Chronic inflammation underlies numerous systemic disorders, and long-term use of conventional anti-inflammatory drugs is often limited by cost and adverse effects. Solanum violaceum Ortega, a medicinal tropical shrub, contains diverse bioactive compounds, yet its molecular mechanisms against inflammation remain unclear. This study employs an integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking approach to elucidate the anti-inflammatory potential of compounds identified from S. violaceum fruit extract (SVFE). Putative targets for the selected SVFE-derived phytocompounds were predicted, while inflammation-related genes were retrieved. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed to identify hub genes, functional enrichment analysis was performed, and significantly enriched KEGG pathways (p < 0.05) were selected. Four candidate compounds, namely, campesterol, .gamma.-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and vitamin E, corresponding to 32 potential therapeutic targets, were identified. Network topology and protein-protein interaction analyses revealed 10 key hub genes for these phytocompounds, highlighting the complex multi-target regulatory framework associated with inflammation. Compound-target-pathway network analysis demonstrated that these phytocompounds interacted with multiple signalling pathways involved in inflammatory responses. Molecular docking studies validated these interactions, showing strong binding affinities, ranging from − 6 to − 10.6 kcal·mol−1 and stable hydrogen bond formation between the selected compounds and key inflammatory targets. Among the identified compounds, the phytosterols, particularly stigmasterol, exhibited the most promising multi-target interaction profile, suggesting their potential as a lead anti-inflammatory agent. Overall, this study provides insight into the anti-inflammatory potential of SVFE-derived phytocompounds. However, further experimental validation through in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies is necessary to confirm their therapeutic efficacy and safety.
Selective Intra-arterial Therapy (SIRT) using 90Y-spheres is a well-established treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its high cost creates an economic barrier. We present the utility, preliminary therapeutic efficacy, and safety of 188Re-microspheres SIRT plus sorafenib in prospective interventional study. Sixty patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) B/C HCC underwent 188Re-SIRT with 3678 ± 1214 MBq (100 ± 33 mCi) 188Re-microspheres in combination with sorafenib. Patient characteristics and treatment-related data were collected at baseline; adverse events and time-to-event data (overall survival [OS], progression-free survival [PFS] and hepatic PFS) were collected at every 3-month follow-up visit. Prognostic value of FDG PET/Triple-phase CT (TPCT) was analyzed, comparing modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST) with positron emission tomograph response criteria in solid tumors (PERCIST) criteria. Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors affecting preliminary treatment efficacy and survival. Single-point dosimetry was performed using Qthera.AI software. The median OS was 11 months. Qthera.AI estimated mean time integrated activity coefficient for 188Re-microspheres was 27.0 ± 17.7 h. The mean absorbed doses to tumor, healthy liver, lungs, and spleen were 92.4 Gy, 7.0 Gy, 3.4 Gy, and 21.9 Gy, respectively. Both mRECIST and PERCIST showed comparable median PFS (3.0 months; p=1.000) and extra-hepatic PFS (3.0 months; 0.317), while PERCIST indicated a higher median hepatic PFS (6.0 vs. 3.0 months; 0.655). mRECIST and PERCIST classified 45.0
Snyder–Robinson syndrome (SRS) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in spermine synthase gene, resulting in altered spermidine/spermine ratios. Initial studies identified a G-to-A transition in intron 4 of SMS, producing a truncated protein and loss of enzymatic activity. Subsequent reports described missense mutations, including p.G56S and p.V132G, associated with variable cognitive and neurological outcomes. Here, we assessed the impact of these mutations on SMS stability and function using a reticulocyte lysate-based in vitro degradation assay and in silico analyses. Surprisingly, both wild-type and mutant SMS proteins remained stable, suggesting that cellular cofactors may be required for degradation. Notably, the G56S mutant showed markedly reduced SMS activity and was predominantly recovered from the urea-solubilized insoluble fraction, suggesting impaired protein solubility due to altered folding or structural assembly. DUET, SDM and mCSM analyses predicted both G56S and V132G substitutions to be locally destabilizing, with V132G exerting a stronger effect, whereas YASARA-based energy minimization indicated no significant global structural perturbation. Structural mapping showed that these residues are distal to the active site, implicating roles in dimerization or allosteric regulation rather than direct catalysis. Hydrogen-bonding analyses revealed altered local interactions upon mutation, supporting subtle structural changes that impair function. The alignment analysis indicated that Gly56 and Val132 are conserved among mammals but not in distant species. Collectively, these findings illuminate the molecular basis of SMS regulation and highlight the importance of distal, non-catalytic residues in modulating enzyme activity and stability, providing insights that may help future therapeutic strategies for SRS.
RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as a promising molecular strategy for mosquito control, targeting gene functions essential for reproduction and pathogen transmission. This study assessed RNAi-mediated gene silencing in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti, vectors of malaria and dengue, respectively. Specific siRNAs targeting Nanos, Cecropin, and Vago genes were delivered via injection and ingestion. Gene expression was assessed using RT-qPCR. Phenotypic effects on development, fecundity, and vector competence were evaluated. Transmission potential of Plasmodium falciparum and dengue virus was also examined. RNAi significantly downregulated target gene expression, leading to reduced egg production, developmental delays, and increased mortality. RNAi-treated mosquitoes exhibited diminished vector competence: Anopheles had lower oocyst counts, while Aedes showed reduced viral loads in midgut and saliva. RNAi effectively disrupted mosquito fitness and pathogen transmission with minimal impact on nontarget species and predator–prey dynamics. These findings support RNAi as a targeted, sustainable alternative for vector control. However, resistance potential warrants further investigation.
Maijan wetland in Assam is undergoing rapid ecological transformation driven by expanding urbanization and intensive industrial activity, particularly the establishment of an oil-drilling site within close proximity. This study examines how spatio-temporal changes in land use and land cover (LULC) between 2015 and 2024, and projected changes for 2034, are altering the biological integrity of the wetland. Using Sentinel-2A imagery, supervised classification and CA–ANN modelling, substantial declines were recorded in aquatic vegetation (− 3.34
This study assessed plant diversity and ethnobotanical uses in the Kimvula Territory (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Field surveys were conducted in 19 villages across the Benga and Lubusi sectors, as well as in six neighbourhoods of Kimvula town, involving 377 informants aged between 20 and 87 years. A total of 353 plant species belonging to 248 genera and 90 families were recorded, with Fabaceae being the dominant family. Medicinal and food plants were the most frequently reported use categories. Ethnobotanical indices revealed high use values and significant cultural importance for several species, notably Manihot esculenta, Mangifera indica, and Elaeis guineensis. However, 162 species were found to exhibit moderate to high vulnerability due to intensive harvesting and multiple uses. Intra- and inter-village patterns of plant use indicated low similarity between Group 1 (G1) and Group 2 (G2). Populations in G2 were closely associated through shared species use, generally forming a cohesive community in terms of useful plant utilization. These findings highlight the rich phytodiversity of Kimvula and the increasing pressure on plant resources, underscoring the need for sustainable management and conservation strategies.
The study encompassed isolation and characterization of native PGPR from bauxite mine tailings of Panchpatmali, Koraput, Odisha, India, the largest bauxite deposit site in Asia. Rhizospheric soil and root nodule bacteria from the weed Tephrosia purpurea growing on abandoned bauxite mine tailing were isolated and characterized. Rhizospheric bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis and Stenotrophomonas hibiscicola and root nodule bacteria Burkholderia cepacia exhibiting multiple plant growth-promoting attributes were cross-inoculated to green manure Crotalaria juncea L. and grown in bauxite mine soil under greenhouse condition. The pot culture study showed improvement in morphological parameters, and the highest shoot length (59
Scrub typhus is an emerging infectious disease in Asian countries, including India. Here, the prevalence, clinical features, and determinants of scrub typhus exposure were investigated in Indian patients. A two-year cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted in New Delhi, India. Demographical, clinical, and biological data were collected from each patient. An ELISA assay targeting immunoglobulin M and G was used to detect scrub typhus infection. A total of 766 individuals were finally included in the analysis. The seroprevalence of scrub typhus was 12.3
Triacylglycerol lipase is a key catalyst for the first stage of transformation of certain classes of organic compounds. Triacylglycerol lipases catalyze this initial stage of decomposition of plant debris in the soil, breaking ester bonds and releasing fatty acids. The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity of triacylglycerol lipase as an indicator of the ecological state of soils contaminated with lead (Pb), oil, and salinity of semi-desert soils with natural salinization. Results indicate that the triacylglycerol lipase activity decreases at the maximum concentration of oil (10
Fungal communities play crucial roles in nutrient cycling in soil ecosystems, plant health, and ecological balance but their compatibility and its governing mechanisms are yet to be elucidated. In the present study, cultivable fungi were isolated from rhizospheric and surface soils of the Heravali forest, Western Ghats, India—a global biodiversity hotspot. Twenty-eight isolates were obtained and characterized for enzyme activities, acid production, phosphate solubilization, and surface hydrophobicity. For analysis of fungal–fungal interactions, the isolates were further studied using contact angle measurements (θ°) and Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory to calculate free energy of interaction (ΔGinteraction). Although Helminthosporium sp. displayed highest hydrophobicity, it showed minimum ecological compatibility as indicated by positive ΔGinteractions values and poor interactions with other fungi. Similarly, Fusarium sp. exhibited favorable ΔGinteractions with Bipolaris sp. and Trichoderma sp. suggesting the surface energy alignment that promoted compatibility. These findings challenge the assumption that high hydrophobicity enhances ecological success universally, but suggest that the physico-chemical complementarity at the microbial surface dictates the complementarity. The present study integrates enzymatic traits with thermodynamic interaction modeling and proposing a predictive ecological framework for understanding fungal coexistence in complex soil ecosystem. These approaches not only enhance the understanding of fungal diversity in the Western Ghats but also provide a basis for selecting compatible fungal consortia for application in forestry, agriculture, and biotechnology.
3-Bromopyruvic acid (3-BrPA) is a potent hexokinase II (HK-II) inhibitor widely studied for its anticancer properties. Given that hexokinase is also essential for chitin and trehalose biosynthesis in insects, we investigated the insecticidal and developmental effects of 3-BrPA on Periplaneta americana. We evaluated the impact of 3-BrPA treatment on instar transitions and hemolymph metabolite profiles, including glucose, trehalose, and lactic acid. Our results demonstrate that an injection dose of 200 µg/individual significantly delayed instar transitions. Furthermore, 3-BrPA exhibited potent lethal effects, with an LD50 of 282 µg/individual on day 1, declining to 220 µg/individual by day 12. Hemolymph analysis revealed that while trehalose levels remained statistically unchanged, glucose and lactic acid levels were significantly altered compared to the control group. These findings suggest that 3-BrPA disrupts key metabolic pathways in P. americana, highlighting its potential as a metabolic-based insecticidal agent.
Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. is a member of Asteraceae family and found in America, Africa, Western Asia, and European regions. The common name of C. vulgare is bull thistle, spear thistle, and common thistle. Ethnobotanical data suggest that it is frequently used to treat bleeding piles, as an anxiolytic, manage inflammation, sore jaws, and rheumatic joints. Leaves of this plant are used as salad and also as a spice in various traditional dishes. The decoction of whole plant is used to cure diarrhea, joint pain, and wound healing. Various phytochemicals, such as phenolic acid, flavonoids, sterols, and terpenoids, are present in this plant which are responsible for its therapeutic potential. C. vulgare possesses many pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, and anticancer. The purpose of the study is to compile scientifically available literature on C. vulgare regarding its phytochemical, pharmacological, and therapeutic potential. Traditional ethnobotanical records as well as clinical and experimental research were taken into consideration for inclusion. This study highlights the importance of the plant so that it becomes helpful for future research.
Mass cultivation of threatened taxa through vegetative propagation can significantly contribute to species recovery by limiting extraction pressure on their natural habitats, thereby sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. Here, we standardized vegetative propagation requirements for Swertia thomsonii C. B. Clarke—an endemic medicinal plant of the western Himalaya, by studying the effect of different plant growth regulators and soil compositions on its regeneration potential using rhizome cuttings. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, comprising of 13 plant growth regulator treatments and 15 soil composition treatments; each treatment consisted of 3 replicates, and five cuttings were used in each replicate. The effects of different plant growth regulators and soil compositions on the growth performance of the target species varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) among different treatments. The maximum sprouting percentage (86.67 ± 6.67), shoot length (7.67 ± 0.33 cm), and minimum sprouting time (13.67 ± 0.33 days) were recorded in treatment PGR2 when cuttings were treated with 100 ppm of GA3, while maximum root length (5.07 ± 0.09 cm) was recorded in treatment PGR10 when cuttings were treated with 100 ppm of IBA. Among different soil compositions tested, the target species showed maximum growth performance, i.e., maximum root length (16.5 ± 1.73 cm), shoot length (22.33 ± 1.52 cm), leaf number (14 ± 2), leaf length (15.5 ± 0.5 cm), leaf breadth (3.33 ± 0.57) root biomass (8.16 ± 1.04 g), and shoot biomass (1.02 ± 0.2 g) in treatment ScT9 when rhizome cuttings were sown in soil composition containing soil, sand, vermicompost, and farmyard manure in ratio (1:1:1:1). Overall, a viable, reproducible, and cost-effective protocol for large-scale cultivation of target was developed, which may prove helpful for its restoration and conservation.
Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are key for soil aggregation, retention of moisture, nutrients, and EPS promote growth in plants. EPS is produced by Bacillus subtilis (BS2), which we isolated from the chili rhizosphere soil and also conducted a 16S rRNA sequence, which showed 100
Persicaria capitata (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) H. Gross is a medicinal plant known for its therapeutic potential. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial properties of acetone extracts from the whole plant (AWS) and leaves (ALS). ALS showed higher phenolic content and stronger antioxidant activity, whereas AWS contained higher flavonoid and tannin contents. Both extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The observed bioactivities may be associated with the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins. These findings support previous studies on medicinal plants with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and highlight the potential of P. capitata as a natural source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.
Monocrotophos, an organophosphate pesticide widely used, has been reported to induce the reproductive toxicity via oxidative stress and apoptosis. Thus, the current study was carried out to study the protective nature of the Curcuma longa on monocrotophos-induced testicular toxicity in caprine testicular cells. Monocrotophos induced a number of apoptotic features, including pyknotic nuclei, tubular degeneration, enhanced vacuolization, etc. In testicular cells, monocrotophos (100 µM and 1000 µM for an exposure period of 4 and 6 h) caused a time- and dose-dependent decline in percentage viability of cells, increased incidence of apoptosis, histopathological alterations, increased MDA levels and decreased ferric reducing antioxidant (FRAP) activity. However, C. longa extract showed antagonistic effects in testicular tissues treated with monocrotophos, as it reduced apoptotic characteristics and histological alterations. Along with this, C. longa extract also decreased oxidative stress levels, as observed by lower MDA levels and increased FRAP activity. These results indicate that C. longa has potent antioxidant and cytoprotective properties and may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for monocrotophos-induced testicular toxicity and associated reproductive disorders.
Euphorbia hirta is an important ethnomedicinal herb traditionally used to manage respiratory, gastrointestinal, and infectious diseases. This study evaluates its elemental profile, phytochemical composition, antimicrobial efficacy, and the influence of soil characteristics on its bioactive potential. Elemental concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), phytochemicals were identified using standard qualitative protocols, and antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well-diffusion method against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Soil samples were analysed for physicochemical and nutrient parameters. Results showed that essential metals such as zinc, manganese, and iron were within safe limits, while nickel and chromium levels were moderately elevated. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, steroids, and phlobatannins. Strong antibacterial activity was exhibited against Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, and Enterococcus faecalis, while antifungal activity was observed against Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus fumigatus. Soil characteristics were favourable for medicinal plant growth and nutrient uptake. Overall, Euphorbia hirta demonstrates significant therapeutic potential with safe metal content and rich bioactive composition, supporting its traditional and modern medicinal use.
Cleome is the largest genus of the family Cleomaceae, which is known for remedial applications in a range of diseases. Several species of Cleome genus have been shown to have anti-cancer properties; however, very little has been reported on the species spinosa. The present study has examined the potential anti-cancer property of ethanolic leaf extract of Cleome spinosa Jacq. (CSE) in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in vitro and in vivo. Morphological changes, reminiscent of apoptosis, in CSE-treated EAC cells were examined via brightfield, fluorescence, and electron microscopies. The protein levels of p53 and Bcl-xL were measured using western blot. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS) were carried out to identify the bioactive compounds present in CSE, followed by in silico modeling. CSE-induced death in EAC cells was similar to bleomycin. Microscopic studies revealed apoptotic changes in CSE-treated EAC cells such as surface blebbing, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and apoptotic body formation. This coincided with upregulation of pro-apoptotic protein, p53, and downregulation of anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-xL in vitro, as well as in vivo. GC–MS analysis identified 43 phytocompounds in the CSE. In silico molecular docking analysis indicated that cycloartenol, stigmasterol, clionasterol, beta-sitosterol, lupenone, and sitostenone, had strong binding affinities for p53 and Bcl-xL. Thus, CSE-derived compounds appear to induce apoptosis through upregulation of p53 and downregulation of Bcl-xL proteins in the EAC model and can be considered a promising natural compound for future cancer therapies.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an often debilitating and chronic digestive disorder that upset millions worldwide. It is often seen with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and an enormous influence on the quality of life. While the contributing factors of IBS continue elusive, so does its treatment. Consuming probiotics, specifically yogurts, has been employed as another possibility to drug therapy, to aid in the treatment of IBS. This study delves into the relationship between the probiotic bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus and IBS severity. By leveraging bacterial sequence count data in patient’s blood and advanced machine learning approaches, Current work recognizes no correlation between IBS symptoms and the plenty of probiotic bacteria consumption. Our findings highlight that despite the capability of yogurt-derived probiotics in re-establishing gut microbiota balance, it may have a contribution in alleviating IBS symptoms for certain individuals, and is unlikely to be favorable for all patients. It is necessary to endorse the specific strain or species proven effective for treating IBS, avoiding the assumption that the success of one probiotic species applies to others.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of elevated ultraviolet-B (eUV-B) radiation and chromium (Cr), alone and in combination, on yield attributes, metabolic profile, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, bioaccumulation, and translocation of Cr in the medicinal plant Psoralea corylifolia L. (bakuchi). The experiment was conducted under natural field conditions using four treatments: (i) control, (ii) Cr treatment (30 mg kg−1), (iii) eUV-B treatment (ambient + 7.2 kJm−2d−1), and (iv) Cr + eUV-B treatment (Cr 30 mg kg−1 and ambient + 7.2 kJm−2d−1 UV-B). The results of the study indicated that the bioaccumulation and translocation factor for Cr ranged below one under all treatments. The number of seeds showed a considerable reduction under the treatments; nevertheless, seed length, diameter, and test weight demonstrated no significant variation as compared to the control across all treatments. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of the extract of P. corylifolia seeds revealed that key metabolites like bakuchiol, isopsoralen, and psoralen, which are known for their anti-vitiligo, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, were enhanced in all treatments. The highest increases in psoralen and isopsoralen were observed under combined treatment, while bakuchiol showed the maximum increase under individual eUV-B treatment. Further, the ROS scavenging activity of the methanolic extract of seeds revealed a significant increase under individual eUV-B and combined treatments of eUV-B and Cr. Our findings highlight that P. corylifolia can thrive well in environments with high levels of UV-B and Cr, and can be exploited for the valuable secondary metabolites for pharmaceutical purposes.
