Nigella sativa flavonoids surface coated gold NPs (Au-NPs) enhancing antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity

A narrative review on the use of Green synthesized metallic nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. While traditional and synthetic medical therapies are in place for cancer treatment, their effectiveness is hindered by various limitations, such as toxic side effects, limited availability, and high costs. In recent years, a promising alternative approach has emerged in the form of green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), which offer targeted cancer therapy. These nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered significant attention from cancer researchers owing to their natural or surface-induced anticancer properties, versatility of metals as agents, and eco-friendly nature. This approach may positively impact healthy cells surrounding the cancerous cells. Green-synthesized MNPs have gained popularity in cancer management because of their ease of handling in the laboratory and the affordability of starting materials compared to synthetic methods. This review analyzes green-synthesized MNPs for targeted cancer therapy, highlighting tumor-targeting strategies, synthesis methods, and clinical challenges. Unlike general reviews, it compares plant-, microbial-, and enzyme-mediated synthesis approaches, emphasizing their impact on nanoparticle stability, functionalization, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Gelatin/PLA-loaded gold nanocomposites synthesis using Syzygium cumini fruit extract and their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer's activities

Nanotechnology has experienced significant advancements, attracting considerable attention in various biomedical applications. This innovative study synthesizes and characterizes Ge/PLA/AuNCs (gelatin/PLA/gold nanocomposites) using Syzygium cumini extract to evaluate their various biomedical applications. The UV-Visible spectroscopy results in an absorption peak at 534 nm were primarily confirmed by Ge/PLA/AuNCs synthesis. The FTIR spectrum showed various functional groups and the XRD patterns confirmed the crystalline shape and structure of nanocomposites. The FESEM and HRTEM results showed a oval shape of Ge/PLA/AuNCs with an average particle size of 21 nm. The Ge/PLA/AuNC's remarkable antioxidant activity, as evidenced by DPPH (70.84 ± 1.64%), ABTS activity (86.17 ± 1.96%), and reducing power activity (78.42 ± 1.48%) at a concentration of 100 μg/mL was observed. The zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (19.45 ± 0.89 mm) and Echericia coli (20.83 ± 0.97 mm) revealed the excellent antibacterial activity of Ge/PLA/AuNCs. The anti-diabetic activity of Ge/PLA/AuNCs was supported by inhibition of α-amylase (82.56 ± 1.49%) and α-glucosidase (80.27 ± 1.57%). The anti-Alzheimer activity was confirmed by inhibition of the AChE (76.37 ± 1.18%) and BChE (85.94 ± 1.38%) enzymes. In vivo studies of zebrafish embryos showed that Ge/PLA/AuNCs have excellent biocompatibility and nontoxicity. The SH-SY5Y cell line study demonstrated improved cell viability (95.27 ± 1.62%) and enhanced neuronal cell growth following Ge/PLA/AuNCs treatment. In conclusion, the present study highlights the cost-effective and non-toxic properties of Ge/PLA/AuNCs. Furthermore, it presents an attractive and promising approach for various future biomedical applications.

Antimicrobial Properties and Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds in Nigella sativa: A Review

Nigella sativa (N. sativa; Ranunculaceae), commonly referred to as black cumin, is one of the most widely used medicinal plants worldwide, with its seeds having numerous applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. With the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens as an important health challenge, the need for alternative microbe-inhibitory agents is on the rise, whereby black cumin has gained considerable attention from researchers for its strong antimicrobial characteristics owing to its high content in a wide range of bioactive compounds, including thymoquinone, nigellimine, nigellidine, quercetin, and O-cymene. Particularly, thymoquinone increases the levels of antioxidant enzymes that counter oxidative stress in the liver. Additionally, the essential oil in N. sativa seeds effectively inhibits intestinal parasites and shows moderate activity against some bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Thymoquinone exhibits minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8-16 μg/mL against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and exhibits MIC 0.25 µg/mL against drug-resistant mycobacteria. Similarly, quercetin shows a MIC of 2 mg/mL against oral pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Furthermore, endophytic fungi isolated from N. sativa have demonstrated antibacterial activity. Therefore, N. sativa is a valuable medicinal plant with potential for medicinal and food-related applications. In-depth exploration of the corresponding therapeutic potential and scope of industrial application warrants further research.

Metallic nanoentities: Bio-engineered silver, gold, and silver/gold bimetallic nanoparticles for biomedical applications

This present study reports the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) using bark extract of plant Tamarix aphylla (T.A). The bark extract contained total polyphenolic compounds and total flavonoids as 0.0362 mg/mg and 0.2928 mg/mg of the dried bark extract respectively. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and hydrogen tetra chloroaurate trihydrate (HAuCl4.3H2O) were used as precursors while deionised water and methanol (CH3OH) were used as solvents. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized through UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) for their morphology, structure, and identification of different functional groups. The UV-visible spectra of AgNPs, AuNPs and Ag/Au BNPs showed peaks at 436, 532 and 527 nm respectively due to the excitation of Surface Plasmon Resonance. SEM and TEM images showed spherical and well distributed nanoparticles (NPs) with particle size as 29 nm (AgNPs), 13 nm (AuNPs) and 26 nm (Ag/Au BNPs). The synthesized NPs are significantly active against inhibition of free radicals, α-amylase, α-glucosidase and have anti inflammatory potential with AgNPs having the highest percent activity at 400 μg/ml, followed by Ag/Au BNPs. The same trend (AgNPs > Ag/AuBNPs > AuNPs) has been observed at all concentrations i.e. 100 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml and 400 μg/ml. AuNPs have shown lowest activity at all concentrations. So the current study strongly confirms use of T.A bark extract as reducing agent for synthesis of metal NPs and opens up a new possibility of using these green synthesized NPs as biomedicines. We also suggest further in vivo investigation to report any side effects if present.

Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Biofilm Potential That Cause Dental Caries from Black Cumin Seeds (Nigella sativa Linn.)

The oral cavity is an excellent place for various microorganisms to grow. Spectrococcus mutans and Spectrococcus sanguinis are Gram-negative bacteria found in the oral cavity as pioneer biofilm formers on the tooth surface that cause caries. Caries treatment has been done with antibiotics and therapeutics, but the resistance level of S. mutans and S. sanguinis bacteria necessitates the exploration of new drug compounds. Black cumin (Nigella sativa Linn.) is known to contain secondary metabolites that have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-biofilm, anti-inflammatory and antifungal activities. The purpose of this review article is to present data on the potential of Nigella sativa Linn seeds as anti-biofilm. This article will discuss biofilm-forming bacteria, the resistance mechanism of antibiotics, the bioactivity of N. sativa extracts and seed isolates together with the Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) review of N. sativa compound isolates. We collected data from reliable references that will illustrate the potential of N. sativa seeds as anti-biofilm drug.

Mechanism of the antidiabetic action of Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone: a review

Introduction

Long used in traditional medicine, Nigella sativa (NS; Ranunculaceae) has shown significant efficacy as an adjuvant therapy for diabetes mellitus (DM) management by improving glucose tolerance, decreasing hepatic gluconeogenesis, normalizing blood sugar and lipid imbalance, and stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic cells. In this review, the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of NS as a herbal diabetes medication are examined in depth, demonstrating how it counteracts oxidative stress and the onset and progression of DM.

Methods

This literature review drew on databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed and various gray literature sources using search terms like the etiology of diabetes, conventional versus herbal therapy, subclinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, physiology, behavior, and clinical outcomes.

Results

The efficiency and safety of NS in diabetes, notably its thymoquinone (TQ) rich volatile oil, have drawn great attention from researchers in recent years; the specific therapeutic dose has eluded determination so far. TQ has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties but has not proved druggable. DM's intimate link with oxidative stress, makes NS therapy relevant since it is a potent antioxidant that energizes the cell's endogenous arsenal of antioxidant enzymes. NS attenuates insulin resistance, enhances insulin signaling, suppresses cyclooxygenase-2, upregulates insulin-like growth factor-1, and prevents endothelial dysfunction in DM.

Conclusion

The interaction of NS with mainstream drugs, gut microbiota, and probiotics opens new possibilities for innovative therapies. Despite its strong potential to treat DM, NS and TQ must be examined in more inclusive clinical studies targeting underrepresented patient populations.

Process Optimization for the Bioinspired Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Cordyceps militaris, Its Characterization, and Assessment of Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy

The promising therapeutic implications of nanoparticles have spurred their development for biomedical applications. An eco-friendly methodology synthesizes gold nanoparticles using Cordyceps militaris, an edible mushroom (Cord-Au-NPs), using a quality-by-design approach (central composite design). UV-visible spectroscopy analysis revealed an absorption peak at 540-550 nm, thus confirming the synthesis of gold nanoparticles. Cord-Au-NPs have a crystalline structure, as evidenced by the diffraction peaks. The zeta potential value of -19.42 mV signifies the stability of Cord-Au-NPs. XRD study shows gold facets and EDX analysis revealed a strong peak of spherical nanoparticles in the gold region with a mean particle size of 7.18 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.096. The obtained peaks are closely associated with phenolic groups, lipids, and proteins, as examined by FTIR, suggesting that they function as the reducing agent. Cord-Au-NPs exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antibacterial activity. The method is eco-friendly, nontoxic, less time-consuming, and does not use synthetic materials, leading to higher capabilities in biomedical applications.

Promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of Orobanche aegyptiaca extract-mediated bimetallic silver-selenium nanoparticles synthesis: Effect of UV-exposure, bacterial membrane leakage reaction mechanism, and kinetic study

In this research, Orobanche aegyptiaca extract was utilized as an eco-friendly, and cost-effective green route for the construction of bimetallic silver-selenium nanoparticles (Ag-Se NPs). Bimetallic Ag-Se NPs were characterized by XRD, EDX, FTIR, HR-TEM, DLS, SEM/mapping and EDX studies. Antimicrobial, and antibiofilm potentials were tested against some selected pathogenic bacteria and unicellular fungi by ZOI, MIC, effect of UV exposure, and inhibition %. Reaction mechanism was assessed through membrane leakage assay and SEM imaging. HRTEM analysis confirmed the spherical nature and was ranged from 18.1 nm to 72.0 nm, and the avarage particle size is determined to be 30.58 nm. SEM imaging prove that bimetallic Ag-Se NPs presents as a bright particles, and both Ag and Se were distributed equally across O. aegyptiaca extract and Guar gum stabilizers. ZOI results showed that, bimetallic Ag-Se NPs have antimicrobial activity against S. aureus (20.0 nm), E. coli (18.5 nm), P. aeruginosa (12.6 nm), and C. albicans (18.2 nm). In addition, bimetallic Ag-Se NPs were able to inhibit the biofilm formation for S. aureus by 79.48%, for E. coli by 78.79%, for P. aeruginosa by 77.50%, and for C. albicans by 73.73%. Bimetallic Ag-Se NPs are an excellent disinfectant once it had excited by UV light. It was observed that the quantity of cellular protein discharged from S. aureus is directly proportional to the concentration of bimetallic Ag-Se NPs and found to be 244.21 μg/mL after the treatment with 1 mg/mL, which proves the antibacterial characteristics, and explains the creation of holes in the cell membrane of S. aureus producing in the oozing out of the proteins from the S. aureus cytoplasm. Based on the promising properties, they showed superior antimicrobial potential at low concentration (to avoid toxicity) and continued-phase durability, they may use in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

Phytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Nigella sativa Seeds on Wheat Seedlings

Recently, the green synthesis of nanomaterials has grown in popularity and has become one of the most used approaches. Plant extracts are safe for the environment and could be cost-effective for nanoparticle preparation. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized using aqueous extracts of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seeds. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by using an X-ray diffractometer, a UV-visible spectrometer, and a transmission electron microscope. The phytotoxicity and genotoxicity of different AgNP concentrations (12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μg·L−1) were evaluated by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed germination. The results showed that AgNPs did not significantly affect germination, while root and coleoptile lengths decreased considerably. On the contrary, the biomass of seedlings markedly increased in response to AgNP treatments. Moreover, genotoxicity was detected, especially at high concentrations of AgNPs. DNA, RNA, and total soluble proteins of wheat seedlings significantly decreased. In addition, antimicrobial activities of biosynthesized AgNPs were detected.

Potential health benefits of Nigella sativa on diabetes mellitus and its complications: A review from laboratory studies to clinical trials

This review aims to gather and summarize up-to-date information on the potential health benefits of Nigella sativa (NS) on diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications from different animal models, clinical trials and in vitro studies. DM is one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders resulting from chronic hyperglycaemia due to problems in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. It affects people regardless of age, gender and race. The main consequence of DM development is the metabolic dysregulation of glucose homeostasis. Current treatments for DM include pharmacological therapy, insulin and diabetic therapy targeting β cells. Some of these therapeutic approaches are promising; however, their safety and effectiveness remain elusive. Since ancient times, medicinal plants have been used and proven effective against diseases. These plants are believed to be effective and benefit physiological and pathological processes, as they can be used to prevent, reduce or treat multiple diseases. Nigella sativa Linn. is an annual indigenous herbaceous plant belonging to Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family. NS exhibits multifactorial activities; it could ameliorate oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic and insulinotropic effects and inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes. Thus, this review demonstrates the therapeutic potential of NS that could be used as a complement or adjuvant for the management of DM and its complications. However, future research should be able to replicate and fill in the gaps of the study conducted to introduce NS safely to patients with DM.

New Green Approaches in Nanoparticles Synthesis: An Overview

Nanotechnology is constantly expanding, with nanomaterials being more and more used in common commercial products that define our modern life. Among all types of nanomaterials, nanoparticles (NPs) occupy an important place, considering the great amount that is produced nowadays and the diversity of their applications. Conventional techniques applied to synthesize NPs have some issues that impede them from being appreciated as safe for the environment and health. The alternative to these might be the use of living organisms or biological extracts that can be involved in the green approach synthesis of NPs, a process that is free of harmful chemicals, cost-effective and a low energy consumer. Several factors, including biological reducing agent concentration, initial precursor salt concentration, agitation, reaction time, pH, temperature and light, can influence the characteristics of biologically synthesized NPs. The interdependence between these reaction parameters was not explored, being the main impediment in the implementation of the biological method on an industrial scale. Our aim is to present a brief review that focuses on the current knowledge regarding how the aforementioned factors can control the size and shape of green-synthesized NPs. We also provide an overview of the biomolecules that were found to be suitable for NP synthesis. This work is meant to be a support for researchers who intend to develop new green approaches for the synthesis of NPs.

Nanotechnology Approach for Exploring the Enhanced Bioactivities and Biochemical Characterization of Freshly Prepared Nigella sativa L. Nanosuspensions and Their Phytochemical Profile

Nigella sativa is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants as it exhibits several pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and hemolytic. The purpose of this study was to apply the nanotechnology approach for exploring the enhanced bioactivities of freshly prepared Nigella sativa L. nanosuspensions and the phytochemical profile of N. sativa seed ethanolic extract. In this study, we performed the biochemical characterization of Nigella sativa L. ethanolic extract through High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Gas chromatography (GC), and bioactivities in terms of antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and hemolytic activities of nanosuspension and extract were competitively studied. The results revealed that the nanosuspension of N. sativa seeds showed higher total phenolic (478.63 ± 5.00 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid contents (192.23 ± 1.390 mg CE/100 g) than the ethanolic seed extract. The antioxidant activity was performed using the DPPH scavenging assay, and nanosuspension showed higher potential (16.74 ± 1.88%) than the extract. The antidiabetic activity was performed using antiglycation and α-amylase inhibition assays, nanosuspension showed higher antidiabetic potential [antiglycation (58 ± 0.912%)] and [bacterial α-amylase inhibition (18.0 ± 1.3675%)], respectively. Nanosuspension showed higher biofilm inhibition activity against Escherichia coli (66.44 ± 3.529%) than the extract (44.96 ± 2.238%) and ciprofloxacin (59.39 ± 3.013%). Hemolytic activity was performed and nanosuspension showed higher hemolytic activity than the extract as 7.8 ± 0.1% and 6.5 ± 0.3%, respectively. The study showed that nanosuspension had enhanced the bioavailability of bioactive plant compounds as compared to the ethanolic extract. Therefore, nanosuspension of N. sativa seed extract showed higher biochemical activities as compared to the ethanolic extract. This nanotechnology approach can be used as a platform for the development of combination protocols for the characterization of liquid state nanosuspensions in an adequate manner and also for therapeutic applications.