Exploration of bioflavonoids targeting dengue virus NS5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase: In silico molecular docking approach

Dengue viral infection becomes highly epidemic and rashes the economic stability of most of the developing countriesdue to its wide prevalence with limited therapeutic ailments. Alarming demographic data urge the need for thedevelopment of new antiviral agents which are safe and efficacious. This study aimed to evaluate the antiviral potentialof bioflavonoids (apigenin, hesperidin, kaempferol, myricetin, and naringenin) against dengue virus nonstructural(NS)5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) by AutoDock and tox prediction tools. The results of moleculardocking analysis strongly suggested that the lead phytocomponents such as apigenin, hesperidin, and kaempferolreveal potential RdRp inhibition as ascertained by its interaction with core active amino acid residues (710 SER, 729ARG, and 737 ARG) on the target. Apigenin exhibited the best binding affinity of −8.28kcal/mol with RdRp, followedby kaempferol (−7.00 kcal/mol), myricetin (−4.37 kcal/mol), naringenin (−4.35 kcal/mol), and hesperidin(−3.20 kcal/mol). The present research finding clearly advocates that plant-derived bioflavonoids possess excellent antiviralproperty against the selected target.

In-vitro Screening for acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition potential and antioxidant activity of extracts of Ipomoea aquatica Forsk: therapeutic lead for Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a primary degenerative disease of the central nervous system. The progression of Alzheimer’s disease will ultimately lead to dementia, behavioral and cognitive impairments. Increased level of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase AChE plays a key role in hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh) which worsens the condition of cognitive dysfunction. Several drug of natural origin are known to possess AChE inhibition and antioxidant activity. The main objective of the present study is to evaluate AChE inhibition and antioxidant activity of the plant Ipomoea aquatica Forsk. Leaves of Ipomoea aquatica Forsk was extracted with Chloroform, n-Hexane, Ethanol and mixture of Ethanol: water (6:4) (hydro-alcoholic extract) using soxhlet extraction. All the four extracts were examined for In-vitro anti-cholinesterase by Ellman’s method and antioxidant activity by DPPH and Hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assay. Results obtained from the study clearly demonstrates that all four extract has shown promising acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity in hydro alcoholic extract reveals the best inhibition potential with IC50 49.03 μg /ml. Similarly all the extracts projects significant antioxidant activity in DPPH assay with IC50 value ranging from 19.64 to 88.63 μg /ml and in Hydrogen peroxide assay with IC50 value ranging from 56.79 to 137.3 μg /ml.

Antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic effects of Morinda tinctoria Roxb using streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Metabolic surgical procedures have been shown to improve diabetes, but the mechanism of action is poorly understood. Objective: To evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic effects of Morinda tinctoria Roxb (MTR) fruit extract in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Albino wistar rats with STZ-induced diabetes were divided into four groups: citrate buffer, troglitazone (TGZ; 36 mg/kg), methanolic fruit extract of MTR (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg body weight)-administrated groups. Five, 10, and 15 days after administration of each drug, the fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood glutathione (GSH), and serum ceruloplasmin levels were measured. Results: MTR at the high dose (100 mg/kg bodyweight) produced a significant reduction in the FBG level with increase in blood GSH level. This reduction was much less than that in the FBG produced by TGZ. Treatments with TGZ or MTR at both doses did not alter the ceruloplasmin level significantly. Conclusion: MTR fruit extract contains compounds that could be effective in glucose tolerance impairment during diabetes.