Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Aegle marmelos and Murraya koenigii in dairy cows with endometritis

Pharmabiotic/phytobiotic formulas approach and their intravaginal effect on different parameters

Postpartum reproductive infections in cows generate significant economic losses. The use of lactic acid bacteria in animal health is an alternative tool to avoid antibiotic therapy in the prevention/treatment of bovine reproductive infections. In previous studies, 6 lactic bacteria from bovine mammary glands and vagina with beneficial, safe and technological characteristics were selected, and included in probiotic/phytobiotic formulas (combined with Malva and Lapacho extracts). In this work, probiotic and phytobiotic formulations were designed and their long-term viability determined. They were administered intravaginally to 30 females pregnant bovine pre and postpartum. The modification of the native microbiota and permanence/colonization of cultivable bacteria was evaluated, and also the safety of the designed products through the application of nutritional, clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters. The microorganisms maintained their viability up to 9 months at refrigeration temperature. The number of cultivable bacteria showed different pattern: total aerobic mesophylls increased slightly in all experimental groups, while Enterobacteriaceae increased after delivery, except in beneficial acid lactic bacteria + vegetable extract cows. Control and vegetable extract females showed the highest numbers of Enterobacteriaceae at the end of the trial (30 days postpartum). The number of lactic acid bacteria increased significantly in all the groups between 15 days pre and postpartum. The different parameters evaluated demonstrate the safety and harmlessness of the designed formulas, without producing local and systemic adverse effects in the cows.

Uterine microbial ecology and disease in cattle: A review

Due to the critical contribution of the uterine-associated microbiota in reproductive health, physiology, and performance, culture-independent methods have been increasingly employed to unravel key aspects of microbial ecology in the uterus of cattle. Nowadays, we know that bacterial diversity is crucial to maintain uterine health, however, there is still no consensus on the exact composition of a healthy uterine microbiota (or eubiosis). Generally, loss of bacterial diversity (or dysbiosis) contributes to the development of uterine infections, associated with increased relative abundances of Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Trueperella, and Porphyromonas. Uterine infections are highly prevalent and gravely influence the profitability of cattle operations, animal welfare, and public health. Thus, understanding the dynamics of uterine microbial ecology is essential to develop effective strategies focused on preventing and mitigating the adverse effects of uterine dysbiosis as well as assisting in the process of restoring the core, healthy uterine microbiota. The aim of this review is to summarize research conducted in the microbial ecology of bovine uteri. We discuss the origin of the uterine microflora of healthy cows and the factors influencing its composition. In addition, we review the biology of specific pathogens that are known to increase in abundance during the occurrence of uterine disease. Lastly, we provide an overview of the bacterial biofilm in the bovine endometrium, and we briefly summarize the rationale for the use of probiotics to prevent uterine disease in cattle.

Aegle marmelos and Murraya koenigii: The wonder plants against bovine infertility

Aegle marmelos and Murraya koenigii are the plants with impending medicinal properties. Both the plants contain various phyto-constituents that could be utilized for the treatment of various ailments in human and animal species. The A. marmelos and M. koenigii are easy to procure and their use is cost-effective which makes them important particularly in livestock health management. The plants are rich in trace minerals and antioxidants which augment nutraceutical values. In addition, recognized antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential emphasizes A. marmelos and M. koenigii to be used against bovine infertility. The review comprises of use of Aegle marmelos and Murraya koenigii in the treatment against reproductive disorders in bovine.

In Vivo Efficacy of Echinops spinosus Decoction as a Therapeutic for Cows at Risk of Clinical Endometritis

Clinical endometritis (CE) is a multifactorial disease of dairy animals. Retained fetal membranes (RFM) and metritis are the major risk factors of CE in dairy cows. Because uterine inflammation affects the profitability of the dairy industry, antibiotics and hormonal therapies are commonly used to mitigate against the disease. However, the One-Health concept aims to reduce antibiotic use in food animals to avoid the emergence of drug resistance or residues in milk or meat. Thus, phytotherapy may represent a good alternative to antibiotics in food animals. Echinops spinosus (E. spinosus) is a natural plant known to have therapeutic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of E. spinosus as a preventive strategy for CE in dairy cows with other postpartum complications. Holstein−Friesian cows (n = 36) diagnosed with RFM or metritis enrolled in the study were allocated into three groups. One group received antibiotic treatment. Another group received prostaglandin injection (PG). The experimental group received E. spinosus decoction orally. As a control group, eutocic cows (n = 36), without RFM and metritis were included in the study. The efficiency of the treatment was based on the occurrence of CE and improved reproductive outcomes. At 30 ± 2 DPP, CE was diagnosed in 25%, 58.34%, and 75% in antibiotic, PG, and E. spinosus groups, respectively (p < 0.05). There were no differences between the groups at 55 ± 5 DPP (16.67%, 33.44%, and 41.67% in antibiotic, PG and E. spinosus groups, respectively, p > 0.05). The E. spinosus group had the longest open days, lowest conception rate at 150 DPP, and highest number of services per conception. Oral E. spinosus extract is ineffective as a therapeutic for cows at risk of CE. These findings may pave the way for future innovative strategies employing E. spinosus to protect cattle against endometritis.

Relationship between Oxidative Stress and Endometritis: Exploiting Knowledge Gained in Mares and Cows

The etiopathogenesis of endometritis in mares and cows differs significantly; this could depend on a different sensitivity and reactivity of the uterus but also on endocrine and rearing factors and different stress sources. In both species, microorganisms and the immune system play a primary role in the generation of this pathology. Microbiological and cytological tests support clinical examination and significantly improve diagnostic accuracy. For both species, during the inflammation, immune cells invade the endometrium and release bioactive substances to contrast primary or secondary pathogen contamination. These molecules are traceable to cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins as well as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), collectively known as RONS. The RONS-mediated oxidation causes morphological and functional alterations of macromolecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, with the consequent production of derivative compounds capable of playing harmful effects. These bioactive molecules and by-products, which have recently become increasingly popular as diagnostic biomarkers, enter the bloodstream, influencing the functionality of organs and tissues. This review has collected and compared information obtained in cows and mares related to the diagnostic potential of these biomarkers that are assessed by using different methods in samples from either blood plasma or uterine fluid.

Deciphering the growth stage specific bioactive diversity patterns in Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. using multivariate data analysis

The study was undertaken to characterize the total phenolics, flavonoids, essential oils, quinones, tannins and antioxidant activity of 15 samples of wild Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (MK) leaves obtained from different locations of Himachal Pradesh at various growth stages. The results indicated a significant variation in total phenolic content which ranged from [(170.09 ± 4.59 to 303.57 ± 7.94) in pre-flowering, (266.48 ± 7.49 to 450.01 ± 11.78) in the flowering stage, and (212.72 ± 5.37 to 363.85 ± 9.79) in fruiting stage], expressed as mg tannic acid equivalents (TAE)/g. The total flavonoid content ranged from [(15.17 ± 0.36 to 33.40 ± 0.81) in pre-flowering, (25.16 ± 0.67 to 58.17 ± 1.52) in flowering stage, and (17.54 ± 0.42 to 37.34 ± 0.97) in fruiting stage], expressed as mg catechin equivalent (CE)/g. Total tannin content ranged from [(75.75 ± 1.69 to 143 ± 3.74) in pre-flowering, (116 ± 3.26 to 207 ± 5.42) in the flowering stage, and (47 ± 1.18 to 156 ± 4.05) in fruiting stage], expressed as mg TAE/g. The essential oil content ranged from (0.64 ± 0.01 to 0.89 ± 0.02%) in pre-flowering, (0.85 ± 0.02 to 1 ± 0.02%) in flowering stage, and (0.54 ± 0.01 to 0.7 ± 0.01%) in fruiting stage. Quinones ranged from [(2.05 ± 0.05 to 2.97 ± 0.07) in pre-flowering, (3.07 ± 0.07 to 4.95 ± 0.13) in flowering stage, and (1.02 ± 0.02 to 1.96 ± 0.04) in fruiting stage], expressed as mM/min/g tissue. Antioxidant activity ranged from [(4.01 ± 0.09 to 7.42 ± 0.17) in pre-flowering, (8.08 ± 0.19 to 13.60 ± 0.35) in flowering stage, and (3.11 ± 0.06 to 6.37 ± 0.15) in fruiting stage], expressed as μg/ml. Data was subjected to multivariate analysis using principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). This was used for elucidating the intricate relationships between the phytochemical properties. All evaluated phytochemical parameters significantly increased during the growth transition from pre-flowering to the flowering stage, followed by their gradual decrease during the fruiting stage. The present study can serve as rationale for commercializing MK for aromatic and phytopharmaceutical industries.

Natural Products in Mitigation of Bisphenol A Toxicity: Future Therapeutic Use

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental toxin with deleterious endocrine-disrupting effects. It is widely used in producing epoxy resins, polycarbonate plastics, and polyvinyl chloride plastics. Human beings are regularly exposed to BPA through inhalation, ingestion, and topical absorption routes. The prevalence of BPA exposure has considerably increased over the past decades. Previous research studies have found a plethora of evidence of BPA’s harmful effects. Interestingly, even at a lower concentration, this industrial product was found to be harmful at cellular and tissue levels, affecting various body functions. A noble and possible treatment could be made plausible by using natural products (NPs). In this review, we highlight existing experimental evidence of NPs against BPA exposure-induced adverse effects, which involve the body’s reproductive, neurological, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. The review also focuses on the targeted signaling pathways of NPs involved in BPA-induced toxicity. Although potential molecular mechanisms underlying BPA-induced toxicity have been investigated, there is currently no specific targeted treatment for BPA-induced toxicity. Hence, natural products could be considered for future therapeutic use against adverse and harmful effects of BPA exposure.

The dietary supplementation of zinc oxide and selenium nanoparticles enhance the immune response in freshwater fish Oreochromis mossambicus against aquatic pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila

BACKGROUND

Green nanoparticles are subjected as an immunostimulant against bacterial pathogens.

METHODS

Murraya koenigii berry extract-based synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (Mb-ZnO NPs) and selenium nanoparticles (Mb-Se NPs) were relatively analyzed for immunostimulation in serum and mucus fish Oreochromis mossambicus against Aeromonas hydrophila infections. Initial minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for both Mb-ZnO NPs and Mb-Se NPs followed by specific growth rate (SGR), antioxidant level (Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), Catalase activity (CA), and Glutathione peroxidase activity (GPx)), and immune parameters Myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), Respiratory burst activity (RBA), Lysozyme activity (LYZ), Alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), Serum antiprotease activity and Natural complement activity (NAC).

RESULTS

The potential bacterial inhibition property of Mb-ZnO NPs and Mb-Se NPs exhibited the most negligible concentration of 25 and 15 μg mL^-1, respectively, against A. hydrophila. In addition, Mb-ZnO NPs and Mb-Se NPs exhibited 70-80 % and 90-95 % diminished biofilm activity at 50 μg mL^-1 that was viewed under an inverted research microscope and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Protein leakage and nucleic acid leakage assay quantified oozed out protein and nucleic acid from A. hydrophila that confirms Mb-Se NPs exhibited vigorous antibacterial activity than Mb-ZnO NPs at tested concentrations. Oreochromis mossambicus fed with Mb-ZnO NPs and Mb-Se NPs supplemented diet at different concentrations (0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg) improved SGR along with a rise in the immune response of those fishes against A. hydrophila infection. Serum and mucus of fish fed with Mb-Se NPs supplemented diet exhibited a significant rise in antioxidant level SOD, CA and GPx at a dosage of 2 mg/kg. Likewise, lipid peroxidation assay detected significantly diminished oxidative stress in the serum and mucus of fish fed with Mb-Se NPs supplemented diet (2 mg/kg). Enhanced immune parameters in serum and mucus of fish fed with Mb-Se NPs supplemented diet determined by MPO, RBA, LYZ, ALP, Serum antiprotease activity and NAC.

CONCLUSION

Thus O. mossambicus fed with Mb-Se NPs supplemented diet was less prone to become infected by aquatic pathogen A. hydrophila established by challenge study. On the whole, Mb-Se NPs supplemented diet ensured the rise in antioxidant response that boosts the immune responses and reduces the chance of getting infected against A. hydrophila infections.

Impacts of Aegle marmelos fruit extract as a medicinal herb on growth performance, antioxidant and immune responses, digestive enzymes, and disease resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Aegle marmelos fruit (AMF) extract on the growth performance, biochemical parameters, immune response, antioxidative capacity, and digestive enzyme activity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were fed a diet supplemented with AMF at concentrations of 0 (AMF0; control), 5 (AMF5), 10 (AMF10), 15 (AMF15), or 20 (AMF20) g/kg for 8 weeks. The results show that the final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were significantly higher in fish fed AMF15 and AMF20 compared to those fed the control diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities and non-specific immune responses were observed in groups fed AMF15 and AMF20. Interestingly, the level of cholesterol decreased with increasing AMF concentrations in the diet. As dietary AMF levels increased, digestive enzyme activities significantly improved. After the feeding trial, fish were injected intraperitoneally with Streptococcus agalactiae, and the 14-day cumulative mortality was calculated. A high survival rate after challenge with S. agalactiae was observed in all groups that received AMF-supplemented feed. Therefore, the present study suggests that supplementing the diet of Nile tilapia with AMF at a concentration of 20 g/kg could encourage their growth, improve their immunity and antioxidant status, and provide strong protection against S. agalactiae.

The deleterious effect of postpartum pyometra on the reproductive indices, the metabolic profile, and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of dairy cows

Background and Aim:

Postpartum uterine infectious diseases, such as pyometra, have discrepancy with both health and, subsequently, productivity of dairy cows due to its high prevalence and the high cost of treatment. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of pyometra on the reproductive indices, the metabolic profile, and oxidant/antioxidant parameters of the pyometric animal compared to those of healthy ones.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 30 cows. The animals were differentiated into two groups of 15 cows each: A group of pyometra and a control group. All pyometric cows were subjected to breeding soundness examination after the end of pyometra and were compared to the control group. Blood samples were obtained to assess the levels of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol, albumin, total protein, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, calcium (Ca), phosphorus, sodium, potassium, progesterone hormone (P4), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase.

Results:

Results revealed significant prolonged duration of first estrus, the days open, and the required number of services due to pyometra. The pyometra group yielded increased levels of NEFA, TGs, ALP, BUN, creatinine, MDA, and progesterone hormone. In addition, significant decrease in the levels of glucose, cholesterol, albumin, Ca, phosphorus, sodium, TAC, GPx, and superoxide dismutase was observed in the pyometra group. Finally, no difference in the concentrations of total protein, ALT, AST, and potassium was observed in the pyometra group.

Conclusion:

The reproductive indices was adversely influenced in cows with postpartum pyometra, and metabolic profile, involving energy balance signals and liver function indicators, revealed differences between the two groups. Increased levels of oxidative stress parameters and decrease levels of antioxidant levels were also found, suggesting that pyometra is an incentive for oxidative stress. Overall, checking the energy balance, metabolic imbalances, and oxidant/antioxidant profile, accompanied with pre-emptive procedures during the postpartum period, is essential and can reduce the chances of such diseases and possible noxious results in highly productive cows.

Bioactive compounds of Aegle marmelos L., medicinal values and its food applications: A critical review

Aegle marmelos L. (bael) is a fruit tree of Rutaceae family, widely grown all over the world. This plant is gaining popularity because of its nutrient-rich fruits and immense traditional medicinal usage and pharmacological properties. The health promotive and protective effect of bael fruit is accounted by fibers, carotenoids, phenolics, terpenoids, coumarins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The curative relevance of these compounds has been assessed by various in vivo and in vitro studies. Fruit shows numerous possible health benefits, namely, radio-protective effects, peroxidation, antibacterial, inhibition of lipid, antidiarrheal, gastroprotective, antiviral, antidiabetic, anti-ulcerative colitis, cardioprotective, free-radical scavenging (antioxidant) and hepatoprotective effects. The health benefits of bael are not only limited to edible portion (fruit), but it also extends to nonedible portion (root, trunk, bark, leaf, flower and seed) having comparable biologically active compounds. Increasing awareness about the role of diet among health-conscious consumers for human well-being has increased the interest in functional foods thereby exploration of the functional attributes of various underutilized plants is being reaffirmed and various sources are emerged out as suitable food material for processing industry. The various scientific reports collected from different bibliometric sources suggested that A. marmelos and its bioactive constituents could play a vital role in the prevention of several chronic and degenerative diseases associated with oxidation stress. This review emphasis on recent scientific evidences on nutrition and bioactive profile of A. marmelos, health benefits along with clinical and nonclinical trials of various phytoconstituents and A. marmelos potential in food processing industry for various food products. Our study suggests that this plant does indeed have pharmacological properties of interest, however, further extensive research is needed to establish a potential strategy that can balance the pharmacological and toxic effects of bael.

Medicinal Profile, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Murraya koenigii and its Primary Bioactive Compounds

The discovery of several revitalizing molecules that can stop or reduce the pathology of a wide range of diseases will be considered a major breakthrough of the present time. Available synthetic compounds may provoke side effects and health issues, which heightens the need for molecules from plants and other natural resources under discovery as potential methods of replacing synthetic compounds. In traditional medicinal therapies, several plant extracts and phytochemicals have been reported to impart remedial effects as better alternatives. Murraya koenigii (M. koenigii) belongs to the Rutaceae family, which is commonly used as a medicinally important herb of Indian origin in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Previous reports have demonstrated that the leaves, roots, and bark of this plant are rich sources of carbazole alkaloids, which produce potent biological activities and pharmacological effects. These include antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and neuroprotective activities. The present review provides insight into the major components of M. koenigii and their pharmacological activities against different pathological conditions. The review also emphasizes the need for more research on the molecular basis of such activity in various cellular and animal models to validate the efficacy of M. koenigii and its derivatives as potent therapeutic agents.