INTRODUCTION:Functional foods provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, with medicinal plants like Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) (Shatavari) offering therapeutic potential. This study investigates the incorporation of A. racemosus root powder into noodles and pasta to create nutrient-rich functional foods. METHODS:A. racemosus roots were dried, powdered, and incorporated into noodles and pasta formulations at varying levels (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Sensory evaluation for color, texture, taste, and overall acceptability was conducted using a nine-point hedonic scale. Proximate analyses assessed moisture, ash, fiber, protein, fat, carbohydrates, energy, calcium, and iron content. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test. RESULTS:Sensory evaluation revealed that products with 15% A. racemosus powder (T3) scored highest for all attributes. Nutritional analysis indicated significant increases in fiber (3.12 ± 0.47 g vs. 1.74 ± 0.03 g), carbohydrates (76.07 ± 0.33 g vs. 64.72 ± 0.77 g), calcium (95.26 ± 0.62 mg vs. 14.5 ± 0.48 mg), and energy (349 ± 0.64 kcal vs. 322.2 ± 0.38 kcal) in T3 compared to the control (T0). CONCLUSION:Incorporating A. racemosus root powder into noodles and pasta enhances sensory appeal and nutritional value, offering a functional food option rich in fiber, calcium, and energy. This approach addresses consumer demand for health-promoting and natural ingredients in processed foods. Further research on long-term health benefits is recommended.

The stem of Tinospora cordifolia has been traditionally used in traditional Indian systems of medicine for blood sugar control, without the knowledge of the underlying mechanism and chemical constitution responsible for the observed anti-diabetic effect. In the present study, Tinosporaside, a diterpenoid isolated from the stem of T. cordifolia, was investigated for its effects on glucose utilization in skeletal muscle cells, which was followed by determining the anti-hyperglycemic efficacy in our diabetic db/db mice model. We found that tinosporaside augmented glucose uptake by increasing the translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane in L6 myotubes, upon prolonged exposure for 16 h. Moreover, tinosporaside treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation of protein kinase B/AKT (Ser-473) and 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK, Thr-172). These effects were abolished in the presence of the wortmannin and compound C. Administration of tinosporaside to db/db mice improved glucose tolerance and peripheral insulin sensitivity associated with increased gene expression and phosphorylation of the markers of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and AMPK signaling in skeletal muscle tissue. The findings revealed that tinosporaside exerted its antidiabetic efficacy by enhancing the rate of glucose utilization in skeletal muscle, mediated by PI3K- and AMPK-dependent signaling mechanisms.

Peptic ulcers pose a significant challenge in modern medicine, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatments to conventional medications. This study investigates the potential of Psidium guajava and Beta vulgaris extracts as alternative treatments for peptic ulcers. Physicochemical analysis reveals that Psidium guajava extract is rich in flavonoids, while Beta vulgaris extract contains saponins. Fractionation followed by GC-MS analysis identifies beta-bisabolene and caffeic acid in the Psidium guajava extract, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Comparative chromatography confirms the presence of caffeic acid in Beta vulgaris extract, which is recognized for its high antioxidant properties. Using a rat model of pylorus ligation-induced ulcers, the combined extract of Psidium guajava and Beta vulgaris effectively reduces gastric acid secretion, inhibits ulcers, and provides Cytoprotective effects. Histopathological analysis confirms the effectiveness of Psidium guajava 's flavonoids and Beta vulgarise Saponins in treating peptic ulcers. These findings highlight the potential of Psidium guajava and Beta vulgaris extracts as promising alternatives for peptic ulcer management, offering a safer and more efficient approach to ulcer therapy.

Oregano essential oil (OEO) possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, and preservative properties, making it a promising candidate for various biotechnological and biomedical applications. However, the inherent volatility, hydrophobicity, and susceptibility to external factors such as light, heat, and oxygen can compromise its stability and bioactivity. To overcome these limitations, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were incorporated into an oregano oil nanoemulsion, enhancing both its antimicrobial efficacy and mechanical properties. Chronic Mucocutaneous candidiasis, often associated with recurrent unexplained fungal infections, is characterized by inherited T-cell defects and typically requires prolonged antifungal treatment. The approved oral imidazole derivative, ketoconazole, is commonly used for the treatment of candidiasis, chronic Mucocutaneous candidiasis, and oral thrush. However, non-compliance, therapy failure, and systemic side effects have been reported with prolonged use of ketoconazole. In this study, we developed a silver nanoparticle-loaded oregano oil nanoemulsion as a potential alternative. Our results demonstrated that the prepared nanoemulsion exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity, as indicated by larger zones of inhibition compared to the standard ketoconazole and oregano oil combination, as confirmed by the disc diffusion method. This novel formulation holds great promise for the treatment of Mucocutaneous candidiasis, providing an effective and potentially safer alternative to current therapies.

A series of benzofuran-based chromenochalcones (16-35) were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activities in L-6 skeletal muscle cells and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat models, respectively, and further in vivo dyslipidemia activity of the compounds was evaluated in a Triton-induced hyperlipidemic hamster model. Among them, compounds 16, 18, 21, 22, 24, 31, and 35 showed significant glucose uptake stimulatory effects in skeletal muscle cells and were further evaluated for in vivo efficacy. Compounds 21, 22, and 24 showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Compounds 16, 20, 21, 24, 28, 29, 34, 35, and 36 were found active in antidyslipidemic studies. Furthermore, compound 24 effectively improved the postprandial and fasting blood glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance, serum lipid profile, serum insulin level, and the HOMA-index of db/db mice, following 15 days of successive treatment.

Indian Journal of Natural Products,2022,36,1,44-51.DOI:10.5530/ijnp.2022.1.7Published:February 2023Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Swati Srivastava, Divya Rani Sharma, Arvind Kumar Srivastava, Alok Mukerjee, Abhishek Kumar Tripathi, and Sunil Kumar Singh Author(s) affiliations:Swati Srivastava, Divya Rani Sharma, Arvind Kumar Srivastava*, Alok Mukerjee, Abhishek Kumar Tripathi, Sunil Kumar Singh Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Naini, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Wounds are a serious worldwide health problem that place significant economic, financial, and social strain on health care organizations, professionals, patients, and their families. Aim: To investigate the anti- inflammatory and wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of leaves Cycas revoluta. Materials and Methods: In albino rats, the anti- inflammatory and wound healing activity was explored using complete excision, incision wound model and paw edema induced wound model. The wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity were then compared to that of other standard medications available. Results: In both models investigated, different dosages of CREE (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) significantly improved wound healing activity. When compared to the control group of mice, animals treated with CREE had a higher rate of wound contraction (p<0.001), a shorter period for epithelialization (p<0.01), a higher skin breaking strength (p<0.001), and a higher hydroxyproline content. In addition, histopathological investigations of the CREE-treated groups demonstrated better wound healing. Conclusion: The study reveals the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extracts (95%) of leaves part of Cycas revoluta in complete wound healing and anti-inflammation model. The extracts seem promising for the development of phytomedicine for wound healing and anti-inflammatory and study provides future research in screening the extract constituents responsible for the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity. Keywords:Anti-inflammatory, Cycas revoluta, Ethanolic extract (95%)., Wound healingView:PDF (1.47 MB)

BACKGROUND:Due to the prevalence of type-2 diabetes across the globe, there is an unmet need to explore new molecular targets for the development of cost-effective and safer antihyperglycemic agents. OBJECTIVE:Structural modification of phytol and evaluation of in vitro, in vivo and in silico antihyperglycemic activity of derivatives establishing the preliminary structure activity relationship (SAR). METHODS:The semi-synthetic derivatives of phytol were prepared following previously described methods. The antihyperglycemic potential was measured in vitro in terms of increase in 2- deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake by L-6 rat skeletal muscle cells as well as in vivo in sucrose-loaded (SLM) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat models. The blood glucose profile was measured at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 1440 min post administration of sucrose in rats. The in silico docking was performed on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) as antidiabetic target along with absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) studies. RESULTS:Nine semi-synthetic ester derivatives: acetyl (1), lauroyl (2), palmitoyl (3), pivaloyl (4), trans-crotonyl (5), benzoyl (6), m-anisoyl (7), 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzoyl (8) cinnamoyl (9) along with bromo derivative (10) of phytol were prepared. The derivatives 9, 8 and 2 caused 4.5, 3.2 and 2.7 times more in vitro uptake of 2-DG respectively than rosiglitazone (ROSI). The derivatives showed significant improvement in oral glucose tolerance both in SLM (29.6-21%) as well as STZ-induced diabetic (30.8-19.0%) rats. The in silico ADMET, docking studies showed non-toxicity and high binding affinity with PPARγ. CONCLUSION:The potent antihyperglycemic activity with favorable pharmacokinetics supports phytol derivatives as a suitable antidiabetic lead.

Introduction: The present study deals with the synthesis of pregnane-oximino-amino-alkyl-ethers and their evaluation for antidiabetic and anti-dyslipidemic activities in validated animal and cell culture models. Methods: The effect on glucose tolerance was measured in sucrose-loaded rats; antidiabetic activity was evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and genetically diabetic db/db mice; the anti-dyslipidemic effect was characterized in high-fructose, high-fat diet (HFD)-fed dyslipidemic hamsters. The effect on glucose production and glucose utilization was analyzed in HepG2 liver and L6 skeletal muscle cells, respectively. Results: From the synthesized molecules, pregnane-oximino-amino-alkyl-ether (compound 14b) improved glucose clearance in sucrose-loaded rats and exerted antihyperglycemic activity on STZ-induced diabetic rats. Further evaluation in genetically diabetic db/db mice showed temporal decrease in blood glucose, and improvement in glucose tolerance and lipid parameters, associated with mild improvement in the serum insulin level. Moreover, compound 14b treatment displayed an anti-dyslipidemic effect characterized by significant improvement in altered lipid parameters of the high-fructose, HFD-fed dyslipidemic hamster model. In vitro analysis in the cellular system suggested that compound 14b decreased glucose production in liver cells and stimulated glucose utilization in skeletal muscle cells. These beneficial effects of compound 14b were associated with the activation of the G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor TGR5. Conclusion: Compound 14b exhibits antidiabetic and anti-dyslipidemic activities through activating the TGR5 receptor system and can be developed as a lead for the management of type II diabetes and related metabolic complications.

Rohitukine (RH) was extracted from the stem bark of Dysoxylum binectariferum Hook. It was derivatized to different arylsulphanmides by treating with the corresponding aryl sulphonyl chlorides. These derivatives were tested in-vitro on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition. Among these the active compounds K2, K3, K5, and K8 significantly inhibited the PTP1B by 51.3%, 65.6%, 71.9%, and 55.9% respectively at 10 mu g/ml, the results were also supported by in-silico docking experiments. The most potent compound K5 was analyzed for antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic activity in vivo. It showed a marked reduction in blood glucose level (random and fasting) and serum insulin level in db/db mice. It improved glucose intolerance as ascertained by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). These NCEs (New Chemical Entities) also lowered cholesterol and triglyceride profiles while improved high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in db/db mice. The K5 was further evaluated for antiadipogenic activity on MDI (Methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin)-induced adipogenesis. where it significantly inhibited MDI-induced adipogenesis in 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes, at 10 mu M and 20 mu M concentration. These results were compared with the parent compound RH which inhibited 35% and 45% lipid accumulation while the RH analog K5 inhibited the lipid accumulation by 41% and 51% at 10 and 20 mu M concentration, respectively. These results well corroborated with in-silico studies.

Indian Journal of Natural Products,2021,35,1,19-24.DOI:10.5530/ijnp.2021.1.5Published:February 2021Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Neeraj Kumar Shrivastava, Alok Mukerjee, Sunil Kumar Singh, Abhishek Kumar Tripathi, and Arvind Kumar Srivastava Author(s) affiliations:Neeraj Kumar Shrivastava*, Alok Mukerjee, Sunil Kumar Singh, Abhishek Kumar Tripathi, Arvind Kumar Srivastava Department of Pharmacology, United Institute of Pharmacy, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA. Abstract:Present study includes the ameliorating effect of dried extract seed of Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb var. amara (DC.) on Scopolamine hydrobromide (ScHBr) induced memory impairment in rats, cholinesterase activity and oxidative stress. Cognitive disorders include various factors as amnesia, difficulties in attention and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurologically disorders. Basic mechanism of neuro related disorder underlies with neuroapoptsis. The term Neuroapoptsis means dead of neurons, leads to dementia, abnormal behaviour, psychological changes which may even leads to death of the individuals. Characteristics features of this disease include irregularity in learning and memory, deposition of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, elevated level of Acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) and oxidative stress. Amnesia causing agent includes Scopolamine hydrobromide, which tends to increase AChE activity. Extract dose was administered at 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg of body weight of animals for consecutive 7th and 8th day for Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and 10th and 11th day for Morris water maze (MWM) to the various groups of animals Standard Nootropic agents was used for this study is Piracetam at a dose of 120mg/kg of body weight. Summary Results indicate that extract of seed have potential to decrease transfer latency at 7th day and 8th day in the EPM task and transfer latency on acquistion day i.e 10th day and transfer latency (TL) on retention day on 11th day in Morris Water Maze. PDWA extract shows decreased the activity of cholinesterase in brain and also exhibited improve antioxidant defence system leads to decrease level of Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance TBARS which is indication of diminished oxidative stress and improve cognitive function. Keywords:(PDWA), Acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) Thio Barbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), Amnesia, Cognition, Prunus dulcis (Mill.), Scopolamine hydrobromide (ScHBr)View:PDF (792.88 KB)

A series of chalcone and flavone derivatives (6a-d, 9a-f) based on 2,4-thiazolidinedione have been synthesized and evaluated for in vivo antihyperglycemic activity in sucrose loaded (SLM) and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic animal models and also for antidyslipidemic activity in the triton model. Compounds 9d, 9e, and 9f exhibited potent blood glucose-lowering activity in both SLM and STZ models. Compounds 6c, 6d, and 9c, 9e, and 9f showed moderate lipid-lowering activity. The selected most potent compounds 6d and 9e were also studied in db/db mice for both antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic activity.

Kidneys have a capability to filter waste from our blood, when this capacity of kidneys compromised several disturbances in our body arise. Acute kidney injury is a reversible disorder characterized by a rapid loss of renal function shown by an increase in Serum creatinine, urea nitrogen on an hourly, daily, weekly basis. According to the WHO Kidney disease causes over 850,000 deaths every year. Chronic kidney disease being greatest cause of mortality and largest cause of disability. Chronic renal failure is irreversible but precaution may prevent further damage of nephrons. Quercetin is a flavonol present in a number of plant parts that belongs to the category of polyphenols. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that is extensively used now days to treat chronic renal failure. In this study adenine is used to induce chronic renal failure and enalapril in conjunction with a natural compound querectin is applied for the suppression of chronic renal failure. Water intake, urine output, food intake, biochemical analysis of blood and urine with kidneys histopathological markers were investigated for all five treatment groups were compared with control group. Quercetin with enalapril treated animals recovered significantly when compared with the control and standard groups. Quercetin shows free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory response on kidney and reduces the stress on kidneys, on the other hand Enalapril, due to its diuretic action expels the waste materials from the blood circulation.

Chalcone and flavone derivatives based on thiourea and sulfonylurea (6, 7a and 7b, 13a and 13b) were synthesized and confirmed by spectral data. All the target compounds were evaluated for in vivo antihyperglycemic activity in sucrose loaded model (SLM) and compounds 6, 7a and 7b for antidyslipidemic activity in the triton model . Among the synthesized compounds, the sulfonylurea derivative of chalcone (6) showed the best antidyslipidemic activity by lowering the total cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides by 18%, 45%, and 33%, respectively. The activity profile of the synthesized compounds provides future direction in designing the new compounds.

Background Diabetes mellitus is a major public health issue related to the irregular metabolism of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. It occurs due to insufficient insulin production and insulin action. Cucumis melo possesses several biological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antihypothyroidism, and antiangiogenic activities. The objective of the present study was to determine the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of Cucumis melo var. momordica fruit extract on experimental animals. Result Results show that treatment with C. melo fruit extract and fraction caused a reduction in blood glucose levels. Cucumis melo toluene fraction (CMTF) exhibited a significant (* P < 0.05) reduction of blood glucose level on the 28th day, i.e., 122 mg/dL, in comparison with the positive control group (streptozotocin (STZ)). However, the extract of C. melo showed less significant results in comparison with CMTF. Triglyceride, LDL, and VLDL levels were increased chronically due to STZ and were significantly (* P < 0.05) restored to 84.16, 86.97, and 19.73, respectively, by CMTF in comparison with the positive control group (STZ in the dose of 55 mg/kg). The extract-treated groups also showed similar results as CMTF, but their efficacy was lesser than CMTF. Conclusion It is can be concluded that C. melo fruits can be used as an effective antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic drug. Graphical abstract

Fungal diseases caused by Candida albicans were commonly treated with antifungal econazole nitrate as a standard regimen. According to the poorly water soluble of Econazole nitrate, the nanocrystal formulation was prepared. The aim of this study was to investigate nanocrystals produced by precipitation homogenization method on the Superficial fungal infection in immunocompromised patients can lead to many disorders and complications. Currently, new topical treatment options are critically needed to treat these fungal infections. Econazole nitrate (EN) is a topical antifungal medicine used for fungal infection treatment. The purpose of this paper was to develop a new topical econazole nitrate nanocrystal (ENC) incorporated hydrogel. This study suggested the potential benefits of ENC embedded in a gel as a drug delivery system for topical antifungal treatments. Preliminary experiments were therefore carried out to characterize the ENC in comparison with raw drug. Prepared gel was homogeneous for human use with non-irritant and safe. Nano-systems showe higher skin retention and better antifungal activity. Drugs retained from LNC hydrogel (N-GEL) in different skin layers within 8 h were the highest. Therefore, it was observed that ENC loaded hydrogel was more effective in killing the fungus. Consequently, hydrogel incorporated with ENC could be a new approach with improved activity and increased dermal delivery for drugs with poor aqueous solubility rather than coarse drug containing gel.

Nature is a rich source of natural drug-like compounds with minimal side effects. Phytochemicals better known as “Natural Products” are found abundantly in a number of plants. Since time immemorial, spices have been widely used in Indian cuisine as flavoring and coloring agents. Most of these spices and condiments are derived from various biodiversity hotspots in India (which contribute 75% of global spice production) and form the crux of India’s multidiverse and multicultural cuisine. Apart from their aroma, flavor and taste, these spices and condiments are known to possess several medicinal properties also. Most of these spices are mentioned in the Ayurveda, the indigenous system of medicine. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties of several of these natural products are well documented in Ayurveda. These phytoconstituemts are known to act as functional immunoboosters, immunomodulators as well as anti-inflammatory agents. As anticancer agents, their mechanistic action involves cancer cell death via induction of apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. The present review provides a comprehensive and collective update on the potential of 66 commonly used spices as well as their bioactive constituents as anticancer agents. The review also provides an in-depth update of all major in vitro, in vivo, clinical and pharmacological studies done on these spices with special emphasis on the potential of these spices and their bioactive constituents as potential functional foods for prevention, treatment and management of cancer.

Nature is a rich source of natural drug-like compounds with minimal side effects. Phytochemicals better known as "Natural Products" are found abundantly in a number of plants. Since time immemorial, spices have been widely used in Indian cuisine as flavoring and coloring agents. Most of these spices and condiments are derived from various biodiversity hotspots in India (which contribute 75% of global spice production) and form the crux of India's multidiverse and multicultural cuisine. Apart from their aroma, flavor and taste, these spices and condiments are known to possess several medicinal properties also. Most of these spices are mentioned in the Ayurveda, the indigenous system of medicine. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties of several of these natural products are well documented in Ayurveda. These phytoconstituemts are known to act as functional immunoboosters, immunomodulators as well as anti-inflammatory agents. As anticancer agents, their mechanistic action involves cancer cell death via induction of apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. The present review provides a comprehensive and collective update on the potential of 66 commonly used spices as well as their bioactive constituents as anticancer agents. The review also provides an in-depth update of all major in vitro, in vivo, clinical and pharmacological studies done on these spices with special emphasis on the potential of these spices and their bioactive constituents as potential functional foods for prevention, treatment and management of cancer.

The study aims antifungal response of the dug griseofulvin. Nano-precipitation method by sonication was adopted to formulate the nano particles. SEM test was performed to check the shape and average size of the particles. FTIR test was performed for the chemical interaction between the drug and the carrier. Ointment was prepared by the fusion method and the viscosity test was performed by Brookfield viscometer. Spread ability test was performed by slide method. Animal activity was performed to confirm the antifungal effect of the formulated nanoointment. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA. SEM study shows that the particles is in the nano range and possess a spherical shape. FTIR study shows no interaction between the drug and the carrier. The result of in-vitro drug release study shows that the nano-ointment posses a higher drug release rate as compared to the drug alone. Topical drug administration is more suitable for the treatment of the fungal infection, so the nano-particles was incorporated into the ointment by geometric mixing. The viscosity and the spread ability test were performed on the different formulations of the ointment and the suitable one was selected for the topical administration. Anti-fungal study had been performed on the Wistar albino rats for 6 d. Skin culture of rats was performed for the formation of the fungal colonies. Statistical analysis by ANOVA gives p<0.001. It was found that the normal form of griseofulvin nano form both possess anti-fungal activity as 3/6 and 2/6 experimental animals are cured by normal formulation and nano-formulation.The present anti-fungal study revealed that the nano-form of the ointment possess higher anti-fungal activity than the normal formulation of griseofulvin nano-ointment.