Checklist of African Soapy Saponin-Rich Plants for Possible Use in Communities' Response to Global Pandemics

The Utilization of Plant-Material-Loaded Vesicular Drug Delivery Systems in the Management of Pulmonary Diseases

Medicinal plants have been utilized to treat a variety of conditions on account of the bioactive properties that they contain. Most bioactive constituents from plants are of limited effectiveness, due to poor solubility, limited permeability, first-pass metabolism, efflux transporters, chemical instability, and food-drug interactions However, when combined with vesicular drug delivery systems (VDDS), herbal medicines can be delivered at a predetermined rate and can exhibit site-specific action. Vesicular drug delivery systems are novel pharmaceutical formulations that make use of vesicles as a means of encapsulating and transporting drugs to various locations within the body; they are a cutting-edge method of medication delivery that combats the drawbacks of conventional drug delivery methods. Drug delivery systems offer promising strategies to overcome the bioavailability limitations of bioactive phytochemicals. By improving their solubility, protecting them from degradation, enabling targeted delivery, and facilitating controlled release, drug delivery systems can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of phytochemicals and unlock their full potential in various health conditions. This review explores and collates the application of plant-based VDDS with the potential to exhibit protective effects against lung function loss in the interest of innovative and effective treatment and management of respiratory illnesses.

Diabetes Prevention and Measures to Ensuring a Healthy Lifestyle during COVID-19 Pandemic and after

The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing exponentially globally, with 90% of the confirmed cases being type 2 DM. The global incidence of DM is expected to increase by 48% during 2017-2045. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to have a massive impact on human health, causing sudden lifestyle changes through quarantine measures, such as lockdown, social distancing, various curfews, and isolation at home. This in turn might increase the risk of developing numerous chronic diseases, such as DM, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, which increase the severity of COVID-19. To this end, we performed a comprehensive review to determine viable measures for the prevention of DM and its subsequent upsurge globally. Additionally, we have determined strategies that should be adopted globally to ensure a healthy lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic and later.

Triterpenoid Saponins from Washnut (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.)-A Source of Natural Surfactants and Other Active Components

Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn., also called the washnut, is a tropical tree of the Sapindaceae family. The plant owes its name to its cleaning and washing properties used by the local population as a natural detergent. The most important ingredients of the plant are triterpenoid saponins contained in many parts of the plant, inducing fruits, galls, or roots. The tree also contains other valuable, biologically active compounds that are obtained by extraction methods. Raw or purified extract and isolated saponins are valuable plant products that can be used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries. This review includes the most important biological and surfactant properties of extracts and isolated saponins obtained from various parts of the plant.

Surface-active natural saponins. Properties, safety, and efficacy

In the future, cleaning products must fulfil the principles of green chemistry while maintaining efficacy against bacteria. This study aims to evaluate the detergent properties, ecotoxicity, and anti-biofilm potential of natural saponins compared to synthetic surfactants. We tested sodium dodecyl sulphate, quillaja saponin, escin, and sapogenin for emulsifying capacity, critical micelle concentration, ecotoxicity to yeast, and antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential against bacteria. The results show that the emulsifying capacities of quillaja saponin and sodium dodecyl sulphate are similar, while the critical micelle concentration for quillaja saponin is much lower . Furthermore, the antibacterial and antibiofilm potentials are much higher for quillaja saponin than for synthetic sodium dodecyl sulphate . Moreover, we have shown that natural saponins are less toxic to the S. cerevisiae than synthetic saponin is. All these facts indicate that quillaja is a suitable candidate to replace synthetic products as it meets the requirements of efficacy and safety.