Advances in Traditional Medicine最新文献

In modern medicine, one major advancement recorded is the discovery of antibiotics. For the past decades now, the use and misuse of antibiotics have led most clinically important pathogens to develop multiple drug resistance; thus, reducing the applications of these antibiotics. The challenges associated with multi-drug resistance require various strategies such as genomics and nanotechnology approaches, and these will require detailed studies on each antibiotic and response to identify the specific nature of the pathogens. The current SAR CoV-2 known as the COVID-19 pandemic, even if it is not related to this situation, has shown the emergence desire for strategies to fight such increasing public threats. New ways of studying innate compounds that have suitable effects to mitigate this problem have been extended. In recent times, there has been a dramatically increased interest in the production of biosurfactants for food processing, environmental bioremediation, improved oil recovery, and biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Biosurfactants can produce different biological activities including antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, antifungal, haemolytic effects, and fibrin clotting inhibition. They had shown the capacity to destroy plasma membranes, improve cell membrane permeability, and eliminate metabolites. Thus, this review discusses the mechanisms of action, roles, applications, and available commercial products of biosurfactants focusing majorly on therapeutic and pharmaceutical perspectives. With their diversity, potential, and cost-effectiveness in the biomedical field, biosurfactants can be sourced as alternative molecules to synthetic drugs.

Pancreatic and colorectal cancer are two of the most lethal cancers; this stems from poor prognosis. Current treatments may lack effectiveness and produce dangerous side effects, hence a need for alternatives. Medicinal plants like Millettia griffoniana may possess anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to isolate and identify compounds from M. griffoniana to test for potential anti-cancer activity on pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Seeds and root bark of M. griffoniana underwent solvent extraction and separation using column chromatography. Isolated compounds were screened using AlamarBlue assays and cytotoxic compounds were identified with 2D NMR. Compounds were subject to cellular viability assays using AlamarBlue and xCELLigence analysis. The Caspase Glo®-3/7 kit measured caspase activity and Real-Time PCR analysis measured apoptosis-related gene expression. 7 compounds were isolated and screened. Compounds 5 and 7 were chosen; identified as durmillone and isojamaicin. Both showed varying concentration-dependent cytotoxic activity, in AlamarBlue and xCELLigence assays, for both cell lines. Caspases 3 and 7 were up-regulated and both compounds up-regulated BAX and down-regulated BCL-2 and p53 in both cell lines. Durmillone and isojamaicin displayed cytotoxic activity on pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Apoptotic activity induced by the compounds was verified by the up-regulation of caspase activity and BAX and down-regulation of BCL-2 and p53. Further studies need to be done towards understanding the mechanisms by which these compounds bring about their cytotoxic activity.

Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the serious complications of diabetes mellitus which grip the world with high comorbidity and mortality rates. The search for the best wound dressings has become more vital due to the rising population and incidence of chronic wounds. Wound dressings with nanofiber coatings have gained greater attention as creative and biocompatible materials. The Edinburg University Solution of Lime (EUSOL) is used an efficacious healing agent in the management of diabetic foot ulcer. In this work, we have fabricated a hybrid electro-spun nanofibrous patch of Cellulose Acetate (CA)/Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) with the encapsulation of therapeutic agent (EUSOL) and antimicrobial agent (Curcumin) respectively, for the immediate release of curcumin and sustain release of EUSOL to give antimicrobial effect and to promote granulation of tissues. The resultant Nano-fibrous films were characterized by SEM, ATR-FTIR, water contact angle measurement, tensile strength testing and UV–VIS Spectrophotometry to examine the morphology and chemical composition, wettability, stress–strain behavior and drug release profile. The drug release kinetics was evaluated through mathematical models Higuchi’s and Korsmeyer- Peppas. The characterization analysis shows the successful fabrication of nanofiber films. The release kinetic behavior of both encapsulated agents satisfied Higuchi’s model with co-efficient of correlation r2 = 0.91 and 0.86 which indicated that drug release diffusion is controlled. Dissolution was noticed as anomalous transport as fitted using Korsmeyer-Peppas equation. Consequently, the hybrid CA-EUSOL/PVA-Curcumin nanofibrous scaffolds are hopeful candidates for the sustainable and immediate release of therapeutic and antimicrobial agents to fabricate diabetic foot ulcer wound dressing.

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In this study, we explored the effects of herbal mixture containing Sage (Salvia officinalis) and St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) on cognitive and memory impairment, considering their known cognitive-enhancing properties. We identified ‘rosmarinic acid’ and ‘hyperoside’ as marker components influencing memory in Sage and St. John’s Wort, respectively. Quantification of these marker compounds in the herbal extracts was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell and murine microglia BV-2 cell, we investigated the effects of the herbal mixture on oxidative stress induced by scopolamine and lipopolysaccharide. Cell viability assays, nitric oxide level quantification, and measurement of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β) and catalase expression were performed. The results indicated positive effects of the herbal mixture on these parameters. Furthermore, the herbal mixture oral administered to mouse and induced intentional inflammatory responses and memory impairment by treating them with scopolamine. Cognitive and memory impairment were evaluated using Morris Water Maze and T-maze tests, while cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1β) and Catalase in mouse serum were quantified. The group receiving the herbal mixture at a concentration of 10 mg/kg demonstrated significantly reduced TNF-a and IL-1β levels, increased Catalase expression, and improved cognitive performance in the Morris Water Maze and T-maze tests. These findings suggest that the intake of the herbal mixture containing Sage (S. officinalis) and St. John’s Wort (H. perforatum) may ameliorate cognitive and memory impairment through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.

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Sage (Salvia officinalis) and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) ethanol extract was mixed in a 1:1 ratio, and the effect of improving memory and cognition was confirmed through cell and animal experiments

Down Syndrome (DS) is the most widespread genetic disorder and a leading cause of mental retardation. It is assumed that the difference in DYRK1A gene expression with Trisomy 21 significantly contributes to several DS traits, including craniofacial or neurological malformation/deformity. Preparation of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) enriched fraction of Camellia sinensis and identification of compounds by GC–MS chromatogram analysis to identify the presence of bioactive compounds. Determination of total phenolics, flavonoids, DPPH assay, and catalase activity was carried out to quantify its presence. Microinjection during the embryonic stage was performed to observe GFP mCherry transcription through fluorescence imaging. T maze experimentation for various parameters with latency time was observed to test differences between each group. Brain histology was performed to observe neuronal changes in the brain. The total phenolic and flavonoid content shows anti-oxidative potency in EGCG hydroalcoholic extract. After the embryos were microinjected with gene editing materials, the transcription was cumulative with the success of gene editing. During the later phase of development, the knocked fishes had developmental errors in the craniofacial morphology. Morphological visualization reveals a maldevelopment in the gene knockout fish. T maze shows that each category's latency decreases with the increasing dose. EGCG has the potential to ameliorate cognitive impairment in CRISPR CAS9-induced DYRK1A gene knockout zebrafish.

This study aimed to evaluate Chicory leaf extract for its potential activity on CKD model in STZ induced diabetic nephropathy in Wistar albino rats. Diabetic nephropathy was by administering STZ (35 mg/kg) for a period of seven days, which was confirmed by estimating the blood glucose levels (> 250 mg/dl). After the successful model establishment, the rats were allowed a progression period to CKD for 3 weeks and confirmed by estimating the serum creatinine levels. Thereafter, the rats were treated with chicory leaf extract for a period of 6 weeks at the doses 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. Changes in renal function related parameters in serum and urine were estimated along with histopathological studies. CKD rats exhibited renal dysfunction, as evidenced by reduced serum creatinine, increased blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and proteinuria, along with alterations in the antioxidant parameters like SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA, that were reversed by Chicory leaf extract. Chicory leaf extract was also found to markedly improve the histopathological alteration sin the CKD effected kidneys. Chicory leaf extract was found to be beneficial in rats with chronic kidney disease seen by the reversion of the altered parameters to almost normal range.

As an avascular tissue, the intervertebral disc (IVD) faces difficulties in obtaining nutrients and is prone to accumulating metabolic waste. The ensuing IVD degeneration (IVDD) causes symptoms such as low back pain. Traditional Chinese medicine has a millennia-long history of treating IVDD, with the advantages of safety and few adverse effects. Based on prior pharmacological research, the Chinese herbal formula Elgucare is abundant in the nutrients required by the IVD and can improve blood circulation, accelerating the removal of metabolic waste from the IVD. This study used a 23 G needle to surgically induce IVDD in a rat model. Thirty rats were randomly assigned to five groups: one that underwent sham surgery (Sham), one with IVDD that was not fed Elgucare (EGC-0), and three with IVDD that were fed Elgucare at different concentrations for six weeks (EGC-L, EGC-M, and EGC-H). Study parameters, including total body weight, plantar sensitivity to pain, gait analysis, IVD thickness, and IVD morphology, were used to assess the effects of Elgucare on IVDs. Our results showed that administering Elgucare to rats effectively reduced plantar tingling and improved swing speed during gait analysis. Elgucare also accelerated increases in IVD thickness and increased the proportion of IVD that returned to normal cellularity. The possible benefits of Elgucare include alleviating pain, improving mobility, and accelerating IVD repair, indicating its potential for use in IVD therapy.

The article presents an overview of Indian hazelnut (Corylus jacquemontii)- a multipurpose threatened species of the Himalayan region of high traditional importance. The species is used as a medicine, fuelwood, fodder, and timber by the resident communities of Himalaya. The edible nuts of the species are nutrient-rich and have a high market value; they are collected and sold by the local people to earn hard cash. Further, a wide range of pharmacological properties that aid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other oxidative stress-related disorders add to the importance of the species. The recent overexploitation for diverse purposes has threatened its survival and calls for multidisciplinary efforts for the conservation of the traditionally important Indian hazelnut.

Natural herbal constituents have been continuously utilised as a source of medicine since ancient times to cure diverse types of disorders that ail human body, like cardiovascular disease (CVDs), diabetes mellitus (DM), bacterial and viral infections. Several studies have recently been conducted on flavonoids derived from various parts of plants, and their diverse functions are being widely explored. Flavonoids are nutraceuticals that have a wide range of biological activities. Their antioxidant properties account for the majority of their protective effects including minimizing oxidative stress and inflammation besides their potential to modulate the activities of enzymes. Flavonoids are also used to manage and treat diabetes, as well as diabetes associated comorbidities. Increased risk of mortality during diabetes and diabetes associated comorbidities like hypertension, stroke, neuropathy, nephropathy etc. are directly related to the elevated glycemic index of diabetics. Here we discuss the importance of flavonoids derived from nature for their medicinal roles, factors leading to the onset of diabetes and its associated complications. Finally, this review discusses the potential role of various flavonoids as an alternative remedial approach to mitigate the condition of diabetes.

The 611 genera and over 13,100 species that make up the vast family Rubiaceae are primarily found in tropical and warm climates. These species are utilized in the Indian subcontinent as traditional medicines to treat a number of ailments in addition to their decorative properties. It is proof that species like Adina cordifolia, Anthocephalus cadamba, Cinchona officinalis, Coffea arabica, Morinda citrifolia, and Paederia foetida have received a lot of attention; yet, many phytochemicals should still be undiscovered as none of these species have been carefully examined for their phytochemical composition. This review aims to highlight the traditional, pharmacological, botanical, and phytochemistry aspects of medicinal plant species belonging to the Rubiaceae family. The most significant research findings from the last few decades found in books and online databases like SciFinder and Google Scholar are reported in the paper. So far, more than 100 structurally diverse compounds have been identified from the Rubiaceae family, mainly including alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenols, and volatile components. The crude extracts and compounds from the Rubiaceae family have been reported to possess broad pharmacological effects including antimalarial, antibacterial, antihypertension, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects during biological screening using leads provided by traditional healers. However, there is a dearth of research on the discovery of active phytoconstituents that are in charge of the pharmacological actions indicated above. This provides the researcher with a fresh perspective on how to study this family.

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