Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an active compound of green tea and its role in diseases cure and prevention has been proven. Its role in diseases management can be attributed to its antioxidant ...and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-cancer role of this green tea compound has been confirmed in various types of cancer and is still being under explored. EGCG has been proven to possess a chemopreventive effect through inhibition of carcinogenesis process such as initiation, promotion, and progression. In addition, this catechin has proven its role in cancer management through modulating various cell signaling pathways such as regulating proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and killing of various types of cancer cells. The additive or synergistic effect of epigallocatechin with chemopreventive agents has been verified as it reduces the toxicities and enhances the anti-cancerous effects. Despite its effectiveness and safety, the implications of EGCG in cancer prevention is certainly still discussed due to a poor bioavailability. Several studies have shown the ability to overcome poor bioavailability through nanotechnology-based strategies such as encapsulation, liposome, micelles, nanoparticles and various other formulation. In this review, we encapsulate therapeutic implication of EGCG in cancer management and the mechanisms of action are discussed with an emphasis on human clinical trials.
Berberine (BBR), a potential bioactive agent, has remarkable health benefits. A substantial amount of research has been conducted to date to establish the anticancer potential of BBR. The present ...review consolidates salient information concerning the promising anticancer activity of this compound. The therapeutic efficacy of BBR has been reported in several studies regarding colon, breast, pancreatic, liver, oral, bone, cutaneous, prostate, intestine, and thyroid cancers. BBR prevents cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and controlling the cell cycle as well as autophagy. BBR also hinders tumor cell invasion and metastasis by down-regulating metastasis-related proteins. Moreover, BBR is also beneficial in the early stages of cancer development by lowering epithelial-mesenchymal transition protein expression. Despite its significance as a potentially promising drug candidate, there are currently no pure berberine preparations approved to treat specific ailments. Hence, this review highlights our current comprehensive knowledge of sources, extraction methods, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles of berberine, as well as the proposed mechanisms of action associated with its anticancer potential. The information presented here will help provide a baseline for researchers, scientists, and drug developers regarding the use of berberine as a promising candidate in treating different types of cancers.
Soil water and nutrient status are two of the most important factors for plant development and crop yield. Vermicompost and biochar are supposed to amend soil attributes and increase the ...productivity. However, little is known about their mixture application on soil quality and nutrient uptake under natural conditions. The aim of this investigation was to understand the impact of soil amendments (control, vermicompost, biochar, and vermicompost + biochar) on yield, soil quality, physiological and biochemical attributes, as well as nutrient uptake of wheat plants grown at different irrigation water treatments (50%, 75%, and 100% of field capacity FC) in saline sodic soil. Vermicompost improved wheat growth and yield. Biochar‐treated plants had higher growth performance and yield than control plants in all traits and than vermicompost in some cases, thus confirming its potential for enhancing soil quality and increasing nutrient uptake, which stimulates soil chemical properties. When vermicompost was added in combination with biochar, further enhancement in the growth and yield was recorded, highlighting the beneficial effect of vermicompost on plant yield. Vermicompost–biochar mixture application followed by biochar as a singular application caused significant improvements in relative water content, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, cytotoxicity, leaf K+ content with respect to nutrient uptake (N, P, and K), while reducing oxidative stress (i.e., activities of catalase CAT and ascorbate peroxidase APX, and expression levels of CAT, APX, and Mn‐SOD genes), leaf Na+ content, and proline content. This resulted in increases in yield‐related traits and productivity owing to the enhancement in soil chemical characteristics and soil moisture content. Grain yield and nutrient uptake attained the highest values at 75% FC in wheat plants treated by the combination of vermicompost and biochar. In summary, this investigation revealed that the synergistic effect of vermicompost and biochar can not only enhance crop production but also eliminates the detrimental effects of soil salinity and water stress.
Background Severe complications from COVID-19 and poor responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination were commonly reported in cancer patients compared to those without cancer. Therefore, the identification of ...predisposing factors to SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients would assist in the prevention of COVID-19 and improve vaccination strategies. The literature lacks reports on this topic from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Therefore, we studied clinical and laboratory data of 139 cancer patients from King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, KSA. Methods The cancer patients fall into three categories; (i) uninfected with SARS-CoV-2 pre-vaccination and remained uninfected post-vaccination (control group; n = 114; 81%), (ii) pre-vaccination infected group (n = 16; 11%), or (iii) post-vaccination infected group (n = 9; 6%). Next, the clinical and lab data of the three groups of patients were investigated. Results Comorbidity factors like diabetes and hemodialysis were associated with the risk of infection in cancer patients before the vaccination (p<0.05). In contrast to breast cancer, papillary thyroid cancer was more prevalent in the infected patients pre- and post-vaccination (p<0.05). Pre-vaccination infected group had earlier cancer stages compared with the control group (p = 0.01). On the other hand, combined therapy was less commonly administrated to the infected groups versus the control group (p<0.05). Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was lower in the post-vaccination infected group compared to the control group (p = 0.01). Conclusion Collectively, this is the first study from KSA to report potential risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients pre- and post-vaccination. Further investigations on these risk factors in a larger cohort are worthwhile to draw a definitive conclusion about their roles in predisposing cancer patients to the infection.
The synthesis of metal nanoparticles by using plant extracts is previously explored in phytomedicines. Nanobiotechnology has many applications, including cosmetic, packing, coating, biomedicine, and ...enhanced biological activity. Keeping in view the importance of Pistacia chinensis, its gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been synthesized by the eco-friendless and cost-effective method. In this study, the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by advanced techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis. The biological activities of these synthesized nanoparticles were examined in vitro by measuring the enzymatic inhibition potential on urease and carbonic anhydrase and in vivo by determining the analgesic and sedative activities. The UV spectrum indicated various peaks at the range of 530-550 nm, showing nanoparticles formation. The FT-IR spectroscopy of the extracts and AuNPs indicated the presence of NH, C═N, and N═O in the extract involved in the nanoparticles synthesis. The size of nanoparticles was determined by AFM analysis. The AFM showed that the nanoparticles range from 10 to 100 nm and are almost spherical in shape. The synthesized AuNPs exhibited significant urease inhibition potential with an IC50 value of 44.98. Similarly, the nanoparticles exhibited good carbonic anhydrase inhibition with an IC50 value of 53.54 against acetazolamide having IC50 0.13. Pistacia chinensis extract and its AuNPs exhibited excellent attenuation p<0.01 in acetic acid-induced writhing model at a dose of 15 mg/kg. The synthesized nanoparticles showed a significant sedative effect p<0.001 compared to the standard drug. This research work has developed a green method to synthesize nanoparticles by using Pistacia chinensis extract and directed the researcher to purify active phytochemicals from Pistacia chinensis involved in nanoparticles synthesized.
There is a rapid rise in cases of Type-2-diabetes mellitus (T2DM) globally, irrespective of the geography, ethnicity or any other variable factors. The molecular mechanisms that could cause the ...condition of T2DM need to be more thoroughly analysed to understand the clinical manifestations and to derive better therapeutic regimes. Tools in bioinformatics are used to trace out key gene elements and to identify the key causative gene elements and their possible therapeutic agents. Microarray datasets were retrieved from the Gene expression omnibus database and studied using R to derive different expressed gene (DEG) elements. With the comparison of the expressed genes with disease specific genes in DisGeNET, the final annotated genes were taken for analysis. Gene Ontology studies, Protein–protein interaction (PPI), Co-expression analysis, Gene-drug interactions were performed to scale down the hub genes and to identify the novelty across the genes analysed so far. In vivo and invitro analysis of key genes and the trace of interaction pathway is crucial to better understand the unique outcomes from the novel genes, forming the basis to understand the pathway that ends up causing T2DM. Afterwards, docking was executed enabling recognition of interacting residues involved in inhibition. The complex CCL5-265 and CD8A-40585 thus docked showed best results as is evident from its PCA analysis and MMGBSA calculation. There is now scope for deriving candidate drugs that could possibly detect personalized therapies for T2DM.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been reported worldwide. The advent of variants of concern (VOCs) raises severe concerns amid the serious containment ...efforts against COVID-19 that include physical measures, pharmacological repurposing, immunization, and genomic/community surveillance. Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) has been identified as a highly modified, contagious, and crucial variant among the five VOCs of SARS-CoV-2. The increased affinity of the spike protein (S-protein), and host receptor, angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), due to a higher number of mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S-protein has been proposed as the primary reason for the decreased efficacy of majorly available vaccines against the Omicron variant and the increased transmissible nature of the Omicron variant. Because of its significant competitive advantage, the Omicron variant and its sublineages swiftly surpassed other variants to become the dominant circulating lineages in a number of nations. The Omicron variant has been identified as a prevalent strain in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Furthermore, the emergence of recombinant variants through the conjunction of the Omicron variant with other variants or by the mixing of the Omicron variant's sublineages/subvariants poses a major threat to humanity. This raises various issues and hazards regarding the Omicron variant and its sublineages, such as an Omicron variant breakout in susceptible populations among fully vaccinated persons. As a result, understanding the features and genetic implications of this variant is crucial. Hence, we explained in depth the evolution and features of the Omicron variant and analyzed the repercussions of spike mutations on infectiousness, dissemination ability, viral entry mechanism, and immune evasion. We also presented a viewpoint on feasible strategies for precluding and counteracting any future catastrophic emergence and spread of the omicron variant and its sublineages that could result in a detrimental wave of COVID-19 cases.
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•The emergence of the Omicron variant and its sublineages pose a severe threat.•Significant number of mutations in the Omicron variant has been associated.•The Omicron variant might have evolved separately from all the previous variants.•Omicron and other variants may generate resistant variants to present vaccines.•Genomic surveillance and Omicron-specific vaccines are containment measures.
Emodin is an anthraquinone derivative found in the roots and bark of a variety of plants, molds, and lichens. Emodin has been used as a traditional medication for more than 2000 years and is still ...common in numerous herbal drugs. Emodin is plentiful in the three plant families, including Polygonaceae (Rheum, Rumex, and Polygonum spp.), Fabaceae (Cassia spp.), and Rhamnaceae (Rhamnus, Frangula, and Ventilago spp.). Emerging experimental evidences indicate that emodin confers a wide range of pharmacological activities; special focus was implemented toward neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral ischemia, anxiety and depression, schizophrenia, chronic hyperglycemic peripheral neuropathy, etc. Numerous preclinical evidences were established in support of the neuroprotection of emodin. However, this review highlighted the role of emodin as a potent neurotherapeutic agent; therefore, its evidence-based functionality on neurological disorders (NDs).
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1.Emodin confers a wide range of neuropharmacological activities.2.Preclinical evidences were established to support emodin's neuroprotection.3.Botanical sources and chemistry of emodin are discussed.4.Toxicity and biosafety profile of emodin are also highlighted.
Heavy metals are well-known environmental pollutants owing to their toxicity, longevity in the atmosphere, and ability to accumulate in the human body via bioaccumulation. The pollution of ...terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with toxic heavy metals is a major environmental concern that has consequences for public health. Most heavy metals occur naturally, but a few are derived from anthropogenic sources. Heavy metals are characterized by their high atomic mass and toxicity to living organisms. Most heavy metals cause environmental and atmospheric pollution, and may be lethal to humans. Heavy metals can become strongly toxic by mixing with different environmental elements, such as water, soil, and air, and humans and other living organisms can be exposed to them through the food chain. Plenty of experimental studies were performed to appraise the promising treatment options from natural products. Additionally, nanotechnology based treatment options are being constantly developed. As an emerging field, nanotechnology is making substantial advances in the analysis and removal of heavy metals from complicated matrices. Removal of heavy metal has been accomplished by the use of a variety of nanomaterials, including graphene and its derivatives, magnetic nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and carbon nanotubes, to name a few. Using nanotechnology for heavy metal analysis and removal from food and water resources provides many benefits over traditional methods. These advantages include a broad linear range, low detection and quantification limits, a high sensitivity, and high selectivity. Therefore this review aimed to explore the environmental consequences of the heavy metals, toxicity to the human health, as well as novel therapeutics development from the natural resources. Additionally, nanotechnological and nanomedicinal applications to treat heavy metal toxicity are also highlighted in this review.
Breast cancer (BrCa) is the most common malignancy in women and the second most significant cause of death from cancer. BrCa is one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, and it accounts for ...a large percentage of cancer-related deaths. The number of cases requiring more effective BrCa therapy has increased dramatically. Scientists are looking for more productive agents, such as organic combinations, for BrCa prevention and treatment because most chemotherapeutic agents are linked to cancer metastasis, the resistance of the drugs, and side effects. Natural compounds produced by living organisms promote apoptosis and inhibit metastasis, slowing the spread of cancer. As a result, these compounds may delay the spread of BrCa, enhancing survival rates and reducing the number of deaths caused by BrCa. Several natural compounds inhibit BrCa production while lowering cancer cell proliferation and triggering cell death. Natural compounds, in addition to therapeutic approaches, are efficient and potential agents for treating BrCa. This review highlights the natural compounds demonstrated in various studies to have anticancer properties in BrCa cells. Future research into biological anti-BrCa agents may pave the way for a new era in BrCa treatment, with natural anti-BrCa drugs playing a key role in improving BrCa patient survival rates.
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