Attenuation of dermal wounds via downregulating oxidative stress and inflammatory markers by protocatechuic acid rich n-butanol fraction of Trianthema portulacastrum Linn. in wistar albino rats

Exploring the underlying pharmacological, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of phytochemicals against wounds: a molecular insight

BACKGROUND

Numerous cellular, humoral, and molecular processes are involved in the intricate process of wound healing.

PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Numerous bioactive substances, such as ß-sitosterol, tannic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, ellagic acid, and pyrogallol, along with their pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, have been reviewed. These phytochemicals work together to promote angiogenesis, granulation, collagen synthesis, oxidative balance, extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and re-epithelialization during wound healing.

FINDINGS AND NOVELTY

To improve wound contraction, this review delves into how the application of each bioactive molecule mediates with the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of wound healing to speed up the process. This review also reveals the underlying mechanisms of the phytochemicals against different stages of wound healing along with the differentiation of the in vitro evidence from the in vivo evidence There is growing interest in phytochemicals, or plant-derived compounds, due their potential health benefits. This calls for more scientific analysis and mechanistic research. The various pathways that these phytochemicals control/modulate to improve skin regeneration and wound healing are also briefly reviewed. The current review also elaborates the immunomodulatory modes of action of different phytochemicals during wound repair.

OxInflammatory Responses in the Wound Healing Process: A Systematic Review

Significant sums are spent every year to find effective treatments to control inflammation and speed up the repair of damaged skin. This study investigated the main mechanisms involved in the skin wound cure. Consequently, it offered guidance to develop new therapies to control OxInflammation and infection and decrease functional loss and cost issues. This systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines, with a structured search in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases, analyzing 23 original studies. Bias analysis and study quality were assessed using the SYRCLE tool (Prospero number is CRD262 936). Our results highlight the activation of membrane receptors (IFN-δ, TNF-α, toll-like) in phagocytes, especially macrophages, during early wound healing. The STAT1, IP3, and NF-kβ pathways are positively regulated, while Ca2+ mobilization correlates with ROS production and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This pathway activation leads to the proteolytic cleavage of caspase-1, releasing IL-1β and IL-18, which are responsible for immune modulation and vasodilation. Mediators such as IL-1, iNOS, TNF-α, and TGF-β are released, influencing pro- and anti-inflammatory cascades, increasing ROS levels, and inducing the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA. During healing, the respiratory burst depletes antioxidant defenses (SOD, CAT, GST), creating a pro-oxidative environment. The IFN-δ pathway, ROS production, and inflammatory markers establish a positive feedback loop, recruiting more polymorphonuclear cells and reinforcing the positive interaction between oxidative stress and inflammation. This process is crucial because, in the immune system, the vicious positive cycle between ROS, the oxidative environment, and, above all, the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome inappropriately triggers hypoxia, increases ROS levels, activates pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibits the antioxidant action and resolution of anti-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to the evolution of chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

Novel garden cress-fish gelatin based ointment: Improvement of skin wound healing in rats through modulation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant states

This study aimed to investigate the ability of aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum seeds (LSE) to improve the wound healing process in rat models. The gelatin, extracted from the skin of smooth-hound shark using citric acid, was used as a support material for ointment. Animals were divided into four groups of six rats each: an untreated control group, a control group treated with Moist Exposed Burn Ointment (MEBO), a treated group with gelatin gel, and a treated group with gelatin gel fortified with 20 mg/mL LSE. Phenolics profile analysis showed that the major compounds in LSE were catechin (125 μg/g) and quinic acid (105 μg/g). In vitro antioxidant tests showed that LSE has interesting activities to scavenge ABTS•+ radicals (IC50 = 0.22 mg/mL) and inhibit the oxidation of linoleic acid. A significant decline in the antioxidant enzymes activities and an increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and inflammatory markers was observed within the injured tissues of the untreated rats compared to rats treated with MEBO. Interestingly, when the wounded tissue was treated with gelatin gel a remarkable reversal of this trend occurred. Further, by enrichment of gelatin gel with LSE, the levels of CAT, GPx and SOD activities significantly increased by 35, 126, and 212 %, respectively, whereas the TBARS level was reduced by 31 %. These results were consistent with the wound contraction percentage and histological analysis, which suggest the potential effect of LSE-enriched gelatin gels to regenerate damaged tissues.

Lychnophora ericoides Mart. (Brazilian arnica) ethanol extract accelerates the skin wound healing process: Evidence for its mechanism of action

BACKGROUND

Lychnophora ericoides Mart, also known as the Brazilian arnica or fake arnica, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Leaves and roots are used in alcoholic and hydroalcoholic preparations for the treatment of wounds, inflammation, and pain.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of L. ericoides ethanolic extract (EELE) on cutaneous wound healing and the mechanisms of action involved.

METHODS

A total of 72 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each. An excisional wound was made in the dorsal region of each mouse. The test groups were topically treated with the vehicle, a positive control commercial reference drug, EELE ointment (5%), and EELE ointment (10%). The treatments were applied over 14 days. The wound area was measured every two days to verify the wound closure kinetics. On days 3, 7, and 14 the wound tissue samples were processed for Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson-Trichrome, and Toluidine blue staining. The expression of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components, the vascular growth factor-A (VEGF-A), the basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), and type I collagen genes were evaluated. Phytochemical analyses were performed using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

The EELE (10%) significantly reduced the wound area compared to the treatments used for the other groups. Histological analysis demonstrated that wounds treated with L. ericoides for 14 days developed improved anatomical skin features, healed with hair follicles and sebaceous glands, increased collagen production and angiogenesis, and decreased the number of mast cells at the injury site. Real-time PCR data demonstrated that groups treated with EELE (10%) showed increased Type I collagen, VEGF-A, FGF-2, and AT1R and decreased ACE II and receptor MAS. The healing action of L. ericoides may be related to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, chlorogenic acid derivatives, and C-glycoside flavonoids.

CONCLUSION

Topical treatment with EELE increases important factors for wound healing: FGF, VEGF, collagen formation, and the expression of the proliferative axis of the renin-angiotensin system. For the first time, the present study shows the healing action of L. ericoides at the molecular level in an animal model. This process can be used as an alternative therapy for wound healing and the development of herbal therapy.

1-Tetracosanol isolated from the leaves of Eupatorium glandulosum, accelerates wound healing by expressing inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leave paste of the plant, Eupatorium glandulosum H. B & K, has been traditionally used to treat cuts and wounds by the tribal community of the Nilgiris district of Tamilnadu, India.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was carried out to investigate the wound healing potential of this plant extract and the compound, 1-Tetracosanol, isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An in vitro study was designed to compare the viability, migration and apoptosis of the fresh methanolic extract fractions and 1-Tetracosanol using mouse fibroblast NIH3T3 cell lines and human keratinocytes HaCaT cell lines, respectively. 1-Tetracosanol was evaluated for its viability, migration, qPCR analysis, in silico, in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

1-Tetracosanol at the concentration of 800, 1600, 3200 μM has significant wound closure of 99% at 24 h. The compound when screened in silico against various wound healing markers, TNF-α, IL-12, IL-18, GM-CSF and MMP-9, revealed high binding energy of -5, 4.9 and -6.4 kcal/mol for TNF-α, IL-18 and MMP-9, respectively. Gene expression and the release of cytokines increased at an early stage of the wound repair. 1-Tetracosanol, at 2% gel showed 97.35 ± 2.06% wound closure at 21st day.

CONCLUSION

1-Tetracosanol is a good lead for drug development targeted towards wound healing activity and work in this direction is in progress.

Antioxidant Efficacy of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Promotes Wound Healing in Mice

Developing an efficient and cost-effective wound-healing substance to treat wounds and regenerate skin is desperately needed in the current world. Antioxidant substances are gaining interest in wound healing, and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles have drawn considerable attention in biomedical applications due to their efficient, cost-effective, and non-toxic nature. The present study evaluated in vivo wound healing and antioxidant activities of silver nanoparticles from Azadirachta indica (AAgNPs) and Catharanthus roseus (CAgNPs) leaf extracts in BALB/c mice. We found rapid wound healing, higher collagen deposition, and increased DNA and protein content in AAgNPs- and CAgNPs (1% w/w)-treated wounds than in control and vehicle control wounds. Skin antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, catalase, GPx, GR) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased after 11 days CAgNPs and AAgNPs treatment. Furthermore, the topical application of CAgNPs and AAgNPs tends to suppress lipid peroxidation in wounded skin samples. Histopathological images evidenced decreased scar width, epithelium restoration, fine collagen deposition, and fewer inflammatory cells in CAgNPs and AAgNPs applied wounds. In vitro, the free radical scavenging activity of CAgNPs and AAgNPs was demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Our findings suggest that silver nanoparticles prepared from C. roseus and A. indica leaf extracts increased antioxidant status and improved the wound-healing process in mice. Therefore, these silver nanoparticles could be potential natural antioxidants to treat wounds.

Expression of concern: Ameliorative effect of biofabricated ZnO nanoparticles of Trianthema portulacastrum Linn. on dermal wounds via removal of oxidative stress and inflammation

Expression of concern for 'Ameliorative effect of biofabricated ZnO nanoparticles of Trianthema portulacastrum Linn. on dermal wounds via removal of oxidative stress and inflammation' by Ekta Yadav et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 21621-21635, https://doi.org/10.1039/C8RA03500H.

Wound Healing and Antioxidant Properties of Launaea procumbens Supported by Metabolomic Profiling and Molecular Docking

Wounds adversely affect people’s quality of life and have psychological, social, and economic impacts. Herbal remedies of Launaea procumbens (LP) are used to treat wounds. In an excision wound model, topical application of LP significantly promoted wound closure (on day 14, LP-treated animals had the highest percentages of wound closure in comparison with the other groups, as the wound was entirely closed with a closure percentage of 100%, p < 0.05). Histological analysis revealed a considerable rise in the number of fibroblasts, the amount of collagen, and its cross-linking in LP-treated wounds. Gene expression patterns showed significant elevation of TGF-β levels (2.1-fold change after 7 days treatment and 2.7-fold change in 14 days treatment) and downregulation of the inflammatory TNF-α and IL-1β levels in LP-treated wounds. Regarding in vitro antioxidant activity, LP extract significantly diminished the formation of H2O2 radical (IC50 = 171.6 μg/mL) and scavenged the superoxide radical (IC50 of 286.7 µg/mL), indicating antioxidant potential in a dose-dependent manner. Dereplication of the secondary metabolites using LC-HRMS resulted in the annotation of 16 metabolites. The identified compounds were docked against important wound-healing targets, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), collagen α-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Among dereplicated compounds, luteolin 8-C-glucoside (orientin) demonstrated binding potential to four investigated targets (VEGF, interleukin 1β, TNF-α, and collagen α-1). To conclude, Launaea procumbens extract could be regarded as a promising topical therapy to promote wound healing in excisional wounds, and luteolin 8-C-glucoside (orientin), one of its constituents, is a potential wound-healing drug lead.

Attenuation of dermal wounds through topical application of ointment containing phenol enriched fraction of Caesalpinia mimosoides Lam

Caesalpinia mimosoides Lam. is one of the important medicinal plants used by the traditional healers of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka (India) for treating wounds. In our previous study ethanol extract of the plant was evaluated for its wound healing activity. In continuation, the present study was aimed to evaluate the phenol enriched fraction (PEF) of ethanol extract for wound healing activity along with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The potent wound healing activity of PEF was evidenced by observation of increased rate of cell migration in L929, 3T3L1 and L6 cells (92.59 ± 1.53%, 98.42 ± 0.82% and 96.63 ± 0.61% respectively) at 7.81 μg/ml doses in assays carried out in vitro. Significantly enhanced rate of wound contraction (97.92 ± 0.41%), tensile strength (973.67 ± 4.43 g/mm2), hydroxyproline (31.31 ± 0.64 mg/g) and hexosamine (8.30 ± 0.47 mg/g) contents were observed on 15th post wounding day in 5% PEF treated animals. The enzymatic and non-enzymatic cellular antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione) were upregulated (15.89 ± 0.17 U/mg, 48.30 ± 4.60 U/mg and 4.04 ± 0.12 μg/g respectively) with the administration of 5% PEF. The significant antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities support the positive correlation of PEF with its enhanced wound healing activity. PEF contains expressive amounts of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents (578.28 ± 2.30 mg GAE/g and 270.76 ± 2.52 mg QE/g). Of the various chemicals displayed in RP-UFLC-DAD analysis of PEF, gallic acid (68.08 μg/mg) and ethyl gallate (255.91 μg/mg) were predominant. The results indicate that PEF has great potential for the topical management of open wounds.

Protocatechuic acid counteracts oxidative stress and inflammation in carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice

Protocatechuic acid (PCA), a phenolic compound found in teas, fruits, and vegetables, is widely recognized with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Here, we verified the protective role of PCA on carrageenan (CGN)-induced paw edema in mice. Forty-five male Swiss albino mice were assigned into five groups: control group, CGN-injected group (1% w/v), PCA (25 mg/kg) + CGN group. PCA (50 mg/kg) + CGN group and diclofenac sodium (20 mg/kg) + CGN group. PCA and diclofenac sodium were administered orally for 5 consecutive days prior to the CGN injection. PCA pretreatment notably decreased the volume of the developed edema and alleviated the histopathological alterations induced by carrageenan. Additionally, PCA administration enhanced the cellular antioxidant capacity as demonstrated by the increased levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione, in addition to the decreased malondialdehyde level in the edematous tissue. Interestingly, PCA administration was able significantly to suppress the developed inflammatory response upon carrageenan injection as indicated by the decreased levels and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators including tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-II, prostaglandin E2, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, myeloperoxidase and nuclear factor kappa B. These results collectively confirm the protective effect of PCA against carrageenan-induced paw edema owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by the Cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp.: Characterization, Antimicrobial and Diabetic Wound-Healing Actions

Green nanotechnology is now accepted as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective advance with various biomedical applications. The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. is a unicellular spherical cyanobacterium with photo- and hetero-trophic capabilities. This study investigates the ability of this cyanobacterial species to produce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the wound-healing properties of the produced nanoparticles in diabetic animals.

METHODS

UV-visible and FT-IR spectroscopy and and electron microscopy techniques investigated AgNPs' producibility by Synechocystis sp. when supplemented with silver ion source. The produced AgNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and diabetic wound healing along with their angiogenesis potential.

RESULTS

The cyanobacterium biosynthesized spherical AgNPs with a diameter range of 10 to 35 nm. The produced AgNPs exhibited wound-healing properties verified with increased contraction percentage, tensile strength and hydroxyproline level in incision diabetic wounded animals. AgNPs treatment decreased epithelialization period, amplified the wound closure percentage, and elevated collagen, hydroxyproline and hexosamine contents, which improved angiogenesis factors' contents (HIF-1α, TGF-β1 and VEGF) in excision wound models. AgNPs intensified catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide content and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level. IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB (the inflammatory mediators) were decreased with AgNPs' topical application.

CONCLUSION

Biosynthesized AgNPs via Synechocystis sp. exhibited antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenesis promoting effects in diabetic wounded animals.

Plant-based Natural Products for Wound Healing: A Critical Review

Wound healing is an intricate process consisting of four overlapping phases, namely hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. Effective treatment of wounds depends upon the interaction of appropriate cell types, cell surface receptors, and the extracellular matrix with the therapeutic agents. Several approaches currently used for treating wounds, such as advanced wound dressing, growth factor therapy, stem cell therapy, and gene therapy, are not very effective and lead to impaired healing. Further, repeated use of antibiotics to treat open wounds leads to multi- drug resistance. Today there is considerable interest in plant-based drugs as they are believed to be safe, inexpensive, and more suitable for chronic wounds. For example, a large number of plant- based extracts and their bioactive compounds have been investigated for wound healing. In recent years the structural and mechanistic diversity of natural products have become central players in the search for newer therapeutic agents. In the present review, a thorough critical survey of the traditionally used plant-based drugs used worldwide for wound healing with special reference to the natural products/bioactive compounds isolated and screened is presented. It is hoped that this review will attract the attention of the research community involved in newer drug design and development for wound healing.

Antioxidant Effects of Protocatechuic Acid and Protocatechuic Aldehyde: Old Wine in a New Bottle

Phenolic compounds are naturally present as secondary metabolites in plant-based sources such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. They have received considerable attention for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties for protection against many chronic disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. They are categorized into various groups based on their chemical structure and include phenolic acids, flavonoids, curcumins, tannins, and quinolones. Their structural variations contribute to their specific beneficial effects on human health. The antioxidant property of phenolic compounds protects against oxidative stress by up-regulation of endogenous antioxidants, scavenging free radicals, and anti-apoptotic activity. Protocatechuic acid (PCA; 3,4-dihydroxy benzoic acid) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PAL; 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde) are naturally occurring polyphenols found in vegetables, fruits, and herbs. PCA and PAL are the primary metabolites of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to possess pharmacological actions including antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo. This review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of PCA and PAL by comprehensively summarizing their pharmacological properties reported to date, with an emphasis on their mechanisms of action and biological properties.

The Role of Allium subhirsutum L. in the Attenuation of Dermal Wounds by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Wistar Albino Rats

In our study, Allium subhirsutum L. (AS) was investigated to assess its phenolic profile and bioactive molecules including flavonoids and organosulfur compounds. The antioxidant potential of AS and wound healing activity were addressed using skin wound healing and oxidative stress and inflammation marker estimation in rat models. Phytochemical and antiradical activities of AS extract (ASE) and oil (ASO) were studied. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups: group I served as a control and was treated with simple ointment base, group II was treated with ASE ointment, group III was treated with ASO ointment and group IV (reference group; Ref) was treated with a reference drug "Cytolcentella® cream". Phytochemical screening showed that total phenols (215 ± 3.5 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (172.4 ± 3.1 mg QE/g) were higher in the ASO than the ASE group. The results of the antioxidant properties showed that ASO exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging potential (IC50 = 0.136 ± 0.07 mg/mL), FRAP test (IC50 = 0.013 ± 0.006 mg/mL), ABTS test (IC50 = 0.52 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.34 ± 0.06 mg/mL). In the wound healing study, topical application of ASO performed the fastest wound-repairing process estimated by a chromatic study, percentage wound closure, fibrinogen level and oxidative damage status, as compared to ASE, the Cytolcentella reference drug and the untreated rats. The use of AS extract and oil were also associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress damage in the wound-healing treated rats. Overall, the results provided that AS, particularly ASO, has a potential medicinal value to act as effective skin wound healing agent.

In silico Study of Trianthema portulacastrum Embedded Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β: A Possible Contributor to its Enhanced in vivo Wound Healing Potential

Rich amount of phenolic compounds are available in Trianthema portulacastrum L. (TP) leaves and are traditionally utilized as a wound dressing material. Oxidative stress and inflammation affect the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by modulating the glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK) activity subjected to delay in wound healing. The objective of the current study was to explore the wound healing effect of ferric oxide nanoparticles biosynthesized with fractionated TP extract (FeTP). The ability of TP active components (polyphenols) to inhibit the GSK was explored by using molecular docking studies. FeTP were synthesized, characterized, utilized to prepare an ointment and its efficacy was investigated against full-thickness dermal wounds. Different wound healing parameters, level of enzymatic antioxidants, hydroxyproline content and tissue cytokines level were analyzed. Histopathology was performed to confirm the healing by newly formed tissue architecture. Rats treated with FeTP showed significantly swift healing with faster wound contraction rate, high tensile strength and hydroxyproline content along with the utilization of less time for epithelialization. Histopathological study also validated the potential wound healing effect of FeTP with complete re-epithelialization. The results of the present study cumulatively revealed that the green synthesized FeTP ointment approach may serve as a potential tool for dermal wound healing.

Biofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles impair cognitive function via modulating oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase level in mice

Current work was designed to explore the effect of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONP) biofabricated by using Trianthema portulacastrum (TP) leaves extract on mice brain hippocampus. ZnO nanoparticles of TP leaves (ZnOTP) were synthesized by co-precipitation method and further characterized by using various techniques such as UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). ZnOTP were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity, in vivo behavior models (for assessment of cognitive ability), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity along with other neurotransmitters content determination, estimation of various oxidative stress parameters and analysis of zinc content in the brain as well as plasma. Histopathological evaluation of the brain hippocampus of each group was performed to corroborate the statistical results. Spherical ZnOTP of 10 to 20 nm size embedded with different phytoconstituents of TP was confirmed. Results of our study revealed a significant memory deficit in mice treated with ZnOTP. Neuronal degeneration was also observed via a significant increase in AChE activity and oxidative stress levels in the brain of mice administered with ZnOTP. Exposure of ZnOTP was also found responsible for modulation of neurotransmission in hippocampus area. Further, ZnOTP disturbed the zinc homeostasis in hippocampus via elevation of zinc content in brain as well as plasma. Histopathology of hippocampus supported the damaging impact of ZnOTP by an increase in vacuolated cytoplasm and focal gliosis in groups treated with ZnOTP. Results demonstrated the neurotoxic effect of ZnOTP on brain hippocampus via cognitive impairment by alteration of neurotransmitter level, zinc content and oxidative stress.

Characteristics of Sunsik, a Cereal-Based Ready-to-Drink Korean Beverage, with Added Germinated Wheat and Herbal Plant Extract

The purpose of this study was to develop a formulation of Sunsik with improved health benefits by adding germinated wheat (GW) and herbal plant extract (HPE) using a response surface methodology (RSM). The central composite experimental design (CCD) was used to evaluate the effects of Sunsik with added HPE (2–4%) and GW (10–20%) on total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, gamma butyric acid (GABA) content, total color changes (△E), browning index (BI), water absorption index (WAI), and water solubility index (WSI). As a result of the CCD, the independent and dependent variables were fitted by the second-order polynomial equation, and the lack of fit for response surface models was not significant except in relation to WSI. The GABA content, TPC, and TEAC were more adequate for a linear model than for a quadratic model, and they might be affected by GW rather than HPE. Alternatively, the TFC, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, WAI, WSI, △E, and BI were fitted with quadratic models. The optimum formulation that could improve antioxidant and physicochemical properties was Sunsik with 3.5% and 20% added HPE and GW, respectively.

Molecular Docking and Cognitive Impairment Attenuating Effect of Phenolic Compound Rich Fraction of Trianthema portulacastrum in Scopolamine Induced Alzheimer's Disease Like Condition

Dementia is considered as the frequent cause of neurodegenerative mental disorder such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) amongst elderly people. Free radicals as well as cholinergic deficit neurons within nucleus basalis magnocellularis demonstrated to attribute with aggregation of β amyloid which further acts as an essential hallmark in AD. Various phenolic phytoconstituents exists in Trianthema portulastrum (TP) leaves have been reported as active against various neurological disorders. The current investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antiamnesic potential of butanol fraction of TP hydroethanolic extract (BFTP) by utilizing rodent models of elevated plus maze (EPM) and Hebbs William Maze (HWM) along with in vitro and in vivo antioxidant as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition studies. Molecular docking studies were also performed for evaluation of molecular interaction of existed phenolic compounds in BFTP. In vitro antioxidant study revealed concentration dependant strong ability of BFTP to inhibit free radicals. In vitro AChE inhibition study showed competitive type of inhibition kinetics. BFTP significantly reversed (p < 0.005 versus scopolamine) the damaging effect of scopolamine by reducing TL (Transfer Latency) and TRC (Time taken to recognize the reward chamber) in the EPM and HWM, respectively. BFTP also contributed towards increased (p < 0.005 versus scopolamine) enzymatic antioxidant as well as hippocampal acetylcholine (ACh) levels. Histological studies also supported the results as BFTP pretreated mice significantly reversed the scopolamine induced histological changes in hippocampal region. Docking studies confirmed chlorogenic acid has the most significant binding affinity towards AChE. This research finding concludes that BFTP could be a beneficial agent for management of cognition and behavioral disorders associated with AD.

Ameliorative effect of biofabricated ZnO nanoparticles of Trianthema portulacastrum Linn. on dermal wounds via removal of oxidative stress and inflammation

An impediment in the process of wound healing can be attributed to reactive oxygen species and inflammation. The curative efficacy of green synthesized Trianthema portulacastrum Linn. zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOTP) was investigated in the present study for evaluation of their wound healing potential in rodents. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of ZnOTP was determined, and antioxidant potential was evaluated by the DPPH method. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of ZnOTP was evaluated by membrane stabilization and albumin denaturation, along with proteinase inhibitory assays. The synthesized ZnOTP were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) studies, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) studies. The wound healing potential of ZnOTP was monitored by excision and incision wound models. Analyses confirmed the formation of spherical nanoparticles of 10-20 nm size along with strong signals of zinc and oxygen atoms. Significant results (p < 0.05) of wound contraction rate, epithelialization and histopathology of the healed tissues of rats confirmed the promising wound healing property of ZnOTP. In addition, inflammatory markers, biochemical estimation such as the hydroxyproline content of granulation tissue, and the profile of antioxidant enzymes also supported the wound healing potential of ZnOTP. The present study advocated the attenuation of wounds via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of a green synthesized nano-ointment.