Antioxidants and cancer are somewhat related to each other. The study was designated to evaluate the antioxidant activities of the aerial parts of Pyrosia lanceolata (P. lanceilata, Fam. Polypodiaceae) and their cytotoxic potential in a lung cancer cell line (A549). The extraction of plant material was performed by using methanol (CME), followed by solvent-solvent partitioning with different solvents. The methanol (CME) and its subsequent fractions (pet-ether PEF, chloroform CHF, ethyl acetate EAF and aqueous AQF fractions) confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins and terpenoids at different degrees. The phenolic and flavonoid content were found to be 69.46, 37.93, 64.61, 126.74 and 60.64 mg of GAE/gm and 33.93, 4.11, 45.68, 146.95, and 44.36 mg of CAE/gm of dried CME, PEF, CHF, EAF and AQF, respectively. The overall antioxidant and iron reduction capacities of CME and all the fractions were in the following order: EAF > CHF > CME > AQF > PEF and EAF > CHF > CME > AQF > PEF, respectively. Among the fractions, EAF significantly scavenged DPPH (IC50 of 1.34 μg/ml) and OH radicals (IC50 of 4.38 μg/ml), which closely resembled those of standard BHT (IC50 of 0.9 μg/ml) and CA (IC50 of 2.73 μg/ml), respectively. Moreover, EAF (IC50 of 14.06 μg/ml) demonstrated a similar effect on inhibiting lipid peroxidation when compared to standard CA (IC50 of 13.86 μg/ml). In addition, CHF (24.25%) and EAF (14.9%) showed a potent cytotoxic effect in A549 cells. Our results suggest that P. lanceolata might be a good source of anticancer potential having antioxidant activity. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 27(2): 137-148, 2024 (July)

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Achyranthes ferruginea (A. ferruginea) Roxb. is a common plant used in traditional medicine in Asia and Africa. It has a variety of local names, including "Gulmanci" in Nigeria, "Dangar" in Pakistan, "Thola" in Ethiopia, and "Roktoshirinchi" in Bangladesh. It is edible and has several ethnomedical uses for a wide range of illnesses, including hysteria, dropsy, constipation, piles, boils, asthma, and shigellosis. However, the neuropharmacological and analgesic potential of A. ferruginea remains uninvestigated. Aim of the study: To assess the neuropharmacological and analgesic potential of A. ferruginea through a multifaceted approach encompassing both experimental and computational models. Materials and methods: Methanol was used to extract the leaves of A. ferruginea. It was then fractionated with low to high polar solvents (n -hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water) to get different fractions, including chloroform fraction (CLF). The study selected CLF at different doses and conducted advanced chemical element and proximate analyses, as well as phytochemical profiling using GC -MS. Toxicological studies were done at 300 mu g per rat per day for 14 days. Cholinesterase inhibitory potential was checked using an in -vitro colorimetric assay. Acetic acid -induced writhing (AAWT) and formalin-induced licking tests (FILT) were used to assess antinociceptive effects. The forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), elevated plus maze (EPM), hole board test (HBT), and light and dark box test (LDB) were among the behavioral tests used to assess depression and anxiolytic activity. Network pharmacology -based analysis was performed on selected compounds using the search tool for interacting chemicals -5 (STITCH 5), Swiss target prediction tool, and search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes and proteins (STRING) database to link their role with genes involved in neurological disorders through gene ontology and reactome analysis. Results: Qualitative chemical element analysis revealed the presence of 15 elements, including Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, and Zn. The moisture content, ash value, and organic matter were found to be 11.12, 11.03, and 88.97%, respectively. GC -MS data revealed that the CLF possesses 25 phytoconstituents. Toxicological studies suggested the CLF has no effects on normal growth, hematological and biochemical parameters, or cellular organs after 14 days at 300 mu g per rat. The CLF markedly reduced the activity of both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50: 56.22 and 13.22 mu g/mL, respectively). Promising dose -dependent analgesic activity (p < 0.05) was observed in chemically -induced pain models. The TST and FST showed a dose -dependent substantial reduction in immobility time due to the CLF. Treatment with CLF notably increased the number of open arm entries and time spent in the EPM test at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. The CLF showed significant anxiolytic activity at 200 mg/kg b.w. in the HBT test, whereas a similar activity was observed at 400 mg/kg b.w. in the EPM test. A notable increase in the amount of time spent in the light compartment was observed in the LDB test by mice treated with CLF, suggesting an anxiolytic effect. A network pharmacology study demonstrated the relationship between the phytochemicals and a number of targets, such as PPARA, PPARG, CHRM1, and HTR2, which are connected to the shown bioactivities. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the safety of A. ferruginea and its efficacy in attenuating cholinesterase inhibitory activity, central and peripheral pain, anxiety, and depression, warranting further exploration of its therapeutic potential.

Medicinally important plant-foods offer a balanced immune function, which is essential for protecting the body against antigenic invasion, mainly by microorganisms. Immunomodulators play pivotal roles in supporting immune function either suppressing or stimulating the immune system's response to invading pathogens. Among different immunomodulators, plant-based secondary metabolites have emerged as high potential not only for immune defense but also for cellular immunoresponsiveness. These natural immunomodulators can be developed into safer alternatives to the clinically used immunosuppressants and immunostimulant cytotoxic drugs which possess serious side effects. Many plants of different species have been reported to possess strong immunomodulating properties. The immunomodulatory effects of plant extracts and their bioactive metabolites have been suggested due to their diverse mechanisms of modulation of the complex immune system and their multifarious molecular targets. Phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates and polyphenols have been reported as responsible for the immunomodulatory effects of several medicinal plants. This review illustrates the potent immunomodulatory effects of 65 plant secondary metabolites, including dietary compounds and their underlying mechanisms of action on cellular and humoral immune functions in in vitro and in vivo studies. The clinical potential of some of the compounds to be used for various immune-related disorders is highlighted.

This research investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Purple Devil fruit’s chloroform extract (SAF-CFE) using LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells and in-vivo histamine- and carrageenan-induced paw edema models as well as membrane stabilization model. Writhing and licking tests for nociception and delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction (DTHR) for immunomodulation were accomplished. SwissADME, ProTox-II, and PASS tests assessed a ligand-receptor binding affinity, and network-pharmacological tests explored the modulatory linked-genes. The MCF-7 cells were strongly inhibited by SAF-CFE, which reduced LPS-induced PGE2, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression. The upregulation of proapoptotic (p53 and Bax) and downregulation of antiapoptotic (Bcl-2) genes were observed by SAF-CFE. It significantly reduced inflammatory indexes in anti-inflammatory models. Tris (2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate, a natural biometabolite from SAF-CFE, had the highest target receptor-binding and drug-likeness; while NOS2, PTGER1, TRPV1, HMGCR, and TBXAS1 hub genes were highly modulated by the SAF-CFE. The results demonstrate that SAF-CFE could be a functional food source for anti-inflammatory action.

Lasia spinosa (L.) Thw. (L. spinosa) is widely used as a folk remedy for different physical ailments, and its neurological effects have yet to be assessed. Phytochemicals status of L. spinosa was evaluated by GC-MS analysis. Membrane stabilization test, elevated plus maze (EPM) tests and hole board tests (HBT), tail suspension tests (TST) and thiopental sodium-induced sleeping tests (TISTT) were used to assess anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity. Fourteen compounds have been recorded from GC-MS analysis. The LSCTF showed 68.66 ± 2.46% hemolysis protections (p < 0.05) at 500 μg/mL, whereas LSCHF and LSNHF demonstrated efficiency rates of 68.6 ± 1.46% and 52.46 ± 5.28%, respectively. During EPM tests, LSNHF and LSCTF significantly (p < 0.001) increased the time spent in the open arm (59.88 ± 0.65 s and 50.77 ± 0.67 s, respectively) at the dosages of 400 mg/kg. In HBT, samples exhibited dose-dependent anxiolytic activity. LSNHF and LSCTF showed a significant (p < 0.001) hole poking tendency and a high number of head dips (78.66 ± 1.05 and 65.17 ± 0.96, respectively) at the higher dose. In TST, at 400 mg/kg dose demonstrated significantly (p < 0.001) smaller amounts of time immobile, at 81.33 ± 1.67 s and 83.50 ± 1.90 s, respectively, compared to the control group. A consistent finding was also observed in TISTT. The computer-assisted studies on the identified compounds strongly support the aforementioned biological activities, indicating that L. spinosa has potential as a source of medication for treating neuropsychiatric and inflammatory diseases.

Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze is an ethnomedicinally important plant that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including dyspepsia, abdominal pain, colic, allergies, inflammation, and rheumatic arthritis. However, the scientific framework underlying these medicinal properties is not well known. This study aimed to investigate the antidepressive, antidiarrheal, thrombolytic, and anti-inflammatory potential of a methanol extract of A. indica (MeOH-AI). The potential bioactive compounds in the MeOH-AI were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and antidepressant activities were evaluated using the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). Antidiarrheal effects were also assayed in castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility studies. The anti-inflammatory activities were explored by examining the effects on protein inhibition and denaturation in heat- and hypotonic solution-induced hemolysis assays. The thrombolytic activity was evaluated using the clot lysis test in human blood. BIOVIA and Schrödinger Maestro (v11.1) were applied for docking analysis to determine binding interactions, and the absorption, distribution, metabolisms, excretion/toxicity (ADME/T) properties of bioactive compounds were explored using a web-based method. The GC-MS analysis of MeOH-AI revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds. MeOH-AI administration resulted in significant (p < 0.01) reductions in the immobility times for both the FST and TST compared with those in the control group. MeOH-AI also induced significant (p < 0.01) reductions in castor oil-induced diarrhea severity and gastrointestinal motility in a mouse model. In addition, the in vitro anti-inflammatory and thrombolytic activity studies produced remarkable responses. The binding assay showed that 4-dehydroxy-N-(4,5-methylenedioxy-2-nitrobenzylidene) tyramine interacts favorably with monoamine oxidase and serotonin and M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, displaying good pharmacokinetic properties, which may mediate the effects of MeOH-AI on depression and diarrhea. Overall, the research findings indicated that MeOH-AI has significant antidepressant, antidiarrheal, and anti-inflammatory effects and may represent an alternative source of novel therapeutic factors.

Abstract The genus Syzygium comprises 1200–1800 species that belong to the family of Myrtaceae. Moreover, plants that are belonged to this genus are being used in the traditional system of medicine in Asian countries, especially in China, India, and Bangladesh. The aim of this review is to describe the scientific works and to provide organized information on the available traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of mostly available species of the genus Syzygium in Bangladesh. The information related to genus Syzygium was analytically composed from the scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Springer, Research Gate link, published books, and conference proceedings. Bioactive compounds such as flavanone derivatives, ellagic acid derivatives and other polyphenolics, and terpenoids are reported from several species of the genus Syzygium. However, many members of the species of the genus Syzygium need further comprehensive studies regarding phytochemical constituents and mechanism‐based pharmacological activities.

Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub. is traditionally used to treat several diseases, including leprosy, wound healing, gonorrhea, rheumatism, anemia, diarrhea and ulcer. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of methanolic extract of Xylia xylocarpa leaves (MEXX) via in vitro, in vivo as well as in silico models. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was determined by human red blood cell membrane stabilization study and protein denaturation while in vivo anti-nociceptive activity was examined by the acetic acid-induced writhing test (AAWT) and formalin-induced paw licking test (FIPLT). Additionally, trans-5-hydroxypipecolic acid was an identified compound of MEXX which was subjected to molecular docking analysis followed by ADME/T and toxicity analysis. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that MEXX was enriched with carbohydrates, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, tannins and showed significant total phenolic (1222.66 ± 0.66 mg GAE/g dried extract) and flavonoids contents (325.33 ± 1.76 mg QE/g dried extract) in quantitative phytochemical screening. Inflammatory studies unveiled that; MEXX significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the hemolysis of membrane and protein at different concentrations (31.25 - 1000 μg/mL). The extract also displayed statistically significant analgesic responses in the acetic acid and formalin-induced test at several doses (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w). In AAWT, the extract exhibited 13.67 and 51.37 % inhibition of writhing at the doses 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight respectively. In formalin-induced paw licking test, the early phase pain inhibition was 54.64 % at the concentration of 400 mg/kg while during the latter phase at 400 mg/kg, the inhibition of pain was 43.82 %. According to molecular docking analysis, trans-5-hydroxypipecolic acid demonstrated a promising docking score against PDE4, COX-1, and COX-2 along with satisfied pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties. Finally, from the results it could be concluded that MEXX has potential anti-inflammatory and an-nociceptive effects that should require further investigation. HIGHLIGHTS • Xylia xylocarpa minimizes the inflamation and pain • Xylia xylocarpa showed significant analgesic activity • Xylia xylocarpa revealed polyphenolic compounds including phenol, and flavonoid • In in silico, trans-5-hydroxypipecolic acid possessed significant analgesic activity against COX-1 and COX-2 GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

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.

The health professionals require scientific knowledge to advise their patients on complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). Previously, several studies were conducted regarding the CAM perception, attitude and use on health care professionals only; in contrast, our study encompasses both students of health care professionals and other disciplines. The aim of this study was to compare the attitudes and perception about CAM practices between students of biological sciences (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Botany) and health care professionals (Pharmacy and medical students) in public and private universities located in the southeastern region in Bangladesh. The questionnaire-based study conducted on 332 systematically sampled students (four private and one public universities) located in the southeastern region in Bangladesh. The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July, 2018. All students showed a positive attitude towards CAM use. Herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutritional supplements followed by hypnosis, massage, spiritual healing, and meditation were the most commonly known and used CAM modalities. Most of the students (40.7%) believed that the integration of CAM and conventional medicine should be essential in health care setting. The major obstacles for CAM use are patient interest (48.2%) and lack of physician interest (43.4%). In addition, 36.7% students believed that CAM practices should be included in their school’s curriculum. Moreover, 39.5% students assumed that CAM knowledge is important to their daily life. Biological sciences and healthcare professional students of Bangladesh showed positive perception on CAM uses. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 24(2): 159-167, 2021

Abstract In the present study, the aerial parts of Achyranthes ferruginea underwent investigation of their in vitro antioxidant and free radical‐scavenging activities in cell‐free conditions, their phytoconstituents using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and their cytotoxic activity in HeLa cells. A. ferruginea was extracted with 80% methanol and successively fractionated with solvents to yield petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF), and aqueous (AQF) fractions. GC‐MS analysis revealed that CHF contained ten phytoconstituents, including different forms of octadecanoic acid methyl esters. The total antioxidant and ferric‐reducing antioxidant capacities of the extracts and the standard catechin (CA) were as follows: CA >CHF >PEF >CME (crude methanolic extract) >EAF >AQF, and CA >CHF >EAF >PEF >AQF >CME, respectively. CHF showed the highest DPPH‐free radical‐scavenging activity, with a median inhibitory concentration of 10.5 ± 0.28 µg/ml, which was slightly higher than that of the standard butylated hydroxytoluene (12.0 ± 0.09 µg/ml). In the hydroxyl radical‐scavenging assay, CHF showed identical scavenging activity (9.25 ± 0.73 µg/ml) when compared to CA (10.50 ± 1.06 µg/ml). Moreover, CHF showed strong cytotoxic activity (19.95 ± 1.18 µg/ml) in HeLa cells, which was alike to that of the standards vincristine sulfate and 5‐fluorouracil (15.84 ± 1.64 µg/ml and 12.59 ± 1.75 µg/ml, respectively). The in silico study revealed that identified compounds were significantly linked to the targets of various cancer cells and oxidative enzymes. However, online prediction by SwissADME, admetSAR, and PASS showed that it has drug‐like, nontoxic, and potential pharmacological actions.

Palm grass (Curculigo recurvata) is an ethnomedicinally important herb reported to have significant medicinal values. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of a methanol extract of C. recurvata rhizome (Me-RCR) through different approaches. The antidepressant and anxiolytic properties of Me-RCR were assessed by using elevated plus maze (EPM), hole-board (HBT), tail suspension (TST), and forced swimming (FST) tests in Swiss Albino mice. The in-depth antioxidative potential of Me-RCR was also evaluated through DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing power capacity, total phenolic, flavonoid, flavonol, and antioxidant content analysis. Computational investigations were performed using computer-aided methods for screening the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidative activities of the selected lead molecules. Treatment with Me-RCR (200 and 400 mg/kg, b.w.) notably increased the number of open arm entries and the time spent in the EPM test. In the HBT, Me-RCR exhibited significant anxiolytic activity at a dose of 200 mg/kg, whereas similar activity was observed at 400 mg/kg in the EPM test. Me-RCR significantly decreased the immobility time in a dose-dependent manner in both TST and FST. The IC50 for DPPH and reducing power capacity assay were found to be 18.56 and 193 μg/mL, respectively. Promising outcomes were noted for the determination of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, and antioxidant capacity. In the case of computer-aided studies, nyasicoside showed promising binding energy for antidepressant and anxiolytic activities, whereas isocurculigine demonstrated promising effects as an antioxidant. Overall, these findings suggest that Me-RCR could be a favourable therapeutic candidate for the treatment of mental and psychiatric disorders, as well as a good source of antioxidants.

Background Dietary supplements (DS) are products that improve the overall health and well-being of individuals and reduce the risk of disease. Evidence indicates a rising prevalence of the use of these products worldwide especially among the age group 18-23 years. Aim The study investigates the tendencies and attitudes of Bangladeshi undergraduate female students towards dietary supplements (DS). Methods A three-month (March 2018-May 2018) cross-sectional face-to-face survey was conducted in undergraduate female students in Chittagong, Bangladesh using a pre-validated dietary supplement questionnaire. The study was carried among the four private and three public university students of different disciplines in Chittagong to record their prevalent opinions and attitudes toward using DS. The results were documented and analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. Results Ninety two percent (N = 925, 92.0%) of the respondents answered the survey questions. The prevalence of DS use was high in undergraduate female students. The respondents cited general health and well-being (n = 102, 11.0%) and physician recommendation (n = 101, 10.9%) as a reason for DS use. Majority of the students (n = 817, 88.3%) used DS cost monthly between USD 0.12 and USD 5.90. Most of the students (n = 749, 81.0%) agreed on the beneficial effect of DS and a significant portion (n = 493, 53.3%) recommended for a regular use of DS. Highly prevalent use of dietary supplements appeared in Chittagonian undergraduate female students. They were tremendously positive in using DS. The results demonstrate an increasing trend of using DS by the undergraduate females for both nutritional improvement and amelioration from diseases. Conclusion Dietary supplements prevalence was so much higher in students of private universities as compared to students of public universities. Likewise, maximal prevalence is indicated in pharmacy department compared to other departments. Students preferred brand products, had positive opinions and attitudes towards dietary supplements.

Syzygium fruticosum (SF), a valuable Bangladeshi fruit, is considered an alternative therapeutic agent. Mainly, seeds are used as nutritional phytotherapy to ease physical and mental status by preventing chronic diseases. Here, we scrutinized the S. fruticosum seed’s fundamental importance in traditional medicine by following an integrated approach combining in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies. The SF was fractionated with different solvents, and the ethyl acetate fraction of SF (EaF-SF) was further studied. Mice treated with EaF-SF (200 and 400 mg/kg) manifested anxiolysis evidenced by higher exploration in elevated plus maze and hole board tests. Similarly, a dose-dependent drop of immobility time in a forced swimming test ensured significant anti-depressant activity. Moreover, higher dose treatment exposed reduced exploratory behaviour resembling decreased movement and prolonged sleeping latency with a quick onset of sleep during the open field and thiopental-induced sleeping tests, respectively. In parallel, EaF-SF significantly (p < 0.001) and dose-dependently suppressed acetic acid and formalin-induced pain in mice. Also, a noteworthy anti-inflammatory activity and a substantial (p < 0.01) clot lysis activity (thrombolytic) was observed. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis resulted in 49 bioactive compounds. Among them, 12 bioactive compounds with Lipinski’s rule and safety confirmation showed strong binding affinity (molecular docking) against the receptors of each model used. To conclude, the S. fruticosum seed is a prospective source of health-promoting effects that can be an excellent candidate for preventing degenerative diseases.

AbstractBackgroundCurculigo recurvata (C. recurvata) is an enthnomedicinally important herb reported to have significant medicinal values. The present study aimed to explore the in vivo and in silico anti‐nociceptive and anti‐diarrheal effects of a C. recurvate rhizome methanol extract (Me‐RCR).MethodsThe analgesic effects of Me‐RCR were assessed using acetic acid‐induced writhing and the formalin‐induced flicking test. The drugs were administered intraperitoneally (IP) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight (bw). Anti‐diarrheal activity was evaluated by assessing intestinal motility, hypersecretion, and fecal score in mice at oral doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg·bw. Computer facilitated analyses for anti‐nociceptive and anti‐diarrheal activities of three isolated compounds from C. recurvata were undertaken to identify the best‐fit phytoconstituents.ResultsThe Me‐RCR showed significant (P < .05) peripheral anti‐nociception at the highest dose. The extract inhibited both early and late phases of nociception in the formalin‐induced writhing test. In the castor oil‐induced diarrhoea model, the extract significantly (P < .05) prolonged the onset time of diarrhoea, inhibited percentage of diarrhoea, and decreased both the volume and weight of intestinal contents. Rates of intestinal fluid accumulation inhibition were (33.61 ± 1.00)% and (46.44 ± 0.89)% at Me‐RCR doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg·bw, respectively. Moreover, a significant (P < .05) reduction in gastrointestinal motility was observed. An absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and/or toxicity (ADME/T) test showed that the selected compounds yielded promising results, satisfying Lipinski's rule of five for predicting drug‐like potential. Notably, of the three phytoconstituents curculigine and isocurculigine possessed the highest affinity for the COX‐1 and COX‐2. Isocurculigine was also identified as the most effective anti‐diarrheal compound in the computer‐facilitated model.ConclusionAn extract of the plant C. recurvata showed potential analgesic and anti‐diarrheal activity due to the presence of one or more active secondary metabolite(s).

Cocos nucifera used as natural remedies in a wide variety of diseases. The current experiment aimed to determine the qualitative phytochemicals, anxiolytic, anti-diarrheal, antiinflammatory, thrombolytic and cytotoxic actions of C. nucifera endocarp, which extracted by using methanol (MeOH-CNE) and the hydro-alcohol (HaE-CNE). The MeOH-CNE and HaE-CNE subjected to phytochemical screening, where both extracts showed the existence of secondary metabolites such as carbohydrates, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and proteins. The anxiolytic activity screened by elevated plus maze experiment, whereas the percentage of open arm accounts 74.55 ± 4.54%, 66.31 ± 4.41% at 400 mg/kg for HaE-CNE, MeOH-CNE respectively (P < 0.05) while the standard drug Diazepam (75.24 ± 3.91%). In the anti-diarrheal test, extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) and standard drug loperamide (5 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent significant (P < 0.05) inhibition against castor oil-induced diarrhea. The MeOHCNE and HaE-CNE exhibited 72.91 ± 4.20 %, 64.42 ± 5.50% inhibition of protein denaturation at 500 μg/ml, while in the thrombolytic test, HaE-CNE showed the highest and significant (P < 0.05) in clot lysis activity on human blood in comparison to water, whereas streptokinase used as standard. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the LC50 of HaE-CNE and MeOH-CNE ware 432.35 μg/ml and 1173.88 μg/ml respectively. The LC50 for standard vincristine sulfate was 43.15 μg/ml. The current results suggested that MeOH-CNE and HaE-CNE have promising pharmacological activity.

In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects of the Pleurotus highking mushroom on the human triple-negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and HCC-1937 and attempted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The antiproliferative effects of P. highking purified fraction-III (PEF-III) were investigated using colony formation and MTS assays. The antimigratory effects of PEF-III were determined by wound healing, transwell migration, and matrigel cell invasion assays. The protein expression levels were evaluated using Western blot analysis. The effect of PEF-III on tumor-sphere formation was examined in a 3D sphere-forming medium, and the mRNA expressions of proliferation- and migration-related genes in the cells from the tumor spheres were determined using RT-qPCR. PEF-III treatment caused a potent and concentration-dependent decrease in the numbers of colonies and viable cells. It also remarkably suppressed the migratory ability of the cells. Mechanistically, PEF-III treatment reduced the expression of pAkt, matrix metallopeptidase-9 (MMP-9), and vimentin. Furthermore, PEF-III reduced the number and size of the tumor spheres in the 3D culture system. It also significantly reduced the mRNA expression of Ki-67, MMP-9, and vimentin in the PEF-III-treated tumor-sphere cells. PEF-III exerted promising antiproliferative and antimigratory effects in triple-negative breast cancer cell lines by suppressing Akt signaling. Therefore, P. highking mushrooms may be considered a potential source for the development of potent anticancer drug(s) for the treatment of breast cancer.

The water-soluble extract is a gummy semi-solid content of Apis cerana indica beehive (WSE-BH). The present study reports the neuropharmacological effects of beehive derived from Apis cerana indica with brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The neuropharmacological results evaluated by modified open field, hole cross, elevated plus maze and hole board (OF-HC-EPM-HBT) test by Swiss Albino mice of both sexes after single oral administration where parameters for sedative and anxiolytic activity was square movements, hole crossing, time spent in open arm and head dipping which is the unpunished or unlearned response. A time-dependent manner activity observed by WSE-BH (200 and 400 mg/kg) and diazepam (1 mg/kg) against negative control normal saline. At low dose (200 mg/kg), the OF and HC possess significant reducing effects in time dependence manner while EPM and HBT exhibited significant anxiolytic activity avoiding sedation, whereas at 400 mg/kg exhibited an irregular effect. The current results were suggesting that WSE-BH might a good source of anxiolytic and sedative effects at low dose concentration. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2020; 3(2.000): 128-134]

The current study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the phytochemical components of Cycas pectinata methanol extract (MECP), along with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, locomotor, anxiolytic, analgesic, and antidiarrheal activities. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay and the total phenol and total flavonoid contents, while the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by a protein denaturation assay. The in vivo locomotor effects were examined using the open field test and hole-cross test. The anxiolytic effect was examined using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test, hole-board test (HBT), and light-dark test (LDT), while the analgesic activity was investigated using the acetic acid-induced writhing test. The antidiarrheal effect was evaluated by castor oil-induced diarrhea and gastrointestinal motility. Ten bioactive compounds were selected on the basis of their biological activities and further investigated using in silico molecular docking simulation to correlate with the identified pharmacological properties. Additionally, the ADME properties of the compounds were evaluated according to their drug-likeness profile. MECP had a maximum total phenol content of 209.85 ± 3.40 gallic acid equivalents/g extract and a total flavonoid content of 105.17 ± 3.45 quercetin equivalents/g extract, with an IC50 value of 631.44 μg/mL. MECP (62.5-500 μg/mL) elicited 20.96-38.12% decreased protein denaturation compared to diclofenac sodium (65.40-83.50%), while a 35.72% (P < 0.001) clot lysis activity was observed for the 10 mg/mL concentration. MECP induced a dose-dependent reduction in locomotor activity, with a significant anxiolytic effect. In the analgesic test, MECP (200, 400 mg/kg) showed a 45.12% and 58.82% inhibition in analgesia, and the 400 mg/kg dose elicited a 27.5% inhibition in intestinal motility. These findings suggest that MECP might be effective in treating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuropharmacological defects, but this requires further study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04061.].