Diabetes mellitus is a complex, multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and progressive organ dysfunction. Conventional diagnostic and prognostic markers such as fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin provide limited insight into disease heterogeneity, early molecular changes, and individualized risk of complications. In recent years, RNA-based biomarkers have emerged as powerful tools for capturing dynamic regulatory processes underlying diabetes onset, progression, and therapeutic response. These biomarkers include messenger RNAs (mRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs), which collectively orchestrate gene expression, metabolic signaling, immune modulation, and cellular stress responses. This review comprehensively examines the landscape of RNA-based biomarkers in diabetes, highlighting their mechanistic relevance, detection platforms, clinical utility, and translational challenges. We discuss how regulatory RNA networks reflect beta-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, inflammation, and tissue-specific pathology, and how their integration into liquid biopsy approaches and computational frameworks may redefine precision diagnostics and personalized diabetes care.

The objective of the present study was to encapsulate the effective antidiabetic glimepiride (GLM) drug with biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) in order to reduce the risk of side effects, regulate and improve alternatives to therapy for people with type 2 Diabetes mellitus. The characterizations of the encapsulated EGLM-CS NPs were published in a previous paper. In continuation of the past study, here we report the in vitro and in vivo activities of EGLM-CS NPs in streptozotocin-induced diabetes Wistar albino rats orally treated for 28 days. Based on our results, the in vitro 3 T3-L1 cell lines observed that the highest concentration of 500 μg/mL exhibited 91.48 % cell viability after 24 h of treatment. The in vivo results of the EGLM-CS NPs treated rats group showed gradual control of the blood glucose level at 90 and 120 min compared to other groups because the drug showed a sustained release mechanism. A significant difference was observed in serum lipid profiles between diabetic treated and control rats. It is believed that the CS NPs served as a carrier system for the GLM drug, protected it from degradation, and enhanced its solubility as well as bioavailability. After 28 days of treatment, all the animal groups organs (pancreas, liver, and kidney) were dissected for histopathological analysis. The EGLM-CS NPs treated group displayed regeneration cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas and normal cellular size with hyperplasia. The therapeutic potential was observed by the liver and kidney from rats reveals few tubule necrosis, improved bioavailability as compared to pure GLM drug treated rats. Hence, our formulated NPs are safe, no toxic effect on the vital organs, which will be helpful to improve the lives of diabetic patients and contribute to the overall health of the individuals.

The objective of the present study was to encapsulate the glimepiride (GLM) drug with biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) by using the emulsification-solvent evaporation method to control and provide better treatment options for those suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. The encapsulation efficiency of encapsulated GLM–CS NPs was found to be 91.4%, indicating that the CS NPs were able to effectively encapsulate with the GLM drug. The XRD analysis showed characteristic peaks at 2θ values of 16.25°, 22.99° and 35.01°, which indicated an amorphous nature. The HR-TEM showed an average size of 22.33nm, were spherical in shape, and some were clusters in nature. The AFM showed a spherical shape with a size of 25.15nm and a height of 59.1nm. The particle size analysis showed an average size of 184.9 d.nm, and the Zeta potential form was -8.46mV. The in vitro drug release study indicated sustained release over a period of 32hours and also displayed outstanding inhibitory potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities with IC50 values of 281.64 and 283.69µg/mL, respectively, and standard acarbose showed 252.50 and 252.71µg/mL, respectively. We believed that sustained release of encapsulated GLM–CS NPs could control diabetes by blocking the enzymes that break down carbohydrates into simple sugars, thus preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. It could offer a controlled and prolonged release of the drug, which help to decrease the regularity of drug administration and potentially lead to improved patient compliance and better control of plasma glucose levels.

Nowadays, nanosized drugs continue to lead the pharmacological field because of their small molecular size, solubility and penetrability, which are suitable for passive membrane transmission. In the current research, we produced zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from Lablab purpureus leaf aqueous extract and assessed their antioxidant, antidiabetic and antimicrobial efficacy. In the biosynthesis process, we characterized biosynthesized ZnO NPs by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high resolution-scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) analyses. The HR-TEM images reveal flocculated particles, which were mostly rods with a few hexagonal and sphere-shaped, with a typical particle size of 28±3.00 nm. ZnO NPs showed potential α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity inhibition, with IC50 values of 103.20±1.03 and 94.14±0.37 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, ZnO NPs exhibited excellent free radical scavenging potential on DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide and superoxide with IC50 values of 114.95±2.11, 147.37±1.55, 90.94±0.57 and 152.52±0.56 μg/mL, respectively. Bacteria of gram-positive and gram-negative strains were inhibited growth with MIC ranging from 118.75 to 950 μg/mL. ZnO NPs have shown promise in reducing oxidative stress, which is associated with the development of chronic diseases. They also act as a hypoglycemic agent, which helps to maintain healthy glucose levels. Future phytochemical research will be necessary to standardize L. purpureus components with significant antidiabetic action and create a better substitute nano-herbal combination to replace the synthetic drugs.

Malaria is one of the life-threatening infectious diseases caused by the Plasmodium parasites infect red blood cells of humans. The major problem associated with malaria treatment and control is the spread and development of resistance against chemical insecticides. Hence, the plant-based formulations may serve as an alternative source for the development of new drugs for the treatment of malaria. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of synthesized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using the aqueous leaves extract of Coccinia grandis against Plasmodium berghei and characterized by UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy with Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected area (electron) diffraction analyzes. The UV-Vis spectra of Au NPs showed a surface plasmon resonance peak range of 500–600 nm. The TEM image revealed the spherical shape with a mean particle size of 2.82 ± 2.5 nm. The in vivo antimalarial activity of synthesized Au NPs showed a significant (P < 0.001) chemosuppressive effect, with parasite suppression of 88.75%, compared to aqueous extracts of C. grandis showed 69.45% against P. berghei at 100 mg/kg body weight. To sum up, further phytochemical research is required in the future to standardize C. grandis compounds with strong antiplasmodial activity and devise the best alternative nano herbal formulation to replace the synthetic drugs currently in use.

The use of vegetal species for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) biosynthesis can constitute an alternative to replacing the extensive use of several hazardous chemicals commonly used during NPs synthesis and, therefore, can reduce biological impacts induced by the release of these products into the natural environment. However, the "green nanoparticles " and/or "eco-friendly nanoparticles " label does not ensure that biosynthesized NPs are harmless to non-target organisms. Thus, we aimed to synthesize AuNPs from seaweed Gracilaria crassa aqueous extract through an eco-friendly, fast, one-pot synthetic route. The formation of spherical, stable, polycrystalline NPs with a diameter of 32.0 nm +/- 4.0 nm (mean +/- SEM) was demonstrated by UV-vis spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction measurement, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. In addition, different phytocomponents were identified in the biosynthesized AuNPs, using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). However, both G. crassa aqueous extract and the biosynthesized AuNPs showed high ecotoxicity in Anopheles stephensi larvae exposed to different concentrations. Therefore, our study supports the potential of seaweed G. crassa as a raw material source for AuNPs biosynthesis while also shedding light on its ecotoxico-logical potential, which necessitates consideration of its risk to aquatic biota.

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to synthesize silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles (NPs) using green synthesis from aqueous leaf extract of Euphorbia prostrata as antileishmanial agents and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of induced cell death. In vitro antileishmanial activity of synthesized NPs was tested against promastigotes of Leishmania donovani by alamarBlue and propidium iodide uptake assays. Antileishmanial activity of synthesized NPs on intracellular amastigotes was assessed by Giemsa staining. The leishmanicidal effect of synthesized Ag NPs was further confirmed by DNA fragmentation assay and by cell cycle progression and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the treated parasites. TEM analysis of the synthesized Ag NPs showed a spherical shape with an average size of 12.82 ± 2.50 nm, and in comparison to synthesized TiO 2 NPs, synthesized Ag NPs were found to be most active against Leishmania parasites after 24 h exposure, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC 50 ) of 14.94 μg/ml and 3.89 μg/ml in promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes, respectively. A significant increase in G 0 /G 1 phase of the cell cycle with a subsequent decrease in S (synthesis) and G 2 /M phases compared to controls was observed. The growth-inhibitory effect of synthesized Ag NPs was attributed to increased length of S phase. A decreased reactive oxygen species level was also observed, which could be responsible for the caspase-independent shift from apoptosis (G 0 /G 1 arrest) to massive necrosis. High-molecular-weight DNA fragmentation as a positive consequence of necrotic cell death was also visualized. We also report that the unique trypanothione/trypanothione reductase (TR) system of Leishmania cells was significantly inhibited by synthesized Ag NPs. The green-synthesized Ag NPs may provide promising leads for the development of cost-effective and safer alternative treatment against visceral leishmaniasis.

Malaria is an overwhelming impact in the poorest countries in the world due to their prevalence, virulence and drug resistance ability. Currently, there is inadequate armoury of drugs for the treatment of malaria. This underscores the continuing need for the discovery and development of new effective and safe antimalarial drugs. To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of the leaf ethyl acetate extract of Murraya koenigii, bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation was employed for the isolation and purification of antimalarial compounds. The in vitro antimalarial activity was assayed by the erythrocytic stages of chloroquine-sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) in culture using the fluorescence-based SYBR Green I assay. The in vivo assay was done by administering mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (NK65) four consecutive daily doses of the extracts through oral route following Peter’s 4-day curative standard test. The percentage suppression of parasitaemia was calculated for each dose level by comparing the parasitaemia in untreated control with those of treated mice. Cytotoxicity was determined against HeLa cells using MTT assay. Histopathology was studied in kidney, liver and spleen of isolated compound-treated Swiss albino mice. The leaf crude ethyl acetate extract of M. koenigii showed good in vitro antiplasmodial activity against P. falciparum. The in vivo test of the leaf crude ethyl acetate extract (600 mg/kg) showed reduced malaria parasitaemia by 86.6 % against P. berghei in mice. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the leaf ethyl acetate extract of M. koenigii led to the isolation of two purified fractions C3B2 (2.84 g) and C3B4 (1.97 g). The purified fractions C3B2 and C3B4 were found to be active with IC50 values of 10.5 ± 0.8 and 8.25 ± 0.2 μg/mL against P. falciparum, and in vivo activity significantly reduced parasitaemia by 82.6 and 88.2 % at 100 mg/kg/body weight on day 4 against P. berghei, respectively. The isolated fractions C3B2 and C3B4 were monitored by thin-layer chromatography until a single spot was obtained with R f values of 0.36 and 0.52, respectively. The pure compounds obtained in the present investigation were subjected to UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy, 1D and 2D 1H-Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, DEPT, COSY and Mass spectral analysis. Based on the spectral analysis, it is concluded that the isolated compounds were myristic acid (C3B2) and β-caryophyllene (C3B4). The cytotoxic effect of myristic acid and β-caryophyllene showed the TC50 values of >100 and 80.5 μg/mL, respectively against HeLa cell line. The histopathology study showed that protection against nephrotoxicity of kidney, hepatic damage of liver and splenocytes protection in spleen was achieved with the highest dose tested at 100 mg/kg/body weight. The present study provides evidence of antiplasmodial compounds from M. koenigii and is reported for the first time.

The aim of the present investigation was to synthesize silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) using the aqueous leaves extract of Euphorbia prostrata as antileishmanial agents and to explore the mechanism of induced cell death. In vitro antileishmanial activity of synthesized NPs was tested against promastigotes of Leishmania donovani by alamar Blue® cell viability reagent and propidium iodide uptake assay. The effective leishmanicidal activity of synthesized Ag NPs was further confirmed by cell cycle progression, externalized phosphatidylserine, DNA fragmentation assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, intracellular non-protein thiols and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the treated parasites. TEM analysis of the synthesized Ag NPs and TiO2 NPs showed spherical shape with an average size of 12.82 ± 2.50 and 83.22 ± 1.50 nm, respectively. Ag NPs was found to be the most active agent against Leishmania parasites after 24 h exposure with IC50 value of 14.94 μg/mL. A significant increase in G0/ G1 phase of the cell cycle with subsequent decrease in S and G2/M phases was observed when compared to control and thus confirming the growth inhibitory effect of synthesized Ag NPs. Decreased ROS level was also observed which could be responsible for caspase independent shift from apoptosis (G0/G1 arrest) to massive necrosis. High molecular weight DNA fragmentation as a positive consequence of necrotic cell death was also visualized. In the present study, the unique trypanothione/trypanothione reductase (TR) system of Leishmania cells was significantly inhibited by synthesized Ag NPs was reported. The green synthesized Ag NPs may provide promising leads for the development of cost effective and safer alternative treatment against visceral leishmaniasis.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used in paints, printing ink, rubber, paper, cosmetics, sunscreens, car materials, cleaning air products, industrial photocatalytic processes, and decomposing organic matters in wastewater due to their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. The present study was conducted to assess the antiparasitic efficacies of synthesized TiO2 NPs utilizing leaf aqueous extract of Solanum trilobatum against the adult head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae); larvae of cattle tick Hyalomma anatolicum (a.) anatolicum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae), and fourth instar larvae of malaria vector Anopheles subpictus Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae). The green synthesized TiO2 NPs were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDX), and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). XRD analysis of synthesized TiO2 NPs revealed that the particles were in the form of nanocrystals as evidenced by the major peaks at 2θ values of 27.52°, 36.21°, and 54.43° identified as 110, 101, and 211 reflections, respectively. FTIR spectra exhibited a prominent peak at 3,466 cm−1 and showed OH stretching due to the alcoholic group, and the OH group may act as a capping agent. SEM images displayed NPs that were spherical, oval in shape, individual, and some in aggregates with an average size of 70 nm. Characterization of the synthesized TiO2 NPs using AFM offered a three-dimensional visualization and uneven surface morphology. The pediculocidal and acaricidal activities of synthesized TiO2 NPs showed the percent mortality of 31, 42, 63, 82, 100; 36, 44, 67, 89, and 100 at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg/L, respectively, against P. h. capitis and H. a. anatolicum. The average larval percent mortality of synthesized TiO2 NPs was 38, 47, 66, 79, and 100 at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg/L, respectively, against A. subpictus. The maximum activity was observed in the aqueous leaf extract of S. trilobatum, TiO(OH)2 solutions (bulk), and synthesized TiO2 NPs with LC50 values of 35.14, 25.85, and 4.34 mg/L; 47.15, 29.78, and 4.11 mg/L; and 28.80, 24.01, and 1.94 mg/L, and r 2 values of 0.982, 0.991, and 0.992; 0.947, 0.987, and 0.997; and 0.965, 0.998 and 0.985, respectively, against P. h. capitis, H. a. anatolicum, and A. subpictus. This study provides the first report on the pediculocidal, acaricidal, and larvicidal activity of synthesized TiO2 NPs. This is an ideal eco-friendly, novel, low-cost, and simple approach to satisfy the requirement of large-scale industrial production bearing the advantage for the control of P. h. capitis, H. a. anatolicum, and A. subpictus.

The aim of the present study was to assess the larvicidal property of marine actinobacterial compound 5-(2,4-dimethylbenzyl) pyrrolidin-2-one (DMBPO) extracted and isolated from Streptomyces VITSVK5 sp. tested against the larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Canestrini (Acari: Ixodidae), Anopheles stephensi Liston, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles (Diptera: Culicidae). The isolate bacteria was taxonomically characterized, identified, and designated as Streptomyces VITSVK5 sp. The crude extract was loaded on silica gel column and eluted with chloroform:methanol. The isolated pure compound was analyzed by thin layer chromatography using chloroform and methanol as the solvent system and confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The structure of the purified compound was established from infrared, ultraviolet, (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), (13)C-NMR, and mass spectral data. The chemical shift assignments obtained for the aliphatic compound from (1)H-NMR corresponding to the molecular formula C(13)H(17)NO. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of compound which was identified as DMBPO. In the present study, Streptomyces VITSVK5 sp. crude extract and different fractions were tested against the larvae of parasites at the concentration of 1,000 ppm. Those fractions showing 100% mortality in 24 h alone was selected for further column chromatographic separation. The purified compound, C(13)H(17)NO, was tested in the concentrations of 500, 250, 125, 62.5, and 31.25 ppm and observed the percent larval mortality of 100, 70, 64, 40, and 28 against R. microplus; 100, 79, 63, 36, and 22 against A. stephensi; and 100, 84, 67, 42, and 27 against C. tritaeniorhynchus, respectively. The crude extract showed parasitic effects after 24 h of exposure at 1,000 ppm, and parasite mortality was observed against the larvae of R. microplus (LC(50) = 210.39 ppm, r (2) = 0.873); A. stephensi (LC(50) = 169.38 ppm, r (2) = 0.840); and C. tritaeniorhynchus (LC(50) = 198.75 ppm, r (2) = 0.887). The maximum efficacy was observed in purified marine actinobacterial compound DMBPO with LC(50) and r (2) values against the larvae of R. microplus (84.31 ppm, 0.889); A. stephensi (88.97 ppm, 0.817), and C. tritaeniorhynchus (74.95 ppm, 0.781), respectively. The control (distilled water) showed nil mortality in the concurrent assay.

Malaria caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum, is a major health problem of the developing world. In the present study medicinal plants from Eastern Ghats of South India have been extracted with ethyl acetate and assayed for growth inhibition of asexual erythrocytic stages of chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive (3D7) and (CQ)-resistant (INDO) strains of P. falciparum in culture using the fluorescence-based SYBR Green I assay. Studied extracts showed a spectrum of antiplasmodial activities ranging from (a) very good (IC50 < 10–10 μg/mL: Cyperus rotundus and Zingiber officinale); (b) good (IC50, >10–15 μg/mL: Ficus religiosa and Murraya koenigii); (c) moderate (IC50 > 15–25 μg/mL: Ficus benghalensis); (d) poor activity (IC50 > 25–60 μg/mL) and (e) inactive (IC50 > 60 μg/mL). Resistance indices ranging from 0.78 to 1.28 suggest that some of these extracts had equal promise against the CQ resistant INDO strain of P. falciparum. Cytotoxicity assessment of the extracts against HeLa cell line using MTT assay revealed that the selectivity indices in the range of 3–15 suggesting a good margin of safety.

The purpose of the present study was based on assessments of the antiparasitic activities of synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO NPs) utilizing leaf aqueous extract of against the adults of hematophagous fly, Leach (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), and sheep-biting louse, Schrank (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae). The synthesized TiO NPs were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The formation of the TiO NPs synthesized from the XRD spectrum compared with the standard confirmed spectrum of titanium particles formed in the present experiments were in the form of nanocrystals, as evidenced by the peaks at 2 values of 27.43°, 36.03°, and 54.32°. The FTIR spectra of TiO NPs exhibited prominent peaks at 714 (Ti–O–O bond), 1,076 (C–N stretch aliphatic amines), 1,172 (C–O stretching vibrations in alcoholic groups), 1,642 (N–H bend bond), and 3,426 (O–H stretching due to alcoholic group). SEM analysis of the synthesized TiO NPs clearly showed the clustered and irregular shapes, mostly aggregated and having the size of 25–110 nm. By Bragg’s law and Scherrer’s constant, it is proved that the mean size of synthesized TiO NPs was 65 nm. The AFM obviously depicts the formation of the rutile and anatase forms in the TiO NPs and also, the surface morphology of the particles is uneven due to the presence of some of the aggregates and individual particles. Adulticidal parasitic activity was observed in varying concentrations of aqueous leaf extract of , TiO solution, and synthesized TiO NPs for 24 h. The maximum parasitic activity was observed in aqueous crude leaf extracts of against the adults of and with LD values of 36.17 and 30.35 mg/L, and values of 0.948 and 0.908, respectively. The highest efficacy was reported in 5 mM TiO solution against and (LD = 33.40 and 34.74 mg/L;  = 0.786 and 0.873), respectively, and the maximum activity was observed in the synthesized TiO NPs against . and . with LD values of LD = 7.09 and 6.56 mg/L, and values of 0.880 and 0.913, respectively. This method is considered as an innovative alternative approach to control the hematophagous fly and sheep-biting louse.

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacies of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol leaf extracts of Euphorbia hirta L., Psidium guajava L., Ricinus communis L., Solanum trilobatum L., and Tridax procumbens L. against sheep fluke Paramphistomum cervi (Digenea: Paramphistomatidae). All plant extracts showed moderate effects after 24 h of exposure; however, the highest parasite mortality was found in the methanol extract of R. communis . In the present study, bioassay-guided fractionation of methanol extract of R. communis led to the separation and identification of epicatechin as a potential new compound (LC 50 = 31.2; LC 90 = 105.0 ppm) against P . cervi . The structures were established from infrared, ultraviolet, 1 H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13 C-NMR, and mass spectral data which confirmed the identification of the compound epicatechin from R. communis . Results of this study showed that the methanol extract of R. communis may be considered as a potent source and epicatechin as a new natural parasitic agent.

The present study was based on assessments of the antiparasitic activity to determine the efficacies of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and aqueous leaf extracts of Euphorbia prostrata Ait. (Euphorbiaceae) and synthesised Ag nanoparticles (NPs) using aqueous leaf extract against the adult cattle tick Haemaphysalis bispinosa Neumann (Acarina: Ixodidae) and the haematophagous fly Hippobosca maculata Leach (Diptera: Hippoboscidae). Synthesised Ag NPs were characterised with ultraviolet–vis (UV–vis) spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) support the biosynthesis of Ag NPs. Parasites were exposed to varying concentrations of plant extracts and synthesised silver NPs for 24 h. All extracts showed the maximum toxic effect on parasites; however, the highest mortality was found in the hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and aqueous leaf extracts of E. prostrata and synthesised Ag NPs against the adult of H. bispinosa (LC50 = 45.24, 40.07, 21.91, 25.32, 19.30, 10.16 and 2.30 ppm; LC90 = 86.95, 88.66, 70.92, 83.22, 48.28, 70.27 and 8.28 ppm) and against H. maculata (LC50 = 39.37, 41.98, 19.92, 27. 93, 21.97, 9.79 and 2.55 ppm; LC90 = 89.44, 98.52, 76.59, 90.18, 55.07, 54.35 and 9.03 ppm), respectively. Mortality of 100% was found in synthesised Ag NPs at a concentration of 10 mg l−1. UV–vis spectrograph of the colloidal solution of Ag NPs has been recorded as a function of time. The absorption spectrum of E. prostrata leaf extracts at different wavelengths ranging from 300 to 600 nm revealed a peak at 420 nm after 6 h. The FTIR spectra of Ag NPs exhibited prominent peaks at 3431; 1616; 1381; 1045; 818; 509; and 420 cm−1. SEM analyses of the synthesised Ag NPs were rod shaped and measured 25–80 nm with an average size of 52.4 nm. The chemical composition of aqueous leaf extract was analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The major chemical constituent was identified as 2-phenylethanol. These results suggest that the leaf methanol, aqueous extracts of E. prostrata and green synthesis of Ag NPs have the potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of H. bispinosa and H. maculata. In addition, toxicity tests were conducted to analyse the toxicological effects of particle size on Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia, and the animal model test was evaluated against Bos indicus for 24-h treatment. No toxicity on daphnids and no adverse effects were noted on animals after exposure to solvent extracts and synthesised Ag NPs.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: An ethnopharmacological investigation of medicinal plants traditionally used to treat diseases associated with fevers in Dharmapuri region of South India was undertaken. Twenty four plants were identified and evaluated for their in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum and assessed for cytotoxicity against HeLa cell line.Aim of the study: This antimalarial in vitro study was planned to correlate and validate the traditional usage of medicinal plants against malaria.Materials and methods: An ethnobotanical survey was made in Dharmapuri region, Tamil Nadu, India to identify plants used in traditional medicine against fevers. Selected plants were extracted with ethyl acetate and methanol and evaluated for antimalarial activity against erythrocytic stages of chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive 3D7 and CQ-resistant INDO strains of Plasmodium falciparum in culture using the fluorescence-based SYBR Green I assay. Cytotoxicity was determined against HeLa cells using MTT assay.Results: Promising antiplasmodial activity was found in Aegle marmelos [leaf methanol extract (ME) (IC50 = 7 mu g/mL] and good activities were found in Lantana camara [leaf ethyl acetate extract (EAE) IC50 = 19 mu g/mL], Leucas aspera (flower EAE IC50 = 2.5 mu g/mL), Momordica charantia (leaf EAE IC50 = 17.5 mu g/mL), Phyllanthus amarus (leaf ME IC50 = 15 mu g/mL) and Piper nigrum (seed EAE IC50 = 12.5 mu g/mL). The leaf ME of Aegle marmelos which showed the highest activity against Plasmodium falciparum elicited low cytotoxicity (therapeutic index > 13).Conclusion: These results provide validation for the traditional usage of some medicinal plants against malaria in Dharmapuri region, Tamil Nadu, India. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the adulticidal and larvicidal activity of dried leaf hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol extracts of Nelumbo nucifera, Manilkara zapota, Ipomoea staphylina, and Acalypha indica against the adults of Haemaphysalis bispinosa (Acarina: Ixodidae), hematophagous fly Hippobosca maculata (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), and fourth instar larvae of malaria vector Anopheles subpictus (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasites were exposed to varying concentrations of plant extracts for 24 h. All extracts showed moderate parasitic effects; however, the percent parasitic mortality observed in the crude leaf hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol extracts of N. nucifera and M. zapota against H. bispinosa were 80, 74, 72, and 100 and 100, 83, 74, and 91, respectively, and the activity for I. staphylina and A. indica against Hip. maculata were 100, 93, 87, and 66 and 78, 90, 87, and 100 at 2,000 ppm, respectively; the larvicidal activity for the same extracts of I. staphylina against A. subpictus were 76, 82, 84, and 100 at 100 ppm, respectively. The maximum efficacy was observed in the leaf methanol extract of N. nucifera, hexane extract of M. zapota and leaf hexane extract of I. staphylina, and methanol extract of A. indica against the adults of H. bispinosa and Hip. maculata with LC(50) and LC(90) values of 437.14 and 200.81, and 415.14 and 280.72 ppm, 1,927.57 and 703.52 ppm, and 1,647.70 and 829.39 ppm, respectively. The effective larvicidal activity was observed in leaf methanol extract of I. staphylina against A. subpictus with LC(50) and LC(90) values of 10.39 and 37.71 ppm, respectively. Therefore, this study provides the first report on the adulticidal and larvicidal activity of crude solvent extracts. This is an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of H. bispinosa, Hip. maculata, and the medically important vector A. subpictus.

The present study was on assessment of the anti-parasitic activities of nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) against the larvae of cattle ticks Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum (a.) anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae), fourth instar larvae of Anopheles subpictus, Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex gelidus (Diptera: Culicidae). The metallic Ni NPs were synthesized by polyol process from Ni-hydrazine as precursor and Tween 80 as both the medium and the stabilizing reagent. The synthesized Ni NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis which indicated the presence of Ni NPs. Synthesized Ni NPs showed the X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks at 42.76°, 53.40°, and 76.44°, identified as 111, 220, and 200 reflections, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the synthesized Ni NPs clearly showed that the Ni NPs were spherical in shape with an average size of 150 nm. The Ni NPs showed maximum activity against the larvae of R. (B.) microplus, H. a. anatolicum, A. subpictus, C. quinquefasciatus and C. gelidus with LC(50) values of 10.17, 10.81, 4.93, 5.56 and 4.94 mg/L; r(2) values of 0.990, 0.993, 0.992, 0.950 and 0.988 and the efficacy of Ni-hydrazine complexes showed the LC(50) values of 20.35, 22.72, 8.29, 9.69 and 7.83 mg/L; r(2) values of 0.988, 0.986, 0.989, 0.944 and 0.978, respectively. The findings revealed that synthesized Ni NPs possess excellent larvicidal parasitic activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on larvicidal activity of blood feeding parasites using synthesized Ni NPs.

With a greater awareness of the hazards associated with the use of synthetic organic insecticides, there has been an urgent need to explore suitable alternative products for pest control. Musca domestica is ubiquitous insect that has the potential to spread a variety of pathogens to humans and livestock. They are mechanical carriers of more than hundred human and animal intestinal diseases and are responsible for protozoan, bacterial, helminthic, and viral infections. The present work aimed to investigate the feeding deterrent activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using leaf aqueous extract of Manilkara zapota against M. domestica. The synthesized Ag NPs were recorded from UV–vis spectrum at 421 nm and scanning electron microscopy confirm the biosynthesis and characterization of Ag NPs with spherical and oval in shape and size of 70–140 nm. The FTIR analysis of the purified nanoparticles showed the presence of bands 1,079, 1,383, 1,627, 2,353, and 2,648 cm−1, which were complete synthesis of AgNPs; the XRD pattern of AgNPs showed diffraction peaks at 2θ values of 38.06°, 44.37°, 64.51°, and 77.31° sets of lattice planes were observed (111), (200), (220), and (311) facts of silver, respectively. Adult flies were exposed to different concentrations of the aqueous extract of synthesized Ag NPs, 1 mM silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution and aqueous extract of M. zapota for 1, 2, and 3 h; however, AgNPs showed 72% mortality in 1 h, 89% mortality was found in 2 h, and 100% mortality was found in 3 h exposure at the concentration of 10 mg/mL and the leaf aqueous extract showed 32% mortality in 1 h, 48% mortality was found in 2 h, and 83% mortality was found in 3 h exposure at concentration of 50 mg/mL. The most efficient activity was observed in synthesized Ag NPs against M. domestica (LD50 = 3.64 mg/mL; LD90 = 7.74 mg/mL), the moderate activity reported in the aqueous extract of M. zapota (LD50 = 28.35 mg/mL; LD90 = 89.19 mg/mL) and nil activity were observed in AgNO3 solution at 3 h exposure time at 10 mg/mL. Dimethyl 2, 2-dichlorovinyl phosphate (DDVP) was used as a positive control and showed the LD50 value of 3.38 mL/L. These results suggest that the synthesized Ag NPs have the potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of the adult of M. domestica. This method is considered as a new approach to control sanitary pest. Therefore, this study provides first report on the feeding deterrent activity of synthesized Ag NPs against housefly.