Introduction: Biologically active compounds found in natural sources, especially medicinal plants, have been used for centuries due to their important role in therapeutics. The present study focused on the identification of chemical constituents and biological activities of Hippocrepis unisiliquosa L. (horseshoe vetch) extract, which is a member of the Fabaceae family. Methods: The plant leaves were extracted using 75% ethanol (1:10 w/v) based on the maceration technique followed by GC-MS analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the crude extract was evaluated by utilizing the standard strain Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory activity of the extract was assessed by studying the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-10) in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Results: GC-MS analysis of the extract revealed the presence of 52 compounds, including phenols, fatty acids, alkaloids, and heterocyclic compounds. The extract exhibited significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and the effect was 19.2 ± 0.5 mm at 100 mg/ml, compared to Vancomycin, 21.2 ± 0.3 mm. Subsequent MIC testing revealed an MIC value at 50 mg/ml. Furthermore, decreases in NO production and (TNF-α) levels were observed in a dosedependent manner, with corresponding increases in IL-10 levels, indicative of a concentrationdependent immunomodulatory effect. Discussion: The Hippocrepis unisiliquosa L. extract exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The results suggest that the extract not only mitigates the inflammatory response but also enhances immune regulation, and this is likely attributed to the identified bioactive compounds. Conclusion: The study provides preliminary scientific evidence supporting the traditional medicinal use of Hippocrepis unisiliquosa L., highlighting its potential as a valuable source of bioactive constituents and requiring further pharmacological investigation.
Introduction: Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. (C. maxima; Pomelo; Rutaceae) contains high phytochemical content with neuroprotective activities. This study aims to evaluate the anti- Alzheimer property of C. maxima peel oil using in vitro, in silico, and in vivo studies. Methods: Peel oil of C. maxima was extracted through a hydrodistillation process and characterized by LC-MS analysis. Bioactive phytochemicals were subjected to molecular docking analysis for binding affinity with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. In vitro AChE inhibitory activity was determined using Ellman’s method. Cognitive activities were determined using the Y-maze, Elevated Plus Maze, and Morris Water Maze in scopolaminetreated mice. Estimation of AChE, IL-6, and Tau protein content in the brain was done. Results: Limonene, α-pinene, β-myrcene, linalool, Sabinene, Decanal, Limonene oxide, trans limonene oxide, and auraptene were the major phytochemicals. Peel oil inhibited the activity of the AChE enzyme with an IC50 value of 26.4 μg/mL. Favorable binding affinities of the major phytochemicals with AChE were observed using molecular docking. C. maxima peel oil improved cognitive activities in scopolamine-treated mice and significantly decreased IL-6 and Tau protein content at 400 mg/kg. Discussion: These results indicate that C. maxima peel oil could exert neuroprotective actions due to its influence on cholinergic activity and neuroinflammation/Tau changes. Conclusion: C. maxima peel oil proved to be effective in inhibiting Alzheimer’s disease activity in various experimental models.
Introduction: Wound healing involves coordinated phases of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. This study evaluated the wound-healing efficacy of Lobelia inflata ointment at different concentrations (5% and 10%) and compared it with a standard wound-healing agent (1% Betadine). Methods: Thirty adult male Wistar rats (>9 weeks old) were randomly divided into five groups (n=6): Group I served as the normal control (untreated), Group II received a simple ointment base (vehicle control), Group III was treated with 1% Betadine ointment (standard group), Group IV was treated with 5% Lobelia inflata ointment, and Group V with 10% Lobelia inflata ointment. Animals were procured from the Department of Life & Applied Sciences, EGICORE-Lucknow (Ref: BEC/EC/21/07/22-3). Wound contraction, tensile strength, and epithelisation were assessed over time. Histopathological examination evaluated collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and reepithelialization. Results: Lobelia inflata ointment enhanced wound healing compared with the vehicle control. The 10% formulation produced the fastest wound closure and greater tensile strength than the 5% ointment. Histopathological analysis demonstrated enhanced collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and re-epithelialization, with the most pronounced tissue remodelling observed in the 10% Lobelia inflata ointment. Discussion: The findings suggest that Lobelia inflata ointment promotes wound healing, tissue strengthening, and structural remodelling in a concentration-dependent manner. The 10% Lobelia inflata showed superior wound-healing activity, comparable to the 5% concentration. Conclusions: Lobelia inflata extract, particularly at 10%, showed promising wound-healing activity and may serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for wound management.
Abstract: The increasing rate of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), has prompted scientists to explore natural chemical remedies to combat the disease. The aim of this review is to elucidate the use of plant extracts as antibacterial and antibiofilm agents against P. aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen responsible for a wide range of biofilm-associated human infections. Medicinal plants are receiving intense research focus because of their rich content of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and terpenoids. Numerous medicinal plants have exhibited antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities against P. aeruginosa, including Punica granatum, Triumfetta welwitschia, Clidemia hirta, Chenopodium murale, Centaurea arvensis, Hordeum vulgare, Eucalyptus globulus, and Bergenia ciliata. Their bioactive phytochemicals, particularly flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, and terpenoids, inhibit bacterial growth through multiple mechanisms, including disruption of bacterial membranes, inhibition of protein synthesis, interference with quorum sensing, and suppression of biofilm formation. Plant extracts provide a promising alternative to antibiotics because they assist in the prevention of the growth of bacteria. They can also be used in conjunction with other drugs to increase their efficacy in fighting P. aeruginosa.
Introduction: Central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remain highly challenging to treat due to the complexity of brain anatomy and the restrictive nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Although several natural bioactive compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, their therapeutic potential is limited by low solubility, instability, rapid metabolism, and poor BBB permeability. Methods: In this review recent literature on advanced drug delivery strategies designed to enhance CNS targeting of natural bioactive compounds, have been compiled and analyzed with a focus on nano-based carriers and receptor-mediated targeting approaches. Results: Targeted nano-formulations such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, nanoemulsions, micelles, and exosomes have demonstrated improved solubility, stability, and brain uptake of bioactive compounds. Ligand-mediated targeting using transferrin, lactoferrin, and peptide conjugates enables receptor-mediated transport across the BBB. Further, Intranasal delivery provides a non-invasive route, bypassing the BBB via the olfactory and trigeminal pathways. Advanced platforms including magnetic nanoparticles, carbonbased nanocarriers, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, virus-like particles, hydrogels, and mRNAbased nanotherapeutics support controlled andsite-specific release. Discussion: These strategies address key limitations of conventional CNS therapies and show favorable outcomes in preclinical and early clinical studies. Conclusion: Targeted nano-bioactive formulations represent a promising direction for precision neuro-nanomedicine. Continued research and clinical translation may significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes in CNS disorders.
