Barosmin against postprandial hyperglycemia: outputs from computational prediction to functional responses in vitro

Previously, barosmin has been demonstrated to possess anti-diabetic action. However, its effect to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase, including glucose utilization efficacy, has yet to be revealed. Hence, the current study attempted to assess the efficiency of barosmin in inhibiting the α-amylase, α -glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 enzymes, including glucose uptake efficacy. Molecular docking and simulation were performed using AutoDock Vina and Gromacs respectively followed by gene ontology analysis using the database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery. Further, in vitro enzyme inhibitory activities and glucose uptake assay were performed in L6 cell lines. Density functional theory analysis detailed mechanistic insights into the crucial interaction sites of barosmin of which the electron-dense region was prone to nucleophilic attack (O-atoms) whereas hydroxyl groups (-OH) showed affinity for electrophilic attacks. Barosmin showed good binding affinity with α-amylase (-9.2 kcal/mol), α-glucosidase (-10.7 kcal/mol), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (-10.0 kcal/mol). Barosmin formed stable nonbonded contacts with active site residues of aforementioned enzymes throughout 200 ns molecular dynamics simulation. Further, it regulated pathway concerned with glucose homeostasis i.e. tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway. In addition, barosmin showed α-amylase (IC50= 95.77 ± 23.33 µg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50= 68.13 ± 2.95 µg/mL), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (IC50= 13.27 ± 1.99 µg/mL) inhibitory activities including glucose uptake efficacy in L6 cell lines (EC50= 12.46 ± 0.90 µg/mL) in the presence of insulin. This study presents the efficacy of the barosmin to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase and glucose uptake efficacy in L6 cell lines via the use of multiple system biology tools and in vitro techniques.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

In silico design and evaluation of a multiepitope vaccine targeting the nucleoprotein of Puumala orthohantavirus

The Puumala orthohantavirus is present in the body of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus). Humans infected with this virus may develop hemorrhagic fever accompanying renal syndrome. In addition, the infection may further lead to the failure of an immune system completely. The present study aimed to propose a possible vaccine by employing bioinformatics techniques to identify B and T-cell antigens. The best multi-epitope of potential immunogenicity was generated by combining epitopes. Additionally, the linkers EAAAK, AAY, and GPGPG were utilized in order to link the epitopes successfully. Further, C-ImmSim was used to perform in silico immunological simulations upon the vaccine. For the purpose of conducting expression tests in Escherichia coli, the chimeric protein construct was cloned using Snapgene into the pET-9c vector. The designed vaccine showed adequate results, evidenced by the global population coverage and favorable immune response. The developed vaccine was found to be highly effective and to have excellent population coverage in a number of computer-based assessments. This work is fully dependent on the development of nucleoprotein-based vaccines, which would constitute a significant step forward if our findings were used in developing a global vaccination to combat the Puumala virus.

Spectrum of COVID-19 induced liver injury: A review report

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused changes in the global health system, causing significant setbacks in healthcare systems worldwide. This pandemic has also shown resilience, flexibility, and creativity in reacting to the tragedy. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection targets most of the respiratory tract, resulting in a severe sickness called acute respiratory distress syndrome that may be fatal in some individuals. Although the lung is the primary organ targeted by COVID-19 viruses, the clinical aspect of the disease is varied and ranges from asymptomatic to respiratory failure. However, due to an unorganized immune response and several affected mechanisms, the liver may also experience liver cell injury, ischemic liver dysfunction, and drug-induced liver injury, which can result in respiratory failure because of the immune system's disordered response and other compromised processes that can end in multisystem organ failure. Patients with liver cirrhosis or those who have impaired immune systems may be more likely than other groups to experience worse results from the SARS-CoV-2 infection. We thus intend to examine the pathogenesis, current therapy, and consequences of liver damage concerning COVID-19.

Computational pharmacology profiling of borapetoside C against melanoma

Melanoma,also known as a 'black tumor', begins in the melanocytes when cells (that produce pigment) grows out of control. Immunological dysregulation, which raises the risk for multiple illnesses, including melanoma, may be influenced by stress tiggered through viral infection, long term effects of ultraviolet radiation, environmental pollutants etc. Borapetoside C is one of the phytoconstituents from Tinospora crispa, and its biological source has been reported for its antistress property. Network pharmacology and KEGG pathway analysis of borapetoside C-regulated proteins were conducted to identify the hub genes involved in melanoma development. Further, a molecular docking was performed between borapetoside C and targets involved in melanoma. Further, the top 3 complexes were selected based on the binding energy to conduct molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate the stability of ligand-protein complex followed by principal component analysis and dynamic cross-correlation matrix. In addition, borapetoside C was also screened for its pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile. Network Pharmacology studies and KEGG pathway analysis revealed 8 targets involved in melanoma. Molecular docking between borapetoside C and targets involved in melanoma identified 3 complexes with minimum binding i.e. borapetoside C- MAP2K1, MMP9, and EGFR. Further, molecular dynamics simulations showed a stable complex of borapetoside C with MMP9 and EGFR. The present study suggested that borapetoside C may target MMP9 and EGFR to possess an anti-melanoma property. This finding can be useful in developing a novel therapeutic agent against melanoma from a natural source.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Netting into the Sophoretin pool: An approach to trace GSTP1 inhibitors for reversing chemoresistance

Chemoresistance, a significant challenge in cancer treatment, is often associated with the cellular glutathione-related detoxification system. The GSTP1 isoenzyme (glutathione S-transferases) plays a critical role in the cytoplasmic inactivation of anticancer drugs. This suggests the identification of GSTP1 inhibitors to combat chemoresistance. We screened Sophoretin (also called quercetin) derivatives for molecular properties, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity profiles. Following that, we conducted molecular docking and simulations between selected derivatives and GSTP1. The best-docked complex, GSTP1-quercetin 7-O-β-D-glucoside, exhibited a binding affinity of -8.1 kcal/mol, with no predicted toxicity and good pharmacokinetic properties. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of this complex. Quercetin 7-O-β-D-glucoside shows promise as a lead candidate for addressing chemoresistance in cancer patients, although further experimental studies are needed to validate its efficacy and therapeutic potential.

Integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and simulations to evaluate phytochemicals from Drymaria cordata against cervical cancer

Introduction: Cervical cancer is prevalent among women worldwide. It is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Mostly, it is observed in developing nations due to limited access to screening tools. Natural products with anticancer properties and fewer side effects have gained attention. Therefore, this study evaluates the potential of Drymaria cordata as a natural source for treating cervical cancer. Methodology: Phytocompounds present in Drymaria cordata were screened for their molecular properties and drug-likeness. The selected compounds were studied using systems biology tools such as network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, including MMGBSA studies. Results: Through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-rhamnopyranoside was identified as a hit compound targeting HRAS and VEGFA proteins. These proteins were found to be responsible for the maximum number of pathway modulations in cervical cancer. Conclusion: Drymaria cordata exhibits potential for treating cervical cancer due to the presence of quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-rhamnopyranoside. Further validation of these findings through in vitro and in vivo studies is required.

The marijuana-schizophrenia multifaceted nexus: Connections and conundrums towards neurophysiology

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, a component of marijuana, interacts with cannabinoid receptors in brain involved in memory, cognition, and emotional control. However, marijuana use and schizophrenia development is a complicated and contentious topic. As a result, more investigation is needed to understand this relationship. Through the functional enrichment analysis, we report the delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol to manipulate the homeostatic biological process and molecular function of different macromolecules. Additionally, using molecular docking and subsequent processing for molecular simulations, we assessed the binding ability of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol with the estrogen-related protein, dopamine receptor 5, and hyaluronidase. It was found that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may have an impact on the brain's endocannabinoid system and may trigger the schizophrenia progression in vulnerable people. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may interfere with the biological function of 18 proteins linked to schizophrenia and disrupt the synaptic transmission (dopamine, glutamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid). It was discovered that it may affect lipid homeostasis, which is closely related to membrane integrity and synaptic plasticity. The negative control of cellular and metabolic processes, fatty acids binding /activity, and the manipulated endocannabinoid system (targeting cannabinoid receptors) were also concerned with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Hence, this may alter neurotransmitter signaling involved in memory, cognition, and emotional control, showing its direct impact on brain physiological processes. This may be one of the risk factors for schizophrenia development which is also closely tied to some other variables such as frequency, genetic vulnerability, dosage, and individual susceptibility.

Rosmarinic acid and its derivative's duel as antitubercular agents: insights from computational prediction to functional response in vitro

Tuberculosis is one of the most dreadful infectious diseases, afflicting global populations with anguish. With the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of mycobacteria, the imperative for new anti-tuberculosis drugs has grown exponentially. Thus, the current study delves into evaluating the impact of Perovskia abrotanoides and its active metabolites-namely, rosmarinic acid and its derivatives-against strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Through the use of the CRI assay, the antimycobacterial potential of the high-altitude medicinal plant P. abrotanoides was gauged, while docking and molecular dynamics simulations unveiled plausible targets. Of these, the peak antimycobacterial effectiveness was observed in the P. abrotanoides ethyl acetate extract with 125 µg/mL as minimum inhibitory concentration against various strains of M. tuberculosis, encompassing H37Rv and strains resistant to multiple drugs. Following bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation, rosmarinic acid and rosmarinic acid methyl ester emerged as potent molecules against H37Rv and multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains; minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 15 to 32 µg/mL. Additionally, out of 22 targets explored, Mtb lipoamide dehydrogenase (PDB: 3II4) and Rv2623 (PDB: 3CIS) were forecasted as potential Mtb targets for rosmarinic acid and rosmarinic acid methyl ester, respectively, a supposition further affirmed by molecular simulations (100 ns). The stability of both complexes throughout the simulation was measured by protein backbone root-mean-square deviation, substantiating their roles as respective targets for antimycobacterial activities.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Genomic evaluation of feed efficiency in US Holstein heifers

There is growing interest in improving feed efficiency traits in dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to estimate the genetic parameters of residual feed intake (RFI) and its component traits [dry matter intake (DMI), metabolic body weight (MBW), and average daily gain (ADG)] in Holstein heifers, and to develop a system for genomic evaluation for RFI in Holstein dairy calves. The RFI data were collected from 6,563 growing Holstein heifers (initial body weight = 261 ± 52 kg; initial age = 266 ± 42 d) for 70 d, across 182 trials conducted between 2014 and 2022 at the STgenetics Ohio Heifer Center (South Charleston, OH) as part of the EcoFeed program, which aims to improve feed efficiency by genetic selection. The RFI was estimated as the difference between a heifer's actual feed intake and expected feed intake, which was determined by regression of DMI against midpoint MBW, age, and ADG across each trial. A total of 61,283 SNPs were used in genomic analyses. Animals with phenotypes and genotypes were used as training population, and 4 groups of prediction population, each with 2,000 animals, were selected from a pool of Holstein animals with genotypes, based on their relationship with the training population. All traits were analyzed using univariate animal model in DMU version 6 software. Pedigree information and genomic information were used to specify genetic relationships to estimate the variance components and genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV), respectively. Breeding values of the prediction population were estimated by using the 2-step approach: deriving the prediction equation of GEBV from the training population for estimation of GEBV of prediction population with only genotypes. Reliability of breeding values was obtained by approximation based on partitioning a function of the accuracy of training population GEBV and magnitudes of genomic relationships between individuals in the training and prediction population. Heifers had DMI (mean ± SD) of 8.11 ± 1.59 kg over the trial period, with growth rate of 1.08 ± 0.25 kg/d. The heritability estimates (mean ± SE) of RFI, MBW, DMI, and growth rate were 0.24 ± 0.02, 0.23 ± 0.02, 0.27 ± 0.02, and 0.19 ± 0.02, respectively. The range of genomic predicted transmitted abilities (gPTA) of the training population (-0.94 to 0.75) was higher compared with the range of gPTA (-0.82 to 0.73) of different groups of prediction population. Average reliability of breeding values from the training population was 58%, and that of prediction population was 39%. The genomic prediction of RFI provides new tools to select for feed efficiency of heifers. Future research should be directed to find the relationship between RFI of heifers and cows, to select individuals based on their lifetime production efficiencies.

Targeting Melanoma with a phytochemical pool: Tailing Makisterone C

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

According to World Health Organization, melanoma claims the lives of about 48000 people worldwide each year. The purpose of this study was to identify potential phytochemical pool from Diplazium esculentum against proteins that contribute to melanoma development.

METHODS

The research was carried to locate potentially bioactive molecules and conduct a theoretical analysis of active ingredients from DE to impact melanoma. Network pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, protein network interaction, gene enrichment, survival, and infiltration analysis were conducted. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation was carried out for makisterone C-MAPK1, MAPK3, and AKT1 complexes.

RESULTS

The potential phytochemical pool were identified (stigmast-5-en-3-ol, esculentic acid, rutin, and makisterone C) and based on network pharmacology and molecular docking studies, makisterone-C was proposed to be the most promising ingredient. Furthermore, the investigation revealed 14 genes as critical "hubs" involved in combating melanoma that are manipulated by the above-mentioned 4 active ingredients and modulate multiple signaling in melanoma development.

CONCLUSION

This study insights into the potential anti-melanoma effects of phytochemical pool from Diplazium esculentum using network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and simulation tailing makisterone C as a lead moiety and suggests the need for makisterone C further evaluation in intervening melanoma progression.

Identification of signature genes and drug candidates for primary plasma cell leukemia: An integrated system biology approach

BACKGROUND

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is one of the rare cancer which is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of plasma cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow. The aggressive behavior of the disease and high mortality rate among PCL patients makes it a thirst area to be explored.

METHODS

The dataset for PCL was obtained from the GEO database and was analyzed using GEO2R for differentially expressed genes. Further, the functional enrichment analysis was carried out for DEGs using DAVID. The protein-protein interactions (PPI) for DEGs were obtained using STRING 11.5 and were analyzed in Cytoscape 3.7.2. to obtain the key hub genes. These key hub genes were investigated for their interaction with suitable drug candidates using DGIdb, DrugMAP, and Schrodinger's version 2022-1.

RESULTS

Out of the total of 104 DEGs, 39 genes were up-regulated whereas 65 genes were down-regulated. A total of 11 biological processes, 2 cellular components, and 5 molecular functions were enriched along with the 7 KEGG pathways for the DEGs. Further, a total of 11 hub genes were obtained from the PPI of DEGs of which TP53, MAPK1, SOCS1, MBD3, and YES1 were the key hub genes. Oxaliplatin, mitoxantrone, and ponatinib were found to have the highest binding affinity towards the p53, MAPK1, and YES1 proteins respectively.

CONCLUSION

TP53, MAPK1, SOCS1, MBD3, and YES1 are the signature hub genes that might be responsible for the aggressive prognosis of PCL leading to poor survival rate. However, p53, MAPK1, and YES1 can be targeted with oxaliplatin, mitoxantrone, and ponatinib.

Olanzapine manipulates neuroactive signals and may onset metabolic disturbances

Olanzapine is one of the most prescribed atypical antipsychotics to treat psychiatric illness and is associated with weight gain and metabolic disturbance. The present study investigated the olanzapine-regulated metabolic pathways using functional enrichent analysis including binding affinity with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Proteins modulated by olanzapine were retrieved from SwissTargetPrediction, DIGEP-Pred, and BindingDB and then enriched in Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) to assess molecular function, biological process, and cellular components including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. We used homology modeling to improve the 3D structure for GPCR synapse proteins including dopamine, serotonin, muscarinic, and histamine receptors which were then optimized using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The protein-olanzapine binding mechanisms for different GPCR binders were evaluated using molecular docking; later refined by MD simulations. Binding mechanism of olanzapine with D2, 5HT1A, 5HT2A, 5HT2B, 5HT2C, M1, and M2 receptors were created using homology modeling and optimized using MD simulations. In target identification, it was observed that olanzapine majority targeted G-protein coupled receptors. Further, enrichment analysis identified around 76% of the total genes regulated in molecular function, biological process, and cellular components were common including KEGG pathways. Moreover, it was observed that olanzapine had a major potency over the neurotransmitter synapse including neuroactive signals . Olanzapine-induced weight gain and metabolic alterations could be due to the deregulation of multiple synapses like dopamine, serotonin, muscarinic, and histamine at the feeding center followed by cGMP-PKG, cAMP, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. HIGHLIGHTSOlanzapine is used in the management of psychiatric illnesses.Olanzapine causes disturbance in lipids and glucosehomeostasis and manipulates energy expenditure.Olanzapine-induced weight gain may occur due to the deregulation of the multiple synapse and cGMP-PKG, cAMP, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathwayCommunicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

System Biology Investigation Revealed Lipopolysaccharide and Alcohol-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Resembled Hepatitis B Virus Immunobiology and Pathogenesis

Hepatitis B infection caused by the hepatitis B virus is a life-threatening cause of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Researchers have produced multiple in vivo models for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and, currently, there are no specific laboratory animal models available to study HBV pathogenesis or immune response; nonetheless, their limitations prevent them from being used to study HBV pathogenesis, immune response, or therapeutic methods because HBV can only infect humans and chimpanzees. The current study is the first of its kind to identify a suitable chemically induced liver cirrhosis/HCC model that parallels HBV pathophysiology. Initially, data from the peer-reviewed literature and the GeneCards database were compiled to identify the genes that HBV and seven drugs (acetaminophen, isoniazid, alcohol, D-galactosamine, lipopolysaccharide, thioacetamide, and rifampicin) regulate. Functional enrichment analysis was performed in the STRING server. The network HBV/Chemical, genes, and pathways were constructed by Cytoscape 3.6.1. About 1546 genes were modulated by HBV, of which 25.2% and 17.6% of the genes were common for alcohol and lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis. In accordance with the enrichment analysis, HBV activates the signaling pathways for apoptosis, cell cycle, PI3K-Akt, TNF, JAK-STAT, MAPK, chemokines, NF-kappa B, and TGF-beta. In addition, alcohol and lipopolysaccharide significantly activated these pathways more than other chemicals, with higher gene counts and lower FDR scores. In conclusion, alcohol-induced hepatitis could be a suitable model to study chronic HBV infection and lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis for an acute inflammatory response to HBV.

Feronia elephantum reverses insulin resistance in fructose-induced hyper-insulinemic rats; an in-silico, in-vitro, and in-vivo approach

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Feronia elephantum corr. (synonym: Feronia limonia, Murraya odorata, Schinus Limonia, or Limonia acidissima; common names: Bela, Kath, Billin, and Kavitha), belonging to the family Rutaceae has been known for clinical conditions such as pruritus, diarrhea, impotence, dysentery, heart diseases, and is also used as a liver tonic. However, the effect of the fruit pulp of F. elephantum on insulin resistance has yet not been reported.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to assess the effect of hydroalcoholic extract/fraction of F. elephantum fruit pulp on fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, and glucose uptake in fructose-induced insulin-resistant rats and predict the gene-set enrichment of lead hits of F. elephantum with targets related to insulin resistance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

System biology tools were used to predict the best category of fraction and propose a possible mechanism. Docking was carried out with adiponectin and its receptor (hub gene). Further, fructose supplementation was used for the induction of insulin resistance. Later, three doses of extract (400, 200, and 100 mg/kg) and a flavonoid-rich fraction (63 mg/kg) were used for treatment along with metformin as standard. The physical parameters like body weight, food intake, and water intake were measured along with oral glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test, glycogen content in skeletal muscles and liver, glucose uptake by rat hemidiaphragm, lipid profiles, anti-oxidant biomarkers, and histology of the liver and adipose tissue.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology reflected the potency of F. elephantum to regulate adiponectin (ADIPOQ) which may promote the reversal of insulin resistance and inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Vitexin was predicted to modulate the most genes associated with diabetes mellitus. Further, F. elephantum ameliorated the exogenous glucose clearance, promoted insulin sensitivity, reduced oxidative stress, and improved glucose and lipid metabolism. HPLC profiling revealed the presence of apigenin and quercetin in the extract for the first time.

CONCLUSION

The fruit pulp of F. elephantum reverses insulin resistance by an increase in glucose uptake and a decrease in gluconeogenesis which may be due to the regulation of multiple proteins via multiple bio-actives.

Computational and experimental pharmacology to decode the efficacy of Theobroma cacao L. against doxorubicin-induced organ toxicity in EAC-mediated solid tumor-induced mice

Background and objective: Doxorubicin is extensively utilized chemotherapeutic drug, and it causes damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys through oxidative stress. Theobroma cacao L (cocoa) is reported to possess protective effects against several chemical-induced organ damages and also acts as an anticancer agent. The study aimed to determine whether the administration of cocoa bean extract reduces doxorubicin-induced organ damage in mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) without compromising doxorubicin efficacy. Methodology: Multiple in vitro methods such as cell proliferation, colony formation, chemo-sensitivity, and scratch assay were carried out on cancer as well as normal cell lines to document the effect of cocoa extract (COE) on cellular physiology, followed by in vivo mouse survival analysis, and the organ-protective effect of COE on DOX-treated animals with EAC-induced solid tumors was then investigated. In silico studies were conducted on cocoa compounds with lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase to provide possible molecular explanations for the experimental observations. Results: In vitro studies revealed potent selective cytotoxicity of COE on cancer cells compared to normal. Interestingly, COE enhanced DOX potency when used in combination. The in vivo results revealed reduction in EAC and DOX-induced toxicities in mice treated with COE, which also improved the mouse survival time; percentage of lifespan; antioxidant defense system; renal, hepatic, and cardiac function biomarkers; and also oxidative stress markers. COE reduced DOX-induced histopathological alterations. Through molecular docking and MD simulations, we observed chlorogenic acid and 8'8 methylenebiscatechin, present in cocoa, to have the highest binding affinity with lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase, which lends support to their potential in ameliorating oxidative stress. Conclusion: The COE reduced DOX-induced organ damage in the EAC-induced tumor model and exhibited powerful anticancer and antioxidant effects. Therefore, COE might be useful as an adjuvant nutritional supplement in cancer therapy.

Ethnological validation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) ghrita as 'Vajikarana Rasayana': In-silico, in-vitro and in-vivoapproach

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Processing cow ghee (clarified butterfat) with therapeutic herbs, i.e. ghrita, is recognized for augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of plant materials. Ashwagandha ghrita (AG) is an effective Ayurvedic formulation consisting of Indian ginseng, i.e., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, the main constituent used to treat infertility, weakness, gynaecological disorders, and general debility.

OBJECTIVES

The present investigation was undertaken to corroborate the ethnopharmacological claim of AG as 'Vajikarana Rasayana' for its aphrodisiac potential using bioinformatics (in-silico) and experimental (in-vitro and in-vivo) approaches.

METHODS

AG was formulated as per the methods reported in Ayurved sarsangraha. AG was further subjected to HPLC, GCMS analysis, and biological (acute toxicity and aphrodisiac) assessment per the standard procedures. Thirty-eight bioactives of Indian ginseng were subjected to computational studies (molecular docking and network pharmacology) to confirm the plausible mechanism.

RESULTS

AG was found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg body wt., and it showed dose-dependent upsurge (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, wherever necessary) in mount and intromission frequency, genital grooming, and anogenital sniffing at 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight suggesting aphrodisiac activity. In-vitro studies demonstrated significant relaxation of the Corpus Cavernosal Smooth Muscle at all concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the results of molecular modelling studies were in agreement with the biological activity and showed interaction with phosphodiesterase-5 as a possible target.

CONCLUSION

AG exhibited an aphrodisiac effect and substantiated the traditional claim of Indian ginseng-based ghrita formulation as 'Vajikarana Rasayana'.

Network pharmacology and molecular modelling study of Enhydra fluctuans for the prediction of the molecular mechanisms involved in the amelioration of nephrolithiasis

In view of the ethno medicinal use of Enhydra fluctuans for the treatment of kidney stones; the present study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the amelioration of nephrolithiasis through a network pharmacology approach. The phytoconstituents were queried in DIGEP-Pred to identify the regulated proteins. The modulated proteins were then enriched in the STRING to predict the protein-protein interactions and the probably regulated pathways were traced in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Further, the network was constructed using Cytoscape ver 3.5.1. Results showed that β-carotene was found to be regulating maximum targets i.e. 26. In addition, 63 proteins were triggered by the components in which the vitamin D receptor was targeted by the maximum phytoconstituents i.e. 16. The enrichment analysis identified the regulation of 67 pathways in which fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis-associated pathways (KEGG entry hsa05418) regulated ten genes. Further, protein kinase C-α was traced in 23 different pathways. In addition, the majority of the regulated genes were identified from the extracellular space via the modulation of 43 genes. Also, nuclear receptor activity had the maximum molecular function via the regulation of 7 genes. Likewise, the response to organic substance was predicted to trigger the top genes i.e. 43. In contrast, Stigmasterol, Baicalein-7-o-glucoside, and Kauran-16-ol were found to have a high affinity to bind with the VDR receptor confirmed by the molecular modelling and the dynamics. Hence, the study elucidated the probable molecular mechanisms of E. fluctuans in managing nephrolithiasis and identified the lead molecules, their targets, and possible pathways.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Identification of hub genes involved in cisplatin resistance in head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin resistance is one of the major contributors to the poor survival rate among head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Focusing on the protein-protein interaction rather than a single protein could provide a better understanding of drug resistance. Thus, this study aimed to identify hub genes in a complex network of cisplatin resistance associated genes in HNC chemotherapy via a series of bioinformatic tools.

METHODS

The genes involved in cisplatin resistance were retrieved from the NCBI gene database using "head and neck cancer" and "cisplatin resistance" as key words. The human genes retrieved were analyzed for their interactions and enriched using the STRING database. The interaction between KEGG pathways and genes was visualized in Cytoscape 3.7.2. Further, the hub gene was identified using the Cytohubba plugin of Cytoscape and validated using UALCAN and Human Protein Atlas database. Validated genes were investigated for the drug-gene interaction using the DGIbd database.

RESULTS

Out of 137 genes obtained using key words, 133 were associated with cisplatin resistance in the human species. A total of 150 KEGG pathways, 82 cellular components, 123 molecular functions, and 1752 biological processes were modulated on enrichment analysis. Out of 37 hub genes, CCND1, AXL, CDKN2A, TERT, and EXH2 genes were found to have significant (p < 0.05) mRNA expression and effect on overall survival whereas protein expression was found to be positive for all the significant genes except TERT. Thus, they can be targeted with palbociclib, methotrexate, bortezomib and fluorouracil, sorafenib, dasatinib, carboplatin, paclitaxel, gemcitabine, imatinib, doxorubicin, and vorinostat.

CONCLUSION

As the pathogenesis of head and neck cancer is complex, targeting hub genes and associated pathways involved in cisplatin resistance could bring a milestone change in the drug discovery and management of drug resistance which might uplift overall survival among HNC patients.

Systems and in vitro pharmacology profiling of diosgenin against breast cancer

Aim: The purpose of this study was to establish a mode of action for diosgenin against breast cancer employing a range of system biology tools and to corroborate its results with experimental facts. Methodology: The diosgenin-regulated domains implicated in breast cancer were enriched in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database to establish diosgenin-protein(s)-pathway(s) associations. Later, molecular docking and the lead complexes were considered for molecular dynamics simulations, MMPBSA, principal component, and dynamics cross-correlation matrix analysis using GROMACS v2021. Furthermore, survival analysis was carried out for the diosgenin-regulated proteins that were anticipated to be involved in breast cancer. For gene expression analyses, the top three targets with the highest binding affinity for diosgenin and tumor expression were examined. Furthermore, the effect of diosgenin on cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, and the partial Warburg effect was tested to validate the computational findings using functional outputs of the lead targets. Results: The protein-protein interaction had 57 edges, an average node degree of 5.43, and a p-value of 3.83e-14. Furthermore, enrichment analysis showed 36 KEGG pathways, 12 cellular components, 27 molecular functions, and 307 biological processes. In network analysis, three hub proteins were notably modulated: IGF1R, MDM2, and SRC, diosgenin with the highest binding affinity with IGF1R (binding energy -8.6 kcal/mol). Furthermore, during the 150 ns molecular dynamics (MD) projection run, diosgenin exhibited robust intermolecular interactions and had the least free binding energy with IGF1R (-35.143 kcal/mol) compared to MDM2 (-34.619 kcal/mol), and SRC (-17.944 kcal/mol). Diosgenin exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against MCF7 cell lines (IC₅₀ 12.05 ± 1.33) µg/ml. Furthermore, in H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress, the inhibitory constant (IC₅₀ 7.68 ± 0.51) µg/ml of diosgenin was lowest in MCF7 cell lines. However, the reversal of the Warburg effect by diosgenin seemed to be maximum in non-cancer Vero cell lines (EC₅₀ 15.27 ± 0.95) µg/ml compared to the rest. Furthermore, diosgenin inhibited cell proliferation in SKBR3 cell lines more though. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that diosgenin impacts a series of signaling pathways, involved in the advancement of breast cancer, including FoxO, PI3K-Akt, p53, Ras, and MAPK signaling. Additionally, diosgenin established a persistent diosgenin-protein complex and had a significant binding affinity towards IGF1R, MDM2, and SRC. It is possible that this slowed down cell growth, countered the Warburg phenomenon, and showed the cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cells.

Effect of an Ayurveda antidote Dooshivishari Agada in carboplatin induced myelosuppression in Male Wistar rats

Background

Carboplatin is one of the common chemotherapeutic agents in the management of various malignant conditions. Myelosuppression remains one of the major adverse effects of it that leads to compromised quality of life and can procrastinate or cease the chemotherapy regimen. Increasing shreds of evidence suggest the role of Complementary and alternate medicine in palliative cancer care. Ayurveda has prescribed Dooshivishari Agada (DVA) as an anti-dote for similar conditions mentioned above which arise out of sub-lethal toxic substances called Dooshivisha (DV).

Objective

The present study was carried out to evaluate the role of DVA in myelosuppression among rats.

Method

Male Wistar rats weighing 250–275 g were divided into three groups, Group I was administered normal saline and acted as Normal control. Group II and III received a single dose of carboplatin (60 mg/kg through the tail vein) on day one and acted as disease control. Group III received experimental drug DVA 256 mg/kg orally for the next 18 days. Animals were bled on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 for hematological analysis.

Results

DVA prolonged the nadir time for Hb, RBC, and WBC counts from day 9 to day 12 when compared to the carboplatin group. In terms of Platelet count, there was no significant difference over carboplatin. Group III showed a significant increase in Total reticulocyte count in comparison to group II.

Conclusion

Present study showed that DVA may help in delaying the myelosuppression which needs further evaluation.

Time trends in treated incidence, sociodemographic risk factors and comorbidities: a Finnish nationwide study on anxiety disorders

Introduction

Anxiety disorders (ADs) are common in childhood and adolescence and global estimates suggest they affect 6.5% of individuals under 19 years of age.Yet, there has been a lack of research on time trends and socio-demographic risks for children and adolescents who receive treatment for ADs.

Objectives

We aim to fill gaps in our knowledge by examining a nationwide sample of Finnish children and adolescents diagnosed in specialized healthcare settings.

Methods

We used register data of all singleton children born in Finland from 1992-2006 and diagnosed with ADs from 1998-2012. Changes in time trends in incidence were studied by dividing the study sample into three cohorts by birth years: 1992-1996, 1997-2001 and 2002-2006. The 22,388 individuals with ADs were matched with 76,139 controls. Nested case-control design was used to study the socio-demographic risk factors.

Results

Comparing the 1992-1996 and 2002-2006 cohorts showed the cumulative incidence of treated ADs at the age of 10 increased from 0.3% to 1.2% (females) and 0.46% to 1.9% (males). Subjects had higher odds of being diagnosed with an AD if mothers had low SES (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.42-1.58) and were single parents (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.84-2.15) at birth. Unipolar depression was the most common psychiatric comorbidity (31.2%).

Conclusions

ADs diagnosed by specialized services increased from 1998-2012 in both genders. This could indicate real increase in overall ADs, an increase in seeking treatment or both phenomena. The findings on maternal socioeconomic status and single parenting help improve understanding of environmental risk for anxiety disorders among children and adolescents.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Computational investigation of benzalacetophenone derivatives against SARS-CoV-2 as potential multi-target bioactive compounds

Benzalacetophenones, precursors of flavonoids are aromatic ketones and enones and possess the immunostimulant as well as antiviral activities. Thus, benzalacetophenones were screened against the COVID-19 that could be lethal in patients with compromised immunity. We considered ChEBI recorded benzalacetophenone derivative(s) and evaluated their activity against 3C-like protease (3CL^pro), papain-like protease (PL^pro), and spike protein of SARS-Cov-2 to elucidate their possible role as antiviral agents. The probable targets for each compound were retrieved from DIGEP-Pred at 0.5 pharmacological activity and all the modulated proteins were enriched to identify the probably regulated pathways, biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. In addition, molecular docking was performed using AutoDock 4 and the best-identified hits were subjected to all-atom molecular dynamics simulation and binding energy calculations using molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MMPBSA). The compound 4-hydroxycordoin showed the highest druglikeness score and regulated nine proteins of which five were down-regulated and four were upregulated. Similarly, enrichment analysis identified the modulation of multiple pathways concerned with the immune system as well as pathways related to infectious and non-infectious diseases. Likewise, 3'-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-4′-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-4,2′-dihydroxychalcone with 3CL^pro, 4-hydroxycordoin with PL^pro and mallotophilippen D with spike protein receptor-binding domain showed highest binding affinity, revealed stable interactions during the simulation, and scored binding free energy of −26.09 kcal/mol, −16.28 kcal/mol, and −39.2 kcal/mol, respectively. Predicted anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities of the benzalacetophenones reflected the requirement of wet lab studies to develop novel antiviral candidates.

Network pharmacology and in vitro testing of Theobroma cacao extract’s antioxidative activity and its effects on cancer cell survival

Theobroma cacao L. is a commercially important food/beverage and is used as traditional medicine worldwide against a variety of ailments. In the present study, computational biology approaches were implemented to elucidate the possible role of cocoa in cancer therapy. Bioactives of cocoa were retrieved from the PubChem database and queried for targets involved in cancer pathogenesis using BindingDB (similarity index ≥0.7). Later, the protein-protein interactions network was investigated using STRING and compound-protein via Cytoscape. In addition, intermolecular interactions were investigated via molecular docking. Also, the stability of the representative complex Hirsutrin-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) complex was explored using molecular dynamics simulations. Crude extract metabolite profile was carried out by LC-MS. Further, anti-oxidant and cytotoxicity studies were performed in Chinese hamster ovary (normal) and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (cancer) cell lines. Herein, the gene set enrichment and network analysis revealed 34 bioactives in cocoa targeting 50 proteins regulating 21 pathways involved in cancer and oxidative stress in humans. EGFR scored the highest edge count amongst 50 targets modulating 21 key pathways. Hence, it was selected as a promising anticancer target in this study. Structural refinement of EGFR was performed via all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit solvent. A complex EGFR-Hirsutrin showed the least binding energy (-7.2 kcal/mol) and conserved non-bonded contacts with binding pocket residues. A stable complex formation of EGFR-Hirsutrin was observed during 100 ns MD simulation. In vitro studies corroborated antioxidant activity for cocoa extract and showed a significantly higher cytotoxic effect on cancer cells compared to normal cells. Our study virtually predicts anti-cancer activity for cocoa affected by hirsutrin inhibiting EGFR. Further wet-lab studies are needed to establish cocoa extract against cancer and oxidative stress.

Identification of Benzothiazole-Rhodanine Derivatives as α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, In-silico, and In-vitro Analysis

A novel series of benzothiazole-rhodanine derivatives (A1-A10) were designed and synthesized, with the aim of developing possible antidiabetic agents and the spectral characterization of these compounds were done using IR, ¹ H-NMR, C¹³ -NMR, and HR-MS techniques. In vitro hypoglycemic potential of the compounds was evaluated by performing α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory assays Also, these compounds were subjected to in-silico analysis. Based on the results, compounds A5, A6 and A9 displayed good activity in comparison with the standard Acarbose. Based on Lineweaver-Burk plots, it was concluded that compounds A5 and A9 displayed competitive type of enzyme inhibition. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were conducted to evaluate the stability of the ligand-protein complex by the calculation of the root mean of square deviation (RMSD), root means square fluctuation (RMSF), and solvent accessible surface area (SASA). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

System biology-based investigation of Silymarin to trace hepatoprotective effect

Silymarin is used as a hepatoprotective agent since ancient times which could be via its potent anti-oxidant effect. However, the mode of silymarin for the hepatoprotective effect has not been established with the targets involved in hepatic cirrhosis. The present study investigated the multiple interactions of the flavonolignans from Silybum marianum with targets involved in hepatic cirrhosis using a series of system biology approaches. Chemo-informative tools and databases i.e. DIGEP-Pred and DisGeNET were used to predict the targets of flavonolignans and proteins involved in liver cirrhosis respectively. Further, STRING was used to enrich the protein-protein interaction for the flavonolignans-modulated targets. Similarly, molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulation and MM-PBSA calculations were carried out for the lead-hit complexes by GROMACS. Thirteen flavonolignans were identified from S. marianum, in which silymonin exhibited the highest drug-likeness score i.e. 1.09. Similarly, CTNNB1 was found to be regulated by the 12 different flavonolignans and was majorly expressed within the compound(s)-protein(s)-pathway(s) network. Further, silymonin had the highest binding affinity; binding energy -9.2 kcal/mol with the CTNNB1 and formed very stable hydrogen bond interactions with Arg332, Ser336, Lys371, and Arg475 throughout 100 ns molecular dynamic production run. The binding free energy of CTNNB1-silymonin complex was found to be -15.83 ± 2.71 kcal/mol. The hepatoprotective property of S. marianum may be due to the presence of silymonin and silychristin; this could majorly modulate CTNNB1, HMOX1, and CASP8 in combination with other flavonolignans. Our findings further suggest designing the in-vitro and in-vivo studies to validate the interaction of flavonolignans with identified targets to strengthen present findings of S. marianum as a hepatoprotective..

Reversal of insulin resistance by Ficus benghalensis bark in fructose-induced insulin-resistant rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bark of Ficus benghalensis L. (family: Moraceae), commonly known as Banyan is recorded as Nyagrodha in Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India to manage burning sensation, obesity, diabetes, bleeding disorders, thirst, skin diseases, wounds, and dysmenorrhoea. However, the effect of F. benghalensis bark over glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and appetite regulation in insulin-resistant pathogenesis has not been reported yet.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of F. benghalensis bark in gluconeogenesis, glycolysis, and appetite regulation in fructose-induced insulin resistance in experimental rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wister rats were supplemented with fructose in drinking water (10% w/v for 42 days and 20% w/v for next 12 days; a total of 54 days); insulin resistance was confirmed via the elevated area under the curve of the glucose during oral glucose tolerance test after 54 days and was subjected with extract treatment for next 30 days. After 30 days of treatment, animals were fasted to perform oral glucose and insulin tolerance test to estimate glucose and insulin levels. The blood sample was collected for biochemical estimation and the liver homogenate was prepared to estimate hepatic enzymes and enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidant biomarkers followed by histopathological evaluation. Also, glycogen content was quantified in gastrocnemius muscle and liver homogenates. Further, reported bioactives from the F. benghalensis were retrieved from the ChEBI database and docked against hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and fructose-1,6-biphosphatase to identify the probable lead hits against the enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis.

RESULTS

Treatment with the F. benghalensis bark extract significantly increased the body weight and food intake and significantly decreased fructose supplemented water intake. Further, treatment with extract significantly increased the exogenous glucose clearance and well responded to the exogenous insulin. Further, extract treatment improved lipid metabolism, ameliorated plasma leptin, and multiple enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant biomarkers. Likewise, it also improved gluconeogenesis mediated pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver injury. Additionally, molecular docking also identified mucusisoflavone A and B as lead hits in downregulating gluconeogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Hydroalcoholic extract of F. benghalensis bark may prevent insulin resistance by downregulating gluconeogenesis and improving the appetite in fructose-induced insulin-resistant rats.

Integration of System Biology Tools to Investigate Huperzine A as an Anti-Alzheimer Agent

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate huperzine A as an anti-Alzheimer agent based on the principle that a single compound can regulate multiple proteins and associated pathways, using system biology tools. Methodology: The simplified molecular-input line-entry system of huperzine A was retrieved from the PubChem database, and its targets were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction. These targets were matched with the proteins deposited in DisGeNET for Alzheimer disease and enriched in STRING to identify the probably regulated pathways, cellular components, biological processes, and molecular function. Furthermore, huperzine A was docked against acetylcholinesterase using AutoDock Vina, and simulations were performed with the Gromacs package to take into account the dynamics of the system and its effect on the stability and function of the ligands. Results: A total of 100 targets were predicted to be targeted by huperzine A, of which 42 were regulated at a minimum probability of 0.05. Similarly, 101 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were triggered, in which neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions scored the least false discovery rate. Also, huperzine A was predicted to modulate 54 cellular components, 120 molecular functions, and 873 biological processes. Furthermore, huperzine A possessed a binding affinity of -8.7 kcal/mol with AChE and interacted within the active site of AChE via H-bonds and hydrophobic interactions.

Exploring the therapeutic mechanisms of Cassia glauca in diabetes mellitus through network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics

Cassia glauca is reported as anti-diabetic medicinal plant and is also used as an ethnomedicine. However, its mode of action as an anti-diabetic agent has not been clearly elucidated. Hence, the present study investigated the probable mechanism of action of C. glauca to manage diabetes mellitus via network pharmacology and molecular docking and simulations studies. The reported bioactives from C. glauca were retrieved from an open-source database, i.e. ChEBI, and their targets were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction. The proteins involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes were identified from the therapeutic target database. The targets involved in diabetes were enriched in STRING, and the pathways involved in diabetes were identified concerning the KEGG. Cytoscape was used to construct the network among bioactives, proteins, and probably regulated pathways, which were analyzed based on edge count. Similarly, molecular docking was performed using the Glide module of the Schrodinger suite against majorly targeted proteins with their respective ligands. Additionally, the drug-likeness score and ADMET profile of the individual bioactives were predicted using MolSoft and admetSAR2.0 respectively. The stability of these complexes were further studied via molecular dynamics simulations and binding energy calculations. Twenty-three bio-actives were retrieved from the ChEBI database in which cassiarin B was predicted to modulate the highest number of proteins involved in diabetes mellitus. Similarly, GO analysis identified the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway to be primarily regulated by modulating the highest number of gene. Likewise, aldose reductase (AKR1B1) was majorly targeted via the bioactives of C. glauca. Similarly, docking study revealed methyl-3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinate (docking score −9.209) to possess the highest binding affinity with AKR1B1. Additionally, drug-likeness prediction identified cassiaoccidentalin B to possess the highest drug-likeness score, i.e. 0.84. The molecular dynamics simulations and the MMGBSA indicate high stability and greater binding energy for the methyl-3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinate (ΔG_bind = −40.33 ± 6.69 kcal mol⁻¹) with AKR1B1, thus complementing results from other experiments. The study identified cassiarin B, cassiaoccidentalin B, and cinnamtannin A2 as lead hits for the anti-diabetic activity of C. glauca. Further, the PI3K-Akt and AKR1B1 were traced as majorly modulated pathway and target, respectively.

Cassia glauca is reported for anti-diabetic action and is also used as an ethnomedicine.

Cyperus rotundus L. reverses the olanzapine-induced weight gain and metabolic changes-outcomes from network and experimental pharmacology

Cyperus rotundus L. is used to treat multiple clinical conditions like inflammation, diarrhea, pyrosis, and metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity. The present study aimed to predict the interaction of reported bioactives from Cyperus rotundus against obesity via network pharmacology and to evaluate the efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of Cyperus rotundus against the olanzapine-induced weight gain and metabolic disturbances in experimental animals. Reported phytochemicals of Cyperus rotundus were retrieved from the open-source database(s) and published literature and their targets were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction, enriched in STRING, and bioactives-proteins-pathways network was constructed using Cytoscape. Further, the hydroalcoholic extract of Cyperus rotundus (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was co-administered with olanzapine (2 mg/kg, i.p.) for 21 days in Sprague Dawley rats. During treatment, body weight and food intake were recorded; after the successful completion of 21 days of treatment, animals were fasted to perform oral glucose and insulin tolerance tests. Further, the animals were euthanized; blood and abdominal fat were collected for lipid profiling and histopathological examination respectively. Herein, network pharmacology predicted neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction as a primarily modulated pathway and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b as a majorly triggered protein via the combined action of bioactives. Further, Cyperus rotundus significantly reversed weight gain, cumulative food intake, ameliorated the lipid and glucose metabolism, and promoted energy expenditure.

980 Technological Innovations in The Management of Pressure Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Discussion

Aim

Pressure ulcers (PUs) affect over 700,000 patients per annum and are associated with an up to fourfold increase in mortality rate in older populations with complex pathologies. NICE guidelines for PU management involve a combination of low-grade technological interventions, including dressings and foam mattresses, while technology-centric therapies are not offered. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of any novel and high-grade technological PU interventions.

Method

The PubMed, Embase (via Ovid), Web of Science and CINAHL databases were electronically searched using free-text and MeSH search strings. Results evaluating the type of technological intervention, outcome measures and wound healing rates, duration of hospital stay, requirement for surgical debridement, infection and mortality rates were methodically assessed.

Results

An initial search identified 900 articles. Using the PRISMA guidance, 25 studies were included, encompassing 845 patients. 28 novel modalities of high-grade innovations were identified, with distinguished technologies including smart wireless bandages and 3D-printed wound repair scaffolds. Overall, 92.8% of devices demonstrated an improvement in wound healing (P &lt; 0.05). A novel framework was created from the different innovations identified to approach adopting innovation in PU management.

Conclusions

The majority of high-technology innovations identified in this systematic review significantly improve PU healing, thus offering an additional pathway to standard care. Given the annual cost of PUs (£531 million), it is vital innovative technologies are considered as the NHS transitions into a digital age. Therefore, further studies are essential and recommended to evaluate the potential benefit of the promising, innovative technologies identified.

1376 Latex Allergies: Seeking an Alternative to Minimise Risk in The Operating Theatre

Introduction

Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) gloves have been ubiquitously used in surgical practice. Over the past few decades, there have been many reports of NRL allergies associated with their use presenting a safety hazard to both patients and healthcare workers. Powder-free and latex-free gloves have been shown to offer reductions in incidence of allergic reactions, as well as cost savings.

Method

We performed a literature search to identify the rates of reaction to latex across the population in addition to the associated costs including litigation costs, costs of admission, and lost work time associated. We further looked at the rates of perforation of alternatives and the costs associated with such a transition.

Results

The UK prevalence of sensitisation amongst healthcare workers has been estimated to be 10%. The average cost of litigation to the employer was found to be $21,402 per claim. The mean cost of inpatient care for anaphylaxis has been cited as £469.88, with additional costs such as follow-up representing approximately £400. A 14-month study found cost savings of $10,000pa with a switch to non-latex gloves. Furthermore, an overall perforation rate of 80% in a latex-free glove compared to 34.4% in a latex glove.

Conclusions

From a business perspective, there is evidence of cost-savings arising from a switch to latex-free gloves, however, formal cost-effectiveness analyses would inform future decisions. Furthermore, comfort and reducing the chances of allergic reactions through removing the offending allergen all represent benefits of switching to latex-free gloves, however, non-inferiority analyses will inform future strategies both locally and nationally.

1070 A Systematic Review of Seymour Fracture Management

Aim

Seymour fractures are distal phalanx fractures of the finger in children with a juxta-epiphyseal or Salter-Harris Type I/II pattern associated with a nail-bed injury. There remains a paucity in literature regarding the development of complications between Seymour fracture management options, with early studies encouraging non-operative management due to the increased rates of post-operative infection. This systematic review aims to identify present-day, optimal management strategies for Seymour fractures, with further analysis of infection rates and secondary outcomes during post-operative recovery.

Method

Free-text search, MeSH terms and expanded keywords/phrases were employed to search the PubMed, Embase (via Ovid), Web of Science and CINAHL databases. Studies that described the management of Seymour fractures in paediatric patients were included, subject to inclusion/exclusion criteria. The data extracted included the sample size, intervention, infection rates and secondary outcomes.

Results

An initial search identified 305 articles, following the PRISMA guidance, 8 studies were eligible for full-text analysis. Across all studies, 307 Seymour fractures were identified (mean age, 10±1.2 years). A cross-study analysis showed a lower rate of adverse outcomes (including malunion/non-union and unplanned operative intervention) for K-wire fixation when compared to external splinting, 8.3% and 20.7% (P ≤ 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

There was no statistically significant difference between non-operative and operative management in rates of infection and adverse outcomes. However, further analysis revealed a significantly lower risk of complications in patients who received K-wire fixation when compared to external splinting. Nonetheless, further studies with greater levels of evidence need to be carried out to consolidate this.

Design, synthesis, and molecular docking study of some 2-((7-chloroquinolin-4-yl) amino) benzohydrazide Schiff bases as potential Eg5 inhibitory agents

In Search of new microtubule-targeting compounds and to identify a promising Eg5 inhibitory agents, a series of 2-((7-chloroquinolin-4-yl) amino) benzohydrazide Schiff bases molecules (6 a-r) were synthesized using appropriate synthetic method. The synthesized compounds were characterized by using FTIR, Proton NMR, Carbon NMR and mass spectral analysis. All eighteen compounds were evaluated for their Eg5 inhibitory activity. Among the evaluated compounds, only seven compounds are shown inhibitory activity. The results of Steady state ATPase reveled that compounds 6b, 6l and 6p exhibited promising inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ Values of 2.720 ± 0.69, 2.676 ± 0.53 and 2.408 ± 0.46 respectively. Malachite Green Assay results reveled that 6q compound showed better inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ Value of 0.095 ± 0.27. In vitro antioxidant capacity of the synthesized compounds was investigated. A molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate interaction in to binding site of kinesin spindle protein, these interaction influencing may support Eg5 inhibitory activity. The drug like parameters of the eighteen synthesized compounds were also computed using Qikprop software. In conclusion, some of 2-((7-chloroquinolin-4-yl) amino) benzohydrazide Schiff base compounds represent promising drug like agents for discovery of effective anticancer molecules.

Poor and Unsatisfactory Disposal of Expired and Unused Pharmaceuticals: A Global Issue

Pharmaceuticals are beneficial to humankind and emerged as crucial arms to treat/manage multiple disease pathogenesis in the present era. In analogous, these medicines/ medical devices should be used cautiously as they possess a potential threat to induce multiple undesired effects that may be related to human health or the environment. Daunting effects may arise due to the improper disposal of unused/expired medicines. Hence, to minimize such harm, there should be adequate knowledge and practice among the population regarding the safe disposal of unused/expired medicines or related pharmaceutical devices. The lack of approved information regarding safe disposal of such substances may invite serious concerns like environmental pollution, which may induce immediate health hazards to the present population and upcoming future generations. There are numerous ways to dispose of, or manage the unused and expired pharmaceutical substances. Sharing the medicines among siblings, friends, and family members are never free from serious health risks. Storing the unused and expired medicines in the home increases the risk of intentional or accidental ingestion of such substances and may create a health emergency. Disposing medicines like household and municipal waste may lead to environmental pollution and harm to humans and animals. The present review finds the multiple unsafe ways of disposal of unutilized medications/tools. Furthermore, it also summarizes the disposal pattern of unutilized medications among the few developed and undeveloped nations.

Computational assessment of saikosaponins as adjuvant treatment for COVID-19: molecular docking, dynamics, and network pharmacology analysis

Saikosaponins are major biologically active triterpenoids, usually as glucosides, isolated from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) such as Bupleurum spp., Heteromorpha spp., and Scrophularia scorodonia with their antiviral and immunomodulatory potential. This investigation presents molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and free energy calculation studies of saikosaponins as adjuvant therapy in the treatment for COVID19. Molecular docking studies for 23 saikosaponins on the crystal structures of the extracellular domains of human lnterleukin-6 receptor (IL6), human Janus Kinase-3 (JAK3), and dehydrogenase domain of Cylindrospermum stagnale NADPH-oxidase 5 (NOX5) were performed, and selected protein-ligand complexes were subjected to 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations. The molecular dynamics trajectories were subjected to free energy calculation by the MM-GBSA method. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that IL6 in complex with Saikosaponin_U and Saikosaponin_V, JAK3 in complex with Saikosaponin_B4 and Saikosaponin_I, and NOX5 in complex with Saikosaponin_BK1 and Saikosaponin_C have good docking and molecular dynamics profiles. However, the Janus Kinase-3 is the best interacting partner for the saikosaponin compounds. The network pharmacology analysis suggests saikosaponins interact with the proteins CAT Gene CAT (Catalase) and Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1); both of these enzymes play a major role in cell homeostasis and DNA damage during infection, suggesting a possible improvement in immune response toward COVID-19.

Computational and network pharmacology studies of Phyllanthus emblica to tackle SARS-CoV-2

Background

Since December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 had been a significant threat globally, which has accounted for about two million deaths. Several types of research are undergoing and have reported the significant role of repurposing existing drugs and natural lead in the treatment of COVID-19. The plant Phyllanthus emblica (Synonym-Emblica officinalis) (Euphorbiaceae) is a rich source of vitamin C, and its use as an antiviral agent has been well established.

Purpose

The present study was undertaken to investigate the potency of the several components of Phyllanthus emblica against three protein targets of 2019-nCoV viz. NSP15 endoribonuclease, main protease, and receptor binding domain of prefusion spike protein using molecular docking and dynamics studies.

Methods

The docking simulation studies were carried out using Schrödinger maestro 2018-1 MM share version, while dynamics studies were conducted to understand the binding mechanism and the complexes' stability studies.

Results

Out of sixty-six tested compounds, Chlorogenic acid, Quercitrin, and Myricetin were most effective in showing the highest binding energy against selected protein targets of SARS-CoV-2. The network pharmacology analysis study confirmed these compounds' role in modulating the immune response, inflammatory cascade, and cytokine storm through different signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Current pharmacoinformatic approach shows possible role of Phyllanthus emblica in the treatment and management of COVID-19.

Gene set enrichment analysis of PPAR-γ regulators from Murraya odorata Blanco

BACKGROUND

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is reported to regulate insulin sensitivity and progression of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hence the present study is aimed to identify PPAR-γ regulators from Murraya odorata Blanco and predict their role to manage T2DM.

METHODS

Multiple in-silico tools and databases like SwissTargetPrediction, ADVERPred, PubChem, and MolSoft, were used to retrieve the information related to bioactives, targets, druglikeness character, and probable side effects as applicable. Similarly, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database was used to identify the regulated pathways. Further, the bioactives-protein-pathways network interaction was constructed using Cytoscape. Finally, molecular docking was performed using Autodock4.

RESULTS

Twenty-five bioactives were shortlisted in which six were predicted as PPAR-γ modulators. Among them, stigmasterol was predicted to possess the best binding affinity towards PPAR-γ and possessed no side effects. Similarly, n-hexadecanoic acid was predicted to modulate the highest number of proteins, and protein CD14 was targeted by the highest number of bioactives. Further, the PI3K-Akt pathway was predicted as the maximum modulated genes.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-diabetic property of the Murraya odorata Blanco of fruit pulp may be due to the presence of n-hexadecanoic acid and stigmasterol; may also involve in the regulation of the PI3K-Akt pathway which needs further investigated by in-vitro and in-vivo protocols.

Beneficial effect of Zingiber officinale on olanzapine-induced weight gain and metabolic changes

AIM

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Zingiber officinale (ZO) extract on weight gain, food intake, locomotor activity, and lipid and glucose metabolism in olanzapine-treated rats.

METHODS

The hydroalcoholic extract of ZO was prepared by macerating the coarse dry powder in 70% v/v ethanol for 7 days, filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. Animals were divided into six groups containing six animals in each. Three doses of extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) were co-administered with olanzapine 2 mg/kg i.p for 21 days. Bodyweight and food intake were recorded at the interval of three days and locomotor activity once a week. At the end of the study oral glucose tolerance test was performed followed by the estimation of lipid profile.

RESULTS

Co-administration of hydroalcoholic extract of ZO with olanzapine ameliorated olanzapine-induced weight gain and hyperphagia. Similarly, ZO extract also improved pancreatic β-cell function and glucose and lipid metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

ZO extract ameliorated olanzapine-induced weight gain and hyperphagia by improving pancreatic β-cell functions and lipid metabolism.

Consolidation of network and experimental pharmacology to divulge the antidiabetic action of Ficus benghalensis L. bark

A total of 21 different bioactives were identified from F. benghalensis in which 3 molecules, i.e., apigenin, 3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxyflavone, and kaempferol were predicted to target the highest number of proteins involved in diabetic pathogenesis in which protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b was primarily targeted. Similarly, a docking study identified ursolic acid to have the highest binding affinity with protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b. The combined synergic network analysis identified PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to be primarily modulated followed by the calcium signaling pathway. Similarly, in oral glucose tolerance test, we observed the efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of F. benghalensis to lower the total area under the curve of glucose and increase total area under curve of insulin for 2 hours. Likewise, hydroalcoholic extract reversed the altered homeostatic hepatic enzymes after 28 days of treatments. Similarly, the extract also enhanced the antioxidant enzymes level like catalase and superoxide dismutase in liver homogenate. In summary, hydroalcoholic extract of F. benghalensis bark may act as an antidiabetic agent by enhancing the glycolysis, decreasing gluconeogenesis, promoting glucose uptake, enhancing insulin secretion, and maintaining pancreatic β-cell mass via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and downregulating the function of  protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02788-7.

Identification of PTP1B regulators from Cymbopogon citratus and its enrichment analysis for diabetes mellitus

PTP1B is identified as the insulin signaling pathway downregulator; involved in pancreatic β-cell apoptosis. Further, it associates in regulating multiple pathways in diabetes mellitus; kindled us to identify the binding affinity of bioactives from Cymbopogon citratus by targeting PTP1B and identify the probably associated with it; further identifying the probable pathways involved in diabetes mellitus. In this regard, ChEBI database was used to retrieve bio-actives from C. citrates and 3D structures for the same were obtained from the PubChem database. The energy of bioactives was minimized and converted into ligand and the docking was carried using autodock 4.0 against PTP1B. Further, multiple characters of bio-actives like drug-likeness score, ADMET profile, probable adverse effects, and boiled egg model for bioavailability were also studied. Swertiajaponin was predicted for the highest drug-likeness score i.e. 0.26. However, swertiajaponin was predicted with the highest probable side effect of nephrotoxicity with pharmacological activity of 0.478. Similarly, swertiajaponin was predicted for the highest binding affinity with PTP1B with the binding energy of - 8.3 kcal/mol. Likewise, KEGG identified 80 pathways associated with PTP1B modulation in which 7 pathways were involved in diabetes mellitus in which FoxO signaling pathway was predicted to have the least false discovery rate by modulating 7 genes. Swertiajaponin could act as the potent inhibitor of PTP1B; scored highest druglikeness score but possessed minimum GIT absorptivity; further, PTP1B was identified to be linked with multiple pathways that are concerned with diabetes mellitus.

Screening of JAK-STAT modulators from the antiviral plants of Indian traditional system of medicine with the potential to inhibit 2019 novel coronavirus using network pharmacology

The majority of the bioactives under investigation were predicted to target TNF receptor-associated factor 5 in the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of the transcription pathway. Similarly, druglikeness prediction identified vitexilactone to possess the highest druglikeness score, i.e., 0.88. Furthermore, proteins targeted in the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathway were also predicted to regulate multiple pathways, i.e., ErbB, AGE-RAGE, NF-kappa B, Measles, insulin, mTOR, chemokine, Ras, and pathways associated with infectious and non-infectious pathogenesis, where the immune system is compromised. Similarly, the docking study identified sesaminol 2-O-β-D-gentiobioside to possess the highest binding affinity with 3CLpro, PLpro, and spike proteins. Furthermore, phylogeny comparison identified the common protein domains with other stains of microbes like murine hepatitis virus strain A59, avian infectious bronchitis virus, and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus CV777.

Gene set enrichment analysis of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors of Cassia glauca

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of various extracts of Cassia glauca, predict the binding affinity of multiple phytoconstituents with both enzymes via in silico molecular docking and identify the probably modulated pathways by the lead hit.

Methods

Different extracts of Cassia glauca i.e. acetone, ethanol, and aqueous extracts were evaluated for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity using in vitro method in which starch and 4-Nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside were used as substrate respectively. Similarly, the docking study was performed using autodock4 to predict the binding affinity of phytoconstituents with α-amylase and α-glucosidase. After docking, ten different poses were obtained for the ligand molecule. Among them, the pose of ligand molecule with the lowest binding energy was visualized in Discovery Studio 2019.

Results and conclusion

Among the multiple extracts, the aqueous extract showed the highest α-amylase (IC₅₀:652.10 ± 20.09) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀:482.46 ± 8.70) inhibitory activity. Similarly, cassiaoccidentalin B was predicted to have the highest binding affinity with both enzymes. The potency of aqueous extract to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase could be due to multiple water-soluble compounds like saponins, flavonoids, and glycosides.

Combination of system biology to probe the anti-viral activity of andrographolide and its derivative against COVID-19

The present study aimed to investigate the binding affinity of andrographolide and its derivative i.e., 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide with targets related to COVID-19 and their probable role in regulating multiple pathways in COVID-19 infection. SMILES of both compounds were retrieved from the PubChem database and predicted for probably regulated proteins. The predicted proteins were queried in STRING to evaluate the protein-protein interaction, and modulated pathways were identified concerning the KEGG database. Drug-likeness and ADMET profile of each compound was evaluated using MolSoft and admetSAR 2.0, respectively. Molecular docking was carried using Autodock 4.0. Andrographolide and its derivative were predicted to have a high binding affinity with papain-like protease, coronavirus main proteinase, and spike protein. Molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed for each complex which suggested the strong binding affinities of both compounds with targets. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that both compounds modulated the immune system by regulating chemokine signaling, Rap1 signaling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, MAPK signaling, NF-kappa B signaling, RAS signaling, p53 signaling, HIF-1 signaling, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The study suggests strong interaction of andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide against COVID-19 associated target proteins and exhibited different immunoregulatory pathways.

Withanolides from Withania somnifera as an immunity booster and their therapeutic options against COVID-19

Traditionally, Withania somnifera is widely used as an immune booster, anti-viral, and for multiple medicinal purposes. The present study investigated the withanolides as an immune booster and anti-viral agents against the coronavirus-19. Withanolides from Withania somnifera were retrieved from the open-source database, their targets were predicted using DIGEP-Pred, and the protein-protein interaction was evaluated. The drug-likeness score and intestinal absorptivity of each compound were also predicted. The network of compounds, proteins, and modulated pathways was constructed using Cytoscape, and docking was performed using autodock4.0, and selected protein-ligand complexes were subjected to 100 ns Molecular Dynamics simulations. The molecular dynamics trajectories were subjected to free energy calculation by the MM-GBSA method. Withanolide_Q was predicted to modulate the highest number of proteins, showed human intestinal absorption, and was predicted for the highest drug-likeness score. Similarly, combined network interaction identified Withanolide_Q to target the highest number of proteins; RAC1 was majorly targeted, and fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis associated pathway were chiefly regulated. Similarly, Withanolide_D and Withanolide_G were predicted to have a better binding affinity with PLpro, Withanolide_M with 3CLpro, and Withanolide_M with spike protein based on binding energy and number of hydrogen bond interactions. MD studies suggested Withanoside_I with the highest binding free energy (ΔG_bind-31.56 kcal/mol) as the most promising inhibitor. Among multiple withanolides from W. somnifera, Withanolide_D, Withanolide_G, Withanolide_M, and Withanolide_Q were predicted as the lead hits based on drug-likeness score, modulated proteins, and docking score to boost the immune system and inhibit the COVID-19 infection, which could primarily act against COVID-19. HighlightsWithanolides are immunity boosters.Withanolides are a group of bio-actives with potential anti-viral properties.Withanolide_G, Withanolide_I, and Withanolide_M from Withania somnifera showed the highest binding affinity with PLpro, 3CLpro, and spike protein, respectively.Withanolides from Withania somnifera holds promising anti-viral efficacy against COVID-19.Communicated by Vsevolod Makeev.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Dimension of Health: A Sensitive Issue to be Addressed at the Earliest

Background:

The novel coronavirus disease outbreak of 2019 was declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organization. At present, the virus has spread throughout the world, leading to millions of cases and is further increasing.

Objective:

The main objective of this study is to review the impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the mental health of frontline workers, isolated and quarantined people and the general population.

Methods:

The relevant articles were extracted from PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect database by using the keywords “Mental health”, “COVID-19”, “Impact of COVID-19”, “Frontline workers”, “Quarantine”, “Isolation”, “Immunity” and “Economy”. The retrieved articles were included in the study based on inclusion criteria to perform the review. All the selected scientific articles were critically reviewed and the information is summarized in this narrative review.

Results:

The majority of the studies stated that frontline health workers were at an increased risk of depression. The infected, suspects and quarantined people were reported with high stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts. The pandemic has devastated the world’s economy, which has severely impacted global mental health.

Conclusion:

Mental health should be taken into account, and necessary interventional initiatives need to be considered both by the health authorities and the government to minimize the adversity of the consequences. The pandemic may disappear with the discovery of new vaccines or medications, but its negative impact on mental health may persist, particularly among vulnerable populations. Thus, mental health must be a matter of concern in the present scenario.

In silico analysis of phytoconstituents from Tinospora cordifolia with targets related to diabetes and obesity

Traditionally, Tinospora cordifolia is commonly used in the treatment of diabetes and obesity; has been evaluated for their anti-diabetic and anti-obese potency in experimental animal models. However, the binding affinity of multiple bioactives with various proteins involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity has not been reported yet. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the binding affinity of multiple bioactives from T. cordifolia with various targets involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity. The ligands and targets were retrieved from the PubChem and Protein Data Bank respectively and docked using autodock4.0. Druglikeness and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity profile were predicted using Molsoft and admetSAR1 respectively. The multiple bioactives from T. cordifolia were identified to interact with multiple proteins involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes/obesity, i.e., isocolumbin (- 9 kcal/mol) with adiponectin (PDB: 4DOU), β-sitosterol (- 10.9 kcal/mol) with cholesteryl ester transfer protein (PDB: 2OBD), tinocordiside (- 6.9 kcal/mol) with lamin A/C (PDB: 3GEF), berberine (- 9.5 kcal/mol) with JNK1 (PDB:3ELJ), β-sitosterol & isocolumbin (- 10.1 kcal/mol) with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PDB:4CI5), berberine (- 7.5 kcal/mol) with suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (PDB: 2BBU), isocolumbin (- 9.6 kcal/mol) with pancreatic α-amylase (PDB: 1B2Y), isocolumbin (- 9 kcal/mol) with α-glucosidase (PDB: 3TOP), and β-sitosterol (- 10.8 kcal/mol) with aldose reductase (PDB: 3RX2). Similarly, among the selected bioactives, tembetarine scored highest druglikeness score, i.e., 1.21. In contrast, isocolumbin scored lowest drug-likeness character i.e. - 0.52. The predicted result of phytochemicals from T. cordifolia for acute oral toxicity, rat acute toxicity, fish toxicity, drug-likeness score, and aqueous solubility showed the probability of lower side/adverse effects in human consumption. The study suggests processing for bioactives from T. cordifolia against diabetes and obesity via in-vitro and in-vivo approaches.