Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology
Volume:12 Issue: 4, Sep 2023

Due to the high prevalence and drug resistance reported for the influenza virus in recent years, much research is being conducted on the discovery and introduction of more effective drugs against the virus. In this regard, the present bioinformatics study examined the inhibitory effects of berberine, a plant-based alkaloid, on influenza virus neuraminidase using docking and molecular dynamics studies.

To conduct this study, the three-dimensional structure and PDB file of influenza virus neuraminidase were prepared from the protein and molecular information database, and the structure file of the berberine and oseltamivir (as positive control) molecules were prepared from the PubChem database. Using GROMACS software, simulation and molecular dynamics calculations were performed in the absence of an inhibitor. Molecular docking studies were performed using AutoDock software, and re-simulation of the protein-ligand complex was performed using GROMACS software.

Berberine was bound to the neuraminidase molecule with three hydrogen bonds and eleven hydrophobic bonds at the binding site. The amount of binding energy (BE) of berberine and oseltamivir was equal to -7.93 and -6.27 kcal/mol with the estimated inhibition constant (EIC) of 1.5 and 25.2 μM, respectively. Over simulation time, the radius of gyration (Rg) of the enzyme at berberine binding increased, but there was no significant difference in system energy changes (TE).

Due to berberine binding, structural changes occur in the secondary and tertiary structures of influenza virus neuraminidase. The large number of created bonds, the low level of binding energy, and the low concentration of the EIC indicate the high tendency of berberine to bind to the binding site of neuraminidase.

Due to the numerous potentials discovered from biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles (SNPs), the interest of many researchers has been stirred up. Tamarindus indica fruit has many therapeutic potentials attributed to fruit. Hence, the objective of this study was to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of SNPs mediated from T. indica fruit pulp extract.

The bioreduction of silver nitrate was performed using methanol extract of T. indica fruit pulp. UV–vis spectrophotometry studies at 480 nm confirmed the synthesis of SNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The antioxidant properties were assessed using methods of ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The antibacterial potential was evaluated using the agar well technique.

FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the presence of various functional groups was responsible for reduction and stabilization during the biosynthesis process. With the aid of ImageJ software, the size of the nanoparticles was determined to be in the range of 18-50 nm. The anti-oxidation activity assays showed a strong reducing potential towards the radicals tested. Lastly, strong antibacterial activities were observed when the nanoparticles were tested on some pathogenic bacteria through the agar well method.

This biological method of synthesizing SNP from T. indica has shown significant enhancement in its biological activities in terms of antibacterial and antioxidant properties; thus, it might be considered a therapeutic agent.

Wounds have a significant influence on socioeconomic and the quality of life. Many attempts have been taken to produce advanced wound dressing to fulfill demands. The incorporation of natural therapeutics like medicinal plants in wound dressings is currently popular. However, several medications have failed to enter the market due to inadequate pharmacokinetics data. Computer-aided tools are now available as advanced drug discovery methods, which can be used to screen pharmaceuticals from phytochemicals found in various medicinal plants. This study aims to evaluate the phytoconstituents of Chromolaena odorata extract and its pharmacological potential as a wound-healing agent.

Phytoconstituents from C. odorata were identified using qualitative screening methods and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and their mechanistic properties were assessed using molecular docking and SwissADME tools.

Current works revealed that the topmost phytoconstituents in C. odorata were phytol (49.83%), hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (9.40%), linolenic acid (8.07%), and squalene (3.53%). Through SwissADME analysis, all four topmost compounds obeyed Lipinski’s Rule of 5. In silico molecular docking study of these top phytoconstituents against several protein targets involved in wound healing revealed that squalene had the highest binding affinity to GSK3-β (-6.8 kJ/mol), MMP-9 (-7.4 kJ/mol), and COX-2 (-8.6 kJ/mol) as compared to other ligands (phytol, linolenic acid, and hexadecenoic acid ethyl ester).

These findings suggest that the most prominent compound that contributes to C. odorata’s wound healing capacity is squalene and the incorporation of C. odorata in potential wound dressing formulation is justified.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality rate. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of licorice extract administration on L-arginine-induced AP and associated lung tissue damage in rats.

The experimental groups were the healthy control group (G1), L-arginine group (G2), licorice extract group (G3), and licorice extract +L-arginine; (protection group; G4). The protective effect of licorice extract was evaluated by measuring serum amylase and lipase, oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase), and inflammatory biomarkers levels (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, toll-like receptor 4, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1), as well as apoptosis assessment via caspase-3 activity and beclin-1 expression. Furthermore, an immunohistochemical assessment of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and a histopathological examination of lung and pancreatic tissues were performed.

Licorice extract administration significantly reduced serum amylase, lipase, and inflammatory markers levels that pointed to the local and systemic inflammatory condition of AP induced by L-arginine. Moreover, the administration of licorice extract reversed the significant elevation in oxidative stress markers levels in the pancreas and lung tissues. Furthermore, licorice extract downregulated pancreatic gene expression of beclin-1 and caspase-3 which reversed dysregulated pancreatic autophagy.

Licorice extract administration causes modulation of oxidative damage and systemic inflammation associated with acute pancreatic damage. Moreover, licorice extract markedly decreases the biochemical and histopathologic changes in AP, preserving the pancreatic and lung tissues through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects.

The combination Camellia chrysantha and Gynostemma pentaphyllum is used in Vietnam against hyperlipidemia. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the extract mixture of C. chrysantha and G. pentaphyllum in the atherosclerosis-induced rat model.

Rats were administered with the extract mixture of C. chrysantha and G. pentaphyllum daily (7 and 14 g/kg/day) for 8 weeks upon the start of the study while they were simultaneously put on an atherosclerosis-induced diet. Blood samples were taken to examine the blood lipid indicators of the rats in the beginning, after 4 and 8 weeks of the study, respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, the rats’ livers were removed to assess their overall health and the atherosclerosis patterns of their abdominal arteries.

The mixture of leaf extracts of C. chrysantha and G. pentaphyllum in the doses of 7 and 14 g/kg/day reduced blood lipid indices, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and the atherogenic index (AI). Furthermore, this mixture also increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the blood, decreased the incidence of liver fat, and prevented the development of atherosclerotic lesions in the abdominal aorta in the rats.

These results indicate that a mixture of C. chrysantha and G. pentaphyllum has a potential in preventing and treating atherosclerosis.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a widely used chelating agent, compromises the bond strength of resin-based sealers when used as a final irrigating solution. Hence, the push-out bond strength of AH Plus, a resin-based sealer, was analyzed when gallic acid, “a chelator” was used as a last irrigating solution.

Forty human single-rooted teeth were accessed and randomly assigned into 4 groups (n = 10): EA (17% EDTA), MA (7% maleic acid), GA (10% gallic acid), and SA (saline). After irrigation, the root canals were coated with AH Plus sealer and obturated using gutta-percha. The root canals were sectioned horizontally into coronal, middle, and apical thirds for evaluating the push-out bond strength. A universal testing machine with a compressive loading of 1 mm/min was employed to test the samples.

An increased push-out bond strength was noted with GA in coronal one-third compared to EA and SA but not significant compared to MA (P > 0.05). Similar observations were seen in the middle one-third; however, it was statistically significant compared to all other groups (P < 0.05). Also, the difference between the groups in the apical one-third was not significant. SA showed the lowest push-out bond strength than experimental groups, which was significant in all three sections (P < 0.05).

The final rinse of 10% gallic acid increased the push-out bond strength of AH Plus to the root dentin in all thirds of the root canal. Hence, gallic acid 10% might be an effective alternative solution in place of synthetic chelators.

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is one of the important agricultural and medicinal tree species. This study aimed to assess the antifungal efficacy of olive leaf extract (OLE) obtained from different cultivars and during different seasons against Candida albicans strains.

OLE was prepared using four olive cultivars (‘Koroneiki’, ‘Mission’, ‘Rowghani’, and ‘Zard’) obtained in two seasons (spring and autumn) from Golestan province, North of Iran. The phenolic and oleuropein contents of vegetative leaves were measured by colorimetric and HPLC techniques, respectively. The antifungal capacities of OLEs were tested by agar well diffusion and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated by micro-dilution assay.

The findings of our study showed that the total phenolic (27.45-88.16 mg g-1) and oleuropein (3.64-18.13 mg g-1) contents varied in leaf extracts, respectively. The highest amount was found in ‘Koroneiki’ and ‘Zard’ (spring leaves) and the lowest in ‘Mission’ cultivars (autumn leaves). The inhibition zones and MIC ranged from 1.92 to 15.41 mm and from 6.07 to 27.20 mg mL-1 based on C. albicans strains, respectively. Relationship between total phenolic content as an independent variable (X) and inhibition zones or MIC as dependent variables (Y) fitted polynomial curves.

The present study highlighted the phytochemical and anti-candidal efficacy of OLE derived from olive cultivars or the seasons of harvested leaves against C. albicans strains. It is suggested that ‘Koroneiki’ and ‘Zard’ cultivars, especially during the spring season, could be exploited to isolate potential broad-spectrum antifungal drugs.

Codiaeum variegatum (L.) Blume is a well-known ornamental foliage plant used as a vegetable in northern Thailand, and it is the source of numerous bioactive substances. This work explored the effects of leaf extracts of broad (BCE) and spirale (SCE) cultivars of C. variegatum on three cancer cells, including human breast, human liver, and human cervical cancer cells.

Ethanolic plant extracts were prepared, and then, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH), ferrous iron chelating, and lipid peroxidation assays were used to examine the flavonoid and phenolic compounds. The proliferative inhibition, growth, and migration of MCF-7, HepG2, and HeLa cancer cells, as a result of exposure to the extracts, were investigated. The extracts were investigated for their anti-cancer activities using sulforhodamine B (SRB), clonogenic, and wound-healing methods.

The data demonstrated that BCE and SCE contained high phenolic compounds. However, both extracts showed inactive anti-oxidant activities. Both extracts had high cytotoxicity on three types of cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner after 24-72 hours of incubation with IC50 values in a range of 208-830 μg/mL. Moreover, the prepared extracts of C. variegatum significantly inhibited colony-forming ability and cell migration on all types of cancer cells. Compared with BCE, SCE showed more potent anti-cancer activities.

These findings revealed that SCE had higher anti-cancer activities on MCF-7, HepG2, and HeLa cancer cells than BCE. Consequently, the SCE might be used as an effective chemotherapeutic compound for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Memory dysfunction has remained a challenging issue globally. Nootropics have proven fruitful in managing cognitive dysfunction but because of their side effects, opportunities exist to explore alternatives. White cabbage is a cost-effective natural source of phytochemicals without side effects and has remained uninvestigated as a nootropic agent. This study sought to identify secondary metabolites in white cabbage extract (WCE) and to predict the molecular interaction between the phytochemical constituents of cabbage and phosphodiesterase-1B (PDE1B) using in silico studies.

The WCE was prepared by macerating crushed fresh white cabbage with ethanol for 24 h with continuous stirring. The phytochemical profile of WCE was analyzed using thin layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometry, and molecular docking studies were performed to predict the underlying mechanism action of the phytochemicals with PDE1B.

The TLC-densitometry analysis showed that WCE was a rich source of sinigrin, whereas quercetin, chlorogenic acid, and rutin were not detected. In silico studies identified neobrassicin as having the highest affinity (ΔGbind: −19.3358 kcal/mol) for PDE1B. However, quercetin (ΔGbind: −13.1813 kcal/mol) and chlorogenic acid (ΔGbind: −14.8706 kcal/mol) exhibited moderate interaction with PDE1B.

These results suggest that WCE has the potency to improve memory function by blocking PDE1B, and this preliminary study implies upcoming in vitro and in vivo research.

Medicinal plants, including spontaneous or cultured herbaceous and forest products, represent an inexhaustible source of traditional and effective remedies thanks to their active major compounds. The present work consists of an ethnobotanical study of three species namely, Daucus carota, Dittrichia viscosa, and Salvia officinalis, commonly used in Taounate region (Northern Morocco) to treat various diseases.

An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in Taounate region during a period of three months from January to March 2022, using semi-structured individual interviews. Then, the collected data were analyzed statistically using Microsoft Office software “Excel 2013” and System Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Leaves, flowers, and stems were the most common parts used to prepare traditional remedies. Decoction, infusion, and cataplasm were the most used preparation methods, and the oral route was the most common method of administration for the studied plants. Moreover, the plants intervened in the treatment of digestive, genito-urinary, dermatological, neurological, and metabolic diseases.

Information collected during this study shed light on the interesting know-how in traditional herbal medicine in the study area, and on the frequent use of medicinal plants as an alternative to synthetic drugs by the population of Taounate, to treat different diseases. Thereafter, the study’s results can constitute an important database for pharmacologists, phytochemists, toxicologists, and clinical researchers for the development of new drugs based on natural substances.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-derived biofilm formation is a crucial virulence factor, which essentially contributes to therapeutic challenges. This study aims to evaluate the antibiofilm and antibacterial formation activities of lupinifolin, a prenylated flavanone derived from Derris reticulata Craib. stem, in combination with protein synthesis inhibitors.

The crystal violet biofilm formation assay was performed to determine the biofilm formation activity. The synergistic antibacterial activities were evaluated using the checkerboard and time-kill assays.

Lupinifolin and tetracycline significantly reduced MRSA biofilm formation with IC50 values of 15.32 ± 5.98 and 13.42 ± 5.90 µg/mL, respectively. On the contrary, the individual treatment of streptomycin and clindamycin tended to enhance biofilm formation. Lupinifolin at the sub-MIC of 8 µg/mL in combination with certain sub-MICs of tetracycline (8 and 16 µg/mL), streptomycin (16, 32, and 64 µg/mL), or clindamycin (4, 8, and 16 µg/mL) caused significant inhibitions against MRSA biofilm formation (P<0.05). The combination of lupinifolin and streptomycin exhibited a synergy (FIC index <0.625), confirmed in the time-kill assay. Conversely, the combination of lupinifolin and tetracycline or clindamycin resulted in no interaction (FIC indices of 1.0078 and <1.0156, respectively).

The antibacterial synergy of lupinifolin and streptomycin possibly contributed to their antibiofilm-forming activity. However, the combinations of lupinifolin and tetracycline or clindamycin conceivably executed their antibiofilm activity directly against the MRSA biofilm formation process. These findings indicate a potential role for lupinifolin as an antibiofilm enhancer to diminish MRSA biofilm formation.

Bioactive compounds from plants have potential antimicrobial activity. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of curcumin, allicin, gingerol and cinnamon compared to 4% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) against Enterococcus faecalis and its biofilm.

The dry herbal compounds were diluted with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using agar diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) test, time kill study, and biofilm susceptibility assay. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) was determined using agar diffusion test on Muller Hinton (MH) agar plates. MIC was evaluated using the tube dilution method. Root canals of extracted human anterior teeth were instrumented, split into two halves, autoclaved, and incubated with brain heart infusion broth containing E. faecalis for 21 days to form a biofilm. The susceptibility of the biofilm to the test solutions was evaluated by counting bacterial colonies on MH agar.

NaOCl exhibited potent antimicrobial activity under all tested parameters. Allicin showed a significantly greater ZOI, while curcumin showed the least MIC among the tested herbal extracts (P < 0.05). MBC varied widely among the groups with no significant difference between allicin and cinnamon (P > 0.05). Gingerol and cinnamon were significantly superior to the other groups killing E. faecalis within 4-4.2 min (P < 0.05). Curcumin, gingerol, and cinnamon were equally efficacious as NaOCl in completely eradicating E. faecalis biofilm (P > 0.05).

NaOCl emerged as the most efficacious antibacterial agent and all herbal extracts showed significant antibacterial activity against E. faecalis.

Musa paradisiaca peel has inhibited microbial growth and enhanced wound healing in animal models. However, the study on its effect as a dosage form is lacking. In the present study, the antimicrobial and wound-healing effects of a spray gel of M. paradisiaca peel extracts were evaluated in rabbits.

The antimicrobial and wound healing activities of a spray gel were tested at different concentrations (10%, 15%, and 20%) of banana peel extract, categorized as low concentration (SGL), medium concentration (SGM), and high concentration (SGH) groups, respectively. The antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated by measuring inhibition zone diameters. Burns were inflicted on the back area of rabbits using hot steel. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed.

The spray gel containing banana peel extract exhibited inhibition zone diameters of 14.2 ± 0.38 mm and 14.6 ± 0.21 mm against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. SGH showed the strongest wound-healing activity of all the samples, which was comparable with bioplacenton (BG) as a positive control. The wounds healed on days 16, 16, 20, and 22 for bioplacenton, SGH, SGM, and SGL, respectively. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in collagen density and epidermal thickness between the treatment groups and the negative control (1.2 % sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC)).

The result indicates that the spray gel of M. paradisiaca peel ethanolic extract possesses antimicrobial and wound-healing activities, emphasizing its potential to be developed as a wound healing agent.

The present study was developed to investigate and compare the extraction yield, the contents of polyphenols and mangiferin, the activities against Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli bacteria, and the anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extracts of mango seed kernels vs. seed coats.

Mango seed kernels and seed coats were extracted using ethanol as the solvent and tested against microorganisms using the disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels of extracts were determined by the agar dilution method. The antiinflammatory activities were assessed both in vitro and in vivo by albumin denaturation method and carrageenan-induced paw edema test, respectively.

Both extracts yielded high contents of mangiferin and phenolic compounds. The antibacterial activities of both extracts showed inhibition of the tested microorganisms Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus but not Escherichia coli. Seed kernel extract (0.2 g/kg) reduced paw edema by 44.8% at 3 hours after λ-carrageenan administration. Meanwhile, 0.5 g/kg seed coat extract reduced paw edema less than the seed kernel extract (23.1% vs. 44.8%). Mango seed kernel extract, mango seed coat extract, and diclofenac sodium displayed concentration-dependent inhibition of heat-induced protein denaturation with IC50 values of 137.23 μg/mL, 292.12 μg/mL, and 6.64 μg/mL, respectively.

The obtained results confirmed the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of mango seed kernel and seed coat extracts. The mango seed kernel extract was proven to be more effective than the mango seed coat extract and thus can be used in cosmetics as an antiinflammatory and antibacterial agent.

The occurrence of nausea and vomiting following anesthesia and surgery is a prevalent and distressing issue, ranking second only to pain. In this study, the effects of ginger and ondansetron in mitigating these symptoms in patients who underwent cesarean section surgery were compared.

This double-blinded randomized clinical trial included 150 eligible patients who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: ginger, ondansetron, and control. The ginger group was given one 1000 mg ginger capsule, the ondansetron group was given one 16 mg ondansetron capsule, and the control group was given one placebo capsule. Participants took their designated capsules with 30 mL of water one hour before their scheduled surgery. Nausea intensity and vomiting frequency were assessed throughout the surgical procedure and at post-operation intervals of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 hours.

Compared to the control group, the ginger group had significantly less severe nausea during the surgery (P = 0.03) and one hour after surgery (P = 0.01). The ginger group also had significantly fewer vomiting episodes during the surgery (P = 0.007) and half an hour after surgery (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the ginger and ondansetron groups regarding the severity of nausea and the number of vomiting (P > 0.05).

The administration of ginger was found to be successful in alleviating the severity of nausea and vomiting both during and after spinal anesthesia for cesarean section procedures. It could be a viable alternative to ondansetron.

Leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania spp. is observed in most parts of the world. Although, glucantime, a pentavalent antimony compound, and other synthetic drugs are broadly applied for leishmaniasis therapy; however, the use of these synthetic agents has some limitations. Hence, this study was designed to assess the inhibiting effects of 7-hydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavone (7HMI) against promastigote and amastigote stages of Leishmania major in vitro.

The MTT assay was applied to study the antileishmanial activity of 7HMI against promastigotes and its cytotoxicity effects on macrophage cells. The nitric oxide (NO) produced by the treated macrophage cells with 7HMI was also assessed.

7HMI considerably (P < 0.05) inhibited the growth rate of promastigotes and amastigotes stages. The 50% inhibitory concentrations of 7HMI and glucantim were 11.3 and 15.4 μg/mL for promastigote and amastigote, respectively. 7HMI, especially at 1/3 IC50 and 1/2 IC50 concentrations, considerably triggered the NO release.

The current research findings reported the favorable antileishmanial effects of 7HMI against L. major with possible mechanisms such as reducing the infectivity rate of macrophage cells and provoking NO creation. Nevertheless, more research must be performed to clear its efficacy in animal model and then in human.