International Journal of Plant Based Pharmaceuticals

Echinacea purpurea: An overview of mechanism, efficacy, and safety in pediatric upper respiratory infections and otitis media

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Pediatric upper respiratory infections (URIs) and otitis media (OM) significantly impact the health of children globally. Echinacea purpurea, known for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, has been historically used to treat various ailments, suggesting its potential as an adjunctive treatment in pediatric respiratory conditions. This narrative review synthesizes literature from January 2000 to December 2023 on the efficacy and safety of E. purpurea in treating pediatric URIs, including OM. It focuses on clinical trials and empirical studies that explore the mechanisms of action, such as the modulation of cytokine production, inhibition of NF-κB signaling, and antimicrobial effects. The analysis reveals mixed outcomes regarding the efficacy of E. purpurea in pediatric populations, attributed partly to variability in study designs and lack of standardized treatment protocols. While some studies report reduced severity and duration of respiratory symptoms, others indicate minimal or no significant difference compared to placebo. The review also highlights the need for specifically designed products that cater to the unique physiological and metabolic needs of children. Rigorous, well-designed clinical trials are crucial for establishing clear guidelines on the use of E. purpurea in pediatric respiratory care, ensuring its safe and effective application in improving health outcomes for children.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of silver nanocomposition of Catharanthus roseus leaves extract for antimicrobial and antiviral activities: A pilot study

Rohini Joshi, Shiva Aithal, Ashwini More, Vijay Nema, Anupam Mukherjee — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from natural sources offer promising solutions for combating microbial and viral infections. Catharanthus roseus (Periwinkle), renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, provides a sustainable and eco-friendly method for producing AgNPs with significant antimicrobial and antiviral effects. This study explores the cytotoxic potential of AgNPs derived from C. roseus and their antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-HIV activities, highlighting the novelty of employing a green synthesis approach. AgNPs from C. roseus leaf extract (AgNP-CR) were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to determine their physicochemical properties. The antibacterial activity of AgNP-CR was assessed against clinically relevant bacterial strains, and antifungal activity was evaluated against common fungal pathogens. Additionally, anti-HIV activity was investigated through in vitro assays using HIV-infected cells. Results demonstrated significant antibacterial activity of AgNP-CR against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, AgNP-CR exhibited antifungal activity against pathogenic Aspergillus species. Importantly, AgNP-CR showed promising anti-HIV activity by inhibiting viral replication and cytopathic effects in infected cells. Cytotoxicity assays were also conducted to ensure the safety profile of the nanoparticles. Overall, this pilot study underscores the therapeutic potential of AgNPs synthesized from C. roseus in addressing bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Further research is warranted to elucidate their mechanisms of action and optimize formulations for clinical applications.

Ameliorative effect of zingerone on cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in adult wistar rats

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Exposure to heavy metals like cadmium has been reported to cause severe kidney damage through oxidative stress and inflammation. Zingerone is a bioactive compound present in ginger, it contains significant anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the anti-oxidative and therapeutic role of zingerone on cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity. Thirty (30) adult male rats were divided into 6 groups (A-F) of 5 rats each (n = 5) randomly [A: normal control (normal saline), B: cadmium-exposed (5 mg/kg of cadmium only), C: zingerone-alone, D-F: 5 mg/kg of cadmium + 50 mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 200 mg/kg of zingerone, respectively]. Nephrotoxicity was induced by oral administration of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), followed by zingerone treatment orally. Renal function markers (serum creatinine and urea level), oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutases, catalase, malondialdehyde), and histopathological investigations of the kidney were assessed to evaluate the effects. Cadmium administration resulted in significant renal dysfunction, characterized by elevated serum creatinine, urea, and kidney malondialdehyde levels, along with reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase). Histopathological evaluation showed extensive kidney damage characterized by renal tubular damage, necrosis, and inflammation. Zingerone treatment significantly ameliorated these alterations, restoring renal function markers, reducing oxidative stress, and improving the histological architecture of the kidney. These findings suggest that zingerone exerts an anti-oxidative and therapeutic effect against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity. According to these findings, zingerone shows potential as a therapeutic approach for kidney impairment caused by exposure to heavy metals.

In vitro antifungal activity of extracts and alkaloid compounds from Piper arboreum against dermatophytes

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Piper is widely distributed in subtropical regions and species of this genus are known for their potent pharmacological activities. Piper arboreum Aubl. is a traditional medicinal plant popularly known as "pau-de-angola", "jaborandi", and chili pepper, demonstrating antifungal, trypanocidal, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. The leaves of P. arboreum were extracted using Soxhlet and dichloromethane to obtain the extract, which was then fractionated using solvents of different polarities. Samples were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry equipped with an electrospray ionization source. Antifungal microdilution assays were performed, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to assess the invasion of the pretreated nail. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the extract and a dichloromethane fraction were, respectively, 62.5 μg/ml and 16.0 μg/ml against Trichophyton rubrum, and 125 μg/ml and 62.5 μg/ml, and 500 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml against T. mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum, respectively. No growth was observed on nail fragments exposed to the extract (at concentrations > 64 µg/ml and then inoculated with spore suspension. Transmission electron microscopy revealed strong inhibition of hyphal growth and an irregular growth pattern following treatment with the extract and the dichloromethane fraction. Results demonstrated the antifungal properties of the P. arboreum extract and its dichloromethane fraction against dermatophytes, with the identification of three different alkaloid compounds. The cytotoxicity was specific towards the fungal cells, and morphological and ultrastructural analyses indicated damage to the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane as the potential mechanism of action. The leaf material used to generate the extract can be taken from the plant without any detrimental effect thus enabling strategies to be implemented for the exploitation of this species.

Extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity analysis of Ficus carica L. seed oil using supercritical fluid technology

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The rationale behind this study was to investigate the potential of fig (Ficus carica L.) kernel oil as a source of bioactive compounds, particularly focusing on its phenolic compounds, due to the increasing interest in plant-based oils with antioxidant properties for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals. The primary objective was to identify and quantify the active phenolic components present in fig kernel oil. Utilizing an additional co-solvent in the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process, specific phenolic compounds, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, and syringic acid, were exclusively identified in the CO₂ + ethanol (IC-2-1) sample. Furthermore, other notable compounds, including vanillin, verbascoside, ferulic acid, luteolin 7-glucoside, hesperidin, rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol, were detected in both the IC-2-1 and CO₂ (IC-1-1) samples. These findings suggest that fig kernel oil with its rich phytochemical profile, is a promising alternative oil source and has significant potential as a functional food ingredient. Further research on the SFE of fig seeds and oil is recommended to expand its applications and potential health benefits.