Phytochemical and biological attributes of Bauhinia variegata L. (Caesalpiniaceae).

Bauhinia variegata plant is a very popular and traditionally potent ethnomedicine. Therefore, it is need of hour to study ameliorative characteristics of B. variegata for novel secondary metabolites. The current study was designed to explore antiproliferative potential of B. variegata due to scant reports on this aspect. Extracts of various parts (flowers, leaves, bark, stem, and roots) were prepared by successive maceration using organic solvents in increasing order of polarity (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water). The determination of polyphenolic contents was done by using colorimetric methods while antioxidant potential was measured using reducing power assay. Brine shrimp lethality assay was performed for determining preliminary cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line using MTT protocols. Moreover, antimicrobial activities were detected by using disc diffusion assay. The alpha-amylase assay was performed to monitor the antidiabetic potential of the plant. In case of phytochemical analysis methanolic extract of leaves and bark showed highest phenolic and flavonoids contents. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of stem and roots exhibited more than 90% mortality with LD50 ranges between 1-25 µg/mL when studied by brine shrimp lethality assay. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of roots and stem also showed antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line with IC50 values ranges between 12.10-14.20 µg/mL. Most of the extracts displayed moderately high antibacterial and antifungal activities. The n-hexane extract of roots showed antidiabetic activity with 60.80 ± 0.20% inhibition of alpha-amylase. In sum, these preliminary results will be useful for further compound isolation from selected plant parts for the discovery of antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anticancer lead candidates.

Phytochemical and biological attributes of Bauhinia variegata L. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Abstract Bauhinia variegata plant is a very popular and traditionally potent ethnomedicine. Therefore, it is need of hour to study ameliorative characteristics of B. variegata for novel secondary metabolites. The current study was designed to explore antiproliferative potential of B. variegata due to scant reports on this aspect. Extracts of various parts (flowers, leaves, bark, stem, and roots) were prepared by successive maceration using organic solvents in increasing order of polarity (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water). The determination of polyphenolic contents was done by using colorimetric methods while antioxidant potential was measured using reducing power assay. Brine shrimp lethality assay was performed for determining preliminary cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line using MTT protocols. Moreover, antimicrobial activities were detected by using disc diffusion assay. The alpha-amylase assay was performed to monitor the antidiabetic potential of the plant. In case of phytochemical analysis methanolic extract of leaves and bark showed highest phenolic and flavonoids contents. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of stem and roots exhibited more than 90% mortality with LD50 ranges between 1-25 µg/mL when studied by brine shrimp lethality assay. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of roots and stem also showed antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line with IC50 values ranges between 12.10-14.20 µg/mL. Most of the extracts displayed moderately high antibacterial and antifungal activities. The n-hexane extract of roots showed antidiabetic activity with 60.80 ± 0.20% inhibition of alpha-amylase. In sum, these preliminary results will be useful for further compound isolation from selected plant parts for the discovery of antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anticancer lead candidates.

Resumo A planta Bauhinia variegata é uma etnomedicina muito popular e tradicionalmente potente. Portanto, as características de melhoria de B. variegata foram estudadas. Foi avaliada a determinação dos teores antioxidantes e polifenólicos. O ensaio de letalidade do camarão de salmoura foi realizado para determinar a citotoxicidade preliminar e a atividade antiproliferativa contra linhas de células de câncer de mama MCF-7 usando protocolos de MTT. Além disso, foram detectadas atividades antimicrobianas. O ensaio da alfa-amilase foi realizado para monitorar o potencial antidiabético da planta. Dentre vinte amostras diferentes, o extrato metanólico (EM) da casca apresentou os maiores teores fenólicos totais. A EM das folhas apresentou excelente conteúdo de flavonoides, atividade antioxidante significativa foi exibida pelo extrato hexânico do caule. O extrato do caule de hexano exibe 77,40% como citotóxico em DL50 10,50 µg/mL quando avaliado através do ensaio de letalidade de artêmia. Extratos de hexano e acetato de etila de raiz e caule mostraram atividade antiproliferativa contra a linhagem celular MCF7 de câncer de mama humano (IC50 12,10-14,20 µg/mL). Para potencial antimicrobiano importante, vários extratos exibiram excelentes atividades antibacteriana e antifúngica, enquanto o extrato de n-hexano da raiz mostrou atividade antidiabética (60,80 ± 0,20% na concentração de 200 µg/mL). Em suma, estes resultados preliminares serão úteis para isolamento adicional de compostos a partir de partes de plantas selecionadas para a descoberta de candidatos a antibacterianos, antidiabéticos e anticâncer.

Phytochemical and biological attributes of Bauhinia variegata L. (Caesalpiniaceae) / Atributos fitoquímicos e biológicos de Bauhinia variegata L. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Bauhinia variegata plant is a very popular and traditionally potent ethnomedicine. Therefore, it is need of hour to study ameliorative characteristics of B. variegata for novel secondary metabolites. The current study was designed to explore antiproliferative potential of B. variegata due to scant reports on this aspect. Extracts of various parts (flowers, leaves, bark, stem, and roots) were prepared by successive maceration using organic solvents in increasing order of polarity (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water). The determination of polyphenolic contents was done by using colorimetric methods while antioxidant potential was measured using reducing power assay. Brine shrimp lethality assay was performed for determining preliminary cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line using MTT protocols. Moreover, antimicrobial activities were detected by using disc diffusion assay. The alpha-amylase assay was performed to monitor the antidiabetic potential of the plant. In case of phytochemical analysis methanolic extract of leaves and bark showed highest phenolic and flavonoids contents. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of stem and roots exhibited more than 90% mortality with LD50 ranges between 1-25 µg/mL when studied by brine shrimp lethality assay. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of roots and stem also showed antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line with IC50 values ranges between 12.10-14.20 µg/mL. Most of the extracts displayed moderately high antibacterial and antifungal activities. The n-hexane extract of roots showed antidiabetic activity with 60.80 ± 0.20% inhibition of alpha-amylase. In sum, these preliminary results will be useful for further compound isolation from selected plant parts for the discovery of antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anticancer lead candidates.

A planta Bauhinia variegata é uma etnomedicina muito popular e tradicionalmente potente. Portanto, as características de melhoria de B. variegata foram estudadas. Foi avaliada a determinação dos teores antioxidantes e polifenólicos. O ensaio de letalidade do camarão de salmoura foi realizado para determinar a citotoxicidade preliminar e a atividade antiproliferativa contra linhas de células de câncer de mama MCF-7 usando protocolos de MTT. Além disso, foram detectadas atividades antimicrobianas. O ensaio da alfa-amilase foi realizado para monitorar o potencial antidiabético da planta. Dentre vinte amostras diferentes, o extrato metanólico (EM) da casca apresentou os maiores teores fenólicos totais. A EM das folhas apresentou excelente conteúdo de flavonoides, atividade antioxidante significativa foi exibida pelo extrato hexânico do caule. O extrato do caule de hexano exibe 77,40% como citotóxico em DL50 10,50 µg/mL quando avaliado através do ensaio de letalidade de artêmia. Extratos de hexano e acetato de etila de raiz e caule mostraram atividade antiproliferativa contra a linhagem celular MCF7 de câncer de mama humano (IC50 12,10-14,20 µg/mL). Para potencial antimicrobiano importante, vários extratos exibiram excelentes atividades antibacteriana e antifúngica, enquanto o extrato de n-hexano da raiz mostrou atividade antidiabética (60,80 ± 0,20% na concentração de 200 µg/mL). Em suma, estes resultados preliminares serão úteis para isolamento adicional de compostos a partir de partes de plantas selecionadas para a descoberta de candidatos a antibacterianos, antidiabéticos e anticâncer.

Novel Ag/cellulose-doped CeO2 quantum dots for efficient dye degradation and bactericidal activity with molecular docking study.

In the present study, the novel Ag/cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-doped CeO2 quantum dots (QDs) with highly efficient catalytic performance were synthesized using one pot co-precipitation technique, which were then applied in the degradation of methylene blue and ciprofloxacin (MBCF) in wastewater. Catalytic activity against MBCF dye was significantly reduced (99.3%) for (4%) Ag dopant concentration in acidic medium. For Ag/CNC-doped CeO2 vast inhibition domain of G-ve was significantly confirmed as (5.25-11.70 mm) and (7.15-13.60 mm), while medium- to high-concentration of CNC levels were calculated for G + ve (0.95 nm, 1.65 mm), respectively. Overall, (4%) Ag/CNC-doped CeO2 revealed significant antimicrobial activity against G-ve relative to G + ve at both concentrations, respectively. Furthermore, in silico molecular docking studies were performed against selected enzyme targets dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), and DNA gyrase belonging to folate and nucleic acid biosynthetic pathway, respectively to rationalize possible mechanism behind bactericidal potential of CNC-CeO2 and Ag/CNC-CeO2.

Silver decorated 2D nanosheets of GO and MoS2serve as nanocatalyst for water treatment and antimicrobial applications as ascertained with molecular docking evaluation.

In this work, synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was realized through a modified Hummers route. Different concentrations (5 and 10 wt%) of Ag were doped in MoS2and rGO using a hydrothermal technique. Synthesized Ag-MoS2and Ag-rGO were evaluated through XRD that confirmed the hexagonal structure of MoS2along with the transformation of GO to Ag-rGO as indicated by a shift in XRD peaks while Mo-O bonding and S=O functional groups were confirmed with FTIR. Morphological information of GO and formation of MoS2nanopetals as well as interlayer spacing were verified through FESEM and HRTEM respectively. Raman analysis was employed to probe any evidence regarding defect densities of GO. Optical properties of GO, MoS2, Ag-rGO, and Ag-MoS2were visualized through UV-vis and PL spectroscopy. Prepared products were employed as nanocatalysts to purify industrial wastewater. Experimental results revealed that Ag-rGO and Ag-MoS2showed 99% and 80% response in photocatalytic activity. Besides, the nanocatalyst (Ag-MoS2and Ag-rGO) exhibited 6.05 mm inhibition zones againstS. aureusgram positive (G+) and 3.05 mm forE. coligram negative (G-) in antibacterial activity. To rationalize biocidal mechanism of Ag-doped MoS2NPs and Ag-rGO,in silicomolecular docking study was employed for two enzymes i.e.ß-lactamase and D-alanine-D-alanine ligase B (ddlB) from cell wall biosynthetic pathway and enoyl-[acylcarrier-protein] reductase (FabI) from fatty acid biosynthetic pathway belonging toS. aureus. The present study provides evidence for the development of cost-effective, environment friendly and viable candidate for photocatalytic and antimicrobial applications.

Dye degradation performance, bactericidal behavior and molecular docking analysis of Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles.

Copper-doped TiO2 was prepared with a sol-gel chemical method. Various concentrations (3, 6, and 9 wt%) of Cu dopant were employed. Several techniques were implemented to assess the structural, optical, morphological and chemical properties of the synthesized samples. Evaluation of elemental composition using SEM-EDS and XRF techniques showed the presence of dopant element in the prepared samples. XRD analysis confirmed the presence of anatase (TiO2) phase with interstitial doping. Incorporation of dopant was observed to enhance the crystallinity and increase the crystallite size of the synthesized products. SAED profiles revealed a high degree of crystallinity in the prepared specimens, which was also evident in the XRD spectra. Optical properties studied using UV-vis spectroscopy depicted a shift of the maximum absorption to the visible region (redshift) that signified a reduction in the band gap energy of Cu-doped TiO2 samples. Examination of morphological features with scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopes revealed the formation of spherical nanoparticles with a tendency to agglomerate with increasing dopant concentration. Molecular vibrations and the formation of Ti-O-Ti bonds were revealed through FTIR spectra. PL spectroscopy recorded the trapping efficiency and migration of charge carriers, which exhibited electron-hole recombination behavior. Doped nanostructures showed enhanced bactericidal performance and synergism against S. aureus and E. coli. In summary, Cu-doped TiO2 nanostructures were observed to impede bacteria effectively, which is deemed beneficial in overcoming ailments caused by pathogens such as microbial etiologies. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis was conducted to study the interaction of Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles with multiple proteins namely ß-lactamase (binding score: -4.91 kcal mol-1), ddlB (binding score: -5.67 kcal mol-1) and FabI (binding score: -6.13 kcal mol-1) as possible targets with active site residues. Dye degradation/reduction of control and Cu-doped samples were studied through absorption spectroscopy. The obtained outcomes of the performed experiment indicated that the photocatalytic activity of Cu-TiO2 enhanced with increasing dopant concentration, which is thought to be due to a decreased rate of electron-hole pair recombination. Consequently, it is suggested that Cu-TiO2 can be exploited as an effective candidate for antibacterial and dye degradation applications.

Photocatalytic and bactericidal properties and molecular docking analysis of TiO2 nanoparticles conjugated with Zr for environmental remediation.

Despite implementing several methodologies including a combination of physical, chemical and biological techniques, aquatic and microbial pollution remains a challenge to this day. Recently, nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention due to their extraordinary prospective for utilization toward environmental remediation. Among several probable candidates, TiO2 stands out due to its potential for use in multifaceted applications. One way to improve the catalytic and antimicrobial potential of TiO2 is to dope it with certain elements. In this study, Zr-doped TiO2 was synthesized through a sol-gel chemical method using various dopant concentrations (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%). Surface morphological, microstructural and elemental analysis was carried out using FESEM and HR-TEM along with EDS to confirm the formation of Zr-TiO2. XRD spectra showed a linear shift of the (101) anatase peak to lower diffraction angles (from 25.4° to 25.08°) with increasing Zr4+ concentration. Functional groups were examined via FTIR, an ample absorption band appearing between 400 and 700 cm-1 in the acquired spectrum was attributed to the vibration modes of the Ti-O-Ti linkage present within TiO2 nanoparticles, which denotes the formation of TiO2. Experimental results indicated that with increasing dopant concentrations, photocatalytic potential was enhanced significantly. In this respect, TiO2 doped with 8 wt% Zr (sample 0.08 : 1) exhibited outstanding performance by realizing 98% elimination of synthetic MB in 100 minutes. This is thought to be due to a decreased rate of electron-hole pair recombination that transpires upon doping. Therefore, it is proposed that Zr-doped TiO2 can be used as an effective photocatalyst material for various environmental and wastewater treatment applications. The good docking scores and binding confirmation of Zr-doped TiO2 suggested doped nanoparticles as a potential inhibitor against selected targets of both E. coli and S. aureus. Hence, enzyme inhibition studies of Zr-doped TiO2 NPs are suggested for further confirmation of these in silico predictions.

Impact of health literacy on diabetes outcomes: a cross-sectional study from Lahore, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional health literacy of patients with type 2 diabetes in Lahore and its impact on glycaemic control. STUDY DESIGN: A six-month cross-sectional study. METHODS: Health literacy in 204 patients with diabetes was evaluated using a validated questionnaire (Short Test of Functional Health Literacy [s-TOFHLA]). RESULTS: The frequency distribution among various age groups (P = 0.003), education levels (P = 0.0005), socio-economic status levels (P = 0.0005) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels (P = 0.0005) differed significantly with health literacy level. The majority of patients with diabetes (86.1%) with poor glycaemic control (HbA1C >9%) had inadequate health literacy and were more likely to have retinopathy (odds ratio = 13.1, P = 0.003). Health literacy levels were not significantly different when compared for antidiabetic therapies (P = 0.234). Significant associations were observed between predictors of glycaemic control (s-TOFHLA score [P = 0.0005], education status [P = 0.0005] and disease risks [P = 0.005]) and HbA1C, level. However, after adjusting for basic characteristics, only s-TOFHLA score had a significant association with HbA1C level (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that inadequate health literacy is potentially associated with poor glycaemic control, and microvascular and macrovascular complications, particularly retinopathy. As such, educational and training programmes should be introduced to improve functional health literacy of patients with diabetes for better glycaemic control.

High-performance solution-based CdS-conjugated hybrid polymer solar cells.

In this study, hybrid BHJ - bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells were fabricated by incorporating CdS quantum dots (QDs) in a blend of P3HT (donor) and PCBM (acceptor) using dichlorobenzene and chlorobenzene as solvents. CdS QDs at various ratios were mixed in a fixed amount of the P3HT and PCBM blend. The prepared samples have been characterized by a variety of techniques such as I-V and EQE measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. The mixing of QDs in the polymer blends improved the PCE - power conversion efficiency of the solar cells under standard light conditions. The improved PCE from 2.95 to 4.41% is mostly due to the increase in the fill factor (FF) and short-circuit current (J sc) of the devices with an optimum amount of CdS in the P3HT:PCBM blend. The increase in J sc possibly originated from the formation of a percolation network of CdS. The conjugation of QDs has increased the absorption of the active layers in the visible region. These results well matched as reported, conjugation of CdS in the perovskite active layer increased the absorption and PCE of the devices relative to those of the perovskite films. This increment in parameters is attributed to the decrease in charge recombinations that improved the performance of the doped device.

Comparisons of DNA marker-based genetic diversity with phenotypic estimates in maize grown in Pakistan.

We compared DNA-based genetic diversity estimates with conventional estimates by investigating agronomically important traits in maize grown in the northwestern region of Pakistan. RAPD markers were used to characterize 10 commonly cultivated maize genotypes. The same material was tested for phenotypic variation of quantitative traits using replicated field trials. The genetic distances between pairs of genotypes using RAPD data were used to generate a similarity matrix and to construct a phenogram. Statistical analyses were carried out on the data obtained from field trials of all maize genotypes for days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking, plant height, ear height, grain yield, grain weight per cob, and ear length. Analysis of variance and single degree of freedom contrasts were performed on morphological data to examine the relationship between molecular-based clusters and agronomic traits. A molecular marker-based phenogram led to the grouping of all genotypes into four major clusters, some of which were distantly related. These clusters contained one to four genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant variations among all genotypes for agronomic traits. The single degree of freedom contrasts between groups of genotypes indicated significant differences for most traits. Pair-wise comparisons between clusters were also significant. The two types of data correlated well, providing an opportunity for better choices for selection.

Optimization of DNA extraction from seeds and fresh leaf tissues of wild marigold (Tagetes minuta) for polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Tagetes, a genus of flowering marigolds in the family Asteraceae (Compositeae), is reported to be a medicinal plant with hypotensive, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. Tagetes minuta characteristically contains high concentrations of essential oils, flavonoids, polyphenols, and polysaccharides that interfere with DNA, causing erroneous or no PCR products. We tested and modified various standard protocols in an effort to isolate high-quality DNA from different plant tissues of T. minuta. We used sun-dried, shade-dried and fresh-leaf tissues, as well as seeds for DNA analysis. The DNA obtained from seeds and fresh-leaf tissues with a modified cetyltrimethylammonium bromide buffer protocol was of good quality, with no colored pigments and contaminants. We were able to obtain good quality DNA from fresh leaf tissues without using liquid nitrogen. A relatively large amount of DNA was also extracted from the sun- and shade-dried tissues, but its quality was not as good as that from seeds. The DNA extracted from seeds and fresh leaves was successfully amplified by PCR using arbitrary RAPD primers. The same protocol will probably be useful for extracting high-molecular weight DNA from other plant materials containing large amounts of secondary metabolites and essential oils.