Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Actinomycins, like actinomycin D, are known anticancer agents that inhibit transcription by binding to DNA. The goal of this study was to isolate and characterize new actinomycete strains from <i>Alpinia purpurata</i> roots, identify their bioactive compounds and evaluate their cytotoxicity. The study further aimed to understand their mechanisms through molecular docking and predict their drug-like properties using ADMET studies. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Actinomycetes were isolated from <i>A. purpurata</i> roots and screened for antibacterial activity. The most promising strain, AL024, was identified by morphology and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bioactive compounds were purified from AL024's crude extract using TLC and their structures were determined with ESI-HRMS and NMR. The cytotoxicity of these compounds and the crude extract was assessed against various human cancer cell lines (HeLa, HepG2, MDA-MB-231) and non-cancerous Vero cells via MTT assay. Molecular docking simulated DNA binding and <i>in silico</i> ADMET platforms predicted pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiles. <b>Results:</b> Fifty-six actinomycete strains were isolated, with AL024 showing the best antibacterial activity. Identified as <i>Streptomyces mutabilis</i>, AL024 produced actinomycin V (compound 1) and actinomycin D (compound 2) at 1.22 and 0.96 mg/g of crude extract, respectively. Both compounds were cytotoxic to cancer cells (IC₅₀: 2.45-8.45 μg/mL) but also affected normal Vero cells (IC₅₀: 7.43-8.46 μg/mL). Docking showed both intercalate into GpC DNA, with actinomycin V exhibiting stronger binding. The ADMET predictions indicated good water solubility and Caco-2 permeability but low oral absorption and potential hepatotoxicity, though they were non-mutagenic and acutely non-toxic. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Streptomyces mutabilis</i> AL024 from <i>A. purpurata</i> is a valuable source of actinomycin V and D. These compounds show promising anticancer activity <i>in vitro</i> but also exhibit general cytotoxicity and predicted hepatotoxicity. Further research is essential to assess their therapeutic window and safety for drug development.

<i>Searsia lancea </i>(L.f.) F.A.Barkley is an evergreen tree well-known for its edible fruits and is also widely used in traditional medicine. The current study was aimed at documenting medicinal and traditional uses of <i>S. lancea</i> and its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. Research articles on nutraceutical and ethnopharmacological properties of <i>S. lancea</i> were searched from online databases such as PubMed^®, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect^®, SpringerLink^® and Scopus^® and also pre-electronic literature obtained from the university library. <i>Searsia lancea</i> is used as ethnoveterinary medicine and as traditional medicine for fever, measles, sores, wounds, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, gastrointestinal problems and skin and respiratory infections. Chemical compounds identified from <i>S. lancea</i> include alcohol, alkane, amide, flavonoids, naphthalene, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, anthraquinones and volatile compounds. <i>Searsia lancea </i>crude extracts demonstrated anthelmintic, antibacterial, antimycobacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anticholinesterase (AChE), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and nematicidal activities. This review highlights the need for detailed nutraceutical and ethnopharmacological studies of <i>S. lancea</i> focusing on its nutritional, phytochemical, biological and toxicological properties, <i>in vivo</i> and clinical studies.

<i>Terminalia myrtifolia</i> (M.A.Lawson) Gere & Boatwr. has a long history of medicinal use in tropical Africa. The primary purpose of this study was to review the ecology, botany and medicinal properties of <i>T. myrtifolia</i>. A search for available information on the ecology, medicinal uses and ethnopharmacological properties of <i>T. myrtifolia</i> was conducted by systematically searching the scientific databases such as ScienceDirect^®, PubMed^®, Web of Science, SpringerLink^®, Google Scholar, Scopus^® and SciELO, as well as pre-electronic literature sources such as book chapters, books and other scientific publications obtained from the university library. This study showed that the bark, fruits, leaves, roots or stem bark of <i>T. myrtifolia</i> are used as traditional medicines for menstrual problems, dysentery, fever, infertility or sterility, swellings of the stomach, venereal diseases, sores and wounds. The ethnopharmacological evaluations showed that the crude extracts and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species have antibacterial, antifungal and antiproliferative activities. To realize the full potential of <i>T. myrtifolia </i>as an herbal medicine, future studies should focus on conducting detailed phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations, <i>in vivo</i> and clinical research.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Curcuma mangga</i>, commonly known as mango ginger, is a medicinal plant renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and digestive health benefits, attributed to its high content of curcuminoids and essential oils. This study aims to assess the antibacterial potential of <i>C. mangga</i> extracts against five antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and five standard pathogenic reference strains. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> <i>C. mangga</i> rhizomes were dried, ground into powder and individually extracted using ethanol, dichloromethane and hexane. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the microbroth dilution method to find the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Statistical analysis was performed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) to show significant differences among mean values at a 95% confidence level. <b>Results:</b> The dichloromethane and hexane extracts exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect, showing the lowest MIC value of 0.049 mg/mL against multidrug-resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i>. The dichloromethane extract showed the strongest bactericidal effect against <i>S. maltophilia</i>, with the lowest MBC value of 1.56 mg/mL. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study is the first to prove that <i>C. mangga</i> extracts exhibit significant antibacterial and bactericidal activity against several antibiotic-resistant pathogens, including multidrug-resistant <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and <i>S. maltophilia</i>. These findings highlight the potential of <i>C. mangga</i> as a natural antimicrobial agent and lay the groundwork for the development of plant-based alternatives to address the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Blumea balsamifera</i>, <i>Morus alba</i> and <i>Limnocharis flava</i> are rich in bioactive compounds. However, reports on their antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria remain limited, prompting this study to evaluate the efficacy of their leaf extracts against skin infection-causing bacteria, including multidrug-resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>, <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> and <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> 101 and two reference strains: <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> TISTR518 and <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> TISTR1383. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Plant samples were extracted using solvents of varying polarity. The preliminary assessment of antibacterial activity was done using the disc diffusion assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were established using the broth microdilution assay. The diameters of the inhibition zones (mm) were statistically analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) implemented in SPSS software. <b>Results:</b> The <i>B. balsamifera</i> leaf extracts, utilizing ethanol and ethyl acetate, exhibited the largest inhibition zone of 20 mm against <i>B. subtilis</i> 101. The lowest MIC value, 0.098 mg/mL, was observed in <i>B. balsamifera</i> leaf extracts with ethanol and ethyl acetate against<i> B. subtilis</i> 101. Additionally, the lowest MBC value, 0.78 mg/mL, was obtained from <i>B. balsamifera</i> leaf extracts with ethyl acetate against <i>A. baumannii</i>. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study is the first to report the potential of <i>B. balsamifera</i> extracts against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including multidrug-resistant <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and <i>A. baumannii</i>. These findings suggest that <i>B. balsamifera</i> extracts could be developed as natural antibacterial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring compounds with diverse pharmacological properties, including their use as antibacterial and antifungal agents such as chloramphenicol and nystatin (CY and NY). This study aimed to investigate the alkaloid profile and antimicrobial potential of the marine sponge <i>Pseudoceratina purpurea</i> collected from Southeast Sulawesi. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Methanol extraction was performed to obtain the methanol extract (ME), which was then fractionated using n-hexane to yield the n-hexane extract and methanol extract residue (MER). Alkaloid isolation was conducted on the MER to obtain the alkaloid isolate (AI). The AI was partially analyzed using UPLC-HRMS for compound identification, while the remaining portion was tested for antimicrobial activity against <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Candida albicans</i>. <b>Results:</b> A total of 117 alkaloid compounds were identified and classified into seven subclasses: Indole (1.8%), isoquinoline (4.14%), lipid (32.66%), proto (52.90%), purine (2.02%), pyridine (6.39%) and steroidal alkaloids (0.1%). The AI demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 4±0.064 ppm against <i>E. coli</i>, 8±0.09 ppm against <i>S. aureus</i> and 4±0.05 ppm against <i>C. albicans</i>. <b>Conclusion:</b> These findings suggest that the alkaloid isolate from <i>P. purpurea</i> possesses promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and may serve as a potential candidate for the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

<i>Passiflora incarnata</i> (passion flower) is a climbing plant with pharmacologically active compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids and glycosides that exhibit anxiolytic properties. This literature review explores the potential of passion flower as a natural alternative for managing anxiety in oral surgery. In this field, patient anxiety significantly impacts cooperation, pain perception and surgical outcomes. Unlike conventional benzodiazepines, passion flower modulates the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system without causing significant cognitive impairment or dependence, making it an attractive option for mild to moderate anxiety management. Clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials demonstrates that passion flower effectively reduces preoperative anxiety in dental and surgical settings, performing comparably to traditional anxiolytics like midazolam and oxazepam, but with fewer side effects and minimal psychomotor impairment. The anxiolytic mechanisms are believed to involve GABAergic modulation, regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters and antioxidant effects, which contribute to its calming influence. Despite promising results, challenges remain regarding the standardization of formulations, dosage, pharmacokinetics and long-term safety. Ethical considerations could emphasize the importance of informed consent, transparency and respect for patient autonomy when integrating passion flower into clinical practice. Cultural attitudes toward herbal remedies also influence acceptance and trust. In general, this review highlights the need for larger, multicenter trials and standardized preparations to establish passion flower's efficacy and safety conclusively. With further research and careful clinical integration, passion flower may become a valuable adjunct or alternative to conventional anxiolytics in oral surgery, improving patient comfort and surgical outcomes through a gentler, natural approach to anxiety management.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Garcinia mangostana</i>, commonly known as mangosteen, is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly xanthones such as α-mangostin, which have exhibited potent antibacterial activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria in numerous <i>in vitro</i> studies. This research aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of <i>G. mangostana</i> extracts against eight clinically significant human pathogenic bacteria. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Powdered <i>G. mangostana</i> was subjected to solvent extraction using ethanol, dichloromethane and hexane. The resulting extracts were evaluated for their antibacterial activity by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against eight clinically relevant human pathogenic bacteria using the microbroth dilution method. The MIC and MBC data were analyzed using ANOVA under a CRD with three replicates and means were compared using DMRT at p<0.05 in SPSS v28. <b>Results:</b> The lowest MIC value of 0.049 mg/mL was observed for the ethanol, dichloromethane and hexane extracts against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> TISTR 2370. Correspondingly, the lowest MBC values, at <0.049 mg/mL, were also recorded for these extracts against the same bacterial strain. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study is the first to report the antibacterial efficacy of <i>G. mangostana</i> against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including colistin-resistant <i>P. aeruginosa</i>, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, multidrug-resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>. These findings are significant and hold promise for the development of novel antibiotic agents for the treatment of infections caused by these clinically challenging pathogens.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Chelated minerals have been shown to enhance animal performance and increase feed consumption, improving feed utilization. So, the present study aimed to determine the effect of adding each zinc at 50 mg, copper at 3 mg and selenium at 0.2 mg, all in chelated form, to the diets on growth performance, digestibility, meat quality, immune response, carcass traits, blood biochemical characteristics and economic efficiency of rabbits. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> In this experiment, 60 V-Line strain rabbits of mixed sex with an average body weight of 834 g were randomly and individually distributed into five experimental treatments (12 rabbits per treatment). The study included 5 groups, each comprising 12 rabbits. The first group (C) served as the control and received the basal diet without supplements. The second and third groups were given the basal diet supplemented with 50 mg zinc and 3 mg copper, respectively. The fourth group received the basal diet with 0.2 mg of selenium, while the fifth group was supplemented with a combination of zinc, copper and selenium. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA (GLM, SAS) and treatment means were compared by Duncan's test at p<0.05. <b>Results:</b> Rabbits fed diets supplemented with the tested mineral additives showed significant improvements in feed conversion ratio, final body weight and weight gain compared to the control group. These groups also exhibited higher nutrient digestibility, as indicated by dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). However, giblets yield (%) was significantly higher in the control group, whereas dressing percentage followed an opposite trend. Additionally, rabbits receiving mineral-supplemented diets demonstrated better economic efficiency than those on the control diet. <b>Conclusion:</b> That supplementing growing rabbit diets with zinc (50 mg), copper (3 mg) and selenium (0.2 mg) significantly enhanced body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, immune response and economic efficiency over an 8-week growing period. These trace elements act as effective growth promoters, likely due to their digestive-enhancing, antimicrobial and performance-boosting properties. The findings confirm that zinc, copper and selenium positively influence both productivity and economic outcomes in growing rabbits.

<i>Clematis brachiata</i> Thunb. is a widely recognized medicinal plant commonly utilized across tropical Africa. This review consolidates information on the medicinal applications and pharmacological activities of <i>C. brachiata</i>. Data regarding its traditional uses and ethnopharmacological significance were sourced from various platforms, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect^®, Scopus^®, SpringerLink^®, PubMed^® and SciELO, as well as older printed literature available in the university library. The findings highlight the use of different parts of <i>C. brachiata</i>, such as branches, flowers, leaf juice, leaves, root bark, roots, shoots, stem bark, stems and the entire plant, for various purposes. These include serving as a vermifuge, in charms and rituals and traditional remedies for conditions like back pain, eye disorders, fever, febrile illnesses, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, malaria, respiratory problems, skin infections, snakebites, sexually transmitted infections and sores. Chemical compounds identified from <i>C. brachiata</i> include tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. The crude extracts of <i>C. brachiata</i> flowers, leaves, roots, root bark, stems and whole plants exhibited acaricidal, analgesic, antihelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial and antipyretic activities. Future studies should focus on detailed ethnopharmacological evaluation of <i>C. brachiata</i>, particularly its phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and toxicological evaluations, <i>in vivo</i> and clinical research.