Cinnamon and its active compounds: A potential candidate in disease and tumour management through modulating various genes activity

Unraveling anthelmintic targets and mechanisms of action of trans-cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon essential oil

Parasitic nematodes pose a significant global socio-economic threat and contribute to neglected diseases. Current infection control relies on drug therapy, but increasing anthelmintic resistance highlights the urgent need for novel treatments. In this study, we investigate the molecular targets and mechanisms of action of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA), a principal component of Cinnamon Essential Oil (Cinnamomum verum EO), using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Our research offers new insights into the anthelmintic effects of TCA by identifying its specific interactions with key Cys-loop receptors and detailing its inhibitory mechanisms. The anthelmintic activity of C. verum EO and TCA manifests as rapid alterations in locomotor activity and inhibition of egg hatching. TCA screening of mutant worms lacking Cys-loop receptors reveal multiple receptor targets, including the levamisole-sensitive nicotinic ACh receptor (L-AChR), GABA-activated chloride channel (UNC-49) and glutamate-activated chloride channel. The mechanism behind the egg hatching inhibition by TCA remains unclear, as none of the mutants studied were found to be resistant to TCA. Furthermore, TCA increases the paralyzing effects of the anthelmintics levamisole and monepantel in a synergistic manner, offering a route for more effective polytherapy strategies. Electrophysiological studies on C. elegans Cys-loop receptors, in both native and heterologous systems, were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of TCA-induced paralysis. TCA reduces ACh- and GABA-elicited macroscopic currents and decreases single-channel activity and open durations of native muscle L-AChR channels, indicating an inhibitory action. Thus, by acting through a different mechanism to that of classical anthelmintics, TCA may be beneficial to counteract resistance in combined anthelmintic therapies. Our findings underscore the potential of the multitarget compound TCA as a valuable tool in integrated pharmacological strategies.

Prospective and challenges of locally applied repurposed pharmaceuticals for periodontal tissue regeneration

Periodontitis is a persistent inflammatory condition that causes periodontal ligament degradation, periodontal pocket development, and alveolar bone destruction, all of which lead to the breakdown of the teeth's supporting system. Periodontitis is triggered by the accumulation of various microflora (especially anaerobes) in the pockets, which release toxic substances and digestive enzymes and stimulate the immune system. Periodontitis can be efficiently treated using a variety of techniques, both regional and systemic. Effective therapy is dependent on lowering microbial biofilm, minimizing or eradicating pockets. Nowadays, using local drug delivery systems (LDDSs) as an adjuvant therapy to phase I periodontal therapy is an attractive option since it controls drug release, resulting in improved efficacy and lesser adverse reactions. Choosing the right bioactive agent and mode of delivery is the foundation of an efficient periodontal disease management approach. The objective of this paper is to shed light on the issue of successful periodontal regeneration, the drawbacks of currently implemented interventions, and describe the potential of locally delivered repurposed drugs in periodontal tissue regeneration. Because of the multiple etiology of periodontitis, patients must get customized treatment with the primary goal of infection control. Yet, it is not always successful to replace the lost tissues, and it becomes more challenging as the defect gets worse. Pharmaceutical repurposing offers a viable, economical, and safe alternative for non-invasive, and predictable periodontal regeneration. This article clears the way in front of researchers, decision-makers, and pharmaceutical companies to explore the potential, effectiveness, and efficiency of the repurposed pharmaceuticals to generate more economical, effective, and safe topical pharmaceutical preparations for periodontal tissue regeneration.

The crude extract obtained from Cinnamomum macrostemon Hayata regulates oxidative stress and mitophagy in keratinocytes

Four ethanol fractionated crude extracts (EFCEs [A-D]) purified from the leaves of Cinnamomum macrostemon Hayata were screened for antioxidative effects and mitochondrial function in HaCaT cells. The higher cell viability indicated that EFCE C was mildly toxic. Under the treatment of 50 ng/mL EFCE C, the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels were reduced as well as the H2O2-impaired cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP production, and mitochondrial mass. The conversion of globular mitochondria to tubular mitochondria is coincident with EFCE C-restored mitochondrial function. The mitophagy activator rapamycin showed similar effects to EFCE C in recovering the H2O2-impaired cell viability, MMP, ATP production, mitochondrial mass, and also mitophagic proteins such as PINK1, Parkin, LC3 II, and biogenesis protein PGC-1α. We thereby propose the application of EFCE C in the prevention of oxidative stress in skin cells.

Antibacterial, antidiabetic, acute toxicity, antioxidant, and nephroproductive competence of extracts of Lannea coromandelica fruit through in-vitro and in-vivo animal model investigation

The anti-dermatophytic (Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes) and nephroprotective activities of methanol and aqueous extracts obtained from Lannea coromandelica fruit were investigated through in-vitro (agar well diffusion method) and in-vivo (animal model) study. The methanol extract showed considerable antibacterial activity against selective bacterial pathogens at increased concentration (15.0 mg mL-1) in the following order P. vulgaris (35.2 ± 1.6 mm) > E. aerogenes (32.1 ± 2.1 mm) > K. pneumoniae (29.3±2 mm) > P. acnes (28.2 ± 2.4 mm) > S. aureus (25.5 ± 2.4 mm) > S. pyogenes (24.3 ± 2.1 mm) than aqueous extract. The MIC values of this methanol and aqueous extract was found as 2.5-7.5 mg mL-1 and 5.0 to 1.0 mg mL-1 respectively. Different treatment sets (A-E) on a rat-based animal model study revealed that the methanol extract has excellent antioxidant and nephroprotective activity, as well as favorable effects on essential biochemical substances involved in active metabolic activities. As demonstrated by histopathological and microscopic examination, the biologically active chemical present in methanol extract had a positive effect on serum markers, enzyme, and non-enzyme-based antioxidant activities, as well as lowering the toxicity caused by EG in the rat (as nephroprotective activity) renal cells.

The Potential Role of Apigenin in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. In spite of advances in the treatment of cancer, currently used treatment modules including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy causes adverse effects and kills the normal cells. Therefore, the goal of more effective and less side effects-based cancer treatment approaches is still at the primary position of present research. Medicinal plants or their bioactive ingredients act as dynamic sources of drugs due to their having less side effects and also shows the role in reduction of resistance against cancer therapy. Apigenin is an edible plant-derived flavonoid that has received significant scientific consideration for its health-promoting potential through modulation of inflammation, oxidative stress and various other biological activities. Moreover, the anti-cancer potential of apigenin is confirmed through its ability to modulate various cell signalling pathways, including tumor suppressor genes, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell cycle, inflammation, apoptosis, PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK and STAT3 pathways. The current review mainly emphases the potential role of apigenin in different types of cancer through the modulation of various cell signaling pathways. Further studies based on clinical trials are needed to explore the role of apigenin in cancer management and explain the possible potential mechanisms of action in this vista.

Berberine: An Important Emphasis on Its Anticancer Effects through Modulation of Various Cell Signaling Pathways

Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of disease and a major cause of death worldwide. Despite advancement in various treatment modules, there has been little improvement in survival rates and side effects associated with this disease. Medicinal plants or their bioactive compounds have been extensively studied for their anticancer potential. Novel drugs based on natural products are urgently needed to manage cancer through attenuation of different cell signaling pathways. In this regard, berberine is a bioactive alkaloid that is found in variety of plants, and an inverse association has been revealed between its consumption and cancer. Berberine exhibits an anticancer role through scavenging free radicals, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis, inflammation, PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In addition, synergistic effects of berberine with anticancer drugs or natural compounds have been proven in several cancers. This review outlines the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of berberine in different cancers through modulation of various cell signaling pathways. Moreover, the recent developments in the drug delivery systems and synergistic effect of berberine are explained.

Health Benefits and Risks of Consuming Spices on the Example of Black Pepper and Cinnamon

The aim of this study is to present the benefits and risks associated with the consumption of black pepper and cinnamon, which are very popular spices in Poland. The article presents the current state of knowledge about health properties and possible dangers, such as liver damage, associated with their consumption. The experimental part presents the results of the research on the antioxidant properties against the DPPH radical, which was 80.85 ± 3.84-85.42 ± 2.34% for black pepper, and 55.52 ± 7.56-91.87 ± 2.93% for cinnamon. The total content of polyphenols in black pepper was 10.67 ± 1.30-32.13 ± 0.24 mg GAE/g, and in cinnamon 52.34 ± 0.96-94.71 ± 3.34 mg GAE/g. In addition, the content of piperine and pepper oil in black pepper was determined, as well as the content of coumarin in cinnamon. The content of piperine in the black pepper samples was in the range of 3.92 ± 0.35-9.23 ± 0.05%. The tested black pepper samples contained 0.89 ± 0.08-2.19 ± 0.15 mL/100 g d.m. of essential oil. The coumarin content in the cinnamon samples remained in the range of 1027.67 ± 50.36-4012.00 ± 79.57 mg/kg. Taking into account the content of coumarin in the tested cinnamon samples, it should be assumed that the majority of cinnamon available in Polish retail is Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl.

Role of Ajwa Date Fruit Pulp and Seed in the Management of Diseases through In Vitro and In Silico Analysis

This study investigated the health-promoting activities of methanolic extracts of Ajwa date seed and fruit pulp extracts through in vitro studies. These studies confirmed potential antioxidant, anti-hemolytic, anti-proteolytic, and anti-bacterial activities associated with Ajwa dates. The EC50 values of fruit pulp and seed extracts in methanol were reported to be 1580.35 ± 0.37 and 1272.68 ± 0.27 µg/mL, respectively, in the DPPH test. The maximum percentage of hydrogen peroxide-reducing activity was 71.3 and 65.38% for both extracts at 600 µg/mL. Fruit pulp and seed extracts inhibited heat-induced BSA denaturation by 68.11 and 60.308%, heat-induced hemolysis by 63.84% and 58.10%, and hypersalinity-induced hemolysis by 61.71% and 57.27%, and showed the maximum anti-proteinase potential of 56.8 and 51.31% at 600 μg/mL, respectively. Seed and fruit pulp inhibited heat-induced egg albumin denaturation at the same concentration by 44.31 and 50.84%, respectively. Ajwa seed showed minimum browning intensity by 63.2%, percent aggregation index by 64.2%, and amyloid structure by 63.8% at 600 μg/mL. At 100 mg/mL, Ajwa seed extract exhibited good antibacterial activity. Molecular docking analysis showed that ten active constituents of Ajwa seeds bind with the critical antioxidant enzymes, catalase (1DGH) and superoxide dismutase (5YTU). The functional residues involved in such interactions include Arg72, Ala357, and Leu144 in 1DGH, and Gly37, Pro13, and Asp11 in 5YTU. Hence, Ajwa dates can be used to develop a suitable alternative therapy in various diseases, including diabetes and possibly COVID-19-associated complications.

Development and Validation of Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry Method for Quantitative Determination of Ten Active Compounds in Ge-Gen-Jiao-Tai-Wan

A rapid, accurate, and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of 10 main components, namely puerarin, daidzin, coptisine, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine, berberine, palmatine, coumarin, daidzein, and cinnamic acid in Ge-Gen-Jiao-Tai-Wan, was developed based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Analysis was performed on an Agilent 1290 Infinity II series UHPLC system, equipped with a Waters ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) by using (A) 0.1% acetic acid and (B) methanol as mobile phase. The flow rate was 0.3 mL/min, and the injection volume was 1 μL. Mass spectrometry was operated in multiple reaction monitoring mode using an Agilent 6460 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an AJS-ESI ion source. Agilent Mass Hunter Work Station Software was employed for data acquisition and processing. All calibration curves showed excellent linear regressions (R ² > 0.9992). The precision, repeatability, and stability of the ten compounds were below 4.56% in terms of relative standard deviation. The average extraction recovery ranged from 96.53% to 102.69% with a relative standard deviation of 1.14-3.78% for all samples. This study potently contributes to the quantitative evaluation of Ge-Gen-Jiao-Tai-Wan, thereby providing a scientific basis for further studies and clinical application of Ge-Gen-Jiao-Tai-Wan.