Abiotic and biotic stress is a staid confront for nourishing global agriculture yields and food supply. Nanoparticles (NPs) are thought to be a key tool for raising agricultural yields in present drastic environmental variations. NPs' application improves amalgamation of the hormones, osmoprotectants, bioactive compounds, free radical scavenging efficacy and expression of genes, thus assisting plants to effectively defend themselves under various stresses. Nanoproducts such as nanopesticides, nanocarriers and nanosensors hold considerable potential for smart and sustained delivery of agrochemicals, genetic material and rapid disease detection, in addition to dynamic and precise crop water monitoring. NPs manifest pesticidal and insecticidal properties by altering the porosity of cell membranes, denaturing nucleic acid, arresting the cell cycle and generating oxidative stress. Furthermore, NPs strengthen plant resistance to stresses by boosting water and mineral uptake, improving ROS-scavenging enzymes, improving the photosynthetic rate and gas exchange parameters. Plants use intricate processes to organise absorption and mobilise NPs. However, there is keen urgency for the incorporation and use of multiomics in plants to get mechanistic insights at molecular levels to comprehend the signalling pathways initiated in response to NPs and for understanding phytotoxicity. In conclusion, this study not only emphasises the relevance of nanoenabled techniques in enhancing wheat health, but it also demonstrates their potential to address global food security issues.

Digera muricata Mart, a plant having therapeutic characteristics that has been utilised traditionally, belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, and a promising source of specific natural products utilized as antioxidant, prophylactic, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, anti-diabetic, and allelopathic agent. In the present study, a biologically active phytosterol was isolated from Digera muricata Mart. The isolated compound was characterized by 13C, 1H NMR, FTIR, and HRMS. Characterization of the isolate was done by antimicrobial assay, and molecular docking. The antimicrobial potential of the isolated phytosterol (50 µl) against Streptococcus pyogenes was found to be maximum (ZOI-20.0 ± 1.0), followed by Streptococcus agalactiae (ZOI-11.3±1.5), Candida albicans (ZOI- 09.0 ± 1.0), Klebsiella pneumonia (ZOI-8.6 ± 1.5) and Escherichia coli (ZOI-8.6 ± 1.5). The molecular docking results indicate that the phytosterol binds to the receptor 1AI9 at the 32th and 58th positions; 1KZN receptor at the 76th position, the 5L3J receptor at the 46th (ASN) and 136th (ARG) position; 7WIJ receptor at the 419th (ARG) and 582th (ASP) and 585th (ASN) positions.

A series of novel N-arylsulfonylated C-homoaporphine alkaloids were synthesized under microwave irradiation and evaluated for their in vitro antiplatelet and antimicrobial activities. Among the series, compounds 12a, 12c, 12e, 12f, 12h, 12j, 12k, 12m, and 12o demonstrated highly potent (∼3-fold) platelet aggregation inhibitory activity than acetylsalicylic acid (IC50 = 21.34 μg/mL). Several N-arylsulfonylated C-homoaporphines also exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against various strains, including Macrophoma phaseolina, Trichoderma reesei, and Aspergillus niger, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 12.5, 6.25, and 12.5 μg/mL, respectively, comparable to Ketoconazole [MIC = 12.5 μg/mL (MP and AN strain); 6.25 μg/mL (TR strain)]. 12h showed potent antibacterial activity (IC50 = 6.25 μg/mL against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis) compared to Ampicillin (IC50 = 12.5 μg/mL). After thorough structure-activity relationship (SAR) and in silico studies, C-homoaporphines were identified as a novel class of antiplatelet and antimicrobial agents.

This study explores the multifaceted attributes of quinoa crude protein, shedding light on its potential applications in various fields. Quinoa is a crop with great potential because of its high nutritious contents and is the subject of growing interest due to its potential health benefits. This research aims to uncover the properties and applications of quinoa crude protein, including its protein content, antimicrobial potential, protease activity, and anticancer potential. Extracted crude protein from Quinoa seed was estimated using the Folin Lowry method, and SDS-PAGE to identify distinct protein profiles. The antimicrobial activity of the crude protein was assessed through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Protease activity was measured, and the cytotoxicity of the crude protein was determined on various cell lines. The study found that quinoa crude protein contains 0.354 mg/gm of protein, though this may vary based on quinoa variety and growth conditions. SDS-PAGE analysis identified four prominent proteins with minimal disruption during extraction. The protein exhibited strong antimicrobial potential, with low MIC values against specific bacterial strains. The quinoa crude hydrolysate displayed significant protease activity, indicating potential industrial applications. The cytotoxicity of the protein was dose-dependent, with a notable impact on cancer cells. Quinoa crude protein holds promise for diverse applications. Its variable protein content, antimicrobial potential, protease activity, and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells all suggest its potential in fields ranging from nutrition and health to biotechnology and industry.

In an exploration of novel spirooxindole-pyrrolidine/spirooxindole-pyrrolizine-based compounds as antimicrobial and antitubercular agents, we have prepared a new series of pharmacologically privileged substructures, i.e., chalcone-isatin based spirooxindole compounds 12a-j, 13a-e, 14a-d, and 15-16 which were derived by the reaction of various substituted amino acids 11a-d, respectively, substituted chalcone (Me, OMe, Cl) 10a-m and isatins 9a-b via one-pot three-component [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. We also report the SAR, and in silico molecular docking studies of 12a-j, 13a-e, 14a-d, and 15. While compared to the standard drug ampicillin (MIC = 25 mu g/mL), compounds 13c, 13e, 14a, and 15 (MIC = 12.5 mu g/mL) have shown to be twice as potent against the Bacillus subtilis [BS] bacterial strain. Compounds 12a and 13c (MIC = 25 mu g/mL) exhibited equipotent behavior towards ampicillin (MIC = 25 mu g/mL), a bacterial strain of B. subtilis [BS]. Compounds 13b (MIC = 3.125 mu g/Ml) and 15 (MIC = 1.56 mu g/mL) demonstrated strong antitubercular activity in the antitubercular activity assay when compared to the conventional medications Rifampicin (MIC = 0.2 mu g/mL) and INH (MIC = 0.1 mu g/mL). We also report, for the first time, in vitro antimicrobial activity of some previously reported spiro compounds 12c, 12f and 12 g.

Herein, a novel series of natural product alkaloid 'Cephalandole A' analogues 19a -y, and 20a -d were rapidly synthesised under microwave irradiation conditions using PTSA in catalytic amount dissolved in acetonitrile at 90 degrees C for 15 min. The developed one-pot protocol is operationally simple, rapid (15 min) and furnished the target analogues in up to 90 % yield. All the synthesised analogues of Cephalandole A were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH free-radical scavenging and FRAP assays. The in vitro studies of DPPH radical scavenging assay provided 19a (IC50 = 11.87 +/- 0.14 mu g/mL), 19f (IC50 = 16.34 +/- 0.27 mu g/mL), 19n (IC50 = 15.37 +/- 0.11 mu g/mL) and 20a (IC50 = 14.54 +/- 0.31 mu g/mL) respectively, as the most active compounds of the series. In addition, the analogous 19d (556.3 +/- 13.1 mu M) and 19v (551.9 +/- 14.2 mu M) showed promising activity in FRAP assay. However, the standard reference drug ascorbic acid showed an IC50 value of 4.57 mu g/mL in the DPPH assay, and BHT showed C-0.5FRAP = 546.0 +/- 13.6 mu M in the FRAP assay. In silico studies were performed to validate the wet results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating 'Cephalandole A' analogues as a new class of antioxidant agents.

Plant-based drugs isolated from medicinal plants are undergoing nearly exponential growth in the last few years with huge popularity by the people of both developing and developed nations mostly because of their natural origin and negligible side effects. Among many recent life style related diseases, viz., COPD, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's, diarrhea, tuberculosis, and cirrhosis, diabetes is probably the major concern in today's world. The incidence and associated mortality of this silent killer is increasing day by day. Diabetes mellitus is categorized as highly prone diseases in which there is enhanced blood glucose level in blood streams imposing harsh consequences. Suitable chemical and synthetic drugs are not scarce, but their vigorous and long time usage creates disruption in the body and mind of ailing patients. Hence, there is a long and consistent search toward obtaining a natural alternative with as few side effects as possible. Medicinal plants are considered an important therapeutic aid in this regard toward reducing this severe ailment to a considerable extent. Strong medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Chinese are still showing potential and have been practiced over 1500 years only because of their natural and motherly care through these magical plants. The majority of the people (>60%–80%) from developed as well as developing countries depend largely on these medicinal systems and rely on these special herbals. Dietary polyphenols and other bioactive components present in medicinal plants have long been broadly studied as antidiabetic agents in cells, animals including human communities which have been proved by clinical trials. The present review comprehensively addresses the epidemiology, statistics, nature, types, and pervasiveness of diabetes and suggests the potential antidiabetic activity of scores of medicinal plants with scientific relevance of using these time-tested traditional herbal medicines in our modern pharmaceutical drugs against diabetics. This wisdom would certainly enlighten researchers to design a roadmap for future research on diabetes.

Nanoparticles particularly in the agricultural sector have a positive impact on environmental sustainability and existence of microbial population. The uncontrolled deposition of metal-based nanoparticles in the soil had led to toxicity of the soil which would ultimately result in the bioremediation of organic as well as inorganic contaminants in the soil. The soil physicochemical properties are affected to a large extent by the synthesized nanoparticles. Various formulations of metallic NPs such as nanofertilizers, nanoherbicides, etc. have been explored for their role in plant growth promotion till date. The positive and negative effects imparted by the nanoparticles on the natural ecosystem also are well documented. Future studies should highlight areas on utilization of biogenic nanoparticles and work on immobilization of soil contaminants. Furthermore, the positive effects of microbial nanoproducts in the bioremediation of heavy metals and improvement of soil health status can serve as a model to fully maximize their agricultural use in boosting soil fertility, crop productivity and other ecological facilities.

The life cycle of plants is regulated by ethylene in numerous ways, including adaptations to biotic and abiotic stimuli, flower growth, fruit ripening, senescence, and seed germination. As a result, it is crucial for interactions to the environment that directly affect a plant’s capacity for adaptability and reproduction. Major progress has been made in recent years in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms controlling the synthesis and activity of ethylene. The gaseous plant hormone ethylene is produced via a straightforward two-step biosynthesis process. Despite the simplicity of this route, current molecular and genetic investigations have shown that ethylene production regulation is far more complex and takes place at various layers. The homeostasis of ethylene’s general precursor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), which is subject to transcriptional and post translational control of its synthesizing enzymes (SAM synthetase), as well as the metabolic flux through the nearby Yang cycle, are closely related to each other. Two specific enzymes, 1 aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic (ACS) synthase and ACC oxidase, continue ethylene production from SAM (ACO). In order for plant electron transport cascades to function effectively, both the oxidized and reduced forms of electron carriers must be present simultaneously. This requirement is known as redox positioning, which entails the transfer of electrons to molecular oxygen from various places in the respiratory and photosynthetic electron transport chains. During the course of a plant’s lifetime, adverse environmental conditions like drought, high or low temperature, heavy metal stress, etc., cause the development of superoxide, which in turn gives rise to additional reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ascorbate, a further hydrophilic redox buffer produced by plant cells, shields the plants from oxidative stress. The redox homeostasis is also governed by sizable pools of antioxidants. Additionally, tocopherol is an effective scavenger of ROS like singlet oxygen because it is a liposoluble redox buffer. Additionally, proteinaceous thiol members, including the electron transporters and energy metabolism mediators phosphorylated (NADP) and non-phosphorylated (NAD+) coenzyme forms, interact with ROS, metabolize, and maintain redox homeostasis. Examples include thioredoxin, peroxiredoxin, and glutaredoxin. ACC synthase (ACS), ACC oxidase, and aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic (ACC) synthase (ACO).This review focuses on important new findings and incorporates knowledge of ethylene production and redox homeostasis in several plant species.

Poly(ether amine) (PEA)-based fluorescent polymer carbon dots (FPCDs) have been synthesized via a simple Schiff base reaction between poly(ether amine) (PEA) and formaldehyde followed by its hydrothermal treatment. The resulting water-soluble FPCDs are 2 nm in size and show excitation-dependent emission properties. Blue-emissive FPCDs exhibit the maximum intensity of fluorescence at 440 nm under 360 nm excitation and show a high quantum yield of & SIM;18%. FPCDs are used for selective Fe3+ metal ion sensing in aqueous media through the fluorescence quenching of FPCDs with a limit of detection of similar to 162 nM. Nontoxic FPCDs have been used for cancer cell imaging and also for intracellular Fe(3+ )metal ion sensing in cancer cells. FPCDs have been used for Fe3+ ion sensing in industrial effluents, and they serve as sensors even in the presence of other competing metal ions. To determine the real application potential of FPCDs as a sensor, FPCDs are used to establish the Fe3+ metal ion content in samples of spiked blood serum with remarkable specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy. Moreover, we proposed a possible sensing mechanism wherein Fe3+ metal ions interacted with the functional groups present on the surface of FPCDs, and fluorescence quenching occurred via a static quenching mechanism along with an inner filter effect (IFE).

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a group of polyhydroxylated plant steroid hormones with similar structures to animals' steroid hormones that are crucial for many aspects of a plant's life. Their characteristic feature is their resemblance to plant sterols like sitosterol and campesterol. BR was recognized as a regulator of transcription and translation thereby changing the expression pattern of total proteins, enzymes, and photosynthetic rate, and finally the seed yield, at harvest. Physiologically they have an effect on seed germination, flowering, senescence, photosynthesis, chlorophyll, and on various antioxidant enzymes like carbonic anhydrase, nitrite reductase, superoxide dismutase, etc., in maintaining their stability by the encoding of genes required for their stimulation. The mechanistic pathway depicts that BR retrieves signal by BRASSINOSTERIOD INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1) receptor kinase present at the base of the cell and kindles BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1 (BZR1) and BRI1-EMS SUPPRESSOR 1 (BES1) phases of transcription to persuade tolerance against plant stress. BRs discernment ensues at membrane-localized receptors and downstream cytosolic regulators induce BR-induced signals to the nucleus by activating transcription of BR-responsive genes which further leads to the development of cell growth. The interaction between BIN2 and ARF2 establishes the cumulative effects of BRs and auxins on photo morphogenesis. It has been concluded that BRs might activate enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of chlorophyll or might triumph the stomatal boundaries thus mounting the CO2 admission in leaf and its availability for photosynthetic enzymes, which results in elevated photosynthetic carbon-fixing efficiency. The present book chapter highlights the progressions in the acquaintance of BR and its participation in abiotic stress, environmental signals, cross-talk, elevated CO2 concentration, crop production, and productivity.

BACKGROUND:Several natural/synthetic molecules having a structure similar to 1H-isochromen- 1-ones have been reported to display promising antioxidants and platelet aggregation inhibitory activity. Isocoumarin (1H-2-benzopyran-1-one) skeleton, either whole or as a part of the molecular framework, has been explored for its antioxidant or antiplatelet activities.INTRODUCTION:Based on the literature, a new prototype, i.e., 3-phenyl-1H-isochromen-1-ones based compounds, has been rationalized to possess both antioxidant as well as antiplatelet activities. Consequently, no reports are available regarding its inhibition either by cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme or by arachidonic acid (AA)-induced platelet aggregation. This prompted us to investigate 3-phenyl-1H-isochromen-1-ones towards antioxidant and antiplatelet agents.METHODS:The goal of this work was to identify new 3-phenyl-1H-isochromen-1-ones based compounds via synthesis of a series of analogues, followed by performing in vitro antioxidant as well as AA-induced antiplatelet activities. Then, identification of potent compounds by SAR and molecular docking studies was carried out.RESULTS:Out of all synthesized 3-phenyl-1H-isochromen-1-ones analogues, five compounds showed 7-fold to 16-fold more highly potent antioxidant activities than ascorbic acid. Altogether, ten 3-phenyl-1H-isochromen- 1-one analogues displayed antioxidant activities in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Almost all the 3-phenyl-1H-isochromen-1-one analogues exhibited potent AA-induced antiplatelet activity; few of them displayed 7-folds more activity as compared to aspirin. Further, in silico analysis validated the wet results.CONCLUSION:We disclose the first detailed study for the identification of 3-phenyl-1H-isochromen-1-one analogues as highly potent antioxidant as well as antiplatelet agents. The article describes the scaffold designing, synthesis, bioevaluation, structure-activity relationship, and in silico studies of a pharmaceutically privileged bioactive 3-phenyl-1H-isochromen-1-one class of heterocycles.

Nanotechnology is getting attention profoundly rooted in current living scenario which should license a consequential, scrupulous message deeply rooted in unceasing partaking and altercation among contributors and inhabitants. Therefore, the aim of present investigation deals with synthesis and characterization of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) by aqueous extracts of leaves of Bunium persicum. Phytochemical screening confirmed presence of carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids and alkaloids which had major role as reducing and sustainable agent for formation of CuNPs. Further these particles were characterized by UV- Vis, FTIR, SEM, TEM, XRD and DLS. FT-IR showed presence of various function groups like alcohols, amines and hydroxyl which were engaged in reduction and capping during formation of nanoparticles. Studies by XRD, SEM and TEM confirmed that nanoparticles appear spherical and crystalline in nature when morphology was studied and their dimension ranged between 30 to 70 nm. UV spectra showed peaks at 525 nm while they were crystalline in structure. Further various pharmacological activities were performed like antimicrobial by agar well diffusion, antioxidant by various assays like Lipid peroxidation [ LPO], catalase and peroxidase and antiplatelet by Prothrombin, activated partial thromboplastin time and Lactate hydrogenase release assay (LDH).

It is traditionally used as an ayurvedic medicine because of its therapeutic potentials with pharmacological properties like free radical scavenging, pain-relieving, antipyretic, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, and nootropic activities. Various plant parts are traditionally recommended in healing of several disorders. Flowers are recommended to 410combat dermatophytes infections, as coolant and along with that it assists in phagocytosis thus removing impurities from blood. Prosopis cineraria is recommended as a protectant in pregnancy by inhibiting lapse in pregnancy. Dehydrated pods of the plants are known as sangri, and it is the main sustenance of some Rajasthani dishes and also has a broader range of ethnophar-macological relevance to combat pain, high cholesterol level, and diabetes, anemia, kidney, and liver disorders. The leaves are recommended in mouth ulcer and eye trouble; along with that it is having antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant activity. Key search engines like Science Direct, Scopus, JSTOR, PubMed, and Google Scholar were cited to search for traditional literatures related to the ethnopharmacology, biological activity, toxicology, and phytochemistry of Prosopis cineraria. In this book chapter, we aim to report an inclusive update on the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and therapeutic potentialities of Prosopis cineraria and their phytochemical constituents.

Nanotechnology has been extensively exploited for its enormous therapeutic and diagnostic potential in the management of multiple disorders. It employs nanomaterials as drug carriers with enhanced efficacy and limited side effects on normal tissues. A lot of nanomaterials have been studied and produced, imminently reforming the treatment and diagnostics of numerous malignancies, including cancer. The purpose of the present study is to explore the role of nanotechnology-based devices/therapies that have a vital function in the therapeutics and diagnostics of cancer with potential impact at three levels: early detection, tumor imaging, and drug delivery methods. Concentrating on cancer, promising nanotechnology-based approaches have been planned to satisfy the need for targeted specificity of traditional agents of chemotherapeutics, in addition to early recognition of malignant and precancerous lesions. Prostate cancer is the fifth most wellknown cancer worldwide and the second most usually detected cancer in men. Therefore, there is a crucial need to improve therapeutic prospects for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer via the exploitation of the potential of nanomaterials for cell-targeted specificity and improved primary diagnosis of precancerous tumors. The present review, therefore, focuses on summarizing all prospective applications of nanotechnology in the prognosis and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which would further help researchers to elucidate a more potent therapeutic approach for the better management of prostate cancer in the days ahead.