Electrochemical Sensors for Detection of Phytomolecules: A Mechanistic Approach

High demand and ongoing technological advancements have created a market for sensors that is both varied and rapidly evolving. Bioactive compounds are separated systematically to conduct an in-depth investigation, allowing for the profiling or fingerprinting of different Plantae kingdoms. The profiling field is significant in elucidating the complex interplay of plant traits, attributes, and environmental factors. Flexible technology advancements have enabled the creation of highly sensitive sensors for the non-destructive detection of molecules. Additionally, very specialized integrated systems that will allow multiplexed detection by integrating many hybrid approaches have been developed, but these systems are highly laborious and expensive. Electrochemical sensors, on the other hand, are a viable option because of their ability to accomplish exact compound detection via efficient signal transduction. However, this has not been investigated because of some obstacles to learning minimum metabolites' fundamentals and nonredox properties. This article reviews the electrochemical basis of plants, contrasting it with more conventional techniques and offering both positive and negative perspectives on the topic. Because few studies have been devoted to the concept of merging the domains, we've expanded the scope of this work by including pertinent non-phytochemical reports for better report comparison.

MicroRNA-155 and cancer metastasis: Regulation of invasion, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Among the leading causes of death globally has been cancer. Nearly 90% of all cancer-related fatalities are attributed to metastasis, which is the growing of additional malignant growths out of the original cancer origin. Therefore, a significant clinical need for a deeper comprehension of metastasis exists. Beginning investigations are being made on the function of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the metastatic process. Tiny non-coding RNAs called miRNAs have a crucial part in controlling the spread of cancer. Some miRNAs regulate migration, invasion, colonization, cancer stem cells' properties, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the microenvironment, among other processes, to either promote or prevent metastasis. One of the most well-conserved and versatile miRNAs, miR-155 is primarily distinguished by overexpression in a variety of illnesses, including malignant tumors. It has been discovered that altered miR-155 expression is connected to a number of physiological and pathological processes, including metastasis. As a result, miR-155-mediated signaling pathways were identified as possible cancer molecular therapy targets. The current research on miR-155, which is important in controlling cancer cells' invasion, and metastasis as well as migration, will be summarized in the current work. The crucial significance of the lncRNA/circRNA-miR-155-mRNA network as a crucial regulator of carcinogenesis and a player in the regulation of signaling pathways or related genes implicated in cancer metastasis will be covered in the final section. These might provide light on the creation of fresh treatment plans for controlling cancer metastasis.

Challenges in the treatment and prevention of Monkeypox infection; a comprehensive review

Human monkeypox (HMPX) is a zoonotic disease, literally meaning that it can be passed on from animals (non-primate) to human (primate). All the reported and recorded cases have been traced back either to international travel or import of African animals. In the Unites states, sporadic monkeypox cases have been reported in specific over the past 50 years, starting its first identification in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) in 1970. Due to its extreme versatility, this disease poses threat as a serious public health issue that needs to be monitored, researched and prevented. Data indicate that prior immunization with the smallpox vaccine is beneficial and may provide protection against the monkeypox virus. JYNNEOSTM is a live viral vaccine that has been approved to improve clinical manifestations of the infection. On the other hand, public ignorance about safety precaution towards monkeypox post-COVID is another challenge that needs to be overcome in tackling HMPX as a possible re-emergent infection. This review is a collation of the epidemiology, etiology, transmission, clinical features and treatment of human monkeypox (HMPX).

Miscellaneous naturally derived anticancer agents

Abstract:

Secondary metabolites of natural origin exhibit numerous pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Lipid peroxidation is observed to be prevented by terminating free radical chains and chelating redox active metal ions. These properties of the secondary products can also aid in preventing carcinoma. Many traditional and emerging plants are blessed with plenty of unexplored phytometabolites, which contain the probability to carry huge anti-neoplastic potential. Acetogenins are anticancer compounds that kill tumor cells through a variety and series of developmental methods. They are very powerful apoptosis inducers and can regulate the exclusion of chemotherapy medicines from cancer cells. Chalcone is a pharmacologically active molecule that can be found in both natural and manufactured products. Marine species, which are also examples of naturally derived drug sources such as algae, sponges, tunicates, and bryozoans have emerged as important components of choice for the separation of novel anticancer drugs obtained from marine sources. Bacteria of marine origin are the source of new drug discoveries and therapeutic targets, which are being explored to unprecedented heights and they have proven to be sources of various medicinal agents such as antibiotics etc. Numerous secondary metabolites have been isolated from marine fungi, that were active biologically and unique structural and also therapeutically beneficial. So far, almost 1000 secondary metabolites have been found, the majority of which are exclusive to lichens. This mini-review aims for the discussion of different aspects related to the natural derivatives obtained from various sources, which play a pivotal role as anti-neoplastic agents.

A Mendelian Randomization Analysis Investigates Causal Associations between Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Variable Risk Factors

The question of whether variable risk factors and various nutrients are causally related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) has remained unanswered so far. Thus, this study investigated whether genetically predicted risk factors and nutrients play a function in the occurrence of inflammatory bowel diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC), non-infective colitis (NIC), and Crohn's disease (CD), using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Utilizing the data of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) with 37 exposure factors, we ran Mendelian randomization analyses based on up to 458,109 participants. Univariable and multivariable MR analyses were conducted to determine causal risk factors for IBD diseases. Genetic predisposition to smoking and appendectomy as well as vegetable and fruit intake, breastfeeding, n-3 PUFAs, n-6 PUFAs, vitamin D, total cholesterol, whole-body fat mass, and physical activity were related to the risk of UC (p < 0.05). The effect of lifestyle behaviors on UC was attenuated after correcting for appendectomy. Genetically driven smoking, alcohol consumption, appendectomy, tonsillectomy, blood calcium, tea intake, autoimmune diseases, type 2 diabetes, cesarean delivery, vitamin D deficiency, and antibiotic exposure increased the risk of CD (p < 0.05), while vegetable and fruit intake, breastfeeding, physical activity, blood zinc, and n-3 PUFAs decreased the risk of CD (p < 0.05). Appendectomy, antibiotics, physical activity, blood zinc, n-3 PUFAs, and vegetable fruit intake remained significant predictors in multivariable MR (p < 0.05). Besides smoking, breastfeeding, alcoholic drinks, vegetable and fruit intake, vitamin D, appendectomy, and n-3 PUFAs were associated with NIC (p < 0.05). Smoking, alcoholic drinks, vegetable and fruit intake, vitamin D, appendectomy, and n-3 PUFAs remained significant predictors in multivariable MR (p < 0.05). Our results provide new and comprehensive evidence demonstrating that there are approving causal effects of various risk factors on IBDs. These findings also supply some suggestions for the treatment and prevention of these diseases.

Reconciling the Gap between Medications and their Potential Leads: The Role of Marine Metabolites in the Discovery of New Anticancer Drugs: A Comprehensive Review

One-third of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives, making it the second leading cause of death globally each year after cardiovascular disease. The complex anticancer molecular mechanisms have been understood clearly with the advent of improved genomic, proteomic, and bioinformatics. Our understanding of the complex interplay between numerous genes and regulatory genetic components within cells explaining how this might lead to malignant phenotypes has greatly expanded. It was discovered that epigenetic resistance and a lack of multitargeting drugs were highlighted as major barriers to cancer treatment, spurring the search for innovative anticancer treatments. It was discovered that epigenetic resistance and a lack of multitargeting drugs were highlighted as major barriers to cancer treatment, spurring the search for innovative anticancer treatments. Many popular anticancer drugs, including irinotecan, vincristine, etoposide, and paclitaxel, have botanical origins. Actinomycin D and mitomycin C come from bacteria, while bleomycin and curacin come from marine creatures. However, there is a lack of research evaluating the potential of algae-based anticancer treatments, especially in terms of their molecular mechanisms. Despite increasing interest in the former, and the promise of the compounds to treat tumours that have been resistant to existing treatment, pharmaceutical development of these compounds has lagged. Thus, the current review focuses on the key algal sources that have been exploited as anticancer therapeutic leads, including their biological origins, phytochemistry, and the challenges involved in converting such leads into effective anticancer drugs.

A Strategic Investigation on Diabetic Nephropathy; Its Conceptual Model and clinical Manifestations: A Review

Diabetes is a major health issue, and its complications can lead to various health problems. Nephropathy has been recognised since the 1930s, when Kimmelstiel and Wilson first reported the characteristic nodular glomerulosclerosis lesions in diabetic kidneys. Diabetic nephropathy (DN), commonly known as diabetic kidney disease, is a condition in which people with diabetes have excessive quantities of urine albumin excretion, diabetic glomerular lesions, and a reduction in their glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Type 1 diabetes (autoimmune -cell destruction and absolute insulin insufficiency), type 2 diabetes (relative insulin deficit and resistance), and others are the three forms of diabetes (e.g., pancreatic disease). Diabetes nephropathy is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure worldwide. Much research has been conducted in both basic science and clinical therapies to enhance the understanding of the mechanism of diabetic nephropathy and expand available therapeutics. Diabetic nephropathy prevention continues to rely on screening for microalbuminuria and treating hyperglycemia. However, several studies suggest that managing diabetic kidney disease is more challenging. Despite comparable hyperglycemic management, some studies suggest that the incidence of renal problems varies by patient. As a result, there has been a great deal of interest in studying the inherent renal protective effects of various antihyperglycemic drugs. This study aims to provide information about the diabetic kidney disease conceptual model, pathogenesis, screening, and diagnosis. It will also address the treatment and prevention of diabetic nephropathy, focusing on comparing the mechanisms, safety profiles, and efficacy of different antihyperglycemic medications.

Recent Perspectives on the context of Current Herbal Medicinal Delivery Systems

Background:

Herbal drugs can be used more appropriately, with increased efficacy by using them in modern dosage forms. This can be established with the aid of novel drug delivery systems for herbal ingredients. The present review emphasizes the development of novel herbal formulations and their type of active constituents, along with applications of novel formulations.

Objective:

This article aims to review the various dosage forms in which herbs with their potential can be utilized.

Materials and Methods:

A literature review has been performed on various trending and marketed novel dosage forms carrying the natural benefits of herbal drugs.

Results:

Drugs of Ayurvedic origin can be utilized in a more upright course with enhanced efficacy by incorporating them in modern dosage forms. However, phytotherapeutics need a scientific approach to make the ingredients user-friendly. This can be accomplished by editing novel dosage forms with herbal ingredients.

Conclusion:

Novel dosage forms that combine the benefits of herbs with the benefits of contemporary dosage forms, overcoming the limitations of traditional dosage forms, can be developed.

A Narrative Review on Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Patients with Depressive Difficulties

Background:

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that was earlier intended to treat only patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), but researchers have found DBT to treat several psychological disorders, including depression.

Aim:

The article aims to review the clinical shreds of evidence regarding the use of DBT to treat depression.

Methods:

PubMed literature search was done by applying the year filter range, 2010 to 2021. Another filter applied was "Randomized controlled trial", so that the strength of evidence could be enhanced. The keywords used were "Dialectical Behavior Therapy" AND "Depression

Results:

33 articles were found, out of which only 20 relevant articles were reviewed. DBT was found to alleviate depressive symptoms associated with different psychological disorders like bipolar disorder and BPD but the number of studies that validated the afore-mentioned were less than those studies which showed that DBT had no significant effect on the patients with depressive difficulties. The long-term effect of DBT for treating depression is under a suspect, as studies showed DBT got ineffective during the follow-ups

Conclusion:

DBT shows benefits in depression but further studies are still required to validate this concretely as DBT did not show a significant effect when compared to its control counterparts. There is much need for future studies which can evaluate the long-term efficacy of DBT in depression is another challenging area because follow-up data did not favor DBT.

A Comprehensive Review on Recently Detected Herbal Phytoactives Having Anti-Diabetic Potential for Various Diabetes-Related Complications

Background:

Diabetes is a metabolic, endocrine disorder which is featured by hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance, primarily due to beta cell destruction, with Insulin Resistance playing a secondary role. It is treated with the help of many chemical based drugs as well as natural derivatives.

Objective:

There is urgent need to develop new efficacious, cheaper and more available drugs to face this growing public health challenge. Many anti-diabetic drugs are often often associated with many adverse effects.

Materials & Methods:

Literature was reviewed in a narrative manner in order to pertain the information about active phytoactives present in the different plants. Anti-diabetic drugs are often loaded with side effects; therefore, review is being done for the selection of effective natural therapeutic moieties with less or no adverse effects.

Results:

In this review article, we described the detailed review of recently detected bioactive compounds present in different natural substances; which can be used effectively for diabetes related adversities.

Conclusion:

Natural products based bioactive molecules have been proven to improve insulin resistance and other related complications through suppression of inflammatory signaling pathways.

Herbal Dentifrices: Emerging Trends and Patterns

Background:

Herbal extracts have been employed since ages in dentistry as tooth cleansing and antimicrobial agents. The use of herbal medicines continues to expand and trend rapidly across the world. Herbal extracts have been used in dentistry for multiple uses as reducing inflammation, as antimicrobial plaque agents, for preventing release of histamine and as antiseptics, antioxidants, antimicrobials and analgesics. They also aid in healing process and are very effective in controlling microbial plaque and other disorders related to gums.

Objective:

The present review aims towards the combined review as well as compilation of available herbs under the category of various dental associated problems.

Materials and Methods:

The herbs were studied by sectioning them as for looking after different works or findings done against dental caries, tooth ache, scouring teeth, gum troubles and herbs as mouth fresheners.

Results:

Herbal extracts have been used on a large scale in dentistry as tooth cleansing and antimicrobial plaque agents. Many people take herbal derived medicines or herbal based products for the purpose of reducing inflammation, as antimicrobial agents, for preventing release of histamine and as antiseptics, antioxidants, antifungals, antibacterials, antivirals and analgesics. Herbal extracts are used in dentistry for treatment of various dental disorders.

Conclusion:

The use of herbal medicines are blooming rapidly across the world. Herbal extracts and the various herbs on the whole or their specific parts have been used in dentistry. They relieve the problems of gums and act as excellent mouth fresheners. The natural herbal remedies act as an effective substitute to antibiotics and represent a promising approach for prevention and as therapeutic strategies for various oral infections as they are natural, eradicate the problem from its root and provide long lasting relief. The herbal remedies are advantageous over conventional treatment.

A Detailed Insight of the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Curcumin with the Assessment of Parameters, Sources of ROS and Associated Mechanisms

Background:

Curcumin is an active constituent ofCurcuma longa,which belongs to Zingiberaceae family. It is derived from the Rhizome of a perennial plant having molecular formula C21H20O6and chemically it is (1, 7- bis (4- hydroxy - 3 methoxyphenyl) -1, 6 - heptadine - 3, 5 - diene), also known as diferuloylmethane. Curcumin has been extensively used as a herbal constituent for curing several diseases and is scientifically proven to show major effects as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Objective:

Inflammation is an important factor for numerous diseases including diabetes neuropathy, cancer, asthma, arthritis, and other diseases. Prophylaxis of inflammatory diseases through synthetic medications tends to have major toxicity and side effects on a large number of population. The foremost aim of this review paper is to assess the natural anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin, source, and mechanism of action, potential therapeutic effect and models associated. Additionally, this paper aims to scrutinize inflammation, sources of reactive oxygen species, and pathways of reactive oxygen species generation and potential side effects of curcumin.

Methods:

Selection of data has been done by studying the combination of research and review papers from different databases like PubMed, Medline and Web of science from the year 1985- 2018 by using search keywords like “curcumin”, “anti-inflammatory”, “ROS”, “Curcuma longa”, “medicinal uses of curcumin”, “assessing parameters”, “inflammation”, “anti-oxidant”

Results:

On the basis of our interpretation, we have concluded that curcumin has potential therapeutic effects in different inflammatory diseases, it inhibits the inflammatory mediators, oxidation processes, and oxidative stress and has no severe toxicity on animals and humans.

Conclusion:

Oxidative stress is a major cause of inflammation and curcumin has a good potential for blocking it. Curcumin is also easily accessible herbal source and should be consumed in the form of food, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agents and further observation should be done on its therapeutic parameters, risk factors, and toxicity studies and oral viability.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Herbal Based Hair Dye

Background:

Herbal based hair dyes are being preferred on large scale, due to the vast number of advantages it exerts to overcome the ill-effects of a chemical based hair dye. We have attempted to prepare and standardize this preparation to ensure its quality as well as stability aspects.

Objective:

The current research was aimed at the preparation of herbal hair dye and the evaluation of its various parameters as organoleptic, physico-chemical, phytoconstituents, rheological aspects, patch test and stability testing for its efficacy and shelf life.

Materials and Methods:

The herbal dye was prepared in-house according to the proposed composition, using all the natural ingredients. The dye was evaluated for its organoleptic, physico-chemical and stability parameters.

Results:

The parameters were found to be comparable and sufficient for the evaluation of herbal dye. The values of different evaluations justified the usage of the hair dye.

Conclusion:

Herbal based hair dye has been prepared and evaluated using the various parameters. It offers a natural alternate, which can be used, irrespective of any side effects. The results can be incorporated while developing the pharmacopoeial standards.

In-House Preparation and Standardization of Herbal Face Pack

Background:

Since the ancient times, there has been awareness among people regarding the use of plants for the essential needs of a healthy and beautiful skin. Cosmetics are the products used to clean, beautify and promote attractive appearance. Cosmetics designed via incorporating natural sources such as herbs have been proven very fulfilling, in coping up with the present needs of different skin types.

Objective:

As due to increased pollution, allergy, microbes etc, human skin has become more sensitive and prone to faster aging. An attempt has been made to synthesize a pack ideal for all skin types. After the synthesis, all the parameters have been calculated in order to meet up the quality standards.

Materials and Methods:

The constituents were extracted from herbal ingredients such as Multani mitti, green tea, saffron, gram flour, turmeric, shwet chandan and milk powder. They were purchased from the local area and were dried separately, grinded, passed through sieve no 40, mixed homogenously and then evaluated for parameters including organoleptic, physicochemical, rheological features, phytochemical, stability, and irritancy examination.

Results:

The dried powders of combined pack showed good flow property which is suitable for a face pack. Organoleptic evaluation showed that the pack is smooth and pleasant smelling powder. Rheological findings justified the flow properties of the pack as it was found to be free flowing and non-sticky in nature. The results proved that the formulation was stable on all aspects. Irritancy test showed the negative. Stability tests performed revealed the inert nature of the pack.

Conclusion:

Thus, in the present work, we formulated a pack, which can be easily made with the easily available ingredients. It showed all the benefits of a face pack and further optimization studies are required on its various parameters to find its useful benefits on the human beings.

Effect of dehulling, germination and cooking on nutrients, anti-nutrients, fatty acid composition and antioxidant properties in lentil (Lens culinaris)

The changes in chemical composition, antioxidant activity and fatty acid composition of lentil flour after dehulling, germination and cooking of seeds were investigated. Dehulling showed no significant effect on protein content, however, protein content decreased in most of the varieties after germination and cooking. Total soluble sugars (TSS) content increased significantly after dehulling (2.0-41.64 %) and cooking (2.08-31.07 %) whereas, germination had no significant effect on TSS content. Total lipids increased significantly after dehulling (21.56-42.86 %) whereas, it decreased significantly after germination (2.97-26.52 %) and cooking (23.05-58.63 %). Cooking was more effective than other methods in reducing trypsin inhibitors (80.51-85.41 %). Dehulling was most effective in reducing tannins (89.46-92.99 %) and phytic acid (52.63-60.00 %) content over raw seed. Myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acid content decreased while linolenic acid content increased after dehulling. Dehulling, germination and cooking decreased the content of antioxidant metabolite (gallic acid, catechin and quercetin) and also antioxidant activities. Raw samples followed by germinated samples showed the highest concentrations of phytochemicals responsible for antioxidant activity and also the antioxidant capacities. Present study showed germination and cooking would be useful in formulation and development of lentil based functional foods for human health benefits.

Impact of dehulling and germination on nutrients, antinutrients, and antioxidant properties in horsegram

The changes in chemical composition, antioxidant activity and minerals content of horse gram seed after dehulling and germination of 12 advance lines were investigated. Dehulled samples had a higher protein content compared with the raw and germinated. Total soluble sugars (TSS) content increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) after dehulling (29.31 %) and germination (98.73 %) whereas, the total lipids increased (10.98 %) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) after dehulling and decreased (36.41 %) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) after germination. Dehulling and germination significantly decreased the amount of phytic acid (PA), tannin (TN) and oxalic acid (OA). Trypsin inhibitor units decreased (26.79 %) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) after germination. The minerals (Ca, Fe and Cu) composition of the germinated horsegram flour samples was significantly higher than the raw and dehulled flour. The functional properties of flours were studied and found that the bulk density (11.85 %) and oil absorption capacity (18.92 %) significantly increased after germination. Raw samples followed by germinated samples showed the highest concentrations of phytochemicals responsible for the antioxidant activity and also the antioxidant capacities. principal component analysis revealed that in case of dehulled samples; TN, polyphenols, DPPH and ABTS radical inhibition, TSS, total antioxidant, OA, protein, FRAP value, Ca and Zn had positive correlation among themselves while in case of germinated samples, protein, oil absorption capacity, FRAP value, OA, total flavonoids, DPPH radical inhibition, Ca and Cu had positive correlation among themselves. Present study suggest that germination combined with dehulling process improved quality of horsegram by enhancing the nutritive value and reducing the antinutrients.

Spectrum of high resolution computed tomography findings in occupational lung disease: experience in a tertiary care institute

Objective:

To study the spectrum of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in occupational lung disease in industrial workers and to assess the utility of International classification of HRCT for occupational and environmental respiratory diseases (ICHOERD).

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of radiological data (radiographs and computed tomography chest scans) gathered over a period of 3 years (January 2010- December 2012) of industrial workers in an organised sector who presented with respiratory complaints. The HRCT findings were evaluated using ICHOERD.

Results:

There were 5 females and 114 males in the study, with a mean age of 49 years. These workers were exposed to different harmful agents including silica, asbestos, cotton dust, metal dust, iron oxide, organic dust, rubber fumes, plastic fumes, acid fumes, and oil fumes. There were 10 smokers in the study. The radiograph of chest was normal in 53 patients. 46% of these normal patients (21.8% of total) demonstrated positive findings on HRCT. When the radiograph was abnormal, HRCT provided more accurate information and excluded the other diagnosis. The HRCT findings were appropriately described using the ICHOERD. Bronchiectasis was the most common finding (44.5%) with mild central cylindrical bronchiectasis as the most common pattern. Pleural thickening was seen in 41 patients (34.5%). Enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymphnodes were seen in 10 patients (8.4%) with egg-shell calcification in 1 patient exposed to silica. Bronchogenic carcinoma was seen in 1 patient exposed to asbestos.

Conclusions:

Occupational lung disease is a common work related condition in industrial workers even in the organized sector. Though chest radiograph is the primary diagnostic tool, HRCT is the undisputed Gold Standard for evaluation of these patients. Despite the disadvantage of radiation exposure, low dose CT may serve as an important tool for screening and surveillance. The ICHOERD is a powerful and reliable tool not only for diagnosis, but also for quantitative and analytical measurement of disease, thereby contributing to assessing the medical epidemiology of lung disease. It should always be used while evaluating HRCT of a patient with occupational lung disease.