Plant-assisted green preparation of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo and their antioxidant, antibacterial and catalytic applications

Plant-mediated preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is thought to be a more economical and environmentally benign process in comparison to physical and chemical synthesis methods. In the present study, the aqueous leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo was prepared and utilized to reduce silver ion (Ag+) during the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (DL-AgNPs). The formation of DL-AgNPs was verified using UV-Vis spectra, exhibiting the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at around 450 nm. FT-IR analysis revealed the kinds of phytochemicals that serve as reducing and capping agents while DL-AgNPs are being synthesized. Analysis of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images verified the development of spherical and oval-shaped DL-AgNPs, with sizes ranging from 10 to 25 nm. The stability and particle size distribution of synthesized DL-AgNPs were ensured by zeta potential and DLS (dynamic light scattering) investigations. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of DL-AgNPs. In antioxidant experiments, DL-AgNPs demonstrated significant scavenging capacities of DPPH and ABTS radicals with EC50 values of 51.32 and 33.32 μg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial activity of DL-AgNPs was shown to be significant against harmful bacteria, with a maximum zone of inhibition (21.5 ± 0.86 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, DL-AgNPs exhibited effective catalytic activity to degrade environment-polluting dyes (methylene blue, methyl orange, and Congo red) and toxic chemicals (p-nitrophenol). The results of all these studies suggested that DL-AgNPs made from the leaf extract of Dalbergia sissoo have merit for application in the environmental and biomedical fields.

Isolation of Thymol from Trachyspermum ammi Fruits for Treatment of Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy in STZ-Induced Rats

Terpenoids and phenols from Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi) have reported some pharmacological actions. The objective of the work was to isolate the active constituent, its identification by spectroscopic techniques, and evaluation of the antidiabetic and neuroprotective activity from T. ammi on STZ Wistar rats. The dried fruits of T ammi were kept in a hydrodistillation apparatus to collect essential oil. The isolated fraction went through TLC, UV, FTIR, HPLC, HRMS, C¹³, and ¹H NMR for characterization. Two dosage concentrations from the isolated compound were prepared as 10 and 20 mg/kg for treatment groups. The groups were tested for thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, writhing, grip strength, spontaneous locomotor test, neuromuscular coordination tests, and histopathological and lipid profile analysis. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg i.p.) and 12 weeks of treatment-induced diabetic neuropathy in Wistar rats. Biomarkers were evaluated to understand the neuropathic protection of thymol on STZ-treated Wistar rats. The biomarker studies (SOD, NO, LPO, Na⁺K⁺ATPase, and TNF-α) further confirmed thymol's diabetic neuropathy protective action. This study suggests that isolated compound thymol was antidiabetic and neuroprotective as it has shown controlled glucose levels defensive nerve damage in STZ Wistar rats. P < 0.05 level of significance was observed in the levels of endogenous biomarkers, fasting blood glucose levels, actophotometer response, and response latency in treated groups compared to the diabetic group, whereas P < 0.001 level of significance during lipid profile levels, thermal algesia, and neuromuscular comparison tests was noted in treated groups compared to the diabetic group.

Siamese, Indian, and Brazilian Rosewoods: A Review on Phytochemistry, Applications, and Pharmacology

For the first time, the current review fully provides information on the phytochemicals, applications, and pharmacological aspects relating to 3 Dalbergia species, Siamese Rosewood ( Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre ex Laness.), Indian Rosewood ( D sissoo Roxb.), and Brazilian Rosewood ( D nigra (Vell.) Benth.). Based on chromatographic separation, phytochemical studies on these plants have, to date, resulted in the isolation and structural elucidation of 136 secondary metabolites. Among them, flavonoids and simple phenols are major components, whereas terpenoids, quinones, benzofurans, benzophenols, phytosterols, stilbenes, phthalates, xanthones, and lignans have been also detected. Dalbergia rosewoods are heavy and strong, taking an outstanding polish, and are very suitable for furniture. They are also used as natural dyes, raw materials for removing contaminants from water, and might be a rich resource of essential oils, polysaccharides, and active glycosidase enzymes. Dalbergia crude extracts and their secondary metabolites have a wide range of pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-nociceptive, anti-diarrheal, anti-pyretic, gastrointestinal, biocontrol activities, but sexual and anti-osteoporosis activities are the most valuable.

Caviunin glycoside (CAFG) from Dalbergia sissoo attenuates osteoarthritis by modulating chondrogenic and matrix regulating proteins

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dalbergia sissoo DC. (Indian rosewood or Sheesham) is a traditional medicinal plant, reported since time immemorial for its analgesic, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and immuno-modulatory properties. D. sissoo DC (DS). is being used traditionally to cure joint inflammation and joint pain.

AIM

To study the potential of DS leaves and its derived novel compound CAFG to treat the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The chemical profile of DS extract (DSE) with isoflavonoids and isoflvaonoid glycosides from the DS was established by UHPLC-PDA and UHPLC-MS/MS. Monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) was injected into the knee joint to develop the OA model in rats. DSE was given orally for 28 days daily at 250 and 500 mg.kg^-1day^-1. For in-vitro experiments, chondrocytes isolated from joint articular cartilage were negatively induced with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and CAFG was given to the cells as a co-treatment.

RESULTS

Chondrocytes undergo apoptosis following inflammation and proteoglycan synthesis affected in MIA injected knees. DSE administration prevented these effects as assessed by H&E and Toluidine blue staining. Micro-CT analysis showed that subchondral bone loss was restored. DSE decreased elevated serum levels of cartilage-bone degradation (CTX-I, CTX-II, and COMP), inflammation markers IL-1β, and matrix-degrading MMP-3 and 13. The effects of IL-1β on gene expression of chondrocytes were reversed by CAFG treatment at 1 μM.

CONCLUSION

Data showed that DSE protected joint cartilage and deterioration in subchondral bone in vivo while in in-vitro, its active ingredient CAFG prevented interleukin-1β induced effects and inhibited OA. This finding suggest that DSE and CAFG could be used as a possible therapeutic to treat osteoarthritis.

Quantitative ethnomedicinal study of plants used to cure different ailments in Rajaji tiger reserve, Uttarakhand, India

Introduction: India has a rich diversity of ethnomedicinal plants where the preparations from plants are used in treatment of various infection and ailments.

Objectives: The detailed survey was done to gather the information about potential preparation of ethno-medicinal plants by the local communities of the study area.

Methods: Data on 54 ethnomedicinal plants were recorded with the help of 19 men and 18 women aged between 45 and 60. Direct observation, group discussion and semi structured interview were used to collect the ethnobotanical information of the study area.

Results: Prevalent ethnomedicinal uses of the plants were used for treating diarrhoea, asthma, dysentery, and other human ailments. The most commonly plant parts gathered were leaves (28.78 %) followed by bark (19.69 %), root (12.12 %), flower (10.60 %), fruit (9.09 %), seed and whole plant (7.57 % each), stem (4.54 %). It was observed from the investigation that the ethnomedicinal plants used most frequently in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery (29 taxa) followed by other liver problems (7 taxa), healing cut and wounds, tooth problems, blood dysentery, piles, asthma, fractured bones, scorpion/insects bite (2 taxa), skin diseases, urinary disorder and headache, menstrual disorder, infertility, stone problems, cold and cough, muscle pain and swelling, memory enhancer, killing of liver worms in children, insects repellent, bronchial catarrh (1 taxa each).

Conclusion: The folk knowledge and ethnomedicinal preparation recorded in the present study area can be implemented in future for pharmacological and biological assay which could be further lead to new drug development.

Anti-diabetic, diabetic neuropathy protective action and mechanism of action involving oxidative pathway of chlorogenic acid isolated from Selinum vaginatum roots in rats

Phytopharmaceuticals have always reported vital roles in the field of medicine hence the need to investigate safe and efficient drugs for treating metabolic disorders is very significant. Roots of Selinum vaginatum have therapeutic benefits and are widely used by the people of the Rohtang region for treating diabetes and its associated complications. The present study focusses on the isolation of the bioactive from the S. vaginatum roots for estimating acute toxicity studies, anti-diabetic and diabetic neuropathy protective action along with the mechanism of action in STZ induced Wistar rats. The Selinum vaginatum roots were collected from the Rohtang region, Himalayas. Chlorogenic acid was isolated and underwent identification by UV, HPLC, ¹H NMR, C13 NMR, Mass, and FTIR spectroscopy methods. Chlorogenic acid was dosed at 10 and 20 mg/kg to observe the effects on experimentally induced diabetes and with time generated diabetic neuropathic complications. Biomarkers TNF-α, superoxide dismutase, nitrosative stress, lipid peroxide profile, and membrane-bound inorganic phosphate were analyzed. Histopathological evaluation of the liver and sciatic nerve was performed for all groups. Parameters like blood glucose levels, body weight, food intake, Thermal Hyperalgesia, Writhing, Cold Hyperalgesia Responses, Mechanical hyperalgesia, Grip Strength, Spontaneous Locomotor (Exploratory) Test, Neuromuscular Coordination tests, and lipid profile analysis showcased the anti-diabetic and diabetic neuropathy protective action of the drug. Inflammation, degradation, and necrosis were found to be reduced in the liver and sciatic nerve cells of treated groups. All the biomarkers used to analyze the oxidative pathway were significantly replenished indicates that chlorogenic acid produces these effects through this pathway.

Therapeutic significance and pharmacological activities of antidiarrheal medicinal plants mention in Ayurveda: A review

Diarrhea is a serious problem affecting 3-5 billion people per year around the world, especially children of below 5 years. 70% of the world population uses traditional and indigenous medicine for their primary health care. The facts of these indigenous remedies are passed verbally and sometimes as documents. Since ancient time, Ayurveda is the main system of healing in South East Asian countries. Indian literature from ayurvedic texts and other books claim the potency of several plants in the treatment of diarrhea. As the global prospective of ayurvedic medicine is increasing, interest regarding the scientific basis of their action is parallely increasing. Researchers are doing experiments to establish the relation between the claimed action and observed pharmacological activities. In the present article, an attempt was made to compile the scientific basis of medicinal plants used to cure diarrhea in Ayurveda. Literature was collected via electronic search (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, and Google Scholar) from published articles that reports antidiarrheal activity of plants that were mentioned in Ayurveda classics. A total of 109 plant species belonging to 58 families were reported for their antidiarrheal activity. Several Indian medicinal plants have demonstrated promising antidiarrheal effects, but the studies on the antidiarrheal potentials of these plants are not taken beyond proof of concept stage. It is hoped that the article would stimulate future clinical studies because of the paucity of knowledge in this area.

A novel therapeutic approach with Caviunin-based isoflavonoid that en routes bone marrow cells to bone formation via BMP2/Wnt-β-catenin signaling

Recently, we reported that extract of Dalbergia sissoo made from leaves and pods have antiresorptive and bone-forming effects. The positive skeletal effect attributed because of active molecules present in the extract of Dalbergia sissoo. Caviunin 7-O-[β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-6)-β-D-glucopyranoside] (CAFG), a novel isoflavonoid show higher percentage present in the extract. Here, we show the osteogenic potential of CAFG as an alternative for anabolic therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis by stimulating bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and Wnt/β-catenin mechanism. CAFG supplementation improved trabecular micro-architecture of the long bones, increased biomechanical strength parameters of the vertebra and femur and decreased bone turnover markers better than genistein. Oral administration of CAFG to osteopenic ovariectomized mice increased osteoprogenitor cells in the bone marrow and increased the expression of osteogenic genes in femur and show new bone formation without uterine hyperplasia. CAFG increased mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin in bone and inhibited osteoclast activation by inhibiting the expression of skeletal osteoclastogenic genes. CAFG is also an effective accelerant for chondrogenesis and has stimulatory effect on the repair of cortical bone after drill-hole injury at the tissue, cell and gene level in mouse femur. At cellular levels, CAFG stimulated osteoblast proliferation, survival and differentiation. Signal transduction inhibitors in osteoblast demonstrated involvement of p-38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway stimulated by BMP2 to initiate Wnt/β-catenin signaling to reduce phosphorylation of GSK3-β and subsequent nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. Osteogenic effects were abrogated by Dkk1, Wnt-receptor blocker and FH535, inhibitor of TCF-complex by reduction in β-catenin levels. CAFG modulated MSC responsiveness to BMP2, which promoted osteoblast differentiation via Wnt/β-catenin mechanism. CAFG at 1 mg/kg^/day dose in ovariectomy mice (human dose ∼0.081 mg/kg) led to enhanced bone formation, reduced bone resorption and bone turnover better than well-known phytoestrogen genistein. Owing to CAFG's inherent properties for bone, it could be positioned as a potential drug, food supplement, for postmenopausal osteoporosis and fracture repair.

Plants used for treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea by the Bhoxa community of district Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dysentery and diarrhoea are major causes of morbidity and mortality in rural communities of developing world. The Bhoxa community is an important primitive indigenous community of Uttarakhand, India. In this paper we have tried to scientifically enumerate ethnomedicinal plants and herbal preparations used by Bhoxa community to treat dysentery and diarrhoea, and discuss their antidiarrhoeal properties in the light of previous ethnomedicinal, pharmacological, microbiological and phytochemical studies. To record plants and herbal preparations used by Bhoxa community of district Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India in treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea, and to discuss antidiarrhoeal and antimicrobial properties of the recorded plants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnomedicinal survey was conducted in different villages of Bhoxa community located in district Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Thirty Bhoxa traditional healers were interviewed to collect information on plants used by them for treating dysentery and diarrhoea. For each of the recorded plant species the use value (UV) and fidelity level (FL) was calculated. Detailed literature survey was conducted to summarize ethnomedicinal, pharmacological, microbiological and phytochemical information on the medicinal plants listed in the present study.

RESULTS

Fifty medicinal plants (45 genera and 30 families) were used by Bhoxa community to treat dysentery and diarrhoea, among which 27 species were used for dysentery, 41 for diarrhoea and 18 for both dysentery and diarrhoea. Three plants viz., Dioscorea bulbifera L., Euphorbia thymifolia L. and Prunus persica (L.) Stokes, recorded in the present survey have been reported for the first time in treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea by any indigenous communities in India. FL and UV values revealed that most preferred species for the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea by Bhoxa community are Euphorbia hirta L. followed by Holarrhena pubescens Wall., Helicteres isora L. and Cassia fistula L. Earlier pharmacological studies confirmed that 27 of the recorded plants have some proven antidiarrhoeal properties and remaining 23 plants have to be pharmacologically evaluated for their antidiarrhoeal properties. Except 6 plants all the other recorded plants have shown antimicrobial properties in previous microbiological studies. Previous studies have corroborated the ethnomedicinal claims made by the traditional healers of the Bhoxa community.

CONCLUSIONS

Present study has provided new information on many medicinal plants and their uses. All the three newly reported plants for treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea have not been pharmacologically evaluated yet for their possible antidiarrhoeal properties. Twenty-three and six plants have not been evaluated pharmacologically and microbiologically, respectively. The present information may serve as a baseline data to initiate further research for discovery of new compounds and biological activities of these potential plants. Further research on these plants may provide some important clues for development of new drugs for dysentery and diarrhoea or other related diseases.