Pistacia integerrima gall extract mediated green synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their biological activities

6-Methoxyflavone antagonizes chronic constriction injury and diabetes associated neuropathic nociception expression

Neuropathy is a disturbance of function or a pathological change in nerves causing poor health and quality of life. A proportion of chronic pain patients in the community suffer persistent neuropathic pain symptoms because current drug therapies may be suboptimal so there is a need for new therapeutic modalities. This study investigated the neuroprotective flavonoid, 6-methoxyflavone (6MF), as a potential therapeutic agent and gabapentin as the standard comparator, against neuropathic models. Thus, neuropathic-like states were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) mononeuropathy and systemic administration of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce polyneuropathy. Subsequent behaviors reflecting allodynia, hyperalgesia, and vulvodynia were assessed and any possible motoric side-effects were evaluated including locomotor activity, as well as rotarod discoordination and gait disruption. 6MF (25-75 mg/kg) antagonized neuropathic-like nociceptive behaviors including static- (pressure) and dynamic- (light brushing) hindpaw allodynia plus heat/cold and pressure hyperalgesia in the CCI and STZ models. 6MF also reduced static and dynamic components of vulvodynia in the STZ induced polyneuropathy model. Additionally, 6MF reversed CCI and STZ suppression of locomotor activity and rotarod discoordination, suggesting a beneficial activity on motor side effects, in contrast to gabapentin. Hence, 6MF possesses anti-neuropathic-like activity not only against different nociceptive modalities but also impairment of motoric side effects.

Nanobiotechnological approaches in antinociceptive therapy: Animal-based evidence for analgesic nanotherapeutics of bioengineered silver and gold nanomaterials

Pain management is a major challenge in healthcare systems worldwide. Owing to undesirable side effects of current analgesic medications, there is an exceeding need to develop the effective alternative therapeutics. Nowadays, the application of nanomaterials is being highly considered, as their exceptional properties arising from the nanoscale dimensions are undeniable. With the increasing use of metal NPs, more biocompatible and costly methods of synthesis have been developed in which different biological rescores including microorganisms, plants and algae are employed. Nanobiotechnology-based synthesis of nanosized particles is an ecological approach offering safe production of nanoparticles (NPs) by biological resources eliminating the toxicity attributed to the conventional routes. This review provides an assessment of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as antinociceptive agents in recent studies. Living animal models (mice and rats) have been used for analyzing the effect of biogenic NPs on decreasing the nociceptive pain utilizing different methods such as acetic acid-induced writhing test, hot plate test, and formalin test. Potent analgesic activity exhibited by green fabricated AgNPs and AuNPs represents the bright future of nanotechnology in the management of pain and other social and medicinal issues followed by this unpleasant sensation. Moreover, there NPs showed a protective effects on liver, kidney, and body weight in animal models that make them attractive for clinical studies. However, further research is required to fully address the harmless antinociceptive effect of NPs for clinical usage.

Medicinal Plants as Therapeutic Alternatives to Combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Review

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and a significant health concern worldwide. The main threat to the elimination of TB is the development of resistance by MTB to the currently used antibiotics and more extended treatment methods, which is a massive burden on the health care system. As a result, there is an urgent need to identify new, effective therapeutic strategies with fewer adverse effects. The traditional medicines found in South Asia and Africa have a reservoir of medicinal plants and plant-based compounds that are considered another reliable option for human beings to treat various diseases. Abundant research is available for the biotherapeutic potential of naturally occurring compounds in various diseases but has been lagging in the area of TB. Plant-based compounds, or phytoproducts, are being investigated as potential anti-mycobacterial agents by reducing bacterial burden or modulating the immune system, thereby minimizing adverse effects. The efficacy of these phytochemicals has been evaluated through drug delivery using nanoformulations. This review aims to emphasize the value of anti-TB compounds derived from plants and provide a summary of current research on phytochemicals with potential anti-mycobacterial activity against MTB. This article aims to inform readers about the numerous potential herbal treatment options available for combatting TB.

Nanogold morphologies with the same surface chemistry provoke a different innate immune response: An in-vitro and in-vivo study

Gold nanomaterials (GNMs) have unique optical properties with less antigenicity, and their physicochemical properties have strong relation with an immunological response at bio-interface including antigenicity. An interpretation of this correlation would significantly impact on the clinical and theranostic applications of GNMs. Herein, we studied the effect of GNMs morphology on the cytotoxicity (in-vitro), innate immune responses, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity (in-vivo studies) using gold nano-cups (GNCs), porous gold nanospheres (PGNSs) and solid gold nano particles (SGNPs) coated with the same ligand to ensure similar surface chemistry. The cytotoxicity was assessed via sulfo-rhodamine B (SRB) assay, and the cytotoxicity data showed that morphological features at nanoscale dimensions like surface roughness and hollowness etc. have a significant impact on cellular viability. The biochemical and histopathological study of liver and kidney tissues also showed that all GNMs did not show any toxicity even at high concentration (100 μL). The relative quantification of cytokine gene expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, 1L-6, and 1L-17 (against each morphology) was checked after in-vivo activation in mice. Among the different nanogold morphologies, PVP stabilized GNCs (PVP-GNCs) showed the highest release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which might be due to their high surface energy and large surface area for exposure as compared to other nanogold morphologies studied. The pro-inflammatory cytokine release could be suppressed by coating with some anti-inflammatory polymer, i.e., inulin. The in-vitro results of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1) cytokines also suggested that all GNMs may induce activation of macrophages and Th1 immune response. The in-vivo activation results showed a decrease in mRNA expression of the cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, 1L-6 and 1L-17). Based on these findings, we proposed that the shape and morphology of GNMs control their immune response at nano-bio interface, and it must be considered while designing their role for different biomedical applications like immuno-stimulation and bio-imaging.

Al-Awthan Y, Muhammad N, Mukarram Shah M, Mitra S, Bin Emran T, Bahattab O, S. Mubarak M. Pharmacological Investigation of Genus Pistacia

Several plants in the genus Pistacia are used in the treatment of various pathogenic and non-pathogenic disorders. Especially important are the major species belonging to this genus such as Pistacia lentiscus, Pistacia atlantica, Pistacia vera, Pistacia terebinthus, and Pistacia khinjuk, among others; these have been reported for their potential benefits both in medical and commercial purposes. In addition, members of this genus exhibit numerous ethnomedicinal uses, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertension, antihyperlipidemic, antiviral, and antiasthma. In light of these potential uses, the present chapter aimed to collect and summarize the literature about all of this medicinal information. Accordingly, this chapter focuses on the pharmacological uses and benefits of the genus Pistacia, especially those related to health issues.

Gold Nanoparticles Green-Synthesized by the Suaeda japonica Leaf Extract and Screening of Anti-Inflammatory Activities on RAW 267.4 Macrophages

Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles from medicinal plants has become a modern strategy in biomedical research based on their exclusive properties, including specific targeting, lower toxicity, and biocompatibility. In this study, gold nanoparticles, reduced by the Suaeda japonica leaf extract, were promptly validated by UV–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy at 548 nm. No additional reducing agents were needed in this kind of a reduction reaction, which provided evidence of green synthesis. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were used to illustrate the nanoscale characterization of S. japonica gold nanoparticles (Sj-AuNps). Furthermore, the cytotoxicity effect of Sj-AuNps against the RAW 264.7 cell line was determined by performing an MTT assay. We also investigated Sj-AuNps’ anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-induced murine macrophages. These nanoparticles reduced the generation of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and repressed the expression of the LPS-stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) genes. This study presents a significant biomedical application of S. japonica AuNps. The anti-inflammatory capabilities of Sj-AuNps underline their potential as possible options for suppressing inflammation-mediated diseases.

Plant-Based Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Theranostic Applications: A Review

Bionanotechnology is a branch of science that has revolutionized modern science and technology. Nanomaterials, especially noble metals, have attracted researchers due to their size and application in different branches of sciences that benefit humanity. Metal nanoparticles can be synthesized using green methods, which are good for the environment, economically viable, and facilitate synthesis. Due to their size and form, gold nanoparticles have become significant. Plant materials are of particular interest in the synthesis and manufacture of theranostic gold nanoparticles (NPs), which have been generated using various materials. On the other hand, chemically produced nanoparticles have several drawbacks in terms of cost, toxicity, and effectiveness. A plant-mediated integration of metallic nanoparticles has been developed in the field of nanotechnology to overcome the drawbacks of traditional synthesis, such as physical and synthetic strategies. Nanomaterials′ tunable features make them sophisticated tools in the biomedical platform, especially for developing new diagnostics and therapeutics for malignancy, neurodegenerative, and other chronic disorders. Therefore, this review outlines the theranostic approach, the different plant materials utilized in theranostic applications, and future directions based on current breakthroughs in these fields.

Green synthesis and biomedicinal applications of silver and gold nanoparticles functionalized with methanolic extract of Mentha longifolia

This study deals with facile and rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Mentha longifolia leaves extracts (MLE). The synthesized AgNPs and AuNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transformed infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites, which are involved in the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) observed at 435 and 550 nm, confirmed the green synthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively. The TEM images showed poly dispersed and round oval shapes of Ag and Au NPs with an average particles size of 10.23 ± 2 nm and 13.45 ± 2 nm, respectively. TEM results are in close agreements with that of AFM analysis. The FT-IR spectroscopy revealed the presence of OH, -NH2 and C = O groups, which involved in the synthesis of NPs. The MLE and their AgNPs and AuNP exhibited good in vitro antibacterial and anti-oxidant activities. Moreover, MLE and NPs also showed in vivo analgesic activities in mice, and excellent sedative properties in open field test paradigm.

Green Synthesis of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: Principles of Green Chemistry and Raw Materials

Increased request for metal and metal oxide nanoparticles nanoparticles has led to their large-scale production using high-energy methods with various toxic solvents. This cause environmental contamination, thus eco-friendly “green” synthesis methods has become necessary. An alternative way to synthesize metal nanoparticles includes using bioresources, such as plants and plant products, bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae, etc. “Green” synthesis has low toxicity, is safe for human health and environment compared to other methods, meaning it is the best approach for obtaining metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. This review reveals 12 principles of “green” chemistry and examples of biological components suitable for “green” synthesis, as well as modern scientific research of eco-friendly synthesis methods of magnetic and metal nanoparticles. Particularly, using extracts of green tea, fruits, roots, leaves, etc., to obtain Fe3O4 NPs. The various precursors as egg white (albumen), leaf and fruit extracts, etc., can be used for the „green” synthesis of spinel magnetic NPs. “Green” nanoparticles are being widely used as antimicrobials, photocatalysts and adsorbents. “Green” magnetic nanoparticles demonstrate low toxicity and high biocompatibility, which allows for their biomedical application, especially for targeted drug delivery, contrast imaging and magnetic hyperthermia applications. The synthesis of silver, gold, platinum and palladium nanoparticles using extracts from fungi, red algae, fruits, etc., has been described.

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts as Beneficial Prospect for Cancer Theranostics

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely explored and are well-known for their medical applications. Chemical and physical synthesis methods are a way to make AuNPs. In any case, the hunt for other more ecologically friendly and cost-effective large-scale technologies, such as environmentally friendly biological processes known as green synthesis, has been gaining interest by worldwide researchers. The international focus on green nanotechnology research has resulted in various nanomaterials being used in environmentally and physiologically acceptable applications. Several advantages over conventional physical and chemical synthesis (simple, one-step approach to synthesize, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and biocompatibility) have drawn scientists’ attention to exploring the green synthesis of AuNPs by exploiting plants’ secondary metabolites. Biogenic approaches, mainly the plant-based synthesis of metal nanoparticles, have been chosen as the ideal strategy due to their environmental and in vivo safety, as well as their ease of synthesis. In this review, we reviewed the use of green synthesized AuNPs in the treatment of cancer by utilizing phytochemicals found in plant extracts. This article reviews plant-based methods for producing AuNPs, characterization methods of synthesized AuNPs, and discusses their physiochemical properties. This study also discusses recent breakthroughs and achievements in using green synthesized AuNPs in cancer treatment and different mechanisms of action, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation, leading to apoptosis, etc., for their anticancer and cytotoxic effects. Understanding the mechanisms underlying AuNPs therapeutic efficacy will aid in developing personalized medicines and treatments for cancer as a potential cancer therapeutic strategy.

Nanomaterials as a Successor of Antibiotics in Antibiotic-Resistant, Biofilm Infected Wounds?

Chronic wounds are a growing problem for both society and patients. They generate huge costs for treatment and reduce the quality of life of patients. The greatest challenge when treating a chronic wound is prolonged infection, which is commonly caused by biofilm. Biofilm makes bacteria resistant to individuals’ immune systems and conventional treatment. As a result, new treatment options, including nanomaterials, are being tested and implemented. Nanomaterials are particles with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nM. Lipids, liposomes, cellulose, silica and metal can be carriers of nanomaterials. This review’s aim is to describe in detail the mode of action of those molecules that have been proven to have antimicrobial effects on biofilm and therefore help to eradicate bacteria from chronic wounds. Nanoparticles seem to be a promising treatment option for infection management, which is essential for the final stage of wound healing, which is complete wound closure.

Synthesis and biological activities of alcohol extract of black cumin seeds (Bunium persicum)-based gold nanoparticles and their catalytic applications

Fast, simple, and environmentally friendly gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) capped and stabilized with black cumin (Bunium persicum) seed alcohol extract are reported. The aqueous gold ions (Au3+) were treated with B. persicum (BP) seed extract, which resulted in a rapid color change to red, indicating the synthesis of Au-NPs. UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to further characterize the Au-NPs. Its stability was assessed against various pH levels and sodium chloride levels (NaCl), different salts of same concentration as well as at a range of temperature (30–100°C). The UV-Vis spectrum in the Au-NPs produced a 540 nm plasmon surface resonance, and a 25–50 nm range of particulates was shown in the SEM analysis. In addition, the FTIR spectra confirmed the inclusion in the capping and decrease of Au-NPs of amines, amide groups, and alcohols. The EDX analysis confirmed the presence of element Au. Furthermore, Au-NPs were tested for enzyme inhibition and antibacterial and antifungal activities and showed remarkable response. These findings have concluded that BP seed extract is an effective bio-reductant of gold nanoparticle synthesis, which can be further applied in different biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.

Synthesis, Characterization and Bioactivity Profiling of Gold Nanoparticles of Trachyspermum ammi Crude Extract

Trachyspermum ammi seeds were selected for photochemical study. The crude T. ammi methanol and aqueous extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, coumarins, betacyanins, flavonoids and soluble starch. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using T. ammi extract was characterized using UV-visible, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The appearance of sharp peak at 520 nm in the UV visible spectra, and the appearance of broad band nanoparticles spectra at 563.21 cm-1, 516.92 cm-1 and 462.92 cm-1 as well as the disappearance of the carboxyl OH bond and carbon-carbon triple bond supported the formation of AuNPs. The crude T. ammi methanol and AuNPs were investigated for antioxidant potential using DPPH· free radical assay, which shows that crude extract has significant antioxidant effect. The synthesized AuNPs was also evaluated for antibacterial activities against staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis. The crude extract showed activity against Bacillus subtilis, while AuNPs showed activity against staphylococcus aureus. The in vivo sedative effect and analgesic effect were enhanced in AuNPs treated animals in 5 times less dose (i.e., 5, and 10 mg/kg) than that of crude extract. It was concluded that T. ammi extract include capping and reducing agents, which make it capable to be developed as stable AuNPs. The biological action of AuNPs is either enhanced (sedative and analgesic) or changed (antibacterial activity), when compared with that of plant extract.

The antioxidant N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (tiopronin) attenuates expression of neuropathic allodynia and hyperalgesia

The current pharmacotherapy of neuropathic pain is inadequate as neuropathic pain involves varied clinical manifestations with multifactorial etiology, modulated by a cascade of physical and molecular events leading to different clinical presentations of pain. There is an accumulating evidence of the involvement of oxidative stress in neuropathy, and antioxidants have shown promise in mitigating neuropathic pain syndromes. To explore the evidence supporting this beneficial proclivity of antioxidants, this study investigated the antinociceptive effectiveness of N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine or tiopronin, a well-recognized aminothiol antioxidant, in a refined chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model of neuropathic pain. Tiopronin (10, 30, and 90 mg/kg, i.p.) and pregabalin (30 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered daily after CCI surgery. The neuropathic paradigms of mechanical/cold allodynia and mechanical/heat hyperalgesia were assessed on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 post-nerve ligation. At the end of study, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels were estimated in the sciatic nerve, dorsal root ganglion, and spinal cord for assessing the extent of oxidative stress. The expression of neuropathic nociception was attenuated by tiopronin which was observed as a significant attenuation of CCI-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia. Tiopronin reversed the neuronal oxidative stress by significantly reducing MDA, and increasing SOD, CAT, and GSH levels. Pregabalin also showed similar beneficial propensity on CCI-induced neuropathic aberrations. These findings suggest prospective neuropathic pain attenuating efficacy of tiopronin and further corroborated the notion that antioxidants are effective in mitigating the development and expression of neuropathic pain and underlying neuronal oxidative stress.

Green Synthesis and Antimicrobial Potential of Silver/Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Debregeasia salicifolia D. Don

The aim of the current study was to detect various secondary metabolites in the extract of Debregeasia salicifolia, and to synthesize stable silver/gold nanoparticles (Ag/AuNPs) from D. salicifolia methanol crude extract. The antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of the methanol crude extract, various isolated fractions, and the synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated. Phytochemical analyses of the methanol extract/fractions indicated the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, coumarins, emodins, and soluble starch. Gold and silver nanoparticles have been subsequently synthesized from the methanol crude extract by green synthesis, and characterized by UV and IR spectroscopic techniques. Size of the particles was determined with the aid of an atomic force microscope (AFM). The results revealed that the size of AuNPs was 5-100 nm, and that of AgNPs was in the range 5-100 nm. Bioactivity screening revealed that chloroform and n-hexane fractions exhibited significant 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) radical scavenging potential against quercetin. Additionally, the extract/fractions and AuNPs were also subjected to antimicrobial activity screening against a number of strains of microbes. Among extracts, n-hexane fraction showed good antifungal activity as compared to other fractions, whereas in the case of anti-bacterial activity, extract and fractions were active against Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strain. AuNPs were exhibited moderate activity against all tested bacterial strains.

A Review on the Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles as a Drug Delivery Vehicle

Metal nanoparticles are being extensively used in biomedical fields due to their small size-to-volume ratio and extensive thermal stability. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are an obvious choice for biomedical applications due to their amenability of synthesis, stabilization, and functionalization, low toxicity, and ease of detection. In the past few decades, various chemical methods have been used for the synthesis of AuNPs, but recently, newer environment friendly green approaches for the synthesis of AuNPs have gained attention. AuNPs can be conjugated with a number of functionalizing moieties including ligands, therapeutic agents, DNA, amino acids, proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides. Recently, studies have shown that gold nanoparticles not only infiltrate the blood vessels to reach the site of tumor but also enter inside the organelles, suggesting that they can be employed as effective drug carriers. Moreover, after reaching their target site, gold nanoparticles can release their payload upon an external or internal stimulus. This review focuses on recent advances in various methods of synthesis of AuNPs. In addition, strategies of functionalization and mechanisms of application of AuNPs in drug and bio-macromolecule delivery and release of payloads at target site are comprehensively discussed.

Antinociceptive Effect of the Citrus Flavonoid Eriocitrinon Postoperative Pain Conditions

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain remains a major clinical problem as there are limited analgesic strategies that have been proven to be effective in preventing and relieving this type of pain. Natural products, including flavonoids, have distinct pharmacological properties and play an important role in the discovery of analgesic drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the flavonoid eriocitrin (eriodictyol 7-O-rutinoside), which is the main flavonoid in lemon fruit (Citrus limon), was mechanistically investigated for its prospective antinociceptive effect in a mouse model of postoperative pain. The antinociceptive property was evaluated by utilizing both tonic (acetic acid-induced writhing behavior) and phasic (hot-plate) nociception modalities. The hindpaw incisional surgery was performed and hyperalgesia was assessed using von Frey filaments.

RESULTS

The tested doses of eriocitrin significantly attenuated (P<0.01, P<0.001) the chemically-induced tonic visceral nociception (5, 10, 15, and 30 mg/kg) and acute phasic thermal nociception (10, 15, and 30 mg/kg). A significant dose-dependent reduction in the incisional nociceptive hyperalgesia was exhibited by eriocitrin, with a marked antinociception observed at doses of 15 mg/kg (P<0.05 during 30-60 minutes) and 30 mg/kg (P<0.05, P<0.01 during 30-120 minutes).

CONCLUSION

The antinociceptive effect of eriocitrin (30 mg/kg) was strongly blocked by the antagonists of the opioid receptor, naltrexone, and GABAA receptor, bicuculline, thereby suggesting the involvement of opioidergic and GABAergic mechanisms in the nociception, reducing proclivity of eriocitrin during transmission of incisional nociception. These results concluded that eriocitrin has a potent antinociceptive effect in postoperative pain conditions, probably mediated through opioid and GABAA receptors.

Muscle relaxant activities of pistagremic acid isolated from Pistacia integerrima

The aim of the current work was to explore the muscle relaxant effect of pistagremic acid (PA) isolated from Pistacia integerrima in various animal paradigms. In a rotarod test, PA caused a significant (p<0.05) muscle relaxant potential in a dose-dependent manner. When studied in the inclined plane test, pretreatment with PA (5 and 10 mg/kg) caused promising activity (p<0.05) after treatment for 30, 60 and 90 min. The muscle relaxant potential of PA was strongly complimented by the traction and chimney tests, showing a dominant effect after 60 min of treatment. In conclusion, PA possesses strong muscle relaxant activity in various animal-based models.

A multi-target therapeutic potential of Prunus domestica gum stabilized nanoparticles exhibited prospective anticancer, antibacterial, urease-inhibition, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties

Background

Phytotherapeutics exhibit diverse pharmacological effects that are based on the combined action of a mixture of phytoconstituents. In this study, Prunus domestica gum-loaded, stabilized gold and silver nanoparticles (Au/Ag-NPs) were evaluated for their prospective anticancer, antibacterial, urease-inhibition, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.

Methods

Au/Ag-NPs were biosynthesized and characterized with UV-Vis, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and XRD techniques. The effect of gum and metal ion concentration, reaction temperature, and time on the synthetic stability of nanoparticles was studied along with their post-synthetic stability against varying pH and salt concentrations, long-term storage and extremes of temperature. Nanoparticles were tested for anticancer (HeLa cervical cancer cells), antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), urease inhibition (jack-bean urease), anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced paw edema), and antinociceptive (abdominal constriction response) activities.

Results

The nanoparticles were mostly spherical with an average particle size between 7 and 30 nm (Au-NPs) and 5–30 nm (Ag-NPs). Au/Ag-NPs maintained their colloidal stability and nanoscale characteristics against variations in physicochemical factors. Au/Ag-NPs have potent anticancer potential (IC₅₀ = 2.14 ± 0.15 μg/mL and 3.45 ± 0.23 μg/mL). Au/Ag-NPs selectively suppressed the growth of S. aureus (10.5 ± 0.6 mm, 19.7 ± 0.4 mm), E. coli (10 ± 0.4 mm, 14.4 ± 0.7 mm), and P. aeruginosa (8.2 ± 0.3 mm, 13.1 ± 0.2 mm), as well as showed preferential inhibition against jack-bean urease (19.2 ± 0.86%, 21.5 ± 1.17%). At doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, Au-NPs significantly ameliorated the increase in paw edema during the 1st h (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and 2–5 h (P < 0.001) of carrageenan-induced inflammation compared to the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of P. domestica gum (P < 0.05, P < 0.001). At similar doses, Au-NPs also significantly abolished (P < 0.01) the tonic visceral, chemically-induced nociception, which was comparable to that of P. domestica gum (200 mg/kg; P < 0.05, 400 mg/kg; P < 0.01).