Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Triphala Constituents and Nanoformulation

Investigation of a Thermoresponsive In Situ Hydrogel Loaded with Nanotriphala: Implications for Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Therapy in Nasal Disorders

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in chronic nasal disorders, contributing to inflammation, tissue damage, and impaired mucosal function, highlighting the need for targeted therapies. Recent advancements in nasal drug delivery systems have expanded their applications for treating respiratory and inflammatory conditions. Among these, hydrogel-based systems offer prolonged release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing dosing frequency. This study initially evaluates the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of Nanotriphala, followed by its incorporation into a thermoresponsive in situ hydrogel system, which was subsequently developed and characterized as a novel formulation. Nanotriphala exhibited >90% cell viability and significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) levels by 40.55 µg/mL at 250 µg/mL. The hydrogel was characterized by key parameters, including viscosity, gelling time, pH, gelling temperature, texture analysis, and ex vivo spreadability. Stability was assessed under various conditions, and mutagenicity and antimutagenicity were evaluated using the Ames test. Results showed that the hydrogel gelled at 34 °C, exhibited good spreadability (10.25 ± 0.28 cm), a viscosity of 227 ± 22 cP, and maintained a pH of 5.75 ± 0.01, with optimal hardness and adhesiveness suitable for nasal application. It demonstrated antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis at minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 32, 2, 4, and 8 µg/mL, respectively, with low mutagenicity (mutagenic index < 2) and strong antimutagenic activity (>60%). The gallic acid content was 0.5796 ± 0.0218 µg/100 mL. Stability studies confirmed optimal storage at 4 °C. These findings suggest that in situ hydrogel loaded with Nanotriphala is a promising nasal drug delivery system for managing oxidative stress and related inflammatory conditions.

Preliminary investigation of the in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Triphala

Background

Triphala, is a composite of three individual botanical drugs: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Emblica officinalis. It exhibits properties such as heatclearing, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects,making it extensively utilized in India and Tibet. It has been found to exhibitinhibitory effects on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori); however, further comprehensive research is still needed to elucidate its specific antibacterial mechanism. The present study investigates the in vitro antibacterial activity and antibacterial mechanism of Triphala against H. pylori.

Methods

Ours research investigates the in vitro inhibitory activity of Triphala on multiple standard and clinical strains using microdilution broth method, time-kill curve, time-bactericidal curve and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the antibacterial mechanism of Triphala is further explored through experiments on urease activity, biofilm formation, anti-adhesion properties, virulence actor assays using RT-qPCR and Western Blotting techniques.

Results

The research findings indicate that Triphala exhibits a minimum inhibitory concentration of 80-320 μg/mL against both standard and clinical strains of H. pylori. Triphala exerts its anti-H. pylori effect by perturbing the microstructure of H. pylori, downregulating adhesion-associated genes (alpA, alpB, babA), urease-related genes (ureA, ureB, ureE, ureF), and flagellar genes (flaA, flaB); inhibiting bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, urease activity as well as CagA protein expression.

Discussion

These findings suggest that Triphala exerts inhibitory effects on H. pylori activity through multiple mechanisms, underscoring its potential as a new drug for the prevention and treatment of H. pylori infection.

A Novel Gum Paint Formulation Derived From Licorice and Triphala: Characteristics and Clinical Significance for Improved Oral Health

BACKGROUND

The clinical use of antimicrobial agents for managing aphthous ulcers and periodontal diseases has long been a subject of intensive research by numerous investigators. As concerns over the side effects and antibiotic resistance associated with conventional therapies persist, there has been a concerted effort to explore alternative medicinal approaches. In line with this objective, our study introduces a novel herbal gum paint designed specifically to address the therapeutic needs of individuals suffering from oral ulcers and periodontal diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The herbal formulation utilized in our study was prepared using extracts derived from Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Triphala, a combination of three fruits: Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia belerica. These ingredients were selected based on their documented medicinal properties. The preparation process involved extraction and formulation techniques optimized for maximum efficacy. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the bacterial culture method, where the formulation's ability to inhibit the growth of specific bacterial strains relevant to oral health was tested. Meanwhile, cytotoxicity was evaluated using the Brine Shrimp Assay method. Statistical analysis was conducted using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test to validate the significance of our findings with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

The formulation exhibited significant activity against microbes when compared to the control. The cytotoxic activity was present at a concentration of 60 and 80µL, which indicated safe usage within specified concentration ranges, highlighting its potential for clinical application without adverse effects on biological systems. Statistically significant differences were obtained between the antimicrobial activity of the formulated gum paint and the commercial gum paint against Candida albicans species at 25 µL and 80 µL (p=0.00).

CONCLUSION

The study underscores the promising therapeutic potential of the herbal gum paint developed in this research. By harnessing the natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Licorice and Triphala, the formulated gum paint showed efficacy against C. albicans. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of herbal remedies into mainstream oral healthcare practices. Future investigations could further elucidate the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic actions and explore its broader clinical applications in diverse patient populations.

Bidirectional Effect of Triphala on Modulating Gut-Brain Axis to Improve Cognition in the Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease

SCOPE

The emerging role of gut microbiota and their metabolites in the modulation of the gut-brain axis has received much attention as a new hope for the treatment of hard-to-treat chronic neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease. The naturally occurring polyphenols can restore the gut-brain axis by modulating gut microbiota and brain neurotransmitters. The Indian traditional medicine Triphala, a rich source of polyphenols, has been used on humans based on Prakriti or disease conditions for many years.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, the dual mode (morning and evening) action of Triphala is used to provide scientific evidence of its superior preventive and therapeutic efficacy in C57BL/6 and 5xFAD, APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study observes that Triphala treatment has significantly improved cognitive function, by modulating the APP pathway, reducing inflammation, and restoring the gut-brain axis by increasing the gut microbiota phyla of Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, etc., involved in maintaining the gut homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

The study paves a new path for using dual modes of Triphala alone or in combination to treat incurable AD.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Pharmacopoeia in the Evaluation and Treatment of COVID-19

The epidemic prompted by COVID-19 continues to spread, causing a great risk to the general population's safety and health. There are still no drugs capable of curing it. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) are the two other diseases caused by coronaviruses. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) showed benefits in treating SARS and MERS by preventing the disease early, substantially mitigating symptoms, shortening the treatment period, and minimizing risks and adverse reactions caused by hormone therapy. Although several vaccines have been developed and are being used for the treatment of COVID-19, existing vaccines cannot provide complete protection against the virus due to the rapid evolution and mutation of the virus, as mutated viral epitopes evade the vaccine's target and decrease the efficacy of vaccines. Thus, there is a need to develop alternative options. TCM has demonstrated positive effects in the treatment of COVID-19. Previous research studies on TCM showed broad-spectrum antiviral activity, offering a range of possibilities for their potential use against COVID-19. This study shed some light on common TCM used for SARS and MERS outbreaks and their effective use for COVID-19 management. This study provides new insights into COVID-19 drug discovery.

Chemical fingerprint analysis and quality assessment of Tibetan medicine Triphala from different origins by high-performance liquid chromatography

INTRODUCTION

Although the Tibetan medicine Triphala (THL) is widely used in many countries, insufficient progress has been made in quality control.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to propose a methodology for quality control of THL based on HPLC fingerprinting combined with an orthogonal array design.

METHODS

Seven identified peaks were used as indicators to examine the effects of temperature, extraction time, and solid-liquid ratio on the dissolution of active ingredients in THL. Fingerprint analysis was performed on 20 batches of THL from four geographical areas (China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam). For further chemometric assessment, analysis techniques including similarity analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to classify the 20 batches of samples.

RESULTS

Fingerprints were established and 19 common peaks were identified. The similarity of 20 batches of THL was more than 0.9 and the batches were divided into two clusters. Four differential components of THL were identified based on OPLS-DA, including chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, and corilagin. The optimal extraction conditions were an extraction time of 30 min, a temperature of 90°C, and a solid-liquid ratio of 30 mL/g.

CONCLUSION

HPLC fingerprinting combined with an orthogonal array design could be used for comprehensive evaluation and quality assessment of THL, providing a theoretical basis for further development and utilization of THL.

Attenuation of Hyperlipidemia by Medicinal Formulations of Emblica officinalis Synergized with Nanotechnological Approaches

The ayurvedic herb Emblica officinalis (E. officinalis) is a gift to mankind to acquire a healthy lifestyle. It has great therapeutic and nutritional importance. Emblica officinalis, also known as Indian gooseberry or Amla, is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family. Amla is beneficial for treating illnesses in all its forms. The most crucial component is a fruit, which is also the most common. It is used frequently in Indian medicine as a restorative, diuretic, liver tonic, refrigerant, stomachic, laxative, antipyretic, hair tonic, ulcer preventive, and for the common cold and fever. Hyperlipidemia is also known as high cholesterol or an increase in one or more lipid-containing blood proteins. Various phytocompounds, including polyphenols, vitamins, amino acids, fixed oils, and flavonoids, are present in the various parts of E. officinalis. E. officinalis has been linked to a variety of pharmacological effects in earlier studies, including hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, radioprotective, and hyperlipidemic effects. The amla-derived active ingredients and food products nevertheless encounter challenges such as instability and interactions with other food matrices. Considering the issue from this perspective, food component nanoencapsulation is a young and cutting-edge field for controlled and targeted delivery with a range of preventative activities. The nanoformulation of E. officinalis facilitates the release of active components or food ingredients, increased bioaccessibility, enhanced therapeutic activities, and digestion in the human body. Accordingly, the current review provides a summary of the phytoconstituents of E. officinalis, pharmacological actions detailing the plant E. officinalis's traditional uses, and especially hyperlipidemic activity. Correspondingly, the article describes the uses of nanotechnology in amla therapeutics and functional ingredients.

Emerging Status of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria and Fungi in the Arabian Peninsula

Simple Summary

The incidence and developing status of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi, as well as their related mortality, is reviewed by a systematic published literature search from nine countries in the Arabian Peninsula. In order to analyse the emerging status and mortality, a total of 382 research articles were selected from a comprehensive screening of 1705 papers. More than 850 deaths reported since 2010 in the Arabian Peninsula due to the infection of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi. Multidrug-resistant bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, and fungi Candida auris are the most prevalent and causing high deaths. To control these infections and associated deaths in the Arabian Peninsula, continuous preventive measures, accurate methods for early diagnosis of infection, active surveillance, constant monitoring, developing vaccines, eradicating multidrug resistance modulators, and data sharing among countries are required.

Abstract

We aimed to identify the prevalence and emerging status of multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi and their associated mortality in nine countries in the Arabian Peninsula. Original research articles and case studies regarding multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi in the Arabian Peninsula, published during the last 10 years, were retrieved from PubMed and Scopus. A total of 382 studies were included as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as the PRISMA guidelines, from a thorough screening of 1705 articles, in order to analyse the emerging status and mortality. The emerging nature of >120 multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and fungi in the Arabian Peninsula is a serious concern that requires continuous monitoring and immediate preventive measures. More than 50% (n = 453) of multidrug-resistant, microbe-associated mortality (n = 871) in the Arabian Peninsula was due to MDR Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus infection. Overall, a 16.51% mortality was reported among MDR-infected patients in the Arabian Peninsula from the 382 articles of this registered systematic review. MDR A. baumannii (5600 isolates) prevailed in all the nine countries of the Arabian Peninsula and was one of the fastest emerging MDR bacteria with the highest mortality (n = 210). A total of 13,087 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were reported in the region. Candida auris (580 strains) is the most prevalent among the MDR fungal pathogen in the Arabian Peninsula, having caused 54 mortalities. Active surveillance, constant monitoring, the development of a candidate vaccine, an early diagnosis of MDR infection, the elimination of multidrug resistance modulators and uninterrupted preventive measures with enhanced data sharing are mandatory to control MDR infection and associated diseases of the Arabian Peninsula. Accurate and rapid detection methods are needed to differentiate MDR strain from other strains of the species. This review summarises the logical relation, prevalence, emerging status and associated mortality of MDR microbes in the Arabian Peninsula.

Exploring scientific validation of Triphala Rasayana in ayurveda as a source of rejuvenation for contemporary healthcare: An update

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ayurveda remains the classical and comprehensive part of the ancient Indian medicine system for well-being promotive, disease preventive, and revival approach for the human body. Triphala Rasayana is mentioned in Ayurveda, comprising fruits of three plant species viz. Phyllanthus emblica L. (P. emblica), Terminalia chebula Retz (T. chebula), and Terminalia bellirica Roxb (T.bellirica). Triphala Rasayana has been utilized in various traditional medicine systems, viz., Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Traditionally Rasayana based drugs are utilized in different kinds of diseases without pathophysiological associations as indicated by current medication. Various medicinal attributes of Triphala Rasayana include antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anticataract and is also considered as a pillar for gastrointestinal treatment, specifically in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). Due to Rasayana's accessible mode of administration, availability, and affordability, there is an increase in its global acceptance.

AIM OF REVIEW

This review article summarizes the scientific validation, traditional uses, bioactive compounds, and ethnopharmacological properties of Triphala Rasayana. It also documents recent data on in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies and clinical effects of Triphala Rasayana.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A literature review is carried out using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, web of science, Ayush Research Portal, and Clinical Trials Registry-India. In addition to an electronic search, traditional ayurvedic texts and books were used as sources of information.

RESULTS

Traditionally, "Triphala Rasayana" is classified as a tridoshic rasayana and one of the most well-studied ayurvedic Rasayana. It showed various pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic. Besides this, Rasayana has reported ethnopharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, anticataract, wound healing, and radioprotection. It has shown a good impact on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) system with the reported pharmacological activities in gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, gastric ulcer, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Phytochemical studies of Triphala Rasayana revealed chemical constituents like gallic acid, ellagic acid, chebulic acid, chebulinic acid, methyl gallate, emblicanin A, and emblicanin B. Additionally, clinical studies found Triphala Rasayana to be effective against diabetes, constipation, and obesity.

CONCLUSION

The present review revealed that Triphala Rasayana may treat a diverse range of diseases, especially GIT disorders. Considering the beneficial properties of Triphala Rasayana and it's proven non-toxic nature could be a source of rejuvenation in contemporary healthcare. Nevertheless, its clinical data effectively provided precious signals to correlate ayurvedic biology and modern medicine.

Essential Oil Analysis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Three Aromatic Plant Species Growing in Saudi Arabia

Arabian flora is a rich source of bioactive compounds. In this study, we investigated three aromatic plant species with the aim of finding valuable sources of antimicrobial agents against common pathogenic microorganisms. We focused especially on microorganisms, which cause outbreaks of infectious disease during mass gatherings and pilgrimages season in Saudi Arabia. The essential oils of three aromatic plant species were hydrodistilled from flowering aerial parts of Lavandula pubescens Decne. and Pulicaria incisa subsp. candolleana E.Gamal-Eldin, and from leaves, stems, ripe and unripe fruits of Juniperus procera Hochst. Ex Endl. They were subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The main constituents of L. pubescens were found to be carvacrol (55.7%), methyl carvacrol (13.4%), and β-bisabolene (9.1%). P. incisa subsp. Candolleana essential oil was rich in linalool (33.0%), chrysanthenone (10.3%), eugenol (8.9%), and cis-chrysanthenol (8.0%); the major components of J. procera essential oil were α-pinene (31.3-62.5%) and δ-3-carene (7.3-30.3%). These essential oils were tested against thirteen American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar diffusion assay. The only effective essential oil was that of L. pubescens and the most sensitive strains were Acinetobacter baumannii, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella sonnei, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Carvacrol, the major constituent of L. pubescens, was tested on these strains and was compared with vancomycin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays of L. pubescens essential oil and carvacrol revealed that Gram-negative strains were more susceptible than the Gram-positive ones.