Background: C. cretica is a medicinal and ornamental halophytic plant which used for alterative, anthelmintic, tonic and aphrodisiac purposes. The purpose of this study was to detect the quercetin content in C. cretica and to evaluate the effects of exogenous application of abscisic acid and cytokinin hormones on FLS gene expression. Methods: Abscisic acid and cytokinin (BAP) was sprayed in two-stages (8 days intervals) with two different concentration of 300 and 500 ppm. Quercetin content was confirmed by HPLC analysis in aerial parts of plant. Results: The findings revealed that gene expression of FLS increased in the second stage of abscisic acid treatment. Observation showed significant differences in gene expression between treated and control samples, at level of 1%. In the first phase, there were no significant differences between the abscisic acid treated and control samples. In addition, the cytokinin treatment (500 ppm) resulted to the expression of the FLS gene at 5% level, which implied that cytokinin affected the FLS gene expression. Conclusions: In this research, it was proved that the dihydroquercetin was present in C. cretica which changed to quercetin through the flavonol synthase enzyme.
Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is one type of major depression that has harmful effects on mother, infant and family relationships. Therefore, this study investigated the protective effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on PPD in mice.Methods: In this experimental study, adult female mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=10): control, PPD, Nigella sativa 200, bicuculline, muscimol and fluoxetine. In all animals except in the control group, PPD was induced by progesterone withdrawal. In groups of Nigella sativa 200, bicuculline, muscimol and fluoxetine, mice received 200 mg/kg Nigella sativa, 1 mg/kg bicuculline + 200 mg/kg Nigella sativa, 0.5 mg/kg muscimol and 15 mg/kg fluoxetine, respectively. Then, after 1 hr, the forced swimming test and open field test was examined.Results: PPD caused significant increases in the immobility times in the forced swimming test (P < 0.05). Administration of Nigella sativa, muscimol and fluoxetine attenuated depression-related behaviors in compared to the PPD group (all P < 0.05). However, combined administration bicuculline with Nigella sativa prevented antidepressant effects of this extract. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the crossing number in the open field test of all groups.Conclusions: Administration of Nigella sativa hydro-alcoholic extracts can be beneficial to the improvement in PPD and exerts possibly these protective effects partially through increase of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA)-A levels.
Background: Vitamin D, especially calcitriol (its active metabolite), increases gastrointestinal calcium absorption. Because urinary calcium excretion is associated with calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract; vitamin D metabolites could theoretically cause hypercalciuria. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between treatment and vitamin D supplementation on the rate of hypercalciuria in patients. Method: In the present double-blind randomized clinical trial, 90 patients (male-female) with urinary stones and serum vitamin D levels less than 30 ng/mL were evaluated. Patients were randomLy divided into two groups of 45 patients. One group was given 50,000 units of oral vitamin D weekly for up to 8 weeks. For the other group, the drug was given as a placebo for up to 8 weeks. Sampling was performed one month after the end of treatment. The data garnered from hospital records were inserted into SPSS software for analysis.Results: In the present study, the mean age of the subjects was 39.78 years. Also, out of 90 patients, 52 were male and 38 were female. Blood PTH levels decreased significantly after treatment in vitamin D group (P <0.001). Also, serum levels of vitamin D in this group showed a significant increase (P <0.001). However, in this study urinary calcium levels after treatment did not show significant changes (P = 0.680).Conclusion: The present study showed that in people with a history of kidney stones, taking vitamin D supplement alone for people with lower than standard serum levels of vitamin D did not show any significant difference in calcification. As a result, the therapeutic dose of this drug is recommended in patients with kidney stones according to the condition.
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of ethanol extractof Eremurus persicus leaves on Staphylococcus aureus under laboratory condition. Methods: The ethanol extract of paste leaves were collected using a rotary machine. 12 strain of Staphylococcus aureus were collected from urinary tract infection of Zabol city (Iran). Results: The results showed that MIC and also MBC of Eremurus persicus ethanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus were 5 and 2.55 ppm, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that ethanol extract of Eremurus persicus leaves has a significant antibacterial effect and can be used to deal with specific pathogenic bacteria.
Introduction: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics, the first major concern in the 1960s, has reappeared worldwide over the past 20 years. Because these bacteria are not resistant to various conventional therapies, the medicinal and herbal plants used in different countries should be evaluated for their therapeutic potential. These valuable biological resources are a repository of complex active molecules. Therefore, in this study, we tried to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plant extracts on Staphylococcus aureus isolated from humans.Methods: Rhazya stricta was collected and their species were identified in the botanical laboratory of University of Zabol. To prepare plant extract, 40 g of dried leaves were used in 400 cc of solvent (aqueous, ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, and hydro-alcoholic). The various strains of Staphylococcus aureus used in this study were isolated from the human nose and identified by biochemical, bacteriological and growth tests as well as standard tests. Antimicrobial effects were investigated by well diffusion method in Muller Hinton agar medium. Statistix ver10 software was used for statistical calculations. Mean comparison was performed using the LSD at the level of one percent and Excel software was also used to draw the shapes.Results: Rhazya stricta extracts had different inhibitory zone diameters against Staphylococcus aureus at 100 ppm dilution (p <0.01). R. stricta ethanolic extract had the greatest effect (average 8.3 mm) on inhibiting the growth of 6 strains of S. aureus. Then aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts with an average of 7 mm were in the next ranks. The ethyl acetate extract had the lowest effect on the inhibition of S. aureus. The lowest MIC of R. stricta ethanolic extract against S. aureus samples was 3.1 ppm, which was inhibited by four strains. The lowest MBC was 6.2 ppm.Conclusion: Considering the side effects of chemical drugs and antibiotics as well as the potential effect of ethanolic extract of Rhazya stricta on Staphylococcus aureus, it is recommended to use ethanol solvent to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of R. stricta.
Background: Plant-based remedies against Covid-19 and their research to discover antiviral compounds have been growing rapidly. However, there are little interest to explore and collect information of bioactive compounds of pepper (Capsicum sp.) to fight off the disease. This study aimed to bioinformatically explore and identify bioactive compounds in chili pepper fruits from four Capsicum species (C. annuum, C. baccatum, C. chinense, C. frutescens) which were compatible to fight off SARS-CoV-2 and provide indirect and direct virus inhibition from previous studies. Methods: Protein-ligand interactions were obtained from protein data bank (PDB), PubChem, and SwissModel for homology modeling. Docking was performed using PyRx and visualized using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer 2016. Results: Four chili pepper species were rich in organic acid compounds (100 times higher than carotenoids concentration; 0.2-156 mg/kg F.W). A type of fatty acids composition in seeds was slightly different from flesh and peels by the small amount of pharmaceutically valuable palmitoleic acids in seeds (approximately 30 mg/kg F.W). Composition of flavonoid relatively varied among the species but luteolin was found in all chili peppers (0.5-18 mg/kg F.W). Most of the compounds were actively interacting with 3CLPro rather than ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 which were well covered up by only 10 and 17 molecules respectively. Conclusion: Four chili pepper species contained bioactive compounds that are medicinally important to fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Abstract The aim of the study was to examine the influence of extraction method on the size, shape and morphology of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Silver nanoparticles were prepared by the aqueous and methanolic extracts of lemon balm. The properties of obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, SEM, XRD and FTIR techniques. The UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs by observing a distinct surface Plasmon resonance band around 450 nm. SEM images showed different shape, size and morphology of AgNPs using two different extracts types. AgNPs derived from the aqueous extract were rod-shaped with a diameter of 19 to 40 nm whereas spherical particles were synthesized by the methanolic extract found smaller with size distribution ranging from 13 to 35 nm. The XRD pattern indicated that AgNPs formed by the reduction of Ag + ions using methanolic extract of M. officinalis were crystal-like in nature. The functional groups of M. officinalis methanolic extract involved in synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs were investigated by FTIR. In addition, AgNPs-containing methanolic extract showed higher antioxidant activity. These particles exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity against gram positive and negative bacteria and a fungus. The nanoparticles produced by the methanolic extract of the lemon balm showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The production of silver nanoparticles using plant extract is rapid, low cost and eco-friendly. Therefore, green chemistry is a good alternative to industrial production of nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles can be used as an antiseptic to sterilize the surrounding area and the hospital wastes.
Introduction: Diabetes is a biological problem of life in a new way in human societies, especially in developing countries. Environmental and genetic factors are mutually influential in the incidence and exacerbation of this disease. One of the genes is the transcription factor TCF7L2 that has been proven in many studies in different communities to play a role in diabetes and is located on chromosome 10. Two SNPs for this gene, rs12255372 and rs7903146, have been recorded on the NCBI site and have a direct and significant correlation with type 2 diabetes. In this study, the genotypic frequency of these two SNPs was studied using ARMS and HRM techniques. Materials: This study was performed on 100 patients with type 2 diabetes and 100 healthy individuals as non-diabetic controls. Diabetics were selected from patients referred to Ali Asghar Diabetes Clinic in Zahedan. The control group consisted of individuals who did not meet the criteria for diabetes or had no family history of diabetes in first- or second-degree relatives. DNA extraction was performed using the phenol-chloroform method and finally, PCR was performed for a specific primer. Results: ARMS results showed that the number of people with SNP rs7903146 in diabetic patients is significantly higher than those in the control. However, the difference was not significant for rs12255372. HRM results were also highly correlated with ARMS and showed very precise allelic differentiation in the studied population for both positions. Conclusion: In general, since HRM is a relatively inexpensive technique and a large number of samples can be analyzed in a few hours, the results of this study can be used in the preparation of diagnostic kits based on this method in these two and other sites related to diabetes.
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which a deficiency of vitamin B12 along with folic acid can contribute to its progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of these two vitamins in altering myelin base protein (MBP) in the MS model of rats and also to measure some ionic parameters in serum. Methods: Brain histology was followed by analysis of the relationship between vitamin B12 treatment or folic acid and MBP as well as changes in total protein concentration (TPC). MBP expression was assessed by SDS-PAGE and serum levels of iron. Copper and zinc were also assessed by Duncan test. Results: MBP expression in cortical extract was increased by simultaneous treatment with vitamin B12 and folic acid compared with the groups treated individually. Histological examinations showed that the highest level of tissue repair was in the same group. There was a significant difference between cortical TPC in the control and treatment of vitamin B12 and folic acid, but serum levels of Fe, Zn and Cu were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the combination of these vitamins increases the expression of MBP protein.
Background: The genus Streptomyces Waksman & Henrici 1943 includes aerobic, gram-positive, and filamentous bacteria which produce well developed vegetative hyphae with branches. The wall consists of a large mixture of different compounds, including peptidoglycan, teichuronic acid, teichoic, and polysaccharides. The peptidoglycan components consist of glycan as a chains of irregular N-acetyl- d-muramic acid (NAM), diaminopimelic acid, and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG) and DAP, which is unique in the cell walls of prokaryotic microorganisms. The teichoic and teichuronic acid are chemically bonded to peptidoglycan. Methods: One gram of soil samples was used to make suspension, by adding 99 mL of sterile distilled water (stock suspension) into it and shaking it in a shaker at 160 rpm for 30 minutes at room temperature. Serial dilutions from 0.1-0.001 were made from the stock suspension, and left for 10 minutes. After shaking, 0.1 mL of each dilution was cultured on Yeast Extract and Malt Extract agar (YEME) with Streptomycin 50 ug/mL. The inoculated plates were incubated at 28 °C for 7 to 10 days. Based on cultural characteristics, suspected colonies of Streptomyces were selected, which are characterized as small, white, pin-point, rough, chalky, and a clear zone of inhibition around them. These colonies were confirmed their identification by types of Gram’s stain, aerial and substrate mycelium color, pigment production, and pigment color. Streptomyces were re-streaked on International Streptomyces project (ISP) to obtain pure colonies used for identification. Results: The current study aimed to screen bacteria Streptomyces isolates. Only 21 samples of soil were suspected to contain Streptomyces, and 45 isolates were obtained with different morphology types per samples of soil. The colonies suspects were selected basis on color that ranged from gray, white and creamy. The microscopic examination of local Streptomyces spp. after Gram-staining method was conducted. The observations revealed that local Streptomyces is gram positive and rod shaped similar to features of fungal in possessing branched mycelium. The Streptomyces produced extra cellular enzymes like amylase, urease, catalase, protease, Gelatinase, cellulase and phosphatase. Utilization of citrate was positive, with no Melanine reaction production and soluble pigmented, and negative for indole production. Conclusion: The identification of the Streptomyces is a very complex process. Morphological and biochemical characteristics are two important aspects for the classification in the Streptomycetaceae family. By studying the morphological, cultural, and biochemical characteristics, it is observed that the local isolates are belonging to the genus of Streptomyces.
Background: Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide and is also the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in recent years. Herbs have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including cancers. Medicinal plants can be use d in pure form or in combination with others. Methods: In this study, after preparing the plant dry, extracts of Artemisia absinthium and Cuscuta epithymum were extracted by Soxhlet method. After Preparation of cell culture medium, Investigations continued. MTT test and Gap closure test were performed to evaluate the toxicity of Cuscuta Epithymum and Artemisia Absinthium Species on CP70 Ovarian Cancer Cells to Compared these two extracts mortality rate. Results: The lowest cell migration in 48 h was related to A. absinthium treatments with concentrations of 1: 100 and 1: 1000. The lowest cell migration in the period of 72h is related to the treatment of C. epithymum with a concentration of 1: 1000, which these results are less significant than the effect of A. absinthium. The lowest cell migration in the period of 72h is related to the treatment of C. epithymum with a concentration of 1: 1000, which these results are less significant than the effect of A. absinthium. Conclusions: MTT test showed that the treatment of plant extracts of C. epithymum and A. absinthium can disrupt the growth process as well as the migration and progression of CP70 cancer cells of ovarian cancer and cause cell apoptosis.
Background: Demand for degradable and biocompatible polymers is rapidly increasing, especially in the food packaging sector where it is highly encouraged by environmental management policies.Methods: This study aimed to prepare zein/Montmorillonite (MMT) and zein/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films by a high power ultrasonic probe method for use as a food coating. The film was produced through solvent casting method. In all the films, glycerol and Polyethylene glycol were used to improve the fragility properties. The biodegradability, color characteristics and surface roughness of the films were evaluated.Results: Based on the results of the statistical analysis, the clay dispersion method a, Montmorillonite (MMT) and poly (vinyl alcohol) content significantly affected the mechanical and properties of the composite films. The results showed that mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were improved in the presence of small amounts (up to 3%) of MMT, while increased montmorillonite percentage in the micro composite films weakened the mechanical properties of these films. It was also found that the addition of montmorillonite and poly (vinyl alcohol) increased the porosity of the film. Therefore, the use of high power sonication is a suitable method for producing protein-based nanocomposites with an exfoliated structure.Conclusions: as the nanocomposite films of zein, zein-polyvinyl alcohol and zein-montmorillonite are highly biodegradable, ntural and non-toxic, they are highly efficient in this field and can be used in food packaging.
Background: Candida Berkh. (1923) occurs naturally in the body. But it becomes opportunistic fungi, meaning that it infects humans when there is any weakening of the immune system, such as exposure to chemotherapy, diabetes, or organ transplantation. Most species of Candida grow at a temperature between 20-40 °C and have a pH of 3-8. Human pathogens of Candida species include C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. lusitaniae, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis and C. utili. C. albicans has many virulence factors that facilitate injury process. Virulence factors are considered as a measure of pathogenicity, and it is in the form of fungal toxins, enzymes, or cell structures that facilitate infection, as well as pathogen resistance in different conditions. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of some secreted aspartyl proteinases (SAP) genes from some Candida species isolated from diabetic patientsMethods: Candida spp. were identified on CHROMagar medium by color of each species after incubation at 37 °C for 48 hours such as: C. krusei, C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis. Germ tube formation test was used to distinguish between germ tube-forming species, such as C. albicans and C. dubliniensis , from those that do not produce germ tube. A portion of the isolation was taken and placed in a test tube containing 0.5 ml of serum, and then incubated at 37 °C for 2-4 hours. A drop of serum was taken out and examined under a microscope for the presence of the germ tube. Growth at 45 °C, has the advantage of distinguishing between C. albicans and C. dubliniensis by culturing Candida spp. on SDA medium and, incubation for 48-72 hours at 45 °C.Results: The results of isolation and diagnosis showed that Candida species grew at 37 °C for 48 hours on SDA medium, the shape of the colonies was round or oval-convex, and creamy white, shiny and smooth color. The results of the microscopic examination of the cells were spherical or oval, C. albicans was distinguished by its ability to grow at 45 °C and its ability to form the germ tube. The surface growth test showed the ability of C. tropicalis to grow surface on SDB medium. The medium of CHROMagar showed that C. albicans were light green in color. C. glabrata showed a pale pink color, while C. tropecalis showed a blue color and C. dublineiensis was dark green. DNA extracted samples, including 20 isolates, were used for four species of Candida, 1-9 C. albicans, 10-16 C. glabrata, 17-18 C. dubliniensis and 19-20 C. tropicalis. Parts of the body (mouth, vagina, Urine) detect SAP1 and SAP7 genes by PCR, and after electrophoresis of the PCR product, the results were positive for all Candida species studied as all isolates that contained SAP1 (578bp) and SAP7 (466bp).Conclusion: The SAP genes are among the main virulence factors for the occurrence of candidiasis. SAP1 and SAP7 genes are responsible for digesting and breaking down protein to penetrate the host's tissues.
Background: Despite significant efforts, the artemisinin-based drugs are still very expensive due to the limited production of this metabolite within wild Artemisia spp . plants. Therefore, the current work set out to evaluate the effect of chitosan nanoparticles, as a novel elicitor to characterize the expression of genes functioning in artemisinin synthesis pathway using a comparative experimental investigation. Methods: The suspensioncultures of A. anuua were exposed to 5, 10, 15 mg/L of chitosan nanoparticles (during 8, 24, 48 and 72 h upon treatment). The expression of DBR2, SQS, CYp , ADS, CPR and ALDH genes were quantified by qRT-PCR technique. Results: Chitosan nanoparticles were effective in inducing artemisinin production at 15 mg/L after 8 h, and 5 and 10 mg/L after 72 h of elicitation, in which all the ADS, CYp , CPR, DBR2 and ALDH genes were upregulated except SQS. Conclusion: The treatment of 5 mg/L after 72 h, when cells entered the stationary and then death phases, is recommended because it seems chitosan nanoparticles require more time to up-regulate the ADS, CYP and ALDH genes and thereby probably enhance the artemisinin content. The results suggest that chitosan nanoparticles can be used as a novel effective elicitor for artemisinin production.
Introduction: Periploca aphylla is belongs to family Asclepiadaceae and it is an important traditional plant which has been utilized for decades for its local uses. Methods: This research work included pharmacognostic studies, microscopic evaluation, phytochemical and physiochemical tests for the effective identification and characterization of plant. Transverse section of plant shows the arrangement of cells. Fluorescence analysis shows colors in light of different wavelength. Fluorescence analysis was performed with various reagents and chemicals to observe characteristic pattern and colors for the identification and proper authencity of plant and it was reported in this paper. Results: Phytochemical studies show the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and tannins. Powder study shows lignified fibers, spiral vessels and lignified tracheid. In this study Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used for the identification of plant and for the effective recognition of biological composition of plant. The IR Spectra were performed and reported in this paper. All these parameters are necessary for the characterization and identification of plant and a new doorstep to find out any adulteration in the plant. Conclusion: Anti-oxidant in-vitro studies were performed for the evaluation of any anti-oxidant property which provided a brief description about its pharmacological effects regarding rancidity and also a description about its further usage in any of anti-oxidant formulation.
Background: Heat stress (HS) has negative effects on economic parameters of the poultry industry. Different strategies such as nutritional additives are used to alleviate negative effects of HS. The use of multiattribute decision-making (MADM) could help to select the best additive for alleviating the effects of the HS. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic on growth performance and immune responses of broiler chicks affected by HS via MADM method. Methods:Two-hundred and forty broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 4 treatments with 6 replications and 10 broiler chicks per replication. The birds were treated with probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic for 42 days. A group was considered as control and received only basal diet. Stress condition was induced from 21 to 42 days of age. Growth performance and humoral immunity were assessed, then calculated and analyzed by MADM method. Results:The results showed that dietary supplementation of probiotic, synbiotic, prebiotic and control had coefficients of 0.762, 0.702, 0.581 and 0.00, respectively. Dietary supplementation of probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic had better effects compared with control group. Conclusions:Therefore, dietary supplementation of probiotic may have better efficiency compared with other additives based on the MADM. The use of probiotics can be suggested for improving growth and immunity under the HS condition in the poultry industry.
Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the chemical constituents of the Fixed oil from Sudanese Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds and to evaluate the potential antioxidant activity. Methods: Soxhlet method was used to extract the essential oil from Sudanese Safflower Seeds. The chemical constituents of Sudanese Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L) were identified and quantified by GC-MS and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay was used determined the capacity antioxidant activity. Results: Nineteen components were identified, seven of which are namely 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester 1.61%) , 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester (10.50%), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (8.93%), Methyl stearate (8.41%), Eicosanoid acid, methyl ester (1.39%), cis-11-Eicosenoic acid, and methyl ester (1.01%). The DPPH assay showed moderate antioxidant potential by 23.05±0.01 compared with that of standard by 91±0.01. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the Sudanese Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds has oil rich of bioactive chemical compounds and has a significant anti-oxidant effect. It can be used to deal with in flavoring agent, food industry and medicinal purposes.
Background: The study for new antibiotics is of great importance in investigating programs around the worldwide for pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural applications. Streptomyces like filamentous soil bacteria are used as an essential biological tool for their ability to producing a wide range of new secondary metabolites such as antibiotics. Identification and isolation of new species seemed to be important in the presentation of significantly adequate antibiotics, because antibiotic resistance infectious diseases are the second leading cause of death worldwide, inducing research and development of new antibiotics. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to isolate and characterize novel strains of Streptomyces spp. with high antibiotic production ability. Methods: Soil samples were collected randomly from primitive soils of Urmia, West Azerbaijan province, from Iranin 2019. The isolates of Streptomyces spp. were carried out in a specific culture medium. Their primary and secondary antibacterial activity againstgram-positive bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, alsogram-negative Escherichia coli was checked out. Finally, the antibacterial properties of strains based on 16S rRNA sequencing were analyzed by MEGA X software. Results: Totally, 150 colonies were isolated from four soil collected samples. In the primary screening of 10 isolates, insulated antibacterial activity and in the secondary screening, 3 examples were selected. The microorganisms showed antibacterial activity. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene from C-B1-12, D-D3-7, and C-Y2-2 isolates showed similarity to Streptomyces indiaensis. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that there are new isolates in the soil samples of West Azerbaijan province that are capable of producing new antibacterial agents.
Background: Chitosan nanoparticle (chitosan-NPs) is a polymer obtained from the exoskeletons of crustaceans, and has been applied recently as a carrier for many drug agents. Multi-drug resistance has been the major set-back in the treatment of microbial infections globally. Methods: Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) isolated from Melastomastrum capitatum leaves was encapsulated in chitosan-NPs and its antimicrobial activity was evaluated on selected multi-drug resistant pathogens. The isolated phthalate was characterized by FTIR, NMR and GC-MS. Chitosan-NPs encapsulated phthalate was prepared by ionic gelation of glutaraldehyde cross-linker. Antimicrobial activity of nano encapsulated drugs was carried by agar well diffusion at 0.5 µg/mL concentration. In vivo activity of nano encapsulated drugs were determined in thirty Swiss albino rats weighing 100-150g. Chitosan-NPs encapsulated treatment groups were administered at 0.5 µg/mL (i.p.) as compared with ciprofloxacin positive control group at 2.5 µg/mL. Results: Chitosan-NPs encapsulated phthalate showed the strongest zones of inhibition against VRE ATCC 29212, MRSA NCTC 13435, Candida albicans ATCC 19231, and Clostridiodes difficile NCTC14385. Significant inhibition of bacterial growths was achieved by CSDBP encapsulated phthalate both in vitro and in vivo studies due to low concentrations in ALT, ALP, AST and creatinine, and high volume of WBC in rats. Non-Fickian drug release was observed by the formulations. Conclusion: The study showed that chitosan-NPs mediated drug delivery exhibited strong antimicrobial activity with sustained release against multi-drug microbes in this study. This is promising, and can be employed as mediation for multi-drug resistant pathogens.
Background: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important plant rich in many vitamins and antioxidant enzymes. Methods: Tomato leaves of two cultivars (‘Peto 86’ and ‘Strain B’) were used as explant sources for callus induction. The antioxidant activity of the calli ethanol (ET) and methanol (ME)extracts were determined. The enzymatic activities were evaluated in callus cultures. Callus induced from leaf explants of tomato cultivars on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations and combinations of cytokinins and auxins such as BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), NAA (1-naphthalene acetic acid), 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) and Kin (Kinetin) for rapid induction of callus and biomass growth. Results: The medium (M2) containing 3 mg L-1 BAP with 1 mg L-1 IAA produced the highest percentage of callus induction (PCI) (100%) in two cultivars. The relative fresh weight growth (RFWG) was reported by the fresh callus weighed after four weeks of culture and again weighed after one month of sub-culture. In both cultivars cultured on M2 medium the RFWG was (1.60) in ‘Peto 86’ and (1.47) in ‘Strain B’. The results showed that PCI and RFWG differed with the cultivars tested. The scavenging DPPH free radical activity in callus (ET) extracts exhibited a significant increase in (P < 0.05) than the activity in callus (ME) extract. The peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities were found in calli of both tomato cultivars. The enzymatic activities were higher in callus of ‘Peto 86’ cultivar than in callus of ‘Strain B’ cultivar. Conclusions: Calli had antioxidant and enzyme activities that can be beneficial for extracting important components or for plant regeneration.
