The Multifunctional Role of Herbal Products in the Management of Diabetes and Obesity: A Comprehensive Review

Evaluation of Sechium edule fruit attenuation impact on the cardiomyopathy of the STZ-induced diabetic rats

Sechium edule, commonly known as chayote is known for its low glycemic index, high fiber content, and rich nutritional profile, which suggests it may be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. While research specifically examining the impact of chayote on diabetes is limited, this study screened its biological impacts by using different biomarkers on streptozotocin-induced diabetic (STZ-ID) rats. The ethanolic extract of the Sechium edule fruits was assessed for different phytochemical, biochemical, and anti-diabetic properties. In the results, chayote extract had high phenolic and flavonoid contents respectively (39.25 ± 0.65 mg/mL and 12.16 ± 0.50 mg/mL). These high phenolic and flavonoid contents showed high implications on STZ-ID rats. Altogether 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract considerably reduced the blood sugar level and enhanced the lipid profile of the STZ-ID rats. Additionally, they have decreased blood urea and serum creatinine levels. Besides, the levels of SGOT, SGPT, LDH, sodium, and potassium ions were significantly lowered after the administration period. More importantly, the electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters such as QT, RR, and QTc which were prolonged in the diabetic rats were downregulated after 35 days of administration of S. edule extract (400 mg/kg). And, the histological examination of the pancreas and kidney showed marked improvement in structural features of 200 and 400 mg/kg groups when compared to the diabetic control group. Where the increase in the glucose levels was positively correlated with QT, RR, and QTc (r2 = 0.76, r2 = 0.76, and r2 = 0.43) which means that ECG could significantly reflect the diabetes glucose levels. In conclusion, our findings showed that the fruit extract exerts a high potential to reduce artifacts secondary to diabetes which can be strongly suggested for diabetic candidates. However, there is a need to study the molecular mechanisms of the extract in combating artifacts secondary to diabetes in experimental animals.

Pharmacological properties of Ensete glaucum seed extract: Novel insights for antidiabetic effects via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and MAPK signaling pathways

ETHNOPHAMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants are increasingly making important contributions to diabetic treatment. Ensete glaucum seeds have been widely used in folk medicine to treat diabetes.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study was aimed to investigate the protective effect and active mechanisms of E. glaucum seed extract (EGSE) against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hyperglycemic mice were treated with EGSE (25 and 50 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) once daily for 7 d. The effects of these treatments on changes in blood biochemical parameters, pancreatic, liver, and kidney histopathology, oxidative stress and inflammatory marker levels in pancreatic, hepatic, and renal tissues were assessed. Expression of several proteins in MAPK signaling pathway related to apoptosis in pancreatic tissue were investigated. Furthermore, ex vivo, in vitro, and in silico biological activities of EGSE and its compounds were also examined.

RESULTS

EGSE and glibenclamide increased notably insulin, reduced significantly glucose, AST, ALT, BUN and creatinine levels in blood. Pancreatic islets, hepatic and renal tissue structure were restored by EGSE or glibenclamide. EGSE showed significant anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects by enhancing GSH level and dropping MDA, NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6 levels in these tissues. Particularly, EGSE exhibited pancreatic protective effect against STZ-induced apoptosis through the MAPK signaling pathway by down-regulation of p-p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK1, p-AMPK, Bax, Bax/Bcl-2, cytochrome c, cleaved-caspase 3 and PARP expression, and slight up-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. Moreover, EGSE inhibited intestinal glucose absorption, PTP1B, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase activities. Its isolated compounds (Afzelechin and coniferaldehyde) showed PTP1B and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, and potent structure-activity relationships.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated the hypoglycemic and protective effects of E. glaucum seed extract against the STZ diabetogenic action. E. glaucum seed is a potential candidate for further studies to confirm its activities as a therapeutic agent for diabetic patients.

Scorpion sting in Hafizabad, Pakistan: Facility based epidemiological study

Scorpion envenomation is a widespread issue in tropical and subtropical countries. In the present study epidemiology of scorpion sting cases and potential treatment options in district Hafizabad, Pakistan are documented. Hafizabad city and the adjacent villages were selected for the data collection. Age, gender, time, site of scorpion sting on the body, scorpion sting symptoms, number of patients obtaining medical attention and the number of fatalities (if any) were noted. Data showed that scorpion envenomation often occurs in people between the ages of 16-47 years. There were more female victims (55%) and most of the scorpion sting incidences (55.49%) occurred between 07 PM and 02 AM Among body parts, both the hands (41.71%) and feet (48.57%) were more vulnerable to scorpion stings. In rural areas, the incidences of scorpion stings were higher (68.57%). The reported symptoms of scorpion stings include pain, hypertension, nausea and allergy. Out of all the victims, only 56.05% sought treatment from health care units as well as traditional medicine practitioners. However, others (43.94%) fully healed on their own without any treatment. People were using different types of plant-based materials and dead scorpions with mustard oil as a potent remedy against scorpion stings. Moreover, in the health care units there was no antivenom available and medical staff usually used common pain killers such as Xylocain and Lignocain for the treatment of scorpion sting.

Thymoquinone mitigates obesity and diabetic parameters through regulation of major adipokines, key lipid metabolizing enzymes and AMPK/p-AMPK in diet-induced obese rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycemic activity of Thymoquinone (ThyQ) isolated from Nigella sativa seeds. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups and fed either normal pellet diet or high-fat diet (HFD) for 18 weeks and water ad-libitum. Group I: normal pellet diet (NPD)-fed, Group II: high-fat diet (HFD)-fed, Group III: HFD-fed-ThyQ (20 mg)-treated, Group IV: HFD-fed-ThyQ (40 mg)-treated and Group V: HFD-fed-Orlistat (5 mg)-treated group. Intervention with ThyQ started from 12th week onwards to HFD-fed rats of group III and IV. ThyQ administration significantly (p < 0.01) mitigated body weight gain, blood glucose, insulin level, serum and liver lipids (except HDL) and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity as evaluated by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin tolerance test (ITT). Furthermore, ThyQ significantly (p < 0.01) diminished serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), plasma leptin, resistin and visfatin levels but enhanced lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and adiponectin levels. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated down-regulated mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1c (SREBP-1c), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBP-α) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) but upregulation of Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1).Western blot analysis displayed phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) in ThyQ-treated rats. Liver microtome sections of HFD-fed rats showed degenerated hepatocytes with high lipid stores while that of adipose tissue sections displayed large, fat-laden adipocytes, however, these histological changes were considerably attenuated in ThyQ-treated groups. Together these findings demonstrate that ThyQ can be a valuable therapeutic compound to potentially alleviate diet-induced obesity, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-023-03847-x.

Discussing pathologic mechanisms of Diabetic retinopathy & therapeutic potentials of curcumin and β-glucogallin in the management of Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a form of retinal microangiopathy that occurs as a result of long-term Diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients with Diabetes mellitus typically suffer from DR as a progression of the disease that may be due to initiation and dysregulation of pathways like the polyol, hexosamine, the AGE/RAGE, and the PKC pathway, which all have negative impacts on eye health and vision. In this review, various databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct, were scoured for data relevant to the aforementioned title. The three most common therapies for DR today are retinal photocoagulation, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, and vitrectomy, however, there are a number of drawbacks and limits to these methods. So, it is of critical importance and profound interest to discover treatments that may successfully address the pathogenesis of DR. Curcumin and β-glucogallin are the two potent compounds of natural origin that are already being used in various nutraceutical formulations for several ailments. They have been shown potent antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and pro-vascular function benefits in animal experiments. Their parent plant species have been used for generations by practitioners of traditional herbal medicine for the treatment and prevention of various eye ailments. In this review, we will discuss about pathophysiology of Diabetic retinopathy and the therapeutic potentials of curcumin and β-glucogallin one of the principal compounds from Curcuma longa and Emblica officinalis in Diabetic retinopathy.

Dehulled Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L.) ameliorates hepatic gluconeogenesis and steatosis in streptozotocin/high-fat diet-induced diabetic rats

Adlay (Coix lachryma-jobi L.) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with various biological activities. We investigated the anti-diabetic effects of different parts of adlay seeds, including polished adlay (PA), adlay bran (AB) and dehulled adlay (DA) in a streptozotocin (STZ)/high fat diet (HFD) diabetic rat model (DM). DM rats supplemented with or without PA (43%), AB (3%), or DA (46%) diet for 8 weeks. The plasma glucose and insulin levels and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were increased in DM group; among the three adlay diets, DA has the best effects attenuating all of these alterations in DM rats. Both AB and DA alleviated diabetes-impaired glucose tolerance. The increased hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase protein expression in DM group was improved by all of the three adlay diets. The increased ratio of glucose-6-phosphatase to glucokinase in DM group was suppressed by DA supplementation, further suggesting DA diet is most effective among the three diets. Both AB and DA diets had beneficial effects against hepatic steatosis, with better effects observed in DA group. These results suggest that the DA diet, composed of both polished adlay and adlay bran, possesses the best potential to improve glucose homeostasis, at least in part, by alleviating hepatic glucose metabolism and steatosis.

Coptisine, the Characteristic Constituent from Coptis chinensis, Exhibits Significant Therapeutic Potential in Treating Cancers, Metabolic and Inflammatory Diseases

Naturally derived alkaloids belong to a class of quite significant organic compounds. Coptisine, a benzyl tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloid, is one of the major bioactive constituents in Coptis chinensis Franch., which is a famous traditional Chinese medicine. C. chinensis possesses many kinds of functions, including the ability to eliminate heat, expel dampness, purge fire, and remove noxious substances. In Asian countries, C. chinensis is traditionally employed to treat carbuncle and furuncle, diabetes, jaundice, stomach and intestinal disorders, red eyes, toothache, and skin disorders. Up to now, there has been plenty of research of coptisine with respect to its pharmacology. Nevertheless, a comprehensive review of coptisine-associated research is urgently needed. This paper was designed to summarize in detail the progress in the research of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and formulation of coptisine. The related studies included in this paper were retrieved from the following academic databases: The Web of Science, PubMed, Google scholar, Elsevier, and CNKI. The cutoff date was January 2023. Coptisine manifests various pharmacological actions, including anticancer, antimetabolic disease, anti-inflammatory disease, and antigastrointestinal disease effects, among others. Based on its pharmacokinetics, the primary metabolic site of coptisine is the liver. Coptisine is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal system, and most of it is expelled in the form of its prototype through feces. Regarding safety, coptisine displayed potential hepatotoxicity. Some novel formulations, including the [Formula: see text]-cyclodextrin-based inclusion complex and nanocarriers, could effectively enhance the bioavailability of coptisine. The traditional use of C. chinensis is closely connected with the pharmacological actions of coptisine. Although there are some disadvantages, including poor solubility, low bioavailability, and possible hepatotoxicity, coptisine is still a prospective naturally derived drug candidate, especially in the treatment of tumors as well as metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Further investigation of coptisine is necessary to facilitate the application of coptisine-based drugs in clinical practice.

Effects of Resveratrol Co-Administration on Celecoxib Disposition and Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Volunteers

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol (RSV), a natural herbal remedy used as an adjacent anti-inflammatory supplement on, the pharmacokinetics of celecoxib in healthy male volunteers. Twelve healthy human participants were involved in two-period open-labeled trial. Celecoxib (200 mg) was given as a single oral dose under fasting conditions as a control phase. Afterward, RSV (500 mg) commenced as a single oral dose for ten days as a treatment phase. Blood samples were collected during the control and treatment phases and analyzed using the validated High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. RSV pre-exposure significantly increased the area under the curve (AUC0-24), peak plasma concentration (Cmax), absorption rate constant (ka), and prolongated half-life (t1/2), along with a decrease in elimination rate constant (ke). Meanwhile, the volume of distribution (Vd/F) and apparent total body clearance (CL/F) were significantly decreased for celecoxib. There was no significant change in the time it takes for celecoxib to reach the maximum concentration (tmax) was observed. The obtained results suggested the presence of a beneficial pharmacokinetic interaction between RSV and celecoxib. Consequently, combining resveratrol as an herbal remedy and celecoxib as an anti-inflammatory drug may synergistically reduce inflammation and osteoarthritis with minimal side effects.

Anti-obesity effects of olivetol in adult zebrafish model induced by short-term high-fat diet

Obesity is a complex disease caused by various factors, and synthetic drugs used to treat it can have side effects. Natural compounds, such as olivetol, could be a promising alternative. Olivetol is a substance found in certain lichen species and has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In this study, researchers conducted in-silico molecular docking studies and found that olivetol had significant binding affinity with receptors involved in obesity. They also investigated the effects of olivetol on a diet-induced obese zebrafish model and found that high doses of olivetol reduced excessive fat accumulation and triglyceride and lipid accumulation. The low dose of olivetol showed a significant reduction in liver enzymes' levels. However, the high dose of olivetol resulted in a significant increase in HMG-CoA levels. These results suggest that olivetol may be a promising anti-obesity agent for the treatment of hyperlipidemia-related disorders, but further research is necessary to understand its full effects on the body.

Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Improved Glucose Metabolism in Prediabetic Mice by Regulating Duodenal Contraction

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) have been shown to exert an antiglycemic effect. Emerging evidence suggests that patients with hyperglycemia have a hypercontractility of duodenum, and targeting duodenal contraction of duodenum can be beneficial to glucose metabolism. However, it is unknown whether LBPs can improve glucose metabolism by regulating the hypercontractility of the duodenum. Our aim was to explore the effect of LBPs on duodenal contraction in prediabetic mice and also preliminarily investigate the mechanism. The results showed that LBPs improved glucose homeostasis by decreasing the duodenal amplitude of contraction rather than frequency. Moreover, LBPs ameliorated the gut microbiota composition and the levels of short-chain fatty acids, especially acetic acid, which might bind to the receptor on neurons to regulate the contraction of the duodenum. Acetic acid was hypothesized to play a key role in the above process. Then, acetic acid was determined to exert an antiglycemic effect as expected. In conclusion, LBPs may rely on acetic acid to regulate duodenal contraction to ameliorate glucose metabolism in prediabetic mice, which provides a new therapeutic strategy to treat dysglycemia.

Exploring the potential function of trace elements in human health: a therapeutic perspective

A trace element, known as a minor element, is a chemical element whose concentration is very low. They are divided into essential and non-essential classes. Numerous physiological and metabolic processes in both plants and animals require essential trace elements. These essential trace elements are so directly related to the metabolic and physiologic processes of the organism that either their excess or deficiency can result in severe bodily malfunction or, in the worst situations, death. Elements can be found in nature in various forms and are essential for the body to carry out its varied functions. Trace elements are crucial for biological, chemical, and molecular cell activity. Nutritional deficits can lead to weakened immunity, increased susceptibility to oral and systemic infections, delayed physical and mental development, and lower productivity. Trace element enzymes are involved in many biological and chemical processes. These compounds act as co-factors for a number of enzymes and serve as centers for stabilizing the structures of proteins and enzymes, allowing them to mediate crucial biological processes. Some trace elements control vital biological processes by attaching to molecules on the cell membrane's receptor site or altering the structure of the membrane to prevent specific molecules from entering the cell. Some trace elements are engaged in redox reactions. Trace elements have two purposes. They are required for the regular stability of cellular structures, but when lacking, they might activate alternate routes and induce disorders. Therefore, thoroughly understanding these trace elements is essential for maintaining optimal health and preventing disease.

Agaricus bisporus Extract Exerts an Anti-Obesity Effect in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6N Mice by Inhibiting Pancreatic Lipase-Mediated Fat Absorption

Agaricus bisporus is well known as a source of polysaccharides that could improve human health. The objective of this study was to explore the anti-obesity effect of A. bisporus extract (ABE), abundant in polysaccharides, and its underlying mechanism. Pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity in vitro was determined after treatment with ABE and chitosan. Treatment with ABE and chitosan significantly decreased pancreatic lipase activity. Five-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups for acute feeding with vehicle, ABE at 80 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day, and ABE at 160 mg/kg BW/day. ABE dose-dependently increased plasma lipid clearance in an oral lipid tolerance test. Five-week-old male C57BL/6N mice were fed a control diet (CD), a high-fat diet (HFD), an HFD with ABE at 80 mg/kg BW/day, ABE at 160 mg/kg BW/day, or chitosan at 160 mg/kg BW/day for eight weeks. HFD-fed mice showed significant increases in body weight, fat mass, white adipose tissue, average lipid droplet size, and serum levels of glucose, triglyceride, ALT, and AST compared to those in the CD group. However, ABE or chitosan administration ameliorated these increases. ABE or chitosan significantly reduced dietary efficiency and increased fecal excretion levels of lipids, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. These in vitro and in vivo findings suggest that ABE might act as an anti-obesity agent by inhibiting pancreatic lipase-mediated lipid absorption, at least in part.

Effects of Chinese herbal feed additives on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity in breeding boars

Currently, Chinese herbal feed additives (CHFA) are commonly utilized in domestic pig farms. However, their impact on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity of imported breeding boars has yet to be thoroughly explored. In this study, the effect of CHFA on the sperm quality and reproductive capacity of the imported Duroc boars was investigated. Sixteen boars were randomly divided into control group and experimental (CHFA treated) group and fed normal or CHFA-levels containing diets, respectively. The sperm quality and reproductive hormone levels were periodically tested, and the reproductive capacity with breeding sows were evaluated. The results showed that the CHFA treated group boars significantly improved sperm volume, sperm concentration, and motility and reduced the sperm abnormalities. Furthermore, the serum levels of reproductive hormone such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) in the CHFA treated group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Although there was no significant difference in the initial birth weight of piglets between the two groups, the CHFA treated group had a significantly higher average number of piglets born, the average number of piglets born alive, the number of piglets weaned at 28 days, and the weaning weight compared to the control group. These findings suggest that CHFA can significantly improve the sperm quality of breeding boars and enhance their reproductive hormone levels as well as the reproductive capacity, providing direct evidence for the further application of CHFA in the management of breeding boars in China.

Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic, Antilipidemic, and Protective Effect of Polyherbal Emulsion (F6-SMONSECCE) on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

The current study focused on the antioxidant potential, α-amylase inhibitory activity, and hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and histoprotective (pancreas and kidney) effects of polyherbal emulsion on the alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Polyherbal formulations were prepared from extracts and oils of Nigella sativa (N. sativa), Citrullus colocynthis (C. colocynthis), and Silybum marianum (S. marianum). Out of nine stable formulations, one formulation named F6-SMONSECCE was found to be the best after its evaluation using antioxidant and in vitro α-amylase inhibition assay. The prepared herbal formulations showed significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity in terms of radical scavenging as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays and also revealed the presence of a significant amount of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. "F6- SMONSECCE" (prepared with composition; Silybum marianum oil (SMO) + Nigella sativa extract (NSE) + Citrullus colocynthis extract CCE) was selected for an in vivo trial to ascertain its antidiabetic potential. The treatment dose was determined by using an acute toxicity trial on rats. Administration of alloxan (150 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) augmented the blood glucose levels and lipid contents as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-c), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-c). However, the levels of insulin and high-density lipoproteins (HDL-c) were found to be decreased, and the histopathological alterations were also found in the pancreas and kidney. The administration of the polyherbal formulation (F6-SMONSECCE) significantly attenuated the blood glucose levels (22.94%), TC (29.10%), TG (38.15%), LDL-c (27.58%), and VLDL-c (71.52%), whereas on the other side, the insulin (-149.15%) and HDL-c levels (-22.22%) were significantly increased. A significant histopathological normalization was observed in the pancreas and kidney tissues of the F6-SMONSECCE-treated rats. The current findings proposed that the prepared polyherbal formulation "F6-SMONSECCE" exhibited significant antioxidant, antilipidemic, and hypoglycemic potential and hence might be suggested as a remedy against diabetes or as a coadjuvant to synthetic medicines to maintain normal physiology.

Anti-obesity potential of bioactive guided fractions of Annona squamosa linn. leaves extract: a combination of in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico studies along with profiling of lead compounds by HPTLC MS-MSn method

The antiobesity potential of bioactive fractions derived from Annona squamosa was approached using a combination of in vitro, in silico and in-vivo studies. The study was analyzed to validate and select the potent bioactive fractions of A. squamosa leaves extract through in vitro and in vivo activities targeting obesity. The phytochemical properties of the bioactive fractions were investigated utilizing total flavonoid, total phenolic and total steroidal content. Further, in vitro antioxidant assays such as nitric oxide (NO2), DPPH, ABTS, and Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging assays were performed whereas pancreatic lipase, Alpha-amylase and Alpha glucosidase assays were carried out for enzyme inhibition activities. The overall study revealed that fractions F2 and F3 had shown significant in vitro activities targeting obesity. The selected potent fractions (F2 and F3) were orally bio-screened for efficacy in MSG-HFD-induced obese mice at 80 mg/kg/bw. The invivo study confirmed that fractions 2 and 3 with a dose of 80 mg/kg/bw had a significant potency compared to obese control and standard for various parameters. Body weight and lipid metrics were significantly reduced, and histological examinations revealed considerable beneficial alterations in the organs of the animals. Further HPTLC MS-MSn was used to characterize and identify the major compounds in the potent bioactive fractions, which confirmed the presence of seven major compounds: Ascorbic acid, Gallic acid, Quercetin, β-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Caffeine and Epigallocatechin gallate. An in silico model was then employed to determine the best binding activity of the identified compound towards the specific receptors targeting obesity, confirming the most effective docking score towards stigmasterol and sitosterol. The in vitro and in vivo studies of derived bioactive fractions of A. squamosa leaves extract revealed a possible therapeutic approach towards anti-obesity activity for the first time.

Nanoformulations for the Delivery of Dietary Anthocyanins for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal blood glucose levels-hyperglycemia, caused by a lack of insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or a combination of both. The incidence of DM is increasing, resulting in billions of dollars in annual healthcare costs worldwide. Current therapeutics aim to control hyperglycemia and reduce blood glucose levels to normal. However, most modern drugs have numerous side effects, some of which cause severe kidney and liver problems. On the other hand, natural compounds rich in anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, malvidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and petunidin) have also been used for the prevention and treatment of DM. However, lack of standardization, poor stability, unpleasant taste, and decreased absorption leading to low bioavailability have hindered the application of anthocyanins as therapeutics. Therefore, nanotechnology has been used for more successful delivery of these bioactive compounds. This review summarizes the potential of anthocyanins for the prevention and treatment of DM and its complications, as well as the strategies and advances in the delivery of anthocyanins using nanoformulations.

Formulation and Optimization of Repaglinide Nanoparticles Using Microfluidics for Enhanced Bioavailability and Management of Diabetes

The technologies for fabrication of nanocrystals have an immense potential to improve solubility of a variety of the poor water-soluble drugs with subsequent enhanced bioavailability. Repaglinide (Rp) is an antihyperglycemic drug having low bioavailability due to its extensive first-pass metabolism. Microfluidics is a cutting-edge technique that provides a new approach for producing nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled properties for a variety of applications. The current study’s goal was to engineer repaglinide smart nanoparticles (Rp-Nc) utilizing microfluidic technology (Dolomite Y shape), and then to perform in-vitro, in-vivo, and toxicity evaluations of them. This method effectively generated nanocrystals with average particle sizes of 71.31 ± 11 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.072 ± 12. The fabricated Rp’s crystallinity was verified by Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). In comparison to the raw and commercially available tablets, the fabricated Rp’s nanoparticles resulted in a higher saturation solubility and dissolving rate (p < 0.05). Rp nanocrystals had a considerably lower (p < 0.05) IC50 value than that of the raw drug and commercial tablets. Moreover, Rp nanocrystals at the 0.5 and 1 mg/kg demonstrated a significant decrease in blood glucose level (mg/dL, p < 0.001, n = 8) compared to its counterparts. Rp nanocrystals at the 0.5 mg/kg demonstrated a significant decrease (p < 0.001, n = 8) in blood glucose compared to its counterparts at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The selected animal model’s histological analyses and the effect of Rp nanocrystals on several internal organs were determined to be equivalent to those of the control animal group. The findings of the present study indicated that nanocrystals of Rp with improved anti-diabetic properties and safety profiles can be successfully produced using controlled microfluidic technology, an innovative drug delivery system (DDS) approach.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities of astilbin contained in Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib. stems: an investigation by in silico and in vitro studies

INTRODUCTION

Bioactive compounds from traditional medicines are good alternatives to standard diabetes therapies and may lead to new therapeutic discoveries. The stems of Bauhinia strychnifolia Craib. (BC) have a possible antihyperglycemic effect; However, the extraction of astilbin from BC has never been recorded in alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

METHODS

Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), 32 compounds were detected in the BC extract. The screening was based on peak area. Seven compounds found. PASS recognized all seven compounds as potential alpha-glucosidase (AG) inhibitors. Astilbin and quercetin 3-rhamnoside were the most likely inhibitors of AG. Arguslab, AutoDock, and AutoDock Vina investigated the binding of the two compounds and AG. The binding stability was confirmed by molecular dynamics (MD). In addition, the optimum solvent extraction was studied via CosmoQuick, and extracts were examined with ¹H-NMR prior to testing with AG.

RESULTS

All three software programs demonstrated that both compounds inhibit AG more effectively than acarbose. According to the sigma profile, THF is recommended for astilbin extraction. The BC extract with THF showed outstanding AG inhibitory action with an IC₅₀ of 158 ± 1.30 µg mL-1, which was much lower than that of the positive control acarbose (IC₅₀ = 190 ± 6.97 µg mL-1). In addition, astilbin from BC was found to inhibit AG strongly, IC50 = 22.51 ± 0.70 µg mL-1 through the extraction method of large-scale astilbin with THF has the best extraction capacity compared to other solvents, hence the initial stage of extraction employs THF to extract and precipitate them with ethyl acetate and water.

CONCLUSION

In silico and in vitro studies reveal that astilbin inhibits AG and is superior to acarbose, validating its promise as an AG inhibitor. Overall, astilbin was the most bioactive component of BC for antidiabetic action.

Pharmacological Treatments and Natural Biocompounds in Weight Management

The obesity pandemic is one of society’s most urgent public health concerns. One-third of the global adult population may fall under obese or overweight by 2025, suggesting a rising demand for medical care and an exorbitant cost of healthcare expenditure in the coming years. Generally, the treatment strategy for obese patients is largely patient-centric and needs dietary, behavioral, pharmacological, and sometimes even surgical interventions. Given that obesity cases are rising in adults and children and lifestyle modifications have failed to produce the desired results, the need for medical therapy adjunct to lifestyle modifications is vital for better managing obesity. Most existing or past drugs for obesity treatment target satiety or monoamine pathways and induce a feeling of fullness in patients, while drugs such as orlistat are targeted against intestinal lipases. However, many medications targeted against neurotransmitters showed adverse events in patients, thus being withdrawn from the market. Alternatively, the combination of some drugs has been successfully tested in obesity management. However, the demand for novel, safer, and more efficacious pharmaceutical medicines for weight management does exist. The present review elucidates the current understanding of the available anti-obesity medicines of synthetic and natural origin, their main mechanisms of action, and the shortcomings associated with current weight management drugs.

Particle Nanoarchitectonics for Nanomedicine and Nanotherapeutic Drugs with Special Emphasis on Nasal Drugs and Aging

Aging is a multifunctional physiological manifestation. The nasal cavity is considered a major site for easy and cost-effective drug and vaccine administration, due to high permeability, low enzymatic activity, and the presence of a high number of immunocompetent cells. This review article primarily focuses on aging genetics, physical parameters, and the use of nanoparticles as delivery systems of drugs and vaccines via the nasal cavity. Studies have identified various genes involved in centenarian and average-aged people. VEGF is a key mediator involved in angiogenesis. Different therapeutic approaches induce vascular function and angiogenesis. FOLR1 gene codes for folate receptor alpha protein that helps in regulating the transport of vitamin B folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and folate analogs inside the cell. This gene also aids in slowing the aging process down by cellular regeneration and promotes healthy aging by reducing aging symptoms. It has been found through the literature that GATA 6, Yamanaka factors, and FOLR1 work in synchronization to induce healthy and delayed aging. The role and applications of genes including CBS, CISD, SIRT 1, and SIRT 6 play a significant role in aging.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory Studies, and Identification of Bioactive Compounds Using GC-MS of Ethanolic Novel Polyherbal Extract

Hyperglycemia is the hallmark of diabetes, which is a collection of related metabolic disorders. Over time, diabetes can cause a variety of problems, including cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Ethanolic novel polyherbal extract (PHE) was prepared by mixing equal amounts of the following ingredients: Terminalia chebula Retz. (TC), Terminalia bellerica Roxb. (TB), Berberis aristata DC. (BA), Nyctanthes arbostratis L. (NA), Premna integrifolia L. (PI), and Andrographis paniculata Nees. (AP). Analysis of PHE results revealed phytochemicals like glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phytosterols, and saponins. The aim of the study was to prepare an ethanolic extract of PHE using the cold maceration technique, and identify bioactive molecules from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and evaluate biological responses by using in vitro studies like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. PHE was found to contain a total of 35 phytochemicals in GC-MS of which 22 bioactive compounds were obtained in good proportion. There are a few new ones, including 2-buten-1-ol, 2-ethyl-4-(2, 2, 3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl (17.22%), 1, 2, 5, 6-tetrahydrobenzonitrile (4.26%), 4-piperidinamine, 2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethyl-(0.07%), undecanoic acid, 5-chloro-, chloromethyl ester (0.41%), are identified. Antioxidant activity was estimated using EC₅₀ values of 392.143 µg/ml, which were comparable to the standard value of EC₅₀ 310.513 µg/ml obtained using DPPH. Antioxidant activity was estimated with EC₅₀ 392.143 µg/ml, comparable to standard EC₅₀ 310.513 µg/ml using DPPH. In vitro anti-inflammatory potential was found with IC₅₀ of 91.449 µg/ml, comparable to standard IC₅₀ 89.451 µg/ml for membrane stabilization and IC₅₀ of 36.940 µg/ml, comparable to standard IC₅₀ 35.723 µg/ml for protein denaturation assays. As a result, the findings of this study show an enrichment of bioactive phytochemicals that can be used to investigate biological activity. To better understand how diabetes receptors work, in silico studies like docking could be carried out.

Nutraceuticals as Supportive Therapeutic Agents in Diabetes and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review

The correlation between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and diabetes-related mechanisms support the hypothesis that early therapeutic strategies targeting diabetes can contribute to PDAC risk reduction and treatment improvement. A systematic review was conducted, using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, to evaluate the current evidence from clinical studies qualitatively examining the efficacy of four natural products: Curcumin-Curcuma longa L.; Thymoquinone-Nigella sativa L.; Genistein-Glycine max L.; Ginkgo biloba L.; and a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and PDAC treatment. A total of 28 clinical studies were included, showing strong evidence of inter-study heterogeneity. Used as a monotherapy or in combination with chemo-radiotherapy, the studied substances did not significantly improve the treatment response of PDAC patients. However, pronounced therapeutic efficacy was confirmed in T2D. The natural products and low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet, combined with the standard drugs, have the potential to improve T2D treatment and thus potentially reduce the risk of cancer development and improve multiple biological parameters in PDAC patients.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Asagirt District, Northeastern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

The people in Ethiopia have developed their own specific knowledge to use, manage and conserve plant resources, giving traditional medicine its diverse nature. Documenting and investigating the traditional and cultural use of remedial plants is vital to extract bioactive chemicals and preserve plant species. This research was conducted with the aim of documenting ethnobotanical and associated knowledge on medicinal plants in Asagirt District, northeastern Ethiopia.

METHODOLOGY

The study was conducted from September 27, 2018, to April 9, 2019. A total of 367 informants (244 males and 123 females) were involved in the interviews. General informants (n = 349) were randomly selected, whereas key informants (n = 18) were selected purposively. Data were collected by using semistructured interviews, group discussions and guided field walks. We performed direct matrix ranking and preference ranking, and calculated the fidelity level and informant consensus factor (ICF). Descriptive statistics, including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent sample t-test were used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Overall, 103 medicinal plant species belonging to 96 genera under 45 plant families were recorded to be used by Asagirt people to alleviate different health problems. The species used to heal human diseases only were (64%, 66 species) followed by both livestock and human ailments (31%, 32 species) and livestock diseases only (5%, 5 species). Asteraceae and Fabaceae were best-represented (10.7%, 11 species each). The most frequently used plant parts were leaves (28%, 29 species), followed by seeds (16%, 17 species). The most important method of herbal remedy preparation was crushing (20.4%, 21 species). The common route of administration was oral (46.6%, 48 species), followed by dermal (22.3%, 23 species). Febrile illness, fever, headache, amoebiasis, typhoid and diarrhoea ailment categories had the highest ICF value (0.99). Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. ex Benth. scored the maximum fidelity level value (98%).

CONCLUSION

Asagirt District is comparatively rich in medicinal plants and their associated knowledge. However, firewood collection, construction, the expansion of agricultural activities and timber production are the major challenges to medicinal plants. Hence, joint management with the people in Asagirt District in overall medicinal plant conservation would save medicinal plant resources.

Bioinorganic Nanoparticles for the Remediation of Environmental Pollution: Critical Appraisal and Potential Avenues

Nowadays, environmental pollution has become a critical issue for both developed and developing countries. Because of excessive industrialization, burning of fossil fuels, mining and exploration, extensive agricultural activities, and plastics, the environment is being contaminated rapidly through soil, air, and water. There are a variety of approaches for treating environmental toxins, but each has its own set of restrictions. As a result, various therapies are accessible, and approaches that are effective, long-lasting, less harmful, and have a superior outcome are extensively demanded. Modern research advances focus more on polymer-based nanoparticles, which are frequently used in drug design, drug delivery systems, environmental remediation, power storage, transformations, and other fields. Bioinorganic nanomaterials could be a better candidate to control contaminants in the environment. In this article, we focused on their synthesis, characterization, photocatalytic process, and contributions to environmental remediation against numerous ecological hazards. In this review article, we also tried to explore their recent advancements and futuristic contributions to control and prevent various pollutants in the environment.

Evaluation of clinical trials of ethnomedicine used for the treatment of diabetes: A systematic review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a widespread metabolic disorder with a yearly 6.7 million deaths worldwide. Several treatment options are available but with common side effects like weight gain, cardiovascular diseases, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Therefore, ethnomedicine is gaining the interest of researchers in the treatment of DM. Ethnomedicine works by preventing intestinal absorption and hepatic production of glucose as well as enhancing glucose uptake in muscles and fatty tissues and increasing insulin secretion. A variety of plants have entered clinical trials but very few have gained approval for use. This current study provides an evaluation of such clinical trials. For this purpose, an extensive literature review was performed from a database using keywords like "ethnomedicine diabetes clinical trial", "clinical trials", "clinical trial in diabetes", "diabetes", "natural products in diabetes", "ethno-pharmacological relevance of natural products in diabetes", etc. Clinical trials of 20 plants and natural products were evaluated based on eligibility criteria. Major limitations associated with these clinical trials were a lack of patient compliance, dose-response relationship, and an evaluation of biomarkers with a small sample size and treatment duration. Measures in terms of strict regulations can be considered to achieve quality clinical trials. A specific goal of this systematic review is to discuss DM treatment through ethnomedicine based on recent clinical trials of the past 7 years.

Inhibition of the NLRP3 Inflammasome by a Quercus Serrata Extract and Isolation of the Component Compounds for the Treatment of Arthritis

Quercus serrata belongs to the Fagaceae family. There are 600 known species of Quercus worldwide. Q. serrata is distributed nationally in Korea, Japan, and China and grows to a height of 10-15 m. It exhibits a light grey bark with longitudinal furrows; the leaves are 6-12 cm long and 2.5-5 cm wide. The Quercus genus reportedly exhibits several types of bioactivity, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. Additionally, it has been reported that Quercus produces diverse phytochemicals, including tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Herein, we describe the column chromatographic isolation of five compounds from a Q. serrata extract. The compounds included caffeic acid (1), myricetin-3-O-cellobioside (2), phloroglucinol (3), (S)-2,3-HHDP-D-glucopyranoside (4), and pedunculagin (5). We assessed the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, antioxidant activity, NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome (including NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) inhibitory effects, and collagenase inhibition activity of the Q. serrata extract and its constituent compounds. Our results indicated that the Q. serrata extract and the isolated constituent compounds showed inhibitory activity with reference to nitric oxide production, inflammasome component expression, and collagenase activity. Our findings imply that the Q. serrata extract and the isolated constituent compounds are potential candidates for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Herbal Tea Essences (HTE) Ameliorate HFD-Induced Obesity

Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. The health-promoting effects of tea and its individual constituents, including antiobesity and antihyperlipidaemia effects, have been well accepted. In this study, we evaluated the effects of herbal tea essence (HTE), a commercial product extracted from black tea, on HFD-induced obesity in mice. HTE effectively reduces the gain in body weight and improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity after HFD treatment. HTE inhibits lipid accumulation in the body and reduces serum lipid contents. Furthermore, HTE negatively regulates the expression levels of genes that control lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis and upregulates the expression of genes for lipid β oxidation. The regulatory effects of HTE on these genes may occur through activation of the AKT, IRS-1, and AMPK signalling pathways. Our observations suggest that HTE could be a promising option for nutritional intervention in the treatment of obesity.

Curcumin Prevents Diabetic Osteoporosis through Promoting Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis Coupling via NF-κB Signaling

Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is a metabolic disease which is characterized by impaired bone microarchitecture and reduced bone mineral density resulting from hyperglycemia. Curcumin, an effective component extracted from Curcuma longa, exhibits antioxidation, regulation of bone metabolism and hypoglycemic effects. The BMSC-mediated osteogenesis and angiogenesis coupling seems to be important in bone formation and regeneration. We aimed to explore the effect of curcumin on BMSC-mediated osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in high glucose conditions and underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that high glucose impaired the osteogenic and proangiogenic ability of BMSCs and that curcumin pretreatment rescued the BMSC dysfunction induced by high-concentration glucose. Inhibition of the high glucose-activated NF-κB signaling pathway has been found to contribute to the protective effects of curcumin on high glucose-inhibited coupling of osteogenesis and angiogenesis in BMSCs. Furthermore, accelerated bone loss and decreased type H vessels were observed in diabetic osteoporosis mice models. However, curcumin treatment prevented bone loss and promoted vessel formation in diabetic osteoporosis mice. Based on these results, we concluded that curcumin ameliorated diabetic osteoporosis by recovering the osteogenesis and angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs in hyperglycemia, partly through inhibiting the high glucose-activated NF-κB signaling pathway.

Cichoriin, a Biocoumarin, Mitigates Oxidative Stress and Associated Adverse Dysfunctions on High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Rats

Metabolic dysfunctions linked to obesity carry the risk of co-morbidities such as diabetes, hepatorenal, and cardiovascular diseases. Coumarins are believed to display several biological effects on diverse adverse health conditions. This study was conducted to uncover the impact of cichoriin on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Methods: Obesity was induced in twenty rats by exposure to an HFD for six weeks. The rats were randomly divided into five groups; group I comprised five healthy rats and was considered the control one. On the other hand, the HFD-induced rats were divided into the following (five per each group): group II (the HFD group), groups III (cichoriin 50 mg/kg) and IV (cichoriin 100 mg/kg) as the treatment groups, and group V received atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) (as a standard). Triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), urea, creatinine, the hepatic and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were assessed. Histopathological analysis of the heart, kidney, and liver tissues was investigated. mRNA and protein expressions of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) were estimated. Results: The administration of cichoriin alleviated HFD-induced metabolic dysfunctions and improved the histopathological characteristics of the heart, kidney, and liver. Additionally, the treatment improved the lipid profile and hepatic and renal functions, as well as the oxidative balance state. Cichoriin demonstrated an upregulation of the mRNA and protein expressions of PPAR-γ. Taken together, these findings are the first report on the beneficial role of cichoriin in alleviating adverse metabolic effects in HFD-induced obesity and adapting it into an innovative obesity management strategy.

Evaluation of in vivo Antidiabetic, Antidyslipidemic and in vitro Anti-Oxidant Activity of Extract and Solvent Fractions of Discopodium penninervum Hoschst Leaf in Mice: Normoglycemic and Streptozocin-Induced Model

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus has become a huge global public health and economic issue. The shortcomings of current medicines, as well as their serious side effects, prompted a focused quest for natural medicinal agents. In Ethiopia, the leaf of Discopodium penninervum Hoschst has been utilized in the traditional health system to treat diabetes. The goal of this study was to confirm the anti-diabetic, anti-dyslipidemia, and anti-oxidant activity of Discopodium penninervum Hoschst leaf in both in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

In the normoglycemic, glucose-loaded, and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse models, the blood glucose-lowering effects of extract and solvent fractions of the leaf of Discopodium penninervum Hoschst were tested. The weight and lipid profile of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were assessed after treatment with leaf extract and solvent fractions for 14 days. The DPPH test was used to assess the antioxidant activity of the plant leaf extract.

RESULTS

In the normoglycemic model and glucose loaded test, the leaf extract of Discopodium penninervum Hoschst demonstrated significant blood glucose decrease (34.1%, p<0.001) and 44.5%, p<0.001, respectively, when compared to the normal control. When compared to a diabetic control group, extract and solvent fractions significantly (p<0.001) reduced blood glucose levels on the 14th day in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic model. In addition, serum TC, STG, TG, LDL, and VLDL levels were reduced significantly (p<0.001). IC50 values of leaf extract and a standard medication (ascorbic acid) in the antioxidant activity test were 4.1g/mL and 10.23g/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The hydro-alcoholic leaf extract and solvent fractions of Discopodium penninervum Hoschst leaves have demonstrated blood glucose-lowering effect, which justify ethnobotanical use, and can therefore be used as a good insight for new anti-diabetic medication source with a call for additional studies.

Cordycepin Induces Apoptosis through JNK-Mediated Caspase Activation in Human OEC-M1 Oral Cancer Cells

Cordycepin, a bioactive compound extracted from Cordyceps sinensis, can induce apoptosis in human OEC-M1 oral cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism is still unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of cordycepin-induced apoptosis in OEC-M1 cells. Following treatment with cordycepin, apoptosis was examined and quantified using a DNA laddering assay and a cytokeratin 18 fragment enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and apoptosis-related proteins were detected by the western blot analysis. Our results show that a pan-caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, could significantly inhibit cordycepin-induced apoptosis in OEC-M1 cells. In addition, treatment with cordycepin not only activated caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3 but also induced Bid and poly ADP-ribose polymerase cleavages. Furthermore, cordycepin also induced the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and p38 MAPKs. Among MAPKs, activation of JNK solely contributed to cordycepin-induced apoptosis with the activation of caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that cordycepin activated JNK and caspase pathways to induce apoptosis in OEC-M1 cells.

Rhaponticum carthamoides improved energy metabolism and oxidative stress through the SIRT6/Nrf2 pathway to ameliorate myocardial injury

BACKGROUND

Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin (Rha) is a member of the family Compositae that is widely used in folk medicine as a dietary supplement to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as senile cardiac insufficiency, and to restore myocardial function after surgery. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), an NAD⁺-dependent class III histone deacetylase, plays a considerable role in the administration of CVDs. However, the specific effects and mechanism of Rha on myocardial injury remain unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of Rha against myocardial injury as well as its underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

A myocardial ischaemia model was established in male SD rats by subcutaneously injecting ISO. The rats were gavaged with Rha (40, 80, 160 mg/kg) or Rho (6 ml/kg) for 14 successive days and then injected subcutaneously with ISO or saline solution on the 13th and 14th days. The positive effects of Rha against myocardial injury in rats were evaluated by ECG assessment, BP measurements, H&E staining, and myocardial enzyme detection. Biochemical indicators of energy metabolism and oxidative stress, such as NAD⁺/NADH, ATP, and MDA, were analysed by assay kits to assess the effects of Rha. The protein and mRNA expression levels of SIRT6 and Nrf2 in the myocardium were determined by western blotting and real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Our results showed that Rha ameliorated myocardial ischaemia and inhibited energy metabolism disorders (NAD⁺/NADH ratio, ATP, and LD) and oxidative stress (SOD, ROS, etc.) in rat myocardial tissue and H9c2 cells. In addition, Rha upregulated SIRT6 and Nrf2 expression in myocardial injury. Mechanistic studies then found that SIRT6 knockdown reduced the expression of Nrf2 as well as the effects of Rha on the levels of ATP, LD, and ROS, whereas activation of Nrf2 improved the effects of Rha in cells. In summary, Rha might exert its cardioprotective effects via the SIRT6-mediated Nrf2 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that Rha regulates energy metabolism and oxidative stress through the SIRT6/Nrf2 signaling pathway to play a protective role in myocardial injury.

Effect of Antioxidant-Rich Moringa Leaves on Quality and Functional Properties of Strawberry Juice

Moringa oleifera and strawberry are cultivated extensively worldwide and are divinely blessed with an enormous amount of nutritional and medicinal constituents, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, potassium, and phenolic antioxidants that play a pivotal role in treating, confining, and preventing diabetes and many kinds of cancer. The focus of the study is to develop different samples of highly acceptable ready to serve (RTS) Moringa strawberry juice blend by underutilizing Moringa and strawberry juice in different proportions. Moringa oleifera's bitter taste and green color steeply limits its acceptability and counter this drawback utilized with strawberry juice. The physicochemical analysis of blended juice was performed to investigate the suitability and keeping quality of the juice mixture. The collected data signify that pH titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) the slight modification after the inclusion of Moringa juice extract and throughout the storage. The Moringa treatment positively improved the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, and vitamin C from 12 to 49.17 mg GAE/100g, 61.41 to 87.69%, and 64.03 to 86.65 mg/100 mL, respectively, but there was a slight decline in antioxidant quantity while stored under refrigerated conditions for one month. An assimilative trend was noticed in TPC and vitamin C, which collapsed from 49.17-36.32 mg GAE to 86.65-79.19 mg, respectively. In accordance with sensory analysis T ₂ (90% strawberry juice and 10% Moringa extract), the juice blend was rated best in context to flavor, color, and taste. This juice blend proved to be greatly effective especially for children suffering from malnutrition as well as women to counter with its appreciable number of nutritional constituents.

Mechanism of Yangxin Tongmai Decoction in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease with Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Yangxin Tongmai decoction (YXTMD) in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) with blood stasis syndrome (BSS) using network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify these results through clinical trials. The active compounds of YXTMD were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database, and the targets of the active compounds were predicted using the SwissTarget Prediction database. The targets of CHD and BSS were predicted using the GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGKB, TTD, and DrugBank databases. The common targets of “herb-disease-phenotype” were obtained using a Venn diagram, then used Cytoscape software 3.8.2 and its plug-in CytoNCA and STRING database to construct the “herb active compounds-common target” and protein–protein interaction networks. R language software and bioconductor plug-in were used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. AutoDock was used for the molecular docking analysis. Finally, clinical trials were conducted to confirm the results of network pharmacology. Eighty-three active components were obtained, and the core active components were 5,7,4′-trimethoxyflavone, tetramethoxyluteolin, isosinensetin, sinensetin, and 5,7-dihydroxy-2-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)chroman-4-one. A total of 140 common targets were identified, and the core targets were EGFR, VEGFA, AKT1, STAT3, TP53, ERBB2, and PIK3CA. Biological processes identified by the GO analysis primarily involved wound healing, regulation of body fluid levels, and vascular process in circulatory system. The cellular components were primarily located in the membrane raft, membrane microdomain, and plasma membrane raft. The primary molecular functions were activity of transmembrane receptor protein kinase, transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase, and protein tyrosine kinase. KEGG analysis showed that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was closely related to the treatment of CHD with BSS by YXTMD. Molecular docking results showed that the core active components had a good binding activity with the core targets. The clinical trial results showed that YXTMD improved the BSS scores and decreased the serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, the levels of PI3k and AKt mRNA were upregulated and the levels of GSK-3β mRNA were downregulated. YXTMD has multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway effects in the treatment of CHD with BSS, and its mechanism of action may involve activation of the PI3K-AKt signaling pathway, downregulation of GSK-3β, and mediation of in vivo lipid metabolism-based metabolic processes.

Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activity of Sequentially Extracted Fractions from Pingguoli Pear Fermentation Broth and Identification of Bioactive Compounds

Pear fruits have been reported to contain abundant bioactive compounds and exhibit antidiabetic activity. In this study, Pingguoli pear (Pyrus pyrifolia cv.‘Pingguoli’) fermentation broth was sequentially extracted by five solvents with increasing polarity (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water) to evaluate its antioxidant and hypothermic activities, and then the main compounds of the fraction with the highest activity were assessed, which might be responsible for such activities. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) exhibited the highest antioxidant activity according to DPPH (IC₅₀ = 0.238 mg/mL), ABTS (IC₅₀ = 0.293 mg/mL), and FRAP (IC₅₀ = 0.193 mg/mL) assays. The in vitro hypoglycemic activity assay showed that EAF exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect, with IC₅₀ values of 0.34 and 0.95 mg/mL for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. The glucose consumption in HepG2 cells treated with EAF was significantly increased to 252%, compare with control group. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis implied that the main compounds, 3′-C-glucosylisoliquiritigenin, robustside D, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid may be potential candidates for the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of the EAF. This study suggested that EAF of Pingguoli pear fermentation broth could be utilized for development of potential functional food and antidiabetic agents.

Efficacy and Safety of Gegen Qinlian Decoction for Pediatric Diarrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Gegen Qinlian decoction in the treatment of pediatric diarrhea.

Methods

A search for relevant RCTs was performed from which a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. This meta-analysis was registered at INPLASY (reference number ID: INPLASY202180105).

Results

(1) Eleven trials involving 1126 patients were included in the meta-analysis. (2) Two trials recorded the adverse events. (3) The meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, the experimental group has a significantly shorter duration of diarrhea in children (MD = −18.64, 95% CI (−23.76, −13.52), P < 0.00001), duration of fever (MD = −19.43, 95% CI (−25.76, −13.11), P < 0.00001), duration of vomiting [MD = −22.51, 95% CI (−29.92, −15.09), P < 0.00001], duration of correcting dehydration (MD = −23.35, 95% CI (−35.48, −11.22), P=0.0002), and the effective rate (OR = 4.64, 95% CI (3.12, 6.90), P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

There were significant differences in the clinical efficacy in the treatment of pediatric diarrhea between the experimental and control groups. Thus, Gegen Qinlian decoction may have certain advantages in the treatment of pediatric diarrhea. In addition, we conclude the following: (1) the application of Gegen Qinlian decoction to treat this disease is recommended for >5 days. (2) We recommend conducting multicenter RCTs to avoid the impact of regional differences on the results. (3) We recommend using the unmodified Gegen Qinlian decoction, which may have better efficacy.

Natural Small Molecules in Gastrointestinal Tract and Associated Cancers: Molecular Insights and Targeted Therapies

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Although surgery is the primary treatment, serious maladies that dissipate to other parts of the body may require chemotherapy. As there is no effective procedure to treat stomach cancer, natural small molecules are a current focus of research interest for the development of better therapeutics. Chemotherapy is usually used as a last resort for people with advanced stomach cancer. Anti-colon cancer chemotherapy has become increasingly effective due to drug resistance and sensitivity across a wide spectrum of drugs. Naturally-occurring substances have been widely acknowledged as an important project for discovering innovative medications, and many therapeutic pharmaceuticals are made from natural small molecules. Although the beneficial effects of natural products are as yet unknown, emerging data suggest that several natural small molecules could suppress the progression of stomach cancer. Therefore, the underlying mechanism of natural small molecules for pathways that are directly involved in the pathogenesis of cancerous diseases is reviewed in this article. Chemotherapy and molecularly-targeted drugs can provide hope to colon cancer patients. New discoveries could help in the fight against cancer, and future stomach cancer therapies will probably include molecularly formulated drugs.

Emerging Role of Neuron-Glia in Neurological Disorders: At a Glance

Based on the diverse physiological influence, the impact of glial cells has become much more evident on neurological illnesses, resulting in the origins of many diseases appearing to be more convoluted than previously happened. Since neurological disorders are often random and unknown, hence the construction of animal models is difficult to build, representing a small fraction of people with a gene mutation. As a result, an immediate necessity is grown to work within in vitro techniques for examining these illnesses. As the scientific community recognizes cell-autonomous contributions to a variety of central nervous system illnesses, therapeutic techniques involving stem cells for treating neurological diseases are gaining traction. The use of stem cells derived from a variety of sources is increasingly being used to replace both neuronal and glial tissue. The brain's energy demands necessitate the reliance of neurons on glial cells in order for it to function properly. Furthermore, glial cells have diverse functions in terms of regulating their own metabolic activities, as well as collaborating with neurons via secreted signaling or guidance molecules, forming a complex network of neuron-glial connections in health and sickness. Emerging data reveals that metabolic changes in glial cells can cause morphological and functional changes in conjunction with neuronal dysfunction under disease situations, highlighting the importance of neuron-glia interactions in the pathophysiology of neurological illnesses. In this context, it is required to improve our understanding of disease mechanisms and create potential novel therapeutics. According to research, synaptic malfunction is one of the features of various mental diseases, and glial cells are acting as key ingredients not only in synapse formation, growth, and plasticity but also in neuroinflammation and synaptic homeostasis which creates critical physiological capacity in the focused sensory system. The goal of this review article is to elaborate state-of-the-art information on a few glial cell types situated in the central nervous system (CNS) and highlight their role in the onset and progression of neurological disorders.

FKN/NR Signaling Pathway Regulates Hippocampal Inflammatory Responses: the Survival of Hippocampal Neurons in Diabetic Rats with Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress

Aim

To investigate the mechanism via which FKN/CX3CR1 signaling abnormalities mediate N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDA) overexcitation-induced hippocampal neuronal injury in diabetic rats complicated with depression (DD).

Methods

Sixty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. The depression-like behaviors of the rats were evaluated by open field test and Morris water maze. The pathological changes of hippocampus in DD rats were observed by HE staining. The blood levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) and neurotransmitters (D-serine and glutamic acid) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of BDNF, A1 receptor (A1R), A2 receptor (A2R), A3 receptor (A3R), calmodulin dependent kinase II (CaMKII), CX3CR1, CX3CL1 (FKN), NR2A, and NR2B proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western-blotting.

Results

Compared with the normal control group, blood glucose level increased significantly and body weight decreased in T2DM group and T2DMC group. In addition, the number of spontaneous activities significantly decreased and the capability of learning and memory was attenuated in T2DMC group and Chronic Stress group. The blood levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, glutamate (Glu), and D-serine significantly increased in each model group. After intervention with CX3CR1 antibody, the expressions of BDNF, CaMK II, A1R, and A3R increased and those of A2R, CX3CR1, FKN, NR2A, and NR2B decreased.

Conclusion

In the diabetic state, the binding of FKN to CX3CR1 increases, which regulates a variety of adenosine receptors. When it exerts its effect on neurons, the overactivation of NR results in neuronal injury and causes depression.

Nutritional Value, Medicinal Importance, and Health-Promoting Effects of Dietary Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

Pleurotus ostreatus is the second cultivated and most popular edible mushroom after Agaricus bisporus worldwide. As dietary supplements, nutraceuticals like Pleurotus ostreatus that go beyond the usual health benefits of mushrooms are becoming more popular. The objective of this study is to put together a summary of the nutrition information and link it to the possible health benefits and health-improving effects of eating oyster mushrooms. This review is based on secondary data from 102 published articles about P. ostreatus. All papers were examined following predetermined criteria for inclusion and exclusion, and this study contained 83 publications. The high nutritional content and beneficial health effects make P. ostreatus a high-quality food. It makes up for the lack of protein by switching between a diet based on wheat, rice, and maize. Nowadays, P. ostreatus is famous precious functional food ingredients due to the fact they may be cholesterol-free and low in calories, carbohydrates, fat, and sodium. Side by side, they offer crucial nutrients including riboflavin, selenium, potassium, niacin, proteins, and fiber.

Perspectives on the Molecular Mediators of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Strategies in the Context of Neuroprotection and Neurolongevity: An Extensive Review

Molecules with at least one unpaired electron in their outermost shell are known as free radicals. Free radical molecules are produced either within our bodies or by external sources such as ozone, cigarette smoking, X-rays, industrial chemicals, and air pollution. Disruption of normal cellular homeostasis by redox signaling may result in cardiovascular, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Although ROS (reactive oxygen species) are formed in the GI tract, little is known about how they contribute to pathophysiology and disease etiology. When reactive oxygen species and antioxidants are in imbalance in our bodies, they can cause cell structure damage, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and other obesity-related disorders, as well as protein misfolding, mitochondrial dysfunction, glial cell activation, and subsequent cellular apoptosis. Neuron cells are gradually destroyed in neurodegenerative diseases. The production of inappropriately aggregated proteins is strongly linked to oxidative stress. This review's goal is to provide as much information as possible about the numerous neurodegenerative illnesses linked to oxidative stress. The possibilities of multimodal and neuroprotective therapy in human illness, using already accessible medications and demonstrating neuroprotective promise in animal models, are highlighted. Neuroprotection and neurolongevity may improve from the use of bioactive substances from medicinal herbs like Allium stadium, Celastrus paniculatus, and Centella asiatica. Many neuroprotective drugs' possible role has been addressed. Preventing neuroinflammation has been demonstrated in several animal models.

Sodium Butyrate Attenuated Diabetes-Induced Intestinal Inflammation by Modulating Gut Microbiota

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to be one of the world's most costly and complex metabolic disorders. Accumulating evidence has shown that intestinal dysbiosis and associated inflammation can facilitate the onset and progression of DM. In this work, our goal was to investigate how sodium butyrate (SB) controls the gut microbiota to reduce the intestinal inflammation brought on by diabetes.

Methods

Male KK-Ay mice were randomized into two groups: the DM model group (intragastric administration of 0.9% normal saline) and the SB treatment group (intragastric administration of 1,000 mg/kg/d SB). The C57BL/6J mice were used as the control group (intragastric administration of 0.9% normal saline). These mice were administered via gavage for 8 weeks.

Results

The results revealed that SB-treated mice significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, 24 h food and water intake, and improved islet histopathology in DM model mice. SB reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS, whereas it enhanced the expression of the anti-inflammatory Arg-1 marker on intestinal macrophages and the secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-10. Specifically, SB was linked to a marked drop in the expression of the Th17 marker RORγt and a substantial increase in the expression of the Treg marker Foxp3. SB treatment was associated with significant reductions in the levels of Th17-derived cytokines such as IL-17 and IL-6, whereas anti-inflammatory Treg-derived cytokines such as TGF-β were increased. Additionally, the analysis results from 16S rDNA sequencing suggested that SB significantly reversed the variations in intestinal flora distribution and decreased the relative abundance of Weissella confusa and Anaerotruncus colihominis DSM 17241 at the species level as well as Leuconostocaceae, Streptococcaceae, and Christensenellaceae at the family, genus, and species levels. These distinct florae may serve as a diagnostic biomarker for DM-induced intestinal inflammation. In addition, the heat map of phylum and OTU level revealed a close relationship between DM-induced intestinal inflammation and intestinal microbiota.

Conclusions

The present study suggested that SB may reduce DM-induced intestinal inflammation by regulating the gut microbiota.

Potential protective benefits of Schisandrin B against severe acute hepatitis in children during the COVID-19 pandemic based on a network pharmacology analysis

Aims: Reports of hepatitis in children during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic garnered worldwide attention. The most probable culprits are adenovirus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). At present, the optimal symptomatic treatment consists of a combination of anti-COVID-19 and hepatitis symptom alleviators. Schisandrin B (SchB) has been known to have liver-protective properties for a long time, whereas anti-COVID-19 properties only recently have been discovered. In the case of COVID-19 with hepatitis of unknown origin, we used network pharmacology to explore the symptomatic therapy and protective effects of SchB. Main methods: The most probable protein targets of SchB were predicted in the SwissTargetPrediction database. The GeneCards, National Center for Biotechnology Information, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases were used to compile information on the diseases hepatitis, adenovirus, and SARS-CoV-2. Following the use of a Venn diagram viewer to identify intersection genes, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network and identified the core genes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment, as well as molecular docking, were employed to highlight the mechanisms of SchB on hepatitis. Key findings: SchB contains 27 targets on adenovirus_hepatitis and 16 targets on SARS-CoV-2_hepatitis, with 12 shared genes. Both target populations clustered in viral infection and cancer pathways, as well as in processes such as kinase activity phosphatase, cell adhesion, and ATPase binding. These genes might be closely related to liver damage and membrane binding from adenovirus or SARS-CoV-2 infections. In addition, epidermal growth factor receptor, HSP90AA1, and MAPK1 were among the top five targets of both SchB SARS-CoV-2 hepatitis and SchB adenovirus hepatitis. Significance: SchB may target common protective targets and mechanisms against acute hepatitis caused by adenovirus or by SARS-CoV-2 in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings indicate SchB's potential as a treatment for hepatitis of unknown origin.

Current Status and Trends of Research on Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity from 2002 to 2021: A Twenty-Year Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis

Anthracyclines constitute the cornerstone of numerous chemotherapy regimens for various cancers. However, the clinical application of anthracyclines is significantly limited to their dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. A comprehensive understanding of the current status of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is necessary for in-depth research and optimal clinical protocols. Bibliometric analysis is widely applied in depicting development trends and tracking frontiers of a specific field. The present study is aimed at revealing the status and trends of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity during the past two decades by employing bibliometric software including R-bibliometric, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. A total of 3504 publications concerning anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity from 2002 to 2021 were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Results showed significant growth in annual yields from 90 records in 2002 to 304 papers in 2021. The United States was the most productive country with the strongest collaboration worldwide in the field. Charles University in the Czech Republic was the institution that contributed the most papers, while 7 of the top 10 productive institutions were from the United States. The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health are the two agencies that provide financial support for more than 50% of sponsored publications. The research categories of included publications mainly belong to Oncology and Cardiac Cardiovascular Systems. The Journal of Clinical Oncology had a comprehensive impact on this research field with the highest IF value and many publications. Simunek Tomas from Charles University contributed the most publications, while Lipshultz Steven E. from the State University of New York possessed the highest H-index. In addition, the future research frontiers of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity might include early detection, pharmacogenomics, molecular mechanism, and cardiooncology. The present bibliometric analysis may provide a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners in future research directions.

Ethnomedicinal Use, Phytochemistry, and Other Potential Application of Aquatic and Semiaquatic Medicinal Plants

Medicinal plants have been treating various ailments and diseases since ancient times. Aquatic and semiaquatic medicinal plants play an essential role in human welfare to fulfill their daily needs. They have shown biological, pharmacological, nutraceutical, and commercial applications. This review aims to collect and update all recent information on ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and nanoparticle synthesis and their uses in aquatic and semiaquatic medicinal plants. Original research papers, review papers, short communications, and book chapters on aquatic and semiaquatic plants have been retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords, ethnomedicinal studies, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and nanoparticle synthesis from aquatic and semiaquatic medicinal plants are used for the search. Different aquatic and semiaquatic medicinal plants belonging to the families Acanthaceae, Alismataceae, Amaranthaceae, Apiaceae, Araceae, Asteraceae, Boraginaceae, Ceratophyllaceae, Cyperaceae, Fabaceae, Hydrocharitaceae, Lythraceae, Marsileaceae, Menyanthaceae, Nelumbonaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Onagraceae, Plantaginaceae, Poaceae, Polygonaceae, Pontederiaceae, Primulaceae, Scrophulariaceae, and Zingiberaceae have been studied. They are rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, dietary fiber, glycosidic derivatives, carbohydrates, and proteins. These phytochemicals have been used for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, sedative, anticonvulsant, cytotoxic, antiparasitic, and antidiabetic activities. Besides this, various parts of the plants are used as dietary supplements and green nanoparticle synthesis. These plants are also known for their commercial value and are used as an ingredient in some pharmaceutical industries.

Therapeutic potential of marine macrolides: An overview from 1990 to 2022

The sea is a vast ecosystem that has remained primarily unexploited and untapped, resulting in numerous organisms. Consequently, marine organisms have piqued the interest of scientists as an abundant source of natural resources with unique structural features and fascinating biological activities. Marine macrolide is a top-class natural product with a heavily oxygenated polyene backbone containing macrocyclic lactone. In the last few decades, significant efforts have been made to isolate and characterize macrolides' chemical and biological properties. Numerous macrolides are extracted from different marine organisms such as marine microorganisms, sponges, zooplankton, molluscs, cnidarians, red algae, tunicates, and bryozoans. Notably, the prominent macrolide sources are fungi, dinoflagellates, and sponges. Marine macrolides have several bioactive characteristics such as antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antiviral), anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and neuroprotective activities. In brief, marine organisms are plentiful in naturally occurring macrolides, which can become the source of efficient and effective therapeutics for many diseases. This current review summarizes these exciting and promising novel marine macrolides in biological activities and possible therapeutic applications.

Exploring the plant-derived bioactive substances as antidiabetic agent: An extensive review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome. Diabetes has become more common in recent years. Chemically generated drugs are used to lessen the effects of DM and its following repercussions due to unpleasant side effects such as weight gain, gastrointestinal issues, and heart failure. On the other hand, medicinal plants could be a good source of anti-diabetic medications. This article aims to determine any plant matrix's positive potential. Food restriction, physical activity, and the use of antidiabetic plant-derived chemicals are all being promoted as effective ways to manage diabetes because they are less expensive and have fewer or no side effects. This review focuses on antidiabetic plants, along with their bioactive constituent, chemically characterization, and plant-based diets for diabetes management. There is minimal scientific data about the mechanism of action of the plant-based product has been found. The purpose of this article is to highlight anti-diabetic plants and plant-derived bioactive compounds that have anti-diabetic properties. It also provides researchers with data that may be used to build future strategies, such as identifying promising bioactive molecules to make diabetes management easier.

Functional Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Molecule to Material Design for Biomedical Applications

Temperature-induced, rapid changes in the viscosity and reproducible 3-D structure formation makes thermos-sensitive hydrogels an ideal delivery system to act as a cell scaffold or a drug reservoir. Moreover, the hydrogels’ minimum invasiveness, high biocompatibility, and facile elimination from the body have gathered a lot of attention from researchers. This review article attempts to present a complete picture of the exhaustive arena, including the synthesis, mechanism, and biomedical applications of thermosensitive hydrogels. A special section on intellectual property and marketed products tries to shed some light on the commercial potential of thermosensitive hydrogels.

Serum Biomarkers for Chronic Renal Failure Screening and Mechanistic Understanding: A Global LC-MS-Based Metabolomics Research

Chronic kidney disease, including renal failure (RF), is a global public health problem. The clinical diagnosis mainly depends on the change of estimated glomerular filtration rate, which usually lags behind disease progression and likely has limited clinical utility for the early detection of this health problem. Now, we employed Q-Exactive HFX Orbitrap LC-MS/MS based metabolomics to reveal the metabolic profile and potential biomarkers for RF screening. 27 RF patients and 27 healthy controls were included as the testing groups, and comparative analysis of results using different techniques, such as multivariate pattern recognition and univariate statistical analysis, was applied to screen and elucidate the differential metabolites. The dot plots and receiver operating characteristics curves of identified different metabolites were established to discover the potential biomarkers of RF. The results exhibited a clear separation between the two groups, and a total of 216 different metabolites corresponding to 13 metabolic pathways were discovered to be associated with RF; and 44 metabolites showed high levels of sensitivity and specificity under curve values of close to 1, thus might be used as serum biomarkers for RF. In summary, for the first time, our untargeted metabolomics study revealed the distinct metabolic profile of RF, and 44 metabolites with high sensitivity and specificity were discovered, 3 of which have been reported and were consistent with our observations. The other metabolites were first reported by us. Our findings might provide a feasible diagnostic tool for identifying populations at risk for RF through detection of serum metabolites.