The Utility of Capsicum annuum L. in Internal Medicine and In Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review

Biochar and silicon relegate the adversities of beryllium stress in pepper by modulating methylglyoxal detoxification and antioxidant defense mechanism

Industrial activities have escalated beryllium (Be) release in environment which negatively affect plant growth and human health. This investigation describes Be-induced stress in pepper and its palliation by application of pineapple fruit peel biochar (BC) and potassium silicate (Si). The treatment of Be reduced seedling length, biomass, and physiological attributes and enhanced electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O2•-) level in pepper plants; however, these oxidative stress markers were reduced with combined treatment (Be + BC + Si). Application of BC and Si also lowered Be cumulation in roots and shoots of pepper. Under combined treatment, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities exhibited significant enhancement 19, 7.6, 22.8, and 48%, respectively, in Be-stressed pepper. The Be + BC + Si increased peroxidase (POD), glutathione S-transferase (GPX), and glutathione peroxidase (GST) activities 121, 55, and 53%, respectively, as compared to Be-treated pepper. Methylglyoxal level was reduced in pepper with rise in glyoxalase I and II enzymes. Thus, combined application of SS and BC effectively protects pepper against oxidative stress induced by Be by increasing both antioxidant defense and glyoxalase systems. Hence, pineapple fruit peel biochar along with potassium silicate can be used for enhancing crop productivity under Be-contaminated soil.

Clinical insights into traumatic injury of the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves: a comprehensive approach from diagnosis to therapeutic interventions

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review explores the risk and management of traumatic injuries to the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves during mandibular dental procedures. Emphasizing the significance of diagnostic tools, the review amalgamates existing knowledge to offer a comprehensive overview.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library informed the analysis.

RESULTS

Traumatic injuries often lead to hypo-/anesthesia and neuropathic pain, impacting individuals psychologically and socially. Diagnosis involves thorough anamnesis, clinical-neurological evaluations, and radiographic imaging. Severity varies, allowing for conservative or surgical interventions. Immediate action is recommended for reversible causes, while surgical therapies like decompression, readaptation, or reconstruction yield favorable outcomes. Conservative management, utilizing topical anesthesia, capsaicin, and systemic medications (tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, and serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors), proves effective for neuropathic pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic nerve injuries, though common in dental surgery, often go unrecorded. Despite lacking a definitive diagnostic gold standard, a meticulous examination of the injury and subsequent impairments is crucial.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Tailoring treatment to each case's characteristics is essential, recognizing the absence of a universal solution. This approach aims to optimize outcomes, restore functionality, and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

The Potential of Natural Products in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, comprising a variety of disorders such as hypertension, heart attacks, Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), dyslipidemias, strokes, coronary heart disease, and cardiomyopathies. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that 22.2 million people will die from CVD in 2030. Conventional treatments for CVDs are often quite expensive and also have several side effects. This potentiates the use of medicinal plants, which are still a viable alternative therapy for a number of diseases, including CVD. Natural products' cardio-protective effects result from their anti-oxidative, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-ischemic, and platelet aggregation-inhibiting properties. The conventional therapies used to treat CVD have the potential to be explored in light of the recent increase in the popularity of natural goods and alternative medicine. Some natural products with potential in the management of cardiovascular diseases such as Allium sativum L., Ginkgo biloba, Cinchona ledgeriana, Ginseng, Commiphora mukul, Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea L., Murrayakoenigii, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Polygonum cuspidatum, Fenugreek, Capsicum annuum, etc. are discussed in this article.

Capsaicin derived from endemic chili landraces combats Shigella pathogen: Insights on intracellular inhibition mechanism

Ethnic tribals in northeast India have been growing and maintaining local chili landraces for ages. These chilies are known for their characteristic pungency and immense therapeutic properties. Capsaicin, a significant chili metabolite, is recognized as a natural drug for pain relief, diabetic neuropathy, psoriasis, arthritis, etc. In this study, we tried to observe the influence of locality factors on the pungency and bioactive features of Capsicum annuum L. landraces. We also checked the gastro-protective ability of these chilies, especially in the cure of shigellosis. Phytometabolite characterization and estimation were done through spectrophotometric methods. Preparative and analytical HPLC techniques were employed for extracting and purifying capsaicin-enriched fractions. Shigella flexneri growth retardation was determined through the broth dilution method. Gentamicin protection assay and ELISA were done to assess the intracellular invasion and IL-1β inflammasome production by S.flexneri. The correlation analyses postulated that phenols, flavonoids, chlorophylls, β-carotene, and capsaicin synthase upregulation strongly influenced capsaicin biosynthesis in chili cultivars. Correspondingly, the inhibitory efficacy of the HPLC-purified Balijuri-derived capsaicin was more effective than the Raja-derived capsaicin in inhibiting intracellular Shigella growth. Reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL1β) in capsaicin-treated Shigella-infected cells probably reduced inflammation-mediated intestinal damage, limiting bacterial spread. This investigation advocates the unique potential of local chilies in curing deadly 'shigellosis' with mechanistic evidence. Our observation justifies the traditional healing practices of the ethnic people of NE India.

Capsaicin: A Potential Treatment to Improve Cerebrovascular Function and Cognition in Obesity and Ageing

Impaired cognition is the primary symptom of dementia, which can lead to functional disability and reduced quality of life among an increasingly ageing population. Ageing is associated with increased oxidative stress, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which reduces cerebrovascular function leading to cognitive decline. Chronic low-grade systemic inflammatory conditions, such as obesity, exacerbate this decline beyond normal ageing and predispose individuals to neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia. Capsaicin, the major pungent molecule of chilli, has recently demonstrated improvements in cognition in animal models via activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 1 (TRPV1). Capsaicin-induced TRPV1 activation reduces adiposity, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as improves endothelial function, all of which are associated with cerebrovascular function and cognition. This review examines the current literature on capsaicin and Capsimax, a capsaicin supplement associated with reduced gastrointestinal irritation compared to capsaicin. Acute and chronic capsaicin treatment can improve cognition in animals. However, studies adequately assessing the effects of capsaicin on cerebrovascular function, and cognition in humans do not exist. Capsimax may be a potentially safe therapeutic intervention for future clinical trials testing the effects of capsaicin on cerebrovascular function and cognition.