The study aimed to assess five marker compounds (Withanoside IV, Withanoside V, Withaferin A, Withanolide A, and Withanone) extracted from the root of the indigenous medicinal plant Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) across 125 different cultivars in Andhra Pradesh, India. This is the first report of the simultaneous determination of these markers using a novel buffer-free HPLC method. Results showed dynamic variations in marker levels across different mandals and villages, likely influenced by microclimate and soil conditions. Notably, Withanoside IV was most prevalent in Alur, Aspiri, Pattikonda, and Holagunda mandals of Kurnool, followed by Withanolide A and Withaferin A. Conversely, Withaferin A exhibited dominance in the Halharvi mandal. The integration of PCA added a deeper layer of understanding, shedding light on the interrelationships between these compounds and the regional cultivation variances of Ashwagandha in Andhra Pradesh. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), the first two components accounted for over 97.24% of the variance, with eigenvalues of 0.0083 and 0.0012, respectively. The first PCA explained a significant amount of variability. Withanoside IV, Withanoside V, and Withaferin A notably contribute to the first principal component, explaining 84.92% of its variability. Withaferin A stands out as the primary contributor to the second principal component.
Agro-waste valorisation offers a sustainable pathway for resource recovery, with numerous applications across diverse industrial sectors. This study explores the biochemical and structural characteristics of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa (yellow passionfruit) rind to assess its potential as a value-added substrate. The rind was subjected to comprehensive characterisation, including mineral profiling by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), structural evaluation by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Physicochemical, nutritional, and antinutritional analyses were also performed. The structural properties of the rind powder align with previous reports and display favourable characteristics. TGA indicates that the material maintains chemical stability up to 800 degrees C. The rind was rich in starch, carbohydrates, and essential minerals such as potassium, while the levels of antinutritional factors were considered safe and acceptable. These findings underscore the potential of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa (yellow passionfruit) rind for utilisation in various industrial applications.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host, particularly by modulating the gut microbiota. Honey bees possess a unique gut microbiome that may harbour novel probiotic strains with potential therapeutic applications. This study isolated and characterised probiotic bacteria from the gut of two honey bee species (Apis mellifera and Tetragonula iridipennis). Lactobacillus casei Shirota (Yakult) was used as a probiotic positive control. Out of the total isolates, 12 were analysed for probiotic traits, including bile and acid tolerance, starch and arginine hydrolysis, antimicrobial activity, beta-galactosidase activity, antioxidant activity, and adhesion ability. All isolates were negative for amylase and arginine dihydrolase but positive for Bile Salt hydrolase. Every isolate showed antibacterial activity, with three of them being more promising. Only 7 isolates demonstrated antifungal activity. Ten isolates were positive for (3-galactosidase. Four isolates exhibited antioxidant activity comparable to that of the Lactobacillus casei Shirota. The control strain exhibited a hydrophobicity of 73.54%, while the highest hydrophobicity of 43.80% was observed in one of the gut isolates. Nine isolates exhibited apparent inhibitory effects against E. coli in non-neutralised supernatant, confirming that lactic acid is a potential antimicrobial substance. The isolates demonstrate potential probiotic properties based on in vitro evaluations, comparable to those of Lactobacillus casei Shirota.
Parkinsonian disorders are characterised by dopaminergic depletion and motor dysfunction, prompting growing interest in plant-derived dopamine precursors as supportive therapies. Although Vicia faba L. seeds are known to contain L-DOPA, evidence linking standardised extracts to functional neurobehavioral improvement, together with demonstrated central dopaminergic activity, remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the neurobehavioral efficacy of a standardised hydroalcoholic V. faba seed extract and assess its dopaminergic contribution in a haloperidol-induced Parkinsonian rat model. Extract-treated animals showed progressive improvements in paw withdrawal latency, locomotor activity, and exploratory behaviour across treatment levels compared with disease controls, with paw withdrawal time showing strong statistical significance (p <0.001) and locomotor parameters also demonstrating statistically significant improvement across treatment groups. Chromatographic profiling indicated dopaminergic constituents, while brain tissue chromatographic profiles suggested the presence of centrally available levodopa-like constituents following treatment. By integrating behavioural findings with phytochemical and neurochemical evidence, this study supports the functional dopaminergic activity of V. faba extract beyond simple confirmation of its L-DOPA content and highlights its potential as a plant-derived adjunct for Parkinsonian symptom management. Further studies are needed to identify active constituents, clarify pharmacokinetics, and evaluate translational therapeutic relevance.
Maintaining oral health is essential for preventing dental plaque, and toothpaste is a primary tool for supporting oral hygiene. Herbal-based toothpaste is considered a safer alternative due to its natural bioactive compounds, which have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to assess the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of a toothpaste formulation containing royal jelly, black cumin, ginger, and cinnamon extracts. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, H2O2, and NO scavenging assays, while antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans. The polyherbal toothpaste mix exhibited the highest scavenging activity in the DPPH (50.89%), ABTS (15.71%), NO (33.97%), and H2O2 (23.04%) assays, and showed significant antimicrobial activity against three representative oral pathogens at 100% concentration. The polyherbal toothpaste mix demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, supporting its potential application as a natural dental care product.
Cassia fistula L., locally known as amaltas, is a deciduous flowering ornamental tree of the family Fabaceae. It is commonly called a "golden shower" for its bright yellow flowers. C. fistula is a time-tested remedy and is a well-accepted drug in Ayurvedic and Unani Pharmacopoeia, as well as in the traditional medicinal system in India. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the botany and ethnomedicinal uses of this plant. The various plant parts are used medicinally by local people throughout their geographical distribution as remedies for various diseases. In this review, the available information on the phytochemistry and biological studies of different parts of C. fistula is assessed and systematically organised. All the literature on C. fistula was critically reviewed with an emphasis on the qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of the extract. Chemically, C. fistula is enriched with phenolic compounds, viz., flavonoids, anthraquinones, and chromones. The bioactivity is attributed to the plant's secondary metabolites. Many commercial formulations have been standardised by researchers with respect to the plant part used in medicine for their enhanced activity.
The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of various post-harvest drying intervals on the essential oil yield and chemical composition of rose-scented geranium. This study also assessed the antibacterial efficacy of essential oil extracted from rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L ' Her.) cultivated under mid-hill agro-climatic conditions of the Western Himalayas. In this study, four post-harvest drying intervals were evaluated: T1 (0 h), T2 (24 h), T3 (48 h), and T4 (72 h). The essential oil extraction was conducted by hydro-distillation, and the chemical profiling was performed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The principal constituents identified in the essential oil included citronellol (44.2-49.4%), geraniol (17.0%), linalool (2.1-3.3%), iso-menthone (6.3-7.14%), and citronellyl propanoate (4.3-6.3%). The highest essential oil yield was observed after 24 hours of drying (T2), accompanied by a desirable citronellol to geraniol (C: G) ratio of approximately 3:1 (citronellol 49.4%; geraniol 17.4%). The antibacterial activity of the essential oil was evaluated against six bacterial strains: three Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) and three Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus aureus). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the essential oil ranged from 0.625% to 10% (v/v), indicating significant antimicrobial potential. In conclusion, a post-harvest drying duration of T2 (24 h) was found to optimise essential oil yield, maintain a favourable compositional profile and enhance its antibacterial efficacy. These findings suggest that properly timed post-harvest processing can enhance the pharmaceutical applicability of P. graveolens essential oil.
This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of leaf extracts from selected medicinal plants, Cinnamomum tamala (lemongrass), Amomum subulatum (black cardamom), and Andrographis paniculata (bhui neem) against pathogenic bacterial aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. Using the agar well diffusion assay, different extract concentrations (100-250 & micro;L) were tested for antimicrobial efficacy. Results revealed that A. subulatum exhibited the strongest activity against P. mirabilis (Zone of inhibition: 20 mm at 150 & micro;L), while C. citratus demonstrated remarkable inhibition against E. coli (39 mm at 250 & micro;L) and E. faecalis (25 mm). A. paniculata showed potent activity against P. aeruginosa (26 mm at 250 & micro;L), and P. longifolia was highly effective against S. aureus (30 mm). These findings suggest the potential of these plant extracts as promising natural antimicrobials and support further pharmacological investigations for clinical application in managing bacterial infections.
Astilbe rivularis is a rare plant with numerous traditional medicinal values, predominantly found in North America and Asia. For centuries, A. rivularis has been traditionally employed in regional ethnomedicinal practices to address several health issues. It contains various phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, and glycosides, and is recognised for its diverse biological properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. However, research on this plant and its role in diabetic complications remains limited. Moreover, phytoconstituents present in A. rivularis might be promising candidates for the treatment of diabetic complications involving oxidative stress, the polyol pathway, the PKC-DAG pathway, the hexosamine pathway, and the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Therefore, in silico studies were performed targeting RAGE (receptor for AGE), aldose reductase (ALR), and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), which revealed significant interactions with bioactive compounds from A. rivularis, emphasising the potential of this plant for the development of therapeutic strategies to manage diabetesassociated complications. This article presents a narrative review supported by in silico analyses, primarily focusing on the pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and ethnopharmacological attributes of A. rivularis, while further exploring its potential relevance in the context of diabetic complications.
Pectic substances were extracted from the leaves of Holarrhena pubescens. Various factors affecting yield were studied. The liquid-to-solid ratio, pH, oxalate concentration, and treatment time were found to affect the yield. A multicomponent fluid matrix was produced using the pectic substances, sucrose, calcium chloride, histidine, and ascorbic acid. The optimum concentration of each component required to form the matrix with the highest average apparent viscosity was estimated. The multicomponent fluid matrix was then used to produce a pineapple jam with microcrystalline cellulose as a filler. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was used to study the mechanism of gel and jam formation and was found to include the formation of hydrogen bonds between the components. Both the multicomponent fluid matrix and the microcrystalline cellulose affected the textural properties of the jam, making it possible to produce jams with a predetermined textural property. The low-sugar jam contained only 0.1% of sucrose in the finished product, making it useful for diabetic patients. The leafbased pectic substances, with a low concentration of galacturonic acid, can be used as an effective gelling agent after transforming into a composite multicomponent fluid matrix. Thus, the flow and textural properties of pectic substances may be modified by mixing with suitable ingredients to suit various applications in food and other industries. Future projects should aim to utilise pectin from other sources as well for the production of similar low-sugar food products for the welfare of the diabetic community.
Phytosterols present in free form and in esterified form with fatty acids, sugar moieties, or phenolic acids show antiproliferative properties on several cancers. This study reports the isolation, characterisation, and evaluation of the bioactive anticancer ester, sitosterol oleate (BDPT-3), from Boerhaavia diffusa, which induced significant cell death in U-87 MG cells with an IC50 of 184 & micro;M. A cell viability assay showed that it significantly inhibited U-87 cell proliferation. Morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, AO/EB staining, and cell cycle analyses in U-87 cells confirmed that it induced apoptosis. It altered the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio by decreasing BCL-2 expression while Bax expression was relatively constant. Further, sitosteryl oleate and its analogues were synthesised, characterised, and evaluated for antiproliferative activity. Among them, butanoate (2c), pentanoate (2d), and decanoate (2h) derivatives showed IC50 values between 60 and 70 & micro;M, and benzoate (2j) showed an IC50 value of 91.77 & micro;M after 72h. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to validate their therapeutic potential against glioblastoma.
Seeds of Mucuna pruriens (Mp), a leguminous plant, are known for their high content of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and are used in the management of Parkinson's disease (PD) in Indian traditional medicine. These seeds also contain valuable nutrients and phytochemicals with potential health benefits. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical, phytochemical, nutritional, and certain neuroactive constituents of Mp seed powder and to assess its application in neuro-nutraceutical development. Dried Mp seed powder and baked biscuits prepared using the dough made of this seed powder are chemically analysed for contents of moisture, ash, water- or alcohol-soluble extract, phytochemical constituents (phenols and tannins), and nutritional value compounds (protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrate, sources of bioenergy). L-DOPA contents in both Mp powder and Mp biscuits were quantified using a high-performance liquid chromatographyelectrochemical detection method. Mp powder is rich in proteins, fibres, and phytochemicals, and contains a significant amount of L-DOPA, the precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Upon baking, the biscuits retained L-DOPA, albeit with a 55% reduction during thermal processing. The presence of appropriate bioactive/pharmaceutical compounds, such as phenols and tannins, was confirmed by phytochemical screening. Mp seed powder is a promising functional ingredient for the development of nutraceutical foods. The successful retention of L-DOPA in baked biscuits suggests its potential application as a medicinal food in the management of Parkinsonian syndromes in PD patients. Further clinical validation is needed to confirm L-DOPA bioavailability for therapeutic relevance, which is in progress.
The polyphenols of Eleusinian corocana (L.) Gaertn have various nutraceutical and therapeutic values in human health. It has been reported to possess potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and gastroprotective effects. However, there is no experimental evidence to reveal its gastroprotective action. The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of polyphenols from Ragi (PPR) against Aspirin plus pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar albino rats. The Aspirin plus pyloric ligation induced a significant increase in the ulcer index, pH, total and free acidity of the gastric juice in the ulcer control group rats. Macroscopic examination of the internal aspects of stomach tissue in the ulcer control group rats showed more severe mucosal erosion, with large areas of haemorrhagic streaks. Histopathological examination of stomach tissue showed marked destruction of the epithelial layer (EL), submucosal oedema, cell infiltration, and severe congestion of blood vessels in ulcer control rats. Pre-treatment with polyphenols of Ragi and Pantoprazole significantly reduced pH (p <0.01), total acidity, and Ulcer index as compared to the ulcer control group (p <0.05). Aspirin plus pyloric ligation induced mucosal erosion and haemorrhagic streaks, which were significantly attenuated with polyphenols of Ragi and Pantoprazole group as compared with ulcer control (p <0.05). Histopathological examination revealed moderate protection in the polyphenols of the Ragi-treated group. The reference standard and polyphenols of Ragi group rats showed almost normal cytoarchitecture of the stomach. There was no epithelial destruction; however, we observed mild submucosal oedema and mild congestion in the blood vessels, and the severity of ulceration was considerably less in comparison to the ulcer control group. These results show that the polyphenols of Ragi have the potential to protect gastric tissue against NSAIDs and stress. The gastroprotective actions of polyphenols in Ragi might be due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. Further studies are required to elucidate its dose-dependent actions and mechanism of action at the molecular level.
The antioxidant, antibacterial, and repellent activities of essential oils from different plant parts of Tunisian Schinus molle were determined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses revealed that the stems' essential oils are dominated by Geraniol (20.94%), alpha-eudesmol (28.42%), and Germacrene B (13.6%). Leaves and seeds were characterised by alpha-limonene (30.43 and 37.66%, respectively) and alpha-eudesmol (12.48 and 8.55%, respectively) as the most abundant compounds. The antioxidant activity of essential oils was assessed using two techniques: inhibition of the free radical DPPH and the iron reduction effect (FRAP). Considerable levels of antioxidant activities of the investigated essential oils were highlighted. Stems essential oils revealed the best activity with 0.42 mg/mL for the antiradical capacity and 35.52 & micro;moL TROLOX/g HE for the FRAP assay. Based on the determination of the diameter of inhibition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), a high antibacterial activity was observed against Gram-positive strains Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus feacium (57 and 53 mm, respectively) in the presence of stems' essential oils. For repellent activity, the essential oils of stems showed the best potential, followed by the oils of seeds. The differences in the biological activities of the tested essential oils were attributed to their essential oil compositions. Consequently, S. molle stems essential oil can serve as a natural source of bioactive compounds for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Anaemia due to iron deficiency is a serious medical condition, especially in children, adolescent girls, and women of reproductive age. Aya Bringaraja Panitham (ABP) is a classical Siddha medicine used to treatiron-deficiency anaemia (IDA). The goal of this study is to compile results from relevant publications, with emphasis on the toxicity, safety, preclinical, and clinical studies of the ingredients in ABP for the treatment of IDA. Data from electronic databases like PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, published in English, were collected. The outcome of this article demonstrates the effectiveness of the materials in the ABP formulation and provides evidence of ABP's efficacy & safety in treating IDA. Among 111 articles listed from said databases, 93 were included, and the remaining articles were excluded because they were not related to anaemia, did not discuss the ingredients of ABP, or the haematinic action of ABP ingredients. The included articles comprised 28 literature reviews, 17 studies focused on clinical trials, 23 examined the efficacy, safety, and toxicity of the ingredients, and 25 articles related to IDA.
The present study focused on isolating pigmented marine bacteria and evaluating their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. A total of 12 bacterial strains were isolated from marine sediment samples, among which only PB4, PB5, PB9, PB10, and PB11 produced pigments. Primary antibacterial screening revealed that PB5 and PB10 exhibited antagonistic activity against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. In secondary screening, the cell-free supernatant of PB5 exhibited the highest inhibition zone (18 mm) against all tested pathogens at a concentration of 100 mu L. Consequently, PB5 was selected for further morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterisation. Gram staining and biochemical tests identified the strain as belonging to the genus Bacillus, and 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed it as Bacillus gibsonii (GenBank accession no. OQ608089). Pigment extraction using organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether of varying polarity revealed methanol as the most effective, yielding an orange pigment with the highest antibacterial activity. Methanolic crude pigment showed maximum inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (24 +/- 1.53 mm) and Escherichia coli (22 +/- 0.58 mm) at 100 mu L. Antioxidant analysis by DPPH assay demonstrated significant radical scavenging activity (229.46 +/- 0.3%) with an IC50 value of 45.6 mu g/mL. These findings suggest that the orange pigment from Bacillus gibsonii possesses strong antibacterial potential against multidrug-resistant pathogens and notable antioxidant properties.
In recent years, the significance of nutraceuticals has grown considerably due to their perceived safety, health benefits, and role as an alternative to conventional medicine. Nutraceuticals encompass a range of products derived from foods that have medicinal value. This includes food supplements, herbal products, and prebiotics, which provide additional health benefits beyond the basic nutrition obtained from a diet. One major advantage of nutraceuticals is their ability to provide therapeutic effects without the side effects typically associated with traditional medications. Nutraceuticals play a crucial role in enhancing an individual's health, preventing chronic diseases, slowing the ageing process, and supporting the overall structure and physiology of the body. They are referred to as substances that provide medical well-being by preventing diseases. Hence, nutraceuticals fall under the category of broad-spectrum biological therapies used to encourage general health and avoid chronic diseases. Modern technological advances, particularly in biotechnology and nanotechnology, have revolutionised nutraceutical development through enhanced bioavailability, targeted delivery systems, and improved stability of bioactive compounds. This article aims to enhance our understanding of nutraceuticals as a health-supporting alternative to modern medicine. The review also discusses the application and current market demand for these nutraceuticals, including fish oil preparations, prebiotics, and probiotics. Additionally, this comprehensive review examines the integration of biotechnological approaches, including genetic engineering, bioprocessing, and nanotechnology applications, in the production and delivery of nutraceuticals. By exploring the unique properties and benefits of nutraceuticals, along with emerging technological innovations, we can appreciate the value of incorporating them into our lifestyles as a means of promoting overall wellness and advancing personalised healthcare solutions.
The world's population is expected to peak at nearly 10 billion by the mid-2080s, while the demand for food is predicted to rise to similar to 400 million tons by 2080. With no option to extend farmland any further, increasing the yield per acre at minimal environmental cost is a viable option. Bio-stimulants offer a sustainable option to synthetic chemicals to improve plant health and enhance productivity. These chemical compounds, applied even in small quantities, generate a higher crop yield and confer resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. The algae and algae-based products enhance seed germination, plant growth, and water and nutrient uptake in plants. Soil amendment with algae-based products improves soil structure and enhances fertility by providing macro-and micro-nutrients. Algae with a bouquet of bioactive substances in their tissues and total biomass are promising bio-stimulants. Cultivation techniques for macro-algae and micro-algae culture have immense potential for biomass generation and the production of bio-stimulants. Though India, with its vast coastline, has an abundance of algae, their potential in the food and agri-industry remains underexploited. There is a need to develop marketing strategies to popularise their use in agriculture. This can go a long way in meeting the SDG goals of sustainable consumption and Zero Hunger, as well as promoting good health and well-being.
Hedera helix L. (H. helix) has been known as a potential medicinal plant in folk medicine for the treatment of different chronic diseases. Recently, several phytochemical compounds were extracted from the H. helix, especially the saponin group. This research aimed to optimise extraction conditions to obtain the highest saponin yield from the H. helix. Total DPPH/ABTS radical scavenging capacity (DRSC/ARSC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in the extract were determined. The results show that the highest TSC (52.57 mg escin equivalents (EE)/g dry weight (DW) and SEE (72.21%) was achieved from the H. helix. using conventional extraction (CE) with 80% methanol (v/v), 1:100 (w/v) sample to solvent ratio, 50 degrees C extraction temperature, and 30 min extraction time. In this condition, TPC and TFC (4.35 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g DW and 0.22 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g DW, respectively) and DRSC, ARSC and FRAP (6.41, 15.35, and 8.26 mg trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW, respectively) were also identified. This study suggests the optimised extraction conditions to achieve the maximum TSC from the H. helix, which offers many benefits for functional food manufacturers.
Although recent studies have indicated the protective actions of oleuropein (OLE), its effect on autophagy under ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) conditions remains unclear. We aimed to assess whether OLE's action depends on the modulation of AMPK-mediated autophagy and apoptosis pathway in a rat model of renal I/R injury. OLE pretreatment activated autophagy markers through the phosphorylation of AMPK and its downstream target molecules and reduced apoptosis. However, Ara-A had no influence on these actions. Autophagy and apoptosis regulation by OLE were maintained despite AMPK inhibition. These findings suggest that OLE pretreatment reduces kidney injury following I/R, and this effect is related to the activation of autophagy and the inhibition of apoptosis. Importantly, the protective action of OLE is not dependent on the AMPK pathway.
