extracts and fractions were prepared using n-hexane,...
Exploring nature's antidote: unveiling the inhibitory potential of selected medicinal plants from Kisumu, Kenya against venom from some snakes of medical significance in sub-Saharan Africa.
The present study investigated the efficacy of and against venom (BAV), venom (NAV), and venom (NSV). 40 extracts and fractions were prepared using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. efficacy against snake venom phospholipase A (svPLA) was determined in 96-well microtiter and agarose-egg yolk coagulation assays. efficacy against venom-induced cytotoxicity was determined using . Two commercial antivenoms were used for comparison. The 96-well microtiter assay revealed poor svPLA inhibition of BAV by antivenom (range: 20.76% ± 13.29% to 51.29% ± 3.26%) but strong inhibition (>90%) by dichloromethane and hexane fractions of , hexane and ethyl acetate extracts and fraction of , dichloromethane fraction of , and the methanol extract of . The methanol extract and fraction of , and the hexane extract of strongly inhibited (>90%) svPLA activity in NAV. The hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of and the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of strongly inhibited (>90%) svPLA in NSV. The agarose egg yolk coagulation assay showed significant inhibition of BAV by the dichloromethane fraction of (EC = 3.51 ± 2.58 μg/mL), significant inhibition of NAV by the methanol fraction of (EC = 7.35 ± 1.800 μg/mL), and significant inhibition of NSV by the hexane extract of (EC = 7.94 ± 1.50 μg/mL). All antivenoms were non-cytotoxic in but the methanol extract of and the hexane extracts of and were cytotoxic. The dichloromethane fraction of significantly neutralized BAV-induced cytotoxicity the methanol fraction and extract of neutralized NAV-induced cytotoxicity, while the ethyl acetate extract of significantly neutralized NSV-induced cytotoxicity. Glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, and tannins were identified in the non-cytotoxic extracts/fractions. These findings validate the local use of and in snakebite but not , and Further work is needed to isolate pure compounds from the effective plants and identify their mechanisms of action.
PubMed: 38681195
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1369768 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024The genus contains globally distributed plant species of which the leaves, roots, and seeds have multiple traditional medicinal and nutritional uses. Notable chemical...
The genus contains globally distributed plant species of which the leaves, roots, and seeds have multiple traditional medicinal and nutritional uses. Notable chemical compounds derived from spp. include sennosides and emodin which have been tested for antimicrobial effects in addition to their known laxative functions. However, studies of the effects of the combined chemical components on intact human gut microbiome communities are lacking. This study evaluated the effects of Juemingzi ( sp.) extract on the human gut microbiome using SIFR (Systemic Intestinal Fermentation Research) technology. After a 48-hour human fecal incubation, we measured total bacterial cell density and fermentation products including pH, gas production and concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The initial and post-incubation microbial community structure and functional potential were characterized using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Juemingzi ( seed) extracts displayed strong, taxon-specific anti-microbial effects as indicated by significant reductions in cell density (40%) and intra-sample community diversity. Members of the Bacteroidota were nearly eliminated over the 48-hour incubation. While generally part of a healthy gut microbiome, specific species of can be pathogenic. The active persistence of the members of the and selected Actinomycetota despite the reduction in overall cell numbers was demonstrated by increased fermentative outputs including high concentrations of gas and acetate with correspondingly reduced pH. These large-scale shifts in microbial community structure indicate the need for further evaluation of dosages and potential administration with prebiotic or synbiotic supplements. Overall, the very specific effects of these extracts may offer the potential for targeted antimicrobial uses or as a tool in the targeted remodeling of the gut microbiome.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Senna Extract; Microbiota; Bacteria; Feces; Seeds; Sennosides; Anti-Infective Agents; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38638830
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1296619 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024This research explores the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Cassia occidentalis L. seed extract. Various analytical techniques, including...
This research explores the eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Cassia occidentalis L. seed extract. Various analytical techniques, including UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), were employed for comprehensive characterization. The UV-visible spectra revealed a distinct peak at 425 nm, while the seed extract exhibited peaks at 220 and 248 nm, indicating the presence of polyphenols and phytochemicals. High-resolution TEM unveiled spherical and oval-shaped AgNPs with diameters ranging from 6.44 to 28.50 nm. The SEM exhibiting a spherical shape and a polydisperse nature, thus providing insights into the morphology of the AgNPs. EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silver atoms at 10.01% in the sample. XRD results unequivocally confirm the crystalline nature of the AgNPs suspension, thereby providing valuable insights into their structural characteristics and purity. The antioxidant properties of AgNPs, C. occidentalis seed extract, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were assessed, revealing IC values of 345, 500, and 434 μg/mL, respectively. Antibacterial evaluation against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli demonstrated heightened sensitivity of bacteria to AgNPs compared to AgNO. Standard antibiotics, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin, acting as positive controls, exhibited substantial antibacterial efficacy. The green-synthesized AgNPs displayed potent antibacterial activity, suggesting their potential as a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics for combating pathogenic bacterial infections. Furthermore, potential biomedical applications of AgNPs were thoroughly discussed.
Topics: Silver; Antioxidants; Senna Plant; Metal Nanoparticles; Plant Extracts; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; Seeds; X-Ray Diffraction; Escherichia coli; Bacillus subtilis; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 38538702
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57823-3 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2024Eating practices are changing due to awareness about meat consumption associated with social, ethical, environmental, and nutritional issues. Plant-based meat analogs... (Review)
Review
Eating practices are changing due to awareness about meat consumption associated with social, ethical, environmental, and nutritional issues. Plant-based meat analogs are alternatives to conventional meat products that attempt to mimic all the inherent characteristics of meat fully. Therefore, the search for raw materials that provide these characteristics is increasing. Chia seeds have excellent potential as a functional ingredient in these products since they are a source of proteins, lipids, and fibers. Allied with this, the full use of chia through the seed and its fractions highlights the numerous beneficial characteristics of the formulation regarding nutritional characteristics and techno-functionality. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the potential of chia seed and its fractions for applications in meat-like products. Chia seeds are protein sources. Chia oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and its application in emulsions ensures the oil's nutritional quality and maintains its technological characteristics. Defatted chia flour has a high protein content and can be used to extract chia mucilage. Due to its high emulsification capacity, chia mucilage is an effective ingredient for meat products and, consequently, meat-like products. Therefore, this literature review demonstrates the strategic potential of using chia seeds and their fractions to develop meat analogs.
Topics: Meat Substitutes; Seeds; Meat; Flour; Salvia hispanica; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 38257357
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020440 -
Polymers Jan 2024Single-fluid electrospinning creates nanofibers from molten polymer solutions with active ingredients. This study utilized a combination of a fractional factorial design...
Single-fluid electrospinning creates nanofibers from molten polymer solutions with active ingredients. This study utilized a combination of a fractional factorial design and a Box-Behnken design to examine crucial factors among a multitude of parameters and to optimize the electrospinning conditions that impact fiber mats' morphology and the entrapment efficiency of leaf extract. The findings indicated that the shellac content had the greatest impact on both fiber diameter and bead formation. The optimum electrospinning conditions were identified as a voltage of 24 kV, a solution feed rate of 0.8 mL/h, and a shellac-extract ratio of 38.5:3.8. These conditions produced nanosized fibers with a diameter of 306 nm, a low bead-to-fiber ratio of 0.29, and an extract entrapment efficiency of 96% within the fibers. The biphasic profile of the optimized nanofibers was confirmed with an in vitro release study. This profile consisted of an initial burst release of 88% within the first hour, which was succeeded by a sustained release pattern surpassing 90% for the next 12 h, as predicted with zero-order release kinetics. The optimized nanofibers demonstrated antimicrobial efficacy against diverse pathogens, suggesting promising applications in wound dressings and protective textiles.
PubMed: 38256981
DOI: 10.3390/polym16020183 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2023In China, herbal preparation is commonly administered transdermally for treating pediatric diarrhea. However, few studies have probed into their antidiarrheal...
PURPOSE
In China, herbal preparation is commonly administered transdermally for treating pediatric diarrhea. However, few studies have probed into their antidiarrheal mechanisms. This study was designed to investigate the antidiarrheal effect of Renzhu ointment (Renzhuqigao, RZQG) and its underlying mechanisms via transdermal administration.
METHODS
The main components of RZQG were confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The effect of RZQG on L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (L-VDCC) was evaluated by CaCl- and ACh-induced contraction in isolated colon. The antidiarrheal efficacy of RZQG was further investigated by the senna-induced diarrhea mice based on the frequency of loose stools, diarrhea rate and index, fecal moisture content, and the basal tension of the colon. Additionally, the protein expression of CACNA1C, CACNA1D, cAMP, and PKA were detected with Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
RESULTS
GC-MS analysis determined 14 components in RZQG. In vitro, RZQG relaxed the CaCl- and ACh-induced tension, while nifedipine (a L-VDCC inhibitor) and H-89 (a PKA inhibitor) decreased the relaxation. In vivo, animal model showed that transdermal administration of RZQG exhibited a significant reduction in the frequency of loose stools, diarrhea rate and index, fecal moisture content and the basal tension. Compared to the model group, the colon of mice treated with RZQG showed lower expression of CACNA1C, CACNA1D, cAMP, and PKA. IHC results showed that cAMP was downregulated in colonic smooth muscle after RZQG treatment.
CONCLUSION
RZQG improved diarrhea symptoms and down-regulated the expression of CACNA1C and CACNA1D via transdermal administration, which is closely associated with the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in colonic smooth muscle.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Calcium Channels, L-Type; Administration, Cutaneous; Antidiarrheals; Calcium Chloride; Ointments; Sennosides; Diarrhea; Gastrointestinal Agents; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 37588013
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S419626 -
BioMed Research International 2023Emergence of resistance to antimalarial drugs presents a major drawback in efforts to control malaria. To address this problem, there is an urgent and continuous need...
BACKGROUND
Emergence of resistance to antimalarial drugs presents a major drawback in efforts to control malaria. To address this problem, there is an urgent and continuous need for the development of new and effective antimalarial agents. (L.) link extract has exhibited antiplasmodial activity in many pharmacological studies. To our knowledge, data on its antimalarial efficacy is still very limited. A recent study demonstrated that polar extracts from the plant roots inhibit proliferation in a mouse model. This study further describes the efficacy and safety of a methanolic root extract of the plant as an antimalarial agent by demonstrating its effect on hematological, biochemical, and histological parameters of -infected BALB/c mice.
METHODS
Rane's test, a curative approach, was used to evaluate the antimalarial efficacy of methanolic root extract in -infected BALB/c mice. The effect of the extract on both hematological and biochemical parameters was evaluated using automated analyzers. Kidney, liver, lung, spleen, and brain tissues were harvested from euthanized mice and examined for changes in organ architecture.
RESULTS
This study demonstrates that methanolic root extract of significantly inhibited parasitemia in BALB/c mice ( < 0.01). Infected mice that were treated with the extract depicted a significantly low level of total leucocytes ( < 0.01), red blood cell distribution width ( < 0.01), and a significantly high hemoglobin concentration ( < 0.001) compared to the infected animals that were administered with the vehicle only. The infected animals that were treated with the extract exhibited a significantly low level of urea, creatinine, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase ( < 0.05), compared to the infected animals that were given the vehicle only. The level of sodium, potassium and chloride ions, lymphocytes, granulocytes, hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total platelets, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width of the infected animals treated with the extract was not significantly different from those of the infected animals that were given the vehicle only ( > 0.05). The extract alleviated organ pathological changes in the infected mice. The extract did not induce any remarkable adverse effect on the growth, hematological, and biochemical parameters of uninfected animals ( > 0.05). In addition, administration of the extract did not alter the gross appearance and histological architecture of the organs, implying that the extract was well tolerated in mice.
CONCLUSIONS
methanolic root extract exhibited good antimalarial activity against and may be safe in mice.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Antimalarials; Plasmodium berghei; Senna Plant; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Alkaline Phosphatase; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 37583959
DOI: 10.1155/2023/8296195 -
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023In this study, a novel compound was isolated, identified, and its chemical structure was determined from the extract of the roots of . In addition, we sought to evaluate...
In this study, a novel compound was isolated, identified, and its chemical structure was determined from the extract of the roots of . In addition, we sought to evaluate the anticancer potential of this molecule against melanoma and leukemic cell lines and identify the pathways of cell death involved. To this end, a novel anthraquinone was isolated from the barks of the roots of , analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and its molecular structure was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Subsequently, their cytotoxic activity was evaluated by the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method against non-cancerous, melanoma, and leukemic cells. The migration of melanoma cells was evaluated by the scratch assay. The apoptosis process, caspase-3 activation, analysis of mitochondrial membrane potential, and measurement of ROS were evaluated by flow cytometry technique. In addition, the pharmacological cell death inhibitors NEC-1, RIP-1, BAPTA, Z-VAD, and Z-DEVD were used to confirm the related cell death mechanisms. With the results, it was possible to elucidate the novel compound characterized as 2'-OH-Torosaol I. In normal cells, the compound showed no cytotoxicity in PBMC but reduced the cell viability of all melanoma and leukemic cell lines evaluated. 2'-OH-Torosaol I inhibited chemotaxis of B16F10-Nex2, SK-Mel-19, SK-Mel-28 and SK-Mel-103. The cytotoxicity of the compound was induced by apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased levels of reactive oxygen species, and activation of caspase-3. In addition, the inhibitors demonstrated the involvement of necroptosis and Ca in the death process and confirmed caspase-dependent apoptosis death as one of the main programmed cell death pathways induced by 2'-OH-Torosaol I. Taken together, the data characterize the novel anthraquinone 2'-OH-Torosaol I, demonstrating its anticancer activity and potential application in cancer therapy.
PubMed: 37513863
DOI: 10.3390/ph16070951 -
TheScientificWorldJournal 2023(L.) is a plant in the genus that contributes to improving nutritional quality, food security, and better health protection for rural populations. However, very few...
(L.) is a plant in the genus that contributes to improving nutritional quality, food security, and better health protection for rural populations. However, very few studies have been devoted to it in Burkina Faso. Consequently, its genetic diversity remains poorly known. Such neglect would lead to the erosion of its genetic resource. The general objective of this study is to contribute to a better knowledge of the genetic diversity of the species in order to be able to issue scientific bases for its conservation, valorization, and genetic improvement. Sixty (60) accessions of were collected in the wild from five provinces of three climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Molecular characterization was carried out using 18 SSR markers. Fifteen were polymorphic microsatellite markers leading one hundred and one (101) alleles in total, with an average of seven (7) alleles per locus. The number of effective alleles was 2.33. Expected heterozygosity, Shannon diversity index, and polymorphism information content averaged 0.47, 1.05, and 0.47. Molecular characterization revealed the existence of genetic diversity within the collection. This diversity has been structured into three genetic groups. Genetic group 3 presents the highest genetic diversity parameters.
Topics: Humans; Burkina Faso; Sennosides; Alleles; Knowledge; Genetic Variation
PubMed: 37313353
DOI: 10.1155/2023/3761799