Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Bioactives and Its Role in Alleviating Oral Pathologies

Plant-based probiotic foods: current state and future trends

Abstract

Plant-based probiotic foods (PBPFs) have recently become a notable choice for many consumers. While less recognized than dairy products, these foods offer efficient alternatives for individuals with lactose intolerance, vegans, or those aiming for more sustainable dietary practices. Traditional fermented PBPFs, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha, are part of cultures from different countries and have gained more significant popularity in recent years globally due to their peculiar flavors and health benefits. However, new plant-based probiotic products have also been studied and made available to consumers of the growing demand in this sector. Therefore, this review discusses trends in plant-based probiotic production, known benefits, and characteristics. Challenges currently faced in manufacturing, distribution, marketing, consumer acceptance, and legislation are also discussed.

Graphical abstract

In Vitro Efficacy of Domestic Techniques for Disinfection of Toothbrushes Contaminated With Enterococcus faecalis

Introduction: Oral hygiene education for patients is fundamental in preventive-promotional dentistry. The disinfection of toothbrushes (TBs) must be integrated into this context due to their proximity to contaminant sources that make them vulnerable to cross infection in homes. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of domestic techniques for disinfection of TBs. Materials and Methods: We performed an in vitro study of 76 TBs contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis (Ef) ATCC 29212 subjected to different disinfection protocols: G1. Distilled water (DW; negative control; n = 8), G2. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)10% (negative control; n = 8), G3. Chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.12% (positive control; n = 15), G4. 100% white vinegar (WV; n = 15), G5. Microwave (MW) at 700 W (n = 15), and G6. 200 mg/mL of certified alcoholic extract of purple garlic (GARLIC) from Arequipa (Allium sativum L; n = 15). Bacterial count was assessed by colony-forming units (CFU/mL) categorized as contamination: low (<30), medium (30-300), and high (>300). The Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc pairs was used at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Efficacy against Ef showed highly significant differences between groups (p < 0.001) with lower median CFU/mL in G3 and G4 (Me = 0 [IQR (interquartile range) = 0]: low) and G5 (Me = 6000 [IQR = 45,000]: low/medium) versus negative controls (Me = 378,500 and 5,020,000 [IQR = 4,605,000 and 6,760,000]: medium/high; p ≤ 0.019). The counts of the G5 were not statistically different than G3, G4, and G6 (p > 0.06). The G6 (Me = 1,510,000 [IQR = 590,000]: medium) was inferior to G3 and G4 (p < 0.001), but similar to both negative control groups (p > 0.999). Conclusions: Disinfection of TBs with CHX, WV, and MWs produces a significant effective reduction in the count of Ef.

Cytoprotective effect of garlic alone versus co-administration of garlic and resveratrol in adriamycin-induced lung toxicity in albino rat: light microscopic, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study

Adriamycin is a cytotoxic anthracycline antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of cancers. This study was made to detect the possible prophylactic effects of combining garlic and resveratrol in preventing adriamycin-induced pulmonary cytotoxicity. This study was conducted on a total number of 60 adult male albino rats. The rats were divided in an equally random manner into 6 groups: group I rats received nothing, group II received a dose of 50 mg/kg garlic extract orally for 3 weeks, group III received resveratrol in a dose of 20 mg/kg/day orally for 3 weeks, group IV rats were injected with 20 mg/kg adriamycin as a single dose via intraperitoneal route, group V received garlic extract for 3 weeks, then were injected with adriamycin in the same stated doses, and Group VI received garlic extract and resveratrol in same stated dose for 3 weeks, then were injected with adriamycin in the same stated dose. Lung specimens were processed for light microscopic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical studies. Adriamycin treatment caused histological alterations, thicker interstitial septa, extensive cellular infiltration, hypertrophied arterial wall, marked inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase immunoreaction, type I pneumocytes with destructed organelles as well as type II pneumocytes having large vacuoles. The combined garlic and resveratrol group demonstrated a considerable improvement in the changes to the histology and ultrastructure of adriamycin-induced lung injury. Combining garlic and resveratrol can prevent adriamycin-induced lung cytotoxicity in albino rats.

Phytotherapy in periodontics as an effective and sustainable supplemental treatment: a narrative review

PURPOSE

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition caused by microbial infection and mediated by the host's immune response. Phytotherapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes a renewable resource capable of supplying less expensive medicines for the world's growing population. This review aimed to present clinical evidence on the use of complementary medicinal herbs in the treatment of periodontal diseases.

METHODS

Different databases were searched using the terms "herbal" and "periodontitis." All included studies were examined with a focus on herbal indications, type, and prescription length. Dentists' therapeutic and prophylactic herbal prescribing habits were also assessed.

RESULTS

Various herbs such as turmeric, neem, aloe-vera, pomegranate, catechu, tulsi, cloves, lemon grass, green tea, tea tree oil, peppermint, garlic, pineapple, oak bark, babul, bakul, sage, coriander, moringa, amla, guava, and grape seed extract have been used in the treatment of periodontitis. These herbs have been reported to exhibit a range of therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, antiplaque, antihalitosis, antiresorptive, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. These components can be utilized in various forms such as mouth rinse, gel, oil, toothpaste, aqueous extract, mouthwash, or tooth powder.

CONCLUSIONS

Several readily available herbal formulations are now available on the market and have been shown to be effective as supplemental periodontal phytotherapy. However, these should be used under the supervision of a dental professional to ensure optimal benefits and effectiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the understanding of suggested herbal prescription practices among dental professionals.

Behavior, antioxidant, and metabolomics effects of Allium tuncelianum

Allium species are consumed extensively as folkloric medicine and dietary elements, but limited studies have been conducted on them. In this study, the effects of an ethanol-water extract obtained from the underground bulb of Allium tuncelianum (Kollmann) Özhatay, B. Mathew & Şiraneci (AT) on the behavioral, antioxidant, and metabolite parameters in rats were evaluated. AT was administered orally once a day at doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg to male Wistar albino rats for 10 consecutive days. The elevated plus maze, rotarod, and hotplate tests were used to examine anxiety-like behaviors, locomotor activities, and pain perception in the rats, respectively. Additionally, untargeted metabolomic analyses were performed on plasma samples and AT extracts using two orthogonal analytical platforms. The phenolic components, mainly fumaric acid, malic acid, vanillic acid, quercetin-3-arabinoside, hydrocinnamic acid, and gallocatechin, were determined in the extract. In addition, arbutin, salicylic acid, trehalose, and nicotinic acid were analyzed in the extract for the first time. The AT extract did not decrease the catalase, glutathione peroxidase, or superoxide dismutase levels; however, diazepam decreased some of those parameters significantly in the brain, liver, and kidney. Although both the AT and diazepam treatments resulted in an increase in anxiolytic-like effects compared to the control group, no significant differences were observed (p > .05). In the metabolomic analysis, significant changes were observed in the rats treated with AT and diazepam, and they caused significant changes in some metabolic pathways, including amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, compared to the control.

Immunological Response and Nutritional Effects of Lactobacillus spp.-fermented Garlic on Turkey Broilers

In the era of free antibiotics used in animal production, the application of feed additives should be prioritized to improve poultry health and production.  The present study was conducted to evaluate the influences of garlic fermented by Lactobacillus spp. on the growth rate, intestinal microorganisms, and immune response of turkey broilers. A completely randomized design was used, involving 90 turkey broilers aged 1-56 days, with five treatments and three replicates per treatment. The birds were given feed and water ad libitum for the entire experiment period. The treatments included the supplementation of aqueous extract from fermented garlic (FG) to drinking water. The results showed that broilers supplemented with 0.8% FG exhibited the largest final body weight (1,158 g/bird), body weight gain (19.64 g/bird/day), and significantly improved feed conversion ratio (1.962) while decreasing the feed intake of turkey broilers from to 1-56 days. The immune organ indices, including the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius indices, were increased in the 0.6% FG treatment group (P<0.05), while antibody titers (at 28 and 42 days of age) were improved in the 0.6% and 0.8% FG treatments (P<0.05). Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella spp. were not detected in the intestines of these birds, while the amount of Escherichia coli was reduced (P<0.05) and Lactobacillus spp. increased (P>0.05) without a significant effect. It can be concluded that supplementation with 0.8% FG improved growth performance, and 0.6% FG may enhance the immunity of turkeys. Moreover, 0.6% and 0.8% FG could be widely used for poultry production.

Plant leads for mitigation of oral submucous fibrosis: Current scenario and future prospect

The aim of this review is to enumerate medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds that may become potential leads in the mitigation of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) in the forthcoming future. It is focused on pathophysiology, risk factors, current treatment regimen, potential plant leads, and future therapies for OSMF. Data were extracted from a vast literature survey by using SciFinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed search engines with relevant keywords. Upon literature survey, we found that the phytochemical 'arecoline' present in the areca nut is the main causative agent of OSMF condition. Currently, OSMF is treated by immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids, enzymes (hyaluronidase, chymotrypsin, and collagenase), anti-inflammatory mediators (isoxsuprine and pentoxifylline), dietary supplements (vitamins, antioxidants, and micronutrients), and anti-fibrotic cytokines like interferon-gamma that provides short-term symptomatic relief to OSMF patients. However, some plant leads have been proven effective in alleviating symptoms and mitigating OSMF, which ultimately improves the quality of OSMF patients' life. We concluded that plant drugs like lycopene, curcumin, Aloe vera, colchicine, and Glycyrrhiza glabra are effective against OSMF in various in vitro and/or clinical studies and are being used by modern and traditional practitioners.

Health-promoting properties of bioactive proteins and peptides of garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a popular food spice with diverse and well-established medicinal properties. Many research interests have been directed toward the biological activities of the phytochemical constituents of garlic. However, prospects of its bioactive proteins and peptides have been understudied to date. With the advances in food proteomics/peptide research, a review of studies on garlic bioactive proteins and peptides, especially on their nature, extraction, and biological activities, is timely. Garlic has been reported to express several proteins, endogenous and protein-derived peptides with interesting bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-proliferative, antiviral, anti-hypertensive and immunomodulatory activities, suggesting their therapeutic and pharmacological potentials. Compared to legumes, the low protein contents of garlic bulbs and their low stability are possible limitations that would hinder future applications. We suggest adopting heterologous expression systems for peptide overproduction and stability enhancement. Therefore, we recommend increased scientific interest in the bioactive peptides of garlic and other spice plants.

Garlic-derived compounds: Epigenetic modulators and their antitumor effects

Cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease that poses a serious threat to human health worldwide. Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the prognosis and survival rate of cancer remain poor due to late diagnosis, drug resistance, and adverse reactions. Therefore, it is very necessary to study the development mechanism of cancer and formulate effective therapeutic interventions. As widely available bioactive substances, natural products have shown obvious anticancer potential, especially by targeting abnormal epigenetic changes. The main active part of garlic is organic sulfur compounds, of which diallyl trisulfide (DATS) content is the highest, accounting for more than 40% of the total composition. The garlic-derived compounds have been recognized as an antioxidant for cancer prevention and treatment. However, the molecular mechanism of the antitumor effect of garlic-derived compounds remains unclear. Recent studies have identified garlic-derived compound DATS that plays critical roles in enhancing CpG demethylation or promoting histone acetylation as an epigenetic inhibitor. Here, we review the therapeutic progress of garlic-derived compounds against cancer through epigenetic pathways.

Effect of Honey and Aqueous Garlic Extracts against Short-Term Exposure of Cigarette Tobacco Smoking in Mice: Histopathological and Biochemical Investigations

It is well known that cigarette smoking adversely affects human health and induces oxidative stress in most vital organs. This study aims to assess the biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural values of honey and garlic extracts in ameliorating the effects of short-term exposure to cigarette smoke in mice. Forty-eight mice were randomly divided into six equal groups: group I was exposed to fresh air only, group II was exposed to cigarette smoke, group III was given 0.2 ml of honey extract, group IV was exposed to cigarette smoke and was given 0.2 ml of honey extract, group V was given 0.2 ml of garlic extract, and group VI was exposed to cigarette smoke and was given 0.2 ml of aqueous garlic extract. These exposures were repeated daily for 21 consecutive days among the treated groups. By the end of the third week, the animals were euthanized by physical cervical dislocation. Blood was taken for biochemical study, and the selected organs of the liver, kidney, and jejunum were processed for histological and ultrastructural studies. The biochemical results showed that short-term exposure of experimental mice to cigarette smoking did not alter the liver function tests except for decreasing the albumin level. Moreover, cigarette smoking elevates the concentration of carbonyl protein content and cystatin C. Histologically, the use of honey and garlic showed good protection to the liver, kidney, and jejunum, which was proved by transmission electron microscopy, in addition to lowering the oxidative stress biomarkers. In conclusion, using honey and/or garlic helps protect the liver, kidney, and jejunum against the hazardous effects of cigarette smoke.

The Antimicrobial Potential of the Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Oral Streptococci

Plant extracts are in the focus of the pharmaceutical industry as potential antimicrobials for oral care due to their high antimicrobial activity coupled with low production costs and safety for eukaryotic cells. Here, we show that the extract from Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) exhibits antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococci in both planktonic and biofilm-embedded forms. An extract was prepared by acetone extraction from hop infructescences, followed by purification and solubilization of the remaining fraction in ethanol. The effect of the extract on S. aureus (MSSA and MRSA) was comparable with the reference antibiotics (amikacin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftriaxone) and did not depend on the bacterial resistance to methicillin. The extract also demonstrated synergy with amikacin on six S. aureus clinical isolates, on four of six isolates with ciprofloxacin, and on three of six isolates with ceftriaxone. On various Streptococci, while demonstrating lower antimicrobial activity, an extract exhibited a considerable synergistic effect in combination with two of three of these antibiotics, decreasing their MIC up to 512-fold. Moreover, the extract was able to penetrate S. aureus and S. mutans biofilms, leading to almost complete bacterial death within them. The thin-layer chromatography and LC-MS of the extract revealed the presence of prenylated flavonoids (2',4',6',4-tetrahydroxy-3'-geranylchalcone) and acylphloroglucides (cohumulone, colupulone, humulone, and lupulone), apparently responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity and ability to increase the efficiency of antibiotics. Taken together, these data suggest an extract from H. lupulus as a promising antimicrobial agent for use both as a solely antiseptic and to potentiate conventional antimicrobials.

Survival tactics of an endangered species Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal to arid environments

Withania coagulans is a valuable medicinal plant with high demand, but its wild growth and local usage pose a threat to its natural habitat. This study aims to understand the plant's growth, anatomy, and physiology in different environmental conditions to aid in conservation and re-vegetation efforts. Fifteen differently adapted populations of Withania coagulans were collected from diverse ecological regions, viz., (i) along the roadside, (ii) hilly areas, (iii) barren land, and (iv) wasteland to unravel the adaptive mechanisms that are responsible for their ecological success across heterogenic environments of Punjab, Pakistan. The roadside populations had high values of photosynthetic pigments, total soluble proteins, root endodermis thickness, stem and leaf cortical thickness, and its cell area. The populations growing in hilly areas showed better growth performance such as vigorous growth and biomass production. Additionally, there was enhanced accumulation of organic osmolytes (glycine betaine and proline), chlorophyll content (chl a/b), and enlarged epidermal cells, cortical cells, vascular bundles, metaxylem vessels, and phloem region in roots. In case of stem area, epidermal thickness, cortical thickness, vascular bundle, and pith area showed improved growth. However, the barren land population showed significant increase in carotenoid contents, vascular bundle area, and metaxylem area in roots, and xylem vessels and phloem area in stems and leaves. The wasteland population surpassed the rest of the populations in having greater root dry weight, higher shoot ionic contents, increased root area, thick cortical, and vascular bundle area in roots. Likewise, cortical thickness and its cell area, and pith area in stems, whereas large vascular bundles, phloem region, and high stomatal density were recorded in leaves. Subsequently, natural populations showed the utmost behavior related to tissue organization and physiology in response to varied environmental conditions that would increase the distribution and survival of species.

Investigation of the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-osteoarthritis, and wound healing activities of selected vegetable waste

Agri-food wastes, produced following industrial food processing, are mostly discarded, leading to environmental hazards and losing the nutritional and medicinal values associated with their bioactive constituents. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analytical and biological evaluation of selected vegetable by-products (potato, onion, and garlic peels). The phytochemical analysis included UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS in combination with molecular networking and determination of the total flavonoid and phenolic contents. Further, the antimicrobial, anti-osteoarthritis and wound healing potentials were also evaluated. In total, 47 compounds were identified, belonging to phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids as representative chemical classes. Onion peel extract (OPE) showed the higher polyphenolic contents, the promising antioxidant activity, the potential anti-osteoarthritis activity, and promising antimicrobial activity, especially against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, OPE revealed to have promising in vivo wound healing activity, restoring tissue physiology and integrity, mainly through the activation of AP-1 signaling pathway. Lastly, when OPE was loaded with nanocapsule based hydrogel, the nano-formulation revealed enhanced cellular viability. The affinities of the OPE major metabolites were evaluated against both p65 and ATF-2 targets using two different molecular docking processes revealing quercetin-3,4'-O-diglucoside, alliospiroside C, and alliospiroside D as the most promising entities with superior binding scores. These results demonstrate that vegetable by-products, particularly, those derived from onion peels can be incorporated as natural by-product for future evaluation against wounds and osteoarthritis.

Effect of Yogurt and Its Components on the Deodorization of Raw and Fried Garlic Volatiles

Garlic contains sulfur volatiles that cause a bad odor after consumption. The objective of this study was to understand how yogurt and its components cause deodorization. Raw and fried garlic samples were mixed with various treatments and measurements of volatiles were conducted using a selected-ion flow-tube mass spectrometer. Frying garlic significantly reduced almost all sulfur volatile compounds. Raw garlic was deodorized more than fried garlic by all of the treatments. Fat, protein and water significantly reduced the concentration of sulfur-based volatiles in garlic. At the same concentration, either fat or protein produced higher deodorization, depending on the hydrophobicity of the volatile. Whey protein, casein and their complex all caused deodorization. Increasing the pH to 7 or heating changed the structure of the proteins and decreased the deodorization of the volatiles, showing the importance of proteins for deodorization. As the quantity of fat increased, the deodorization of the volatiles also increased. Foods with higher fat or protein content can be formulated to offer a potential solution to reduce the unpleasant odor associated with garlic consumption.

Green Alternatives as Antimicrobial Agents in Mitigating Periodontal Diseases: A Narrative Review

Periodontal diseases and dental caries are the most common infectious oral diseases impacting oral health globally. Oral cavity health is crucial for enhancing life quality since it serves as the entranceway to general health. The oral microbiome and oral infectious diseases are strongly correlated. Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria have been associated with periodontal diseases. Due to the shortcomings of several antimicrobial medications frequently applied in dentistry, the lack of resources in developing countries, the prevalence of oral inflammatory conditions, and the rise in bacterial antibiotic resistance, there is a need for reliable, efficient, and affordable alternative solutions for the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Several accessible chemical agents can alter the oral microbiota, although these substances also have unfavorable symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and tooth discoloration. Natural phytochemicals generated from plants that have historically been used as medicines are categorized as prospective alternatives due to the ongoing quest for substitute products. This review concentrated on phytochemicals or herbal extracts that impact periodontal diseases by decreasing the formation of dental biofilms and plaques, preventing the proliferation of oral pathogens, and inhibiting bacterial adhesion to surfaces. Investigations examining the effectiveness and safety of plant-based medicines have also been presented, including those conducted over the past decade.

Targeting the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in cervical and endometrial cancers

Cervical and endometrial cancers are among the most dangerous gynaecological malignancies, with high fatality and recurrence rates due to frequent diagnosis at an advanced stage and chemoresistance onset. The NRF2/KEAP1 signalling pathway plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative damage due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. NRF2, activated by ROS, induces the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase which neutralize ROS, protecting cells against oxidative stress damage. However, activation of NRF2/KEAP1 signalling in cancer cells results in chemoresistance, inactivating drug-mediated oxidative stress and protecting cancer cells from drug-induced cell death. We review the literature on the role of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in cervical and endometrial cancers, with a focus on the expression of its components and downstream genes. We also examine the role of the NRF2/KEAP1 pathway in chemotherapy resistance and how this pathway can be modulated by natural and synthetic modulators.

Essential oils as valuable feed additive: A narrative review of the state of knowledge about their beneficial health applications and enhancement of production performances in poultry

New research has begun to develop safe and effective alternatives to feed-antibiotics as growth enhancers in response to mounting pressure on the poultry sector to do so. There is a significant demand for poultry products all across the world right now. To achieve this goal, key performance indicators are optimized, such as the rate of chicken growth, the amount of feed used, and the health of the flock as a whole. As a result of this growing need, various alternatives to antibiotics have entered the market. New approaches are desperately needed to keep poultry productivity and efficiency at a high level in the face of mounting pressure to limit the use of antibiotics. Recent years have seen an uptick in interest in the potential of aromatic plant extracts as growth and health boosters in poultry. The great majority of plants' positive effects are accounted for by essential oils (EOs) and other secondary metabolites. EOs have been proven to promote digestive secretion production, improve blood circulation, exert antioxidant qualities, reduce levels of dangerous microbes, and maybe improve the immune status of poultry. EOs are often believed to be safe, non-toxic alternatives because they are all-natural, chemical-free, and devoid of potentially harmful deposits. EOs are extracted from plants, and while there are thousands of them, only approximately 300 have been deemed to have significant commercial value. Many different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are negatively affected by EOs in multiple studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo. The review covers the fundamentals of EOs, their anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory capabilities, their growth-promoting benefits, and their effectiveness against numerous diseases in poultry.

Green synthesis and characterization of zirconium nanoparticlefor dental implant applications

Green synthesis is a promising and cost-effective technique to synthesize nanoparticles from plant extract. The present study shows the green synthesis of zirconium nanoparticles using the extract of ginger, garlic, and zirconium nitride. The obtained nanoparticles were studied for potential dental implant applications. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and antibacterial analysis. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of various organic compounds in the synthesized nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were spherical, triangular, and irregular, with varying sizes confirmed by FESEM analysis. The nanoparticles synthesized from the combination of garlic and ginger, and zirconium exhibited potent antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Anti-biofilm, anti-microbial activity, biointegration formation, and cell mechanism survival are also mentioned. Thus, the synthesized nanoparticles can be a good candidate for a dental implant because of their excellent antimicrobial properties.

Novel Strategies for the Bioavailability Augmentation and Efficacy Improvement of Natural Products in Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is emerging as a major cause of mortality globally. Oral cancer occupies a significant proportion of the head and neck, including the cheeks, tongue, and oral cavity. Conventional methods in the treatment of cancer involve surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, and these have not proven to completely eradicate cancerous cells, may lead to the reoccurrence of oral cancer, and possess numerous adverse side effects. Advancements in novel drug delivery approaches have gained popularity in cancer management with an increase in the number of cases associated with oral cancer. Natural products are potent sources for drug discovery, especially for anticancer drugs. Natural product delivery has major challenges due to its low solubility, poor absorption, inappropriate size, instability, poor permeation, and first-pass metabolism. Therefore, it is of prime importance to investigate novel treatment approaches for the delivery of bioactive natural products. Nanotechnology is an advanced method of delivering cancer therapy with minimal damage to normal cells while targeting cancer cells. Therefore, the present review elaborates on the advancements in novel strategies for natural product delivery that lead to the significant enhancement of bioavailability, in vivo activity, and fewer adverse events for the prevention and treatment of oral cancer. Various approaches to accomplish the desired results involve size reduction, surface property modification, and polymer attachment, which collectively result in the higher stability of the formulation.

Garlic and allopurinol alleviate the apoptotic pathway in rats' brain following exposure to fipronil insecticide

Fipronil can cause oxidative tissue damage and apoptosis. Our goal is to evaluate the antiapoptotic impact of garlic or allopurinol against fipronil neurotoxicity. Thirty-six mature male albino rats were separated into control, garlic aqueous extract (500 mg/kg), allopurinol (150 mg/L in their drinking water), fipronil (13.277 mg/kg), garlic+fipronil, and allopurinol+fipronil. Our results revealed that fipronil induced a significant increase in brain malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl levels as well as enzymatic antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and xanthine oxidase), but glutathione-S-transferase recorded a significant decrease as compared to the control. In addition, fipronil significantly up-regulated the brain pro-apoptotic (Bax) and caspase -3 mRNA gene expression and induced DNA fragmentation but caused down-regulation in anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) mRNA genes expression. Interestingly, co-administration with garlic or allopurinol improved the lipid peroxidation, antioxidant disturbance, and apoptosis induced by fipronil in the brain tissues. In conclusion, garlic or allopurinol reduced fipronil-induced apoptosis and reduced oxidative tissue damage, most likely through enhancing the tissue antioxidant defense system.

Effects of Sanitizers on Microbiological Control of Hatching Eggshells and Poultry Health during Embryogenesis and Early Stages after Hatching in the Last Decade

Simple Summary

Poultry systems, especially conventional comprehensive production systems to meet the global demand for eggs and meat, are constantly challenged by pathogens, requiring intense sanitary practices. Operations, including the sanitization of hatching eggs, can employ synthetic chemical sanitizers as well as natural plant extracts to minimize the microbial challenge. As the application of formaldehyde sanitizer in hatching eggs cannot be justified in terms of safety for embryonic and human health, studies are underway to assist the industry in adopting new alternative sanitizers. This review aims to evaluate the effects of different sanitizers on the microbiological quality of hatching eggshells and poultry health during embryogenesis and early stages after hatching.

Abstract

The sanitization of hatching eggs is the backbone of the hygienic–sanitary management of eggs on farms and extends to the hatchery. Poultry production gains depend on the benefits of sanitizers. Obtaining the maximum yield from incubation free of toxic sanitizers is a trend in poultry farming, closely following the concerns imposed through scientific research. The toxic characteristics of formaldehyde, the primary sanitizer for hatching eggs, are disappointing, but it is a cheap, practical and widely used antimicrobial. To overcome this shortcoming, multiple synthetic and natural chemical sanitizers have been, and continue to be, tested on hatching eggs. This review aims to evaluate the effects of different sanitizers on the microbiological quality of hatching eggshells and poultry health during embryogenesis and early stages after hatching.

Botanicals and Oral Stem Cell Mediated Regeneration: A Paradigm Shift from Artificial to Biological Replacement

Stem cells are a well-known autologous pluripotent cell source, having excellent potential to develop into specialized cells, such as brain, skin, and bone marrow cells. The oral cavity is reported to be a rich source of multiple types of oral stem cells, including the dental pulp, mucosal soft tissues, periodontal ligament, and apical papilla. Oral stem cells were useful for both the regeneration of soft tissue components in the dental pulp and mineralized structure regeneration, such as bone or dentin, and can be a viable substitute for traditionally used bone marrow stem cells. In recent years, several studies have reported that plant extracts or compounds promoted the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of different oral stem cells. This review is carried out by following the PRISMA guidelines and focusing mainly on the effects of bioactive compounds on oral stem cell-mediated dental, bone, and neural regeneration. It is observed that in recent years studies were mainly focused on the utilization of oral stem cell-mediated regeneration of bone or dental mesenchymal cells, however, the utility of bioactive compounds on oral stem cell-mediated regeneration requires additional assessment beyond in vitro and in vivo studies, and requires more randomized clinical trials and case studies.

The Current Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities of Synthetic/Herbal/Biomaterials in Dental Application

Herbal and chemical products are used for oral care and biofilm treatment and also have been reported to be controversial in the massive trials conducted in this regard. The present review is aimed at evaluating the potential of relevant herbal and chemical products and comparing their outcomes to conventional oral care products and summarizing the current state of evidence of the antibiofilm properties of different products by evaluating studies from the past eleven years. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), essential oils (EOs), and acetylpyridinium chloride were, respectively, the most commonly studied agents in the included studies. As confirmed by all systematic reviews, CHX and EO significantly control the plaque formation and gingival indices. Fluoride is another interesting reagent in oral care products that has shown promising results of oral health improvement, but the evidence quality needs to be refined. The synergy between natural plants and chemical products should be targeted in the future to accede to the formation of new, efficient, and healthy anticaries strategies. Moreover, to discover their biofilm-interfering or biofilm-inhibiting activities, effective clinical trials are needed. In this review article, therapeutic applications of herbal/chemical materials in oral biofilm infections are discussed in recent years (2010-2022).

Apitherapy and Periodontal Disease: Insights into In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies

Periodontal diseases are caused mainly by inflammation of the gums and bones surrounding the teeth or by dysbiosis of the oral microbiome, and the Global Burden of Disease study (2019) reported that periodontal disease affects 20-50% of the global population. In recent years, more preference has been given to natural therapies compared to synthetic drugs in the treatment of periodontal disease, and several oral care products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and dentifrices, have been developed comprising honeybee products, such as propolis, honey, royal jelly, and purified bee venom. In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature on the treatment of periodontitis using honeybee products. A literature search was performed using various databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar. A total of 31 studies were reviewed using eligibility criteria published between January 2016 and December 2021. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies (randomized clinical trials) were included. Based on the results of these studies, honeybee products, such as propolis and purified bee venom, were concluded to be effective and safe for use in the treatment of periodontitis mainly due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. However, to obtain reliable results from randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of honeybee products in periodontal treatment with long-term follow-up, a broader sample size and assessment of various clinical parameters are needed.

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) polysaccharides: Extraction, characterization, bioactivities, and industrial application

Owing to numerous biological activities of different parts of Moringa oleifera Lam., various studies have been carried out to isolate and explore the activities of its various bioactive compounds including polysaccharides. Polysaccharides of M. oleifera have been reported to possess a variety of biofunctionalities including antihyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive and gastrointestinal protection. In addition to bioactive polysaccharides, the gum exudated by stem of this plant is of commercial importance with wide range of applications in pharmaceutical industries. Various extraction and purification methods as well as combination of methods have been used to isolate and purify moringa polysaccharides. Studies suggest that extraction methods influence the structure of polysaccharides and thus their biological activity. This review summarizes all the available literature to provide updated information related to extraction, purification, modification, structural characterization, bioactivities and potential applications of moringa polysaccharides. This review will provide novel insights for future research and applications of moringa polysaccharides.

Antibacterial Activity of Nanoparticles of Garlic (Allium sativum) Extract against Different Bacteria Such as Streptococcus mutans and Poryphormonas gingivalis

To combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance, it is important to discover innovative and effective alternative antibacterial agents. Garlic has been recommended as a medicinal plant with antibacterial qualities. Hence, we conducted this study to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ultrasonicated garlic extract against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus sub. aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Poryphyromonas gingivalis. Aqueous ultrasonicated garlic extract was tested against these strains, and their antibacterial activity quantified using both agar disk diffusion and agar well diffusion methods; the plate count technique was used to estimate the total viable count. Moreover, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and microplate spectrophotometry were used to characterize garlic nanoparticles. The results confirmed that all tested bacteria were sensitive to both sonicated and non-sonicated garlic extracts. Streptococcus mutans was the most susceptible bacteria; on the other hand, Escherichia coli was the most resistant bacteria. Furthermore, characterization of the prepared garlic nanoparticles, showed the presence of organosulfur and phenolic compounds, carboxyl groups, and protein particles. Based on the obtained results, ultrasonicated garlic extract is a potent antibacterial agent. It can come in handy while developing novel antibiotics against bacteria that have developed resistance.