Preparation of silver nanoparticles by Osbeckia stellata aqueous extract via green synthesis approach: Characterization and assessment of their antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial properties.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via green synthesis using medicinal plants have been widely used in natural product research due to the economical and eco-friendly properties of NPs. The plant-derived Ag NPs biosynthesis comprises the interaction between silver nitrate (precursor) and bioactive components of plant extract (reducing agents). In this work, Ag NPs were biosynthesized using Osbeckia stellata leaves aqueous extract. Characterization of Ag NPs was done by using ultraviolet-visible absorption (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Further, antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activities were evaluated to establish the pharmacological properties of Ag NPs. UV-Vis spectroscopy and FTIR showed an absorption peak of Ag NPs due to the surface plasmonic resonance. In contrast, the particle size in the nanometer range was analyzed by XRD and DLS. The size of the particle was confirmed by the SEM, TEM, and EDX in the nanometer range. This study showed the spherical shape and crystalline nature of NPs. Zeta potential was used to determine the stability of Ag NPs. Biosynthesized Ag NPs showed significantly potent antioxidant, antidiabetic, and cytotoxicity activity. Ag NPs also showed effectiveness against gram-positive (Escherichia coli) and gram-negative (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria in the antimicrobial activity study. The result concluded that these Ag NPs might be used in biomedical and pharmacological fields.

Molecular iodine catalyzed C(sp2)-H sulfenylation of biologically active enaminone compounds under mechanochemical conditions and studies on their biocidal activity including molecular docking and DFT.

Here we demonstrated a solvent free, mechanochemical I2 catalyzed C(sp2)-H sulfenylation of enaminones under grinding condition. Only catalytic amount of I2 is required on silica surface without any external heating. The reaction time has reduced to a great extent in comparison to their solution based counterpart. The frictional energy created by ball-mill on mesoporous silica materials has attracted much attention towards this mechanochemical approach for molecular heterogeneous catalysis. Their large surface area and well defined porous architecture certainly increase the catalytic ability of iodine in this developed protocol. Anti-microbial activities of our synthesized compounds were investigated against two gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and two gram negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia) bacteria. To understand the potency of these compounds (3a-3m) as antimalarial agents, molecular docking studies were also performed. Density functional theory was also used to investigate the chemical reactivity and kinetic stability of the compound 3a-3m.

Tissue specific changes of phytochemicals, antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities of tea [Camellia sinensis (L.)] extracted with different solvents.

Different parts of Camellia sinensis (L.) were extracted with solvents according to polarity, and the extracts' phytochemical profiling and biological activities were examined. The total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents increased with the increasing polarity of the solvent which met its maximum in polar solvents. The increasing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities were recorded with increasing polarity of solvents which showed hydroalcoholic as best solvent. The strong and significant correlation was among the TPC, TFC, DPPH, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activities for different parts of tea. HPTLC study of individual phenolic acids, epigallocatechin gallate, gallocatechin and theaflavin met their maximum level of content with polar solvents like hydroalcohol, methanol and water mostly in mainly tea leaves. Our finding suggested that the polar solvents and young leaves of tea were beneficial for obtaining extracts. On the other hand, phenolics were found to be potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic agent.

Photosynthetic organs of wild Indian tea tree are rich in patchouli components: a GC-MS based metabolomics.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is an essential tool for metabolomics. In this research we have selected photosynthetic organs- leaf and sepal of a wild Indian tea tree from north-east India to study wild tea metabolites. The result of this study reveals that photosynthetic parts of wild Indian tea tree are rich in 'patchouli' components unlike established cultivated varieties which are known to be rich in polyphenols or flavonoids. Twenty six compounds were detected in sesquiterpene rich leaf while nineteen were detected in the waxy sepal. The remarkable outcome of this study is presence of fourteen 'patchouli' compounds including patchouli alcohol as the major compound (44.81% in leaf and 19.59% in sepal) which can promote this plant to a top-notch position in fields of botany, pharmaceuticals and essential oil industry by occupying the throne of patchouli.

In silico inquest reveals the efficacy of Cannabis in the treatment of post-Covid-19 related neurodegeneration.

Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of the Covid-19 pandemic has proved itself as the deadliest pathogen. A major portion of the population has become susceptible to this strain. Scientists are pushing their limits to formulate a vaccine against Covid-19 with the least side effects. Although the recent discoveries of vaccines have shown some relief from the covid infection rate, however, physical fatigue, mental abnormalities, inflammation and other multiple organ damages are arising as post-Covid symptoms. The long-term effects of these symptoms are massive. Patients with such symptoms are known as long-haulers and treatment strategy against this condition is still unknown. In this study, we tried to explore a strategy to deal with the post-Covid symptoms. We targeted three human proteins namely ACE2, Interleukin-6, Transmembrane serine protease and NRP1 which are already reported to be damaged via Covid-19 proteins and upregulated in the post-Covid stage. Our target plant in this study is Cannabis (popularly known as 'Ganja' in India). The molecular docking and simulation studies revealed that Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabivarin (CVN) obtained from Cannabis can bind to post-Covid symptoms related central nervous system (CNS) proteins and downregulate them which can be beneficial in post-covid symptoms treatment strategy. Thus we propose Cannabis as an important therapeutic plant against post-Covid symptoms.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Comprehensive profiling of aroma imparting biomolecules in foliar extract of Hibiscus fragrans Roxburgh: a metabologenesis perspective.

Plants possess numerous secondary metabolites imparting flavor and aroma. However, fragrance inducing natural biomolecules and their potential sources are yet to be thoroughly explored. GC-MS analysis of a sweetly scented Malvacean liana; Hibiscus fragrans Roxburgh was conducted to explore and characterize the concerned aroma fingerprints with sound insights on anticipated array of biosynthetic pathways. Leaf extract of the plant was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Biosynthetic pathways of signature aroma compounds were deduced utilizing bioinformatic databases and reviewing literatures. A rare fragrant biomolecule '2-n-Heptylcyclopentanone' and 22 other aroma impacting biomolecules were detected and functional attributes were deliberately scrutinized. Interactive biosynthetic pathway schemes for all the 23 aromatic metabolomes including proposal for probable origin of 2-n-Heptylcyclopentanone and six other biomolecules (Pentadecanal; Cis-9-Hexadecenal; 14-Heptadecenal; Octadecanal; Undecane and 1-Decyne) with no previous biosynthesis report; out of a total of 47 GC-MS revealed metabolites were designed. Increased production of fragrant molecules in controlled surroundings availing biotechnological administration through metabolic bioengineering and in vitro tissue culture techniques may offer exciting dimensions to fragrance research.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Characterization of a mercury tolerant strain of Staphylococcus arlettae from Darjeeling hills with an account of its antibiotic resistance pattern and metabolome.

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous heavy metal grouped with the top ten most toxic pollutants affecting both human and environmental health. Consequently, mercury contamination due to anthropogenic interference has become a rising global concern. The bacterial strain MTD10A was isolated from soil samples collected over the Darjeeling hills. Heavy metal tolerance study conducted exhibited considerable tolerance to mercury by this bacterial isolate at unprecedented concentrations of up to 0.1 mg/mL of HgCl2. Biochemical characterization and molecular identification via 16S rRNA sequencing identified this highly tolerant bacteria as a strain of a Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus arlettae. This study also maps the resistance pattern of MTD10A against clinically relevant antibiotics and contains a broad assessment of the metabolomic profile of the bacteria achieved via GC-MS. Tolerance of MTD10A to such excessive levels of mercury shown in our study suggests the possibility of a promising candidate for bioremediation in heavily mercury contaminated areas.

Gastric volvulus with partial and complete gastric necrosis.

Here, we report two interesting cases of gastric necrosis in acute gastric volvulus due to eventration of the diaphragm. Both the cases presented with a significant challenge and were managed successfully. The management of the cases is presented and relevant literature is discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of gastric volvulus with gastric necrosis requiring complete and partial gastrectomy in the available English literature.

Rosmarinic Acid, a New Polyphenol from Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. Leaf: A Probable Compound for Its Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

Despite several pharmacological applications of Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., studies on the influence of its polyphenol content on pharmacological activity such as anti-inflammatory properties have been scarce. Here we evaluated in vitro antioxidant activity, poyphenolics by HPLC and the anti-inflammatory potential of the methanolic leaf extract of Baccaurea ramiflora (BME) and its protective effects in carrageenan-induced paw edema model of inflammation in rats. The BME extract contained 79.06 ± 0.03 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g total polyphenols, 28.80 ± 0.01 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g flavonoid and 29.42 ± 0.01 µg cathechin equivalent/g proanthocyanidin respectively and rosmarinic acid (8 mg/kg) as a main component was identified by HPLC. Results demonstrate that administration of BME at the dose of 200 mg/kg can reduce paw edema by over 63%, and it exhibits a dose-response effect. Depending on concentration, the extract exerted scavenging activity on DPPH radical (IC50 36.4 µg/mL), significantly inhibited IL-1ß (4.4 pg/mg protein) and TNF-α (0.21 ng/µg protein). Therefore, we conclude BME causes a substantial reduction of inflammation in in vivo models. We propose that rosmarinic acid and similar phenolic compounds may be useful in the therapy of inflammation-related injuries.

Hydatid cyst within a choledochal cyst.

A 5 year 4 months old male child presenting with pain abdomen and jaundice was diagnosed to have type 1 choledochal cyst on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance cholangio pancreatography. On exploration, the cystic dilatation of common bile duct was found to have a hydatid cyst (HC) inside it. The per-operative findings were confirmed by histopathology. Association of HC within a choledochal cyst is extremely rare and has been reported only twice before in the available English literature.

Evaluation of phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of selected actinorhizal fruits growing in the forests of Northeast India.

Hippophae salicifolia, Elaeagnus pyriformis, Myrica esculenta and M. nagi are actinorhizal plants growing in the sacred forests of Northeast India with multipurpose uses. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the phenol, flavonoid and flavonol contents of the fresh fruit juice of these plant species including the antioxidant potential by means of DPPH, H2O2 and NO scavenging activity and FRP. The total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents of fruit juice ranged from 321.68+/-0.06 to 76.67+/-0.01 mg/g GAE, 272.92+/-0.07 to 20.12+/-0.02 mg/g QE and 258.92+/-0.08 to 18.72+/-0.02 mg/g QE, respectively. At 2.0 mg/mL concentration, DPPH scavenging activity was found to be the highest in M. esculenta (89.62 percent) and the lowest in E. pyriformis (17.58 percent). The reducing power activity was found significantly higher in H. salicifolia juice, which increased with increase in concentration. The H2O2 scavenging activity of H. salicifolia juice was found to be as high as 98.78 percent, while Elaeagnus juice was found to be less effective with just 48.90 percent. Juice of H. salicifolia showed the greatest NO scavenging effect of 75.24 percent as compared to juice of E. pyriformis, where only 37.54 percent scavenging was observed at the same concentration. Taking into account all the experimental data, it can be said that the fruits of H. salicifolia and both M. nagi and M. esculenta have good antioxidant activity compared to fruits of E. pyriformis.

Eventration of diaphragm with gastric duplication cysts: a rare association.

Eventration of diaphragm is defined as an abnormal and permanent elevation of the hemidiaphragm without defects. It may be congenital (muscular hypoplasia) or acquired (injury of the phrenic nerve). Diaphragmatic eventration has been reported alone or in association with other malformations. Here the authors are presenting a case of eventration of diaphragm with gastric duplication cysts because they could not find such association in the available English literature.

Neglected intussusception presenting as transanal prolapse of small bowel.

Although transanal prolapse of intussusception in infants is well recognized, it is rarely reported and confusion with rectal prolapse often results in delayed diagnosis and treatment. This report highlights the problems of delayed diagnosis and the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition. The authors report a case of 9 mo old boy who presented with prolapsing small bowel mimicking rectal prolapse.

Teratoid Wilms' tumor - A rare renal tumor.

Teratoid Wilms' tumor is an extremely rare renal tumor. We report a case of unilateral teratoid Wilms' tumor in a 4-year-old girl. The patient was admitted with a right-sided abdominal mass. The mass was arising from the right kidney. Radical nephrectomy was done and the patient had an uneventful recovery. Histopathology report showed teratoid Wilms' tumor.