ABSTRACT This study unravels the quest for phytochemicals that exhibit antibiofilm properties against Yersinia enterocolitica in the extracts of fruits of Citrus limon and Averrhoa carambola and leaves of Brassica juncea . The specific phytochemicals in the extracts were identified by GC‐MS analysis, and the findings of wet‐laboratory experiments have indicated the presence of compounds with antibiofilm activities, albeit with dose‐responsive effects. The anti‐QS activity of the compounds found in the extract was further confirmed by in silico analysis using molecular docking, which was carried out against the YenR region of Y . enterocolitica . The results showed that D‐allose, 3‐furaldehyde, and 2,4‐dihydroxy‐2,5‐dimethyl‐3(2H)‐furan‐3‐one had the highest docking scores against the 5LO7 receptor of the YenR region. In order to combat biofilms linked to Yersinia enterocolitica , natural plant products that preferentially target the specific receptors of QS could be developed using the potent abilities of protein–ligand complexes with high docking scores.

Salmonella enteric serovar Typhimurium is one of the causative agents for non-typhoidal salmonellosis which is highly associated with the consumption animal products such as eggs, pork, and poultry. Phytochemicals present in plant extracts were reported to improve food safety by inhibiting the growth of foodborne pathogens. Herein, the antimicrobial activities of Citrus limon and Bambusa polymorpha extracts were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing the log counts of strains of S. Typhimurium inoculated in ground pork. The incorporation of undiluted extracts has resulted in 3.95 and 1.88 log reduction of S. Typhimurium, respectively with 2 h of exposure. Phytochemicals in the extracts that interfere with the activity of outer membrane (OmpA) and efflux pump regulatory proteins (MdfA, RamA) were also identified and interactions were anticipated using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) studies. This study has revealed that the major phytochemicals present in the extracts were viz. phenol-2-ethyl, paracresol, 2, 3-dimethoxybenzoic acid, cyclobarbital, 3-methylsalicylhydrazide, and 3-methoxy-5-methylphenol. In order to evaluate the drug likeness and toxicity, phytochemicals were screened for their physiochemical and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties. ADMET studies has revealed that the screened phytochemicals with high docking scores had potent anti-bacterial abilities and could be used in drug design studies to develop natural plant products to preferentially target the outer membrane and efflux pump regulatory proteins of S. Typhimurium, which are critically important for the survival of S. Typhimurium under stress condition.

Orchids are among the largest plant families which have been long commercialized as ornamental plants. Among the various species, the foxtail orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa) has been identified as an endangered species due to overexploitation. It has been used as medicine since ancient times to cure diseases like malaria fever, paralysis, rheumatism, allergies, and abnormal menstruation. Diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder impairing sugar utilization by cells, affects millions of people globally. Although it is usually treated through allopathic medicines, few phytochemical compounds are also found to be effective in treatment. Foxtail orchid enriched with various phytochemicals having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties has been indicated for anti-diabetic properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The chapter reports the diversity, ethnomedicinal uses, and different propagation techniques of this plant while highlighting the role of various phytochemical compounds produced by the species for their anti-diabetic properties.

In an era of antibiotic resistance where natural antibiotic substitutes are considered essential, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Citrus limon extract on strains of pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from pork were evaluated. The strains which form biofilms were more resistant (MIC50 = 2.5 mgml(-1)) compared to non-biofilm forming strains (MIC50 = 1.25 mgml(-1)). Use of C. limon extract at 20 mgml(-1) concentration has resulted in inhibition of biofilm formation by 53.96%. Cyclobarbital, 5, 8-dimethoxycumarin, orotic acid and 3-methylsalicylhydrazide were the major phytochemicals in C. limon extract with highest docking affinities against the biofilm associated proteins in E. coli. The results of simulation studies have clearly illustrated the energy stability of the protein-ligand complexes. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) profiles revealed that the phytochemicals in C. limon could be used in the drug design studies to preferentially target the specific receptors to combat biofilms associated with E. coli.

Tissue engineering is a highly complex process with goals to replace, restore, and regenerate tissues. Tissue engineering combines multidisciplinary fields such as biochemistry, clinical medicine, biological science, and materials science. It has application in personalized drugs, organ transplantation, and as a drug transporter. The scaffold fabrication process for tissue engineering depends on numerous factors such as biodegradability, mechanical possessions, scaffold architecture, and manufacturing process. The scaffold properties based on its biological aspects, structural requirements, material composition, conventional and advanced fabrication technologies, and extrusion-based scaffold fabrication techniques are analyzed and discussed in the current review. Further studies for the development of bio-scaffolds will provide a broader roadway into a new dimension of various tissue engineering techniques and provide greater advancement in medical and clinical research.

This study aimed to assess the antidiabetic, and antioxidant potential of Rhynchostylis retusa and Euphorbia neriifolia, well known for traditional ethnomedicinal uses in North-east India. Leaf extracts prepared in water, methanol and petroleum ether were evaluated for in vitro antidiabetic and antioxidant assay using α-amylase inhibition, glucose diffusion method and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The α-amylase inhibition with E. neriifolia methanolic extract at 400 μg/ml (66.67%) and R. retusa aqueous extract at 300 μg/ml (58.15%) were stronger than in equivalent concentrations of acarbose, i.e., 62.17, and 51.52%, respectively. Aqueous extract R. retusa showed a maximum 67.65% inhibition of glucose diffusion at 180 min in comparison to control without leaf extract. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of E. neriifolia extract in methanol was significantly better than equivalent aqueous or ether extract. However, the solvent choice had little impact on antioxidant activity in R. retusa. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of a large number of phytochemicals in methanol fraction of E. neriifolia aqueous extracts in comparison to R. retusa. Though the in vitro α-amylase inhibition or glucose diffusion retardation implied potential medicinal use of endangered orchid R. retusa and E. neriifolia, further investigation may be warranted for identification of relevant bio-active compounds and in vivo validation of their pharmacological properties.