Ellagic Acid, Kaempferol, and Quercetin from Acacia nilotica: Promising Combined Drug With Multiple Mechanisms of Action

Phenolic Profile, Bioactivities and In Silico Analysis of the Trunk Bark of Acacia Cyanophylla Lindl

In the current investigation, total phenolics and flavonoids of the methanolic extract obtained from the trunk bark of Acacia cyanophylla Lindl. were quantified by LC-HRMS technique. DPPH and ABTS reagents were employed to assay the antioxidant potential. The anti-tyrosinase and anti-α-amylase potentials were also assayed. The findings revealed that thirteen polyphenolic compounds were detected in the methanolic extract with trans-taxifolin (23.2 g/kg), as the major constituent. A. cyanophylla extract displayed a higher activity with DPPH test (IC50=10.14±1.00 μg/mL) than with ABTS (IC50=15.27±2.09 μg/mL). The same extract also exhibited interesting α-amylase inhibitory action (IC50 value of 4.00±0.17 μg/mL). Moreover, methanolic trunk bark extract exerted strong anti-tyrosinase capacity with an IC50 of 5.12±0.41 μg/mL in comparison to kojic acid (IC50=10.22±0.85 μg/mL) used as positive control. The antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and anti-α-amylase potentials of the methanolic extract of A. cyanophylla trunk bark were reinforced by in silico molecular docking analyses, which confirmed the results of the in vitro tests.

The Anticancer Effects and Therapeutic Potential of Kaempferol in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer, is an aggressive phenotype that lacks estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and human epidermal growth (HER-2) receptors, which is challenging to treat with standardized hormonal therapy. Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anticancer effects. Besides anti-tumorigenic, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects, kaempferol protects non-cancerous cells. Kaempferol showed anti-breast cancer effects by inducing DNA damage and increasing caspase 3, caspase 9, and pAMT expression, modifying ROS production by Nrf2 modulation, inducing apoptosis by increasing cleaved PARP and Bax and downregulating Bcl-2 expression, inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase; inhibiting immune evasion by modulating the JAK-STAT3 pathway; and inhibiting the angiogenic and metastatic potential of tumors by downregulating MMP-3 and MMP-9 levels. Kaempferol holds promise for boosting the efficacy of anticancer agents, complementing their effects, or reversing developed chemoresistance. Exploring novel TNBC molecular targets with kaempferol could elucidate its mechanisms and identify strategies to overcome limitations for clinical application. This review summarizes the latest research on kaempferol's potential as an anti-TNBC agent, highlighting promising but underexplored molecular pathways and delivery challenges that warrant further investigation to achieve successful clinical translation.

Identification of DprE1 inhibitors for tuberculosis through integrated in-silico approaches

Decaprenylphosphoryl-β-D-ribose-2'-epimerase (DprE1), a crucial enzyme in the process of arabinogalactan and lipoarabinomannan biosynthesis, has become the target of choice for anti-TB drug discovery in the recent past. The current study aims to find the potential DprE1 inhibitors through in-silico approaches. Here, we built the pharmacophore and 3D-QSAR model using the reported 40 azaindole derivatives of DprE1 inhibitors. The best pharmacophore hypothesis (ADRRR_1) was employed for the virtual screening of the chEMBL database. To identify prospective hits, molecules with good phase scores (> 2.000) were further evaluated by molecular docking studies for their ability to bind to the DprE1 enzyme (PDB: 4KW5). Based on their binding affinities (< - 9.0 kcal/mole), the best hits were subjected to the calculation of free-binding energies (Prime/MM-GBSA), pharmacokinetic, and druglikeness evaluations. The top 10 hits retrieved from these results were selected to predict their inhibitory activities via the developed 3D-QSAR model with a regression coefficient (R2) value of 0.9608 and predictive coefficient (Q2) value of 0.7313. The induced fit docking (IFD) studies and in-silico prediction of anti-TB sensitivity for these top 10 hits were also implemented. Molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) were performed for the top 5 hit molecules for 200 ns to check the stability of the hits with DprE1. Based on their conformational stability throughout the 200 ns simulation, hit 2 (chEMBL_SDF:357100) was identified as the best hit against DprE1 with an accepted safety profile. The MD results were also in accordance with the docking score, MM-GBSA value, and 3D-QSAR predicted activity. The hit 2 molecule, (N-(3-((2-(((1r,4r)-4-(dimethylamino)cyclohexyl)amino)-9-isopropyl-9H-purin-6-yl)amino)phenyl)acrylamide) could serve as a lead for the discovery of a novel DprE1 inhibiting anti-TB drug.

Hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potentials of crude methanolic extract from Acacia nilotica L. - results of an in vitro study

Acacia nilotica L., also known as babul, belonging to the Fabaceae family and the Acacia genus, is typically used for ornamental purposes and also as a medicinal plant found in tropical and subtropical areas. This plant is a rich source of bioactive compounds. The current study aimed to elucidate the hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential of A. nilotica's crude methanolic extract. The results of the in vitro antidiabetic assay revealed that methanolic extract of A. nilotica inhibited the enzyme α-glucosidase (IC50: 33 μg mL-1) and α-amylase (IC50: 17 μg mL-1) in a dose-dependent manner. While in the anticholinesterase enzyme inhibitory assay, maximum inhibition was shown by the extract against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (637.01 μg mL-1) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (491.98 μg mL-1), with the highest percent inhibition of 67.54% and 71.50% at 1000 μg mL-1, respectively. This inhibitory potential was lower as compared to the standard drug Galantamine that exhibited 82.43 and 89.50% inhibition at the same concentration, respectively. Moreover, the methanolic extract of A. nilotica also significantly inhibited the activities of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) in a concentration-dependent manner. The percent inhibitory activity of 5-LOX and COX-2 ranged from 42.47% to 71.53% and 43.48% to 75.22%, respectively. Furthermore, in silico, in vivo, and clinical investigations must be planned to validate the above-stated bioactivities of A. nilotica.

Quercetin as a Promising Antiprotozoan Phytochemical: Current Knowledge and Future Research Avenues

Despite tremendous advances in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, only few antiparasitic drugs have been developed to date. Protozoan infections such as malaria, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis continue to exact an enormous toll on public health worldwide, underscoring the need to discover novel antiprotozoan drugs. Recently, there has been an explosion of research into the antiprotozoan properties of quercetin, one of the most abundant flavonoids in the human diet. In this review, we tried to consolidate the current knowledge on the antiprotozoal effects of quercetin and to provide the most fruitful avenues for future research. Quercetin exerts potent antiprotozoan activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens such as Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma spp., Plasmodium spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Trichomonas spp., and Toxoplasma gondii. In addition to its immunomodulatory roles, quercetin disrupts mitochondrial function, induces apoptotic/necrotic cell death, impairs iron uptake, inhibits multiple enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis and the glycolytic pathways, suppresses the activity of DNA topoisomerases, and downregulates the expression of various heat shock proteins in these pathogens. In vivo studies also show that quercetin is effective in reducing parasitic loads, histopathological damage, and mortality in animals. Future research should focus on designing effective drug delivery systems to increase the oral bioavailability of quercetin. Incorporating quercetin into various nanocarrier systems would be a promising approach to manage localized cutaneous infections. Nevertheless, clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy of quercetin in treating various protozoan infections.

Fighting nature with nature: antiviral compounds that target retroviruses

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a type of lentivirus that targets the human immune system and leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) at a later stage. Up to 2021, there are millions still living with HIV and many have lost their lives. To date, many anti-HIV compounds have been discovered in living organisms, especially plants and marine sponges. However, no treatment can offer a complete cure, but only suppressing it with a life-long medication, known as combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) which are often associated with various adverse effects. Also, it takes many years for a discovered compound to be approved for clinical use. Thus, by employing advanced technologies such as automation, conducting systematic screening and testing protocols may boost the discovery and development of potent and curative therapeutics for HIV infection/AIDS. In this review, we aim to summarize the antiretroviral therapies/compounds and their associated drawbacks since the discovery of azidothymidine. Additionally, we aim to provide an updated analysis of the most recent discoveries of promising antiretroviral candidates, along with an exploration of the current limitations within antiretroviral research. Finally, we intend to glean insightful perspectives and propose future research directions in this crucial area of study.

In Silico and In Vitro Analyses to Repurpose Quercetin as a Human Pancreatic α-Amylase Inhibitor

Human pancreatic α-amylase (HPA), situated at the apex of the starch digestion hierarchy, is an attractive therapeutic approach to precisely regulate blood glucose levels, thereby efficiently managing diabetes. Polyphenols offer a natural and multifaceted approach to moderate postprandial sugar spikes, with their slight modulation in carbohydrate digestion and potential secondary benefits, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Taking into consideration the unfavorable side effects of currently available commercial medications, we aimed to study a library of polyphenols attributed to their remarkable antidiabetic properties and screened the most potent HPA inhibitor via a comprehensive in silico study encompassing molecular docking, molecular mechanics with generalized Born and surface area solvation (MM/GBSA) calculation, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, density functional theory (DFT) study, and pharmacokinetic properties followed by an in vitro assay. Significant hydrogen bonding with the catalytic triad residues of HPA, prominent MM/GBSA binding energy of -27.03 kcal/mol, and the stable nature of the protein-ligand complex with regard to 100 ns MD simulation screened quercetin as the best HPA inhibitor. Additionally, quercetin showed strong reactivity in the substrate-binding pocket of HPA and exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties with a considerable inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 57.37 ± 0.9 μg/mL against α-amylase. This study holds prospects for HPA inhibition and suggests quercetin as an approach to therapy for diabetes; however, it is imperative to conduct further research.

Ellagic Acid and Cancer Hallmarks: Insights from Experimental Evidence

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease with a high global incidence and mortality rate. Although cancer therapy has evolved significantly over the years, numerous challenges persist on the path to effectively combating this multifaceted disease. Natural compounds derived from plants, fungi, or marine organisms have garnered considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents in the field of cancer research. Ellagic acid (EA), a natural polyphenolic compound found in various fruits and nuts, has emerged as a potential cancer prevention and treatment agent. This review summarizes the experimental evidence supporting the role of EA in targeting key hallmarks of cancer, including proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis evasion, immune evasion, inflammation, genomic instability, and more. We discuss the molecular mechanisms by which EA modulates signaling pathways and molecular targets involved in these cancer hallmarks, based on in vitro and in vivo studies. The multifaceted actions of EA make it a promising candidate for cancer prevention and therapy. Understanding its impact on cancer biology can pave the way for developing novel strategies to combat this complex disease.

Phytochemical Content and Antidiabetic Properties of Most Commonly Used Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants of Kenya

Traditional medicinal plants have been used for decades in folk medicines in the treatment and management of several ailments and diseases including diabetes, pain, ulcers, cancers, and wounds, among others. This study focused on the phytochemical and antidiabetic activity of the commonly used antidiabetic medicinal species in Kenya. Phytochemical profiling of these species revealed flavonoids and terpenoids as the major chemical classes reported which have been linked with strong biological activities against the aforementioned diseases, among others. However, out of the selected twenty-two species, many of the natural product isolation studies have focused on only a few species, as highlighted in the study. All of the examined crude extracts from thirteen antidiabetic species demonstrated strong antidiabetic activities by inhibiting α-glucosidase and α-amylase among other mechanisms, while nine are yet to be evaluated for their antidiabetic activities. Isolated compounds S-Methylcysteine sulfoxide, quercetin, alliuocide G, 2-(3,4-Dihydroxybenzoyl)-2,4,6-trihydroxy-3 (2H)-benzofuranone, Luteolin-7-O-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin, 1,3,11α-Trihydroxy-9-(3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-7-on-2-yl)-5α-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-5,6,11-hexahydro-5,6,11-trioxanaphthacene-12-one and [1,3,11α-Trihydroxy-9-(3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-7-on-2-yl)-5α-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-5,6,11-hexahydro-5,6,11-trioxanaphthacene-12-one]-4'-O-D-gluco-pyranoside from Allium cepa have been found to exhibit significant antidiabetic activities. With the huge number of adults living with diabetes in Kenya and the available treatment methods being expensive yet not so effective, this study highlights alternative remedies by documenting the commonly used antidiabetic medicinal plants. Further, the study supports the antidiabetic use of these plants with the existing pharmacological profiles and highlights research study gaps. Therefore, it is urgent to conduct natural products isolation work on the selected antidiabetic species commonly used in Kenya and evaluate their antidiabetic activities, both in vitro and in vivo, to validate their antidiabetic use and come up with new antidiabetic drugs.

Green Alternatives as Antimicrobial Agents in Mitigating Periodontal Diseases: A Narrative Review

Periodontal diseases and dental caries are the most common infectious oral diseases impacting oral health globally. Oral cavity health is crucial for enhancing life quality since it serves as the entranceway to general health. The oral microbiome and oral infectious diseases are strongly correlated. Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria have been associated with periodontal diseases. Due to the shortcomings of several antimicrobial medications frequently applied in dentistry, the lack of resources in developing countries, the prevalence of oral inflammatory conditions, and the rise in bacterial antibiotic resistance, there is a need for reliable, efficient, and affordable alternative solutions for the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Several accessible chemical agents can alter the oral microbiota, although these substances also have unfavorable symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and tooth discoloration. Natural phytochemicals generated from plants that have historically been used as medicines are categorized as prospective alternatives due to the ongoing quest for substitute products. This review concentrated on phytochemicals or herbal extracts that impact periodontal diseases by decreasing the formation of dental biofilms and plaques, preventing the proliferation of oral pathogens, and inhibiting bacterial adhesion to surfaces. Investigations examining the effectiveness and safety of plant-based medicines have also been presented, including those conducted over the past decade.

Synthesis and anti-Alzheimer potential of novel α-amino phosphonate derivatives and probing their molecular interaction mechanism with acetylcholinesterase

Pleiotropic interference may be a prerequisite for the efficient limitation of the progression of multi-factorial diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Concept of designing the single chemical entity acting on two or more targets of interest has potential advantage in AD therapy. In line with this, rational design and synthesis of frame work of hybrids bearing 2,3-disubstituted quinazolinone, vanillin and α-amino phosphonate scaffolds (5a─v) were carried out. A congeneric set of twenty-two synthetic derivatives (5a─v) were evaluated for their cholinesterase inhibitory, antioxidant, DNA nicking, DNA protection, neuroprotective and Aβ aggregation modulatory activities. Amongst tested activities, the most significant and worth mentioning is that the analogues 5m, 5p and 5u were found to be the most potent, selective, and mixed type inhibitors of EeAChE with IC₅₀ values of 0.296 ± 0.030, 0.289 ± 0.027, and 0.306 ± 0.028 μM, respectively. Further, the biophysical approaches indicated that the compounds 5m, 5p, and 5u have a strong binding affinity towards AChE. Kinetic and Molecular docking studies have revealed that the most active congeners were well oriented in the AChE active site by interacting with both catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS). A few parameters derived from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation trajectories emphasized the stability of AChE-5p and 5m complexes throughout the 100 ns simulations, and the local conformational changes of the residues of AChE validate the stability of AChE-5p and 5m complexes. Further, these derivatives significantly impacted ABTS radical scavenging capacities and maximal DNA protection activity. Importantly, Thioflavin T (ThT) assay and FE-SEM study demonstrated compounds 5m, 5p and 5u as effective Aβ_1-42 fibril modulators at molecular level by the formation of micro size co-assembled mature structures, thus efficiently abolishing the cytotoxicity of Aβ_1-42. Finally, these active compounds are determined to be non-toxic and highly neuroprotective against H₂O₂-induced cell death in SK-N-SH cell lines. Furthermore, in silico ADMET prediction studies have revealed that the targeted analogues satisfied most of the characteristics of CNS acting drugs. These multi-functional efficacies indicated worthiness of these α-amino phosphonate derivatives being chosen for further pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and behavioral research to test their potential for AD treatment.

"Ficus johannis Boiss. leaves ethanolic extract ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats by upregulating the expressions of GCK, GLUT4, and IGF and downregulating G6P"

The leaves of Ficus johannis Boiss (F. johannis), commonly known as Fig tree, Anjir, and Teen, are used by the folk medicinal practitioners in Iran for controlling hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. This study investigated the pharmacological basis for antidiabetic effect of the ethanolic extract of F. johannis leaves using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Qualitative screening of phytochemicals, estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and in vitro antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition assays were performed. Moreover, the High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification, acute toxicity, glucose tolerance, and in vivo antidiabetic effect along with the evaluation of gene expressions involved in diabetes mellitus were carried out. Significant quantities of phenolic (71.208 ± 2.89 mgg^-1 GAE) and flavonoid (26.38 ± 3.53 mgg^-1 QE) were present. Inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of the plant extract exhibited an excellent in vitro antioxidant (IC₅₀ = 33.81 µg/mL) and α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 12.18 µg/mL) inhibitory potential. The HPLC analysis confirmed the gallic acid (257.79 mgg^-1) as main constituent of the extract followed by kaempferol (22.86 mgg^-1), myricetin (0.16 mgg^-1), and quercetin (3.22 mgg^-1). Ethanolic extract displayed glucose tolerance in normo-glycemic rats. Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia declined dose dependently in the extract treated rats with improvement in lipid profile and liver and renal function biomarkers. The F. johannis-treated groups showed an increase in mRNA expressions of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4), glucokinase, insulin growth like factor 1 and peroxisomal proliferator activating receptor gamma in pancreas. However, the Glucose-6-phosphatase was downregulated. Present study suggests that the ethanolic extract of F. johannis leaves demonstrates a good anti-diabetic profile by improving insulin sensitivity, GLUT-4 translocation, and carbohydrate metabolism while inhibiting lipogenesis.

Unraveling the molecular mechanism of l-menthol against cervical cancer based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro analysis

Cervical cancer is a major cause of gynecological related mortalities in developing countries. Cisplatin, a potent chemotherapeutic agent used for treating advanced cervical cancer exhibits side effects and resistance development. The current study was aimed to investigate the repurposing of l-menthol as a potential therapeutic drug against cervical cancer. L-menthol was predicted to be non-toxic with good pharmacokinetic properties based on SwissADME and pkCSM analysis. Subsequently, 543 and 1664 targets of l-menthol and cervical cancer were identified using STITCH, BATMAN-TCM, PharmMapper and CTD databases. STRING and Cytoscape analysis of the merged protein-protein interaction network revealed 107 core targets of l- menthol against cervical cancer. M-CODE identified highly connected clusters between the core targets which through KEGG analysis were found to be enriched in pathways related to apoptosis and adherence junctions. Molecular docking showed that l- menthol targeted E6, E6AP and E7 onco-proteins of HPV that interact and inactivate TP53 and Rb1 in cervical cancer, respectively. Molecular docking also showed good binding affinity of l-menthol toward proteins associated with apoptosis and migration. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed stability of the docked complexes. In vitro analysis confirmed that l-menthol was cytotoxic towards cervical cancer CaSki cells and altered expression of TP53, Rb1, CDKN1A, E2F1, NFKB1, Akt-1, caspase-3, CDH1 and MMP-2 genes identified through network pharmacology approach. Schematic representation of the work flow depicting the potential of l-menthol to target cervical cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory and Chondroprotective Effects Induced by Phenolic Compounds from Onion Waste Extracts in ATDC-5 Chondrogenic Cell Line

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative condition that is closely related to the destruction and inflammation of cartilage. The high prevalence of this pathology exhorts researchers to search for novel therapeutic approaches. Vegetable-fruit wastes have emerged as a promising origin of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that, in some cases, may also exert chondroprotective effects. This study aims to decipher the potential of onion waste products in the inhibition of molecular events involved in osteoarthritis. Onion extracts showed a high content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties. Cytocompatibility was demonstrated in the chondrogenic cell line ATDC-5, exerting viability percentages higher than 90% and a slight increase in the S phase cycle cell. The induction of inflammation mediated by the lipopolysaccharide and onion extracts' treatment substantially inhibited molecular markers related to inflammation and cartilage degradation, highlighting the promising application of onion extracts in biomedical approaches. The in silico analyses suggested that the results could be attributed to protocatechuic, ellagic, and vanillic acids' greater cell membrane permeability. Our work provides distinctive information about the possible application of waste onion extracts as functional components with anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective characteristics in osteoarthritis.

Kaempferol: Antimicrobial Properties, Sources, Clinical, and Traditional Applications

Flavonoids are a category of plant-derived compounds which exhibit a large number of health-related effects. One of the most well-known and studied flavonoids is kaempferol, which can be found in a wide variety of herbs and plant families. Apart from their anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects, kaempferol and its associated compounds also exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal activities. The development of drugs and treatment schemes based on these compounds is becoming increasingly important in the face of emerging resistance of numerous pathogens as well as complex molecular interactions between various drug therapies. In addition, many of the kaempferol-containing plants are used in traditional systems all over the world for centuries to treat numerous conditions. Due to its variety of sources and associated compounds, some molecular mechanisms of kaempferol antimicrobial activity are well known while others are still under analysis. This paper thoroughly documents the vegetal and food sources of kaempferol as well as the most recent and significant studies regarding its antimicrobial applications.

Kaempferol and atherosclerosis: From mechanism to medicine

Natural products possess pleiotropic cardiovascular protective effects owing to their anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-thrombotic properties. Kaempferol, (3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), is a kind of naturally occurring flavonoid existing in many common fruits and vegetables (e.g., onions, broccoli, strawberries and grapes) and particularly in traditional Chinese medicine as exemplified by Ginkgo biloba. Epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies have revealed an inverse association between the consumption of kaempferol-containing foods and medicines and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Numerous translational studies in experimental animal models and cultured cells have demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities of kaempferol. In this article, we reviewed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective activities of kaempferol and elucidated the potential molecular basis of the therapeutic capacity of kaempferol by focusing on its anti-atherosclerotic effects. Overall, the review presents the health benefits of kaempferol-containing plants and medicines and reflects on the potential of kaempferol as a possible drug candidate to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, the underlying pathology of most cardiovascular diseases.

Network Analysis Guided Designing of Multi-Targeted Anti-Fungal Agents: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation

During the ongoing pandemic, there have been increasing reports of invasive fungal disease (IFD), particularly among immunocompromised populations. Candida albicans is one of the most common clinical pathogenic microorganisms which have become a serious health threat to population either infected with Covid-19 or on treatment with immunosuppressant's/broad-range antibiotics. Currently, benzothiazole is a well explored scaffold for anti-fungal activity, especially mercapto substituted benzothiazoles. It is reported that exploring the 2nd position of benzothiazoles yield improved anti-fungal molecules. Therefore, in the current study, lead optimization approach using bioisosteric replacement protocol was followed to improve the anti-fungal activity of an already reported benzothiazole derivative, N-(1,3-benzothiazole-2-yl)-2-(pyridine-3-ylformohydrazido) acetamide. To rationally identify the putative anti-candida targets of this derivative, network analysis was carried out. Complexes of designed compounds and identified putative targets were further analyzed for the docking interactions and their consequent retention after the completion of exhaustive MD simulations. Top seven designed compounds were synthesized and evaluated for in-vitro anti-fungal property against Candida, which indicated that compounds 1.2c and 1.2f possess improved and comparable anti-fungal activity to N-(1,3-benzothiazole-2-yl)-2-(pyridine-3-ylformohydrazido) acetamide and Nystatin, respectively.

How Should the Worldwide Knowledge of Traditional Cancer Healing Be Integrated with Herbs and Mushrooms into Modern Molecular Pharmacology?

Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a "core" from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.

Ellagic acid ameliorates high fructose-induced hyperuricemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver in Wistar rats: Focusing on the role of C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 and ATP citrate lyase

AIMS

High-fructose intake (HF) represents an inducible risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Present study aimed to illustrate the effect of HF diet (HFD) on the induction of NAFLD, hyperuricemia and role of ellagic acid as modulator.

MAIN METHODS

Twenty-four adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (6/each). The first group received normal chow diet only while the others received 60 % HFD for 4 weeks and subdivided later into 3 groups. The first and second groups received allopurinol and ellagic acid, respectively while the third group received HFD only for extra 4 weeks.

KEY FINDINGS

Rats fed on HFD for 8 weeks displayed body weight gain, insulin resistance (IR), hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia with increased oxidative stress and hepatic lipogenic enzymes such as ATP citrate lyase (ACL), aldolase B, and fatty acid synthase (FAS), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SERBP-1c). C1q /tumor necrosis factor-related protein -3 (CTRP3), and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) however showed significant decreases. Ellagic acid or allopurinol administration significantly decreased serum lipids, uric acid, glucose, insulin levels and hepatic contents of enzymes. Malondialdehyde (MDA), FAS, aldolase B, SERBP-1c, and xanthine oxidase (XO) hepatic contents showed significant decreases along with glutathione (GSH) increase as compared to fructose group where ellagic acid was more remarkable compared to allopurinol.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings indicated that ellagic acid had alleviated HFD-induced hyperuricemia, its associated NAFLD pattern as mediated through activation of CTRP3 and inhibition of ACL activities in a pattern more remarkable than allopurinol.

The Therapeutic Potential of Kaemferol and Other Naturally Occurring Polyphenols Might Be Modulated by Nrf2-ARE Signaling Pathway: Current Status and Future Direction

Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid, which has been widely investigated in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic complications, and neurological disorders. Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a transcription factor involved in mediating carcinogenesis and other ailments, playing an important role in regulating oxidative stress. The activation of Nrf2 results in the expression of proteins and cytoprotective enzymes, which provide cellular protection against reactive oxygen species. Phytochemicals, either alone or in combination, have been used to modulate Nrf2 in cancer and other ailments. Among them, kaempferol has been recently explored for its anti-cancer and other anti-disease therapeutic efficacy, targeting Nrf2 modulation. In combating cancer, diabetic complications, metabolic disorders, and neurological disorders, kaempferol has been shown to regulate Nrf2 and reduce redox homeostasis. In this context, this review article highlights the current status of the therapeutic potential of kaempferol by targeting Nrf2 modulation in cancer, diabetic complications, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disorders. In addition, we provide future perspectives on kaempferol targeting Nrf2 modulation as a potential therapeutic approach.

Synthesis of Cinnamum zeylanicum and Acacia nilotica Extracts and Their Antibacterial Activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes

Different plants are used medically and thofese therapeutic plants have great importance for healing contagious wounds. This herbal treatment is actually also a substitute of different antibiotics and having less side effects on intestinal systems of animals. The foremost concern of this study was to observe the antibacterial activity of Cinnamum zeylanicum and Acacia nilotica. Pathogenic bacteria obtained from wound samples and later identified by biochemical and molecular characterization. Methanol (an organic solvent) was used to extract Cinnamum zeylanicum and Acacia nilotica to check their antimicrobial exertion by using agar diffusion method. Different antibiotics such as, ampicillin, oflaxocin, ticarcillin and cefexime, showed their susceptibility toward antibiotics. The zone of inhibitions for antibiotic and plant extracts' antibacterial activity were measured. Pathogenic bacteria were identified as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenesby molecular characterization. These bacteria showed susceptibility to antibiotics and also the plant extracts. Antibiotic oflaxocin showed maximum activity against these two pathogens (12.25 ± 0.44 and 12.375 ± 0.47) while antibiotic cefixime showed minimum effect (1.25 ± 0.28 and 0.625 ± 0.25). Plant extracts showed significant antibacterial activity with maximum activity (14 ± 0.9 by Acacia nilotica and 12 ± 0.5 by Cinnamum zeylanicum) in 100% solution. It can be concluded thatmethanolic extract of traditional therapeutic plants proved to be a promising source of antimicrobial agents against antibiotic resistant bacteria. Cinnamum zeylanicum and Acacia nilotica were observed to be competent as antibacterial tool against pathogenic bacterial strains.

Inner Shell of the Chestnut (Castanea crenatta) Suppresses Inflammatory Responses in Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma Mouse Model

The inner shell of the chestnut (Castanea crenata) contains various polyphenols, which exert beneficial biological effects. Hence, we assessed the anti-inflammatory efficacy of a chestnut inner shell extract (CIE) in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. We intraperitoneally injected 20 μg of OVA with 2 mg of aluminum hydroxide on days 0 and 14. On test days 21, 22, and 23, the mice were treated with aerosolized 1% (w/v) OVA in saline. CIE was administered orally at 100 and 300 mg/kg on days 18-23. CIE significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines and cells and immunoglobulin-E increased by OVA. Anti-inflammatory efficacy was revealed by reduction of inflammatory cell migration and mucus secretion in lung tissue. Further, CIE suppressed the OVA-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation. Accordingly, the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were decreased sequentially in lung tissues. CIE alleviated OVA-induced airway inflammation by restraining phosphorylation of NF-κB and the sequentially reduced expression of iNOS, COX-2, leading to reduced MMP-9 expression. These results indicate that CIE has potential as a candidate for alleviating asthma.

Kaempferol: A flavonoid with wider biological activities and its applications

Kaempferol and its derivatives are naturally occurring phytochemicals with promising bioactivities. This flavonol can reduce the lipid oxidation in the human body, prevent the organs and cell structure from deterioration and protect their functional integrity. This review has extensively highlighted the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activity of kaempferol. However, poor water solubility and low bioavailability of kaempferol greatly limit its applications. The utilization of advanced delivery systems can improve its stability, efficacy, and bioavailability. This is the first review that aimed to comprehensively collate some of the vital information published on biosynthesis, mechanism of action, bioactivities, bioavailability, and toxicological potential of kaempferol. Besides, it provides insights into the future direction on the improvement of bioavailability of kaempferol for wide applications.

Sea Cucumber Compounds Targeting NF-κB in Cancer Treatment

Cancer is a major health problem worldwide and the leading cause of death in many countries. It remains challenging to find anticancer treatments that work efficiently for varying types of cancer cells. Several studies revealed that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a family of dimeric transcription factors that induce tumor promotion, progression, and therapeutic resistance, providing evidence that NF-kB may be a promising target for cancer drugs. Some research has found that sea cucumber biocompounds have anticancer properties, but further research is essential to confirm anticancer targets. This manuscript discusses the mechanisms of anticancer targeting the NF-κB signaling pathway induced by sea cucumber-derived compounds. Additional database analysis showed the protein targeted by the compounds involved in several pathways related to the NF-κB network. Moreover, SwissADME predicted druglikeliness properties of the active compounds of sea cucumber. The discussion is expected to provide new insight into the promising potential of these marine natural products for the treatment of many different types of cancers.

In-silico drug-likeness analysis, ADME properties, and molecular docking studies of cyanidin-3-arabinoside, pelargonidin-3-glucoside, and peonidin-3-arabinoside as natural anticancer compounds against acting receptor-like kinase 5 receptor

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was in-silico drug-likeness analysis, absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties, and molecular docking studies of anthocyanins as natural anticancer compounds against acting receptor-like kinase 5 (ALK5) receptor. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays an essential role in various cellular processes. Increased expression of TGF-β and its receptor TGFβR-I (i.e. ALK5) have been associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients.

METHODS

The drug-likeness activity of anthocyanins was performed using SwissADME tool. Molecular docking studies were carried out by using the Autodock Vina 1.5.6 tool.

RESULTS

The results revealed that cyanidin-3-arabinoside (C3A), pelargonidin-3-glucoside (P3G), and peonidin-3-arabinoside (P3A) were able to use both Lipinski's rule of five and Ghose variations. The binding energies of C3A, P3G, and P3A against ALK5 were found as -8.0, -8.3, and -8.4 kcal mol-1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These selected anthocyanins have shown higher binding energies than known inhibitors to the ALK5 receptor. Further in-vitro and in-vivo studies were strongly recommended to clarify the whole mechanism.

Reckoning apigenin and kaempferol as a potential multi-targeted inhibitor of EGFR/HER2-MEK pathway of metastatic colorectal cancer identified using rigorous computational workflow

In the past two decades, the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has been revolutionized as multiple cytotoxic, biological, and targeted drugs are being approved. Unfortunately, tumors treated with single targeted agents or therapeutics usually develop resistance. According to pathway-oriented screens, mCRC cells evade EGFR inhibition by HER2 amplification and/or activating Kras-MEK downstream signaling. Therefore, treating mCRC patients with dual EGFR/HER2 inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, or the combination of the two drugs envisaged to prevent the resistance development which eventually improves the overall survival rate. In the present study, we aimed to screen potential phytochemical lead compounds that could multi-target EGFR, HER2, and MEK1 (Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase) using a computer-aided drug design approach that includes molecular docking, endpoint binding free energy calculation using MM-GBSA, ADMET, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Docking studies revealed that, unlike all other ligands, apigenin and kaempferol exhibit the highest docking score against all three targets. Details of ADMET analysis, MM/GBSA, and MD simulations helped us to conclusively determine apigenin and kaempferol as potentially an inhibitor of EGFR, HER2, and MEK1 apigenin and kaempferol against mCRC at a systemic level. Additionally, both apigenin and kaempferol elicited antiangiogenic properties in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings provide the rationale for drug development aimed at preventing CRC rather than intercepting resistance.

Pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness of antidiabetic flavonoids: Molecular docking and DFT study

Computer aided toxicity and pharmacokinetic prediction studies attracted the attention of pharmaceutical industries as an alternative means to predict potential drug candidates. In the present study, in-silico pharmacokinetic properties (ADME), drug-likeness, toxicity profiles of sixteen antidiabetic flavonoids that have ideal bidentate chelating sites for metal ion coordination were examined using SwissADME, Pro Tox II, vNN and ADMETlab web tools. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also employed to calculate quantum chemical descriptors of the compounds. Molecular docking studies against human alpha amylase were also conducted. The results were compared with the control drugs, metformin and acarbose. The drug-likeness prediction results showed that all flavonoids, except myricetin, were found to obey Lipinski's rule of five for their drug like molecular nature. Pharmacokinetically, chrysin, wogonin, genistein, baicalein, and apigenin showed best absorption profile with human intestinal absorption (HIA) value of ≥ 30%, compared to the other flavonoids. Baicalein, butein, ellagic acid, eriodyctiol, Fisetin and quercetin were predicted to show carcinogenicity. The flavonoid derivatives considered in this study are predicted to be suitable molecules for CYP3A probes, except eriodyctiol which interacts with P-glycoprotein (p-gp). The toxicological endpoints prediction analysis showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) values range from 159-3919 mg/Kg, of which baicalein and quercetin are found to be mutagenic whereas butein is found to be the only immunotoxin. Molecular docking studies showed that the significant interaction (-7.5 to -8.3 kcal/mol) of the studied molecules in the binding pocket of the α-amylase protein relative to the control metformin with the crucial amino acids Asp 197, Glu 233, Asp 197, Glu 233, Trp 59, Tyr 62, His 101, Leu 162, Arg 195, His 299 and Leu 165. Chrysin was predicted to be a ligand with high absorption and lipophilicity with 84.6% absorption compared to metformin (78.3%). Moreover, quantum chemical, ADMET, drug-likeness and molecular docking profiles predicted that chrysin is a good bidentate ligand.

HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Inhibition by Major Compounds in a Kenyan Multi-Herbal Composition (CareVid™): In Vitro and In Silico Contrast

CareVid is a multi-herbal product used in southwest Kenya as an immune booster and health tonic and has been anecdotally described as improving the condition of HIV-positive patients. The product is made up of roots, barks and whole plant of 14 African medicinal plants: Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile (currently, Vachelia nilotica (L.) P.J.H Hurter & Mabb.), Adenia gummifera (Harv.) Harms, Anthocleista grandiflora Gilg, Asparagus africanus Lam., Bersama abyssinica Fresen., Clematis hirsuta Guill. & Perr., Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile, Clutia robusta Pax (accepted as Clutia kilimandscharica Engl.), Dovyalis abyssinica (A. Rich.) Warb, Ekebergia capensis Sparm., Periploca linearifolia Quart.-Dill. & A. Rich., Plantago palmata Hook.f., Prunus africana Hook.f. Kalkman and Rhamnus prinoides L’Her. The objective of this study was to determine the major chemical constituents of CareVid solvent extracts and screen them for in vitro and in silico activity against the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme. To achieve this, CareVid was separately extracted using CH₂Cl₂, MeOH, 80% EtOH in H₂O, cold H₂O, hot H₂O and acidified H₂O (pH 1.5–3.5). The extracts were analysed using HPLC–MS equipped with UV diode array detection. HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibition was performed in vitro and compared to in silico HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibition, with the latter carried out using MOE software, placing the docking on the hydrophobic pocket in the subdomain of p66, the NNRTI pocket. The MeOH and 80% EtOH extracts showed strong in vitro HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibition, with an EC₅₀ of 7 μg·mL⁻¹. The major components were identified as sucrose, citric acid, ellagic acid, catechin 3-hexoside, epicatechin 3-hexoside, procyanidin B, hesperetin O-rutinoside, pellitorine, mangiferin, isomangiferin, 4-O-coumaroulquinic acid, ellagic acid, ellagic acid O-pentoside, crotepoxide, oleuropein, magnoflorine, tremulacin and an isomer of dammarane tetrol. Ellagic acid and procyanidin B inhibited the HIV-1 reverse transcription process at 15 and 3.2 µg/mL⁻¹, respectively. Docking studies did not agree with in vitro results because the best scoring ligand was crotepoxide (ΔG = −8.55 kcal/mol), followed by magnoflorine (ΔG = −8.39 kcal/mol). This study showed that CareVid has contrasting in vitro and in silico activity against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. However, the strongest in vitro inhibitors were ellagic acid and procyanidin B.

In-vitro Cytotoxicity and In-silico Insights of the Multi-target Anticancer Candidates from Haplophyllum tuberculatum

This study aimed to investigate the anticancer activity of Haplophyllum tuberculatum(Forsk.) aerial parts ethanol extract and fractions and reveal the potential anticancer targets, binding modes, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity properties of its phytoconstituents. MTT assay was used to investigate the anticancer activity. TargetNet, ChemProt version 2.0, and CLC-Pred web servers were used for virtual screening, and Cresset Flare software was used for molecular docking with the 26 predicted targets. Moreover, pkCSM, swiss ADME, and eMolTox web servers were used to predict pharmacokinetics and safety. Ethanolic extracts of H. tuberculatum on HepG2 and HeLa cell lines showed promising activities with IC50 values 54.12 and 48.1 µg/mL, respectively. Further, ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest cytotoxicity on HepG2 and HeLa cell lines with IC50 values 41.7 and 52.31 µg/mL. Of 70 compounds screened virtually, polygamain, justicidin A, justicidin B, haplotubine, kusunokinin, and flindersine were predicted as safe anticancer drugs candidates. They showed the highest binding scores with targets involved in cell growth, proliferation, survival, migration, tumor suppression, induction of apoptosis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Our findings revealed the potency of H. tuberculatum as a source of anticancer candidates that further studies should support.

In silico analysis and identification of antiviral coumarin derivatives against 3-chymotrypsin-like main protease of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that generated serious damages for both the human population and the global economy. Therefore, it is currently considered as one of the most important global health problems of human societies and there is an urgent need for potent drugs or vaccines which can effectively combat this virus. The chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a key role in the viral replication inside the host and thus is a promising drug target to design and develop effective antiviral drugs against SARS and other coronaviruses. This study evaluated some antiviral coumarin phytochemicals as potential inhibitors of coronaviruses 3CLpro by in silico approaches such as molecular docking, ADMET prediction, molecular dynamics simulation, and MM-PBSA binding energy calculation. Natural coumarin derivatives were docked to the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV-2 and for further investigation, docked to the 3CLpro of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The docking scores of these natural compounds were compared with 3CLpro referenced inhibitors (ritonavir and lopinavir) and co-crystal inhibitor N3. Molecular docking studies suggested more than half of the coumarin phytochemicals had favorable interaction at the binding pocket of the coronaviruses 3CLpro and exhibited better binding affinities toward 3CLpro than ritonavir and lopinavir. Most antiviral phytochemicals interact strongly with one or both the catalytic dyad residues (His41 and Cys145) and the other key residues of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. Further, MD simulation and binding free energy calculations using MM-PBSA were carried out for three 3CLpro-coumarin complexes and 3CLpro-N3/lopinavir. The results confirmed that the 3CLpro-glycycoumarin, 3CLpro-oxypeucedanin hydrate, and 3CLpro-inophyllum P complexes were highly stable, experience fewer conformation fluctuations and share a similar degree of compactness. Also, the pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness studies showed good results for the selected coumarin phytochemicals.Therefore, the coumarin phytochemicals could be used as antiviral agents in the treatment of COVID-19 after further studies.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11030-021-10230-6.

Anticancer drug discovery from Iranian Chrysanthemum cultivars through system pharmacology exploration and experimental validation

Breast cancer is the most common carcinoma in women, and natural products would be effective preventing some side effects of cancer treatment. In the present study, cytotoxic activities of different Iranian Chrysanthemum morifolium cultivars were evaluated in human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) and human lymphocytes. A systems pharmacology approach was employed between major compounds of these cultivars (chlorogenic acid, luteolin, quercetin, rutin, ferulic acid, and apigenin) and known breast cancer drugs (tucatinib, methotrexate, tamoxifen, and mitomycin) with 22 breast cancer-related targets to analyze the mechanism through which Chrysanthemum cultivars act on breast cancer. Target validation was performed by the molecular docking method. The results indicated that Chrysanthemum extracts inhibited the proliferation of MCF7 cells in a dose- and cultivar-dependent manner. In all studied cultivars, the most effective extract concentration with the lowest viability of MCF-7 cells, was as much as 312 µg ml^-1. Also, higher concentrations of the extracts (> 1000 µg ml^-1) reduced the lymphocyte cell viability, demonstrating that these doses were toxic. The gene ontology analysis revealed the therapeutic effects of Chrysanthemum's active compounds on breast cancer by regulating the biological processes of their protein targets. Moreover, it has been documented that rutin, owing to its anticancer effects and several other health benefits, is a promising multi-targeted herbal ingredient. Finally, the present study compared different Iranian Chrysanthemum cultivars to provide new insights into useful pharmaceutical applications.

In vitro activities of Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile bark fractions against Oral Bacteria, Glucosyltransferase and as antioxidant

BACKGROUND

Dental caries and periodontal disease are the most common chronic infectious oral diseases in the world. Acacia nilotica was commonly known in Sudan as Garad or Sunt has a wide range of medicinal uses. In the present study, antibacterial activity of oral bacteria (Streptococcus sobrinus and Porphyromonas gingivalis), inhibitory activity against glucosyltransferase (GTF) enzyme and antioxidant activity were assayed for methanolic crude extract of A. nilotica bark and its fractions.

METHODS

Methanoilc crude extract of A. nilotica bark was applied to a Sephadex LH-20 column and eluted with methanol, aqueous methanol, and finally aqueous acetone to obtain four fractions (Fr1- Fr4). Furthermore, the crude extract and fractions were subjected to analytical high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The crude extract and its fractions were assayed for antibacterial activity against S. sobrinus and P. gingivalis using a microplate dilution assay method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), as well as GTF inhibition and antioxidant activity using ABTS radical scavenging method.

RESULTS

Fractions (Fr1 and Fr2) exhibited MIC values of 0.3 mg/ml against the P. gingivalis. Additionally, Fr2 displayed MBC value of 1 mg/ml against two types of bacteria. Fr4 showed an especially potent GTF inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 3.9 μg/ml. Fr1 displayed the best antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 1.8 μg/ml. The main compound in Fr1 was identified as gallic acid, and Fr2 was mostly a mixture of gallic acid and methyl gallate.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in this study provide some scientific rationale and justify the use of this plant for the treatment of dental diseases in traditional medicine. A. nilotica bark, besides their antibacterial potentiality and GTF inhibitory activity, it may be used as adjuvant antioxidants in mouthwashes. Further studies in the future are required to identify the rest of the active compounds.