Uncovering anti-inflammatory potential of Lantana camara Linn: Network pharmacology and in vitro studies.

Lantana camara Linn contains a diverse array of metabolites that exhibit therapeutic potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of L. camara leaves, which were collected at the Ie-Seu'um geothermal area in Aceh, Indonesia, as an anti-inflammatory through network pharmacology and in vitro analysis. The ethanolic extract derived from L. camara underwent identification utilizing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to verify chemical constituents for drug-likeness properties. The evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity included network pharmacology and a series of in vitro investigations using two methods: protein inhibition and albumin denaturation assays. The findings revealed that the extract contained a domination of terpenoids and fatty acids class, which met the evaluation criteria of drug-likeness. Network pharmacology analysis identified the top five key proteins (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, prostaglandin G/H synthase 2, epidermal growth factor receptor, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, and tyrosine protein kinase-Janus kinase 2) involved in inflammation-related protein-protein interactions. Gene ontology enrichment highlighted the predominance of inflammatory responses in biological processes (BP), cytoplasm in cellular components (CC), and oxidoreductase activity in molecular functions (MF). In vitro analysis showed that the extract inhibited protein activity and protein denaturation with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 202.27 and 223.85 ppm, respectively. Additionally, the extract had antioxidant activity with DPPH- and ABTS-scavenging IC50 values of 140 ppm and 163 ppm, respectively. Toxicological assessment by brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA), yielding a lethal concentration (LC50) value of 574 ppm (essentially non-toxic) and its prediction via ProTox 3.0 that indicated non-active in hepatotoxicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, mutagenicity, and cytotoxicity. These results suggested that L. camara holds noteworthy effectiveness as a potential candidate for complementary medicine in the realm of inflammatory agents, warranting further investigation in clinical settings.

Optimizing antimicrobial synergy: Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Calotropis gigantea leaves enhanced by patchouli oil.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from plant extracts have gained attention for their potential applications in biomedicine. Calotropis gigantea has been utilized to synthesize AgNPs, called AgNPs-LCg, and exhibit antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as antifungal. However, further enhancement of their antimicrobial properties is needed. The aim of this study was to synthesize AgNPs-LCg and to enhance their antimicrobial and antifungal activities through a hybrid green synthesis reaction using patchouli oil (PO), as well as to characterize the synthesized AgNPs-LCg. Optimization was conducted using the response surface method (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD). AgNPs-LCg were synthesized under optimal conditions and hybridized with different forms of PO-crude, distillation wastewater (hydrolate), and heavy and light fractions-resulting in PO-AgNPs-LCg, PH-AgNPs-LCg, LP-AgNPs-LCg, and HP-AgNPs-LCg, respectively. The samples were then tested for their antibacterial (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria) and antifungal activities. Our data indicated that all samples, including those with distillation wastewater, had enhanced antimicrobial activity. HP-AgNPs-LCg, however, had the highest efficacy; therefore, only HP-AgNPs-LCg proceeded to the characterization stage for comparison with AgNPs-LCg. UV-Vis spectrophotometry indicated surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks at 400 nm for AgNPs-LCg and 360 nm for HP-AgNPs-LCg. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of O-H, N-H, and C-H groups in C. gigantea extract and AgNP samples. The smallest AgNPs-LCg were 56 nm, indicating successful RSM optimization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed spherical AgNPs-LCg and primarily cubic HP-AgNPs-LCg, with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirming silver's predominance. This study demonstrated that PO in any form significantly enhances the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs-LCg. The findings pave the way for the exploration of enhanced and environmentally sustainable antimicrobial agents, capitalizing on the natural resources found in Aceh Province, Indonesia.

Fabrication and Evaluation of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Corn Starch/Patchouli Oil Hydrogel Films Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized in Pogostemon cablin Benth Leaves' Extract.

Research on the manufacture of hydrogel films from polyvinyl alcohol, corn starch, patchouli oil, and silver nanoparticles, (PVA/CS/PO/AgNPs, respectively) was completed. The silver nanoparticles used in this study resulted from green synthesis using local patchouli plants (Pogostemon cablin Benth). Aqueous patchouli leaf extract (APLE) and methanol patchouli leaf extract (MPLE) are used in the synthesis of phytochemicals (green synthesis), which are then blended in the production of PVA/CS/PO/AgNPs hydrogel films, which are then cross linked with glutaraldehyde. The results demonstrated that the hydrogel film was flexible, easy to fold, and free of holes and air bubbles. The presence of hydrogen bonds between the functional groups of PVA, CS, and PO was revealed using FTIR spectroscopy. SEM analysis revealed that the hydrogel film was slightly agglomerated and did not exhibit cracking or pinholes. The analysis of pH, spreadability, gel fraction, and swelling index showed that the resulting PVA/CS/PO/AgNP hydrogel films met expected standards except for the organoleptic properties of the resulting colors, which tended to be slightly darker in color. The formula with silver nanoparticles synthesized in methanolic of patchouli leaf extract (AgMENPs) had the highest thermal stability compared to hydrogel films with silver nanoparticles synthesized in aqueous of patchouli leaf extract (AgAENPs). The hydrogel films can be safely used up to 200 °C. The antibacterial studies revealed that the films inhibited the growth of both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis, as determined by the disc diffusion method, with the best antibacterial activity being against Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, the hydrogel film F1, loaded with silver nanoparticles biosynthesized in aqueous of patchouli leave extract (AgAENPs) and light fraction of patchouli oil (LFoPO) performed the best activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis.

Clinical and oral microbiome pattern of halitosis patients with periodontitis and gingivitis.

Halitosis is caused by a bacterial proteolytic process that induces the production of volatile sulfur compounds, odor-causing gases. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical oral hygiene state and oral microbiome pattern of halitosis patients with periodontitis and gingivitis. The oral hygiene state of halitosis patients with periodontitis and gingivitis was assessed using the oral hygiene index simplified (OHI-S), decay missing filled teeth (DMFT), and tongue biofilm. The dorsum of the tongue and subgingival swabs were cultured for bacteria, and bacterial morphology was evaluated using Gram staining. Evaluation of the bacterial genus using the Bergey's systematic bacteriology diagram as a guide. A total of ten patients with periodontitis and gingivitis were included. Our data indicated that the scores of OHI-S and DMFT were different significantly between halitosis patients with periodontitis and gingivitis (both had p<0.001) while tongue biofilm score was not different between groups. On the dorsum of the tongue, periodontitis patients had a significant higher oral microbiome population (85.65x106 CFU/mL) compared to those with gingivitis (0.047x106 CFU/mL) with p=0.002. In contrast, the number of microbiomes in the subgingival had no significant different between periodontitis and gingivitis. On the dorsum of the tongue, six bacterial genera were isolated from periodontitis cases and seven genera were detected from gingivitis patients. On subgingival, 10 and 15 genera were identified from periodontitis and gingivitis, respectively. Fusobacterium, Propionibacterium, Eubacterium and Lactobacillus were the most prevalent among periodontitis cases while Porphyromonas was the most prevalent in gingivitis patients. In conclusion, although OHI-S and DMFT are different between periodontitis and gingivitis, overlapping of bacterial genera was detected between periodontitis and gingivitis cases.

Green Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Using Calotropis gigantea from Ie Seu-Um Geothermal Area, Aceh Province, Indonesia.

Herein, we report our success synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts from the leaves and flowers of Calotropis gigantea growing in the geothermal manifestation Ie Seu-Um, Aceh Besar, Indonesia. C. gigantea aqueous extract can be used as a bio-reductant for Ag+→Ag0 conversion, obtained by 48h incubation of Ag+, and the extract mixture in a dark condition. UV-Vis characterization showed that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks of AgNPs-leaf C. gigantea (AgNPs-LCg) and AgNPs-flower C. gigantea (AgNPs-FCg) appeared in the wavelength range of 410-460 nm. Scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) revealed the agglomeration and spherical shapes of AgNPs-LCg and AgNPs-FCg with diameters ranging from 87.85 to 256.7 nm. Zeta potentials were observed in the range of -41.8 to -25.1 mV. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay revealed AgNPs-FCg as the most potent antimicrobial agent with inhibition zones of 12.05 ± 0.58, 11.29 ± 0.45, and 9.02 ± 0.10 mm for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, respectively. In conclusion, aqueous extract from the leaves or flowers of Calotropis gigantea may be used in the green synthesis of AgNPs with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities.

Natural Antioxidant Activities of Plants in Preventing Cataractogenesis.

A cataract is a condition that causes 17 million people to experience blindness and is the most significant cause of vision loss, around 47.9%. The formation of cataracts is linked to both the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the reduction of endogenous antioxidants. ROS are highly reactive molecules produced by oxygen. Examples of ROS include peroxides, super-oxides, and hydroxyl radicals. ROS are produced in cellular responses to xenobiotics and bacterial invasion and during mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Excessive ROS can trigger oxidative stress that initiates the progression of eye lens opacities. ROS and other free radicals are highly reactive molecules because their outer orbitals have one or more unpaired electrons and can be neutralized by electron-donating compounds, such as antioxidants. Examples of natural antioxidant compounds are vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Numerous studies have demonstrated that plants contain numerous antioxidant compounds that can be used as cataract preventatives or inhibitors. Natural antioxidant extracts for cataract therapy may be investigated further in light of these findings, which show that consuming a sufficient amount of antioxidant-rich plants is an excellent approach to cataract prevention. Several other natural compounds also prevent cataracts by inhibiting aldose reductase and preventing apoptosis of the eye lens.

Antidepressant-like Activity of Patchouli Oil var. Tapak Tuan (Pogostemon cablin Benth) via Elevated Dopamine Level: A Study Using Rat Model.

Essential oils are gaining popularity for their use in treating depression, including that extracted from patchouli leaves and stems (Pogostemon cablin). Herein, we used patchouli oil (PO) containing a high amount of patchouli alcohol derived from P. cablin var. Tapak Tuan. The aim of this study was to investigate the antidepressant potential of PO, with a variety of patchouli alcohol concentrations obtained from a separation process using vacuum distillation with different temperature ranges. The initial patchouli oil (iPO) was traditionally distilled by a local farmer and further distilled using a rotary evaporator at temperature ranges of 115−160 °C (POF-1); 120−160 °C (POF-2), and 125−160 °C (POF-3), resulting in products with different patchouli alcohol concentrations. POF-3, with the highest patchouli alcohol content of 60.66% (based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), was used for cooling crystallization, resulting in 100% patchouli alcohol crystal (pPA). A tail suspension test (TST) was performed on a rat model to screen the antidepressant potential of iPO and its derivatives. The TST results revealed that POF-3 had the best antidepressant-like effect and was second only to the fluoxetine-based antidepressant, Kalxetin®, where both groups had significant reductions of immobility time post-treatment (p < 0.0001). Other than patchouli alcohol, POF-3 also contained ledol and trans-geraniol, which have been reported for their antidepressant-related activities. Brain dopamine levels increased significantly in the group treated with POF-3 (p < 0.05 as compared with the control group), suggesting its primary anti-depressant mechanism. These findings suggest the potential of vacuum-distilled patchouli oil in reducing depression via dopamine elevation.

Synthesis of Chitosan-Silver Nanoparticle Composite Spheres and Their Antimicrobial Activities.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles-chitosan composite particles sphere (AgNPs-chi-spheres) has been completed and its characterization was fulfilled by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and zetasizer nano. UV-vis spectroscopy characterization showed that AgNPs-chi-spheres gave optimum absorption at a wavelength of 410 nm. The XRD spectra showed that the structure of AgNPs-chi-spheres were crystalline and spherical. Characterization by SEM showed that AgNPs-chi-spheres, with the addition of 20% of NaOH, resulted in the lowest average particle sizes of 46.91 nm. EDX analysis also showed that AgNPs-chi-spheres, with the addition of a 20% NaOH concentration, produced particles with regular spheres, a smooth and relatively nonporous structure. The analysis using zetasizer nano showed that the zeta potential value and the polydispersity index value of the AgNPs-chi-sphere tended to increase with an increased NaOH concentration. The results of the microbial activity screening showed that the AgNP-chi-Spheres with highest concentration of NaOH, produced the highest inhibition zone diameters against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans, with inhibition zone diameters of 19.5, 18.56, and 12.25 nm, respectively.

Neem Leaf (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Ethanolic Extract on the Liver and Kidney Function of Rats.

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) is one of the tropical plants found in Indonesia that has been used to prevent and treat various diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the ethanol extract of neem leaves on the concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, and creatinine in male rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (T0, T1, T2, and T3) with 6 rats in each group. T0 is the control group, and T1, T2, and T3 are the treatment groups that were administered 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight of neem leaf ethanolic extracts for 48 days, respectively. On day 49, blood samples were collected to measure the concentration of AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea followed by an evaluation of liver and kidney histology. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of neem leaves did not affect the concentration of AST, ALT, and creatinine, The ethanol leaves reduced extract on the urea concentration, no abnormal changes were observed in the liver and kidney organs. In the future, it is required to carry out a comprehensive safety evaluation of the neem leaf ethanol extract for herbal medicines.

Selective antimicrobial activity associated with sulfur nanoparticles.

Many sulfur compounds are known to exhibit widespread antimicrobial activity. The latter is often the result of an intricate redox biochemistry whereby reactive sulfur species, such as organic polysulfanes, interact with pivotal cellular signaling pathways. The S8 unit in elemental sulfur resembles certain aspects of the chemistry of polysulfanes. As a consequence, water-soluble S8-sulfur nanoparticles are active against some smaller organisms, including nematodes, yet are non-toxic against human cells. In contrast, selenium and tellurium nanoparticles are less active. Together, the ease of production of the sulfur nanoparticles, their chemical stability in aqueous dispersion, amenable physical properties and selective toxicity, turn sulfur nanoparticles into promising antimicrobial prototypes for medical as well as agricultural applications.