A multifunctional cellulose- and starch-based composite hydrogel with iron-modified biochar particles for enhancing microalgae growth

A multifunctional polysaccharide-based hydrogel was studied as an additive for enhancing microalgae growth. The hydrogel was fabricated by physically and chemically crosslinking renewable ingredients of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), arrowroot starch, and activated biochar modified with iron using a bio-crosslinker of oxidized sucrose and a plasticizer of glycerol. The optimum formula for the hydrogel with a high swelling ratio, BET surface area, and electrical conductivity was found to include 1 g starch, 3 g CMC, 1.5 g biochar, 15 mL oxidized sucrose, and 1.5 mL glycerol in 200 mL deionized water. The algal yield and cell concentration after 14 days of growth in a Bold basal medium with an optimum concentration of 2.5 g hydrogel/L increased by 65.7 % and 92.2 %, respectively, compared to those of the control without the hydrogel. However, if the hydrogel concentration in the culture increased to 12.5 g/L, the algal yield was decreased by 67.8 % compared to the control due to oxidative injury. The hydrogel additive could significantly increase the nitrogen but decrease the carbon, hydrogen, and sulfur contents of the microalgae. The algal yield with 2.5 g/L hydrogel additive improved by 13.9 % compared to the algal yield with the same amounts of individual non-crosslinked hydrogel ingredients.

Comparison of fine-needle aspiration with fine-needle capillary cytology in thyroid nodules

INTRODUCTION

High false-negative results have been reported for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in thyroid nodules. Fine-needle capillary (FNC) cytology is an alternative technique that prevents aspiration, reducing tissue damage. This study aimed to compare FNA and FNC in assessing thyroid nodules and in terms of their predictive role in the appropriate diagnosis of malignancy.

METHODS

This is a comparative prospective study conducted on 486 patients. FNA was performed in 235 patients during 2016 and 2017 and FNC in 251 patients during 2018 and 2019. The quality of cytological specimens was compared and then correlated with the final histopathological findings of 39 patients who underwent thyroidectomy.

RESULTS

Both groups were statistically similar regarding age and sex distribution. The FNA technique yielded significantly higher adequate specimens compared with FNC (p<0.001). Abundant blood in the background was found more frequently in the FNA technique (p<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of FNA for malignancy diagnosis were both 100%, compared with 83.3% and 57.7% for FNC, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The two methods, FNA and FNC, did not differ in terms of overall quality. FNA was superior regarding consistency with the histopathological results and the ability to diagnose malignancy.

Three Selected Edible Crops of the Genus Momordica as Potential Sources of Phytochemicals: Biochemical, Nutritional, and Medicinal Values

Momordica species (Family Cucurbitaceae) are cultivated throughout the world for their edible fruits, leaves, shoots and seeds. Among the species of the genus Momordica, there are three selected species that are used as vegetable, and for medicinal purposes, Momordica charantia L (Bitter melon), Momordica foetida Schumach (Bitter cucumber) and Momordica balsamina L (African pumpkin). The fruits and leaves of these Momordica species are rich in primary and secondary metabolites such as proteins, fibers, minerals (calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc), β-carotene, foliate, ascorbic acid, among others. The extracts from Momordica species are used for the treatment of a variety of diseases and ailments in traditional medicine. Momordica species extracts are reputed to possess anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anthelmintic bioactivity, abortifacient, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and play chemo-preventive functions. In this review we summarize the biochemical, nutritional, and medicinal values of three Momordica species (M. charantia, M. foetida and M. balsamina) as promising and innovative sources of natural bioactive compounds for future pharmaceutical usage.

Cinnamomum Species: Bridging Phytochemistry Knowledge, Pharmacological Properties and Toxicological Safety for Health Benefits

The genus Cinnamomum includes a number of plant species largely used as food, food additives and spices for a long time. Different traditional healing systems have used these plants as herbal remedies to cure diverse ailments. The aim of this comprehensive and updated review is to summarize the biodiversity of the genus Cinnamomum, its bioactive compounds, the mechanisms that underlie the pharmacological activities and molecular targets and toxicological safety. All the data in this review have been collected from databases and recent scientific literature including Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect etc. The results showed that the bioactive compounds of Cinnamomum species possess antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and neuroprotective effects. The preclinical (in vitro/in vivo) studies provided the possible molecular mechanisms of these action. As a novelty, recent clinical studies and toxicological data described in this paper support and confirm the pharmacological importance of the genus Cinnamomum. In conclusion, the obtained results from preclinical studies and clinical trials, as well as reduced side effects provide insights into future research of new drugs based on extracts and bioactive compounds from Cinnamomum plants.

Astragalus species: Insights on its chemical composition toward pharmacological applications

Astragalus L. is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus is widely used in folk medicine and in dietary supplements, as well as in cosmetics, teas, coffee, vegetable gums, and as forage for animals. The major phytoconstituents of Astragalus species with beneficial properties are saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Astragalus extracts and their isolated components exhibited promising in vitro and in vivo biological activities, including antiaging, antiinfective, cytoprotective, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabesity, and immune-enhancing properties. Considering their proven therapeutic potential, the aim of this work is to give a comprehensive summary of the Astragalus spp. and their active components, in an attempt to provide new insight for further clinical development of these xenobiotics. This is the first review that briefly describes their ethnopharmacology, composition, biological, and toxicological properties.

Curcumin nanoformulations for antimicrobial and wound healing purposes

The development and spread of resistance to antimicrobial drugs is hampering the management of microbial infectious and wound healing processes. Curcumin is the most active and effective constituent of Curcuma longa L., also known as turmeric, and has a very long and strong history of medicinal value for human health and skincare. Curcumin has been proposed as strong antimicrobial potentialities and many attempts have been made to determine its ability to conjointly control bacterial growth and promote wound healing. However, low aqueous solubility, poor tissue absorption and short plasma half-life due its rapid metabolism needs to be solved for made curcumin formulations as suitable treatment for wound healing. New curcumin nanoformulations have been designed to solve the low bioavailability problem of curcumin. Thus, in the present review, the therapeutic applications of curcumin nanoformulations for antimicrobial and wound healing purposes is described.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) as a nutraceutical: Focus on the metabolic, analgesic, and antiinflammatory effects

Ginger (from the rizhome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been widely used in ethnomedicine for the cure of several ailments. Main active ingredients include phenolic compounds named gingerols. In modern phytotherapy, ginger preparations are predominantly used to counteract nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. However, a number of other pharmacological actions of potential therapeutic interest, which might broaden the spectrum of its clinical use, have been reported. This focused review aims at giving a shot on the antinflammatory, analgesic, and metabolic actions of Zingiber officinale preparations, with a discussion on the clinical applications in knee osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, type‐2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, overweight, and obesity.

Nigella Plants - Traditional Uses, Bioactive Phytoconstituents, Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Nigella is a small genus of the family Ranunculaceae, which includes some popular species due to their culinary and medicinal properties, especially in Eastern Europe, Middle East, Western, and Central Asia. Therefore, this review covers the traditional uses and phytochemical composition of Nigella and, in particular, Nigella sativa. The pharmacological studies reported in vitro, in vivo, and in humans have also been reviewed. One of the main strength of the use of Nigella is that the seeds are rich in the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid and provide an extra-source of dietary phytochemicals, including the bioactive thymoquinone, and characteristics saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Among Nigella species, N. sativa L. is the most studied plant from the genus. Due to the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties, the seed and seed oil from this plant can be considered as good candidates to formulate functional ingredients on the basis of folklore and scientific knowledge. Nonetheless, the main limations are that more studies, especially, clinical trials are required to standardize the results, e.g. to establish active molecules, dosage, chemical profile, long-term effects and impact of cooking/incorporation into foods.

Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Native Chilean Plants

The native flora of Chile has unique characteristics due to the geographical situation of the country, with the vast desert in the North, Patagonia in the South, the Andean Mountains on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. This exclusivity is reflected in high concentrations of phytochemicals in the fruits and leaves of its native plants. Some examples are Aristotelia chilensis (Molina), Stuntz (maqui), Berberis microphylla G. Forst. (calafate), Peumus boldus Molina (boldo), Ribes magellanicum Poir. (Magellan currant), Ugni molinae Turcz. (murtilla), Rubus geoides Sm. (miñe miñe), Drimys winteri J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (canelo), Luma apiculata (DC.) Burret (arrayán) distributed throughout the entire Chilean territory. Some of these Chilean plants have been used for centuries in the country's traditional medicine. The most recent studies of phytochemical characterization of parts of Chilean plants show a wide spectrum of antioxidant compounds, phenolic components, terpenoids and alkaloids, which have shown biological activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. This manuscript covers the entire Chilean territory characterizing the phytochemical profile and reporting some of its biological properties, focusing mainly on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, chemopreventive and cytotoxic activity, and potential against diabetes, metabolic syndrome and gastrointestinal disorders.

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Essential Oil of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Leaf: In Vivo and in Silico Studies

The objective of our present study is to scrutinize the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potentials of essential oil of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf using different in vivo assay models at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight. Twenty chemical compounds, which were isolated from the leaves essential oil of E. camaldulensis, were docked using AutodockVina against cyclooxygenase 2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β convertase to elucidate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. The essential oil of E. camaldulensis exhibited noteworthy analgesic activities in the writhing test. In the tail immersion and hot-plate test, the essential oil significantly extended the latency period. The number of licks in the formalin-induced paw licking test was markedly reduced following essential oil administration. In addition, E. camaldulensis essential oil revealed notable anti-inflammatory responses in carrageenan-induced paw edema, xylene induced ear edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma methods. Among 20 compounds, 5 ( cis-sabinol, globulol, α-eudesmol, β-eudesmol, and γ-eudesmol) showed better binding for cyclooxygenase-2 while β-eudesmol exhibited higher affinity for TNFα than that of TNF-alpha-IN-1 and standard drug. In the case of interleukin 1β convertase, maximum affinity was shown by α-eudesmol than the synthetic drug belnacasan. Chemical components of the essential oil interacted with diverse amino acid residues which were similar to the natural substrate and standard drugs. In conclusion, E. camaldulensis essential oil can be an effective source of analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment and additional modification and docking studies will be required to justify the efficiency of globulol, α-eudesmol, β-eudesmol, and γ-eudesmol.

Characteristics and diversity of mutations in regulatory genes of resistance-nodulation-cell division efflux pumps in association with drug-resistant clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii

Background

This study was aimed to characterize the genetic diversity and expression of three putative resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND)-type efflux systems and their contribution to multidrug efflux in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii.

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 95 A. baumannii isolates was determined by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion for 18 antibiotics and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of colistin was determined by the broth microdilution method. Moreover, the MIC of five classes of antibiotics was assessed using E-test strips in the presence and absence of phenylalanine-arginine beta-naphthylamide (PAβN). Regulatory genes of the RND efflux pumps (adeRS, adeL, adeN and baeSR) were subjected to sequencing. The relative expression of adeB, adeG and adeJ genes was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results

Overall, the majority of isolates (94%) were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). In the phenotypic assay, efflux pump activity was observed in 40% of the isolates against multiple antibiotics mainly tigecycline. However, we found no efflux activity against imipenem. Several amino acid substitutions were detected in the products of regulatory genes; except in AdeN. Of note, G186V mutation in AdeS was found to be associated with overexpression of its efflux pump. No insertion sequences were detected.

Conclusions

Our findings outlined the role of RND efflux pumps in resistance of A. baumannii to multiple antibiotics particularly tigecycline, and pointed out the importance of a variety of single mutations in the corresponding regulatory systems. Further studies are required to decipher the precise role of RND efflux pumps in multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of A. baumannii.

Phytotherapy and food applications from Brassica genus

Plants of the genus Brassica occupy the top place among vegetables in the world. This genus, which contains a group of six related species of a global economic significance, three of which are diploid: Brassica nigra (L.) K. Koch, Brassica oleracea L., and Brassica rapa L. and three are amphidiploid species: Brassica carinata A. Braun, Brassica juncea (L.) Czern., and Brassica napus L. These varieties are divided into oily, fodder, spice, and vegetable based on their morphological structure, chemical composition, and usefulness of plant organs. The present review provides information about habitat, phytochemical composition, and the bioactive potential of Brassica plants, mainly antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer activities, and clinical studies in human. Brassica vegetables are of great economic importance around the world. At present, Brassica plants are grown together with cereals and form the basis of global food supplies. They are distinguished by high nutritional properties from other vegetable plants, such as low fat and protein content and high value of vitamins, fibers along with minerals. In addition, they possess several phenolic compounds and have a unique type of compounds namely glucosinolates that differentiate these crops from other vegetables. These compounds are also responsible for numerous biological activities to the genus Brassica as described in this review.

Antioxidant potential of family Cucurbitaceae with special emphasis on Cucurbita genus: A key to alleviate oxidative stress-mediated disorders

Oxidative stress is the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and accumulation and the ability of a biological system to clear these reactive products. This imbalance leads to cell and tissue damage causing several disorders in human body, such as neurodegeneration, metabolic problems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Cucurbitaceae family consists of about 100 genera and 1,000 species of plants including mostly tropical, annual or perennial, monoecious, and dioecious herbs. The plants from Cucurbita species are rich sources of phytochemicals and act as a rich source of antioxidants. The most important phytochemicals present in the cucurbits are cucurbitacins, saponins, carotenoids, phytosterols, and polyphenols. These bioactive phyto-constituents are responsible for the pharmacological effects including antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-obesity, diuretic, anti-ulcer activity, and antigenotoxic. A wide number of in vitro and in vivo studies have ascribed these health-promoting effects of Cucurbita genus. Results of clinical trials suggest that Cucurbita provides health benefits for diabetic patients, patients with benign prostate hyperplasia, infertile women, postmenopausal women, and stress urinary incontinence in women. The intend of the present review is to focus on the protective role of Cucurbita spp. phytochemicals on oxidative stress-related disorders on the basis of preclinical and human studies. The review will also give insights on the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of the Cucurbitaceae family as a whole.

MicroRNAs and Natural Compounds Mediated Regulation of TGF Signaling in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is with rising incidence in male population globally. It is a complex anomaly orchestrated by a plethora of cellular processes. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is one of the key signaling pathways involved in the tumorigenesis of PCa. TGF-β signaling has a dual role in the PCa, making it difficult to find a suitable therapeutic option. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) mediated regulation of TGF-β signaling is responsible for the TGF-ß paradox. These are small molecules that modulate the expression of target genes and regulate cancer progression. Thus, miRNAs interaction with different signaling cascades is of great attention for devising new diagnostic and therapeutic options for PCa. Natural compounds have been extensively studied due to their high efficacy and low cytotoxicity. Here, we discuss the involvement of TGF-ß signaling in PCa with the interplay between miRNAs and TGF-β signaling and also review the role of natural compounds for the development of new therapeutics for PCa.

Targeting androgen receptor signaling with MicroRNAs and Curcumin: a promising therapeutic approach for Prostate Cancer Prevention and intervention

Prostate cancer (PC) is a multifactorial disease characterized by the abrogation of androgen receptor signaling. Advancement in microbiology techniques has highlighted the significant role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the progression of PC cells from an androgen-dependent to an androgen-independent state. At that stage, prostate tumors also fail to respond to currently practiced hormone therapies. So, studies in recent decades are focused on investigating the anti-tumor effects of natural compounds in PC. Curcumin is widely recognized and now of huge prestige for its anti-proliferative abilities in different types of cancer. However, its limited solubility, compatibility, and instability in the aqueous phase are major hurdles when administering. Nanoformulations have proven to be an excellent drug delivery system for various drugs and can be used as potential delivery platforms for curcumin in PC. In this review, a shed light is given on the miRNAs-mediated regulation of androgen receptor (AR) signaling and miRNA-curcumin interplay in PC, as well as on curcumin-based nanoformulations that can be used as possible therapeutic solutions for PC.

Hesperetin's health potential: moving from preclinical to clinical evidence and bioavailability issues, to upcoming strategies to overcome current limitations

Flavonoids are common in the plant kingdom and many of them have shown a wide spectrum of bioactive properties. Hesperetin (Hst), the aglycone form of hesperidin, is a great example, and is the most abundant flavonoid found in Citrus plants. This review aims to provide an overview on the in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies reporting the Hst pharmacological effects and to discuss the bioavailability-related issues. Preclinical studies have shown promising effects on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, carbohydrate dysregulation, bone health, and other pathologies. Clinical studies have supported the Hst promissory effects as cardioprotective and neuroprotective agent. However, further well-designed clinical trials are needed to address the other Hst effects observed in preclinical trials, as well as to a more in-depth understanding of its safety profile.

Pharmacological Properties of Chalcones: A Review of Preclinical Including Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence

Chalcones are among the leading bioactive flavonoids with a therapeutic potential implicated to an array of bioactivities investigated by a series of preclinical and clinical studies. In this article, different scientific databases were searched to retrieve studies depicting the biological activities of chalcones and their derivatives. This review comprehensively describes preclinical studies on chalcones and their derivatives describing their immense significance as antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic, psychoactive, and neuroprotective agents. Besides, clinical trials revealed their use in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, skin conditions, and cancer. Bioavailability studies on chalcones and derivatives indicate possible hindrance and improvement in relation to its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Multifaceted and complex underlying mechanisms of chalcone actions demonstrated their ability to modulate a number of cancer cell lines, to inhibit a number of pathological microorganisms and parasites, and to control a number of signaling molecules and cascades related to disease modification. Clinical studies on chalcones revealed general absence of adverse effects besides reducing the clinical signs and symptoms with decent bioavailability. Further studies are needed to elucidate their structure activity, toxicity concerns, cellular basis of mode of action, and interactions with other molecules.

Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Berberine Delivery System in Cancer Treatment: Pulling Strings to Keep Berberine in Power

Cancer is a multifactorial disease characterized by complex molecular landscape and altered cell pathways that results in an abnormal cell growth. Natural compounds are target-specific and pose a limited cytotoxicity; therefore, can aid in the development of new therapeutic interventions for the treatment of this versatile disease. Berberine is a member of the protoberberine alkaloids family, mainly present in the root, stem, and bark of various trees, and has a reputed anticancer activity. Nonetheless, the limited bioavailability and low absorption rate are the two major hindrances following berberine administration as only 0.5% of ingested berberine absorbed in small intestine while this percentage is further decreased to 0.35%, when enter in systemic circulation. Nano-based formulation is believed to be an ideal candidate to increase absorption percentage as at nano scale level, compounds can absorb rapidly in gut. Nanotechnology-based therapeutic approaches have been implemented to overcome such problems, ultimately promoting a higher efficacy in the treatment of a plethora of diseases. This review present and critically discusses the anti-proliferative role of berberine and the nanotechnology-based therapeutic strategies used for the nano-scale delivery of berberine. Finally, the current approaches and promising perspectives of latest delivery of this alkaloid are also critically analyzed and discussed.

Phytosterols: From Preclinical Evidence to Potential Clinical Applications

Phytosterols (PSs) are plant-originated steroids. Over 250 PSs have been isolated, and each plant species contains a characteristic phytosterol composition. A wide number of studies have reported remarkable pharmacological effects of PSs, acting as chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiatherosclerotic agents. However, PS bioavailability is a key issue, as it can be influenced by several factors (type, source, processing, preparation, delivery method, food matrix, dose, time of administration into the body, and genetic factors), and the existence of a close relationship between their chemical structures (e.g., saturation degree and side-chain length) and low absorption rates has been stated. In this sense, the present review intends to provide in-depth data on PS therapeutic potential for human health, also emphasizing their preclinical effects and bioavailability-related issues.

Dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals as potential interventions against viruses: Perspectives for COVID-19

Abstract. The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 disease pandemic has infected millions of people and caused more than thousands of deaths in many countries across the world. The number of infected cases is increasing day by day. Unfortunately, we do not have a vaccine and specific treatment for it. Along with the protective measures, respiratory and/or circulatory supports and some antiviral and retroviral drugs have been used against SARS-CoV-2, but there are no more extensive studies proving their efficacy. In this study, the latest publications in the field have been reviewed, focusing on the modulatory effects on the immunity of some natural antiviral dietary supplements, vitamins and minerals. Findings suggest that several dietary supplements, including black seeds, garlic, ginger, cranberry, orange, omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins (e.g., A, B vitamins, C, D, E), and minerals (e.g., Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, Se, Zn) have anti-viral effects. Many of them act against various species of respiratory viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronaviruses. Therefore, dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, probiotics as well as individual nutritional behaviour can be used as adjuvant therapy together with antiviral medicines in the management of COVID-19 disease.

Multivesicular Liposome (Depofoam) in Human Diseases

Drug development is a key point in the research of new therapeutic treatments for increasing maximum drug loading and prolonged drug effect. Encapsulation of drugs into multivesicular liposomes (DepoFoam) is a nanotechnology that allow delivery of the active constituent at a sufficient concentration during the entire treatment period. This guarantees the reduction of drug administration frequency, a very important factor in a prolonged treatment. Currently, diverse DepoFoam drugs are approved for clinical use against neurological diseases and for post-surgical pain management while other are under development for reducing surgical bleeding and for post-surgical analgesia. Also, on pre-clinical trials on cancer DepoFoam can improve bioavailability and stability of the drug molecules minimizing side effects by site-specific targeted delivery. In the current work, available literature on structure, preparation and pharmacokinetics of DepoFoam are reviewed. Moreover, we investigated approved DepoFoam formulations and preclinical studies with this nanotechnology.

Resveratrol, curcumin, paclitaxel and miRNAs mediated regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: go four better to treat bladder cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is a leading cause of death among urothelial malignancies that more commonly affect male population. Poor prognosis and resistance to chemotherapy are the two most important characteristics of this disease. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway has been considered pivotal in the regulation of proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and metastasis. Deregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling has been found in 40% of bladder cancers. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to interact with the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway with a different possible role in proliferation and apoptosis in bladder cancer. Thus, miRNAs can be used as potential biomarkers for BC. Natural compounds have been in the spotlight for the past decade due to their effective anti-proliferative capabilities. However, little is known of its possible effects in bladder cancer. The aim of this review is to discuss the interplay between PI3K/Akt/mTOR, miRNAs, and natural compounds and emphasize the importance of miRNAs as biomarkers and resveratrol, curcumin and paclitaxel as a possible therapeutic approach against bladder cancer.

Therapeutic promises of ginkgolide A: A literature-based review

Ginkgolide A is a highly active platelet activating factor antagonist cage molecule which was isolated from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba L. It is known for its inflammatory and immunological potentials. This review aims to sketch a current scenario on its therapeutic activities on the basis of scientific reports in the databases. A total 30 articles included in this review suggests that ginkgolide A has many important biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anxiolytic-like, anti-atherosclerosis and anti-atherombosis, neuro- and hepatoprotective effects. There is a lack of its toxicological (e.g. toxicity, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenitcity) profile. In conclusion, ginkgolide A may be one of the potential therapeutic lead compounds, especially for the treatment of cardiovascular, hepatological, and neurological diseases and disorders. More studies are necessary on this hopeful therapeutic agent.

Evaluating the antibiotic resistance and frequency of adhesion markers among Escherichia coli isolated from type 2 diabetes patients with urinary tract infection and its association with common polymorphism of mannose-binding lectin gene

The present paper aims to determine the frequency and antibiotic resistance patterns of pathogenic bacteria, the virulence factor profile of Escherichia coli and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphism in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and urinary tract infection (UTI). The population under study was 130 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and UTI. The patients' clinical characteristics and urine and blood samples (5 mL) were collected. Antibiotic resistance was determined using a disc diffusion method, and the results were interpreted according to CLSI. The presence of virulence genes was detected by multiplex PCR. To detect the MBL gene polymorphism, PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods were applied. The predominant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria included E. coli and Streptococcus spp.viridans group, respectively. Women were more susceptible to the incidence of UTI than men. The E. coli isolates showed a high level of resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (87.35%), and nitrofurantoin and ceftizoxime were the most effective antimicrobial agents for E. coli. Cefotaxime and ceftizoxime were the most effective antimicrobial agents for Enterobacter spp., norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin were the most effective antimicrobial agents for Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. papGII (52.87%) and papEF (1.14%) had the highest and lowest frequency among examined genes in E. coli isolates, respectively. The GG genotype had the highest frequency among patients with T2DM and UTI. Results showed that the detection of E. coli in individuals with an AA genotype, codon 54 of the MBL gene, can play an important role in the molecular diagnosis and timely treatment of bacterial infections in individuals with diabetes.

Pharmacological Activities of Psoralidin: A Comprehensive Review of the Molecular Mechanisms of Action

Analysis of the most relevant studies on the pharmacological properties and molecular mechanisms of psoralidin, a bioactive compound from the seeds of Cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. confirmed its complex therapeutic potential. In the last years, the interest of the scientific community regarding psoralidin increased, especially after the discovery of its benefits in estrogen-related diseases and as a chemopreventive agent. Growing preclinical pieces of evidence indicate that psoralidin has anticancer, antiosteoporotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-vitiligo, antibacterial, antiviral, and antidepressant-like effects. Here, we provide a comprehensive and critical review of psoralidin on its bioavailability, pharmacological activities with focus on molecular mechanisms and cell signaling pathways. In this review, we conducted literature research on the PubMed database using the following keywords: “Psoralidin” or “therapeutic effects” or “biological activity” or “Cullen corylifolium” in order to identify relevant studies regarding PSO bioavailability and mechanisms of therapeutic effects in different diseases based on preclinical, experimental studies. In the light of psoralidin beneficial actions for human health, this paper gathers complete information on its pharmacotherapeutic effects and opens new natural therapeutic perspectives in chronic diseases.

Ficus plants: State of the art from a phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological perspective

Ficus genus is typically tropical plants and is among the earliest fruit trees cultivated by humans. Ficus carica L. is the common fig, Ficus benjamina L. is the weeping fig, and Ficus pumila L. is the creeping fig. These species are commonly used in traditional medicine for a wide range of diseases and contain rich secondary metabolites that have shown diverse applications. This comprehensive review describes for Ficus genus the phytochemical compounds, traditional uses and contemporary pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiulcer, and anticonvulsant. An extended survey of the current literature (Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed) has been carried out as part of the current work. The trends in the phytochemistry, pharmacological mechanisms and activities of Ficus genus are overviewed in this manuscript: antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, antiseizure and anti-Parkinson's diseases, cytotoxic and antioxidant. Health-promoting effects, recent human clinical studies, safety and adverse effects of Ficus plants also are covered. The medical potential and long-term pharmacotherapeutic use of the genus Ficus along with no serious reported adverse events, suggests that it can be considered as being safe.

Retinol palmitate against toxicogenic damages of antineoplastic drugs on normal and tumor cells

The lack of tissue selectivity of anticancer drugs generates intense collateral and adverse effects of cancer patients, making the incorporation of vitamins or micronutrients into the diet of individuals to reduce side or adverse effects of antineoplastics. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of retinol palmitate (RP) on the toxicogenic damages induced by cyclophosphamide (CPA), doxorubicin (DOX) and its association with the AC protocol (CPA + DOX), in Sarcoma 180 (S-180) tumor cell line, using the micronuclei test with a block of cytokinesis (CBMN); and in non-tumor cells derived from Mus musculus using the comet assay. The results suggest that CPA, DOX and AC protocol induced significant toxicogenic damages (P < 0.05) on the S-180 cells by induction of micronuclei, cytoplasmic bridges, nuclear buds, apoptosis, and cell necrosis, proving their antitumor effects, and significant damage (P < 0.001) to the genetic material of peripheral blood cells of healthy mice, proving the genotoxic potential of these drugs. However, RP modulated the toxicogenic effects of antineoplastic tested both in the CBMN test (P < 0.05), at the concentrations of 1, 10 and 100 IU/mL; as in the comet assay (P < 0.001) at the concentration of 100 IU/kg for the index and frequency of genotoxic damage. The accumulated results suggest that RP reduced the action of antineoplastics in non-tumor cells as well as the cytotoxic, mutagenic, and cell death in neoplastic cells.

Anxiety Therapeutic Interventions of β-Caryophyllene: A Laboratory-Based Study

The bicyclic sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene (BCP) has diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and analgesic effects. This study evaluates anxiolytic, toxicity, and antioxidant effects of BCP using in vitro and in vivo test models. The anxiolytic effects were tested in Swiss albino mice ( Mus musculus) by applying the elevated plus-maze, rota-rod, light and dark, and hiding sphere models, while the toxicity was evaluated by brine shrimp ( Artemia salina) lethality bioassay. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity was tested by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid hydroxyl radical scavenging, and the Saccharomyces cerevisiae test model. The results suggest that BCP exerted a dose-dependent anxiolytic-like effect on the experimental animals. It did not show toxicity in A. salina at 24 hours. BCP showed a concentration-dependent free-radical-scavenging capacity, similar to the standard antioxidant Trolox. It also showed protective and repair capacities against hydrogen peroxide-induced damaging effects in isogenic and wild-type S. cerevisiae strains. Taken together, BCP exerted antioxidant and protective effects, which can be targeted to treat neurological diseases and disorders such as anxiety.

Recent advances, approaches and challenges in targeting pathways for potential COVID-19 vaccines development

During the COVID-19 pandemic in a modern era, there is a global consensus on the need for the rapid development of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 for effective and sustainable control. Developing these vaccines is fundamental to public health. This urgent need is supported by the scientific explosion in structural and genomic biology that facilitates the urgent development of an ideal COVID-19 vaccine, using new pathways to facilitate its large-scale development, testing, and manufacture. Here, we summarize the types of COVID-19 candidate vaccines, their current stage in early testing in human clinical trials, and the challenges for their implementation.

Vicia plants-A comprehensive review on chemical composition and phytopharmacology

The plants belonging to the genus Vicia are of great interest as a source of many bioactive compounds and micronutrients. A snapshot of their cultivation, habitat, main components, from which essential oils can be obtained, is given. The traditional medicinal uses of Vicia plants are also reported, as well as the wide spectrum of the main biological activities attributed to Vicia plants is discussed regarding potential health beneficial properties, in particular anti-Parkinson, anticholinesterase, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive, antidiabetic, antihemolytic, anticoagulant, estrogenic, diuretic, antihypoxic activities.

Turmeric and Its Major Compound Curcumin on Health: Bioactive Effects and Safety Profiles for Food, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnological and Medicinal Applications

Curcumin, a yellow polyphenolic pigment from the Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) rhizome, has been used for centuries for culinary and food coloring purposes, and as an ingredient for various medicinal preparations, widely used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. In recent decades, their biological activities have been extensively studied. Thus, this review aims to offer an in-depth discussion of curcumin applications for food and biotechnological industries, and on health promotion and disease prevention, with particular emphasis on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects. Bioavailability, bioefficacy and safety features, side effects, and quality parameters of curcumin are also addressed. Finally, curcumin's multidimensional applications, food attractiveness optimization, agro-industrial procedures to offset its instability and low bioavailability, health concerns, and upcoming strategies for clinical application are also covered.

Medicinal plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis - Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological approaches

Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization, with approximately one third of the world's population being latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis treatment consists in an intensive phase and a continuation phase. Unfortunately, the appearance of multi drug-resistant tuberculosis, mainly due to low adherence to prescribed therapies or inefficient healthcare structures, requires at least 20 months of treatment with second-line, more toxic and less efficient drugs, i.e., capreomycin, kanamycin, amikacin and fluoroquinolones. Therefore, there exists an urgent need for discovery and development of new drugs to reduce the global burden of this disease, including the multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. To this end, many plant species, as well as marine organisms and fungi have been and continue to be used in various traditional healing systems around the world to treat tuberculosis, thus representing a nearly unlimited source of active ingredients. Besides their antimycobacterial activity, natural products can be useful in adjuvant therapy to improve the efficacy of conventional antimycobacterial therapies, to decrease their adverse effects and to reverse mycobacterial multi-drug resistance due to the genetic plasticity and environmental adaptability of Mycobacterium. However, even if some natural products have still been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies, the validation of their efficacy and safety as antituberculosis agents is far from being reached, and, therefore, according to an evidence-based approach, more high-level randomized clinical trials are urgently needed.

Probiotics: Versatile Bioactive Components in Promoting Human Health

The positive impact of probiotic strains on human health has become more evident than ever before. Often delivered through food, dietary products, supplements, and drugs, different legislations for safety and efficacy issues have been prepared. Furthermore, regulatory agencies have addressed various approaches toward these products, whether they authorize claims mentioning a disease's diagnosis, prevention, or treatment. Due to the diversity of bacteria and yeast strains, strict approaches have been designed to assess for side effects and post-market surveillance. One of the most essential delivery systems of probiotics is within food, due to the great beneficial health effects of this system compared to pharmaceutical products and also due to the increasing importance of food and nutrition. Modern lifestyle or various diseases lead to an imbalance of the intestinal flora. Nonetheless, as the amount of probiotic use needs accurate calculations, different factors should also be taken into consideration. One of the novelties of this review is the presentation of the beneficial effects of the administration of probiotics as a potential adjuvant therapy in COVID-19. Thus, this paper provides an integrative overview of different aspects of probiotics, from human health care applications to safety, quality, and control.

The Therapeutic Potential of Anthocyanins: Current Approaches Based on Their Molecular Mechanism of Action

Anthocyanins are natural phenolic pigments with biological activity. They are well-known to have potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity, which explains the various biological effects reported for these substances suggesting their antidiabetic and anticancer activities, and their role in cardiovascular and neuroprotective prevention. This review aims to comprehensively analyze different studies performed on this class of compounds, their bioavailability and their therapeutic potential. An in-depth look in preclinical, in vitro and in vivo, and clinical studies indicates the preventive effects of anthocyanins on cardioprotection, neuroprotection, antiobesity as well as their antidiabetes and anticancer effects.

Phytochemical constituents, biological activities, and health-promoting effects of the genus Origanum

Origanum species are mostly distributed around the Mediterranean, Euro-Siberian, and Iran-Siberian regions. Since time immemorial, the genus has popularly been used in Southern Europe, as well as on the American continent as a spice now known all over the world under the name "oregano" or "pizza-spice." Origanum plants are also employed to prepare bitter tinctures, wines, vermouths, beer, and kvass. The major components of Origanum essential oil are various terpenes, phenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids with predominant occurrence of carvacrol and thymol (with reasonable amounts of p-cymen and -terpinene) or of terpinene-4-ol, linalool, and sabinene hydrate. Many species of Origanum genus are used to treat kidney, digestive, nervous, and respiratory disorders, spasms, sore throat, diabetes, lean menstruation, hypertension, cold, insomnia, toothache, headache, epilepsy, urinary tract infections, etc. Origanum essential oil showed potent bioactivities owing to its major constituents' carvacrol, thymol, and monoterpenes. Several preclinical studies evidenced its pharmacological potential as antiproliferative or anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-obesity, renoprotective, antiinflammatory, vasoprotective, cardioprotective, antinociceptive, insecticidal, and hepatoprotective properties. Its nanotechnological applications as a promising pharmaceutical in order to enhance the solubility, physicochemical stability, and the accumulation rate of its essential oils have been investigated. However, Origanum has been reported causing angioedema, perioral dermatitis, allergic reaction, inhibition of platelet aggregation, hypoglycemia, and abortion. Conclusive evidences are still required for its clinical applications against human medical conditions. Toxicity analyses and risk assessment will aid to its safe and efficacious application. In addition, elaborate structure-activity studies are needed to explore the potential use of Origanum-derived phytochemicals as promising drug candidates.

Myricetin bioactive effects: moving from preclinical evidence to potential clinical applications

Several flavonoids have been recognized as nutraceuticals, and myricetin is a good example. Myricetin is commonly found in plants and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities is well demonstrated. One of its beneficial biological effects is the neuroprotective activity, showing preclinical activities on Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington diseases, and even in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Also, myricetin has revealed other biological activities, among them as antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular, analgesic and antihypertensive. However, few clinical trials have been performed using myricetin as nutraceutical. Thus, this review provides new insights on myricetin preclinical pharmacological activities, and role in selected clinical trials.

Long non-coding RNA regulation of TRAIL in breast cancer: A tangle of non-coding threads

Breast cancer is a complex disease posing a serious threat to the female population worldwide. A complex molecular landscape and tumor heterogeneity render breast cancer cells resistant to drugs and able to promote metastasis and invasiveness. Despite the recent advancements in diagnostics and drug discovery, finding an effective cure for breast cancer is still a major challenge. Positive and negative regulation of apoptosis has been a subject of extensive study over the years. Numerous studies have shed light on the mechanisms that impede the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) signaling cascade. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the orchestration, development, proliferation, differentiation and metastasis of breast cancer. However, the roles of lncRNAs in fine-tuning apoptosis regulating machinery in breast cancer remain to be elucidated. The present review illuminates the roles of these molecules in the regulation of breast cancer and the interplay between lncRNA and TRAIL in breast cancer. The present review also attempts to reveal their role in the regulation of apoptosis in breast cancer appears a promising approach for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic regimens.

LncRNA & Wnt signaling in colorectal cancer

The outlook for new therapeutic approaches is pivotal to ameliorate the deterioration caused by the abrogated Wnt signaling. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are tiny molecules that have begun emerging as vital molecular manager for the regulation of various cellular processes at transcription and translation levels in the colorectal cancer (CRC). Targeting Wnt pathway with lncRNA seems a promising approach to eradicate CRC. However, little is known of their active role in commencing both apoptosis and proliferation in CRC. This article  reviews the importance of these molecules in the pathogenesis of CRC and also emphasizes on the development of new therapeutic strategies to cope with the Wnt mediated CRC.

Anti-diarrheal activities of phytol along with its possible mechanism of action through in-vivo and in-silico models

Phytol (PHY), a chlorophyll-derived diterpenoid, exhibits numerous pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This study evaluates the anti-diarrheal effect of phytol (PHY) along with its possible mechanism of action through in-vivo and in-silico models. The effect of PHY was investigated on castor oil-induced diarrhea in Swiss mice by using prazosin, propranolol, loperamide, and nifedipine as standards with or without PHY. PHY at 50 mg/kg (p.o.) and all other standards exhibit significant (p < 0.05) anti-diarrheal effect in mice. The effect was prominent in the loperamide and propranolol groups. PHY co-treated with prazosin and propranolol was found to increase in latent periods along with a significant reduction in diarrheal section during the observation period than other individual or combined groups. Furthermore, molecular docking studies also suggested that PHY showed better interactions with the α- and β-adrenergic receptors, especially with α-ADR1a and β-ADR1. In the former case, PHY showed interaction with hydroxyl group of Ser192 at a distance of 2.91í…, while in the latter it showed hydrogen bond interactions with Thr170 and Lys297 with a distance of 2.65 and 2.72í…, respectively. PHY exerted significant anti-diarrheal effect in Swiss mice, possibly through blocking α- and β-adrenergic receptors.

Bio-therapeutics effects of probiotic strain on the gastrointestinal health of severely acute malnourished children

The core objective was to evaluate the effect of probiotic fortification at three phases of formula milk administration in malnourished children. A dose related effect was determined in 30 severely acute malnourished children (6-59 months) in a double-blind, randomized design. According to the results, serum albumin levels, treatment T2 (6 billion cfu) has significantly increased albumin levels (3.7g/dL) and the effect of phase-III (Plumpy'nut) was found to be better. Results regarding sodium levels showing probiotic-dose have significant effect (P≤0.05) in phases as well. Moreover, the effect of T1 i.e. 3 billion cfu of probiotics has significantly reduced sodium levels (141.8mmol/L) vs. others and the effect of phase-II was better on reducing sodium levels. which is further confirmed in terms of reduced erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels at phase-III (29.566 vs. phase-II, 41.3 and phase-I, 46.533 mm/h). Conclusively, the effect of 6 billion cfu at phase-III was more effective on blood parameters.

Plant-food-derived bioactives: Key health benefits and current nanosystems as a strategy to enhance their bioavailability

Natural products interest is gradually increasing worldwide. Plant-food-derived bioactives have a long history of use as a good source of ingredients for valuable medical usages. Plant-based foods consist of micro and macronutrients, and bioactive components, with health-promoting benefits. The handling of complex mixtures of plants has been methodically switched by therapies using a single isolated substance. The delivery of bioactive molecules in nanosystems is enhancing their bioavailability, it is much safer and cost-effective. However, there are many challenges in combining bioactive substances in nanocarrier materials. A discussion related with nanocarriers will be done in this review.

Achillea spp.: A comprehensive review on its ethnobotany, phytochemistry, phytopharmacology and industrial applications

The genus Achillea genus houses more than 100 species, a number of them are popularly used in traditional medicine for spasmodic gastrointestinal, gynecological and hepatobiliary disorders, hemorrhages, pneumonia, rheumatic pain, inflammation, wounds healing etc. Members of the genus contain a wide variety of volatile and non-volatile secondary metabolites, including terpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids and others. Multiple studies have assessed the biological effects and other aspects of Achillea spp. In a number of preclinical studies, Achillea plants and their essential oils have demonstrated promising antibacterial properties against a number of human and plant pathogens. Besides, the plants have displayed strong antioxidative and potent anti-proliferative and anticancer properties in various cellular and animal models. Achillea plants have widely been used as food preservative in food industry. Clinical studies have indicated its potential against multiple sclerosis (MS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, episiotomy wound, primary dysmenorrhea, oral mucositis etc. The present work focuses to provide a brief overview on folk knowledge, phytochemistry, biological activity and applications of Achillea plants. There is a close relationship between the traditional ethnobotanical usage and pharmacological and clinical data from different Achillea spp. The application of Achillea plants and their extracts seems to be a promising alternative for antimicrobial and antioxidant purposes in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Anti-proliferative, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of phytochemicals isolated from Anatolian medicinal plants

The potential of natural products in cancer prevention and treatment has received worldwide interest in recent years from the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industry point of view. Medicinal plants have been traditionally used as they exhibit a wide range of therapeutic effects due to their phytoconstituents which play an active role against oxidative stress-associated diseases such as cancer. They may block or suppress multistage carcinogenesis mainly through mechanistic regulation of the myriad of deregulated cellular pathways. Bioactive constituents isolated from different plants have been shown to induce reversal of drug resistance, restoration of apoptosis, inhibition of cell proliferation and stimulation of the immune system, etc. These phytochemicals such as terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, alkaloids, tannins, anthraquinones, and saponins can be present in any of the plant parts like root, stem, leaves, bark, seed, flower, and fruit which produce a definite physiological response in the organism. Turkish flora is a rich reservoir of wide-ranging bioactive chemicals having premium pharmacological importance. This review provides an overview of the anticancer properties of various Turkish medicinal plant species against different type of cancers via anti-proliferative, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects.

Effects of galacto-oligosaccharide prebiotics in blood profile of severely acute malnourished children

This study assessed the effects of galacto-oligosaccharides (Oligomate) on hematocrit, serum enzymes, total bilirubin levels, and serum electrolytes in controls and severely malnourished infants, with emphasis on gastrointestinal symptoms. Oligomate doses and phases did not affect stools frequency per day, indicating that prebiotic effect on stool may be due to the prebiotic type. The number of vomits per day during phases 2 and 3 were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in response to prebiotics, despite the prebiotic dose effect was not significant (p>0.05). Moreover, prebiotics administration during phases 2 and 3 markedly improved hemoglobin levels (p<0.05), but not the dose. Similarly, hematocrit levels and white blood cells were significantly improved during the last 2 phases, but dose have no effects on blood hematocrit levels. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate significantly decreased (p<0.05) in phases 2 and 3 compared to phase 1. No dose-related effect was stated on erythrocytes sedimentation rate. Regarding the serum enzymes, SGPT significantly decreased (p<0.05) in phases 2 and 3 compared to phase 1, whereas SGOT significantly decreased only in phase 3. Total bilirubin levels increased significantly (p<0.05) in phase 3 when compared to phases 1 or 2. Prebiotics significantly decreased (p<0.05) sodium levels in the treated group, while potassium levels did not change in all groups, excepting during phase 2, where it increased significantly. Thus, our results confirm the hypothesis that prebiotic supplementation improves blood parameters and health status, consequently decreasing the infection risk and number of vomit per day in infants.

Ascorbic acid antagonizes the sedative effect of diazepam possibly through inhibition of GABA(Aρ₁) and GABA(B1) receptors

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors belong to a ligand-gated ion channels family and are markedly expressed at the axon terminals of retinal bipolar cells. Ascorbic acid (AA), a known and vital antioxidant in the brain can modulate GABA receptors. We postulate that AA would antagonize benzodiazepines' effect via GABA receptor(s) interacting pathway. Here, we evaluated the modulatory sedative effect of AA on diazepam (DZP)'s anxiolytic effects in Swiss albino mice. The anxiolytic study was accomplished by using open-field, hole-board, and by swing and light-dark tests taking DZP as a standard anxiolytic drug. To understand the possible modulatory effects of AA, animals were co-administered with AA and DZP and/or its antagonist flumazenil (FLU). Additionally, an in-silico study was undertaken against GABA(A1), GABA(B1), and GABA(Aρ₁) receptors. Data suggest that AA at 25 mg/kg (i.p.) increased (p<0.05) the number of field cross, rearing, number of hole cross, and swing and residence, while decreased grooming and dark residence parameters as compared to the control and DZP groups. In addition, AA and/or FLU combined with DZP (2 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed DZP-mediated sedative effects in mice. Results from in silico study suggest that AA has good interactions with GABA(Aρ₁) and GABA(B1) receptors. In conclusion, DZP is a GABA receptor agonist and AA may reverse DZP-mediated sedative effects in a non-competitive binding fashion in mice through inhibition of GABA(Aρ₁) and GABA(B1) receptors.

p-Cymene metallo-derivatives: An overview on anticancer activity

Metallo-drugs have gained a huge attention among scientific community in the couple years. These drugs types have become important compounds in cancer therapy, where, for instance, platinum complexes are being used against many tumors worldwide. Nonetheless, to p-cymene metallo-derivatives a promising anticancer potential has also been increasingly proposed. In this sense, the present review aims to provide an in-depth revision of p-cymene metallo-drugs possible mechanisms of anticancer action for upcoming pharmaceutical and biotechnological prospects. p-cymene metallo-derivatives have revealed very interesting anticancer activities in various test systems, including cancer cells, being thus worth of note to deepen knowledge through clinical trials on their upcoming use for cancer chemotherapy combination.