Pharmacological Profile of Nigella sativa Seeds in Combating COVID-19 through In-Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies

A comprehensive investigation on alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation in hyperglycaemic conditions through in vitro experiments and computational analysis

Protein glycation, hyper-inflammatory reactions, and oxidative stress play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. The current work evaluated the protective ability of ethyl alcohol extract of leaves from holy basil (Ocimum sanctum Linn) against inflammation, oxidative stress, glycation and advanced glycation endproducts formation. Various in vitro assays assessed prementioned properties of holy basil. In addition, molecular docking was conducted. The highest hydrogen peroxide reduction activity (72.7 %) and maximum percentage of DPPH scavenging (71.3 %) depicted its vigorous antioxidant abilities. Furthermore, it showed the most excellent protection against proteinase activity (67.247 %), prevention of denaturation of egg albumin (65.29 %), and BSA (bovine serum albumin) (68.87 %) with 600 µg/ml. Percent aggregation index (57.528 %), browning intensity (56.61 %), and amyloid structure (57.0 %) were all reduced significantly using 600 μg/ml of extract. Additionally, the antimicrobial potential was also confirmed. According to a molecular docking study, active leaf extract ingredients were found to bind with superoxide dismutase, catalase, and carbonic anhydrase. As a conclusion, O. sanctum has a variety of health-promoting properties that may reduce the severity of many diseases in diabetic patients. However, in order to ascertain the mechanisms of action of the components of its leaves in disease prevention, more thorough research based on pharmacological aspects is needed.

Insights into the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial potential of Nigella sativa essential oil against oral pathogens

Oral disorders can exert systemic ramifications beyond their localized effects on dental tissues, implicating a wide array of physiological conditions. The utilization of essential oils (EOs) for protection of oral health represents a longstanding practice. Consequently, in this investigation, essential oil derived from Nigella sativa seeds (NSEO) underwent isolation via the hydro-distillation process, followed by a comprehensive evaluation of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antibacterial activities, and cytocompatibility. The isolated NSEO manifested as a pale-yellow substance and was found to harbor a diverse spectrum of bioactive constituents, including steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, proteins, alkaloids, tannin, sesquiterpenoid hydrocarbons, monoterpenoid alcohol, and monoterpenoid ketone (thymoquinone). Notably, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of NSEO were quantified at 641.23 μg GAE/gm and 442.25 μg QE/g, respectively. Furthermore, NSEO exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of protein denaturation, HRBC membrane stabilization, and hemolysis inhibition. Comparative analysis revealed that NSEO and chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.2% displayed substantial inhibition of hemolysis compared to aspirin. While NSEO and CHX 0.2% demonstrated analogous antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, NSEO showcased heightened efficacy against Lactobacillus acidophilus and Candida albicans. Additionally, NSEO exhibited pronounced effects against periodontal pathogens such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Prevotella intermedia. Importantly, no cytotoxicity was observed on human gingival fibroblast cell lines. These findings underscore the potential of NSEO as a potent antibacterial and antifungal agent in the management of oral microbial pathogens, thereby offering avenues for the development of innovative therapies targeting diverse oral inflammatory conditions. Nevertheless, further investigations are imperative to unlock its full therapeutic repertoire.

Increased Levels of Autoantibodies against ROS-Modified Proteins in Depressed Individuals with Decrease in Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Antigen (S1-RBD)

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease management is highly dependent on the immune status of the infected individual. An increase in the incidence of depression has been observed during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Autoantibodies against in vitro reactive oxygen species (ROS) modified BSA and Lys as well as antibodies against receptor binding domain subunit S1 (S1-RBD) (S1-RBD-Abs) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were estimated using direct binding and competition ELISA. Serum samples were also tested for fasting blood glucose (FBG), malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl content (CC), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Significant structural changes were observed in ROS modified BSA and Lys. Female depressed subjects who were also smokers (F-D-S) showed the highest levels of oxidative stress (MDA and CC levels). Similarly, increased levels of autoantibodies against ROS modified proteins were detected in F-D-S subjects, in males who were depressed and in smokers (M-D-S) compared to the other subjects from the rest of the groups. However, contrary to this observation, levels of S1-RBD-Abs were found to be lowest in the F-D-S and M-D-S groups. During the pandemic, large numbers of individuals have experienced depression, which may induce excessive oxidative stress, causing modifications in circulatory proteins. Thus, the formation of neo-antigens is induced, which lead to the generation of autoantibodies. The concomitant effect of increased autoantibodies with elevated levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α possibly tilt the immune balance toward autoantibody generation rather than the formation of S1-RBD-Abs. Thus, it is important to identify individuals who are at risk of depression to determine immune status and facilitate the better management of COVID-19.