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Abstract Background Marine cyanobacteria have been known to contain several unique bioactive compounds which have different therapeutic potentials. The current research focuses to identify the efficacy of Nostoc calcicola to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals and testing its anticancer activity against colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29). Results Methanol is used as a solvent for the extraction of bioactive metabolites from Nostoc calcicola followed by phytochemical screening representing the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and steroids to find out bioactive metabolites. Furthermore, evaluation of the extract efficacy revealed the profound ability of Nostoc calcicola to scavenge free radicals by neutralizing different reactive oxygen species. At 100 µg/mL concentration, it inhibited DPPH radicals (73.4%), enhanced phosphomolybdenum reduction (53.5%), displayed ferric-reducing power (55.1%), and finally the extract revealed remarkable hydroxyl radicals scavenging capacity (94.8%), compared to the standards. These compelling results emphasize the robust antioxidant potential of the Nostoc calcicola extract. In vitro, studies demonstrated the selective cytotoxic effects of methanol extracts of Nostoc calcicola on the HT-29 human colorectal cancer cell line, as indicated by IC50 values of 25 µg/mL for the extracts. Treatment with me Nostoc calcicola decreased the cell viability of HT-29 cells followed by consistent morphological changes leading to cytotoxicity. Nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation were observed using AO/EtBr and DAPI staining. Flow cytometry analysis further confirmed the incidence of apoptosis during the S phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, western blotting analysis confirmed the activation of caspase 9, a pivotal enzyme in the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, suggesting the ability of Nostoc calcicola to induce apoptosis in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells. Conclusion These findings underscore the potential of Nostoc calcicola as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anticancer properties, warranting further investigation for their potential therapeutic applications in colorectal cancer. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Traditionally dates is consumed as a rich source of iron supplement and the current research discuss the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using methanolic seed extract of Rothan date and its application over in vitro anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity against lung cancer cell line (A549). FTIR result of synthesised AgNPs reveals the presence of functional group OH as capping agent. XRD pattern confirms the crystalline nature of the AgNPs with peaks at 38º, 44º, 64º and 81º, indexed by (111), (200), (220) and (222) in the 2θ range of 10-90, indicating the face centered cubic (fcc) structure of metallic Ag. HR- TEM results confirm the morphology of AgNPs as almost spherical with high surface areas and average size of 42 ± 9nm. EDX spectra confirmed that Ag is only the major element present and the Dynamic light scattering (DLS) assisted that the Z-average size was 203nm and 1.0 of PdI value. Zeta potential showed − 26.5mv with a single peak. The results of the biological activities of AgNPs exhibited dose dependent activity with 68.44% for arthritic, antiinflammatory with 63.32% inhibition and anti-proliferative activity illustrated IC50 value of 59.66 μg/mL expressing the potential of AgNPs to combat cancer.

The present study was aimed to test the efficacy of Leptogium marginellum (Lm) extract and synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNP's) against mosquito larvae. The synthesized LmAgNP's was measured for its Surface Plasmon Resonance and the peak was observed at 428nm. FTIR results recorded a downward shift of absorbance band between 450-4000 cm-1 indicated the formation of Lm AgNP's which are spherically shaped with a size range from 150-200 nm confirmed using FESEM. Further, XRD analysis demonstrated LmAgNP's are highly crystalline and exhibit a cubic, face centered lattice with characteristic (111), (200), (220) and (222) orientation. The bio-reduction of silver ions in solution was monitored by EDX. The zeta potential value was found to be -3.08 mV representing AgNP's were highly stable. Radical scavenging results revealed that the extracts and AgNP's demonstrated potent scavenging ability evidenced by DPPH, FRAP and H2O2 radical assay. Lm fractions and Lm AgNP's exhibited dose dependent larval mortality, highest mortality was observed in ethylacetate fraction against Anopheles stephensi (ICc50=34.66; IC90=158.647), followed by Culex quinquefasciatus (ICc50=40.085; IC90=213.777) and Aedes aegypti (IC50=70.673; IC90=248.836). Larvae treated with LmAgNP's at different concentration represented potent mortality but at 500 ppm concentration demonstrated significant mortality with 88, 94.4, 98.4% mortality with highest activity against Anopheles stephensi (ICc50=47.41) followed by Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (IC50=71.66; IC50=74.44). Based on the present findings it is suggested that the fractions and AgNP's of Lm is effective in inhibiting the growth of mosquito larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The burden of multiple drug resistance towards chronic diseases is rapidly increasing globally at an alarm rate. The present study aims to isolate active principles via bioassay guided fractionation of traditionally used lichen Roccella montagnei for in vitro radical scavenging activity with potential to combat arthritis and inflammation. The results of proximate composition and mineral analysis revealed the presence of essential amount of micro and macro nutrients which are required for secondary metabolite production. Fractions of Roccella montagnei and pure compounds were assessed for its in vitro antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP, OH radical, SOD, CAT, GPX), antiarthritic and antiinflammatory activity. The results indicates that lichen sample and fractions exhibited potent radical scavenger demonstrated in vitro antiarthritic and antiinflammatory activity in dose dependent manner. Bioassay fractionation lead to isolation of two pure compounds ie., Compound I and Compound II which were characterized using spectral data such as FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, DEPT NMR spectroscopy, COSY & HMQC NMR spectroscopy and LC-MS analysis and was identified as Methyl-γ-Orsellinate (C9H10O4) a novel isomer from fractions E2d5a with a molecular weight of 182.2 and Roccellatol (C12H16O7) from fractions D3d4c with a molecular weight of 272.3. The present findings suggest that the secondary metabolites present in the lichens have direct relation, with biological activities revealing different properties and can be a future novel antioxidant and a potent anti-arthritic agent.

Background: Diabetes is rapidly rising all over the world at an alarming rate and has changed from a mild disorder to major causes of mortality and morbidity in the youth and middle-aged people, and the prevalence is seen especially in six inhabited continents of the globe. The present study aims to explore the antidiabetic, lipid lowering effect of Cassia auriculata L. flowers in alloxan-induced diabetes. Methods: Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate in experimental rats and subsequent therapeutic effects of C. auriculata extract and standard drug glibenclamide were monitored. Bioassay-directed fractionation using silica gel column chromatography was performed until pure fractions were isolated. The effect of the treatment was analyzed by hematological parameters and enzyme assays. The pure compounds were confirmed with thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography pattern and further subjected for characterization. Results: The alterations in blood glucose were monitored throughout the study. There was a gradual fall in blood glucose and significant changes were observed in lipid profile and metabolic enzyme after treatment with C. auriculata. Bioassay fractionation represented that the C2 subfraction produced a dose-dependent fall in blood glucose and lipid profile and upon further purification yielded two pure compounds. The structure of the pure compound was elucidated using Fourier transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectral data. Conclusion: The present study clearly indicated the significant antidiabetic effect of C. auriculata and lends support for its traditional usage without evident toxic effects. Keywords: alloxan, Cassia auriculata, chromatography, hyperglycemia, hypolipidemic

Solanum trilobatum Linn is a medicinal plants used in India from many centuries to cure various diseases. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the ameliorative potential of the ethanolic leaf extract and fractions of Solanum trilobatum (St) against alloxan induced diabetic rats. Solanum trilobatum leaf extract and fractions were administered orally at two different concentration (100-200mg/kg body weight) to alloxan induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic efficacy was validated through various biochemical parameters, enzyme assays, renal markers and antioxidant properties were also determined. The phytochemical analyses of St leaves were done by estimating their Chlorophyll, carotenoids, total sugar, protein, amino acid and minerals contents. The results revealed that the leaf extracts and fractions of St were efficient anti hyperglycemic agents and posses potent nephro-protective activity. However, the extracts of St leaves at a concentration of 200mg/kg bw exhibit higher efficacy in all tested concentrations. From the result it can be concluded that the leaf extracts of St can be a potential candidate in treating the hyperglycemic conditions and justifies its use in ethano medicine and can be exploits in the management of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reveals the anti-arthritic potential of traditionally used Parmotrema tinctorum (Pt) on experimental rats and purification of novel Isophthalic ester derivative. Arthritis was induced in rats using Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) and subsequently treated with Pt extract (100 & 200 mg/kg.b.w). Assessment of antiarthritic activity was carried out using paw volume, arthritic score, haematological, biochemical, tissue antioxidant, histopathology and radiological analyses of ankle joints. The results revealed that continuous administration of Pt reduces the complication associated with arthritis by inhibiting the edema formation and arthritic score significantly (P < 0.05). The altered changes in biochemical parameters were brought back with an improvement in free radical scavenging ability after treatment with Pt significantly. Further purification of Pt using conventional column chromatography led to the isolation of four compounds and the structure of these isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral data's FT-IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, DEPT-NMR spectroscopy, COSY & HSQC-NMR spectroscopy and LC-MS. The spectral data revealed that the three compounds were found to be Methyl-γ-Orsellinate, Atranorin, and usnic acid (CI-III) along with a novel secondary metabolite, (C-IV)4-Hydroxy-5-methyl-isophthalicacid3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methyl-phenyl)ester (C 16 H 14 O 7 ,318.1amu). The present study reveals that Parmotrema tinctorum reduces complications associated with arthritis and the compounds were isolated for the first time., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)