ABSTRACT
The recent research focused on the green synthesis of silicon dioxide nanoparticles, SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites, and L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites using cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi as a new green polymeric surfactant. The structures of nanoparticles and nanocomposites were characterized by different spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites were utilized to determine the concentration of chromium, cadmium, and lead in COVID-19 patients using double-vortex-ultrasonic assisted surfactant enhanced dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. Mean recoveries of chromium, cadmium, and lead were obtained in the range of 86-98% with relative standard deviations below 4%. The advantages of the proposed method are green and novel polymer surfactant with low detection limit. Finally, antibacterial activities were investigated. The maximum inhibition zone of L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites was obtained for StaphylococcusAureus (21.9..0.4 mm). L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites have low cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cancer cells. These results indicated the potential ability of L-Arginine@SiO2@Cellulose of Zizyphus Spina-Christi nanocomposites in the determination of metal concentrations in biological samples along with good antibacterial properties and cytotoxic properties.
ABSTRACT
This proceedings contains 13 papers focusing on the effect of green tea extract in modulating the antibacterial activity of standard antibiotics against clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, in silico screening of Ziziphus spina-christi and Strychnos ligustrine compounds as a proteinase inhibitor of SARS-COV-2, antioxidant and antifungal propterties of palu shallot (Allium ascalonicum var. aggregatum), probiotic properties and safety of lactic acid bactera isolated from South Sulawesi ethnic cheese, pharmacognostics of 2 Orthoshipon aristatus varieties and effect of honey consumption after physical exercises on electrolytes and blood sugar levels, among others.
ABSTRACT
Diseases caused by the coronavirus have become an important concern in early 2020. The coronavirus is a new type of virus that is included in the SARS-CoV-2 group. One of the possible mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 inhibition involves protease receptors inhibition. This research was aimed to in silico screening of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf., and Strychnos ligustrine active ingredients as the main protease inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 by assessing the ligand-binding affinity in the binding pocket of SARS-CoV-2 main protease protein. The molecular docking method is generally used to predict the inhibitory site and bonds formation. In the current study, some generally used antiviral compounds from the PDB (Protein Data Bank) were also used to compare the affinity strength of the test compound against the protease receptor (code of 5R7Y). The inhibitory activity against the main protease receptor proven by the ChemPLP score is more negative than the receptor's native ligand and the comparison compounds. Jubanine B, a compound of Z. spina-christi has the most robust inhibition activity on the SARS-CoV-2 protease receptor. Results of this study can be concluded that this can be used to develop as a candidate for traditional medicine against SARS-CoV-2 but still it required some more in vitro and in vivo studies.
ABSTRACT
Background: With the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and the growing attention of people around the world to the use of traditional and complementary medicines to control of the disease, evaluating the effectiveness of these treatments has received special attention. Aim: This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of a barley-based (Hordeum vulgare) remedy combined with conventional medicine in comparison to the conventional therapy in confirmed COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: Seventy COVID-19 patients were randomly divided into barley-based remedy plus conventional medicine (barley-based remedy group) and conventional therapy (control group). Both groups were treated for 5 days. The outcomes were oxygen saturation, main symptoms (fever, respiratory rate, cough, and fatigue), and laboratory data (lymphocytic count, and CRP); they were measured for 6 days. Results: In comparison to the control group, the oxygen saturation level in the barley-based remedy group significantly increased, from the second day of the intervention (P < 0.05). The herbal remedy significantly improved fatigue from the third day (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the severity and frequency of cough between the groups were not significantly different. The herbal remedy had no significant effect on the CRP and the lymphocytic count of every time points of measurement. The average of respiratory rate and temperature of patients were in the normal range in both groups during the intervention. Conclusion: Barley-based remedy could significantly enhance the blood oxygen saturation and reduce fatigue. However, it needs to be confirmed by large sample size trials.
ABSTRACT
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed extensive morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, an appropriate pharmaceutical treatment has not yet been introduced for this disease, and finding a safe and effective treatment is still ongoing. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tiban (Mocozift) syrup (an herbal product of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (Ajwain) and Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (jujube)) in adult patients with COVID-19. Patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either placebo or Tiban syrup 5 cc, three times a day for 14 days, in addition to standard medications of COVID-19. Improvement in clinical outcomes, including cough, fatigue, dyspnea, appetite, and the occurrence of in-hospital mortality, were recorded.A total of 50 patients completed the study. The mean age of the patients was 56.5 years. There were 21 (42%) male and 29 (58%) female patients. There was a significant reduction in dyspnea after taking medication (p=0.001). Patients’ appetite significantly increased in the Tiban group (p=0.001). Also, a significant decrease was observed in the severity of fatigue score in the Tiban group (p=0.001). Compared to the placebo group, an increase in appetite and a decrease in fatigue occurred earlier in the Tiban group.The findings of this study suggest that the combination therapy with Tiban syrup and conventional medicine can reduce severity of dyspnea and fatigue, while it can increase appetite in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. © 2021, Iranian Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Unani System of Medicine is also known as Greco-Arabic medicine, and developed into an elaborate scientific medical system by Arab and Persian physicians, such as Rhazes (850-925AD), Avicenna (980-1037AD), Al-Zahrawi and Ibn Nafis. It is practiced in India since eighth century AD and is a recognized Indian traditional system of medicine with good infrastructure for education;research and manufacturing unitswhich are well regulated by the Government. In Unani medicine there are well developed pharmacopeia and pharmaceutical processings for single & compound formulations for the treatment of several local and systemic ailments. The most important formulation among various Unani formulations is Sharbat-e-Unnab, a Unani pharmaceutical preparation acting as Dafa-e-Sual (antitussive), Khashunat-e-Halaq (sore throat), Musaffi-e-Khoon (blood purifier), Musakkin-e-Hiddat-e-Khoon (suppressive blood heat) etc. Unnab (Ziziphus jujuba Mill./Jujube) fruit is the main ingredient of the formulation. Unnab is also an ingredient of Unani Joshanda which has been recommended for relief in upper respiratory tract symptoms in mild cases of COVID-19. Few scientific studies related to Sharbat Unnab have been conducted in problems like Acne vulgaris and Primary Hypertension. Apart from this Unnab, the main ingredient has also been studied for its antioxidant and anti-cancerous activities. This formulation is being used by Unani physicians since time immemorial. Therefore, this paper will describe the brief review of the formulation along with its ingredient.