Potential of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum in ameliorating redox status and lung injury in COPD: an in vivo and in silico study

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle prepared with Ocimum species and assessment of anticancer potential

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have gained much attention due to their unique physical, and chemical properties. Integration of phytochemicals in nanoformulation might have higher applicability in healthcare. Current work demonstrates the synthesis of green AgNPs with O. gratissimum (gr-AgNPs) O. tenuiflorum (te-AgNPs) and O. americanum (am-AgNPs) followed by an evaluation of their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. SEM analysis revealed spherical-shaped particles with average particle sizes of 69.0 ± 5 nm for te-AgNPs, 46.9 ± 9 nm for gr-AgNPs, and 58.5 ± 18.7 nm for am-AgNPs with a polydispersity index below 0.4. The synthesized am-AgNPs effectively inhibited Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida albicans with 23 ± 1.58 mm, 20 ± 1.68 mm, 22 ± 1.80 mm, 26 ± 1.85 mm, and 22 ± 1.40 nm of zone of inhibition respectively. Synthesized AgNPs also induced apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 in concentration-dependent manner. IC50 values for am-AgNPs, te-AgNPs, and gr-AgNPs were 14.78 ± 0.89 µg, 18.04 ± 0.63 and 15.41 ± 0.37 µg respectively which suggested that am-AgNPs were the most effective against cancer. At higher dose size (20 µg) AgNPs were equally effective to commercial standard Doxorubicin (DOX). In comparison to te-AgNPs and gr-AgNPs, am-AgNPs have higher in vitro anticancer and antimicrobial effects. The work reported Ocimum americanum for its anticancer properties with chemical profile (GCMS) and compared it with earlier reported species. The activity against microbial pathogens and selected cancer cells clearly depicted that these species have distinct variations in activity. The results have also emphasized on higher potential of biogenic silver nanoparticles in healthcare but before formulation of commercial products, detailed analysis is required with human and animal models.

Development of Simultaneous HPTLC Method and Validation for the Quality Assessment of Ayurvedic Formulation-Ayush Kvatha Churna by Using Marker Compound Rosmarinic Acid, Trans-Cinnamaldehyde and Piperine

Ayurveda emphasizes the propagation of nature in maintaining health. In the present scenario, we have seen the faith of people in herbal drugs during the Covid 19 outbreak. The raises in the number of peoples have been using herbal drugs to boost immunity against infectious diseases shows the popularity of this ancient system of medicine. The standardization of Ayush Kvatha Churna (AKC), work set out to establish a straightforward, accurate and sensitive HPTLC method for the identification and quantification of marker compounds. The Rosmarinic acid, trans-Cinnamaldehyde and Piperine were used for the estimation of markers in Ayush Kvatha Churna by using HPTLC with a solvent system, consisting of Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Ethyl alcohol: Formic acid (5.6:2.4:2: 0.3 v/v/v/v). The Rf value 0.33 for Rosmarinic Acid, 0.69 for Piperine and 0.77 for trans-Cinnamaldehyde was observed and it is exactly complying with the corresponding bands in Ayush Kvatha Churna. The technique has been effectively verified and validated, enabling it to be used for the standardization or quantitative analysis of Rosmarinic acid, trans-Cinnamaldehyde and piperine in Ayush Kvatha Churna.

Blocking μ-opioid receptor by naltrexone exaggerates oxidative stress and airway inflammation via the MAPkinase pathway in a murine model of asthma

Opioids regulate various physiological and pathophysiological functions, including cell proliferation, immune function, obesity, and neurodegenerative disorders. They have been used for centuries as a treatment for severe pain, binding to opioid receptors a specific G protein-coupled receptor. Common opioids, like β-endorphin, [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), and dynorphins, have analgesic effects. The use of a potent antagonist, like naltrexone hydrochloride, to block the effects of mu Opioid Receptor (μOR) may result in the withdrawal of physiological effects and could potentially impact immune responses in many diseases including respiratory disease. Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, bronchoconstriction, chest tightness, stress generation and release of various cytokines. Airway inflammation leads recruitment and activation of immune cells releasing mediators, including opioids, which may modulate inflammatory response by binding to their respective receptors. The study aims to explore the role of μOR antagonist (naltrexone) in regulating asthma pathophysiology, as the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses in asthma remains unclear. Balb/c mice were sensitized intranasally by 1% TDI and challenged with 2.5% TDI. Naltrexone hydrochloride (1 mg/kg body weight) was administered through intraperitoneal route 1 h before TDI induction. Blocking μOR by naltrexone exacerbates airway inflammation by recruiting inflammatory cells (lymphocytes and neutrophils), enhancing intracellular Reactive oxygen species in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and inflammatory mediator (histamine, Eosinophil peroxidase and neutrophil elastase) in lungs. Naltrexone administration modulated inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A), and enhanced IgE and CRP levels. Naltrexone administration also increased the expression of NF-κB, and phosphorylated p-P38, p-Erk, p-JNK and NF-κB by inhibiting the μOR. Docking study revealed good binding affinity of naltrexone with μOR compared to δ and κ receptors. In future it might elucidate potential therapeutic against many respiratory pathological disorders. In conclusion, μOR blocking by naltrexone regulates and implicates inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and lung physiology.

β-Endorphin (an endogenous opioid) inhibits inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis via Nrf-2 in asthmatic murine model

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease is characterized by airway inflammation, remodelling, airflow limitation and hyperresponsiveness. At present, it is considered as an umbrella diagnosis consisting several variable clinical presentations (phenotypes) and distinct pathophysiological mechanisms (endotypes). Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress participates in airway inflammation and remodelling in chronic asthma. Opioids resembled by group of regulatory peptides have proven to act as an immunomodulator. β-Endorphin a natural and potent endogenous morphine produced in the anterior pituitary gland play role in pain modulation. Therapeutic strategy of many opioids including β-Endorphin as an anti‑inflammatory and antioxidative agent has not been yet explored despite its promising analgesic effects. This is the first study to reveal the role of β-Endorphin in regulating airway inflammation, cellular apoptosis, and oxidative stress via Nrf-2 in an experimental asthmatic model. Asthma was generated in balb/c mice by sensitizing with 1% Toulene Diisocyanate on day 0, 7, 14 and 21 and challenging with 2.5% Toulene Diisocyanate from day 22 to 51 (on every alternate day) through intranasal route. β-Endorphin (5 µg/kg) was administered through the nasal route 1 h prior to sensitization and challenge. The effect of β-Endorphin on pulmonary inflammation and redox status along with parameters of oxidative stress were evaluated. We found that pre-treatment of β-Endorphin significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration in lung tissue and cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Also, pre-treatment of β-Endorphin reduced reactive oxygen species, Myeloperoxidase, Nitric Oxide, Protein and protein carbonylation, Glutathione Reductase, Malondialdehyde, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. Reversely, β-Endorphin significantly increased Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, glutathione, Glutathione-S-Transferase, and activation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) via Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), independent pathway in the lung restoring architectural alveolar and bronchial changes. The present findings reveal the therapeutic potency of β-END in regulating asthma by Keap-1 independent regulation of Nrf-2 activity. The present findings reveal the therapeutic potency of β-Endorphin in regulating asthma.