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Background: Gastrointestinal parasites, being members of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), infect over one billion individuals, about 24% of the global population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the deworming potential of Piper nigrum, Albizia ferruginea, and Guarea cedrata against Caenorhabditis elegans and Heligmosomoides polygyrus and to recommend their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of helminth infections.

Methods: The anthelmintic properties of the extracts were investigated in two nematode strains, Heligmosomoides polygyrus and Caenorhabditis elegans. The fresh coprocultured H. polygyrus L3 larvae and C. elegans L4 larvae bleached from adult worms were used to investigate the properties. Larval movement was monitored using a worm microtracker in a 96-well microplate to quantify the anthelmintic action of the extracts. The extracts were screened at varying concentrations, with distilled water being the negative control and albendazole being the positive control. Percent inhibition of larval motility was calculated. Molecular docking studies were also carried out using the Glide module of Schrodinger Maestro software, and the results ranked and distinguished based on the software's scoring function.

Results: The most active extract against H. polygyrus was the ethanolic extract of Piper nigrum (IC₅₀:0.04 mg/mL) followed by the aqueous extract of Piper nigrum (IC₅₀:0.08 mg/mL). Aqueous and ethanoic extracts of Piper nigrum were active against Caenorhabditis elegans L4 larvae with IC₅₀s of 7.850 and 16.17 µg/mL, respectively, while aqueous extracts of Guarea cedrata and Albizia ferruginea were highly active with IC₅₀s of 3.235 and 4.729 μg/mL, respectively. Leucokinin III, Leucokinin I, Leucokinin VIII, Leucokinin II, and Rebaudioside C from Albizia ferruginea are the most potent compounds against succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and β-tubulin. Each of these constituents exhibited a more pronounced effect compared to the positive control, albendazole. Tricholein, isopiperolein B, pipercyclobutanamide, piperettine, and piperine from Piper nigrum are the most potent compounds against SDH and β-tubulin.

Conclusion: This study has demonstrated in vitro and in silico the effectiveness of Piper nigrum, Albizia ferruginea, and Guarea cedrata toward helminthiasis. To validate this scientific investigation, more research is required, particularly on the acute toxicity and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy.

This article analyzes the traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge of medicinal plants among the Bikheii, Korosh, and Achomi tribes in Fars, Iran. Ethnoveterinary data collected from 200 informants in 27 local communities were analyzed using the ethnobotanyR package. The analysis identified 31 plant species from 21 families used in ethnoveterinary practices. The most commonly used plant families were Rosaceae and Fabaceae. Ferula assa-foetida and Astragalus fasciculifolius had the highest use reports (URs) and were noted as having particular importance in the daily lives of tribal people in the south of Fars in Iran. A key focus of this study is a regional comparison with other documented ethnoveterinary practices, primarily within Iran, to identify conserved knowledge and novel findings. This study contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge, which has previously been limited to herders and aged community members. The findings also provide a basis for future phytochemical and pharmacological studies to validate the efficacy of these medicinal plants for veterinary purposes.

Sustainable potato cultivation in hot, high-light regions such as Southern Punjab, Pakistan, requires identifying genotypes with efficient photosynthetic systems. High temperatures and irradiance often reduce productivity by triggering oxidative stress and limiting photosynthesis. This study evaluated growth, photosynthesis, yield, and biochemical responses in 15 advanced potato genotypes under such conditions. Genotype BD1310-1 showed greater performance with the highest plant height (51.5 cm), leaf area index (1.47), crop growth rate (0.43 g m^-2 day^-1), quantum yield of Photosystem II (Φ_II; 0.75), and tuber yield (21.5 t ha^-1), along with the lowest oxidative stress indicators. BD1319-2 had the highest number of stems plant^-1 (5.3), BD1311-4 showed maximum photosynthetically active radiation absorption (430 μmol m^-2 s^-1), and BD1335-4 had the highest linear electron flow (209 μmol electrons m^-2 s^-1). Principal component analysis grouped traits into positively and negatively correlated clusters. Traits such as LAI, Φ_II, crop growth rate, and tuber yield were positively associated with photosynthetic efficiency, whereas oxidative stress markers were negatively correlated. The findings suggest that oxidative markers reflect stress, not yield potential. In conclusion, BD1310-1, BD1319-2, BD1311-4, and BD1335-4 demonstrated potential as climate-resilient cultivars suitable for high-temperature (> 40°C) and high-irradiance (> 2000 μmol m^-2 s^-1) environments.

This review highlights recent advancements in the development of environmentally sustainable and reliable methods for the bio-fabrication of binary metal oxide nanomaterials through plant extract-mediated green methods, with a particular emphasis on Moringa oleifera. Known for its rich profile of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, it serves as a natural reducing, capping, and chelating agent, facilitating the formation of bimetallic oxide nanostructures (zinc cobalt, zinc iron, and zinc zirconate) through bio-fabrication processes. The plant-derived agents from M. oleifera enhance nanomaterial properties, including catalytic activity, stability, and surface area, making them highly suitable for diverse applications in environmental remediation, biomedicine, energy, and sensing technologies. The motivation for this strategy arises from the necessity for eco-friendly, cost-efficient, and scalable techniques that reduce toxicity and eliminate hazardous chemicals. The review elaborates on the mechanisms underlying the formation of bimetallic oxide nanostructures, specifically zinc cobalt (ZnCo₂O₄), zinc iron (ZnFe₂O₄), and zinc zirconate (ZnZrO₃), through chemical reactions between salt precursors and bioactive compounds extracted from M. oleifera plant natural extract. It emphasizes the principles of green synthesis that align with sustainable nanotechnology, promoting reduced toxicity and cost-effectiveness. This approach addresses the increasing demand for eco-friendly synthetic pathways utilizing plants like M. oleifera, microorganisms, and other biological sources, thereby advancing green chemistry and enabling the development of nanomaterials with enhanced functionalities for practical applications.

The growing resistance to first-line artemisinin-based therapies underscores the urgent need for novel antimalarial agents, with medicinal plants offering a promising source of candidates. Phikud Navakot formulation and its component plants are widely used in traditional medicine; however, their antimalarial properties remain underexplored. This study aimed to screen the Phikud Navakot formulation and its individual component plants for antiplasmodial activity and to further evaluate the most potent extract through in vivo efficacy testing, acute toxicity assessment, and phytochemical profiling. In vitro antiplasmodial activity was evaluated against a chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum K1 strain, and in vivo efficacy was assessed using the standard 4-day suppressive test in P. berghei ANKA-infected mice. Acute oral toxicity was examined in mice at a limit dose of 2000 mg/kg. Among all crude extracts tested, the aqueous gall extract of Terminalia chebula exhibited potent in vitro antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ = 3.24 ± 0.83 μg/mL) without toxicity (CC₅₀ > 100 μg/mL) in Vero cells or hemolytic effects. In the 4-day suppressive test, mice treated with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg doses of the aqueous T. chebula gall extract showed significant, dose-dependent suppression of parasitemia (38.88%, 47.08% and 60.61%, respectively; p < 0.05). Furthermore, no signs of acute toxicity were observed at the 2000 mg/kg dose. Phytochemical profiling indicated that the aqueous T. chebula gall extract contains multiple bioactive compounds with potential medicinal properties. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the aqueous T. chebula gall extract possesses promising both in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activities, with an excellent safety profile. This provides scientific evidence supporting its potential as a plant-based candidate for antimalarial drug development. Further studies are warranted to isolate the active constituents, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and conduct subacute toxicity studies to extend the safety evaluation beyond the current findings.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), locally known as jowar, is a vital summer fodder crop in Pakistan, significantly contributing to livestock sustenance. However, drought stress poses a critical challenge by reducing plant biomass and elevating hydrogen cyanide (HCN) content, a toxic antiquality component that endangers livestock health. This study aimed to identify sorghum genotypes with improved fodder yield and reduced HCN content under drought stress. Seventy diverse genotypes were evaluated in a hydroponic system under three polyethylene glycol (PEG) levels (0%, 5%, and 10%) in a two-factor factorial experiment arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant (p < 0.05) genotype, treatment, and genotype × treatment interaction effects across all measured traits, indicating considerable genetic variability in drought responses. Drought stress significantly increased root length (RL) (3.2-13.2 cm) and decreased several morphological traits including shoot length (SL), shoot fresh and dry weights (SFW and SDW), and chlorophyll (23.4-42.8 μg cm^-2) and fodder quality traits including crude protein (CP) (15.4%-24.1%) and crude fiber (CF). Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 72.4% of the total variance in the first three components, identifying SDW, SFW, RL, and SL as key contributors to drought tolerance. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive and negative correlations among the traits under all normal and drought conditions. Despite these reductions, genotypes such as Sorg-60, Sorg-66, and Sorg-7 showed superior performance in both biomass and quality traits, while Sorg-53 and Sorg-56 exhibited high sensitivity to drought. Based on PCA biplot positioning and trait performance, 20 genotypes (10 highly tolerant and 10 highly sensitive) were selected for field evaluation under normal and drought conditions using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Morphological, physiological, and fodder quality traits showed comparatively low reduction under drought conditions in tolerant genotype compared to drought-sensitive genotypes. Statistical analyses supported the findings and highlighted promising genotypes for use in future sorghum breeding programs aimed at enhancing forage yield and nutritional safety under water-limited environments.

Background: Antidepressant-like effects of the crude extract of Mallotus oppositifolius (MOE) have been previously demonstrated. However, to overcome the limitations of crude extracts as medicines, we produced an immediate-release formulation of MOE (MOE-IR) and tested its efficacy.

Methods: Using the wet granulation method, MOE was formulated into immediate-release dosage forms (MOE-IR F₁ and F₂, 10, 30, 100 mg) and flow properties were assessed with bulk density, tapped density, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, and the angle of repose. In vitro dissolution and antioxidant studies were conducted. Murine unpredictable chronic mild stress and sucrose preference tests (UCMS-SPTs) assessed the antidepressant-like effect. Except for the vehicle nonstressed (VEH-NS) group, mice were subjected to the UCMS for 7 weeks while receiving normal saline (VEH-S, 10 mL/kg; p.o.), MOE-IR (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg; p.o.), or fluoxetine (FLX 20 mg/kg; p.o.) daily for 5 weeks. The weight of mice and sucrose consumption (test for anhedonia) were monitored, after which forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test (OFT) were conducted following treatment termination. Plasma corticosterone concentration was assessed using ELISA, and brains were harvested for Golgi-Cox staining.

Results: MOE-IR F₁ (10 mg) exhibited the most suitable formulation properties, and the highest release profile in all media, hence, was selected for the proof-of-concept antidepressant study and referred to as MOE-IR. MOE-IR and crude extract demonstrated in vitro antioxidant activity in the DPPH test. MOE-IR just as FLX reversed the stress-induced weight loss, anhedonia as well as decreased immobility time in the FST and TST without affecting locomotor activity. MOE-IR decreased the plasma corticosterone concentration and increased the dentate gyrus (DG) dendritic spine density.

Conclusion: Collectively, MOE-IR demonstrated antidepressant-like that may be associated with antioxidant effects, decreased plasma corticosterone levels, and increased DG dendritic spine density.

Maintaining stable physiological indices is essential in postoperative ICU care, yet the effects of music therapy and aromatherapy on these indices remain limited and inconclusive. This study compared the effects of music therapy and 25% rosemary aromatherapy on ICU patients recovering from surgery. Ninety-two general surgery patients were randomly assigned to four groups: music therapy, aromatherapy, combined therapy (music and aromatherapy), or control. Data included demographic information and physiological indices. Music therapy involved 30 min of instrumental music; the aromatherapy group received 25% rosemary oil; the combination therapy group received both; the control group received a placebo aroma and turned off the headphones. Analysis with SPSS-18 showed that combination therapy and aromatherapy significantly reduced respiratory rate. Only the combination therapy group showed a notable increase in oxygen saturation. Aromatherapy also significantly decreased pulse rate, while neither music therapy nor control had significant effects on respiratory rate. No group showed significant changes in blood pressure. These noninvasive, cost-effective interventions are recommended for ICU care.

Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20100913004736N27.

The combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in drug discovery has significantly transformed traditional pharmaceutical research by enabling data-driven decision-making, accelerating the identification of hits, and improving the efficiency of lead optimization. This review provides a comprehensive overview of AI/ML models, including supervised, unsupervised, semisupervised, deep learning, and reinforcement learning approaches and their applications across various stages of drug development, from target identification and virtual screening to de novo molecule design and ADME/T prediction. We highlight widely used ML algorithms, performance evaluation metrics, and AI-driven tools that have become instrumental in modern drug discovery pipelines. Despite rapid advancements, challenges such as limited data availability, heterogeneity, bias, lack of model interpretability, reproducibility concerns, clinical translational barriers, and regulatory uncertainties continue to hinder full-scale adoption. The review also discusses emerging trends, including explainable AI, federated learning, and integration with high-throughput experimental platforms, which offer promising directions for overcoming current limitations. Emphasis is placed on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge computational predictions with experimental validation, ensuring robust, ethical, and clinically translatable AI applications in drug development.

Ko-klan is a traditional Thai herbal medicine that is officially recognized for treating muscle pain; however, its mechanism of action has not been characterized. This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of three Ko-klan remedy formulations and identified potential bioactive markers using molecular docking. Ko-klan formulations were extracted using decoction, maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), with ethanol as the solvent. Phytochemical analyses were performed to determine the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), with antioxidant activity evaluated using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by gene expression analysis (TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2, and IL-1β) and inhibition of nitric oxide production, and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity. LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS identified 175 compounds, with molecular docking performed against 5-LOX. Formulation-3 exhibited notable bioactivity, with a TPC of up to 1.08 g GAE/g and a TFC of 7.30 mg QE/g, and IC₅₀ values of 51.8 μg/mL for DPPH and 92.3 μg/mL for ABTS assays, 7 to 10 fold than the Trolox standard. Anti-inflammatory activity showed comparable inhibition of nitric oxide production to the L-NAME standard and effective LOX inhibition at 62.7 μg/mL. The MAE-based Ko-klan remedy extract significantly suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory gene expression, comparable to dexamethasone. Molecular docking showed that caffeoyl quinic acid and brazilin were potent 5-LOX inhibitors with binding energies of -10.14 and -10.24 kcal/mol, respectively. Results demonstrate that Ko-klan remedies, particularly formulation-3, possessed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, with phytochemical richness, effective suppression of inflammatory mediators, and potential bioactive markers such as caffeoyl quinic acid and brazilin, thereby supporting their traditional use and providing a scientific basis for further therapeutic development.