Cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens VCRC B483, isolated from the mangrove ecosystem of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, were tested against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-positive bacterial pathogens, which include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE), and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP). The mean zones of inhibition for MRSA, VRE, and PRSP were 18.13 +/- 1.8 mm, 23.36 +/- 2.25 mm, and 24.0 +/- 4.5 mm, with PRSP being the most susceptible (p < 0.0001). Minimum inhibitory concentrations for MRSA, VRE, and PRSP were 6.2 mg/mL, 0.79 mg/mL, and 0.39 mg/mL. The presence of CLPs, namely bacillomycin D, surfactin, and fengycin, was confirmed by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) assay. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay detected the genes encoding bacilysin, bacillaene, difficidin, macrolactin, and iturin in B. amyloliquefaciens VCRC B483. All these findings highlight the multifaceted antimicrobial activity and the potential as a source of bioactive compounds against the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mechanisms.
The point of this study is to evaluate the chemical composition of secondary metabolites, quantification of major compounds, and assess alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity in fresh and dried samples (rhizomes, roots, leaves, and stems) of Hedychium spicatum essential oils (EOs). Notably, this work represents the first attempt to analyze stem-derived EO in this species, including the quantification of key secondary metabolites. It also offers the initial assessment of alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity in EOs obtained from both stems and leaves. GC/GC-MS and NMR techniques were used for qualitative and quantitative analysis, revealing variations between fresh and dried samples. Major components included alpha-pinene (1.2-10.6%), beta-pinene (2.1-49.9%), 1,8-cineole (8.0-76.3%), alpha-humulene (2.5-5.5%), elemol (1.2-5.5%), and 7-epi-gamma-eudesmol (2.0-8.9%). Quantitative determination of key EO constituents (alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, linalool, camphor, 4-terpineol, and alpha-humulene) was carried out using a GC-MS-based method, developed and validated in accordance with ICH guidelines. Method validation included assessment of linearity, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), and intra- and inter-day precision, confirming the reliability of the approach for quality control purposes. Furthermore, the EOs exhibited strong alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, indicating their potential as natural antidiabetic option. Overall, this study provides crucial insights into H. spicatum EOs, supporting their quality control and therapeutic applications.
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal excitability in the brain. This neurological disorder is considerably managed by the antiepileptic drugs, though they have serious limitations including significant side effects and adverse drug reactions. Hence, it is necessary to develop safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. In this context, many traditional medicinal plants have long been explored for their anticonvulsant properties. Pyrus pashia (Wild Himalayan Pear), a member of the Rosaceae family, has been traditionally utilized in various ethnomedicinal practices for neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Our previous research demonstrated that the ethanolic fruit extract of P. pashia (EPP) and its major bioactive constituent chrysin exhibit significant anticonvulsant activity comparable to diazepam and improve memory performance in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure model. In the current study, we have further investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, focusing on the modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission by chrysin in a mouse seizure model. Molecular docking and western blot analyses revealed that chrysin binds effectively to the GABA receptor alpha 1/gamma 2 interface and increases synaptic protein gephyrin levels in the hippocampus. These results suggest that EPP and chrysin enhance GABAergic transmission and synaptic stability, positioning them as promising candidates for developing safer and more effective antiepileptic therapies.
The liver plays essential roles in metabolism and detoxification, and its high vulnerability to damage, especially toxicity caused by exposure to medicines, toxins, or xenobiotics, poses a serious clinical challenge. Considering the limitations of current treatments and the increasing evidence supporting berberine's hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, it is essential to explore its potential in preventing or reducing hepatotoxicity, as well as its use with existing medications. The current study employed in vitro NADPH oxidase inhibition assays and gp91phox mRNA expression in hepatic cell lines, along with molecular docking to assess binding affinities. A 30-day in vivo model of alcohol-induced liver injury in rats was used to analyze serum liver markers (AST, ALT, ALP) and oxidative stress indicators (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH). Results showed that the combination exhibited greater NADPH oxidase inhibition than individual treatments, supported by molecular docking indicating strong binding affinity. In in vivo model, it notably reversed alcohol-induced increases in AST and ALT, while restoring oxidative balance by reducing MDA levels and increasing SOD and CAT activities (up to 70% and 80%, respectively), along with GSH. The synergistic effects were evident from the combined treatment outcomes. Future research should focus on mechanistic studies to elucidate molecular synergy and optimize dosing regimens for clinical application.
Satureja bachtiarica L. (Bakhtiari savory) is an endemic medicinal species of the Lamiaceae family widely used in Iran. The present study investigated the effects of phenological stage (vegetative, pre-flowering, flowering, and post-flowering) and diurnal variation (6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 9:00 PM, 12:00 AM, and 3:00 AM) on essential oil (EO) yield, chemical composition, and phytotoxic activity. EOs were evaluated for their phytotoxic effects against Lepidium sativum (crop species) and Amaranthus retroflexus (weed species) at concentrations ranging from 100 to 1000 mu L/L. The highest EO yield (3.05 +/- 0.05%) was obtained at the vegetative stage, whereas the lowest yield (1.25 +/- 0.05%) occurred at the post-flowering stage. Diurnal analysis revealed significant temporal variation, with maximum EO content recorded at 3:00 PM (4.56 +/- 0.07%) and minimum content at 3:00 AM (2.79 +/- 0.05%), corresponding to a 163% increase. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses identified 45 volatile compounds, representing 99.08-99.55% of the total EO. Thymol (45.2-51.9%), p-cymene (13.3-30.5%), and gamma-terpinene (4.5-12.8%) were the dominant constituents across all phenological stages. Phytotoxic bioassays revealed significant inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth in both tested species, with activity strongly dependent on EO concentration and phenological stage. Overall, the vegetative stage was identified as the optimal harvest period for maximizing EO yield and obtaining a favorable chemical profile. These findings highlight the potential of S. bachtiarica essential oil as a natural source of bioactive compounds with prospective application in sustainable weed management.
Cholestasis results from defective bile formation and/or obstruction of bile flow, which promotes intrahepatic retention of bile acids and other toxic constituents and can progress to liver fibrosis. In this study, forty-eight male Wistar rats were allocated to eight groups and treated by gavage with Eryngium billardieri extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) for 45 days; biochemical indices, antioxidant status, histopathology, and expression of fibrosis-related markers were evaluated. HPLC-DAD was applied for qualitative fingerprinting of major phenolic constituents, including caffeic, chlorogenic, protocatechuic, and rosmarinic acids. In BDL rats, E. billardieri produced dose-dependent hepatoprotective, antifibrotic, and antioxidant effects, reflected by improved liver function indices and lipid profile, restoration of hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, attenuation of fibrosis-associated histopathological changes, and reduced expression of the profibrotic markers TGF-beta and alpha-SMA, particularly at 200 and 400 mg/kg. Overall, E. billardieri extract shows preclinical hepatoprotective and antifibrotic activity in a rat model of cholestatic liver injury, potentially by enhancing antioxidant defenses and suppressing fibrogenic responses; these findings are hypothesis-generating and support further mechanistic, translational, and clinical studies before any inference can be made for human disease.
The marine soft coral genus Xenia is a rich source of terpenoids. A new cadinane-type sesquiterpenoid, xenitorin G (1), along with two known compounds, palustrol (2) and rel-(1R,2E,4R,7Z)-4-hydroxy-alpha,alpha,4,8-tetramethyl-2,7-cyclodecadiene-1-methanol (3), were isolated and characterized from soft corals of the genus Xenia collected on Yoron Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The chemical structures of these secondary metabolites were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Antifouling assay using mussels and toxicity assay in brine shrimp were also conducted for compounds 1-3.
This research investigated the chemical profile and fumigation-based insecticidal potential of essential oils obtained from Citrus limon peels and leaves against the two major storage pests, Ectomyelois ceratoniae and Ephestia kuehniella. The oils were recovered through hydrodistillation and their composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fumigant toxicity was assessed against eggs, larvae, and adults under controlled laboratory conditions. Peel essential oil was mainly composed of limonene (52.68%) and neral (13.32%), whereas the leaf oil was characterized by neral (30.75%), neryl acetate (22.05%), and nerol (10.18%). Both oils exhibited dose-dependent toxicity against all developmental stages. The leaf oil showed higher fumigant toxicity to adults, with LC50 values of 1.1 mu L/L air for E. ceratoniae and 0.99 mu L/L air for E. kuehniella, compared to 2.7 and 2.4 mu L/L air, respectively, for the peel oil. For the larvae, the LC50 values for the essential oil from the fruit peel were 166.28 and 164.6 mu L/L air for E. ceratoniae and E. kuehniella, respectively. The essential oil from the leaves was 129.3 and 127.4 mu L/L air for E. ceratoniae and E. kuehniella, respectively. Both oils significantly reduced egg hatchability, reaching 14.8% (leaf) and 24.4% (peel) at the highest concentration. These findings demonstrate that C. limon essential oils, especially those derived from leaves, possess strong fumigant, larvicidal, and ovicidal properties and support their potential use as botanical agents in stored-product pest management strategies.
Hydrolates are by-products of the hydrodistillation of aromatic crops, which contain organoleptically and biologically active molecules. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical profiles, vasorelaxant properties, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition potential of the hydrolates collected from promising Indian aromatic crops, namely Cymbopogon flexuosus, C. martini, C. winterianus, Pelargonium graveolens, Ocimum basilicum, O. tenuiflorum, and Ocimum hybrid. Hydrolates, collected during hydrodistillation of these aromatic crops, were extracted with an organic solvent to yield the respective hydrolate extracts. The yield of hydrolate extract varied from 0.02 +/- 0.00 to 0.08 +/- 0.002% in different aromatic crops. The extracts were analysed using GC-FID and GC-MS techniques. Hydrolate extracts and their major molecules, citral, linalool, eugenol, citronellol, and geraniol, were evaluated for ex vivo vasorelaxation response and acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity. The hydrolate extracts and molecules exhibited more than 80% vasorelaxation, except for C. flexuosus, linalool, and citral at a 100 mu g/mL concentration, and were comparable to that of acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation at a 10 mu M concentration. The potential of hydrolate extracts was further investigated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. The findings showed that P. graveolens (CIM-Bharat) showed the highest inhibition (42.46 +/- 8.49%), followed by O. basilicum (30.5 +/- 8.09%). This study suggests that hydrolates, a by-product of aromatic crops, have a promising ex vivo vasorelaxation response and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, providing a pharmacological basis for further exploring their medicinal uses.
Citral, a natural monoterpene aldehyde, is used in fragrances, food, and pharmaceuticals. However, its high hydrophobicity, volatility, and sensitivity to oxidative degradation limit its applications. This study aims to address these challenges by developing novel citral derivatives with antibacterial and drug resistance reversal properties. Citral was used as a primary synthon for the synthesis of chalcone-like derivatives (C-1 - C-6) via aldol condensation, and imine derivatives were obtained by condensing citral with hydrazine (C-7), heptyl amine (C-8), glycine ethyl ester (C-9), and 4-amino piperidine (C-10). Citral showed MICs of 500 and 1000 mu g/mL against a sensitive strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC-96) and a methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) clinical isolate, respectively. Compared with the parent compound citral, its derivatives C-6, C-8, and C-10 showed 8-fold greater antibacterial activity against the MRSA clinical isolate. In fixed-dose combinatorial studies, at a 10 mu g/mL concentration of the derivatives, the MIC of ethidium bromide (EtBr, MIC 7.81 mu g/mL) was reduced up to fourfold. The derivatives showed favorable physicochemical and ADMET profiles in in silico predictions and docked well with the efflux pump proteins NorA, NorB, and MepA, as well as the biofilm targets IcaA, IcaB, and IcaC. The binding affinities of C-4, C-8, and C-10 for biofilm protein icaC were further verified through 200 ns molecular dynamics simulations. Overall, C-8 and C-10 may be useful for developing safe and cost-effective treatments for S. aureus infections.
Phloroglucinol derivatives constitute an important class of bioactive secondary metabolites found in Eucalyptus species. In the present study, a phloroglucinol-rich fraction was prepared from leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis using the hexane fraction of leaves. The enrichment of phloroglucinol derivatives was confirmed by 1H NMR profiling and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS). Quantification of individual phloroglucinol derivatives was achieved using quantitative 1H NMR (qNMR) with 2-ethylphenol as an internal standard. The confirmation of individual compounds was done by HSQC experiment. A total of nine phloroglucinol derivatives were quantitatively analysed in both the enriched fraction and whole leaf material of E. camaldulensis. Furthermore, the crude methanolic extract, hexane fraction, phloroglucinol-rich fraction, and compounds including euglobal Ia2, T1, loxophlebene, and grandinol, were evaluated for their antibacterial activity.
This study systematically investigated how maturity and tissue type affect the properties of pectin from 'Jinyan' kiwifruit. Pectin was extracted via ultrasonic-assisted acid-hot water from four tissues (peel, pulp, whole fruit, pomace) at three maturity stages (unripe, ripe, overripe), and characterized for physicochemical properties, functional activities, and structure, with emphasis on peel pectin. All samples were high-methoxyl pectin (degree of esterification, DE > 50%), with the highest DE (88.57%) in pomace pectin from ripe fruit. Yield and galacturonic acid (GalA) content generally increased then decreased during ripening; pulp pectin yield peaked at 12.68% in ripe fruit, significantly higher than 7.37% in unripe fruit. Molecular weight decreased and its distribution broadened with advancing maturity. Peel pectin had significantly higher GalA than pulp pectin. Total phenolic content (except in pulp pectin) increased then decreased, with whole-fruit pectin peaking at 64.58 mu g GAE/mg in ripe fruit. All pectins showed non- Newtonian behavior, and highly esterified samples had better gelling properties. Antioxidant activity was highest in peel pectin from unripe fruit and decreased with maturity. FTIR and XRD revealed maturation-related structural changes in peel pectin, while all samples remained amorphous. These results clarify the structure-function relationship of kiwifruit pectin during ripening and provide a theoretical basis for its high-value utilization.
Citrus medica L. (Rutaceae), or citron, is a medicinally important plant rich in bioactive phenolic chemicals. Several studies have focused on the occurrence of phenolic compounds in citrus fruits and peels, but their presence in citrus leaves remains a remnant. The present study included the extraction of phenolic compounds from C. medica leaves using a Soxhlet apparatus. Isolation was performed using column chromatography with a chloroform:ethyl acetate solvent system. It gives the phenolic compounds diosmin, naringenin, hesperidin, quercetin, umbelliferone, and p-coumaric acid. Structural characterization was conducted by UV, IR, NMR, and HR-MS spectroscopy. A significant antioxidant property of the ethanolic extract was established through in vitro analysis using DPPH and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assays. The IC50 values were found to be 239.3 mu g/mL for the DPPH radical scavenging assay and 416.7 mu g/mL for the hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. The phenolic compounds in the extract are responsible for its antioxidant activity. A new isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography technique with a diode-array detector has been established and confirmed for the simultaneous quantification of six separated phenolic substances. The optimized approach achieved comprehensive separation in 22 minutes and was validated as per ICH Q2 guidelines. Unlike existing gradient elution methods, the isocratic method offers advantages for HPLC systems equipped with isocratic pumps, ensuring reproducibility and efficiency. This study presents a validated isocratic HPLC-DAD technique for the quantitative analysis of phenolic chemicals in C. medica leaves, offering a novel analytical approach to current phytochemical research.
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus) species are renowned for their essential oil, which possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, and therapeutic properties with applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agro-industries. This study investigates the introduction of lemongrass and citronella grass cultivation in Mizoram, India. The research evaluates the essential oil yield and chemical composition of both plants, cultivated in Mizoram, during two distinct periods (December 2023 and June 2024). Essential oil extraction was performed using hydrodistillation, and chemical profiling was conducted through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results reveal significant seasonal variations in essential oil content and composition. Lemongrass essential oil showed a notable increase in yield from 0.8% to 1.1%, while citronella grass essential oil increased from 1.0% to 1.26%. The major components of lemongrass essential oil, E-citral and Z-citral, remained dominant, while citronella grass essential oil exhibited higher citronellal and citronellol concentrations in June 2024. The essential oils harvested during June 2024 demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity against six bacterial strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 3.12 mu g/mL. Lemongrass essential oil harvested during June 2024 exhibited higher levels of E-citral (45.15%) and Z-citral (37.49%), correlating with stronger inhibition zones, particularly against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Similarly, citronella grass essential oil from June showed broad-spectrum efficacy, especially against B. subtilis and E. coli, supported by uniformly low MIC values. These findings indicate the potential for optimizing cultivation practices in Mizoram, enhancing economic opportunities through the production of high-quality essential oils.
Momordica charantia and Houttuynia cordata are medicinal plants with well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising candidates for dermatological formulations. This study developed a therapeutic shower gel incorporating M. charantia fruit extract (3%) and H. cordata leaf extract (2%), and it established key quality-control parameters, including organoleptic properties, identification, in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, microbial and heavy metal limits, and irritation potential assessed via the Hen's Egg Test on the Chorioallantoic Membrane assay (HET-CAM). A full factorial design was used to optimise the surfactant system across 12 formulations, resulting in an optimised product with appropriate viscosity, foam characteristics, and cleansing performance. The formulation exhibited a viscosity foamability of 238.56 +/- 2.01 mL, foam stability of 99.26 +/- 0.52%, and a dirt dispersibility score of 0.33 +/- 0.00. The formulation exhibited measurable anti-inflammatory activity in the protein denaturation assay (IC50 approximate to 385 mu g/mL) and did not show any irritation potential according to the HET-CAM. These findings indicate that the developed herbal shower gel is a safe, plant-derived cleansing product with promising anti-inflammatory skin potential. Further in vivo studies and clinical studies are recommended to verify the product's therapeutic relevance.
