Cissus quadrangularis L: A comprehensive multidisciplinary review

Effect of Xanthohumol from Humulus lupulus L. Against Gouty Bone Damage in Arthritis of Rats Induced by Mono-sodium Urate

Xanthohumol (XAN) is an isoprenyl flavonoid from Humulus lupulus L. known for beer brewing, and an osteoprotective agent due to its active improvement in bone loss of osteoporosis. This study was first time to investigate its effects on anti-gouty bone injury in rats of gouty arthritis (GA) induced by monosodium urate (MSU). Results showed that XAN could significantly exert anti-inflammatory activity by alleviating swelling degree of joints, reducing serum level of inflammatory factors, improving inflammatory injury and degrading the Markin's score in lesion joint. Meanwhile, XAN could also fight against gouty bone damage by improving pathological changes of bone tissue and parameters of bone micro-structure. Moreover, XAN could even promote bone formation by effectively enhancing expression of Runx2 and OPG, while inhibit bone resorption with depressing matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), MMP-13 and CTSK expression, reducing RANKL secretion, and abating the ratio of RANKL/OPG. Therefore, it was the first time to reveal the mechanism of XAN against gouty bone injury via inhibiting RANKL/OPG/RANK signaling pathway. Above all, this study provided potential strategy for the treatment of GA, and further contributed to research and resource development for hops.

Anti-hyperglycemic effects of Cissus quadrangularis extract via regulation of gluconeogenesis in type 2 diabetic db/db mice

Introduction: Cissus quadrangularis is a vining plant widely used as a traditional herbal remedy for various ailments. In this study, the therapeutic effects of C. quadrangularis extract (CQR-300) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were investigated in a leptin receptor-mutated db/db mouse model. Methods: CQR-300 was orally administered to db/db mice (n = 6/group) at different doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. Blood glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance were assessed using the AccuCheck glucometer. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to evaluate insulin and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in the blood of db/db mice. Liver and pancreatic tissues from db/db mice were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical staining. The protein levels of gluconeogenesis-, lipogenesis-, and oxidative stress-related factors were evaluated using western blotting. Results and discussion: CQR-300 treatment effectively reduced body weight, blood glucose, and insulin levels. HbA1c levels were increased by leptin receptor mutation. Additionally, in the oral glucose tolerance tests, the CQR-300 treated group had a faster blood glucose recovery rate than the db/db group. H&E and Oil red-O staining of the liver showed decreased lipid accumulation in the CQR-300 treated group than the db/db group. Western blot analysis confirmed that CQR-300 effectively inhibited gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and oxidative stress-related factors. Our findings suggest that CQR-300 has the potential to be used as a T2DM supplement.

The protective effect of natural medicines in rheumatoid arthritis via inhibit angiogenesis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic immunological disease leading to the progressive bone and joint destruction. Angiogenesis, accompanied by synovial hyperplasia and inflammation underlies joint destruction. Delaying or even blocking synovial angiogenesis has emerged as an important target of RA treatment. Natural medicines has a long history of treating RA, and numerous reports have suggested that natural medicines have a strong inhibitory activity on synovial angiogenesis, thereby improving the progression of RA. Natural medicines could regulate the following signaling pathways: HIF/VEGF/ANG, PI3K/Akt pathway, MAPKs pathway, NF-κB pathway, PPARγ pathway, JAK2/STAT3 pathway, etc., thereby inhibiting angiogenesis. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TwHF), sinomenine, and total glucoside of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Are currently the most representative of all natural products worthy of development and utilization. In this paper, the main factors affecting angiogenesis were discussed and different types of natural medicines that inhibit angiogenesis were systematically summarized. Their specific anti-angiogenesis mechanisms are also reviewed which aiming to provide new perspective and options for the management of RA by targeting angiogenesis.

Development of a Cissus quadrangularis-Doped Extracellular Matrix and a Hyaluronic Acid-Incorporated Scaffold for Periodontal Regeneration: An In Vitro Study

PURPOSE

The study aimed to analyze whether adding Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) extract and the extracellular matrix of ovine tendon (TENDON) increases the regenerative potential of mesenchymal stem cells produced in hyaluronic acid (HA) scaffolds for tenogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty grams of powdered CQ was mixed with 250 mL of ethanol to prepare the extract. Two grams of hyaluronic acid powder was added to 100 mL of distilled water to make the HA solution. The ovine tendon was decellularized using a mixture of 10% phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and Triton-X. The hydrogel samples were prepared by mixing the extracellular matrix of tendon, HA, and CQ, after which they were divided into study groups such as HA, HA + CQ, HA + TENDON, and HA + CQ + TENDON. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, swelling analysis, differentiation analysis, compression test, compatibility assay, and tenogenesis assay were later conducted.

RESULTS

The morphology of the samples was analyzed using SEM. Low levels of swelling of the hydrogels were observed. Cells were found to be viable and showed good differentiation and tenogenesis. Optimal compression levels were observed, and the properties of the prepared hydrogels were satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the addition of CQ considerably increases the tenogenic potential of the extracellular matrix/HA scaffold. Hence, it can be used as a regenerative material for periodontal tissue regeneration.

In-vitro Antioxidant, In-vitro and In-silico Ovarian Anticancer Activity (Ovarian Cancer Cells-PA1) and Phytochemical Analysis of Cissus quadrangularis L. Ethanolic Extract

BACKGROUND

Cissus quadrangularis is a valuable natural source of traditional medicines.

OBJECTIVE

An in vitro investigation was performed to determine whether the ethanolic extract from the whole portions of C. quadrangularis had anticancer and free radical scavenging activities against ovarian cancer cells-PA1. C. quadrangularis is a herb collected from rural areas in Andhra Pradesh, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C. quadrangularis was air-dried and crushed, and the powder and ethanol (0.5 kg) were used in a Soxhlet device for continuous extraction. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was performed using a standard procedure. The antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis was evaluated using DPPH. An in vitro anticancer study used an ethanolic extract against the PA1 cell line. Apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells was studied using DAPI and carboxy-H2DCFDA staining. From LC-MS analysis, quercetin-3-O-alpha-Lrhamnopyranoside and erucic acid were docked with the threonine tyrosine kinase (TTK) enzyme using auto docking.

RESULTS

The ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis demonstrated significant dose-dependent antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid. The ethanolic extract of C. quadrangularis was found to have high anticancer activity against ovarian cancer cell lines (PA1), with an IC50 value of 482.057 ± 113.857 μg/ml. DAPI and carboxy-H2DCFDA staining confirmed that C. quadrangularis ethanolic extract induced apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells (p < .001). Molecular docking studies helped identify the binding affinities between the protein and ligand complexes, such as Quercetin-3-O-alpha-Lrhamnopyranoside binding sites of target proteins 5N7V (MET602, GLN672) and erucic acid 5N7V (GLY354). Quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside was reported to bind with 5N7V by hydrogen bonding at MET602 and GLN672 amino acids with 2.02, 2.99 Å bonding length distance and binding affinity of -7.9 kcal/mol. Erucic acid was reported to bind with 5N7V by hydrogen bonding at GLY354 amino acid with 3.18, 2.93 Å bonding length (Å) distance and binding affinity of -4.3 kcal/mol. The current analysis showed that the ethanolic extracts of C. quadrangularis L. exhibited antioxidant and anticancer properties against ovarian PA1 cells.

CONCLUSION

The experimental results confirmed that C. quadrangularis L. is a promising, safe chemotherapeutic plant for ovarian cancer PA1 cells. The docking results demonstrated that Quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside strongly binds threonine tyrosine kinase at the MET602 and GLN672 positions. This study showed that the C. quadrangularis ethanolic extract has Quercetin-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, which can be used as an anticancer agent.

Ethnoveterinary Study of Plant-Based Remedies for Treating Diseases in Small Ruminants in Maputo Province, Mozambique

Small ruminants, particularly goats and sheep, are key livestock species in Mozambique, and their production is mainly undertaken by families. However, small ruminants are often plagued by diseases that can cause considerable economic damage. In this context, traditional remedies, including various plant species, have been widely used to manage these diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the use of plant-based remedies and other treatments for managing diseases in small ruminants in Maputo Province, Mozambique. Data collection involved conducting interviews with 44 small ruminant breeders across 5 districts in Maputo Province to identify the plants and other remedies commonly used for managing diseases in their animals. We identified a total of 38 plant species belonging to 22 families. Among these plants, four were not identified by their scientific name. The most important plants reported were Cissus quadrangularis, Euphorbia kirkii, and Aloe sp., with Cissus quadrangularis being particularly noteworthy as it was frequently cited for the treatment of wounds. The most commonly cited botanical families were Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Asphodelaceae. Interestingly, in addition to plant-based remedies, we also identified other nonplant sources of treatment, such as alkaline batteries, which are commonly used to treat wounds in small ruminants. The use of plants for ethnoveterinary purposes remains prevalent in Maputo province, with older breeders serving as the primary custodians of this traditional knowledge. Efforts should be made to document and share the knowledge of these older breeders, ensuring that it is not lost over time. This preservation of ethnoveterinary knowledge can contribute to sustainable livestock management and support the wellbeing of both rural communities and their animals.

Fabrication of chitosan nanocomposites loaded with biosynthetic metallic nanoparticles and their therapeutic investigation

The present research demonstrates the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles facilitated by Cissus quadrangularis (CQ-ZnONPs) and subsequent synthesis of chitosan-conjugated nanocomposites (CQ-CS/ZnONCs) along with their biological assessment. The biosynthesized nanoparticles and nanocomposites were physicochemically characterized and therapeutically assessed for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic potential. The formation of CQ-ZnONPs and CQ-CS/ZnONCs was preliminarily validated by the change in color and subsequently by UV-visible spectroscopic analysis. The crystalline peaks associated with the CQ-ZnONPs in CQ-CS/ZnONCs were established by XRD analysis. Morphological evaluation of CQ-ZnONPs and CQ-CS/ZnONCs was carried out through FE-SEM and HRTEM studies. The particle size of the CQ-ZnONPs and CQ-CS/ZnONCs was 243.3 nm and 176.6 nm, with a PDI of 0.188 and 0.199, respectively. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites expressed Zeta potential of -15.7 mV and -16.2 mV, respectively. The CQ-ZnONPs and CQ-CS/ZnONCs showed good radical effectiveness with various in-vitro assays. The formulated nanoparticles and nanocomposites displayed significant antibacterial activity against the selected bacterial pathogens. CQ-CS/ZnONCs presented noteworthy α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effects compared to CQ-ZnONPs with IC50 of 73.66 ± 1.21 μg/mL and 87.59 ± 1.29 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the synthesized CQ-CS/ZnONCs demonstrated 98.92 ± 0.39% and 99.58 ± 0.16% wound contraction (at 7 and 14 mg, respectively), significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the standard and CQ-ZnONPs. Thus, the CQ-ZnONPs and CQ-CS/ZnONCs could effectively develop promising drug delivery systems to inhibit pathogens and chronic tissue repair.

Bioactive Materials for Bone Regeneration: Biomolecules and Delivery Systems

Novel tissue regeneration strategies are constantly being developed worldwide. Research on bone regeneration is noteworthy, as many promising new approaches have been documented with novel strategies currently under investigation. Innovative biomaterials that allow the coordinated and well-controlled repair of bone fractures and bone loss are being designed to reduce the need for autologous or allogeneic bone grafts eventually. The current engineering technologies permit the construction of synthetic, complex, biomimetic biomaterials with properties nearly as good as those of natural bone with good biocompatibility. To ensure that all these requirements meet, bioactive molecules are coupled to structural scaffolding constituents to form a final product with the desired physical, chemical, and biological properties. Bioactive molecules that have been used to promote bone regeneration include protein growth factors, peptides, amino acids, hormones, lipids, and flavonoids. Various strategies have been adapted to investigate the coupling of bioactive molecules with scaffolding materials to sustain activity and allow controlled release. The current manuscript is a thorough survey of the strategies that have been exploited for the delivery of biomolecules for bone regeneration purposes, from choosing the bioactive molecule to selecting the optimal strategy to synthesize the scaffold and assessing the advantages and disadvantages of various delivery strategies.

Lupenone-Rich Fraction Derived from Cissus quadrangularis L. Suppresses Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Cissus quadrangularis L. (CQ) has potential as a therapeutic for managing obesity and balancing metabolic activity, but the main bioactive compound and regulatory mechanism remain unknown. Herein, the CQ hexane extract was fractionated into 30 fractions (CQ-H) using flash column chromatography and analyzed using thin-layer chromatography. The direct antiadipogenesis effect of CQ-H fractions was tested on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Lupenone-rich fractions 2H and 3H were identified as containing potent antiadipogenesis agents that reduced differentiated cell numbers and intracellular lipid droplet size. Although the overall mitochondrial density remained unchanged, differentiated cells exhibited a higher mitochondrial density than that in non-differentiated cells. Additionally, 2H increased mitochondrial activity in both cell types as shown by their differentiation and lipid formation stages. Lupenone was isolated from 2H (Lu-CQ) and shown to dose-dependently inhibit adipogenesis, with 2H being more potent than Lu-CQ. Lu-CQ and 2H downregulated the expression of Pparg2 mRNA and upregulated that of glucose transporter genes, Slc2a1 and Slc2a4. Lu-CQ and 2H induced increased glucose uptake by 3T3-L1 cells. These findings suggest that lupenone-rich fractions in CQ contribute to balancing metabolic activity and reducing adipose tissue formation. Further exploration of CQ and its components may prompt innovative strategies for managing obesity and metabolic disorders.

Cissus quadrangularis L extract-loaded tricalcium phosphate reinforced natural polymer composite for guided bone regeneration

Natural medicines plants are significant considerable attention as potential therapeutic agents for bone tissue engineering. Cissus quadrangularis L (CQ). is a potent therapeutic plant known for its own osteogenic properties. In this research work, a phytoconstituents-filled composite was produced by incorporating CQ extract with gelatin (Gel) and pectin (Pec) polymers collective through β- tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bioceramic via a green template method. The effect of CQ-filled composite morphology and chemical structural properties, in vitro cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, and differentiation was investigated. FTIR spectroscopic results indicated the prepared materials' structural confirmation. The CQ extract was the alcoholic -OH merge with the hydroxyl and -NH groups in the range of 3000 cm^-1 to 3500 cm^-1. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the β-TCP ceramic was perfectly embedded in Gel-Pec polymeric matrix, which is important for bone regeneration. In vitro cell culture results indicated that β-TCP/Gel-Pec/CQ composite provided 92.0% of a favorable substrate for mesenchymal stem cell viability. The gene expression and RT-PCR studies represent the materials with good osteogenic expression, especially the β-TCP/Gel-Pec/CQ composite is observed at 168.0% and 188.0% for RUNx2 and OCN, respectively. The result of the physicochemical characterizations and cell viability studies suggest that CQ-loaded β-TCP/Gel-Pec composite can serve as a potential biomaterial for bone tissue repair and regeneration.

Phytochemical Profiling and Compound Isolation of Cissus rhombifolia Vahl. Leaves Aqueous Methanolic Extract with the Evaluation of Its Anti-Inflammatory Effect Using Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Cells

The inflammatory disorders represent a serious health issue. Certain Cissus species possess anti-inflammatory effect. Cissus rhombifolia Vahl. leaves' anti-inflammatory activities and phytoconstituents are poorly characterized. In this study, 38 constituents were tentatively characterized in Cissus rhombifolia Vahl. leaves' aqueous methanolic extract (CRLE) using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1 H-NMR). Myricetin, β-amyrin, and alliospiroside A, were isolated from CRLE using column chromatography. The anti-inflammatory effect of CRLE and its isolated compounds were studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT assay) was used to assess how CRLE and its isolated compounds affected cell viability. Further, its effects on the production of intracellular NO, and inflammatory cytokines cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were assessed by the Griess test, and cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. CRLE and its isolated compounds, myricetin, β-amyrin, and alliospiroside A decreased the NO production. Western blotting was performed to assess the protein expression levels of the inflammatory cytokines inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Alliospiroside A downregulated IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 and inhibited the expression of iNOS. CRLE and its compounds represent effective alternative candidate to treat inflammatory diseases.

Simultaneous Estimation of Quercetin and trans-Resveratrol in Cissus quadrangularis Extract in Rat Serum Using Validated LC-MS/MS Method: Application to Pharmacokinetic and Stability Studies

Cissus quadrangularis is a nutrient-rich plant with a history of use in traditional medicine. It boasts a diverse range of polyphenols, including quercetin, resveratrol, β-sitosterol, myricetin, and other compounds. We developed and validated a sensitive LC-MS/MS method to quantify quercetin and t-res biomarkers in rat serum and applied this method to pharmacokinetic and stability studies. The mass spectrometer was set to negative ionization mode for the quantification of quercetin and t-res. Phenomenex Luna (C18(2), 100 A, 75 × 4.6 mm, 3 µ) column was utilized to separate the analytes using an isocratic mobile phase consisting of methanol and 0.1% formic acid in water (82:18). Validation of the method was performed using various parameters, including linearity, specificity, accuracy, stability, intra-day, inter-day precision, and the matrix effect. There was no observed significant endogenous interference from the blank serum. The analysis was completed within 5.0 min for each run, and the lower limit of quantification was 5 ng/mL. The calibration curves showed a linear range with a high correlation coefficient (r² > 0.99). The precision for intra- and inter-day assays showed relative standard deviations from 3.32% to 8.86% and 4.35% to 9.61%, respectively. The analytes in rat serum were stable during bench-top, freeze-thaw, and autosampler (-4 °C) stability studies. After oral administration, the analytes showed rapid absorption but underwent metabolism in rat liver microsomes despite being stable in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. Intragastric administration resulted in higher absorption of quercetin and t-res, with greater C_max, shorter half-life, and improved elimination. No prior research has been conducted on the oral pharmacokinetics and stability of anti-diabetic compounds in the Ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis EECQ, making this the first report. Our findings can provide the knowledge of EECQ's bioanalysis and pharmacokinetic properties which is useful for future clinical trials.

Development of Cissus quadrangularis-Loaded POSS-Reinforced Chitosan-Based Bilayer Sponges for Wound Healing Applications: Drug Release and In Vitro Bioactivity

Nowadays, antibiotic-loaded biomaterials have been widely used in wound healing applications. However, the use of natural extracts has come into prominence as an alternative to these antimicrobial agents in the recent period. Among natural sources, Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) herbal extract is used for treatment of bone and skin diseases in ayurvedic medicine due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, chitosan-based bilayer wound dressings were fabricated with electrospinning and freeze-drying techniques. CQ extract-loaded chitosan nanofibers were coated on chitosan/POSS nanocomposite sponges using an electrospinning method. The bilayer sponge is designed to treat exudate wounds while mimicking the layered structure of skin tissue. Bilayer wound dressings were investigated with regard to the morphology and physical and mechanical properties. In addition, CQ release from bilayer wound dressings and in vitro bioactivity studies were performed to determine the effect of POSS nanoparticles and CQ extract loading on NIH/3T3 and HS2 cells. The morphology of nanofibers was investigated with SEM analysis. Physical characteristics of bilayer wound dressings were determined with FT-IR analysis, swelling study, open porosity determination, and mechanical test. The antimicrobial activity of CQ extract released from bilayer sponges was investigated with a disc diffusion method. Bilayer wound dressings' in vitro bioactivity was examined using cytotoxicity determination, wound healing assay, proliferation, and the secretion of biomarkers for skin tissue regeneration. The nanofiber layer diameter was obtained in the range of 77.9-97.4 nm. The water vapor permeability of the bilayer dressing was obtained as 4021 to 4609 g/m2day, as it is in the ideal range for wound repair. The release of the CQ extract over 4 days reached 78-80% cumulative release. The release media were found to be antibacterial against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In vitro studies showed that both CQ extract and POSS incorporation induced cell proliferation as well as wound healing activity and collagen deposition. As a result, CQ-loaded bilayer CHI-POSS nanocomposites were found as a potential candidate for wound healing applications.

Decoding the complete chloroplast genome of Cissus quadrangularis: insights into molecular structure, comparative genome analysis and mining of mutational hotspot regions

Cissus quadrangularis L., a member of the Vitaceae family, is an important medicinal plant with widespread application in Indian traditional medicines. C. quadrangularis L. whole chloroplast genome of 160,404 bp was assembled using a genome skimming approach from the whole genome library. The assembled chloroplast genome contained a large single-copy region (88,987 bp), a small single-copy region (18,621 bp), and pairs of inverted repeat regions (26,398 bp). It also comprised 133 genes, including 37 tRNAs, eight rRNAs, and 88 protein-coding genes. Aside from that, we annotated three genes atpH, petB, and psbL, as well as one duplicated copy of the ycf1 gene in C. quadrangularis L. that had previously been missing from the annotation of compared Cissus chloroplast genomes. Five divergent hotspot regions such as petA_psbJ (0.1237), rps16_trnQ-UUG (0.0913), psbC_trnS-UGA (0.0847), rps15_ycf1 (0.0788), and rps2_rpoC2 (0.0788) were identified in the investigation that could aid in future species discrimination. Surprisingly, we found the overlapping genes ycf1 and ndhF on the IRb/SSC junction, rarely seen in angiosperms. The results of the phylogenetic study showed that the genomes of the Cissus species under study formed a single distinct clade. The detailed annotations given in this study could be useful in the future for genome annotations of Cissus species. The current findings of the study have the potential to serve as a useful resource for future research in the field of population genetics and the evolutionary relationships in the Cissus genus.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01312-w.

Evaluation of mutagenic, cytotoxic, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptotic activity, and acute toxicity of ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis

Recent studies have focused on exploring the efficacy of Cissus quadrangularis extract (EECQ) against various metabolic disorders involving the liver as the prime target organ, suggesting a considerable threat of hepatotoxicity in the person encountering it. Consequently, the current study was aimed to unravel the mutagenic, cytotoxic, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptotic activity in HepG2 cells, and acute toxicity of EECQ. MTT, SRB, trypan blue dye exclusion, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay were performed in HepG2 cell lines to determine the cytotoxicity of the extract. The mutagenic potential was determined by the Ames test using various strains of Salmonella typhimurium. Acute toxicity was done at a dose of 2000 mg/kg in Sprague Dawley rats. MTT and SRB cytotoxicity assays demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity of extract. The three highest noncytotoxic doses from the above assay, investigated by trypan blue dye exclusion and LDH assay, did not reveal cytotoxicity. Besides, mitochondrial dysfunction was determined by measuring cellular and mitochondrial ROS, ATP, NAD, mitochondrial membrane potential, Bax/Bcl2 ratio, mitochondrial and cytoplasmic cytochrome c, and apoptosis-inducing factor, were found to be equivalent in both extract exposed and unexposed cells. Moreover, the apoptotic cell morphology and the expression of pro-apoptotic mRNAs and proteins were equivalent in both the group. In acute toxicity, EECQ in rats did not cause any significant change in body weight, liver index, and liver function test. All-encompassing, the present study unraveled that EECQ is not mutagenic, cytotoxic, nor apoptotic in human hepatic cells, as well as neither acute toxicity.

The effect of Cissus quadrangularis L. on delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Osteopenia refers to bone density that is not normal but also not as low as that noted in osteoporosis. Osteopenia leads to osteoporosis and increases the risk of fractures. Current research is focused on agents that will prevent or slow the progression of bone loss. On the basis of published evidence, Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) might potentially provide a novel natural treatment for osteopenia.

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of 24 weeks of consecutive treatment with CQ on delaying bone loss and safety in postmenopausal women (PMW) with osteopenia.

METHODS

This study is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Here, 134 enrolled PMW with osteopenia (> 40 years and having no period for 1-10 years) received CQ at 1.2 (CQ1.2) or 1.6 g/day (CQ1.6) or placebo. The %change in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck, and total hip served as the primary outcome. The %change in bone turnover markers (BTMs), including C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) and procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), was the secondary outcome. These outcomes were compared between the CQ vs. placebo group at weeks 12 and 24. The least significant change (LSC) was used to monitor clinical changes. The adverse events (AE) were monitored.

RESULTS

A total of 108 participants completed this study. The %BMD changes in the CQ-treated groups did not differ at any site after 24 weeks compared to the placebo. Statistically significant differences were detected in CQ1.6 at the lumbar spine (0.011 ± 0.025 g/cm², p = 0.008) and CQ1.2 at the femoral neck (-0.015 ± 0.036 g/cm², p = 0.024) compared to baseline, but these changes did not exceed the LSC. Reduced bone remodeling activity was detected in both CQ-treated groups. Compared to the placebo, the %P1NP change was significantly reduced in CQ1.6 (-2.46 ± 26.05%; p < 0.01) at week 12 and in CQ1.2 (-3.36 ± 29.47%; p < 0.01) and CQ1.6 (-9.95 ± 22.22%; p < 0.01) at week 24. These results correlated with the within-group comparison, which showed a continuously significant increase in both BTMs in the placebo group. However, a stable CTX and a significant reduction in P1NP (p < 0.05) were detected in both CQ-treated groups. This reduction exceeded the LSC of P1NP. The incidence of adverse events did not differ among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

This is the first clinical report that showed a promising effect on delaying bone loss of orally administration of CQ for 24 weeks, as indicated by a slower bone remodeling process via a reduction in BTMs. However, no change in BMD was observed.

Antibacterial Activity of Some Medicinal Plants in Al Baha Region, Saudi Arabia, Against Carcinogenic Bacteria Related to Gastrointestinal Cancers

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal cancers are the most dangerous cancers all over the world. The gut microbiota dysbiosis increases the risk of GI cancers and induces the host's susceptibility to carcinogenic bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is rising in these bacteria. Thus, discovering new safe and effective antibacterial agents is a worldwide concern. This study evaluates the antibacterial activity of six wild medicinal plants from the Al Bahah region in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

Arial parts of Cissus quadrangularis, Aloe castellorum, Psiadia punctulata, Aloe pseudorubroviolacea, Barbeya oleoides, Teucrium yemense were collected and dried for extraction with ethanol. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of these ethanolic extracts against carcinogenic bacteria Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium ssp., Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Helicobacter pylori, Mycoplasma spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Salmonella enterica, and Treponema pallidum were evaluated to determine its antibacterial activity.

RESULTS

All extracts showed antibacterial activity with MIC lower than 1 mg/ml. Psiadia punctulata showed higher antibacterial activity, while the Aloe species showed the lowest antibacterial activity.

CONCLUSION

The studied plants' extracts showed high effectiveness as antibacterial activity against the carcinogenic bacteria related to gastrointestinal cancers due to their high content of pharmaceutical components. These plants could be explored further for the development of new antibacterial products against these carcinogenic bacteria.

Fortification of raw rice and rice flour using Cissus quadrangularis L. (veldt grape) stem powder to overcome osteoporosis and its associated skeletal complication through staple diet

This study aimed to prepare the fortified rice/flour with Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) stem powder to eliminate nutritional deficiency and improve bone health. Mineral analysis by atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed that the CQ stem has adequate quantities of calcium, magnesium, and a moderate amount of phosphorous to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Thus, the rice and flour were fortified with freeze-dried CQ stem powder to improve its nutraceutical contents. The fortification was done using standard vacuum impregnation and blending process. Furthermore, the recuperative activity of prepared fortified rice (CQFR) and flour (CQFF) was tested in chemically induced osteoporosis and osteoarthritis animal models. The efficiency of CQ fortified diet against these complications was confirmed by hematology, radiology, and histopathological analysis. The rat groups fed with CQFF/CQFR diet showed significant improvement from calcium deficiency and its allied physiological damage. Thus, this study confirms that the CQ fortified rice would provide recovery from skeletal complications associated with calcium deficiency through fixing both homeostasis and bio-accessibility of the calcium. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Micronutrient and mineral deficiency is relatively higher in the regions where rice/rice products are consumed as a staple diet. Dietary intake of calcium and some essential minerals have major influences on bone and joint health. Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) is a familiar herb, conventionally used in India to fix broken bones and strengthen the skeletal system. The Atomic absorption spectroscopy data from this study showed that the CQ stem holds a high amount of calcium and other essential minerals to promote skeletal health. Preparation of fortified rice and flour with CQ stem would be a beneficial source of the essential minerals/ bioactive principles to promote and sustain skeletal health in the underprivileged population. These study data substantiated the practical application of producing the CQ fortified nutraceutical staple diet, especially to the people who are afflicted with morbid skeletal complications.