This study analyses Metallothionein (MT) expression in the gill tissues of the feathered clam (A. antiquata) from Jakarta Bay using CLSM method, and evaluation of its potential as a biological biomarker of heavy-metal pollution. A total of 90 samples were collected from Three sites representing different levels of anthropogenic contamination. Heavy-metal analysis revealed significant variation among sites, with the highest concentrations recorded at Muara Angke (Cd: 2.15 ± 0.32 mg·kg-1; Pb: 3.84 ± 0.41 mg·kg-1; Hg: 0.67 ± 0.08 mg·kg-1), followed by Cilincing (Cd: 1.42 ± 0.21 mg·kg-1; Pb: 2.11 ± 0.36 mg·kg-1; Hg: 0.42 ± 0.05 mg·kg-1), and Tanjung Priok (Cd: 0.84 ± 0.14 mg·kg-1; Pb: 1.27 ± 0.22 mg·kg-1; Hg: 0.21 ± 0.03 mg·kg-1). Histological examination revealed progressive structural damage consistent with pollution levels: Intact secondary lamellae at Tanjung Priok, epithelial hypertrophy and hyperplasia with MT distribution at Cilincing, and severe lesions including oedema, lamellar fusion, epithelial desquamation, and cytoplasmic vacuolisation at Muara Angke. CLSM analysis confirmed significant differences in MT expression among sites, with Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) lowest at Tanjung Priok (22.5 ± 3.3 a.u.), higher at Cilincing (39.7 ± 4.9 a.u.), and highest at Muara Angke (47.4 ± 5.1 a.u.) (ANOVA, p < 0.05). This study represents the first application of CLSM to quantify metallothionein expression in A. antiquata from Indonesian coastal ecosystems. Major Findings: Overall, the results demonstrate a strong relationship between heavy-metal exposure, gill histopathology, and MT expression, underscoring the value of A. antiquata as a sensitive bioindicator for biomonitoring heavy-metal pollution in urban coastal ecosystems.
Acute poisoning continues to pose a serious public health challenge and contributes substantially to morbidity and mortality, especially in resource-limited settings. This prospective observational study was carried out to describe the clinical pattern of acute poisoning cases and to evaluate the usefulness of severity scoring systems along with patient counselling in improving clinical outcomes. The study was conducted over nine months in a tertiary care teaching hospital in India and included 310 patients with confirmed acute poisoning. Clinical severity was assessed using the Poison Severity Score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, and Glasgow Coma Scale. Patients received either standard medical care alone or standard care with structured patient counselling. Household poisoning emerged as the most common cause, followed by organophosphate poisoning and venomous bites, with intentional exposure accounting for most cases. A large proportion of patients presented with severe poisoning and moderate to severe neurological impairment. The combined use of severity scoring systems helped in the early identification of high-risk patients and supported clinical decision-making. Patients who received counselling showed significantly better recovery outcomes compared to those receiving standard care alone (p < 0.001). Major Findings: The findings suggest that incorporating systematic severity assessment together with patient counselling not only supports timely and appropriate management but also improves recovery by enhancing patient awareness, preventive behaviour, and adherence to follow-up care in acute poisoning cases.
Endothelial dysfunction associated with multiple organ failure predominantly leads to poor prognosis and high mortality in septic patients. Stabilisation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) levels via inhibiting their breakdown by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzyme was reported to be beneficial in various inflammatory conditions. The current investigation elucidates the impact of in vivo administration of t-AUCB (a potent sEH inhibitor) on endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation in the mouse aorta, along with its impact on liver-kidney biomarkers in septic mice. Marked endothelial dysfunction, as evidenced by a reduction in relaxant response to acetylcholine (ACh) was found in septic mice, while endothelial-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) remains unaltered. Significantly elevated serum levels of liver and kidney biomarkers like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in septic mice as compared to SO mice were found. Treatment of septic mice with t-AUCB and/or with imipenem (IMI) improved endothelial vasorelaxation to ACh, while endothelium-independent vasorelaxation to SNP remained unaltered. Further, t-AUCB alone and/or with IMI also restored the elevated levels of liver and kidney biomarkers. Thus, the sEH inhibitor, t-AUCB, helps to improve vascular endothelial dysfunction and consequently liver and kidney dysfunction in sepsis, possibly via regulating circulatory perfusion. Major Findings: sEH inhibitor, t-AUCB, improves endothelial function and exerts organ protective effect in sepsis possibly by regulating circulatory perfusion and inflammatory cascade.
The adulteration of traditional aphrodisiac formulations with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), particularly sildenafil, represents a significant public health concern due to the toxicological risks associated with their uncontrolled and prolonged use. This study investigated the subchronic hepatotoxic effects of two commercially available aphrodisiac preparations, called Attoté (AT) and Congnons-moussos (CM), both containing sildenafil (1 mg/g dry matter), in male Wistar rats. Animals were allocated into eight groups and received distilled water (control), pure sildenafil (5 mg/kg b.w.), and increasing doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.) of AT and CM by oral gavage for 90 consecutive days. Hepatic function was evaluated through serum biochemical markers such as Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, albumin, total proteins, glucose, hepatic tissue enzymes, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), oxidative stress biomarkers Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide Dimutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Reduced Glutathione (GSH), and histopathological examination of liver sections. The results showed a dose-dependent hepatocellular injury, with increased ALT, AST, total bilirubin, glucose, and ALP, accompanied by decreased albumin, total proteins, and GGT activity. Oxidative stress was evident through elevated MDA levels and a marked reduction in antioxidant defenses. Histopathological findings confirmed liver damage, showing vacuolization, sinusoidal congestion, and inflammatory infiltration. Major Findings: Overall, these findings demonstrate that chronic ingestion of adulterated herbal aphrodisiacs induces hepatotoxicity through oxidative stress and disruption of hepatic homeostasis, showing the health risks associated with their unregulated consumption.
Synthetic dyes such as malachite green, widely used in the coir industry, pose significant ecological risks due to their high toxicity, chemical stability, and persistence in aquatic environments. The discharge of untreated dye effluents into nearby water bodies severely affects aquatic organisms, particularly fish. The present study evaluated haematological alterations in Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings exposed for 10, 20, and 30 days to 1/10-1/5 of the 96-h LC₅₀ of malachite green effluent. Haematological parameters, recognised as reliable biomarkers of physiological and metabolic stress, were analysed to evaluate toxic effects. Significant reductions were observed in Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) compared to the control group. The degree of decline was proportional to both concentration and exposure duration. In contrast, White Blood Cell (WBC) count, Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) increased significantly, indicating immune activation and stress response to toxic exposure. These findings demonstrate that exposure to malachite green- containing effluent induces anaemia and compromises oxygen transport capacity in O. niloticus. Major Findings: The study highlights the ecological risks associated with coir dye effluent containing malachite green discharge and emphasises the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment and sustainable industrial practices to protect aquatic biodiversity.
Hoya hearts (Hoya kerrii) is a decorative plant with beautiful leaf shapes and long-lasting flowers. Creation of new clones of this plant through in vitro mutagenesis has potential for genetic diversity and economic development. Aim: This study aims to investigate the impact of 2-Aminopurine (2-AP) on mutation induction in Hoya kerrii and assess its effects through morphological, anatomical, and molecular evaluations. Materials and Methods: In vitro-cultured segments of Hoya kerrii stems were treated in 2-AP solutions of 0%; 0.15%; 0.25%; 0.35%; 0.45% concentrations for 1 hour before culturing into a shoot regeneration medium. Regenerated shoots were subcultured in root formation medium before acclimatisation. An anatomical analysis of leaf petioles and genotypic variation of mutant plants was carried out using double-dyeing with Carmin vert d’iode and RAPD and ISSR markers. The highest shoot regeneration rate (100%) was observed in the control and 0.15% 2-AP treatments, while the lowest was at 0.45% 2-AP (81%). In vitro root formation using 0.25% 2-AP achieved the greatest root quantity and length, while 0.35% had the lowest. The 0.25% 2-AP treatment also resulted in the highest acclimatisation rate of 98.41%, alongside noticeable floral changes, such as distinct petal morphology and pistil colouration. Result: An anatomical analysis of leaf petioles showed that increasing the concentration of 2-AP increased petiole diameter, epidermal thickness, and vascular tissue area. Genotypic analysis using RAPD and ISSR markers indicated that the 0.25% 2-AP sample showed the greatest genetic divergence compared to the wild type. Major Findings: These findings suggest that the 0.25% 2-AP concentration is optimal for inducing stable mutations in Hoya hearts, enhancing both phenotypic traits and genetic diversity for ornamental breeding.
Catharanthus roseus (Periwinkle), a perennial medicinal plant of the Apocynaceae family, contains a variety of bioactive compounds distributed throughout the plant. Traditionally, it has been used by communities in the East Godavari region for treating menstrual disorders, wound healing, bacterial infections, ulcers, and diarrhoea. However, scientific evidence supporting its anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties, particularly from its flowers, remains limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects of C. roseus flower extract using both in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by protein denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilization methods. For in vivo studies, hyperlipidaemia was induced in rats using a high-fat diet supplemented with cholesterol for 3–4 weeks. Body weight was monitored weekly, and blood samples were analysed for lipid profile parameters including Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C). Treatment groups received graded doses of the flower extract and were compared with hyperlipidaemic controls. The extract showed significant reductions in TC (25–35%), TG (28–40%), and LDL-C (30–45%), along with an increase in HDL-C (12–20%). In vitro studies demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation (40–70%) and HRBC membrane stabilization (45–72%), indicating strong anti-inflammatory activity. Major Findings: The findings suggest that C. roseus flower extract possesses significant anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects, supporting its potential therapeutic application in managing inflammation and hyperlipidaemia.
Diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease share an intricate relationship, wherein chronic metabolic dysregulation serves as a common underlying factor contributing to both neurodegenerative and metabolic dysregulation outcomes. The tuber of Stephania glabra L. and the leaves of Clerodendrum phlomidis L. are traditionally recognised for their rich phytochemical composition and are believed to possess antidiabetic, antidepressant, and anti-Alzheimer’s potential. Therefore, the present investigation focused on subacute toxicity studies (500–2000 mg/kg) confirm that the ethanolic tuber extracts of S. glabra L. and leaves of C. phlomidis L. are non-toxic and harmless at 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg, exhibiting notable antidiabetic activity, evidenced by improved glycemic control and enhanced restoration of endocrine pancreatic Islets. The plant extracts demonstrated anti-Alzheimer’s activity, as evidenced by Cognitive assessment tools, including the Morris Water Maze and Y-Maze. Antidepressant potential was confirmed by a significant reduction of Stagnation (Immobility Time) in the Tail Suspension and Porsolt Swim Test. The findings indicate that the extracts demonstrated notable antidiabetic, antidepressant, and anti-Alzheimer’s effects, with increasing efficacy observed at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Treatment improved glycemic control, cognitive performance, and reduced depressive-like behaviours. These findings highlight their therapeutic promise in metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. Major Findings: Ethanolic extracts of S. glabra tuber and C. phlomidis leaves were phytochemically rich. The extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels and improved cognitive behaviors, indicating therapeutic potential against neuroendocrinal disorders.
Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a major clinical challenge, and pharmacological strategies that mimic Ischemic Preconditioning (IPC) are of significant therapeutic interest. This study explored the cardioprotective potential of cilostazol and examined whether its effects are mediated through Inducible Nitric Oxide synthase (iNOS) derived from Nitrous Oxide (NO) signalling. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 20 min of global ischemia followed by 40 mins of reperfusion using the Langendorff perfusion model. Animals were divided into six groups: Control (I/R), IPC (4 cycles of 5-min ischemia/reperfusion), and Cilostazol (50 μmol/L), Cilostazol + L-NAME (30 μmol/L; selective iNOS inhibitor). Cilostazol markedly reduced infarct size (21.167± 1.352%), comparable to IPC (20.167±0.792%) relative to the control group (66.667±2.539%). There were notable reductions in cardiac injury biomarkers, such as LDH (34.167±1.352 U/L) and CK-MB (1.667±0.494 U/L), reflecting the protective effects mediated by IPC. However, when L-NAME or aminoguanidine was administered alongside cilostazol, its protective effects were entirely nullified, causing the infarct size and biomarker levels to revert to those seen in untreated I/R hearts. Major Findings: Cilostazol’s cardioprotection is mediated primarily via iNOS/NO pathways, as evidenced by reversal with NOS inhibitors. Its efficacy parallels IPC, suggesting cilostazol as a non-invasive alternative to surgical preconditioning in procedures like Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), enhancing patient compliance.
The lepidopteran pest Sitotroga cerealella is one of the most destructive pests of stored cereal grains, particularly maize. Infestations of this pest can cause large quantitative and qualitative losses by lowering grain weight, harming seeds, and lowering germination potential. Aim: This study evaluated the efficacy of Cinnamomum tamala against S. cerealella under laboratory conditions. Methods and Materials: The essential oil of C. tamala leaf and bark was extracted by hydrodistillation and investigated for its potential as an insecticidal agent against S. cerealella. These two essential oils cause lethality in larvae at 49.33 μL/L and 41.69 μL/L and in adults at 55.54 μL/L and 64.38 μL/L in fumigant toxicity assays after 48-h exposure. These two essential oils reduce oviposition potential in insects and interfere with the metamorphic transformation of larva to pupa and pupa to adult, besides inhibiting the hatching of eggs when fumigated by C. tamala leaf and bark essential oils. Results: Both botanical pesticides in the form of essential oil showed the most rapid and effective control of lepidopteran pests S. cerealella; therefore, it is suggested that they be used in pest management techniques during storage of stored products. This research underscores the efficacy of plant extracts as an eco-friendly pest management solution. Major Findings: Sitotroga cerealella is one of the most destructive primary pests of maize and other cereals during storage. The findings provide a strong scientific basis for developing plant-derived essential oils for stored-grain protection. This contribution is particularly important for regions with high maize production and limited access to safe grain-protection technologies.
Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) are formed through non-enzymatic interactions between reducing sugars and cellular macromolecules, a process substantially enhanced under sustained hyperglycemic and oxidative stress conditions. Under normal physiology, AGEs are detoxified by the glyoxalase system; however, their pathological accumulation is closely linked to aging, diabetes mellitus, and associated metabolic disorders. The biological effects of AGEs are primarily mediated through binding to the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products (RAGE), which activates downstream signalling pathways that promote oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immune dysfunction, and metabolic imbalance. Insulin resistance, a central feature of diabetes, results from the combined influence of obesity, chronic hyperinsulinemia, and cellular stress, leading to disruption of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 (IRS-1) signalling. Persistent hyperglycemia further aggravates metabolic dysregulation by enhancing protein glycation and stimulating the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, thereby increasing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation. Excessive ROS impairs pancreatic β-cell integrity by altering redox homeostasis and essential cellular processes. Diabetes mellitus is increasingly recognised as a systemic vascular disorder affecting both microvascular and macrovascular networks, resulting in complications involving the nervous system, kidneys, heart, brain, and major arteries. Aberrant activation of signalling molecules such as ERK, JNK, IKKβ, PKCβ, PKC zeta, and mTOR contributes to defective insulin signalling and secretion. Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) accumulate under chronic hyperglycemic and oxidative stress conditions and contribute to metabolic dysfunction by activating the RAGE signalling pathway. This activation promotes oxidative stress, inflammation, and impaired insulin signalling, leading to insulin resistance and β-cell damage. Consequently, persistent hyperglycemia and ROS generation contribute to the progression of diabetes and its systemic vascular complications. Key Findings: This review highlights the molecular basis of AGE-RAGE-driven signalling and its gene-associated contributions to the development and progression of diabetic vascular complications.
Chandramruta Rasa, a classical herbo-mineral formulation traditionally prescribed in Bhaishajya Ratnavali for respiratory disorder including Kasa (cough), lacks preclinical validation of its antitussive efficacy. This study evaluated its antitussive efficacy in a citric acid-induced cough model in guinea pigs. 24 Dunkin Hartley male guinea pigs were randomized into four groups (n=6): Group I served as vehicle control (0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose, 2 mL/kg), Group II (reference standard treatment) received diphenhydramine hydrochloride (10 mg/kg), and two test groups Group III and Group IV received Low-dose Chandramruta Rasa (LCR: 87.19 mg/kg) and High-dose Chandramruta Rasa (HCR: 261.56 mg/kg), respectively. One-hour post-administration, animals were exposed to 7.5% citric acid aerosol delivered through a nebuliser for 10 min and cough latency and percentage inhibition of cough frequency were recorded. Both test groups showed an increased cough latency and decrease in cough frequency (P<0.0001 vs vehicle control group). Both test group showed a dose-dependent antitussive efficacy relative to the control group. In silico analysis discovered that 36 components of Chandramruta Rasa satisfied Lipinski’s rule of five, indicating physicochemical properties that could support oral bioavailability. Among these 36 compounds, 33 molecules revealed promising ADMET drug properties through Deep-PK webserver. Similarity Ensemble Approach (SEA) webserver predicted interaction of 3 key molecules (PubChem CID: 2998, 3084336, and 4744) with TRPV1 (maxTC=1) and histamine H1 receptors (MaxTC=0.8), supporting modulation of cough hypersensitivity pathways. These results suggested Chandramruta Rasa’s traditional use and suggest multi-target mechanisms, potential interactions with predicted biological targets, including TRPV1 and H1 receptors. Major Finding: Chandramruta Rasa displays dose-dependent antitussive activity with significant improvement in cough latency and cough frequency and in silico profiling reveals favourable pharmacokinetic and target prediction with TRPV1 and H1 receptors.
Sympathomimetic drugs, such as Phenylephrine (PHE), are widely used in over-the-counter medications, often combined with other active ingredients and excipients. The qualitative identification of PHE in complex formulations becomes challenging due to low analyte concentration, structural similarity with other sympathomimetic amines, and matrix interference. The present study describes a multi-technique qualitative identification workflow integrating classical presumptive colour test, Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Photodiode Array Detection (RP-HPLC-PDA). The presumptive identification was carried out using routinely utilised forensic colour tests, such as Chen-Kao, Marquis, Mandelin, Mecke, and Simon reagents, to examine the chromogenic activity of PHE. TLC identification was conducted on silica gel plates using an optimised solvent system with visualisation under Ultraviolet (UV) light (254nm), iodine vapour, and ninhydrin spray; the Rf values were noted and compared among reference standards and samples. RP-HPLC analysis was executed under isocratic conditions using a C18 column (250 x 4.6mm, 5μm) and a mobile phase system comprising buffer (water and triethylamine, adjusted to pH 7.5 with phosphoric acid): acetonitrile (63:37, v/v). The retention time exhibited by phenylephrine was approximately 2.1 minutes and a characteristic PDA absorption maximum at 275nm, which was found to be consistent between the reference standard and pharmaceutical samples. Major Findings: This work presented a structured qualitative workflow based on the integrated interpretation of presumptive color testing, TLC and HPLC. The consistent chromogenic responses, comparable Rf values of TLC, and HPLC retention and spectral characteristics collectively supported the identification of phenylephrine in complex preparations. The workflow is suitable for primary laboratory identification in forensic chemistry and regulatory screening involving phenylephrine-containing formulations.
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a progressive invention in cancer immunotherapy. In recent years, the emergence of CAR T therapies in clinical practice has led to a new advancement in the treatment of patients diagnosed with solid tumours and haematological malignancies. The most serious negative impacts of CAR T-cell therapy include cytokine release syndrome, which may affect antitumor efficacy. This is said to be an innovation in immunotherapy, targeted against tumour-associated antigens. Among the numerous methods to treat cancer, one method is CAR T-cell therapy, which treats cancer in association with the immune system. In this review, epidemiology and aetiology of cancer were discussed briefly, along with properties of cancer cells, cancer immunotherapy and chimeric antigen receptor design. Major Findings: CAR T-cell therapy has emerged as a promising and innovative strategy in cancer immunotherapy, utilizing genetically engineered T-cells to specifically recognize and eliminate tumor-associated antigens. In the present review, targeted therapies, particularly those directed against CD19, have demonstrated significant clinical success in hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma. However, challenges such as cytokine release syndrome, neurological toxicities, and limited effectiveness in solid tumors continue to restrict its widespread clinical application. Targets and current challenges of CAR T-cell therapy were discussed in this review.
The effects of Ethyl Methanesulfonate (EMS), a known alkylating agent that damages DNA, on the ornamental plant Hoya kerrii in vitro have not been extensively studied. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the concentration- and time-dependent effects of EMS on the survival and morphological alterations in Hoya kerrii under in vitro conditions and to analyze the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) polymorphism using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Results: The results indicated that EMS treatment led to several morphological alterations, including callus formation, reduced shoot size, leaf curling, and variations in pigmentation. As the EMS dosage increased, the shoot regeneration rate decreased, reaching its lowest at 0.8% EMS for 60 min (20% regeneration). DNA polymorphism analysis revealed that all 12 RAPD markers used were specific and stable across both replicates, with a Polymorphism Index (PIC) ranging from 0.27 to 0.37. The number of new bands appearing or disappearing increased with higher EMS dosages, resulting in DNA polymorphism rates between 35.16% and 55.16%. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the EMS dosages into three main groups: 0.2% EMS for 30 min clustered with the control group in cluster I, while 0.8% EMS for 60 min formed its distinct cluster (cluster III). Cluster II consists of a separate subcluster containing 0.4% EMS for 30 min, which is distinct from the other dose treatments. These findings suggest that 0.4% EMS for 30 min represents an optimal balance that produces significant genetic and morphological variation while maintaining high regeneration rates, making it the ideal condition. Major Findings: This study provides a helpful reference for EMS optimization and supports the use of RAPD markers for early mutation screening in Hoya kerrii and other ornamental plants.
It has become more and more popular to use natural products to combat pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the bacterial toxic proteins have been isolated from gut microbiota of a native earthworm species, Drawida pellucida pallida using conventional methods. In the study, seven different species of gut bacteria were identified, which were then isolated, characterized, and analyzed for their potential toxic effect on Aeromonas hydrophila, a human pathogenic bacterium. It was found that the bacterial isolate designated as D6 presented strong resistance to antibacterial activity and needed to be purified and analysed. The activity fraction of the protein was analysed using SDS-PAGE, which revealed a band at about 33 kDa, indicating a low-molecular-weight protein with toxicity. Molecular identification by 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the D6 isolate as Bacillus paramycoides. According to the phylogenetic analysis, the microbe belongs to the Bacillus genus and is closely related to other members of the Bacillus genus. D. pellucida pallida’s gut is a potential source of bacteria with toxic proteins that can be used against pathogenic bacteria, since B. paramycoides and B. cereus proteins show antimicrobial activity against A. hydrophila. Major Findings: Earthworm gut bacteria were isolated and characterized, molecularly identified by 16S rRNA analysis, and their bioactive proteins were evaluated for toxic antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria.
An integrated biomarker assay was employed to evaluate the toxic impacts of washing soda in Pila globosa, a common freshwater gastropod of the Indian subcontinent. Component biomarker parameters, both of cellular and biochemical origin, were considered for statistical analyses. Indian freshwater ecosystems, which serve as the natural abode of P. globosa, are continuously exposed to anhydrous sodium carbonate (washing soda), an anthropogenically derived chemical contaminant of significant ecotoxicological concern. Washing soda precipitates at the bottom of the ponds and lakes, increases the alkalinity of water, becomes more toxic, and harms the benthic organisms. For integration of analytical endpoints, phagocytosis, superoxide anion, nitric oxide, phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were considered as component biomarkers of P. globosa exposed to 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/L of washing soda for 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 days. The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the immunotoxic responses elicited by washing soda in the hemocytes, the primary immune effector cells of P. globosa. Chronic sodium carbonate exposure compromised hemocyte phagocytic potential and altered redox homeostasis, reflecting a progressive decline in immune competence. Unregulated production and unrestricted application of washing soda contaminate the natural habitat of P. globosa, impairing cellular, immunological, and reproductive functions, and posing a significant ecotoxicological threat to freshwater molluscan diversity. Hemocytes of P. globosa in response to washing soda treatment for 8 and 16 days exhibited higher toxicity and biomarker potential in comparison to that of the 1, 2 and 4 days exposure. Data were suggestive of immunocompromisation of P. globosa under prolonged exposure to washing soda. The present study provides insights into washing soda-induced chemical stress in P. globosa, highlighting the potential of selected hemocyte-associated endpoints as biomarkers of washing soda toxicity. Major Findings 1. Washing soda exposure chronically suppressed phagocytosis and impaired pro-antioxidant balance. 2. Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) star plots identified pro-oxidant and antioxidant components as sensitive indicators of washing soda toxicity. 3. Prolonged exposure elevated IBR, indicating stronger biomarker shifts and impaired immune strength in P. globosa.
People are often exposed to sodium benzoate (NaB), a versatile food preservative, above its WHO-recommended limit through NaB-tainted foods and beverages. This study was designed to examine the protective role of Gallic Acid (GA), a naturally occurring polyphenolic antioxidant, against NaB-mediated facilitation of the contractile function of small intestinal Visceral Smooth Muscle (VSM) in albino rats of the Charles Foster strain following experimental, biochemical and histological studies. We observed a significant counteraction of the effect of NaB when NaB was administered with GA to obtain tracing of the contraction of the duodenum ex vivo in rats. Furthermore, GA significantly (p<0.01) counteracts the NaB-induced suppression of the activities of antioxidant enzymes- superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in dose dependent manner during co-exposure of GA with NaB. The level of malondialdehyde production was also significantly (p<0.01) reduced in the combined exposure of GA and NaB compared to the NaB-exposed group of rats. From light and scanning electron microscopic findings, it was observed that GA significantly counteracts the NaB-induced cyto-architectural alterations of duodenal tissue, probably induced by oxidative stress. Major Findings: From the results it can be concluded that GA can provide effective protection against the NaB-induced facilitation of the contraction of duodenal VSM, presumably by oxidative stress.
Traditional and herbal medicines remain integral to global healthcare, yet increasing concerns regarding safety, Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), and herb–drug interactions highlight the importance of effective pharmacovigilance systems. Despite a growing body of literature, global research trends in this field have not been comprehensively mapped using bibliometric approaches. This study analyzes the global research landscape on pharmacovigilance and ADRs related to traditional and herbal medicines from 1980 to 2025. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus retrieved 8,019 unique publications after deduplication. Bibliometric analyses using VOSviewer were performed to examine co-authorship networks, institutional and country collaborations, and keyword co-occurrence patterns. China emerged as the leading contributor with 1,572 publications, followed by the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Medicine (United States) were among the most prominent publication sources. Collaboration networks revealed strong regional clustering, particularly among Chinese institutions, with comparatively limited cross- regional integration. Keyword and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) co-occurrence analyses showed a strong clinical orientation, with dominant themes including “humans,” “Chinese herbal drugs,” “plant extracts,” “phytotherapy,” and “complementary therapies.” Research output increased gradually after 2000, with a marked surge after 2015 and a peak in 2024. This bibliometric overview highlights evolving research patterns and identifies priority areas needed to strengthen safety monitoring and support the safe integration of traditional and herbal medicines into modern healthcare systems. Major findings: Global research on pharmacovigilance of herbal medicines has expanded rapidly in the last decade, led primarily by China and Western countries. However, gaps persist in herb–drug interaction studies, causality assessment, regulatory harmonization, and the adoption of digital pharmacovigilance tools.
Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder that significantly impacts quality of life, yet existing treatments often exhibit delayed onset and adverse side effects. Drug repurposing offers a promising strategy to overcome these limitations by identifying new therapeutic uses for established drugs. Rasagiline Mesylate (RM), a selective Monoamine Oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s disease, has recently shown potential antidepressant effects. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant potential of RM by developing a novel chitosan-based nanoparticle formulation and evaluating its activity through in silico and in vitro methodologies. Molecular docking studies demonstrated strong binding interactions between RM and serotonin receptors implicated in mood regulation, suggesting a mechanistic basis for antidepressant action. RM-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were synthesised using ionic gelation and characterised for particle size, zeta potential, and drug loading efficiency. In vitro cytotoxicity assays using PC12 neuronal cells revealed high cell viability, indicating the formulation’s biocompatibility. Additionally, serotonin uptake inhibition assays suggested enhanced antidepressant potential of the nanoparticle formulation compared to the pure drug. The results highlight the potential of RM-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as a promising therapeutic candidate for depression, warranting further preclinical and clinical investigations. Major Findings: The study investigates the repurposing of Rasagiline Mesylate (RM), a drug primarily used for Parkinson’s disease, as an antidepressant. Using in silico molecular docking, the findings show RM’s potential to interact with serotonin receptors, suggesting antidepressant-like effects. Furthermore, RM-loaded chitosan nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced bioavailability and improved cell viability in vitro, supporting the drug’s neuroprotective properties and potential as a treatment for depression. The results suggest that RM nanoparticles could serve as a novel therapeutic option for depression
