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Abstract Background Lung cancer ranks as one of the most rapidly growing malignancies. Which is characterized by its poor prognosis and a low survival rate due to late diagnosis and limited efficacy of conventional treatments. In recent years nanotechnology has emerged as a promising frontier in the management of lung cancer, presenting novel strategies to enhance drug administration, improve therapeutic efficiency, and mitigate side effects. This research comprehensively evaluates the current state and research trends concerning the application of nanomaterials in lung cancer through bibliometric analysis. Materials and methods We employed a systematic approach by retrieving studies from the Scopus database that focused on nanomaterials and lung cancer between 2003 and 2023. Subsequently, we carefully selected relevant articles based on predetermined inclusion criteria. The selected publications were then subjected to bibliometric and visual analysis using softwares such as VOSviewer and Biblioshiny. Results A total of 3523 studies that meet inclusion criteria were selected for bibliometric analysis. We observed a progressive increase in the number of annual publications from 2003 to 2023, indicating the growing interest in this field. According to our analysis, China is the primary contributor to publication output among the countries. The “Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China” was the most influential institution. Among the authors, "Dr. Jack A. Roth” and “Dr. Huang Leaf” had the highest number of publications and cited publications, respectively. The “International Journal of Nanomedicine” was found to be the most prolific journal in this field. Additionally, “Biomaterials” emerged as the most cited journal. Through keyword analysis, we identified five main research themes and future research directions; nono-immunotherapy and green synthesis are the hot topics in this research field. Conclusion Our study summarized the key characteristics of publications in this field and identified the most influential countries, institutions, authors, journals, hot topics, and trends related to the application of nanomaterials in lung cancer. These findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and serve as a foundation for future research endeavors in this area. More effective efforts are needed in this field to reduce the burden of lung cancer and help achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Osteoporosis targeting by transdermal distribution has drawn a lot of attention as a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly platform for sustainable pain management. We investigate a novel biocompatible transdermal gel (RCNGL) containing biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles and Risedronate (RS) to treat osteoporosis. The RCNGL was formulated using the Pluronic F 127 co-polymer system and the ionic gelation process. The formulation showed a robust architecture of nanoparticle dispersion with a nano-size range of 201.8 nm when it was thoroughly analysed for Scanning Electron Microscopy, Dynamic electron Microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. At various temperatures, the entrapment efficiency was 67.53±1.05% with steady rheology and respectable porosity, validating FT-IR spectra that showed structural compatibility of RS with other excipients. The drug release test resulted in an 88% RS gel release, supporting sustained release kinetics. The ex vivo Franz diffusion study and in vitro cell uptake and distribution experiments revealed clear cell uptake and distribution with notable skin permeation displaying >70% RS release in mouse epidermal tissue. Overall, our research shows that biodegradable RCNGL may offer a potential osteoporosis and pain control strategy in clinical platforms using passive targeting.

Introduction: Various medicinal and aromatic plants possess bioactive components that exhibit therapeutic, cosmetic and pharmaceutical properties. Allium species comprise a subgroup of these medicinal plants which offers these potential advantages. The natural volatile oils derived from these plants have a broad range of functions owing to their richness in bioactive components. Therefore, the interest of presents study is to provide an updated and quantified information regarding the therapeutical commercial products, chemical composition, and biological applications, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Allium genus essential oils. Methods: This work is designed using a mixed methodology; an extensive data search was conducted for the period from 2000 to 2023 (July). The keywords “Essential oil”, “Allium genus”, “Bioactive components”, “Antimicrobial activity”, and “Antioxidant potential”, were utilised to extract the data. The information for the literature review was obtained from the PubMed database, while the SCOPUS online database was used for bibliometric analysis. Results: A total of 294 entries were found in PubMed, out of which only 42 studies were selected for comprehensive review based on their experimental approach, including in vivo (1) and in vitro (41) studies. Apart from this, 244 articles were selected and subjected to bibliometric analysis using the VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software. The Allium genus is one of the most representative genera from Amaryllidaceae family, whose therapeutic benefits are properly consolidated in a wide variety of ailments. Traditionally, the Allium species have been consumed in China as spices and vegetables. Although, modern Chinese medicine system have conducted several studies over the years to address the chemical composition, biological applications and commercially available products containing the essential oils of genus Allium. Conclusion: In this sense, this concise review provides an overview of the composition and biological potential (antioxidant and antimicrobial) of the Allium species-derived essential oils. The results from published works also illustrate that these volatile oils are effective in several microbial species and can be exploited as a multi-potent drug against various ailments with advanced safety and efficacy. Although, the integration of past knowledge with current research underscores the enduring significance of Allium essential oils. Furthermore, it highlights the research patterns and future trends in this research domain, providing valuable insights for future researchers to explore this domain further.

Background: Inflammation in the brain is a severe pathological state to facilitate neurodegenerative disorders. Various inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and prostaglandins, promote inflammation. The expression of these major inflammatory mediators is induced by the activation of microglia and astrocytes. Diseases likewise Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and multiple sclerosis are caused by uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Methods: Acute (5, 50, and 300 mg kg−1), subacute study (30, 100, and 300 mg kg−1) toxicity in rats. In addition, consequence of tannic acid (TA) on haloperidol stimulated catalepsy model of PD in Wistar rats (6–8 weeks) was analysed. Toxicity study of TA has been done to identify the safer dose for experimental animals. Results: In vivo antioxidant assays demonstrate the suppressed amount of oxidative stress caused due to lipid peroxidation (LPO) and elevated amount of reduced glutathione (GSH),superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) after assessment with TA as compared to those in only haloperidol treated rats. TNF-α and NO amount were too found to be reduced in rat model of PD when pretreated with TA. haematological analyses also demonstrated the normal level of haemoglobin (Hb), Red blood cell (RBC) count, White blood cell(WBC) count, lymphocyte count, granulocyte count, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and platelet count in rats pretreated with TA. Histopathological analysis of rat brain tissue showed neuroprotection in groups pretreated with TA. In addition, ADMET results based on structure to activity calculation related to pharmacokinetics and toxicity assessment revealed that TA had reasonably acceptable qualities. These attributes add to our understanding of structural aspects that may boost the bioavailability of TA before going on to the early stages of medication development. Conclusion: Results obtained from the present study suggest that TA have potential to be extended as effective curative candidate for PD and various neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract Urtica dioica is a perennial herb from the family of Urticaceae that is commonly known as stinging nettle. This plant is widespread in Europe, Africa, America, and a part of Asia, as it adapts to different environments and climatic conditions. The leaves, stalk, and bark of U. dioica found applications in the field of nutrition, cosmetics, textile, pest control and pharmacology. In this connection, bioactive chemical constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, carotenoids, and fatty acids have been isolated from the plant. With this review, we aim at providing an updated and comprehensive overview of the contributions in literature reporting computational, in vitro, pre-clinical and clinical data supporting the therapeutic applications of U. dioica. Experimental evidence shows that U. dioica constituents and extracts can provide neuroprotective effects by acting through a combination of different molecular mechanisms, that are discussed in the review. These findings could lay the basis for the identification and design of more effective tools against neurodegenerative diseases. Graphical Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a persistent bacterial inhabitant in the stomachs of approximately half the global populace. This bacterium is directly linked to chronic gastritis, leading to a heightened risk of duodenal and gastric ulcer diseases, and is the predominant risk factor for gastric cancer - the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance necessitates the exploration of innovative treatment alternatives to mitigate the H. pylori menace. Methods: Initiating our study, we curated a list of thirty phytochemicals based on previous literature and subjected them to molecular docking studies. Subsequently, eight phytocompounds—Glabridin, Isoliquiritin, Sanguinarine, Liquiritin, Glycyrrhetic acid, Beta-carotin, Diosgenin, and Sarsasapogenin—were meticulously chosen based on superior binding scores. These were further subjected to an extensive computational analysis encompassing ADMET profiling, drug-likeness evaluation, principal component analysis (PCA), and molecular dynamic simulations (MDs) in comparison with the conventional drug, Mitomycin. Results: The natural compounds investigated demonstrated superior docking affinities to H. pylori targets compared to the standard Mitomycin. Notably, the phytocompounds Diosgenin and Sarsasapogenin stood out due to their exceptional binding affinities and pharmacokinetic properties, including favorable ADMET profiles. Conclusion: Our comprehensive and technologically-advanced approach showcases the potential of identified phytocompounds as pioneering therapeutic agents against H. pylori-induced gastric malignancies. In light of our promising in silico results, we recommend these natural compounds as potential candidates for advancing H. pylori-targeted drug development. Given their potential, we strongly advocate for subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies to validate their therapeutic efficacy against this formidable gastrointestinal bacterium.

Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus L., family Asteraceae) is found generally in agricultural and vacant lands across the globe. This study investigated the fatty acids and elemental profiles of different parts including roots, stem and leaves of P. hysterophorus in the response to seasonal variation. The elemental analysis and fatty acid were determined in both the winter and summer seasons. The root, stem, and leaves powder were subjected to extraction with acetone, water, chloroform, diethyl ether, ethanol, methanol, and n-hexane to measure the extractive values. Among all the plant parts, leaves recorded the highest extractive value of 29%, and 28% with acetone and diethyl ether, respectively, while the root recorded the lowest (10.3%) extractive value with chloroform. Higher concentrations of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were detected in all the plant parts in the winter collection than in the summer season. Parthenium hysterophorus is multi medicinal applications such as used for rheumatic pain, urinary tract infections, inflammation, diarrhea, neuralgia, and malaria. The study highlights the importance of collection time (seasons) of different parts of P. hysterophorus for the maximum extraction of both elements and fatty acids either saturated or unsaturated from the pharmacogenetic point of view.

Abstract Foods as medicine have been utilized from ancient civilizations and shared from generation to generation as dietary health practices. It provides therapeutic assistance along with nutrition and health benefits. Presently, food products, diet, and individual health are receiving a lot of attention and are in high demand. In this context, jaggery is an important part of food and diet in the rural areas of many regions/countries. It is made up of sugarcane juice and is recognized as a natural source of nutraceuticals due to the presence of different types of essential amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidant potential along with other biological applications. In this updated review article, we discussed the newest research and information on traditional uses, nutraceutical profiling, chemical composition, and biological applications of jaggery. The published data were collected from different scientific search engines including PubMed, Springer Link, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Wiley online library. Given these findings, we can conclude that jaggery is a strong source of nutraceuticals and its nutraceutical potential can be enhanced with value addition and other scientific interventions. Detailed investigations on preclinical (in silico, in vitro, and in vivo) studies along with its actual mechanism of action in depth are required. Additionally, clinical trials also should be conducted to validate the preclinical studies.

Generally, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as an important part of innate immunity, due to which they provide the first line of defence against various pathogens. Additionally, they also kill pathogens that show resistance towards many antibiotics. Fishes are regularly challenged by various pathogens which not only affect their health but the risk of becoming resistant to conventional antibiotics is also increasing. As fishes shows more dependence on innate immunity, AMPs can aid as important defensive weapon in fishes. In general, AMPs exhibit various multidimensional characteristics such as neutralization of pathogens (viral, fungal & bacterial), rapidly diffuse to the infection site, and other immune cells recruitment to the infected tissues. AMPs also show various biological effects such as immunomodulation, neutralization of endotoxin and angiogenesis induction. There are numerous AMPs that have been isolated from fishes but not fully characterized at molecular level. In this review we basically focus on approaches used to design new AMP, machine learning approach, current objectives of AMPs and future prospects.

The Himalayan State of Uttarakhand has abundant natural water resources and 98 Hydro Electric Power Project (HEP’s) have been constructed, 25 are under construction and, 336 are planned for the future. The water bodies of these HEP’s can also be utilized for other purposes besides electric power generation. To conserve the endemic aquatic biodiversity, it is necessary to understand the phosphate and nitrate dynamics of these water bodies. As there are several HEP’s on a single river and the human population around them, water bodies have changed drastically during the last decade. In this study, we have calculated the phosphate and nitrate load-carrying capacity of six dams in the Uttarakhand state of India using the Vollen-Weider mathematical model modified by Dillon, Rigler and Beveridge. We have also measured the phosphate & nitrate content of these water bodies to confirm if our modelling methods confirmed with actual finding of sampling sites. The phosphate and nitrate carrying capacity of these six dams were found to be in the range of 0.155 mg/l to 0.557 mg/l and 0.6 mg/l to 1.3 mg/l. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in Uttarakhand that addresses the phosphate and nitrate carrying capacity using a mathematical model.

Emodin is an anthraquinone derivative found in the roots and bark of a variety of plants, molds, and lichens. Emodin has been used as a traditional medication for more than 2000 years and is still common in numerous herbal drugs. Emodin is plentiful in the three plant families, including Polygonaceae (Rheum, Rumex, and Polygonum spp.), Fabaceae (Cassia spp.), and Rhamnaceae (Rhamnus, Frangula, and Ventilago spp.). Emerging experimental evidences indicate that emodin confers a wide range of pharmacological activities; special focus was implemented toward neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral ischemia, anxiety and depression, schizophrenia, chronic hyperglycemic peripheral neuropathy, etc. Numerous preclinical evidences were established in support of the neuroprotection of emodin. However, this review highlighted the role of emodin as a potent neurotherapeutic agent; therefore, its evidence-based functionality on neurological disorders (NDs).

Abstract Several flavonoids have been recognized as nutraceuticals, and myricetin is a good example. Myricetin is commonly found in plants and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities is well demonstrated. One of its beneficial biological effects is the neuroprotective activity, showing preclinical activities on Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington diseases, and even in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Also, myricetin has revealed other biological activities, among them as antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular, analgesic and antihypertensive. However, few clinical trials have been performed using myricetin as nutraceutical. Thus, this review provides new insights on myricetin preclinical pharmacological activities, and role in selected clinical trials.

The genus Cajanus (Family: Fabaceae) consists of approximately 37 species, and Cajanus cajan (C. cajan) is a significant member of the genus. It is a commercial legume crop widely grown in sub-tropical and semi-arid tropical areas of the world. C. cajan is well known for its folk medicinal uses to treat various disorders, such as toothache, dizziness, diabetes, stomachache, female ailments and chronic infections. These properties have been linked to the presence of several value-added nutritional and bioactive components. Different solvent extracts from C.cajan (leaves, root, stem and seeds) have been evaluated for their phytochemical and biological activities, namely antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, and considering the prominent nutraceutical and therapeutic properties of C. cajan, this review article focuses on the important details including ethnomedicinal uses, chemical composition, biological applications and some other medicinal aspects related to C.cajan nutraceutical and pharmacological applications.

The Himalayan region is conferred by diverse wealth in term of flora and fauna. Among Himalayan plant biodiversity, Saussurea obvallata (common name Brahma Kamal) has an immense spiritual and medicinal significance. Owing to high demand, this herb is on the verge of extinction. Numerous studies have been carried out for preservation and in vitro regeneration of Saussurea obvallata. In view of above, this is the first study which aims to isolate and identify rhizospheric fungi associated with this plant. Soil samples were collected from three locations in Kedarnath valley and total 34 fungal isolates were isolated. Out of 34, three fungal isolates i.e. MaHaD1, MaHaD2 and MaHaD3 were selected for morphological and molecular characterization. The 16S rDNA sequencing identified MaHaD1, MaHaD2 and MaHaD3 as Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Aspergillus fumigatus respectively. The presence of these three dominant fungi in rhizospheric region seems to be results of climatic conditions and plant physiology. Results indicate that the presence of fungal microflora may play a vital role in survival and proliferation of Saussurea obvallata plant by providing tolerance and resistance to abiotic stress and fungal/nematode pathogens respectively.

Abstract Background Saussurea obvallata (DC.) Edgew. (S. obvallata) is an endangered medicinal herb of the high altitude Himalayan region with immense cultural significance. This study is one of the first report of pharmacological evaluation and GC-MS analysis of methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers of S. obvallata. Methods Total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were performed according to standard protocols. The antioxidant activities of both the extracts (methanol and aqueous) were examined using two complementary methods, namely diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) assay. While, antimicrobial potential examined by using classical assays on pathogenic microbial strains along with appropriate controls of antimicrobial agents. Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric analyses of methanolic extracts of S. obvallata were performed for the identification of bioactive components. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 16.0. Results The extracts of leaves and flowers of S. obvallata showed significant results for all pharmacological experiments. TPC was recorded from a range of 132.67 ± 0.17 to 358.67 ± 0.17 mg GAE gm− 1 dw while TFC was recorded from a range of 65.73 ± 1.55 to 326.88 ± 2.11 mg QE gm− 1 dw. Per cent DPPH free radical scavenging activity was recorded from a range of 29.25 ± 0.86 to 82.88 ± 0.48% whereas per cent H2O2 free radical scavenging activity were recorded from a range of 39.75 ± 0.36 to 41.05 ± 0.46%. Antimicrobial activity was analyzed against four bacterial strains and three fungal strains. S. obvallata extracts showed fine zone of inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, but Escherichia coli showed resistant (in terms of lower zone) against the extract compared to three bacteria. In antifungal activity, extract showed maximum zone of inhibition against Candida glabrata followed by Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. GC-MS analysis of methanolic extracts of leaves and flowers of S. obvallata showed the presence of 36 and 48 components, respectively, based on retention time (Rt), and area per cent. Conclusion These findings confirm the traditional claims and contribute in providing promising baseline information for the pharmacological use of S. obvallata. Additional highly developed research is essential for isolation and identification of specific active components which are responsible for pharmacological properties of the plant.

Indian Himalayan region (IHR) supports a wide diversity of plants and most of them are known for their medicinal value. Humankind has been using medicinal plants since the inception of civilization. Various types of bioactive compounds are found in plants, which are directly and indirectly beneficial for plants as well as humans. These bioactive compounds are highly useful and being used as a strong source of medicines, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food additives, fragrances, and flavoring agents. Apart from this, several plant species contain some toxic compounds that affect the health of many forms of life as well as cause their death. These plants are known as poisonous plants, because of their toxicity to both humans and animals. Therefore, it is necessary to know in what quantity they should be taken so that it does not have a negative impact on health. Recent studies on poisonous plants have raised awareness among people who are at risk of plant toxicity in different parts of the world. The main aim of this review article is to explore the current knowledge about the poisonous plants of the Indian Himalayas along with the importance of these poisonous plants to treat different ailments. The findings of the present review will be helpful to different pharmaceutical industries, the scientific community and researchers around the world.

Neuroinflammation, a protective response of the central nervous system (CNS), is associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The CNS is composed of neurons and glial cells consisting of microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Entry of any foreign pathogen activates the glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) and overactivation of these cells triggers the release of various neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-1β (IL-10), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), among others. Various studies have shown the role of neuroinflammatory markers in the occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These markers also trigger the formation of various other factors responsible for causing several neuronal diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemia, and several others. This comprehensive review aims to reveal the mechanism of neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), which could cause different neurodegenerative disorders. Important NMs may represent pathophysiologic processes leading to the generation of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, various molecular alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases are discussed. Identifying these NMs may assist in the early diagnosis and detection of therapeutic targets for treating various neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract Background Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus (QL) belongs to the family Fagaceae, commonly known as Banj oak in the Garhwal region of Himalaya, where it is the principal source of fuel, fodder, and medicine. Methods In the present study, GC-MS analysis has been performed for profiling the chemical composition of methanolic extracts of leaves and bark of QL. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by using the disk diffusion method against five bacterial strains. Results Total 23 components in bark and 62 components in leaves extracts of QL were identified. The major components identified in the bark extracts were Linoleic acid (19.77%), Lupeol (17.91%), Epi-psi-Taraxastanonol (14.20), and cis-Vaccenic acid (13.10%), while others were present in relatively small amounts. For the leaves extract, the major components were Linoleic acid (17.09%), Simiarene (15.29%), Flavone 4′-oh, 5-oh,7-di-o-glucoside (15.26%), and D-Quinic acid (9.29%), respectively. As far as antibacterial assays are concerned, it was observed that both the extracts are active against most of the tested bacterial strains with the zone of inhibition ranging between 8.53 ± 0.50 to 19.07 ± 0.31 mm, respectively. Conclusion The GC-MS results revealed the presence of several phytochemical compounds in leaves and bark of QL extract and are recommended as a plant of pharmaceutical importance. The antibacterial analysis showed that both the extracts (leaves and bark) of QL have antibacterial activity against all gram positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis and S. pyogenes) and gram negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) bacterial strains.

Viral infections constitute a tectonic convulsion in the normophysiology of the hosts. The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is not an exception, and therefore the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, like any other invading microbe, enacts a generalized immune response once the virus contacts the body. Melatonin is a systemic dealer that does not overlook any homeostasis disturbance, which consequently brings into play its cooperative triad, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulant backbone, to stop the infective cycle of SARS-CoV-2 or any other endogenous or exogenous threat. In COVID-19, the corporal propagation of SARS-CoV-2 involves an exacerbated oxidative activity and therefore the overproduction of great amounts of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). The endorsement of melatonin as a possible protective agent against the current pandemic is indirectly supported by its widely demonstrated beneficial role in preclinical and clinical studies of other respiratory diseases. In addition, focusing the therapeutic action on strengthening the host protection responses in critical phases of the infective cycle makes it likely that multi-tasking melatonin will provide multi-protection, maintaining its efficacy against the virus variants that are already emerging and will emerge as long as SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate among us.