The authors were not aware of errors made in one small subsection (Section 6.17. Antidiarrheal Effect, including the data in the table of effects) of this paper [...]

Polyphenols are natural compounds and the most plentiful with synergistic properties contributing to potential health benefits. This review describes the synergistic interactions of polyphenolic compounds; as yet, no literature review has been undertaken to consider the experimental evidence of synergistic effects of polyphenols. The polyphenolic compounds claimed to have synergistic activities are highly effective against oxidation, peptic ulcers, myocardial infarction, tumors, and a variety of other conditions. In addition, anticancer activity via apoptosis and antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic behaviors have also been reported. Apart from the synergistic effects of polyphenols, this review also illustrates their specific health benefits too and bioavailability in humans. The toxicity of some polyphenolic agents, including antinutritional effects, chronic nephrotoxicity, reduction in net protein utilization and antiluteinizing hormone, and tumor development, is also evaluated. Synergistic treatment approaches may be effective in the treatment of many diseases. These findings provide information about the benefits of polyphenol compounds in combination, which could be useful for future studies.

The current study sought to determine the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties of distilled water-soluble extract of beehive (WSE-BH). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) studies were used to characterize the chemical compositions obtained from beehives extracted in water and methanol (also fractions). The GC-MS analysis identified 19 compounds in WSE-BH, including high total phenol and flavonoid contents, compared with the methanol extract (21 compounds), ethyl acetate fraction (9 compounds), and CCl4 fraction (27 compounds). The oral administration of WSE-BH (50 and 150 mg/kg) showed significant anxiolytic activities assessed by time spent in (30.80% and 39.47%, respectively) and entry into (47.49% and 55.93%, respectively) the open arms of the elevated plus-maze (EPM). Only the 150 mg/kg dose resulted in a significant effect on the number of head-dipping events in the holeboard test (HBT) (40.2 +/- 2.33; p < 0.01) vs. diazepam (64.33 +/- 3.16; p < 0.001). Both the 50 and 150 mg/kg doses resulted in significant (p < 0.001) decreases in immobility in the forced swim test (FST) and tail suspensions test (TST), corresponding to the effect of fluoxetine. WSE-BH inhibited histamine-induced paw edema significantly beginning at 60 min, with the 150 mg/kg dose having the highest effect at 180 min. The current findings suggested that WSE-BH had anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Our study aims to evaluate the chemical profiles and antioxidant activities of a methanolic extract of Sterculia villosa bark (MESV) and a methanolic extract of the Vernonia patula whole plant (MEVP). The chemical profiling of MESV and MEVP was performed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified 52 and 33 chemical compounds, respectively. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay indicated that both MESV and MEVP displayed concentration-dependent scavenging activities, and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for MEVP, MESV, and ascorbic acid were 305.30, 555.44, and 36.32 μg/mL, respectively. The total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of MESV were 81.44 ± 2.70 mg quercetin equivalents (QE)/g dry extract and 62.58 ± 1.93 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract, whereas these values for MEVP were 291.31 ± 6.61 mg QE/g dry extract and 58.99 ± 3.16 mg GAE/g dry extract, respectively. Molecular docking studies were also evaluated, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and toxicological properties were assessed. Therefore, these two plants, S. villosa and V. patula, showed potential options for further advanced studies into oxidative stress.

Increasing rate of fast-food consumption has been associated with different health related concerns (e.g., obesity, heart disease). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of fast-food consumption among young adult students in Chittagong, Bangladesh, and to assess the correlation of fast-food consumption with obesity. A total of 440 youth was included using a systemic random sampling from universities and colleges in Chittagong in order to perform a cross-sectional analysis. The students who reported frequent fast-food consumption (1–3 times per week) accounted for 30.5% (n=134) of the sample, while 32.5% (n=143) of participants reported consuming fast-food 8–15 times per month. There was a significant (p=0.030) difference between students who consumed and did not consume fast-food. Youth who reported consuming fast-food and soft drinks more than 4 times per week constituted 35.0% (n=154), followed by approximately 27.7% (n=122) who consumed these items 1–3 times per week. In addition, an obesity epidemic was observed among those who reported low levels of physical exercise or lack of sleep. The study illustrates that Bangladeshi youth face an increasing risk of becoming overweight and obese. Prevention is regarded as the most effective way to reduce the prevalence of obesity.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and status of fast-food consumption among students in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to November 2020. A total of 654 samples were collected from several schools, colleges, and universities during this study period. Results: About 60.1% and 39.9% of the students were male and female, respectively. Of the students, 53.1% considered fast food as unhealthy (p < 0.001), but only 47.7% were leading a sedentary lifestyle. A significant outcome of overweight and pre-obesity was observed for student institutions, consumption frequency, daily fast-food consumption, and sedentary lifestyle (p < 0.001). In addition, positive association was observed for fast-food consumption more than three times and less than three times per week (OR and 95% CI: 11.13 [7.52-16.47], p < 0.001), higher social class and lower class (OR and 95% CI: 2.18 [1.31-3.62], p = 0.003), fast food preference and other foods (OR and 95% CI: 1.55 [1.11-2.15], p = 0.009), and sedentary and heavily active lifestyle (OR and 95% CI: 5.71 [2.02-16.10], p = 0.001) using logistic regression. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity are serious public health concerns, which are highly associated with fast-food consumption along with lifestyle, economy, and fast-food preference among students in Dhaka City, Bangladesh.

The methanolic extract of Argyreia capitiformis stem was examined for anti-inflammatory activities following network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking study. Based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, 49 compounds were identified from the methanolic extract of A. capitiformis stem. A network pharmacology analysis was conducted against the identified compounds, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and Gene Ontology analysis of biological processes and molecular functions were performed. Six proteins (IL1R1, IRAK4, MYD88, TIRAP, TLR4, and TRAF6) were identified from the KEGG pathway analysis and subjected to molecular docking study. Additionally, six best ligand efficiency compounds and positive control (aspirin) from each protein were evaluated for their stability using the molecular dynamics simulation study. Our study suggested that IL1R1, IRAK4, MYD88, TIRAP, TLR4, and TRAF6 proteins may be targeted by compounds in the methanolic extract of A. capitiformis stem to provide anti-inflammatory effects.

Heavy metals are well-known environmental pollutants owing to their toxicity, longevity in the atmosphere, and ability to accumulate in the human body via bioaccumulation. The pollution of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with toxic heavy metals is a major environmental concern that has consequences for public health. Most heavy metals occur naturally, but a few are derived from anthropogenic sources. Heavy metals are characterized by their high atomic mass and toxicity to living organisms. Most heavy metals cause environmental and atmospheric pollution, and may be lethal to humans. Heavy metals can become strongly toxic by mixing with different environmental elements, such as water, soil, and air, and humans and other living organisms can be exposed to them through the food chain. Plenty of experimental studies were performed to appraise the promising treatment options from natural products. Additionally, nanotechnology based treatment options are being constantly developed. As an emerging field, nanotechnology is making substantial advances in the analysis and removal of heavy metals from complicated matrices. Removal of heavy metal has been accomplished by the use of a variety of nanomaterials, including graphene and its derivatives, magnetic nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes, to name a few. Using nanotechnology for heavy metal analysis and removal from food and water resources provides many benefits over traditional methods. These advantages include a broad linear range, low detection and quantification limits, a high sensitivity, and high selectivity. Therefore this review aimed to explore the environmental consequences of the heavy metals, toxicity to the human health, as well as novel therapeutics development from the natural resources. Additionally, nanotechnological and nanomedicinal applications to treat heavy metal toxicity are also highlighted in this review.

Heart failure (HF) is a complicated clinical syndrome that is considered an increasingly frequent reason for hospitalization, characterized by a complex therapeutic regimen, reduced quality of life, and high morbidity. Long-standing hypertension ultimately paves the way for HF. Recently, there have been improvements in the treatment of hypertension and overall management not limited to only conventional medications, but several novel pathways and their pharmacological alteration are also conducive to the treatment of hypertension. Beta-arrestin (β-arrestin), a protein responsible for beta-adrenergic receptors' (β-AR) functioning and trafficking, has recently been discovered as a potential regulator in hypertension. β-arrestin isoforms, namely β-arrestin1 and β-arrestin2, mainly regulate cardiac function. However, there have been some controversies regarding the function of the two β-arrestins in hypertension regarding HF. In the present review, we try to figure out the paradox between the roles of two isoforms of β-arrestin in the treatment of HF.

This study assessed the anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of a methanol leaves extract of Cnesmone javanica (CV) in Swiss albino mice. The study found a significant increase in the percentage of time spent in the open arms of an elevated plus maze and in the incidence of head dipping in hole-board tests following the administration of 400 mg/kg of CV or 1 mg/kg diazepam. Moreover, a significant (p < 0.001) dose-dependent reduction was observed in the immobility time following CV (200 and 400 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) administration for forced swimming and tail suspension tests. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis identified 62 compounds in CV, consisting primarily of phenols, terpenoids, esters, and other organic compounds. A molecular docking study was performed to assess the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of 45 selected compounds against human serotonin transporter and potassium channels receptors. Network pharmacology was performed to predict the pathways involved in these neuropharmacological effects. Overall, CV demonstrated significant and dose-dependent anxiolytic and antidepressant effects due to the presence of several bioactive phytoconstituents, which should be further explored using more advanced and in-depth mechanistic research.

The study reports the in vivo antidiarrheal and in vitro anthelmintic, cytotoxic, and thrombolytic activity of methanol extract of Hedychium coccineum rhizomes (MEHC). The antidiarrheal activity was determined using Castor oil-induced diarrhea and Gastrointestinal motility test in mice at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, whereas an aquarium worm, Tubifex tubifex, was used to determine the anthelmintic activity. The cytotoxic and thrombolytic activity of MEHC was performed by Brine shrimp lethality bioassay and clot lysis method respectively. In antidiarrheal, castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility exhibited a significant reduction in diarrhea and defecation and an extremely significant inhibition in intestinal motility and peristalsis index by 200 and 400 mg/kg of MEHC. The MEHC (5, 10, and 20 mg/mL) showed a significant dose-dependent manner paralysis time and times to death in multiple comparisons to the different levamisole concentrations (0.5, 0.8, and 1 mg/mL) at in vitro anthelmintic activity. The brine shrimp lethality bioassay exhibited a weak LC50 (681.95 µg/mL; R² = 0.951) while in thrombolytic a significant percentage of clot lysis (32.70%, P < 0.05) demonstrated. The findings demonstrate that H. coccineum rhizomes could be potential sources for biological activity.

Abstract Blumea lacera is an edible plant with imperative medicinal values. However, the anxiolytic and antidepressant roles of B. lacera have not been well‐explained. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the impending bioactive metabolites and roles of B. lacera methanol leaf extract (Me‐BLL) in attenuating anxiety and depression through several experimental and computer‐aided approaches. The chemical characterization of Me‐BLL was performed through standard phytochemical and GC‐MS analyses. To explore the neuropharmacological insights, Swiss albino mice were treated with Me‐BLL at doses of 200–400 mg/kg, p.o. The anxiolytic effects were observed employing elevated plus maze (EPM), light–dark box (LDB), and hole‐board (HBT) tests, while antidepressant effects were evaluated using forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). Diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine HCl (20 mg/kg, p.o.) were used as the reference standard. The phytochemical analyses revealed several bioactive metabolites, including higher contents of total phenolics and flavonoids. The EPM and LDB tests demonstrated an increased time spent in open arms and light box, and the HBT showed an increased number of head dipping, indicating the anxiolytic effects of Me‐BLL. The TST and FST revealed a decrease in immobility time, meaning the persuasive antidepressant effects. The antioxidative effects of Me‐BLL have also been observed prominently. Correspondingly, the computer‐aided investigation confirmed several bioactive lead molecules. Specifically, thymol and cuminol revealed potential anxiolytic and antioxidant effects, while stigmast‐5‐en‐3.beta.‐ol and gamma‐sitosterol possessed promising antidepressant effects. Taken these results as a base, the plant has imperative potentials in managing anxiety and depression‐like disorders.

Plant-based indole alkaloids are very rich in pharmacological activities, and the indole nucleus is considered to contribute greatly to these activities. This review’s fundamental objective is to summarize the pharmacological potential of indole alkaloids that have been derived from plants and provide a detailed evaluation of their established pharmacological activities, which may contribute to identifying new lead compounds. The study was performed by searching various scientific databases, including Springer, Elsevier, ACS Publications, Taylor and Francis, Thieme, Wiley Online Library, ProQuest, MDPI, and online scientific books. A total of 100 indole compounds were identified and reviewed. The most active compounds possessed a variety of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, analgesic, hypotensive, anticholinesterase, antiplatelet, antidiarrheal, spasmolytic, antileishmanial, lipid-lowering, antimycobacterial, and antidiabetic activities. Although some compounds have potent activity, some only have mild-to-moderate activity. The pharmacokinetic profiles of some of the identified compounds, such as brucine, mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, vindoline, and harmane, were also reviewed. Most of these compounds showed promising pharmacological activity. An in-depth pharmacological evaluation of these compounds should be performed to determine whether any of these indoles may serve as new leads.

Mangifera longipes and Quercus gomeziana both is an ethnomedicinally important Asian herb that has been known for numerous healing activity of tribal people. The present research aims to investigate the phytochemical analysis with in vitro, in vivo possibilities of the soluble ethanol extract of M. longipes root (EEMLR) and Q. gomeziana leaves (EEQGL) by an experimental approach. The plant extract of EEMLR and EEQGL was found secondary metabolites, notably steroids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, gums, and alkaloids. Additionally, the extract showed significant activity in antioxidant, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, membrane stabilization, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, and analgesic activities while no response in antibacterial activity. Our findings reveal that soluble ethanol extract of EEMLR and EEQGL is safe, which can be an effective source for exploring new medicinal products. This research's outcomes may provide potentials for mitigating pyrexia, inflammation, pain, cellular toxicity, and coagulation.

Plant-derived chemicals are a source of novel chemotherapeutic agents. Throughout the human civilization, these novel chemicals have led to the discovery of new pharmacological active agents. Research on herbal medicine is of great importance, as most of the active agents used for treating numerous diseases are from natural sources, while other agents are either semisynthetic or synthetic. Pongamol, a flavonoid, which is the main constituent of Pongamia pinnata, is one such active agents, which exhibits diverse pharmacological activities. Various in vivo and in vitro studies revealed that pongamol is a potentially active agent, as it exerts anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic activities. Accordingly, the aim of the present review was to give an up-to-date overview on the chemistry, isolation, bioavailability, pharmacological activity, and health benefits of pongamol. This review focuses on the medicinal and health promoting activities of pongamol, along with possible mechanisms of action. For this purpose, this review summarizes the most recent literature pertaining to pongamol as a therapeutic agent against several diseases. In addition, the review covers information related to the toxicological assessment and safety of this phytochemical, and highlights the medicinal and folk values of this compound against various diseases and ailments.

We are sharing the results of our study which retrospectively looked at the impact of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ongoing pandemic.Severe acute respiratory syn...

The Curcuma genus has been extensively used for therapeutic purposes in traditional or folk medicine worldwide, including for its anti-inflammatory activity. Curcuma spp.'s active constituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, can act on various targets in the signaling pathway, restrain pro-inflammatory enzymes, lower the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and reduce oxidative stress, which subsequently suppresses inflammatory processes. Preclinical and clinical studies have reported the predominant anti-inflammatory activity of several Curcuma species. This review provides an overview of the anti-inflammatory effects of different extracts, preparations, and bioactive components in this genus. This analysis may provide a scientific basis for developing new and alternative methods for the isolation of a single entity from this genus to attenuate inflammatory conditions. The Curcuma genus is waiting for researchers interested in developing safe and efficient anti-inflammatory agents for further investigation.