Objective:To evaluate the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)modalities among patients with cancer in Karachi,Pakistan.Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from ...Objective:To evaluate the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)modalities among patients with cancer in Karachi,Pakistan.Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to December 2021.Five hundred patients with cancer were invited to participate in the study.Electronic databases,namely,Google scholar,Publons,EMBASE,PubMed,Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,and ResearchGate was used for questionnaire designed.The self-administered survey included questions on demographic characteristics,education level,socio-economic conditions and information about CAM therapies,prevalence,effectiveness,and common CAM modalities.Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 22.Results:Out of the 500 invited patients,433(86.6%)successfully completed and returned the questionnaires.In contrast to patients who were with younger,highly educated,professionally active,higher income,and had advanced cancer,time since diagnosis,type of treatment,cancer types and family history are significantly associated with CAM use.The results showed that 59.8%of the participants were acquainted with complementary and/or alternative medicine and considered safe owing to its natural ingredients.The prevalence of CAM usage among cancer patients was 40.9%and the most widely used CAM modality was herbal medicine(27.7%)and dietary supplements(28.8%).Patients used CAM as a complementary therapy to improve the morphological parameter(28.2%),strengthen the immune system(6.8%),and to decrease the side effects of conventional treatment(18.1%).Most of the respondents get the information regarding CAM therapy from the electronic media(43.2%)and the family members(48%)rather than healthcare personnel.Conclusions:Participants used CAM modalities along with the conventional health care practices.Further multicentre studies should be conducted to provide information regarding the usage of CAM therapies and their eventual benefits in patients with cancer.展开更多
Background:Rubiadin is a type of anthraquinone compound that can be found in Rubiaceae plants,such as Ronas.Nonetheless,only limited research has been done to explore the potential anticancer properties of rubiadin on...Background:Rubiadin is a type of anthraquinone compound that can be found in Rubiaceae plants,such as Ronas.Nonetheless,only limited research has been done to explore the potential anticancer properties of rubiadin on liver cancer cells.Thus,the objective of the present study is to examine how rubiadin affects the viability of liver cancer cells as well as normal cells.Methods:HepG2 and AGO cell lines were assigned into controls(not exposed to rubiadin)and groups with exposure to rubiadin with 12.5,6.25,3.125,1.56,0.78,and 0.39μg/mL concentrations.3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to measure cell viability,and one-way analysis of variance was used for data analysis.Results:The viability of liver cancer cells was significantly reduced when exposed to 12.5,6.25,3.125,and 1.56μg/mL concentrations(P<0.01).An IC50 of 44.73μg/mL was reported.Furthermore,the BAX gene’s relative expression(P<0.05)was significantly increased and the BCL2 gene expression(P<0.05)was significantly reduced.The average ratio of BAX gene expression to BCL2 increased significantly(P<0.01).Conclusion:This research showed that rubiadin decreases cell viability by increasing the ratio of BAX gene expression to BCL2.In addition rubiadin has no cytotoxic effect on normal cells.展开更多
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a multifaceted and formidable disease with profound public health implications.Cell demise mechanisms play a pivotal role in breast cancer pathogenesis,with ATP-triggered cell death attract...BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a multifaceted and formidable disease with profound public health implications.Cell demise mechanisms play a pivotal role in breast cancer pathogenesis,with ATP-triggered cell death attracting mounting interest for its unique specificity and potential therapeutic pertinence.AIM To investigate the impact of ATP-induced cell death(AICD)on breast cancer,enhancing our understanding of its mechanism.METHODS The foundational genes orchestrating AICD mechanisms were extracted from the literature,underpinning the establishment of a prognostic model.Simultaneously,a microRNA(miRNA)prognostic model was constructed that mirrored the gene-based prognostic model.Distinctions between high-and low-risk cohorts within mRNA and miRNA characteristic models were scrutinized,with the aim of delineating common influence mechanisms,substantiated through enrichment analysis and immune infiltration assessment.RESULTS The mRNA prognostic model in this study encompassed four specific mRNAs:P2X purinoceptor 4,pannexin 1,caspase 7,and cyclin 2.The miRNA prognostic model integrated four pivotal miRNAs:hsa-miR-615-3p,hsa-miR-519b-3p,hsa-miR-342-3p,and hsa-miR-324-3p.B cells,CD4+T cells,CD8+T cells,endothelial cells,and macrophages exhibited inverse correlations with risk scores across all breast cancer subtypes.Furthermore,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that genes differentially expressed in response to mRNA risk scores significantly enriched 25 signaling pathways,while miRNA risk scores significantly enriched 29 signaling pathways,with 16 pathways being jointly enriched.CONCLUSION Of paramount significance,distinct mRNA and miRNA signature models were devised tailored to AICD,both potentially autonomous prognostic factors.This study's elucidation of the molecular underpinnings of AICD in breast cancer enhances the arsenal of potential therapeutic tools,offering an unparalleled window for innovative interventions.Essentially,this paper reveals the hitherto enigmatic link between AICD and breast cancer,potentially leading to revolutionary progress in personalized oncology.展开更多
This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of effective herbal medicines in the management of obesity in humans and animals. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and IranMedex databases were searched up...This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of effective herbal medicines in the management of obesity in humans and animals. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and IranMedex databases were searched up to December 30, 2008. The search terms were "obesity" and ("herbal medicine" or "plant", "plant medicinal" or "medicine traditional") without narrowing or limiting search elements. All of the human and animal studies on the effects of herbs with the key outcome of change in anthropometric measures such as body weight and waist-hip circumference, body fat, amount of food intake, and appetite were included. In vitro studies, reviews, and letters to editors were excluded. Of the publications identified in the initial database, 915 results were identified and reviewed, and a total of 77 studies were included (19 human and 58 animal studies). Studies with Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), Sambucus nigra , Asparagus officinalis , Garcinia atroviridis , ephedra and caffeine, Slimax (extract of several plants including Zingiber officinale and Bofutsushosan) showed a significant decrease in body weight. In 41 animal studies, significant weight loss or inhibition of weight gain was found. No significant adverse effects or mortality were observed except in studies with supplements containing ephedra,caffeine and Bofutsushosan. In conclusion, compounds containing ephedra, CQ, ginseng, bitter melon, and zingiber were found to be effective in the management of obesity. Attention to these natural compounds would open a new approach for novel therapeutic and more effective agents.展开更多
We systematically reviewed the clinical trials which recruited antioxidants in the therapy of pancreatitis and evaluated whether antioxidants improve the outcome of patients with pancreatitis.Electronic bibliographic ...We systematically reviewed the clinical trials which recruited antioxidants in the therapy of pancreatitis and evaluated whether antioxidants improve the outcome of patients with pancreatitis.Electronic bibliographic databases were searched for any studies which investigated the use of antioxidants in the management of acute pancreatitis(AP)or chronic pancreatitis(CP)and in the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography(post-ERCP)pancreatitis(PEP)up to February 2009.Twenty-two randomized,placebo-controlled,clinical trials met our criteria and were included in the review.Except for a cocktail of antioxidants which showed improvement in outcomes in three different clinical trials,the results of the administration of other antioxidants in both AP and CP clinical trials were incongruent and heterogeneous.Furthermore,antioxidant therapy including allopurinol and N-acetylcysteine failed to prevent the onset of PEP in almost all trials.In conclusion,the present data do not support a benefit of antioxidant therapy alone or in combination with conventional therapy in the management of AP,CP or PEP.Further double blind,randomized,placebo-controlled clinical trials with large sample size need to be conducted.展开更多
We evaluated the eff icacy and tolerability of mebeverine, a musculotropic antispasmodic agent, in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and compared its usual dosages by meta-analysis. Medical databases and all relevant lit...We evaluated the eff icacy and tolerability of mebeverine, a musculotropic antispasmodic agent, in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and compared its usual dosages by meta-analysis. Medical databases and all relevant literature were searched from 1965 to June 2009 for any placebo-controlled clinical trials of mebeverine, using search terms such as mebeverine, clinical trials, and IBS. Eight randomized trials met our criteria, including six trials that compared mebeverine with placebo and two that compared mebeverine tablets with capsules. These eight trials included 555 patients randomized to receive either mebeverine or placebo with 352 (63%)women and 203 (37%) men in all subtypes of IBS. The pooled relative risk (RR) for clinical improvement of mebeverine was 1.13 (95% CI: 0.59-2.16, P = 0.7056) and 1.33 (95% CI: 0.92-1.93, P = 0.129) for relief of abdominal pain. The efficacy of mebeverine 200 mg compared to mebeverine 135 mg indicated RRs of 1.12 (95% CI: 0.96-1.3, P = 0.168) for clinical or global improvement and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.87-1.34, P = 0.463) for relief of abdominal pain. Thus, mebeverine is mostly well tolerated with no signif icant adverse effects; however, its eff icacy in global improvement of IBS is not statistically signif icant.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the beneficial effect of the combination of butyrate, Lactobacillus casei, and L-carnitine in a rat colitis model.METHODS: Rats were divided into seven groups. Fourgroups received oral butyrate, L-...AIM: To investigate the beneficial effect of the combination of butyrate, Lactobacillus casei, and L-carnitine in a rat colitis model.METHODS: Rats were divided into seven groups. Fourgroups received oral butyrate, L-carnitine, Lactobacillus casei and the combination of three agents for 10 consecutive days. The remaining groups included negative and positive controls and a sham group. Macroscopic, histopathological examinations, and biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) and interlukin-1β(IL-1β), myeloperoxidase(MPO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS), and ferric reduced ability of plasma(FRAP) were determined in the colon.RESULTS: The combination therapy exhibited a significant beneficial effect in alleviation of colitis compared to controls. Overall changes in reduction of TNF-α(114.66 ± 18.26 vs 171.78 ± 9.48 pg/mg protein, P < 0.05), IL-1β(24.9 ± 1.07 vs 33.06 ± 2.16 pg/mg protein, P < 0.05), TBARS(0.2 ± 0.03 vs 0.49 ± 0.04 μg/mg protein, P < 0.01), MPO(15.32 ± 0.4 vs 27.24 ± 3.84 U/mg protein, P < 0.05), and elevation of FRAP(23.46 ± 1.2 vs 15.02 ± 2.37 μmol/L, P < 0.05) support the preference of the combination therapy in comparison to controls. Although the monotherapies were also effective in improvement of colitis markers, the combination therapy was much better in improvement of colon oxidative stress markers including FRAP, TBARS, and MPO.CONCLUSION: The present combination is a suitable mixture in control of experimental colitis and should be trialed in the clinical setting.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory disorders mainly affecting the colon and small intestine. The main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is restricted to th...Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory disorders mainly affecting the colon and small intestine. The main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is restricted to the large intestine whereas CD can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Treating this disorder depends on the form and level of severity. Common treatment involves an anti-inflammatory drug, such as mesalazine, and an immunosuppressant, such as prednisone. Several signaling pathways, including nuclear factor (NF)-κB and nitric oxide (NO), and genetic and environmental factors are believed to play an important role in IBD. Amitriptyline is a commonly used antidepressant with known anti-inflammatory activities. Amitriptyline also acts on the NF-κB/NO pathway or cytokine production. Therefore, we hypothesize that antidepressants like amitriptyline can be pioneered and considered effective as an innovative and effective therapeutic in the treatment and attenuation of development of IBD in adjusted doses.展开更多
Objetive: To explore the potential insecticidal, ovipositor deterrent and antifeedant effects of ethyl acetate extract of the seeds of Senna tora(Syn. Cassia tora) against cowpea weevil(Callosobruchus maculatus).Metho...Objetive: To explore the potential insecticidal, ovipositor deterrent and antifeedant effects of ethyl acetate extract of the seeds of Senna tora(Syn. Cassia tora) against cowpea weevil(Callosobruchus maculatus).Method: The activities were evaluated using standard protocols.In these bioassays, the cowpea seeds were used directly as an insect feed. The activity of the extract and isolated compounds were tested at concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 μg/mL and compared to neem oil and cinnamaldehyde(as standard positive controls). Phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate extract was done through a number of chromatographic techniques and the structures of the isolated compounds were established through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis including 2 D-NMR and ESI-MS studies.Results: Fractionation of the active ethyl acetate extract resulted in the isolation of one known anthraquinone,aurantio-obtusin(1) and a novel compound that was named as cassiatorin(2). Compounds1 and 2 showed comparable insect antifeedant properties with the positive controls while their insecticidal and ovipositor deterrent effects were far superior to the standard controls.Conclusions: It is thus concluded that Senna tora extracts and the isolated compounds(1 and2) may be employed in the postharvest management of stored cowpea seeds and as other crop protectants.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of an aqueous whole plant extract of Heliotropium indicum(HIE) on endotoxin-induced uveitis in New Zealand white rabbits.·METHODS: Clinical signs of uveitis includ...AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of an aqueous whole plant extract of Heliotropium indicum(HIE) on endotoxin-induced uveitis in New Zealand white rabbits.·METHODS: Clinical signs of uveitis including flares,iris hyperemia and miosis, were sought for and scored in1.0 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced uveitic rabbits treated orally with HIE(30-300 mg/kg),prednisolone(30 mg/kg), or normal saline(10 m L/kg). The number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils infiltrating, the protein concentration, as well as levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), and monocyte chemmoattrant protein-1(MCP-1) in the aqueous humor after the various treatments were also determined. A histopathological study of the anterior uveal was performed.· RESULTS: The extract and prednisolone-treatment significantly reduced(P ≤0.001) both the clinical scores of inflammation(1.0-1.8 compared to 4.40 ±0.40 in the normal saline-treated rabbits) and inflammatory cells infiltration. The level of protein, and the concentrationsof TNF-α, PGE2 and MCP-1 in the aqueous humor were also significantly reduced(P ≤0.001). Histopathological studies showed normal uveal morphology in the HIE and prednisolone-treated rabbits while normal saline-treated rabbits showed marked infiltration of inflammatory cells.· CONCLUSION: The HIE exhibits anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced uveitis possibly by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.展开更多
Spearmint oil(SMO), a commonly used essential oil for oral care products, possesses various interesting functions, especially for anticancer property. However, the application of SMO for cancer treatment is limited du...Spearmint oil(SMO), a commonly used essential oil for oral care products, possesses various interesting functions, especially for anticancer property. However, the application of SMO for cancer treatment is limited due to water insoluble. In the present study, nanoemulsions, which have been widely accepted as dosage forms for poorly water-soluble drugs, were selected as candidate carriers for SMO to inhibit oral cancer cell. The nanoemulsions were fabricated using phase inversion temperature method. The factors affecting formation and properties of nanoemulsions including type and amount of surfactants, oil loading and ratio of SMO to virgin coconut oil(VCO) were investigated. Among the surfactants used, the nanoemulsions containing polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives(Kolliphor ?EL; PCO35, Cremophor ?RH40; PCO40, Eumulgin ?CO60; PCO60) and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters(PSF80) showed 100% creaming after temperature cycling test indicating excellent physical stability while those containing PCO40 demonstrated more transparency and better physical stability. With an increasing amount of PCO40, the droplet size tended to decrease and was in the nano-size range( < 1000 nm) after increasing to more than 5%(w/w). SMOVCO loading also influenced on the droplet size. At 5%(w/w) PCO40, the maximum SMO-VCO loading of 25%(w/w) to attain nanoemulsions was observed. Moreover, the composition of oils had an impact on size of emulsions. The transparent nanoemulsions were only prepared in the range of SMO-VCO from 40:60 to 80:20, suggesting the optimum ratio of SMO tosurfactant and the composition of oils were the critical factors for formation of nanoemulsions. NMR study disclosed that the interaction between PCO40 with both VCO and SMO should be a possible stabilization mechanism. Furthermore, the SMO-VCO nanoemulsions exhibited significant cytotoxic effect against oral carcinoma(KON) cell line using MTT assay. The finding, therefore, revealed the good feasibility of SMO-VCO nanoemulsions as novel carriers for treating of oral cancer.展开更多
Bucolome N-glucuronide (BCP-NG, main metabolite of bucolome (BCP) is the first N-glucuronide of barbituric acid derivatives isolated from rat bile. The objective of this study was to identify the main tissue producing...Bucolome N-glucuronide (BCP-NG, main metabolite of bucolome (BCP) is the first N-glucuronide of barbituric acid derivatives isolated from rat bile. The objective of this study was to identify the main tissue producing BCP-NG and the molecular species of BCP-NG-producing UGT. Four target tissues were investigated: the liver, small and large intestines, and kidney. To identify the UGT molecular species responsible for BCP-NG formation, yeast microsomes expressing each rat UGT isoform were prepared. BCP-NG formation was detected in all microsomal fractions of the 4 tissues. The liver microsomal BCP-NG-producing activity was the highest, followed by that in the small intestinal microsomes, showing about 41% of the liver microsomal activity level. BCP-NG-producing activity (min-1) was determined in yeast microsomal fractions expressing rat UGT isoforms, and the activity was detected in UGT1A1 (0.059), UGT1A2 (0.318), UGT1A3 (0.001), UGT1A7 (0.003), UGT2B1 (0.004), UGT2B3 (0.091), and UGT2B6 (0.031), showing particularly high levels for UGT1A1 and UGT1A2 among the UGT1A isoforms. It was clarified that UGT1A1, widely distributed in rat tissues, is the molecular species responsible for BCP-NG formation.展开更多
Objective:To establish the pharmacognostic characters for the correct identification and quality control of Hilleria latifolia(H.latifolia),an important herb in Ghanaian folklore medicine,for the treatment of infectio...Objective:To establish the pharmacognostic characters for the correct identification and quality control of Hilleria latifolia(H.latifolia),an important herb in Ghanaian folklore medicine,for the treatment of infections,pain and inflammation.Methods:The macro-morphological,qualitative and quantitative microscopic features,physicochemical and phytochemical features of the medicinally used parts of H.latifolia were evaluated using standard methods.Results:The plant has simple,alternate leaves with entire margin.The lamina is ovate to broadly lanceolate with an acuminate apex.It is hypostomatic with anomocytie stomata.The plant contains abundant prismatic crystals in all parts.Starch grains abound in the roots.The quantitative indices of the leaf and physicochemical parameters have also been established.Conclusions:The pharmacognostic features established in this study may be used as part of the pharmacopoeia! standard for the correct identification and quality control of H.latifolia.展开更多
Today,self-healing graphene-and MXene-based composites have attracted researchers due to the increase in durability as well as the cost reduction in long-time applications.Different studies have focused on designing n...Today,self-healing graphene-and MXene-based composites have attracted researchers due to the increase in durability as well as the cost reduction in long-time applications.Different studies have focused on designing novel self-healing graphene-and MXenebased composites with enhanced sensitivity,stretchability,and flexibility as well as improved electrical conductivity,healing efficacy,mechanical properties,and energy conversion efficacy.These composites with self-healing properties can be employed in the field of wearable sensors,supercapacitors,anticorrosive coatings,electromagnetic interference shielding,electronic-skin,soft robotics,etc.However,it appears that more explorations are still needed to achieve composites with excellent arbitrary shape adaptability,suitable adhesiveness,ideal durability,high stretchability,immediate self-healing responsibility,and outstanding electromagnetic features.Besides,optimizing reaction/synthesis conditions and finding suitable strategies for functionalization/modification are crucial aspects that should be comprehensively investigated.MXenes and graphene exhibited superior electrochemical properties with abundant surface terminations and great surface area,which are important to evolve biomedical and sensing applications.However,flexibility and stretchability are important criteria that need to be improved for their future applications.Herein,the most recent advancements pertaining to the applications and properties of self-healing graphene-and MXene-based composites are deliberated,focusing on crucial challenges and future perspectives.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic potential of Chrysophyllum albidum.Methods:The effects of oral treatment with hydro-ethanolic extract(125,250 and 500 mg/kg)of the stem bark of Chrysophyl...Objective:To investigate the in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic potential of Chrysophyllum albidum.Methods:The effects of oral treatment with hydro-ethanolic extract(125,250 and 500 mg/kg)of the stem bark of Chrysophyllum albidum and glibenclamide for 21 d on glucose level,serum enzyme markers for liver function,lipid profile,total protein,serum urea,serum creatinine,and body weight were evaluated in experimental diabetic rats administered with 45 mg/kg of streptozotocin.In vitro assays including glucose uptake in C2 C12 cells and 3 T3-L1 adipose tissues,α-glucosidase andα-amylase inhibition were employed to evaluate the possible mechanism of hypoglycemic action of the extract.DPPH and nitric oxide radical antioxidant activity of the extract was also measured.Results:The increased levels of blood glucose,triglycerides,lowdensity lipoprotein,total cholesterol,serum aspartate,and alanine transaminases,creatinine,and urea in the diabetic animals were reduced significantly(P<0.01)after treatment with Chrysophyllum albidum extract.The decreased total protein and high-density lipoprotein concentrations were normalized after treatment.In addition,the extract significantly(P<0.01)increased the transport of glucose in 3 T3-L1 cells and C2 C12 myotubes and exhibited considerable potential to inhibitα-amylase andα-glucosidase.It also demonstrated potent antioxidant action by scavenging considerably DPPH and nitric oxide radicals.Conclusions:Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark extract exhibits considerable antidiabetic effect by stimulating glucose uptake and utilization in C2 C12 myotubes and 3 T3-L1 adipocytes as well as inhibiting the activities ofα-amylase andα-glucosidase.展开更多
Objective: To evaluate the toxic potential of Launaea taraxacifolia leaf extract(LTE) in rats within 14 d of oral administration and also assess the potential of LTE in protecting against kidney injury induced by gent...Objective: To evaluate the toxic potential of Launaea taraxacifolia leaf extract(LTE) in rats within 14 d of oral administration and also assess the potential of LTE in protecting against kidney injury induced by gentamicin using rat model.Methods: The protective ability of LTE was done after sub-acute toxicity evaluation has been carried out. Acute Kidney Injury(AKI) was induced by gentamicin at a dose of 160 mg/kg intraperitoneal i.p. Parameters and indicators considered include mortality,clinical signs, body and organ weights, haematological and clinical chemistry parameters.Gross examination and histopathological assessment was also done on selected internal organs.Results: There were no treatment-related deaths or changes in clinical signs, haematological and clinical chemistry indices during sub-acute toxicity studies with the exception of creatinine levels. This was confirmed by micrographs obtained from histopathological analysis. Co-administration of LTE with 160 mg/kg of gentamicin(i.p) markedly decreased the levels of urea and creatinine when compared to negative control group.Histological studies of kidney tissues showed an insignificant change in tubular epithelium in LTE plus gentamicin treated group compared to LTE treated only.Conclusions: Data obtained show that ethanolic leaf extract of Launaea taraxacifolia is non-toxic within a 14 d administration at a maximum dose of 1 000 mg/kg bwt and also possesses the ability to protect against gentamicin-induced kidney damage in rats at a dose of 300 mg/kg bwt.展开更多
Natural moisturizing factor(NMF)in the stratum corneum contributes to the retention of moisture there.The purpose of this study was to determine the penetration of ions in Shotokuseki extract(SE)into the three-dimensi...Natural moisturizing factor(NMF)in the stratum corneum contributes to the retention of moisture there.The purpose of this study was to determine the penetration of ions in Shotokuseki extract(SE)into the three-dimensional cultured epidermis and the effect of NMF on the biosynthesis of amino acids and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid formation.Vari-ous ions,amino acids and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrom-etry,fully automatic amino acid analyzer or high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)in three-dimensional cultured epidermis after application of SE.Gene expression levels of profilaggrin,calpain1,caspase14,and bleomycin hydrolase,which are involved in NMF production,were determined by reverse-transcription qPCR and bleomycin hydrolase activity was determined by aminopeptidase assay.The application of SE increased Na,K,Mg,Ca,Al,and Fe levels in three-dimensional cultured epidermis.The mRNA levels of the starting material of amino acid synthesis profilaggrin,and calpain1 and bleomycin hydrolase,which are involved in its fragmentation,increased.The activity of bleomycin hydrolase also increased.Furthermore,the levels of amino acids and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid increased in the three-dimensional cultured epidermis.This suggests that the ionic composition of SE may be involved in its moisturizing effect on the stratum corneum.展开更多
There are several lines of indications on the importance of plants as accepted sources of therapeutic agents since most synthetic antioxidants and antibiotics have been associated with cytotoxicity and/or microbial re...There are several lines of indications on the importance of plants as accepted sources of therapeutic agents since most synthetic antioxidants and antibiotics have been associated with cytotoxicity and/or microbial resistance. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of a brown compound recovered from the ethanol extractable fraction (EEF) and white crystals isolated from the chloroform-methanol elution (CME) following column chromatography of the ethanolic extracts of roots of Securinega virosa were examined. Preparations from the white crystalline compound recorded greater antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activities than the crude ethanol extracts of S. virosa. Both the ethanol extract and the crystals showed significant antimicrobial activities against all microbes employed in this study. The crystalline compound demonstrated the highest zone of inhibition against the microbes Enterococcus faecalis with varied inhibitory activities with respect to other microorganisms. The least inhibition was against Pseudomonas fluorescens. The overall range was 8.0 - 22.5 mm. The EEF of the roots of S. virosa recorded its highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. There was varied inhibitory activity against other organisms;the least was against Micrococcus liteus. The zone of inhibition ranged 6.33 - 17.67 mm. Similar to the trends in susceptibility test, the EEF showed appreciable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), ranging from 3.13 - 25 mg/mL against test microorganisms while the crystalline preparation had a MIC range of 1.5 - 25 mg/mL except against Salmonella typhii which was 50 mg/mL. Both extracts demonstrated their highest activity against E. faecalis reducing significantly in a dose-dependent manner by each sample against the rest of the test microbes. However, the standard broad-spectrum antibiotic, chloramphenicol, used elicited a zone of inhibition ranging from 0 - 30 mm but with no activity against Streptococcus thermophilus. We conclude that both the EEF and the white crystal compound isolated from the CME chromatographic fraction are potentially excellent sources of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds.展开更多
Medicinal plants are considered as natural sources of antioxidant compounds which may protect organisms against oxidative stresses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of Cinnamon and Melissa officinal...Medicinal plants are considered as natural sources of antioxidant compounds which may protect organisms against oxidative stresses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of Cinnamon and Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon balm) on the improvement of oxidative stress in glass production workers. This clinical study was conducted on 32 glass production workers. They were asked to use 0.5 g of tea-Cinnamon and 3 g of Lemon balm as infusion for 30 days in the morning and evening each day. At the beginning and the end of the study, blood samples were taken from individuals to determine the level of fasting blood suger (FBS), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanintransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein(HDL) levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and sillies were measured in workers’ blood. At the end of experiment, data were subjected to the paired t-test analysis. Clinical examination was accomplished to record any abnormal signs or symptoms. After treatment, the high-density lipoprotein and TAC of serum significantly increased while the AST and LPO decreased. There were positive correlations between work history and initiative energy disorder of cognitive test. Probably tea-Cinnamon and Lemon balm possesses marked antioxidant activity and, therefore, it can be used to protect individuals from the oxidative stresses. Using supplementary antioxidants may be helpful in the treatment of workers.展开更多
Diuretics are efficaciously used in management of various clinical emergencies like hypertension, heart failure, cirrhosis, hypercalciuria, hematuria and nephrotic syndrome. Cymbopogon jwarancusa is an aromatic perenn...Diuretics are efficaciously used in management of various clinical emergencies like hypertension, heart failure, cirrhosis, hypercalciuria, hematuria and nephrotic syndrome. Cymbopogon jwarancusa is an aromatic perennial grass used in both traditional and Unani system of medicine to eradicate diseases like colds, seasonal fever, asthma, tuberculosis, rheumatic pain, back pain, toothache and nervous disorders. C. jwarancusa essential oils are used in perfumery, soap, detergents, medicines and pharmaceutical industry. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes constitute the highest composition in essential oil of C. jwarancusa. The present was designed to compare the diuretic activity of C. jwarancusa after single and multi-doses. Furosemide (20 mg/kg) was used as reference drug and 10% DMSO was used as vehicle. Diuretic activity was noticed by measuring urine volume and calculating diuretic and Lipchitz values. Maximum diuretic response was observed at 500 mg/kg of extract after both single and multi-dose administration. On basis of results it may be concluded that C. jwarancusa may be used as diuretic agent.展开更多
文摘Objective:To evaluate the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM)modalities among patients with cancer in Karachi,Pakistan.Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to December 2021.Five hundred patients with cancer were invited to participate in the study.Electronic databases,namely,Google scholar,Publons,EMBASE,PubMed,Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,and ResearchGate was used for questionnaire designed.The self-administered survey included questions on demographic characteristics,education level,socio-economic conditions and information about CAM therapies,prevalence,effectiveness,and common CAM modalities.Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 22.Results:Out of the 500 invited patients,433(86.6%)successfully completed and returned the questionnaires.In contrast to patients who were with younger,highly educated,professionally active,higher income,and had advanced cancer,time since diagnosis,type of treatment,cancer types and family history are significantly associated with CAM use.The results showed that 59.8%of the participants were acquainted with complementary and/or alternative medicine and considered safe owing to its natural ingredients.The prevalence of CAM usage among cancer patients was 40.9%and the most widely used CAM modality was herbal medicine(27.7%)and dietary supplements(28.8%).Patients used CAM as a complementary therapy to improve the morphological parameter(28.2%),strengthen the immune system(6.8%),and to decrease the side effects of conventional treatment(18.1%).Most of the respondents get the information regarding CAM therapy from the electronic media(43.2%)and the family members(48%)rather than healthcare personnel.Conclusions:Participants used CAM modalities along with the conventional health care practices.Further multicentre studies should be conducted to provide information regarding the usage of CAM therapies and their eventual benefits in patients with cancer.
文摘Background:Rubiadin is a type of anthraquinone compound that can be found in Rubiaceae plants,such as Ronas.Nonetheless,only limited research has been done to explore the potential anticancer properties of rubiadin on liver cancer cells.Thus,the objective of the present study is to examine how rubiadin affects the viability of liver cancer cells as well as normal cells.Methods:HepG2 and AGO cell lines were assigned into controls(not exposed to rubiadin)and groups with exposure to rubiadin with 12.5,6.25,3.125,1.56,0.78,and 0.39μg/mL concentrations.3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to measure cell viability,and one-way analysis of variance was used for data analysis.Results:The viability of liver cancer cells was significantly reduced when exposed to 12.5,6.25,3.125,and 1.56μg/mL concentrations(P<0.01).An IC50 of 44.73μg/mL was reported.Furthermore,the BAX gene’s relative expression(P<0.05)was significantly increased and the BCL2 gene expression(P<0.05)was significantly reduced.The average ratio of BAX gene expression to BCL2 increased significantly(P<0.01).Conclusion:This research showed that rubiadin decreases cell viability by increasing the ratio of BAX gene expression to BCL2.In addition rubiadin has no cytotoxic effect on normal cells.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81960877University Innovation Fund of Gansu Province,No.2021A-076+5 种基金Gansu Province Science and Technology Plan(Innovation Base and Talent Plan),No.21JR7RA561Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province,No.21JR1RA267 and No.22JR5RA582Education Technology Innovation Project of Gansu Province,No.2022A-067Innovation Fund of Higher Education of Gansu Province,No.2023A-088Gansu Province Science and Technology Plan International Cooperation Field Project,No.23YFWA0005and Open Project of Key Laboratory of Dunhuang Medicine and Transformation of Ministry of Education,No.DHYX21-07,No.DHYX22-05,and No.DHYX21-01.
文摘BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a multifaceted and formidable disease with profound public health implications.Cell demise mechanisms play a pivotal role in breast cancer pathogenesis,with ATP-triggered cell death attracting mounting interest for its unique specificity and potential therapeutic pertinence.AIM To investigate the impact of ATP-induced cell death(AICD)on breast cancer,enhancing our understanding of its mechanism.METHODS The foundational genes orchestrating AICD mechanisms were extracted from the literature,underpinning the establishment of a prognostic model.Simultaneously,a microRNA(miRNA)prognostic model was constructed that mirrored the gene-based prognostic model.Distinctions between high-and low-risk cohorts within mRNA and miRNA characteristic models were scrutinized,with the aim of delineating common influence mechanisms,substantiated through enrichment analysis and immune infiltration assessment.RESULTS The mRNA prognostic model in this study encompassed four specific mRNAs:P2X purinoceptor 4,pannexin 1,caspase 7,and cyclin 2.The miRNA prognostic model integrated four pivotal miRNAs:hsa-miR-615-3p,hsa-miR-519b-3p,hsa-miR-342-3p,and hsa-miR-324-3p.B cells,CD4+T cells,CD8+T cells,endothelial cells,and macrophages exhibited inverse correlations with risk scores across all breast cancer subtypes.Furthermore,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that genes differentially expressed in response to mRNA risk scores significantly enriched 25 signaling pathways,while miRNA risk scores significantly enriched 29 signaling pathways,with 16 pathways being jointly enriched.CONCLUSION Of paramount significance,distinct mRNA and miRNA signature models were devised tailored to AICD,both potentially autonomous prognostic factors.This study's elucidation of the molecular underpinnings of AICD in breast cancer enhances the arsenal of potential therapeutic tools,offering an unparalleled window for innovative interventions.Essentially,this paper reveals the hitherto enigmatic link between AICD and breast cancer,potentially leading to revolutionary progress in personalized oncology.
文摘This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of effective herbal medicines in the management of obesity in humans and animals. PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and IranMedex databases were searched up to December 30, 2008. The search terms were "obesity" and ("herbal medicine" or "plant", "plant medicinal" or "medicine traditional") without narrowing or limiting search elements. All of the human and animal studies on the effects of herbs with the key outcome of change in anthropometric measures such as body weight and waist-hip circumference, body fat, amount of food intake, and appetite were included. In vitro studies, reviews, and letters to editors were excluded. Of the publications identified in the initial database, 915 results were identified and reviewed, and a total of 77 studies were included (19 human and 58 animal studies). Studies with Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), Sambucus nigra , Asparagus officinalis , Garcinia atroviridis , ephedra and caffeine, Slimax (extract of several plants including Zingiber officinale and Bofutsushosan) showed a significant decrease in body weight. In 41 animal studies, significant weight loss or inhibition of weight gain was found. No significant adverse effects or mortality were observed except in studies with supplements containing ephedra,caffeine and Bofutsushosan. In conclusion, compounds containing ephedra, CQ, ginseng, bitter melon, and zingiber were found to be effective in the management of obesity. Attention to these natural compounds would open a new approach for novel therapeutic and more effective agents.
文摘We systematically reviewed the clinical trials which recruited antioxidants in the therapy of pancreatitis and evaluated whether antioxidants improve the outcome of patients with pancreatitis.Electronic bibliographic databases were searched for any studies which investigated the use of antioxidants in the management of acute pancreatitis(AP)or chronic pancreatitis(CP)and in the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography(post-ERCP)pancreatitis(PEP)up to February 2009.Twenty-two randomized,placebo-controlled,clinical trials met our criteria and were included in the review.Except for a cocktail of antioxidants which showed improvement in outcomes in three different clinical trials,the results of the administration of other antioxidants in both AP and CP clinical trials were incongruent and heterogeneous.Furthermore,antioxidant therapy including allopurinol and N-acetylcysteine failed to prevent the onset of PEP in almost all trials.In conclusion,the present data do not support a benefit of antioxidant therapy alone or in combination with conventional therapy in the management of AP,CP or PEP.Further double blind,randomized,placebo-controlled clinical trials with large sample size need to be conducted.
文摘We evaluated the eff icacy and tolerability of mebeverine, a musculotropic antispasmodic agent, in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and compared its usual dosages by meta-analysis. Medical databases and all relevant literature were searched from 1965 to June 2009 for any placebo-controlled clinical trials of mebeverine, using search terms such as mebeverine, clinical trials, and IBS. Eight randomized trials met our criteria, including six trials that compared mebeverine with placebo and two that compared mebeverine tablets with capsules. These eight trials included 555 patients randomized to receive either mebeverine or placebo with 352 (63%)women and 203 (37%) men in all subtypes of IBS. The pooled relative risk (RR) for clinical improvement of mebeverine was 1.13 (95% CI: 0.59-2.16, P = 0.7056) and 1.33 (95% CI: 0.92-1.93, P = 0.129) for relief of abdominal pain. The efficacy of mebeverine 200 mg compared to mebeverine 135 mg indicated RRs of 1.12 (95% CI: 0.96-1.3, P = 0.168) for clinical or global improvement and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.87-1.34, P = 0.463) for relief of abdominal pain. Thus, mebeverine is mostly well tolerated with no signif icant adverse effects; however, its eff icacy in global improvement of IBS is not statistically signif icant.
基金Supported by Tehran University of Medical Sciences(partially)
文摘AIM: To investigate the beneficial effect of the combination of butyrate, Lactobacillus casei, and L-carnitine in a rat colitis model.METHODS: Rats were divided into seven groups. Fourgroups received oral butyrate, L-carnitine, Lactobacillus casei and the combination of three agents for 10 consecutive days. The remaining groups included negative and positive controls and a sham group. Macroscopic, histopathological examinations, and biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) and interlukin-1β(IL-1β), myeloperoxidase(MPO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS), and ferric reduced ability of plasma(FRAP) were determined in the colon.RESULTS: The combination therapy exhibited a significant beneficial effect in alleviation of colitis compared to controls. Overall changes in reduction of TNF-α(114.66 ± 18.26 vs 171.78 ± 9.48 pg/mg protein, P < 0.05), IL-1β(24.9 ± 1.07 vs 33.06 ± 2.16 pg/mg protein, P < 0.05), TBARS(0.2 ± 0.03 vs 0.49 ± 0.04 μg/mg protein, P < 0.01), MPO(15.32 ± 0.4 vs 27.24 ± 3.84 U/mg protein, P < 0.05), and elevation of FRAP(23.46 ± 1.2 vs 15.02 ± 2.37 μmol/L, P < 0.05) support the preference of the combination therapy in comparison to controls. Although the monotherapies were also effective in improvement of colitis markers, the combination therapy was much better in improvement of colon oxidative stress markers including FRAP, TBARS, and MPO.CONCLUSION: The present combination is a suitable mixture in control of experimental colitis and should be trialed in the clinical setting.
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory disorders mainly affecting the colon and small intestine. The main types of IBD are Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is restricted to the large intestine whereas CD can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Treating this disorder depends on the form and level of severity. Common treatment involves an anti-inflammatory drug, such as mesalazine, and an immunosuppressant, such as prednisone. Several signaling pathways, including nuclear factor (NF)-κB and nitric oxide (NO), and genetic and environmental factors are believed to play an important role in IBD. Amitriptyline is a commonly used antidepressant with known anti-inflammatory activities. Amitriptyline also acts on the NF-κB/NO pathway or cytokine production. Therefore, we hypothesize that antidepressants like amitriptyline can be pioneered and considered effective as an innovative and effective therapeutic in the treatment and attenuation of development of IBD in adjusted doses.
基金The financial assistance from the Swedish International Development Agency for some of the study (travel grant for Valantine Mbatchou)
文摘Objetive: To explore the potential insecticidal, ovipositor deterrent and antifeedant effects of ethyl acetate extract of the seeds of Senna tora(Syn. Cassia tora) against cowpea weevil(Callosobruchus maculatus).Method: The activities were evaluated using standard protocols.In these bioassays, the cowpea seeds were used directly as an insect feed. The activity of the extract and isolated compounds were tested at concentrations of 100, 200 and 300 μg/mL and compared to neem oil and cinnamaldehyde(as standard positive controls). Phytochemical analysis of the ethyl acetate extract was done through a number of chromatographic techniques and the structures of the isolated compounds were established through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis including 2 D-NMR and ESI-MS studies.Results: Fractionation of the active ethyl acetate extract resulted in the isolation of one known anthraquinone,aurantio-obtusin(1) and a novel compound that was named as cassiatorin(2). Compounds1 and 2 showed comparable insect antifeedant properties with the positive controls while their insecticidal and ovipositor deterrent effects were far superior to the standard controls.Conclusions: It is thus concluded that Senna tora extracts and the isolated compounds(1 and2) may be employed in the postharvest management of stored cowpea seeds and as other crop protectants.
文摘AIM: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of an aqueous whole plant extract of Heliotropium indicum(HIE) on endotoxin-induced uveitis in New Zealand white rabbits.·METHODS: Clinical signs of uveitis including flares,iris hyperemia and miosis, were sought for and scored in1.0 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced uveitic rabbits treated orally with HIE(30-300 mg/kg),prednisolone(30 mg/kg), or normal saline(10 m L/kg). The number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils infiltrating, the protein concentration, as well as levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), and monocyte chemmoattrant protein-1(MCP-1) in the aqueous humor after the various treatments were also determined. A histopathological study of the anterior uveal was performed.· RESULTS: The extract and prednisolone-treatment significantly reduced(P ≤0.001) both the clinical scores of inflammation(1.0-1.8 compared to 4.40 ±0.40 in the normal saline-treated rabbits) and inflammatory cells infiltration. The level of protein, and the concentrationsof TNF-α, PGE2 and MCP-1 in the aqueous humor were also significantly reduced(P ≤0.001). Histopathological studies showed normal uveal morphology in the HIE and prednisolone-treated rabbits while normal saline-treated rabbits showed marked infiltration of inflammatory cells.· CONCLUSION: The HIE exhibits anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced uveitis possibly by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators.
基金the financial support received from Silpakorn University Research and Development Institutesupported by Faculty of Pharmacy,Sil-pakorn University
文摘Spearmint oil(SMO), a commonly used essential oil for oral care products, possesses various interesting functions, especially for anticancer property. However, the application of SMO for cancer treatment is limited due to water insoluble. In the present study, nanoemulsions, which have been widely accepted as dosage forms for poorly water-soluble drugs, were selected as candidate carriers for SMO to inhibit oral cancer cell. The nanoemulsions were fabricated using phase inversion temperature method. The factors affecting formation and properties of nanoemulsions including type and amount of surfactants, oil loading and ratio of SMO to virgin coconut oil(VCO) were investigated. Among the surfactants used, the nanoemulsions containing polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives(Kolliphor ?EL; PCO35, Cremophor ?RH40; PCO40, Eumulgin ?CO60; PCO60) and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters(PSF80) showed 100% creaming after temperature cycling test indicating excellent physical stability while those containing PCO40 demonstrated more transparency and better physical stability. With an increasing amount of PCO40, the droplet size tended to decrease and was in the nano-size range( < 1000 nm) after increasing to more than 5%(w/w). SMOVCO loading also influenced on the droplet size. At 5%(w/w) PCO40, the maximum SMO-VCO loading of 25%(w/w) to attain nanoemulsions was observed. Moreover, the composition of oils had an impact on size of emulsions. The transparent nanoemulsions were only prepared in the range of SMO-VCO from 40:60 to 80:20, suggesting the optimum ratio of SMO tosurfactant and the composition of oils were the critical factors for formation of nanoemulsions. NMR study disclosed that the interaction between PCO40 with both VCO and SMO should be a possible stabilization mechanism. Furthermore, the SMO-VCO nanoemulsions exhibited significant cytotoxic effect against oral carcinoma(KON) cell line using MTT assay. The finding, therefore, revealed the good feasibility of SMO-VCO nanoemulsions as novel carriers for treating of oral cancer.
文摘Bucolome N-glucuronide (BCP-NG, main metabolite of bucolome (BCP) is the first N-glucuronide of barbituric acid derivatives isolated from rat bile. The objective of this study was to identify the main tissue producing BCP-NG and the molecular species of BCP-NG-producing UGT. Four target tissues were investigated: the liver, small and large intestines, and kidney. To identify the UGT molecular species responsible for BCP-NG formation, yeast microsomes expressing each rat UGT isoform were prepared. BCP-NG formation was detected in all microsomal fractions of the 4 tissues. The liver microsomal BCP-NG-producing activity was the highest, followed by that in the small intestinal microsomes, showing about 41% of the liver microsomal activity level. BCP-NG-producing activity (min-1) was determined in yeast microsomal fractions expressing rat UGT isoforms, and the activity was detected in UGT1A1 (0.059), UGT1A2 (0.318), UGT1A3 (0.001), UGT1A7 (0.003), UGT2B1 (0.004), UGT2B3 (0.091), and UGT2B6 (0.031), showing particularly high levels for UGT1A1 and UGT1A2 among the UGT1A isoforms. It was clarified that UGT1A1, widely distributed in rat tissues, is the molecular species responsible for BCP-NG formation.
基金Supported by Faculty of Pharmacy and pharmaceuticalsciences staff research grant.Kwame Nkrumah University of Science andTechnology.Kumasi.Ghana(FPPS SR grant number 7128-14)
文摘Objective:To establish the pharmacognostic characters for the correct identification and quality control of Hilleria latifolia(H.latifolia),an important herb in Ghanaian folklore medicine,for the treatment of infections,pain and inflammation.Methods:The macro-morphological,qualitative and quantitative microscopic features,physicochemical and phytochemical features of the medicinally used parts of H.latifolia were evaluated using standard methods.Results:The plant has simple,alternate leaves with entire margin.The lamina is ovate to broadly lanceolate with an acuminate apex.It is hypostomatic with anomocytie stomata.The plant contains abundant prismatic crystals in all parts.Starch grains abound in the roots.The quantitative indices of the leaf and physicochemical parameters have also been established.Conclusions:The pharmacognostic features established in this study may be used as part of the pharmacopoeia! standard for the correct identification and quality control of H.latifolia.
文摘Today,self-healing graphene-and MXene-based composites have attracted researchers due to the increase in durability as well as the cost reduction in long-time applications.Different studies have focused on designing novel self-healing graphene-and MXenebased composites with enhanced sensitivity,stretchability,and flexibility as well as improved electrical conductivity,healing efficacy,mechanical properties,and energy conversion efficacy.These composites with self-healing properties can be employed in the field of wearable sensors,supercapacitors,anticorrosive coatings,electromagnetic interference shielding,electronic-skin,soft robotics,etc.However,it appears that more explorations are still needed to achieve composites with excellent arbitrary shape adaptability,suitable adhesiveness,ideal durability,high stretchability,immediate self-healing responsibility,and outstanding electromagnetic features.Besides,optimizing reaction/synthesis conditions and finding suitable strategies for functionalization/modification are crucial aspects that should be comprehensively investigated.MXenes and graphene exhibited superior electrochemical properties with abundant surface terminations and great surface area,which are important to evolve biomedical and sensing applications.However,flexibility and stretchability are important criteria that need to be improved for their future applications.Herein,the most recent advancements pertaining to the applications and properties of self-healing graphene-and MXene-based composites are deliberated,focusing on crucial challenges and future perspectives.
基金supported by some funds from KNUST Research Fund(KReF)
文摘Objective:To investigate the in vivo and in vitro antidiabetic potential of Chrysophyllum albidum.Methods:The effects of oral treatment with hydro-ethanolic extract(125,250 and 500 mg/kg)of the stem bark of Chrysophyllum albidum and glibenclamide for 21 d on glucose level,serum enzyme markers for liver function,lipid profile,total protein,serum urea,serum creatinine,and body weight were evaluated in experimental diabetic rats administered with 45 mg/kg of streptozotocin.In vitro assays including glucose uptake in C2 C12 cells and 3 T3-L1 adipose tissues,α-glucosidase andα-amylase inhibition were employed to evaluate the possible mechanism of hypoglycemic action of the extract.DPPH and nitric oxide radical antioxidant activity of the extract was also measured.Results:The increased levels of blood glucose,triglycerides,lowdensity lipoprotein,total cholesterol,serum aspartate,and alanine transaminases,creatinine,and urea in the diabetic animals were reduced significantly(P<0.01)after treatment with Chrysophyllum albidum extract.The decreased total protein and high-density lipoprotein concentrations were normalized after treatment.In addition,the extract significantly(P<0.01)increased the transport of glucose in 3 T3-L1 cells and C2 C12 myotubes and exhibited considerable potential to inhibitα-amylase andα-glucosidase.It also demonstrated potent antioxidant action by scavenging considerably DPPH and nitric oxide radicals.Conclusions:Chrysophyllum albidum stem bark extract exhibits considerable antidiabetic effect by stimulating glucose uptake and utilization in C2 C12 myotubes and 3 T3-L1 adipocytes as well as inhibiting the activities ofα-amylase andα-glucosidase.
文摘Objective: To evaluate the toxic potential of Launaea taraxacifolia leaf extract(LTE) in rats within 14 d of oral administration and also assess the potential of LTE in protecting against kidney injury induced by gentamicin using rat model.Methods: The protective ability of LTE was done after sub-acute toxicity evaluation has been carried out. Acute Kidney Injury(AKI) was induced by gentamicin at a dose of 160 mg/kg intraperitoneal i.p. Parameters and indicators considered include mortality,clinical signs, body and organ weights, haematological and clinical chemistry parameters.Gross examination and histopathological assessment was also done on selected internal organs.Results: There were no treatment-related deaths or changes in clinical signs, haematological and clinical chemistry indices during sub-acute toxicity studies with the exception of creatinine levels. This was confirmed by micrographs obtained from histopathological analysis. Co-administration of LTE with 160 mg/kg of gentamicin(i.p) markedly decreased the levels of urea and creatinine when compared to negative control group.Histological studies of kidney tissues showed an insignificant change in tubular epithelium in LTE plus gentamicin treated group compared to LTE treated only.Conclusions: Data obtained show that ethanolic leaf extract of Launaea taraxacifolia is non-toxic within a 14 d administration at a maximum dose of 1 000 mg/kg bwt and also possesses the ability to protect against gentamicin-induced kidney damage in rats at a dose of 300 mg/kg bwt.
文摘Natural moisturizing factor(NMF)in the stratum corneum contributes to the retention of moisture there.The purpose of this study was to determine the penetration of ions in Shotokuseki extract(SE)into the three-dimensional cultured epidermis and the effect of NMF on the biosynthesis of amino acids and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid formation.Vari-ous ions,amino acids and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrom-etry,fully automatic amino acid analyzer or high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)in three-dimensional cultured epidermis after application of SE.Gene expression levels of profilaggrin,calpain1,caspase14,and bleomycin hydrolase,which are involved in NMF production,were determined by reverse-transcription qPCR and bleomycin hydrolase activity was determined by aminopeptidase assay.The application of SE increased Na,K,Mg,Ca,Al,and Fe levels in three-dimensional cultured epidermis.The mRNA levels of the starting material of amino acid synthesis profilaggrin,and calpain1 and bleomycin hydrolase,which are involved in its fragmentation,increased.The activity of bleomycin hydrolase also increased.Furthermore,the levels of amino acids and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid increased in the three-dimensional cultured epidermis.This suggests that the ionic composition of SE may be involved in its moisturizing effect on the stratum corneum.
文摘There are several lines of indications on the importance of plants as accepted sources of therapeutic agents since most synthetic antioxidants and antibiotics have been associated with cytotoxicity and/or microbial resistance. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of a brown compound recovered from the ethanol extractable fraction (EEF) and white crystals isolated from the chloroform-methanol elution (CME) following column chromatography of the ethanolic extracts of roots of Securinega virosa were examined. Preparations from the white crystalline compound recorded greater antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activities than the crude ethanol extracts of S. virosa. Both the ethanol extract and the crystals showed significant antimicrobial activities against all microbes employed in this study. The crystalline compound demonstrated the highest zone of inhibition against the microbes Enterococcus faecalis with varied inhibitory activities with respect to other microorganisms. The least inhibition was against Pseudomonas fluorescens. The overall range was 8.0 - 22.5 mm. The EEF of the roots of S. virosa recorded its highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. There was varied inhibitory activity against other organisms;the least was against Micrococcus liteus. The zone of inhibition ranged 6.33 - 17.67 mm. Similar to the trends in susceptibility test, the EEF showed appreciable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), ranging from 3.13 - 25 mg/mL against test microorganisms while the crystalline preparation had a MIC range of 1.5 - 25 mg/mL except against Salmonella typhii which was 50 mg/mL. Both extracts demonstrated their highest activity against E. faecalis reducing significantly in a dose-dependent manner by each sample against the rest of the test microbes. However, the standard broad-spectrum antibiotic, chloramphenicol, used elicited a zone of inhibition ranging from 0 - 30 mm but with no activity against Streptococcus thermophilus. We conclude that both the EEF and the white crystal compound isolated from the CME chromatographic fraction are potentially excellent sources of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds.
文摘Medicinal plants are considered as natural sources of antioxidant compounds which may protect organisms against oxidative stresses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of Cinnamon and Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon balm) on the improvement of oxidative stress in glass production workers. This clinical study was conducted on 32 glass production workers. They were asked to use 0.5 g of tea-Cinnamon and 3 g of Lemon balm as infusion for 30 days in the morning and evening each day. At the beginning and the end of the study, blood samples were taken from individuals to determine the level of fasting blood suger (FBS), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanintransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein(HDL) levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and sillies were measured in workers’ blood. At the end of experiment, data were subjected to the paired t-test analysis. Clinical examination was accomplished to record any abnormal signs or symptoms. After treatment, the high-density lipoprotein and TAC of serum significantly increased while the AST and LPO decreased. There were positive correlations between work history and initiative energy disorder of cognitive test. Probably tea-Cinnamon and Lemon balm possesses marked antioxidant activity and, therefore, it can be used to protect individuals from the oxidative stresses. Using supplementary antioxidants may be helpful in the treatment of workers.
文摘Diuretics are efficaciously used in management of various clinical emergencies like hypertension, heart failure, cirrhosis, hypercalciuria, hematuria and nephrotic syndrome. Cymbopogon jwarancusa is an aromatic perennial grass used in both traditional and Unani system of medicine to eradicate diseases like colds, seasonal fever, asthma, tuberculosis, rheumatic pain, back pain, toothache and nervous disorders. C. jwarancusa essential oils are used in perfumery, soap, detergents, medicines and pharmaceutical industry. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes constitute the highest composition in essential oil of C. jwarancusa. The present was designed to compare the diuretic activity of C. jwarancusa after single and multi-doses. Furosemide (20 mg/kg) was used as reference drug and 10% DMSO was used as vehicle. Diuretic activity was noticed by measuring urine volume and calculating diuretic and Lipchitz values. Maximum diuretic response was observed at 500 mg/kg of extract after both single and multi-dose administration. On basis of results it may be concluded that C. jwarancusa may be used as diuretic agent.
