Enhanced cytotoxic effect on human lung carcinoma cell line (A549) by gold nanoparticles synthesized from Justicia adhatoda leaf extract

Etiology of lung carcinoma and treatment through medicinal plants, marine plants and green synthesized nanoparticles: A comprehensive review

Lung cancer, a leading global cause of mortality, poses a significant public health challenge primarily linked to tobacco use. While tobacco contributes to over 90% of cases, factors like dietary choices and radiation exposure also play a role. Despite potential benefits from early detection, cancer patients face hurdles, including drug resistance, chemotherapy side effects, high treatment costs, and limited healthcare access. Traditional medicinal plant knowledge has recently unveiled diverse cancer chemopreventive agents from terrestrial and marine sources. These phytochemicals regulate intricate molecular processes, influencing the immune system, apoptosis, cell cycle, proliferation, carcinogen elimination, and antioxidant levels. In pursuing cutting-edge strategies to combat the diverse forms of cancer, technological advancements have spurred innovative approaches. Researchers have focused on the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using plant metabolites. This method offers distinct advantages over conventional physical and chemical synthesis techniques, such as cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, and energy efficiency. Metallic nanoparticles, through various pathways such as the generation of reactive oxygen species, modulation of enzyme activity, DNA fragmentation, disruption of signaling pathways, perturbation of cell membranes, and interference with mitochondrial function resulting in DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis, exhibit significant potential for preventive applications. Thus, the amalgamation of phytocompounds and metallic nanoparticles holds promise as a novel approach to lung cancer therapy. However, further refinements and advancements are necessary to enhance the environmentally friendly process of metallic nanoparticle synthesis.

Comprehensive chemo-profiling of coumarins enriched extract derived from Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa fruit pulp, as an anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory agent

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa is an Indian medicinal plant known for its vast therapeutic activities. In Ayurveda, the plant is known to balance "vata," "pitta," and "kapha" dosh. Recent studies suggest anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-diabetic potential but lack in defining the dosage over the therapeutic activities. This study aims to determine the chemical profile of Aegle marmelos fruit extract; identification, enrichment, and characterization of the principal active component(s) having anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic potential. Targeted enrichment of total coumarins, focusing on marmelosin, marmesin, aegeline, psoralen, scopoletin, and umbelliferone, was done from Aegle marmelos fruit pulp, and characterized using advanced high-throughput techniques. In vitro and in silico anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed to confirm their efficacy and affinity as anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory agents. The target compounds were also analysed for toxicity by in silico ADMET study and in vitro MTT assay on THP-1 and A549 cell lines. The coumarins enrichment process designed, was found specific for coumarins isolation as it resulted into 48.61% of total coumarins enrichment, which includes 31.2% marmelosin, 8.9% marmesin, 4% psoralen, 2% scopoletin, 1.7% umbelliferone, and 0.72% aegeline. The quantification with HPTLC and qNMR was found to be correlated with the HPLC assay results. The present study validates the potential use of Aegle marmelos as an anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic agent. Coumarins enriched from the plant fruit have good therapeutic activity and can be used for Phytopharmaceutical ingredient development. The study is novel, in which coumarins were enriched and characterized by a simple and sophisticated methodology.

Simultaneous Study of Analysis of Anti-inflammatory Potential of Dryopteris ramosa (C. Hope) C. Chr. using GC-Mass and Computational Modeling on the Xylene-induced Ear Oedema in Mouse Model

INTRODUCTION

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the extraction and identification of the potential phytochemicals from the Methanolic Extract of Dryopteris ramosa (MEDR) using GC-MS profiling for validating the traditional uses of MEDR its efficacy in inflammations by using in-vitro, in-vivo and in silico approaches in anti-inflammatory models.

METHODS

GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of a total of 59 phytochemical compounds. The human red blood cells (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay and heat-induced hemolysis method were used as in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extract. The in-vivo analysis was carried out through the Xylene-induced mice ear oedema method. It was found that MEDR at a concentration of 20 μg, 30 μg, and 40 μg showed 35.45%, 36.01%, and 36.33% protection to HRBC in a hypotonic solution, respectively. At the same time, standard Diclofenac at 30 μg showed 45.31% protection of HRBC in a hypotonic solution.

RESULTS

The extract showed inhibition of 25.32%, 26.53%, and 33.31% cell membrane lysis at heating at 20 μg, 30 μg, and 40 μg, respectively. In comparison, standard Diclofenac at 30 μg showed 50.49% inhibition of denaturation to heat. Methanolic extract of the plant exhibited momentous inhibition in xylene-induced ear oedema in mice treated with 30 μg extract were 47.2%, 63.4%, and 78.8%, while inhibition in mice ear oedema treated with 60 μg extract was 34.7%, 43.05%, 63.21% and reduction in ear thickness of standard drug were 57.3%, 59.54%, 60.42% recorded at the duration of 1, 4 and 24 hours of inflammation. Molecular docking and simulations were performed to validate the anti-inflammatory role of the phytochemicals that revealed five potential phytochemicals i.e. Stigmasterol,22,23dihydro, Heptadecane,8methyl, Pimaricacid, Germacrene and 1,3Cyclohexadiene,_5(1,5dimethyl4hexenyl)-2methyl which revealed potential or significant inhibitory effects on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL-6) in the docking analysis.

CONCLUSION

The outcome of the study signifies that MEDR can offer a new prospect in the discovery of a harmonizing and alternative therapy for inflammatory disease conditions.

A spotlight on alkaloid nanoformulations for the treatment of lung cancer

Numerous naturally available phytochemicals have potential anti-cancer activities due to their vast structural diversity. Alkaloids have been extensively used in cancer treatment, especially lung cancers, among the plant-based compounds. However, their utilization is limited by their poor solubility, low bioavailability, and inadequacies such as lack of specificity to cancer cells and indiscriminate distribution in the tissues. Incorporating the alkaloids into nanoformulations can overcome the said limitations paving the way for effective delivery of the alkaloids to the site of action in sufficient concentrations, which is crucial in tumor targeting. Our review attempts to assess whether alkaloid nanoformulation can be an effective tool in lung cancer therapy. The mechanism of action of each alkaloid having potential is explored in great detail in the review. In general, Alkaloids suppress oncogenesis by modulating several signaling pathways involved in multiplication, cell cycle, and metastasis, making them significant component of many clinical anti-cancerous agents. The review also explores the future prospects of alkaloid nanoformulation in lung cancer. So, in conclusion, alkaloid based nanoformulation will emerge as a potential gamechanger in treating lung cancer in the near future.

Pharmacological activities and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis for the identification of bioactive compounds from Justicia adhatoda L

The current study aimed to assess the pharmacological potential of Justicia adhatoda by evaluating the presence of biologically active compounds using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry approach and to undertake biological activities for the effectiveness of the present compounds using standard tests. A total of 21 compounds were identified in the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction in which 14 of the identified compounds are recognized for their pharmacological potential in the literature. In total, four fractions (ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane, and aqueous) were evaluated for pharmacological activities. In carrageenan-induced inflammation, the chloroform fraction exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity (46.51%). Similarly, the analgesic potential of ethyl acetate fraction was the most effective (300 mg/kg) in the acetic acid-induced test. Similarly, in the formalin test, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited maximum inhibition in both early (74.35%) and late phases (88.38). Maximum inhibition of pyrexia (77.98%) was recorded for the ethyl acetate fraction (300 mg/kg). In DPPH assay, the ethyl acetate fraction revealed the highest scavenging potential among other fractions (50 μg/ml resulted in 50.40% and 100 μg/ml resulted in 66.74% scavenging).

Recent Developments in Metallic Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy, Diagnosing and Imaging Applications

Cancer continues to represent a global health concern, imposing an ongoing need to research for better treatment alternatives. In this context, nanomedicine seems to be the solution to existing problems, bringing unprecedented results in various biomedical applications, including cancer therapy, diagnosing, and imaging. As numerous studies have uncovered the advantageous properties of various nanoscale metals, this review aims to present metal-based nanoparticles that are most frequently employed for cancer applications. This paper follows the description of relevant nanoparticles made of metals, metal derivatives, hybrids, and alloys, further discussing in more detail their potential applications in cancer management, ranging from the delivery of chemotherapeutics, vaccines, and genes to ablative hyperthermia therapies and theranostic platforms.

Molecular intervention of colon cancer and inflammation manifestation by tannin capped biocompatible controlled sized gold nanoparticles from Terminalia bellirica: A green strategy for pharmacological drug formulation based on nanotechnology principles

Among the diverse nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (AuNps) are utilised for various therapeutic application due to the distinct physical, chemical properties and biocompatibility. Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using plants is the promising route. This method is low cost, eco-friendly and higher biological activities. In this present study, Gold nanoparticles were synthesised from fruit extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit extract. Their anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated against colorectal cancer cell line (HT29) and TNBS-induced zebrafish model. Highly stable tannin capped gold nanoparticles were synthesised from fruit extract broth of Terminalia bellirica rapidly. Structural and functional properties of the synthesised nanoparticles were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) equipped with energy-dispersive atomic X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). All the characterisation studies reveal highly stable, crystalline, phytochemicals, mainly tannin doped, spherical, 28 nm controlled sized gold nanoparticles. The molecular mechanism of anticancer activity was studied by determining cancer markers' expression, which was studied using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Antioxidative enzymes' status and apoptosis changes were also investigated. Synthesised nanoparticles brought a drastic reduction of all the tested cancer markers' expression. Notable changes in antioxidative enzymes' status and a good sign of apoptosis were observed in nanoparticles' treatment. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied against TNBS-induced zebrafish model, which was confirmed by determining inflammatory markers' expression TNF-α, iNOS (induced Nitric Oxide Synthase) and histopathological examination. Nanoparticles' treatment recorded a drastic reduction of inflammatory markers' expression. No marked sign of inflammation was also observed in histopathological analysis of the nanoparticles' treatment group. The present study suggests the possible utilisation of T. bellirica-mediated gold nanoparticles as an effective therapeutic agent against a prolonged inflammatory disease that progressively develops into cancer.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities of gold nanoparticles green synthesized using Mangifera indica seed aqueous extract

In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesised using seed extract of mango (Mangifera indica) which is considered as waste and generally thrown away into the environment. The bioactive molecules in the seed act as reducing agent to synthesise AuNPs without using any external agent. The characterisation of green synthesised AuNPs was done using various spectroscopic techniques. Visual colour change from colourless to ruby red colour confirmed the formation of AuNPs which was further confirmed by maximum absorption peak at 550 nm by UV-spectra. Crystalline nature was confirmed by XRD technique while round, triangle and irregular shape and 19.45 nm size was confirmed by TEM and SAED analysis. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alcohol or phenol, carboxylic acid, ketones, amines, aromatic amines, aliphatic amines, alkyl halides and alkynes in M. indica seed which were responsible for the reduction of gold to AuNPs. The green synthesised AuNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. They showed moderate antibacterial, cytotoxic and dose-dependent antioxidant activity. Seeds of M. indica instead of discarding can be successfully utilised for AuNPs synthesis which can be used as a natural source of antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer agent. Highlights Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from fruit (Mangifera indica) waste (seed). Characterisation using various spectroscopic techniques: UV-Vis spectroscopy, Zeta potential, FTIR, XRD and TEM analysis. Synthesized AuNPs were round, triangle and irregular in shape and 19.45 nm in size. Antimicrobial activity of AuNPs against 14 microorganisms. Antioxidant activity of AuNPs in terms of DPPH, SO and ABTS. Cytotoxic activity against HeLa, MCF-7 and fibroblast normal cell lines.

Application of quasi-SMILES to the model of gold-nanoparticles uptake in A549 cells

Cell death is critical to human health and is associated with a variety of medical conditions. Therefore, new controllers of cell death are needed for the treatment of diverse diseases. In particular, nanoparticles (NP) are now regularly used in various applications, including a variety of products and medicines. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are widely used in the medical field against A549 lung carcinoma cells. The present study is devoted to developing computational models of the cellular uptake potentials by A549 cells of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) under various conditions. Simplified molecular input-line entry system (SMILES) is an efficient tool to represent the molecular structure by a sequence of symbols. Quasi-SMILES represents an extended version of SMILES where symbols to denote physicochemical and/or biochemical conditions are added. In other words, the quasi-SMILES represents a biochemical (medical) phenomenon related to the whole matter (not only molecular structure). We developed models for the cellular utpake potential of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in A549 [10-11 g Au/Cell] under various conditions based on quasi-SMILES using the Monte Carlo method. The statistical quality of these models is quite good.

Natural products based nanoformulations for cancer treatment: Current evolution in Indian research

The use of medicinal plants is as ancient as human civilization. The development of phytochemistry and pharmacology facilitates the identification of natural bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action, including against cancer. The efficacy and the safety of a bioactive compound depend on its optimal delivery to the target site. Most natural bioactive compounds (phenols, flavonoids, tannins, etc.) are unable to reach their target sites due to their low water solubility, less cellular absorption, and high molecular weight, leading to their failure into clinical translation. Therefore, many scientific studies are going on to overcome the drawbacks of natural products for clinical applications. Several studies in India, as well as worldwide, have proposed the development of natural products-based nanoformulations to increase their efficacy and safety profile for cancer therapy by improving the delivery of natural bioactive compounds to their target site. Therefore, we are trying to discuss the development of natural products-based nanoformulations in India to improve the efficacy and safety of natural bioactive compounds against cancer.

Phyto-synthesized Gold Nanoparticles as Antitumor Agents

BACKGROUND

Phyto, or plant-derived metal nanoparticles, are an interesting and intensive studied group of green synthesized nanoparticles. In the last decade, numerous medicinal plant extracts were used for the synthesis of stable gold or silver nanoparticles with diverse biological effects, such as antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, hypoglycemic effect, antitumor activity and catalytic activity.

RESULTS

This review has systematized and discussed information from the last 5 years about the research regarding antitumor/anticancer potential of gold nanoparticles obtained via medicinal plant extracts, with special attention on their selective cytotoxicity on tumor cells and on their mechanism of action, in vitro and in vivo assessments.

CONCLUSION

Much more in vivo and clinical studies are needed before considering phyto-synthesized gold nanoparticles as significant for future medicine.

A green chemistry to produce iron oxide - Chitosan nanocomposite (CS-IONC) for the upgraded bio-restorative and pharmacotherapeutic activities - Supra molecular nanoformulation against drug-resistant pathogens and malignant growth

The logical research on fundamentally adjusted iron oxide nanoparticles has turned out to expanded in biomedicine because of the improved activity and best biocompatibility. In this present work upgraded bio-restorative and pharmacotherapeutic property of chitosan‑iron oxide nanocomposite, which was set up by eco-friendly in situ substance technique. Characterisation of the synthesised nanocomposite by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction,(XRD) and Vibrating test magnetometer (VSM) studies reveals that highly stable spherical, electron-dense core shelled rough particles of 50-60 nm. Particle morphology of the synthesised nanocomposite utilising scanning electron microscopy (SEM) uncovers spherical; thick electron centre shelled harsh particles with the size scope of 50-60 nm. FTIR studies show that the specific interaction of practical gatherings of chitosan with iron oxide nanoparticles. Crystalline phase and magnetisation impact of the composite resolved from XRD and VSM studies. Anti-bacterial activity of the nanocomposite examined against human bacterial pathogens which suggest that the readied nanocomposite successfully restrained the development of the tried bacterial strains by recording maximum zone of inhibition, least minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and biofilm damage against the both tested strains. 100 μg dosages of nanocomposites recorded 20.0 and 21.0 mm of the zone of inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus respectively. Biofilm restraint was additionally observed to be high in nanocomposite treatment by recording lower optical density of ethanol solubilised biofilm of both tested strains. Anticancer activity was examined against the A549 cell line by the assurance of cell feasibility as opposed to oxidative proteins, articulation example of TNF-α, Bax, PARP qualities and apoptosis. Composite prompted 50% of cytotoxicity at 80 μg/mL unmistakably uncovers cytotoxicity against A549 cells. Nanocomposite treatment revealed a high decrease of cell feasibility at all the fixation and most extreme impact seen in 100 μg. Nanocomposite treated cells demonstrated striking changes in cell morphology, the build-up of atomic material related to trademark changes in against oxidative enzymes, quality articulation design which brought about apoptosis-like necrotic cell death. The present findings would propose the conceivable usage of chitosan‑iron oxide nanocomposite as a viable remedial against safe medication pathogens and malignant growth cells.