Mechanistic Insight into Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential of Jasminum Species: A Herbal Approach for Disease Management

Network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking-based strategy to explore the potential mechanism of squalene against inflammation

Squalene (SQ) has been documented in the past for its ability to reduce inflammation, but its mechanism needs more information. In this study, we investigated squalene as an anti-inflammatory drug candidate and the framework involved in treating inflammation (INF) using the network pharmacology concept. The molecular targets of SQ and INF that are available in databases and the overlaps between these targets were demonstrated using InteractiVenn. The protein-protein networks were generated that in turn revealed several key targets and were further processed with Cytoscape. The gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) studies were performed. We also performed molecular docking tests that validated the binding affinity of molecular targets and drugs. A total of 100 SQ targets and 11,417 INF-related targets yielded 93 overlapping targets. Seven core targets, CRHR1, EGFR, ERBB2, HIF1A, SLC6A3, MAP2K1, and F2R were found to be relevant with respective to SQ's anti-inflammatory activity. The underlying mechanism of SQ with regard to INF was interpreted by analyzing various enrichment analyses along with the KEGG pathway. In conclusion, SQ played a vital role in the management of INF by regulating CRHR1, EGFR, ERBB2, HIF1A, SLC6A3, MAP2K1, and F2R. The research outcomes are crucial as they offer significant insights into the use of SQ for combating inflammation.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00217-0.

Occurrence and Biological Activities of Seco-Iridoids from Jasminum L

In this paper, the first complete review on the seco-iridoids from the genus Jasminum L. was presented. In particular, their occurrence in the genus was detailed together with their biological activities. The literature survey has clearly pointed out that only a few Jasminum species have been studied for their seco-iridoid content evidencing oleoside derivatives as main compounds. In addition, the biological studies performed on them are very scarce focusing mainly on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays with modest effectiveness. All these results greatly underline the need for further in-depth analyses on these compounds under both the aspects.

Sepsis-mediated renal dysfunction: Pathophysiology, biomarkers and role of phytoconstituents in its management

Sepsis has evolved as an enormous health issue amongst critically ill patients. It is a major risk factor that results in multiple organ failure and shock. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most frequent complications underlying sepsis, which portends a heavy burden of mortality and morbidity. Thus, the present review is aimed to provide an insight into the recent progression in the molecular mechanisms targeting dysregulated immune response and cellular dysfunction involved in the development of sepsis-associated AKI, accentuating the phytoconstituents as eligible candidates for attenuating the onset and progression of sepsis-associated AKI. The pathogenesis of sepsis-mediated AKI entails a complicated mechanism and is likely to involve a distinct constellation of hemodynamic, inflammatory, and immune mechanisms. Novel biomarkers like neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1, procalcitonin, alpha-1-microglobulin, and presepsin can help in a more sensitive diagnosis of sepsis-associated AKI. Many bioactive compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, baicalin, quercetin, and polydatin are reported to play an important role in the prevention and management of sepsis-associated AKI by decreasing serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, cystatin C, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and level of PPARγ. The plant bioactive compounds could be developed into a drug-developing candidate in managing sepsis-mediated acute kidney injury after detailed follow-up studies. Lastly, the gut-kidney axis may be a more promising therapeutic target against the onset of septic AKI, but a deeper understanding of the molecular pathways is still required.

Jasminum elongatum Ameliorates Acetaminophen Induced Hepatotoxicity by Modulating Dysregulated Antioxidant Enzyme System

Objectives

To evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of fractions of Jasminum elongatum methanolic extract against acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage.

Materials and Methods

Fractions obtained from methanolic extract of J. elongatum (petroleum ether, chloroform and hydroalcoholic) were investigated for hepatoprotective activity. Doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of different fractions were administered for 7 days, and acetaminophen toxicity was induced on the eighth day. After 24 hr of toxicity induction, biochemical markers and histological alterations were measured to determine the amount of hepatoprotection.

Results

The chloroform and hydroalcoholic fractions showed a significant decrease in biochemical parameters when compared to the toxic group, which was confirmed by histopathological changes and antioxidant parameters.

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed that the chloroform and hydroalcoholic fraction of J. elongatum have significant hepatoprotective activity against acetaminophen-induced toxicity.

Antimicrobial Potential and Chemical Profiling of Leaves Essential Oil of Mentha Species Growing under North-West Himalaya Conditions

Mentha essential oil is one of the most utilized essential oil in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The present study reports the chemical composition and antibacterial properties of leaf essential oils of Mentha species. Further, the effect of the harvesting period on essential oil yield was also investigated. Firstly, the cultivated Mentha piperita and wild Mentha longifolia, revealed significant differences in their chemical profile. M. longifolia essential oil was characterized with endo-borneol (1.12-6.2%), caryophyllene (2.72-7.03%), isopipertenone (0.07-0.36%), germacrene D (0.98-3.22%), 3-cyclopentene-1-one,2-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)- (21.91-56.72%) and piperitone oxide (8.96-39.31%), whereas, M. piperita leaves essential oil was found rich in isomenthone (5.97-6.75%), 1-menthone (7.32-18.32%) and menthol (18.03-58.53%), etc. The essential oils of both Mentha species exhibited strong antimicrobial activity as evaluated using poisoned food technique, dry weight method, and disc diffusion method against Candida albicans, Fusarium oxysporum, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. Secondly, the maximum essential oil yield was observed in July month, 0.63±0.01 and 0.56±0.01%, respectively for M. piperita and M. longifolia.

Phytoantioxidant Functionalized Nanoparticles: A Green Approach to Combat Nanoparticle-Induced Oxidative Stress

Nanotechnology is gaining significant attention, with numerous biomedical applications. Silver in wound dressings, copper oxide and silver in antibacterial preparations, and zinc oxide nanoparticles as a food and cosmetic ingredient are common examples. However, adverse effects of nanoparticles in humans and the environment from extended exposure at varied concentrations have yet to be established. One of the drawbacks of employing nanoparticles is their tendency to cause oxidative stress, a significant public health concern with life-threatening consequences. Cardiovascular, renal, and respiratory problems and diabetes are among the oxidative stress-related disorders. In this context, phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles could be a novel and effective alternative. In addition to performing their intended function, they can protect against oxidative damage. This review was designed by searching through various websites, books, and articles found in PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. To begin with, oxidative stress, its related diseases, and the mechanistic basis of oxidative damage caused by nanoparticles are discussed. One of the main mechanisms of action of nanoparticles was unearthed to be oxidative stress, which limits their use in humans. Secondly, the role of phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles in oxidative damage prevention is critically discussed. The parameters for the characterization of nanoparticles were also discussed. The majority of silver, gold, iron, zinc oxide, and copper nanoparticles produced utilizing various plant extracts were active free radical scavengers. This potential is linked to several surface fabricated phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids and phenols. These phytoantioxidant functionalized nanoparticles could be a better alternative to nanoparticles prepared by other existing approaches.

Antibacterial Potential of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized using Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.: A Green Approach to Combat Drug Resistance

Microbial infections and antibiotic resistance are some of the prime factors that are ascribed to endanger human health. Several reports have highlighted that drug-resistant pathogens assist in the etiology of various chronic diseases and lead to fatality. The present study deciphered the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as therapeutics against selected bacterial strains. The plant-based technique was followed to synthesize ZnO NPs. The synthesis was confirmed with different techniques viz. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope (interplanar spacing at 0.126 nm), scanning electron microscope (flower-like structure), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antibacterial analysis revealed that ZnO NPs inhibited the growth of all tested strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) to a greater extent (MIC ranged between 0.013±0.004-0.0625±0 mg/mL) as compared with ZnO compound (Bulk material). In the present study, ZnO NPs were produced in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable way using a green process and can be used as a remedy for drug-resistant pathogens.

Herbal Therapy for the Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Dandruff and Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD) are similar skin conditions with different degrees ofseverity. Since the current therapies cannot remove dandruff efficiently, herbal extracts with better effectiveness and fewer side effects are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Due to the adverse effects of chemical drugs, the use of natural products and traditional medicine has significantly increased over the past few decades. Therefore, in this review, we reported the herbs used as anti-dandruff agents in traditional medicine worldwide.

METHODS

The review was conducted on the literature available on the medicinal utility of certain plants as anti-dandruff agents using PubMed and Google Scholar and the following search terms: Dandruff and plants or medicinal plant and dandruff treatment, and essential oil and dandruff.

RESULTS

Since the current therapies cannotefficiently remove dandruff, herbal extracts with better effectiveness and fewer side effects are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Nowadays, there are numerous different types of herbal antidandruff shampoos. They are effective and safe without the side effects of chemical agents. Recently, herbal medicine has attracted a great deal of scientific attention. Clinical evidence on the therapeutic effects of herbal products has resulted in the study of far more herbs for their therapeutic roles.

CONCLUSION

Herbal therapy plays a significant role in the development of favorable therapeutics, either alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics. However, the major challenges in this regard include finding compounds with satisfactorily lower MICs, low toxicity, and high bioavailability for effective and safe use in humans and animals.