Biogenic synthesis, characterization, and in vitro biological investigation of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgONPs) using Rhynchosia capitata.

The current research aimed to study the green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (AgONPs) using Rhynchosia capitata (RC) aqueous extract as a potent reducing and stabilizing agent. The obtained RC-AgONPs were characterized using UV, FT-IR, XRD, DLS, SEM, and EDX to investigate the morphology, size, and elemental composition. The size of the RC-AgONPs was found to be ~ 21.66 nm and an almost uniform distribution was executed by XRD analysis. In vitro studies were performed to reveal biological potential. The AgONPs exhibited efficient DPPH free radical scavenging potential (71.3%), reducing power (63.8 ± 1.77%), and total antioxidant capacity (88.5 ± 4.8%) to estimate their antioxidative power. Antibacterial and antifungal potentials were evaluated using the disc diffusion method against various bacterial and fungal strains, and the zones of inhibition (ZOI) were determined. A brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay was conducted to measure the cytotoxicity potential (LC50: 2.26 µg/mL). In addition, biocompatibility tests were performed to evaluate the biocompatible nature of RC-AgONPs using red blood cells, HEK, and VERO cell lines (< 200 µg/mL). An alpha-amylase inhibition assay was carried out with 67.6% inhibition. Moreover, In vitro, anticancer activity was performed against Hep-2 liver cancer cell lines, and an LC50 value of 45.94 µg/mL was achieved. Overall, the present study has demonstrated that the utilization of R. capitata extract for the biosynthesis of AgONPs offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and forthright alternative to traditional approaches for silver nanoparticle synthesis. The RC-AgONPs obtained exhibited significant bioactive properties, positioning them as promising candidates for diverse applications in the spheres of medicine and beyond.

Rosmarinic acid and its derivatives: Current insights on anticancer potential and other biomedical applications.

Cancer is still the leading cause of death worldwide, burdening the global medical system. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is among the first secondary metabolites discovered and it is a bioactive compound identified in plants such as Boraginaceae and Nepetoideae subfamilies of the Lamiaceae family, including Thymus masticmasti chinaythia koreana, Ocimum sanctum, and Hyptis pectinate. This updated review is to highlight the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects of RA and its derivatives, thus providing valuable clues for the potential development of some complementary drugs in the treatment of cancers. Relevant information about RA's chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects and its derivatives were collected from electronic scientific databases, such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, TRIP database, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The results of the studies showed numerous significant biological effects such as antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antioxidant and antiangiogenic effects. Most of the studies on the anticancer potential with the corresponding mechanisms are still in the experimental preclinical stage and are missing evidence from clinical trials to support the research. To open new anticancer therapeutic perspectives of RA and its derivatives, future clinical studies must elucidate the molecular mechanisms and targets of action in more detail, the human toxic potential and adverse effects.

Biogenic Synthesis of Multifunctional Silver Oxide Nanoparticles (Ag2ONPs) Using Parieteria alsinaefolia Delile Aqueous Extract and Assessment of Their Diverse Biological Applications.

Green nanotechnology has made the synthesis of nanoparticles a possible approach. Nanotechnology has a significant impact on several scientific domains and has diverse applications in different commercial areas. The current study aimed to develop a novel and green approach for the biosynthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag2ONPs) utilizing Parieteria alsinaefolia leaves extract as a reducing, stabilizing and capping agent. The change in color of the reaction mixture from light brown to reddish black determines the synthesis of Ag2ONPs. Further, different techniques were used to confirm the synthesis of Ag2ONPs, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), zeta potential and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses. The Scherrer equation determined a mean crystallite size of ~22.23 nm for Ag2ONPs. Additionally, different in vitro biological activities have been investigated and determined significant therapeutic potentials. Radical scavenging DPPH assay (79.4%), reducing power assay (62.68 ± 1.77%) and total antioxidant capacity (87.5 ± 4.8%) were evaluated to assess the antioxidative potential of Ag2ONPs. The disc diffusion method was adopted to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal potentials of Ag2ONPs using different concentrations (125-1000 µg/mL). Moreover, the brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay was investigated and the LC50 value was calculated as 2.21 µg/mL. The biocompatibility assay using red blood cells (<200 µg/mL) confirmed the biosafe and biocompatible nature of Ag2ONPs. Alpha-amylase inhibition assay was performed and reported 66% inhibition. In conclusion, currently synthesized Ag2ONPs have exhibited strong biological potential and proved as an attractive eco-friendly candidate. In the future, this preliminary research work will be a helpful source and will open new avenues in diverse fields, including the pharmaceutical, biomedical and pharmacological sectors.

Exploring Physical Characterization and Different Bio-Applications of Elaeagnus angustifolia Orchestrated Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles.

Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) mediated green chemistry route was used for the biofabrication of NiONPs without the provision of additional surfactants and capping agents. The formation of NiONPs was confirmed using advanced different characterization techniques such as Scanning electron microscopy, UV, Fourier transmission-infrared, RAMAN, and energy dispersal spectroscopic and dynamic light scattering techniques. Further, different biological activities of EA-NiONPs were studied. Antibacterial activities were performed using five different bacterial strains using disc-diffusion assays and have shown significant results as compared to standard Oxytetracycline discs. Further, NiONPs exhibited excellent antifungal performance against different pathogenic fungal strains. The biocompatibility test was performed using human RBCs, which further confirmed that NiONPs are more biocompatible at the concentration of 7.51-31.25 µg/mL. The antioxidant activities of NiONPs were investigated using DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The NiONPs were demonstrated to have much better antioxidant potentials in terms of % DPPH scavenging (93.5%) and total antioxidant capacity (81%). Anticancer activity was also performed using HUH7 and HEP-G2 cancer cell lines and has shown significant potential with IC50 values of 18.45 µg/mL and 14.84 µg/mL, respectively. Further, the NiONPs were evaluated against Lesihmania tropica parasites and have shown strong antileishmanial potentials. The EA-NiONPs also showed excellent enzyme inhibition activities; protein kinase (19.4 mm) and alpha-amylase (51%). In conclusion, NiONPs have shown significant results against different biological assays. In the future, we suggest various in vivo activities for EA-NiONPs using different animal models to further unveil the biological and biomedical potentials.

Deciphering chemical profiling, pharmacological responses and potential bioactive constituents of Saussurea lappa Decne. Extracts through in vitro approaches.

Despite advancement in modern medicines, plant derived medicines have still wide range utilities as they have less side effects and are cheap and biocompitable. Sassurea lappa is an extensively used plant in traditional medicinal formulations. Plant roots are used to cure various diseases including cancer, rheumatic pain, abdominal and nervous disorders. The present study was aimed for the evalution of biological potentials of methanolic and chloroform extracts of Saussurea lappa root, leaf, seed and flower. The methanolic and chloroform extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses. Identification of functional groups was performed using Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Antioxidant potential was determined via diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total reducing power (TRP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) method, anti-hemolytic potential was conducted on human RBCs, antibacterial activity was evaluated against six American type culture collection (ATCC) and three multi drug resistance (MDR) strains, cytotoxic and phytotoxic potentials were evaluated through brine shrimp lethality assay and raddish seed assay respectively. Experiments were performed in triplicates and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied using statistics version-8.1. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of sixteen secondary metabolites. Fourteen functional groups were identified through FTIR. S. lappa root methanolic (SLRM) showed maximum antioxidant activity index (AAI-79.42%) whereas chloroform extract of leaves (SLLC) gave highest antibacterial activity with maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.4 mm). Maximum cytotoxicity was observed for SLRM with lethal dose concentration (LC50) of 58.8 µg/mL. However, root extracts showed significant phytotoxicity (15% germination). The current study investigated that bioactive compounds present in S. lappa leaves, seed, flower and roots were responsible for enhanced biological potentials. Further studies on isolation and characterization of these bioactive compounds may help in drug development. In future, we recommend different in-vitro and in-vivo studies to further confirm it biopharmacological potencies.

Rhamnella gilgitica functionalized green synthesis of ZnONPs and their multiple therapeutic properties.

In the recent years, green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using plant extracts and phytochemicals has gained significant attention. In present research study, facile, green, and tunable ZnONPs were biosynthesized from Rhamnella gilgitica leaf aqueous extract as a strong reducing and stabilizing agents. The prepared ZnONPs@Rhamnella were characterized and validated using common nanotechnology techniques (UV-Vis, XRD, EDX, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, DLS, and Raman) and revealed spherical morphology with particle size ~21 nm. The asynthesized ZnONPs were further evaluated for different biological applications. Strong antimicrobial efficacies were reported for ZnONPs using disc-diffusion method and were capable of rendering significant antimicrobial potential. ZnONPs were evaluated against HepG2 (IC50 : 18.40 µg/ml) and HUH7 (IC50 : 20.59 µg/ml) cancer cell lines and revealed strong anticancer properties. Dose-dependent MTT cytotoxicity assay was confirmed using Leishmania tropica "KWH23 strain" (promastigote: IC50 : 26.78 µg/ml and amastigote: IC50 : 29.57 µg/ml). Antioxidant activities (DPPH: 93.36%, TAC: 72.43%) were performed to evaluate their antioxidant potentials. Further, protein kinase and α-amylase inhibition assays were determined. Biocompatibility assays were done using human RBCs and macrophages thus revealed biosafe and non-toxic nature of ZnONPs@Rhamnella. In current experiment, we concluded that greenly orchestrated ZnONPs is an attractive, non-toxic and ecofriendly candidate and showed potential biological activities. In future, different clinical trials and in vivo studies are necessary for the confirmation of these remedial properties of ZnONPs using different animal models. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Greenly orchestrated ZnONPs were synthesized using Rhamnella gilgitica leaves broth. Analytical techniques such as UV, SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, DLS, and Raman confirmed synthesis of ZnONPs. Green ZnONPs determined strong antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and antioxidant potentials. Significant enzyme inhibition and biocompatibility assays were investigated.

Antioxidant, Anticancer, and PXR-Dependent CYP3A4 Attributes of Schweinfurthia papilionacea (Burm.f.) Boiss., Tricholepis glaberrima DC. and Viola stocksii Boiss.

Present study established the biological potential of Schweinfurthia papilionacea, Tricholepis glaberrima and Viola stocksii extracts for their potential applications in drug formulations. Initially, FTIR was performed to ascertain functional groups and then plant extracts were prepared using five solvents depending on the polarity. Total phenolic contents were observed in the range of 36.36 ± 1.08 mg GAE/g to 95.55 ± 2.46 mg GAE/g while flavonoid contents were found in the range of 10.51 ± 0.25 mg QE/g to 22.17 ± 1.79 mg QE/g. Antioxidant activity was determined using TRP, CUPRAC, TAC and DPPH assays and was recorded highest in S. papilionacea followed by T. glaberrima extracts. TPC and TFC were found to be strongly correlated with TRP (r > 0.50), CUPRAC (r > 0.53) and DPPH (r = 0.31 and 0.72) assay while weakly correlated with TAC (r = 0.08 and 0.03) as determined by Pearson correlation analysis. Anticancer activity showed that S. papilionacea chloroform extracts possess highest cell viability (85.04 ± 4.24%) against HepG2 cell lines while T. glaberrima chloroform extracts exhibited highest activity (82.80 ± 2.68%) against HT144 cell lines. Afterwards, highest PXR activation was observed in T. glaberrima (3.49 ± 0.34 µg/mL fold) at 60 µg/mL and was correlated with increase in CYP3A4 activity (15.0 ± 3.00 µg/mL IC50 value). Furthermore, antimalarial activity revealed >47600 IC50 value against P. falciparum D6 and P. falciparum W2 and antimicrobial assay indicated highest activity (32 ± 2.80 mm) in S. papilionacea against C. neoformans. At the end, GC-MS analysis of n-hexane plant extracts showed 99.104% of total identified compounds in T. glaberrima and 94.31% in V. stocksii. In conclusion, present study provides insight about the different biological potentials of S. papilionacea and T. glaberrima extracts that rationalize the applications of these extracts in functional foods and herbal drugs for the management of oxidative-stress related diseases, antimicrobial infections and liver and skin cancer.

Biomagnification of potentially toxic elements in animals consuming fodder irrigated with sewage water.

Globally, sewage water is considered a cheap and effective alternative source of irrigation and nutrient supplement. For example, in Faisalabad, Pakistan untreated sewage water loaded with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is being routinely used to grow fodder crops in the peri-urban areas, where PTEs accumulate at different trophic levels and contaminate the food chain. Trophic transfer, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of hazardous metals in food chains had toxic implications for human health. Currently, the major concern is associated with the consumption of PTEs contaminated fodder by animals and the subsequent translocation into humans via consumption of milk and meat from these animals. This study thus analyzed the concentration of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in sewage water, sewage irrigated soil, fodder is grown on such soils and the milk of cows and buffalos to calculate the transfer through water and fodder to animal milk. Overall, concentrations and bioaccumulation factors of Cd and Cu in buffalo milk were higher than the cow milk, whereas it was inverse for the concentration of Zn. Non-significant difference in the bioaccumulation factor for Pb in both buffalo and cow milk was observed. Calculation of the estimated daily intake indicated that there was no health risk associated with the consumption of tested milk samples. However, given the widespread exposure of infants to milk, continuous monitoring of milk quality is recommended to preclude a child's exposure to elevated levels of PTEs.

Chemical composition of Gastrocotyle hispida (Forssk.) bunge and Heliotropium crispum Desf. and evaluation of their multiple in vitro biological potentials.

Medicinal plants largely serve as a source of bioactive compounds in traditional medicines to cure various diseases. The present study was aimed at chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antihemolytic potential of five different extracts of G. hispida and H. crispum (Boraginaceae). G. hispida methanolic extract displayed highest number (eleven) of polyphenolic compounds by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Functional groups were identified by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and elements (Si, Fe, Ba, Mg, Ti, Ca, Mg and Cr) were observed by using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) which were also highly expressed in G. hispida as compared to H. crispum. Antioxidant activity was determined via six assays and antibacterial activity was observed in decreasing order of methanol > ethanol > chloroform > ethyl acetate > n-Hexane in both species. Cytotoxic potential was investigated against brine shrimps and then liver (HepG2) and skin (HT144) cancer cell lines which was detected highest in the G. hispida ethanolic extract (50.76 % and 72.95 %). However, H. crispum chloroform extract revealed highest (31.869 µg/mL) antihemolytic activity and its methanolic extract indicated highest (13.5 %) alpha-amylase inhibitory potential. Altogether, results suggested that both species could be used effectively in food and drug industries owing to the presence of vital bioactive compounds and elements. In future, we recommend to isolate active compounds and to perform in vivo biological assays to further validate their potential biological applications.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Elaeagnus angustifolia L. leaf extracts and their multiple in vitro biological applications.

Due to their versatile applications, ZnONPs have been formulated by several approaches, including green chemistry methods. In the current study, convenient and economically viable ZnONPs were produced using Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) leaf extracts. The phytochemicals from E. angustifolia L. are believed to serve as a non-toxic source of reducing and stabilizing agents. The physical and chemical properties of ZnONPs were investigated employing varying analytical techniques (UV, XRD, FT-IR, EDX, SEM, TEM, DLS and Raman). Strong UV-Vis absorption at 399 nm was observed for green ZnONPs. TEM, SEM and XRD analyses determined the nanoscale size, morphology and crystalline structure of ZnONPs, respectively. The ZnONPs were substantiated by evaluation using HepG2 (IC50: 21.7 µg mL-1) and HUH7 (IC50: 29.8 µg mL-1) cancer cell lines and displayed potential anticancer activities. The MTT cytotoxicity assay was conducted using Leishmania tropica "KWH23" (promastigotes: IC50, 24.9 µg mL-1; and amastigotes: IC50, 32.83 µg mL-1). ZnONPs exhibited excellent antimicrobial potencies against five different bacterial and fungal species via the disc-diffusion method, and their MIC values were calculated. ZnONPs were found to be biocompatible using human erythrocytes and macrophages. Free radical scavenging tests revealed excellent antioxidant activities. Enzyme inhibition assays were performed and revealed excellent potential. These findings suggested that EA@ZnONPs have potential applications and could be used as a promising candidate for clinical development.

Scanning electron microscopy of Sophora alopecuroides L. seeds and their cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition potentials.

Sophora alopecuroides L. is a highly medicinal plant. The aim of the current study was to determine the phytochemical screening, pharmacological potentials and application of scanning electron microscope (SEM) of S. alopecuroides (SA) seeds. To achieve this purpose, six different solvents were used to prepare SA seed extracts. Phytochemical and antioxidant activities were determined calorimetrically. To investigate the antidiabetic activity, α-amylase inhibition assay was determined. Brine shrimp assay was used to determine cytotoxicity potential. Anti-leishmanial potential was confirmed using MTT assay. Disc-diffusion method was used to detect protein kinase inhibitory, antibacterial and antifungal activities and showed significant results. SEM analysis was used as an identification tool. Considerable amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents were identified in methanol extract (SASM) (93.76 ± 2.71 GAE/mg) and (77 ± 3.60 QE/mg). Highest DPPH scavenging potential (82%) was reported for SASM. Significant total antioxidant capacity (90.60 ± 1.55 alpha amylase enzyme [AAE]/mg) and total reducing power (94.44 ± 1.38 AAE/mg) were determined for LOSM. Highest α-amylase inhibition was reported in SASM (78.20 ± 1.58%). Highest LD50 of brine shrimp was found for n-hexane extract (SASH) 13.03 µg/ml. All extracts showed strong anti-leishmanial activity except SASH. The seeds of SA were seen to be oblong to obovate, projections, wavy slightly straight, anticlinal wall was raised with apex acuminate. In conclusion, our experimental findings highly support the ethnomedicinal and biological potentials of the SA seeds. Moreover, SA seeds need to be explored for identification and isolation of bioactive compounds. In future, we recommend further in vivo toxicity assays and clinical efficacies to further evaluate its different biomedical properties.

Antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidants, enzyme inhibition activities, and scanning electron microscopy of Lactuca orientalis (Boiss.) Boiss. seeds.

Lactuca orientalis (Boiss.) Boiss. is one of the most frequently used ethnomedicinal plant. This research study was designed to decipher the phytochemical screening, pharmacological potential and implementation of scanning electron microscope (SEM). Six different solvents were used to prepare L. orientalis (LO) seed extracts. Phytochemical and antioxidant activities were determined calorimetrically. To investigate antidiabetic, α-amylase inhibition assay was performed. Brine shrimp assay was performed for cytotoxicity and anti-leishmanial via MTT assay. Disc-diffusion assay was performed to detect protein kinase inhibitory, antibacterial and antifungal activities. SEM was used as identification tool. Significant amount of phenolic and flavonoid content were identified in methanol extract (LOSM) (95.76 ± 3.71 GAE/mg) and (77 ± 3.60 QE/mg). Highest DPPH scavenging potential (82%) was reported for LOSM. Significant total antioxidant capacity (90.60 ± 1.55 AAE/mg) and total reducing power (94.44 ± 1.38 AAE/mg) were determined for LOSM. Highest α-amylase inhibition was found in LOSM (78.20 ± 1.58%). The highest LD50 of brine shrimp was found for n-Hexane extract (LOSH) 13.03 𝜇g/ml. All extracts showed strong anti-leishmanial activity except LOSH. L. orientalis seeds showed significant protein kinase inhibition, antibacterial and antifungal activities. The seeds of L. orientalis were seen to be oblong to obovate, projections, wavy slightly straight, anticlinal wall was raised with apex acuminate. The outer-periclinal wall convex with fine texture. In conclusion, our findings scientifically support ethnomedicinal and biological potentials of L. orientalis seeds. In future, L. orientalis seeds need to be explored for identification and isolation of bioactive compounds. The results obtained necessitate further in vivo studies to evaluate their pharmacological potentials.

Phytofabrication of cobalt oxide nanoparticles from Rhamnus virgata leaves extract and investigation of different bioactivities.

The tunable cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CoONPs) are produced due to the phytochemicals present in Rhamnus virgata (RhV) leaf extract which functions as reducing and stabilization agents. The synthesis of CoONPs was confirmed using different analytical techniques: UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamics light scatterings (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray, and Raman spectroscopy analyses. Furthermore, multiple biological activities were performed. Significant antifungal and antibacterial potentials have been reported. The in vitro cytotoxic assays of CoONPs revealed strong anticancer activity against human hepatoma HUH-7 (IC50 : 33.25 µg/ml) and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 (IC50 : 11.62 µg/ml) cancer cells. Dose-dependent cytotoxicity potency was confirmed against Leishmania tropica (KMH23 ); amastigotes (IC50 : 58.63 µg/ml) and promastigotes (IC50 : 32.64 µg/ml). The biocompatibility assay using red blood cells (RBCs; IC50 : 4,636 µg/ml) has confirmed the bio-safe nature of CoONPs. On the whole, results revealed nontoxic nature of RhV-CoONPs with promising biological potentials.

Environmentally friendly green approach for the fabrication of silver oxide nanoparticles: Characterization and diverse biomedical applications.

In the present study, green silver nanoparticles (Ag2 ONPs) were prepared from aqueous and ethanolic leaves extract of Rhamnus virgata in a facile, green, cost-effective, and eco-friendly way. The color changes from light brown to brownish black determined the synthesis of Ag2 ONPs(Aq) and Ag2 ONPs(Et) . The phytofabrication of Ag2 ONPs was confirmed using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques: energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Detailed in vitro biological activities determined significant biopotentials for Ag2 ONPs. The Ag2 ONPs(Aq) and Ag2 ONPs(Et) were investigated for anticancer potential against HUH-7 (IC50 : 9.075 µg/ml for Ag2 O(Aq) and 25.66 µg/ml for Ag2 O(Et) ) and HepG2 (IC50 : 25.18 µg/ml for Ag2 O(Aq) and IC50 : 27.74 µg/ml for Ag2 O(Aq) ) cell lines. Concentration-dependent cytotoxicity was performed against brine-shrimps (IC50 : 36.04 µg/ml for Ag2 O(Aq) and 28.82 µg/ml for Ag2 O(Et) ) and Leishmanial parasite (amastigotes and promastigotes). Disc-diffusion method revealed significant antimicrobial activities. In addition, significant enzyme inhibitory activity and antiradical potentials were studied. The hemocompatible nature of Ag2 ONPs(Aq) and Ag2 ONPs(Et) was revealed using biocompatibility tests. In conclusion, the green Ag2 ONPs(Aq) and Ag2 ONPs(Et) are nontoxic and biocompatible and has shown significant biological activities. We further encourage in vivo studies to ensure biosafety and biocompatibility, so that they can be effectively utilized in nano-pharmaceutical industries.

Phytogenic Synthesis of Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles (NiO) Using Fresh Leaves Extract of Rhamnus triquetra (Wall.) and Investigation of Its Multiple In Vitro Biological Potentials.

Chemically nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) involve the synthesis of toxic products, which restrict their biological applications. Hence, we developed a simple, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient green chemistry method for the fabrication of NiONPs using fresh leaf broth of Rhamnus triquetra (RT). The RT leaves broth was used as a strong reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent in the formation of RT-NiONPs. The color change in solution from brown to greenish black suggests the fabrication of RT-NiONPs which was further confirmed by absorption band at 333 nm. The synthesis and different physicochemical properties of RT-NiONPs were investigated using different analytical techniques such as UV-Vis (ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray powder diffraction), FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), DLS (dynamic light scattering) and Raman. Further, RT-NiONPs were subjected to different in vitro biological activities and revealed distinctive biosafe and biocompatibility potentials using erythrocytes and macrophages. RT-NiONPs exhibited potential anticancer activity against liver cancer cell lines HUH7 (IC50: 11.3 µg/mL) and HepG2 (IC50: 20.73 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity potential was confirmed using Leishmanial parasites promastigotes (IC50: 27.32 µg/mL) and amastigotes (IC50: 37.4 µg/mL). RT-NiONPs are capable of rendering significant antimicrobial efficacy using various bacterial and fungal strains. NiONPs determined potent radical scavenging and moderate enzyme inhibition potencies. Overall, this study suggested that RT-NiONPs can be an attractive and eco-friendly candidate. In conclusion, current study showed potential in vitro biological activities and further necessitate different in vivo studies in various animal models to develop leads for new drugs to treat several chronic diseases.

Facile green synthesis approach for the production of chromium oxide nanoparticles and their different in vitro biological activities.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles using plants has become a promising substitute for the conventional chemical synthesis methods. In the present study, our aim was to synthesize chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr2 O3 NPs) through a facile, low-cost, eco-friendly route using leaf extract of Rhamnus virgata (RV). The formation of Cr2 O3 NPs was confirmed and characterized by spectroscopic profile of UV-Vis, EDX, FTIR, and XRD analyses. The UV-visible spectroscopy has confirmed the formation of Cr2 O3 NPs by the change of color owing to surface plasmon resonance. The bioactive functional groups present in the leaf extract of RV involved in reduction and stabilization of Cr2 O3 NPs were determined by FTIR analysis. Based on XRD analysis, crystalline nature of Cr2 O3 NPs was determined. The morphological shape and elemental composition of Cr2 O3 NPs were investigated using SEM and EDX analyses, respectively. With growing applications of Cr2 O3 NPs in biological perspectives, Cr2 O3 NPs were evaluated for diverse biopotentials. Cr2 O3 NPs were further investigated for its cytotoxicity potentials against HepG2 and HUH-7 cancer cell lines (IC50 : 39.66 and 45.87 µg/ml), respectively. Cytotoxicity potential of Cr2 O3 NPs was confirmed against promastigotes (IC50 : 33.24 µg/ml) and amastigotes (IC50 : 44.31 µg/ml) using Leishmania tropica (KMH23 ). The Cr2 O3 NPs were further evaluated for antioxidants, biostatic, alpha-amylase, and protein kinase inhibition properties. Biocompatibility assay was investigated against human macrophages which confirmed the nontoxic nature of Cr2 O3 NPs. Overall, the synthesized Cr2 O3 NPs are biocompatible and nontoxic and proved to possess significant biopotentials. In future, different in vivo studies are needed to fully investigate the cytotoxicity and mechanism of action associated with these Cr2 O3 NPs.

Variation in antibiotic susceptibility and presence of type VI secretion system (T6SS) in Campylobacter jejuni isolates from various sources.

Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of infectious diarrhea in humans. The bacterium can be transmitted through contaminated poultry meat and waste water. We report the presence of C. jejuni from potential transmission sources including egg shells, poultry waste, waste water and migratory bird droppings with a prevalence rate of 78%, 66%, 86% and 70% respectively. Antibiotic resistance profile showed high number of isolates resistant to multiple antibiotics including 4th generation cephalosporins. C. jejuni isolates were further screened for presence of T6SS, an important virulence factor. None of the C. jejuni isolates from migratory birds carried a T6SS, whereas highest prevalence of T6SS isolates was observed in waste water samples, followed by poultry waste and egg shells. To determine virulence potential of the isolates, hemolytic activity of isolates was compared. Although variation in hemolytic potential between isolates from different sources was noted, higher hemolytic activity was observed for isolates possessing hcp, a T6SS gene. Furthermore, presence of T6SS affords the bacterium some survival advantage when compared to T6SS competent Helicobacter pullorum which occupies the same niche. Taken together our findings indicate that C. jejuni with T6SS have a fitness advantage increasing their isolation frequency from waste water and poultry waste.

Potential phytochemicals in the prevention and treatment of esophagus cancer: A green therapeutic approach.

Globally, esophagus cancer (EC) is one of the most frequently reported malignancies and leading cause of deaths. Currently, different treatment methods are available like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or their combination. These treatment strategies are not enough and are often associated with adverse side effects. The alternate treatment option like phytochemicals have come up with ease of bioavailability and cost-effectiveness. Due to general acceptance, lower side effects, safety and pleiotropic effect, phytochemicals can be used as an adjuvant treatment for alleviating side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Phytochemicals perform multiple functions; release cytochrome-c, loss mitochondrial membrane potential, down-regulate expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, up-regulate pro-apoptotic proteins, activate caspases, p53, inhibit Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, phosphorylate NF-κB, STAT3 and PI3K. The knowledge compiled here encompasses anti-EC phytochemicals, their occurrence, bioavailability therapeutic effects and mechanism of action by targeting several genes and signaling pathways. Overall, the clinical data compiled on phytochemicals against EC is not sufficient and need future research to provide additional insights for developing potential anticancer drugs in pharma industries.

Natural Products Mediated Targeting of Virally Infected Cancer.

The role of viral infection in developing cancer was determined in the start of 20th century. Until now, 8 different virus-associated cancers have been discovered and most of them progressed in immunosuppressed individuals. The aim of the present study is to look into the benefits of natural products in treating virally infected cancers. The study focuses on bioactive compounds derived from natural sources. Numerous pharmaceutical agents have been identified from plants (vincristine, vinblastine, stilbenes, combretastatin, and silymarin), marine organisms (bryostatins, cephalostatin, ecteinascidins, didemnin, and dolastatin), insects (cantharidin, mastoparan, parectadial, and cecropins), and microorganisms (vancomycin, rhizoxin, ansamitocins, mitomycin, and rapamycin). Beside these, various compounds have been observed from fruits and vegetables which can be utilized in anticancer therapy. These include curcumin in turmeric, resveratrol in red grapes, S-allyl cysteine in allium, allicin in garlic, catechins in green tea, and ß-carotene in carrots. The present study addresses various types of virally infected cancers, their mechanism of action, and the role of different cell surface molecules elicited during viral binding and entry into the target cell along with the anticancer drugs derived from natural products by targeting screening of bioactive compounds from natural sources.

Potential phytochemicals in the fight against skin cancer: Current landscape and future perspectives.

Skin cancer is a life threatening disease and their prevalence and risk has been increasing over the past three decades causing significant loss to human health worldwide. Mostly skin cancer has developed resistance against chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, development of novel, cost effective and efficient treatment methods are needed. Phytochemicals extracted from medicinal plants and dietary sources are often biologically active and has attracted the attention of researchers and pharmaceutical industries around the world. Many in vitro and in vivo studies of these bioactive compounds have shown potential antioxidant, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects in the fight against skin cancer. These phytochemicals also regulate several other molecular processes such as angiogenesis, metastasis and cell cycle to combat skin cancer. The present review provides perspectives on the key phytochemicals, their therapeutic potentials, bioavailability and molecular mechanism of action in the cancer therapeutics. Current challenges and future directions for research are also critically discussed.