A Review on the Main Phytoconstituents, Traditional Uses, Inventions, and Patent Literature of Gum Arabic Emphasizing Acacia seyal

Fe3O4-Coated CNTs-Gum Arabic Nano-Hybrid Composites Exhibit Enhanced Anti-Leukemia Potency Against AML Cells via ROS-Mediated Signaling

Background

Prior studies on magnetite (Fe3O4) NPs and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) cytotoxic effects against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are inconclusive rather than definitive.

Purpose

Investigation of the effects of Gum Arabic (GA)-stabilized/destabilized Fe3O4 NPs and CNTs, alone or in combination, on AML cell proliferation.

Methods

Hybrid NPs were synthesized, characterized, and assessed for their cytotoxicity against Kasumi-1, HL-60, and THP-1 in comparison to normal primary bone marrow CD34+ cells. The molecular pathways of nanostructures' cytotoxicity were also investigated.

Results

The Fe3O4 NPs were effectively synthesized and attached to the surface of the CNTs, resulting in the formation of a novel hybrid through their interaction with the GA colloidal solution in an aqueous media. Although the evaluated nanostructured nanoparticles had significant growth suppression ability against the leukemia cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 42.437 to 189.842 μg/mL, they exhibited comparatively modest toxicity towards normal hematopoietic cells (IC50: 113.529‒162.656 μg/mL). The incorporation of Fe3O4 NPs with CNTs in a hybrid nanocomposite significantly improved their effectiveness against leukemia cells, with the extent of improvement varying depending on the specific cell type. The nanostructured particles were stabilized by GA, which enhances their ability to inhibit cell proliferation in a manner that depends on the specific cell type. Also, nanoparticles exhibit cytotoxicity due to their capacity to stimulate the production of intracellular ROS, halt the cell cycle at the G1 phase, and induce apoptosis. This is supported by the activation of p53, BAX, cytochrome C, and caspase-3, which are triggered by ROS. The nanostructures lead to an increase in the expression of genes encoding proteins related to oxidative stress (SIRT1, FOXO3, NFE2L2, and MAP3K5) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKN1A and CDKN1B) in response to ROS.

Conclusion

We provide an effective Fe3O4 NPs/CNTs nano-hybrid composite that induces apoptosis and has strong anti-leukemic capabilities. This hybrid nanocomposite is promising for in vivo testing and validation.

Effects of steaming on physicochemical and emulsification properties of gum arabic

Gum arabic finds extensive application and typically undergoes sterilization prior to utilization in the food industry. This study explored the impact of steam sterilization temperature and duration on the physicochemical and emulsification characteristics of gum arabic, accompanied by proposed mechanisms elucidating observed effects. The results showed that when gum arabic was treated with high temperature sterilization (110 °C ∼ 140 °C), the emulsion prepared turned unstable. The interfacial tension decreased from 8.26 mN/m to 6.77 mN/m after sterilization, while the elastic modulus decreased from 23.65 mN/m to 16.16 mN/m. Moreover, the circular dichroic chromatographic results indicated that the arabinogalactan protein (AGP) structure of gum arabic was more relaxed after high temperature treatment with β-sheets content decreased from 36.2 % to 29.8 % and random coil content increased from 41.3 % to 51.8 %. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) results demonstrated that emulsion surface film thickness and toughness decreased after sterilization treatment of gum arabic. The study indicates that high temperature sterilization may change protein structure in gum arabic and reduce the stability of prepared emulsions.

Evaluation of functional characteristics of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans microencapsulated in gum arabic by spray-drying as biotechnological tool in the mining industry

The mining and metallurgical industry represents one of the leading causes of environmental pollution. In this context, the optimization of mineral waste management and the efficient extraction of metals of interest becomes an imperative priority for a sustainable future. Microorganisms such as Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans have represented a sustainable and economical alternative in recent years due to their capacity for environmental remediation in bioleaching processes because of their sulfur-oxidizing capacity and sulfuric acid generation. However, its use has been limited due to the reluctance of mine operators because of the constant reproduction of the bacterial culture in suitable media and the care that this entails. In this work, the central objective was to evaluate the functional characteristics of A. thiooxidans, microencapsulated and stored at room temperature for three years in vacuum bags, using a spray drying process with gum arabic as a wall vector. Growth kinetics showed a survival of 80 ± 0.52% after this long period of storage. Also, a qualitative fluorescence technique with a 5-cyano-2-3 ditolyl tetrazolium (CTC) marker was used to determine the respiratory activity of the microorganisms as soon as it was resuspended. On the other hand, the consumption of resuspended sulfur was evaluated to corroborate the correct metabolic functioning of the bacteria, with results of up to 50% sulfur reduction in 16 days and sulfate generation of 513.85 ± 0.4387 ppm and 524.15 ± 0.567 ppm for microencapsulated and non-microencapsulated cultures, respectively. These results demonstrate the success after three years of the microencapsulation process and give guidelines for its possible application in the mining-metallurgical industry.

Quercetin nanoparticles decorated on Arabic gum and polyvinyl alcohol composite as a film sensor for fluorescence detection of meropenem

Moving towards green chemistry to minimize the diverse effect of chemicals on human health and environment has become a great issue in chemistry. On the other hand, determination of pharmaceuticals is an important issue for both human health and environment. In this regard two natural and benign compounds such as quercetin a polyphenolic flavonoid and Arabic Gum (AG) a polysaccharide were used to construct a sensor for meropenem. Herein, a new method was established for the synthesis of AG and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite decorated by quercetin nanoparticles (QUENPs) as a fluorimetric film sensor to measure meropenem. In order to embed QUENPs in the polymer composite substrate, first QUENPs were synthesized and then added to the prepared composite solution under optimal conditions. The characteristics of AG and PVA composite (AG-PVA) and AG-PVA composite decorated by QUENPs films (QUENPs-AG-PVA), before and after the addition of meropenem was studied by TEM, FT-IR and EDX-Mapping. The developed film sensor was placed in a holder made with 3D printer. The difference in the fluorescence intensity of the fabricated film before and after the addition of meropenem was taken as the signal for measuring meropenem. The effect of different parameters on the fabrication of film fluorimetric sensor such as the concentration of polymer solutions, the volume of QUENPs and the volume of glycerol were investigated. Factors affecting the measurement of meropenem such as pH, type of buffer, volume of meropenem solution added on the sensor and time were also investigated. Under the obtained optimum conditions, the calibration graph was linear in the concentration range of 50-800 ng mL-1 with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9976 and the detection limit was 42.6 ng mL-1. The relative standard deviation was 3.5% and 1.4%, for eight replicate determinations of 100 ng mL-1 and 400 ng mL-1 of meropenem, respectively. The proposed method was successfully utilized for determination of meropenem in blood serum, human urine and pharmaceutical samples.

Cymbopogon proximus and Petroselinum crispum seed ethanolic extract/Gum Arabic nanogel emulsion: Preventing ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride-induced urolithiasis in rats

Urolithiasis is a prevalent urological disorder that contributes significantly to global morbidity. This study aimed to assess the anti-urolithic effects of Cymbopogon proximus (Halfa Bar) and Petroselinum crispum (parsley) seed ethanolic extract /Gum Arabic (GA) emulsion, and its nanogel form against ethylene glycol (EG) and ammonium chloride (AC)-induced experimental urolithiasis in rats. Rats were divided into four groups: group 1 served as the normal control, group 2 received EG with AC in drinking water for 14 days to induce urolithiasis, groups 3 and 4 were orally administered emulsion (600 mg/kg/day) and nanogel emulsion (600 mg/kg/day) for 7 days, followed by co-administration with EG and AC in drinking water for 14 days. Urolithiatic rats exhibited a significant decrease in urinary excreted magnesium, and non-enzymic antioxidant glutathione and catalase activity. Moreover, they showed an increase in oxalate crystal numbers and various urolithiasis promoters, including excreted calcium, oxalate, phosphate, and uric acid. Renal function parameters and lipid peroxidation were intensified. Treatment with either emulsion or nanogel emulsion significantly elevated urolithiasis inhibitors, excreted magnesium, glutathione levels, and catalase activities. Reduced oxalate crystal numbers, urolithiasis promoters' excretion, renal function parameters, and lipid peroxidation while improving histopathological changes. Moreover, it decreased renal crystal deposition score and the expression of Tumer necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cleaved caspase-3. Notably, nanogel emulsion showed superior effects compared to the emulsion. Cymbopogon proximus (C. proximus) and Petroselinum crispum (P. crispum) seed ethanolic extracts/GA nanogel emulsion demonstrated protective effects against ethylene glycol induced renal stones by mitigating kidney dysfunction, oxalate crystal formation, and histological alterations.

Construction of nanoparticles from blueberry anthocyanins-lecithin/gum Arabic improves lipid droplet accumulation and gut microbiota disturbance in HFD-induced obese mice

The digestive instability of anthocyanins (ACNs) limits their application in food nutrition, especially precision nutrition. Blueberry ACNs-loaded nanoparticles (Lipo/GA-ACNs NPs) were prepared using gum arabic (GA) as the delivery carrier and liposomal vesicles (Lipo) prepared from soy lecithin as the targeting scaffold. The average particle size of the NPs was 99.4 nm, and the polydispersion index (PDI) was 0.46. The results showed that the presence of the Lipo-GA matrix enhanced the NPs' in vitro stability and antioxidant activity. In addition, the in vitro biocompatibility, uptake ability, lipid-lowering activity, and free-radical scavenging ability were improved to a certain extent. In a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model, oral administration of ACNs-LNP (LNP, liver-targeted nanoparticle) showed better effects on body weight, liver injury, and lipid droplet accumulation in the liver than ACNs. In addition, ACNs-LNP also played a role in regulating HFD-induced gut microbiota imbalance. These results provide a promising ACNs delivery strategy with the potential to be developed into a functional food that targets the liver to prevent fatty liver.

Gum acacia dietary fiber: Significance in immunomodulation, inflammatory diseases, and cancer

Gum arabic/acacia (GA), derived from Acacia trees, is a versatile natural product offering a broad spectrum of applications. Its rich content of soluble dietary fibers, coupled with a low caloric profile, renders GA a valuable dietary component associated with numerous health benefits. Furthermore, its fermentation by gut microbiota yields short-chain fatty acids, renowned for their positive impact on health. Immunomodulation, a crucially regulated mechanism in the body, serves to fend off pathogenic infections by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, prolonged synthesis of these cytokines can lead to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and potentially contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify plant-based biomolecules that can effectively reduce inflammation and inhibit inflammation-induced complications or disorders. In this context, edible biomolecules like GA are gaining prominence for their noteworthy immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, in the present review we have explored the role of GA in immunomodulation, inflammation, and inflammation-associated metabolic diseases, and cancer.

Green Synthesis of Zein-Based Nanoparticles Encapsulating Lupulone: Antibacterial and Antiphotoaging Agents

Prolonged skin exposure to UV radiation may result in sunburn, with possible inflammatory and oxidative stress to the skin, skin photoaging, photocarcinogenesis, even DNA damage, and apoptosis if sunscreen protection is not used. Due to the advantages that they offer, high encapsulation capability, increased stability of encapsulated bioactive agents, and release control, nanoparticulate materials have been used in sunscreens despite the hazard that they present: their capacity to penetrate the skin causing toxic side effects (especially the chemical sunscreens). The present study reports the preparation of nanoparticulate composites containing only GRAS substances and using an eco-friendly, inexpensive procedure. The ingredients used have properties that are beneficial to the skin. Zein (Z), a prolamin-rich protein from corn, is biodegradable and biocompatible, is a moisture attractor, and shows effective absorption by cells. Lupulone (L), extracted from hops, is an antibacterial and antioxidant agent that has a stimulating effect on the collagen production in the body due to its content of phytohormones. Gum arabic (GA) is a natural glycoprotein used in beverages and cosmetics as an emulsifier/stabilizer. Composite matrices containing Z/GA/L were prepared using a simple method (antisolvent), which replaces the flammable solvent ethanol with aqueous propylene glycol. The nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, composition, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity for L, size, zeta potential, and morphology (SEM). Their biological activity was investigated as well. The zein-based nanoparticles showed antioxidant and antimicrobial effects (even some synergistic, unexpected behavior) and modulatory activity on the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-1. Due to their properties, the nanoparticles discussed herein show potential for use in formulations for the skin, especially for mature skin, replacing chemical substances with potential side effects used typically in topical delivery systems.

Optimization and antifungal efficacy against brown rot fungi of combined Salvia rosmarinus and Cedrus atlantica essential oils encapsulated in Gum Arabic

The stability, sensitivity, and volatility of essential oils are some of their most serious limitations, and nanoencapsulation has been considered one of the most effective techniques for solving these problems. This research aimed to investigate the incorporation of Salvia rosmarinus Speen and Cedrus atlantica Manetti (MEO) essential oil mixture in Gum Arabic (GA) and to evaluate nanoencapsulation's ability to promote antifungal activity against two brown rot fungi responsible for wood decay Gloeophyllum trabeum and Poria placenta. The optimization of encapsulation efficiency was performed using response surface methodology (RSM) with two parameters: solid-to-solid (MEO/GA ratio) and solid-to-liquid (MEO/ethanol). The recovered powder characterization was followed by various techniques using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimal nanoencapsulating conditions obtained from RSM were ratios of MEO/GA of 1:10 (w/w) and MEO/ethanol of 10% (v/v), which provided the greatest encapsulation efficiency (87%). The results of SEM, XRD, DLS, FTIR, and TGA showed that the encapsulation of MEO using GA modified particle form and molecular structure and increased thermal stability. An antifungal activity assay indicated that an effective concentration of MEO had an inhibitory effect on brown rot fungi. It had 50% of the maximal effect (EC50) value of 5.15 ± 0.88 µg/mL and 12.63 ± 0.65 µg/mL for G. trabeum and P. placenta, respectively. Therefore, this product has a great potential as a natural wood preservative for sustainable construction and green building.

Synergistic Antigenotoxic and Antioxidant Action of Gum Arabic and Eugenol in Rat Liver Following Induction of Colorectal Carcinogenesis

OBJECTIVE

Much research has been conducted to identify natural antioxidant and antimutagenic compounds capable of preventing, reverting or treating conditions caused by oxidative stress and genotoxicity. In this study we evaluated the effects of 10% gum arabic (GA) and eugenol (EUG) on hepatic oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced by dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in rats.

METHODS

The prevention arm of the study included 4 control groups and 4 experimental groups. Once a week for 20 weeks, the controls received saline s.c. while the experimental groups received DMH at 20 mg/kg s.c. During the same period and for an additional 9 weeks, the animals received either water, 10% GA , EUG or 10% GA + EUG  by gavage. The treatment arm of the study included 4 control groups and 4 experimental groups. Once a week for 20 weeks, the controls received saline s.c. while the experimental groups received DMH at 20 mg/kg s.c. During the subsequent 9 weeks, the animals received either water, 10% GA, EUG or 10% GA + EUG  by gavage. Finally, the livers were harvested for histopathological study with HE, measurement of genotoxicity and oxidative stress.

RESULT

Genotoxicity and oxidative stress were found to be significantly lower in Group XII (animals treated concomitantly with GA and EUG). This is the first study to observe the synergistic action of GA and EUG administered concomitantly in this scenario.

CONCLUSION

Indicating a synergistic antigenotoxic and antioxidant effect on liver cells in rats with DMH-induced colorectal carcinogenesis.

Trofinetide for Rett Syndrome: Highlights on the Development and Related Inventions of the First USFDA-Approved Treatment for Rare Pediatric Unmet Medical Need

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare disability causing female-oriented pediatric neurodevelopmental unmet medical need. RTT was recognized in 1966. However, over the past 56 years, the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has authorized no effective treatment for RTT. Recently, Trofinetide was approved by the USFDA on 10 March 2023 as the first RTT treatment. This article underlines the pharmaceutical advancement, patent literature, and prospects of Trofinetide. The data for this study were gathered from the PubMed database, authentic websites (Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Neuren Pharmaceuticals, and USFDA), and free patent databases. Trofinetide was first disclosed by Neuren Pharmaceuticals in 2000 as a methyl group containing analog of the naturally occurring neuroprotective tripeptide called glycine-proline-glutamate (GPE). The joint efforts of Acadia Pharmaceuticals and Neuren Pharmaceuticals have developed Trofinetide. The mechanism of action of Trofinetide is not yet well established. However, it is supposed to improve neuronal morphology and synaptic functioning. The patent literature revealed a handful of inventions related to Trofinetide, providing excellent and unexplored broad research possibilities with Trofinetide. The development of innovative Trofinetide-based molecules, combinations of Trofinetide, patient-compliant drug formulations, and precise MECP2-mutation-related personalized medicines are foreseeable. Trofinetide is in clinical trials for some neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including treating Fragile X syndrome (FXS). It is expected that Trofinetide may be approved for treating FXS in the future. The USFDA-approval of Trofinetide is one of the important milestones for RTT therapy and is the beginning of a new era for the therapy of RTT, FXS, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), brain injury, stroke, and other NDDs.

Application of polysaccharides for the encapsulation of beneficial microorganisms for agricultural purposes: A review

Intensive farming practices have increased the consumption of chemical-based pesticides and fertilizers thereby creating health issues for humans and animals and also causing a deterioration in the natural ecosystem. The promotion of biomaterials synthesis could potentially lead to the replacement of synthetic products and improve soil fertility, protect plants from pathogen attacks, and enhance the productivity of the agricultural sector resulting in less environmental pollution. Microbial bioengineering involving the use and improvement of encapsulation using polysaccharides has the required potential to address environmental issues and promote green chemistry. This article describes various encapsulation techniques and polysaccharides which have an immense applicable capability to encapsulate microbial cells. The review elucidates the factors that may result in a reduced viable cell count during encapsulation, particularly using the spray drying method, where a high temperature is required to dry the suspension, this may damage the microbial cells. The environmental advantage of the application of polysaccharides as carriers of beneficial microorganisms, which do not pose a risk for soil due to their full biodegradability, was also shown. The encapsulated microbial cells may assist in addressing certain environmental problems such as ameliorating the unfavourable effects of plant pests and pathogens, and promoting agricultural sustainability.

The Efficacy of Gum Arabic in Managing Diseases: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Clinical Trials

Gum arabic (GA) is a natural product commonly used as a household remedy for treating various diseases in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Despite its claimed benefits, there has been a lack of research on the findings of current clinical trials (CTs) that investigated its efficacy in the treatment of various medical diseases. The aim of this systematic review was to study CTs which focused on GA and its possible use in the management of various medical diseases. A search of the extant literature was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases to retrieve CTs focusing on evidence-based clinical indications. The databases were searched using the keywords ("Gum Arabic" OR "Acacia senegal" OR "Acacia seyal" OR "Gum Acacia" OR "Acacia Arabica") AND ("Clinical Trial" OR "Randomized Controlled Trial" OR "Randomized Clinical Trial"). While performing the systematic review, data were obtained on the following parameters: title, authors, date of publication, study design, study aim, sample size, type of intervention used, targeted medical diseases, and main findings. Twenty-nine papers were included in this systematic review. The results showed that ingestion of GA altered lipid profiles, renal profiles, plaque, gingival scores, biochemical parameters, blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and adiposity. GA exhibited anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and antibacterial properties. GA has been successfully used to treat sickle cell anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic disorders, periodontitis, gastrointestinal conditions, and kidney diseases. Herein, we discuss GA with respect to the underlying mechanisms involved in each medical disease, thereby justifying GA's future role as a therapeutic agent.

Immunological, biochemical and pathological effects of vitamin C and Arabic gum co-administration on H9N2 avian influenza virus vaccinated and challenged laying Japanese quails

Aim

This study evaluated the effect of co-administration of vitamin C and Arabic gum (AG) supplements on the response of vaccinated (VAC) and challenged laying Japanese quails with avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2.

Materials and methods

One hundred and fifty 49-day-old laying Japanese quails were divided into 5 groups (G1-G5): the G1 group was a negative control, G2 group was unvaccinated + H9N2 challenged (Ch), G3 group was unvaccinated + supplements + Ch, G4 group was VAC + Ch, and the G5 group was VAC + supplements + Ch. The supplements (vitamin C, 1 g/liter of drinking water and AG, 1% ration) were given for 5 weeks post-vaccination (PV). The birds were injected subcutaneously with an inactivated H9N2 vaccine at 49 days of age. The quails were then challenged intranasally with AIV H9N2 at the 3rd week PV. Blood, tracheal swab and tissue samples were collected at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd weeks PV, and at different time points post-challenge (PC).

Results

Growth performance, egg production (%), egg and eggshell weights, HI antibody titers, clinical signs, lesions, mortality, virus shedding rates, leukogram, biochemical and immunological parameters and histopathological lesions PC showed significant differences (P < 0.05) between the vaccinated-unsupplemented (G4) group and the vaccinated-supplemented (G5) group. G5 showed the highest (P < 0.05) growth performance, egg production, HI antibody titers, and heterophil phagocytic activity and the lowest heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, mortality, virus shedding rates, creatinine level and histopathological lesion scores in the lungs.

Conclusion

The co-administration of vitamin C and AG for 5 weeks can improve growth performance, egg production and the immune response in vaccinated laying quails challenged with AIV H9N2.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03495-y.

Biodegradable Gel Electrolyte Suppressing Water-Induced Issues for Long-Life Zinc Metal Anodes

Owing to the inherent properties of aqueous electrolytes, aqueous zinc-ion batteries are considered to be a promising energy storage system. Unfortunately, the water-induced issues, such as hydrogen evolution and corrosion reaction, inevitably occur on the Zn anode surface during cycling, which leads to poor electrochemical performance. The gel polymer electrolyte would reduce the parasitic reactions associated with water. However, the nondegradable polymer is harmful to the environment. Herein, with the aim to alleviate the serious issues derived from water and environmental problems, a biodegradable gum arabic has been proposed to serve as a hydrogel electrolyte for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. The electrochemical activity of water could be reduced by the hydrogen-bond network between the gum arabic and water. Thus, the corrosion and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can be restrained by employing the prepared gel electrolyte. Evidenced by the online mass spectrometry, it is found that the less produced H₂ is detected in the biodegradable gel electrolyte-based Zn||Zn symmetric cell during the processes of Zn plating/stripping, showing the inhibited HER. Moreover, the by-product on the Zn anode is barely observed during cycling when using the obtained gel electrolyte. Uniform zinc-ion distribution can be achieved to mitigate Zn dendrite growth in the gel electrolyte. Therefore, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell based on the gel electrolyte exhibits a long lifespan of more than 1300 h, which is longer than that in the aqueous electrolyte. Moreover, the Zn||LiFePO₄ hybrid ion battery based on the gel electrolyte shows improved capacity retention by suppressing the reactions related to water.